Premium Deficiency Reserve (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premium Deficiency Reserve [Abstract]
Change in premium deficiency reserve	$ (24)	$ (24)	$ (26)

Increase (decrease) in the present value of expected future paid losses and expenses that exceeded the present value of expected future premium to be collected and already established loss and loss adjustment expense reserves.

No definition available.

Name:	mtg_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumDeficiencyReserve
Namespace Prefix:	mtg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration