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Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) - Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2012 | Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |
Net loss | $ (259,354) | $ (1,960,371)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |  |
Reorganization items | 7,215 | 49,861
Other, net | 105,906 | 28,873
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (613,898) | 3,557
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |
Change in short-term investments | 121,413 | 208,496
Net cash provided by investing activities | 1,037,980 | 228,026
Net cash flow | 27,838 | 6,502
Cash at January 1 | 15,999 | 9,497
Cash at December 31 | 43,837 | 15,999
AMBAC FINANCIAL GROUP, INC PARENT COMPANY ONLY [Member] |  |
Cash flows from operating activities: |  |
Net loss | (256,678) | (1,960,431)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |  |
Equity in undistributed net loss of non-debtor subsidiaries | 250,729 | 1,909,316
Reorganization items | 7,215 | 49,861
Increase in current income taxes payable/receivable |  | 1,900
Decrease in other assets | 30 | 4,041
Other, net | (6,333) | (32,783)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | (5,037) | (28,096)
Cash flows from investing activities: |  |
Change in short-term investments | 4,583 | 28,518
Net cash provided by investing activities | 4,583 | 28,518
Net cash flow | (454) | 422
Cash at January 1 | 496 | 74
Cash at December 31 | $ 42 | $ 496

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