Note 9 - Losses and LAE Rescissions And Denials (Details) (Mortgage Insurance Segment, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Claims Rescissions and Denials [Abstract]
Rescissions, Net of Reinstatements	$ 3.8	$ 6.4
Claim Denials, Net of Reinstatements	5.6	18.9
Claim Rescissions And Denials Related to Settlement Agreements	(24.1)	3.0
Decrease To Our Loss Reserves Due To Estimated Rescissions And Denials	115		125
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount	108.6		163.6
Gross Exposure Related to Denied Claims From Previous Twelve Months	85.5
Gross Exposure Related to Rescinded Policies Within Twenty Four Months	79.8
Net Exposure Related to Claim Curtailments Within Twenty Four Months	44.4
Accrued Liability For Premiums Expected To Be Refunded From Rescissions	7.2		9.0
Claim Rescissions And Denials, Net of Reinstatements	(14.7)	28.3
Claims Denied in the Last Twelve Months [Member]
Claims Rescissions and Denials [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount	13.6
Curtailed Claim Payments in the Last Twenty Four Months [Member]
Claims Rescissions and Denials [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount	3.4
Policies Rescinded in the Last Twenty Four Months [Member]
Claims Rescissions and Denials [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount	0.8
Bank of America Settlement Agreement [Member]
Claims Rescissions and Denials [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims, Amount	$ 85.2		$ 133.0
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Percentage of Subject Loans Not Held by Insureds or Are Non-GSE Investors	12.00%