Note 10 - Financial Guaranty Insurance Contracts Rollforward of NPV of Financial Guaranty Premiums (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Rollforward of Premiums Receivable [Line Items]
Balance at December 31	$ 25,150	$ 28,929
Financial Guaranty Segment
Rollforward of Premiums Receivable [Line Items]
Balance at January 1	28,929	34,287
Premium payments received	(3,603)	(4,033)
Accretion of premium receivable	685	787
Adjustments to installment premiums	442	(1,007)
Foreign exchange revaluation	(84)	40
Recaptures/commutation	(1,219)	(1,145)
Balance at December 31	$ 25,150	$ 28,929