Note 8 - Reinsurance Reinsurance Premiums Written and Earned (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Written	$ 238,638	$ 269,827	$ 467,960	$ 515,294
Assumed Premiums Written	150	(206)	623	(10,603)
Ceded Premiums Written	(16,421)	(18,392)	(32,510)	(46,277)
Net premiums written	222,367	251,229	436,073	458,414
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Net premiums earned—insurance	214,114	213,124	419,779	405,712
Mortgage Insurance and Financial Guarantee Contracts [Member]
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Written	238,638	269,827	467,960	515,294
Assumed Premiums Written	150	(206)	623	(10,603)
Ceded Premiums Written	(16,421)	(18,392)	(32,510)	(46,277)
Net premiums written	222,367	251,229	436,073	458,414
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Direct Premiums Earned	230,204	224,585	452,163	432,525
Assumed Premiums Earned	1,932	6,419	4,079	8,630
Ceded Premiums Earned	(18,022)	(17,880)	(36,463)	(35,443)
Net premiums earned—insurance	214,114	213,124	419,779	405,712
Radian Guaranty [Member]
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Number of Quota Share Reinsurance Agreements	2		2
Initial Quota Share Reinsurance Transaction [Member] | Radian Guaranty [Member]
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Ceded Premiums Written	(5,046)	(5,900)	(10,350)	(12,022)
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Ceded Premiums Earned	(6,803)	(7,662)	(13,610)	(15,495)
Second Quota Share Reinsurance Transaction [Member] | Radian Guaranty [Member]
Premiums Written, Net [Abstract]
Ceded Premiums Written	(8,072)	(7,580)	(15,365)	(24,020)
Premiums Earned, Net [Abstract]
Ceded Premiums Earned	$ (7,197)	$ (4,283)	$ (13,782)	$ (7,121)