Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Schedule of Insurance Loss Recoverable) (Detail) - Insurance Loss Recoverable [Member] $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Roll forward of Insurance Loss Recoverable [Line Items]
Gross Reserve beginning balance, Insurance loss recoverable	$ 1,296
Collections for Cases	(1,199)
Accretion of Recoveries	3
Changes in Discount Rates	(20)
Changes in Assumptions	363
Gross Reserve ending balance, Insurance loss recoverable	$ 443

Cash receipts related to recoveries of previously paid claims

No definition available.

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of paid insurance policy claims and LAE expense expected to be recovered.

No definition available.

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Insurance Loss Recoverable And Changes In Recoveries Of Unpaid Losses Accretion Of Recoveries

No definition available.

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Insurance Loss Recoverable And Changes In Recoveries Of Unpaid Losses Change In Assumptions

No definition available.

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Insurance Loss Recoverable And Changes In Recoveries Of Unpaid Losses Change In Discount Rate

No definition available.

Name:	mbi_InsuranceLossRecoverableAndChangesInRecoveriesOfUnpaidLossesChangeInDiscountRate
Namespace Prefix:	mbi_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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Roll forward of Insurance Loss Recoverable [Line Items]

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	mbi_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Name:	mbi_ClaimLiabilityAxis=mbi_InsuranceLossRecoverableMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: