Note 7 - Reinsurance Reinsurance Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Transaction Details [Line Items]
Ceded Premiums Written	$ 16,089	$ 27,885
Radian Guaranty [Member] | Initial Quota Share Reinsurance Transaction [Member]
Reinsurance Transaction Details [Line Items]
Ceded Premiums Written	5,304	6,122
Ceded Premiums Earned	6,807	7,833
Fees and Commissions	1,326	1,530
Radian Guaranty [Member] | Second Quota Share Reinsurance Transaction [Member]
Reinsurance Transaction Details [Line Items]
Ceded Premiums Written	7,293	16,440
Ceded Premiums Earned	6,585	2,838
Fees and Commissions	$ 2,553	$ 5,754