Note 3 - Derivative Instruments Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location by Derivative Contract Type (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Remaining Maturity	4 years
Derivative Assets	$ 24,213		$ 16,642
Derivative liabilities	185,258		307,185	344,870
Financial Guaranty Credit Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	6,102		6,323
Derivative liabilities	138,605		238,728
Other Credit Derivatives [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	18,111		10,319
Derivative liabilities, net	18,111	[1]
Financial Guaranty VIE Derivative Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities	46,653		68,457
Derivative liabilities, net	(46,653)	[2]
Radian Group Consolidated [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	24,213		16,642
Derivative liabilities	185,258		307,185
Derivative liabilities, net	$ (161,045)		$ (290,543)

[1] Represents derivative assets related to other purchased derivatives for which we do not have loss exposure that exceeds our net asset amount.

[2] Represents the fair value of a CDS included in a VIE that we have consolidated.