| Document and Entity Information | Mar. 25, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Mar. 25, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Radian Group Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-11356 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 23-2691170 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1500 Market Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Philadelphia |
| Entity Address, State or Province | PA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 19102 |
| City Area Code | 215 |
| Local Phone Number | 231-1000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000890926 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | RDN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
