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Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Contract
Dec. 31, 2012
Contract
Derivative [Line Items]    
Value of right to reclaim cash collateral and posted margin, recorded in "Other assets" $ 3,040 $ 5,472
Value of obligation to return cash collateral, recorded in "Other liabilities" 690 0
Net liability fair value of all derivative instruments linked to Ambac's own credit risk 42,555 180,113
Fair value of posted assets as collateral 126,223 265,779
Call Option on Long-Term Debt [Member]
    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Gains in change in fair value of the call options   100,710
Amount of surplus notes that may be repurchased under stand-alone derivatives 500,000  
Credit Derivatives [Member]
    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Number of outstanding credit derivative transactions include ratings based collateral-posting triggers None of our outstanding credit derivative transactions None of our outstanding credit derivative transactions
Number of credit derivative contracts 4 4
Net liability fair value of credit derivative contracts 62,296 67,219
Notional value of credit derivative contracts $ 277,881 $ 291,690