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Business Developments And Risks And Uncertainties (Narrative) (Detail) $ in Millions | 6 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |
Number of operating segments | 3 |
Cutwater sale effective date | Jan. 01, 2015 |
Mbia Inc [Member] |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |
Liquid assets | $ 295 | $ 416
Amount released from tax escrow account | 105 |
Mbia Corp [Member] | Zohar [Member] |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |
Insurance par exposure | 772 |
National [Member] | Puerto Rico [Member] |  |
Business Acquisition [Line Items] |  |
Claims payments | $ 173 |

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