XML 88 R85.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.6

Business Segments (Summary Of Company's Segment Results) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2012 | Mar. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2011
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives | $ 303 |  | $ (1,422) |  |
Total revenues | 383 |  | (1,607) |  |
Loss and loss adjustment expense | 97 |  |  |  |
Total expenses | 362 |  | 156 |  |
Income (loss) before income taxes | 21 |  | (1,763) |  |
Identifiable assets | 26,126 |  | 32,243 |  | 26,873
U.S. Public Finance Insurance [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Inter-segment revenues | 36 | [1] | 18 | [1] |
Total revenues | 171 |  | 152 |  |
Inter-segment expenses | 27 | [1] | 26 | [1] |
Total expenses | 116 |  | 41 |  |
Income (loss) before income taxes | 55 |  | 111 |  |
Identifiable assets | 7,534 |  | 8,232 |  |
Structured Finance And International Insurance [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Inter-segment revenues | (7) | [1] | 11 | [1] |
Total revenues | 340 |  | (1,736) |  |
Inter-segment expenses | 46 | [1] | 29 | [1] |
Total expenses | 238 |  | 85 |  |
Income (loss) before income taxes | 102 |  | (1,821) |  |
Identifiable assets | 19,632 |  | 24,179 |  |
Advisory Services [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Inter-segment revenues | 7 | [1] | 9 | [1] |
Total revenues | 13 |  | 15 |  |
Inter-segment expenses | 2 | [1] | 1 | [1] |
Total expenses | 17 |  | 16 |  |
Income (loss) before income taxes | (4) |  | (1) |  |
Identifiable assets | 46 |  | 54 |  |
Corporate [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Inter-segment revenues | 23 | [1] | 22 | [1] |
Total revenues | 29 |  | 46 |  |
Inter-segment expenses | 4 | [1] | 4 | [1] |
Total expenses | 39 |  | 41 |  |
Income (loss) before income taxes | (10) |  | 5 |  |
Identifiable assets | 670 |  | 624 |  |
Wind-Down Operations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Inter-segment revenues | 3 | [1],[2] | (5) | [1],[2] |
Total revenues | (108) |  | (31) |  |
Inter-segment expenses | 8 | [1],[2] | 9 | [1],[2] |
Total expenses | 39 |  | 42 |  |
Income (loss) before income taxes | (147) |  | (73) |  |
Identifiable assets | 4,732 |  | 6,161 |  |
Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Inter-segment revenues | (62) | [1] | (55) | [1] |
Total revenues | (62) |  | (53) |  |
Inter-segment expenses | (87) | [1] | (69) | [1] |
Total expenses | (87) |  | (69) |  |
Income (loss) before income taxes | 25 |  | 16 |  |
Identifiable assets | (6,488) | [3] | (7,007) | [3] |
Non Variable Interest Entities [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | 206 | [4] | 265 | [4] |
Realized gains and other settlements on insured derivatives | (4) |  | (354) |  |
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives | 303 |  | (1,422) |  |
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange | (19) |  | (24) |  |
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments | (94) |  | (13) |  |
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt |  |  | 26 |  |
Other net realized gains (losses) | 1 |  | 5 |  |
Loss and loss adjustment expense | 97 |  | (36) |  |
Operating expenses | 171 |  | 92 |  |
Interest expense | 73 |  | 75 |  |
Non Variable Interest Entities [Member] | U.S. Public Finance Insurance [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | 125 | [4] | 131 | [4] |
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange | 10 |  | 3 |  |
Loss and loss adjustment expense | 14 |  | 3 |  |
Operating expenses | 75 |  | 12 |  |
Non Variable Interest Entities [Member] | Structured Finance And International Insurance [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | 55 | [4] | 102 | [4] |
Realized gains and other settlements on insured derivatives | (4) |  | (354) |  |
Unrealized gains (losses) on insured derivatives | 303 |  | (1,422) |  |
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange | 46 |  | 33 |  |
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments | (40) |  | (2) |  |
Other net realized gains (losses) | 1 |  | 1 |  |
Loss and loss adjustment expense | 83 |  | (39) |  |
Operating expenses | 59 |  | 42 |  |
Interest expense | 33 |  | 33 |  |
Non Variable Interest Entities [Member] | Advisory Services [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | 6 | [4] | 6 | [4] |
Operating expenses | 15 |  | 15 |  |
Non Variable Interest Entities [Member] | Corporate [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | 1 | [4] | 1 | [4] |
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange | 5 |  | 23 |  |
Operating expenses | 21 |  | 22 |  |
Interest expense | 14 |  | 15 |  |
Non Variable Interest Entities [Member] | Wind-Down Operations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | 19 | [4],[5] | 25 | [4],[5] |
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange | (80) |  | (83) |  |
Net investment losses related to other-than-temporary impairments | (54) |  | (11) |  |
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt |  |  | 24 |  |
Other net realized gains (losses) |  |  | 4 |  |
Operating expenses | 1 |  | 1 |  |
Interest expense | 26 |  | 27 |  |
Non Variable Interest Entities [Member] | Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Net gains (losses) on extinguishment of debt |  |  | 2 |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Net gains (losses) on financial instruments at fair value and foreign exchange | (27) |  | (107) |  |
Revenues of consolidated VIEs | (10) |  | (90) |  |
Interest expense | 15 |  | 15 |  |
Expenses of consolidated VIEs | 21 |  | 25 |  |
Identifiable assets | 10,500 |  |  |  | 10,900
Variable Interest Entity [Member] | Structured Finance And International Insurance [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues of consolidated VIEs | (14) |  | (105) |  |
Expenses of consolidated VIEs | 17 |  | 20 |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Member] | Wind-Down Operations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues of consolidated VIEs | 4 |  | 15 |  |
Expenses of consolidated VIEs | $ 4 |  | $ 5 |  |
[1] | Represents intercompany premium income and expense, intercompany asset management fees and expenses, and intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany receivables and payables.
[2] | Represents intercompany asset management fees and expenses plus intercompany interest income and expense pertaining to intercompany debt.
[3] | Consists of intercompany reinsurance balances, repurchase agreements and loans.
[4] | Represents the sum of third-party financial guarantee net premiums earned, net investment income, insurance-related fees and reimbursements, investment management fees and other fees.
[5] | Represents the sum of third-party interest income, investment management services fees and other fees.

X
- Definition Amount of expenses from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mbi_ExpensesFromTransactionsWithOtherOperatingSegmentsOfSameEntity
Namespace Prefix: | mbi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total expenses of all Variable Interest Entities consolidated by the reporting entity + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mbi_ExpensesOfConsolidatedVies
Namespace Prefix: | mbi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Change in the fair value of and realized gains and losses on financial instruments and foreign exchange included in earnings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mbi_NetGainsLossesOnFinancialInstrumentsAtFairValueAndForeignExchange
Namespace Prefix: | mbi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total realized gains and losses not separately reported in earnings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mbi_OtherNetRealizedGainsLosses
Namespace Prefix: | mbi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Realized gains and losses and recognized premiums and fees related to insurance policies on derivatives included in earnings. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mbi_RealizedGainsLossesAndOtherSettlementsOnInsuredDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | mbi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total revenues of all Variable Interest Entities consolidated by the reporting entity + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | mbi_RevenuesOfConsolidatedVies
Namespace Prefix: | mbi_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 7 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 -Section S99 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -Paragraph 1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.18) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total amount of expense recognized during the period for future policy benefits, claims and claims adjustment costs, and for selling, general and administrative costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 5, 6, 7 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.5,6,7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount represents the difference between the fair value of the payments made and the carrying amount of the debt at the time of its extinguishment. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6850294&loc=d3e12355-112629 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 26 -Paragraph 20, 21 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6850294&loc=d3e12317-112629 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 4 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Subparagraph 1(i) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 34 -Paragraph 21 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 9 -Article 9 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher OTS -Name Federal Regulation (FR) -Number Title 12 -Chapter V -Section 563c.102 -Paragraph 9 -Subsection II -LegacyDoc This is a non-GAAP reference that was included in the 2009 taxonomy. It will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on equity securities, OTTI related to credit losses on debt securities, and OTTI losses on debt securities when the entity intends to sell the securities or it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis. Additionally, this item includes OTTI losses recognized during the period on investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 16B -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 2 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 15C -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Staff Position (FSP) -Number FAS115-1/124-1 -Paragraph 15D -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Provision for benefits, claims and claims settlement expenses incurred during the period net of the effects of contracts assumed and ceded. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph 5 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PolicyholderBenefitsAndClaimsIncurredNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Fees and other service revenues recognized in the period that are not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1(d)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueOtherFinancialServices
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 5 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 131 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenuesFromTransactionsWithOtherOperatingSegmentsOfSameEntity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net change in the difference between the fair value and the carrying value, or in the comparative fair values, of derivative instruments, including options, swaps, futures, and forward contracts, held at each balance sheet date, that was included in earnings for the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration