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Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts - Components of Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Ceded Loss And Loss Expenses Paid Not Yet Recovered | $ 4,789 ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered | $ (517)ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered | $ 139 ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered |
Loss Reserves Ceded To Reinsurers | 74,519 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers |  | 100,355 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers |
Successor [Member] |  |  |  |
Components of Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Loss Reserves Ceded To Reinsurers | 74,519 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 111,303 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 100,355 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 122,357 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Ceded | (20,601)us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | (10,559)us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  |
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net | 3,417,343 us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 5,202,630 us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 3,698,378 us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 5,347,877 us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember
Loss and loss expense reserves | 4,475,991 us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 4,752,007 us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Subrogation recoverable | (984,129)us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | (953,274)us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Claim liability reported on Balance Sheet, before reinsurance | 3,491,862 us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 3,798,733 us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Successor [Member] | Unpaid Claims-Claims [Member] |  |  |  |
Components of Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Loss and loss expense reserves | 2,158,007 us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 2,172,041 us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Subrogation recoverable | 774,960 us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 772,948 us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Claim liability reported on Balance Sheet, before reinsurance | 2,932,967 us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 2,944,989 us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Successor [Member] | Unpaid Claims-Accrued Interest [Member] |  |  |  |
Components of Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Loss and loss expense reserves | 265,708 us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 234,802 us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Subrogation recoverable | 103,429 us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 94,425 us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Claim liability reported on Balance Sheet, before reinsurance | 369,137 us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 329,227 us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Successor [Member] | Present Value of Expected Net Cash Flows- Claims and Loss Expenses [Member] |  |  |  |
Components of Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Loss and loss expense reserves | 3,579,957 us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 3,792,133 us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Subrogation recoverable | 175,415 us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 197,751 us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Claim liability reported on Balance Sheet, before reinsurance | 3,755,372 us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 3,989,884 us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Successor [Member] | Present Value of Expected Net Cash Flows-Recoveries [Member] |  |  |  |
Components of Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Loss and loss expense reserves | (1,268,916)us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | (1,205,621)us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Subrogation recoverable | (2,037,933)us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | (2,018,398)us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Claim liability reported on Balance Sheet, before reinsurance | (3,306,849)us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | (3,224,019)us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Successor [Member] | Unearned Premium Reserve [Member] |  |  |  |
Components of Loss and Loss Expense Reserves and Subrogation Recoverable [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Loss and loss expense reserves | (258,765)us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | (241,348)us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Subrogation recoverable | 0 us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | 0 us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Claim liability reported on Balance Sheet, before reinsurance | $ (258,765)us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |  | $ (241,348)us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability / ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis = ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |

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- Definition Ceded Loss And Loss Expenses Paid Not Yet Recovered + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
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- Definition The known and estimated amount recoverable as of the balance sheet date from reinsurers for claims expected to be paid or incurred by the ceding insurer. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Liability as of the balance sheet date for amounts representing estimated cost of settling unpaid claims under the terms of the underlying insurance policies, less estimated reinsurance recoveries on such claims. This includes an estimate for claims which have been incurred but not reported. Claim adjustment expenses represent the costs estimated to be incurred in the settlement of unpaid claims. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR) -Number 403 -Paragraph 04 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 7 + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition The amount needed to reflect the estimated ultimate cost of settling claims relating to financial default insured events that have occurred on or before a particular date (ordinarily, the balance sheet date) and the amount needed to provide for the estimated ultimate cost required to investigate and settle claims relating to insured events that have occurred on or before a particular date (ordinarily, the balance sheet date), whether or not reported to the insurer at that date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933001&loc=SL5747862-161289 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a)(5)(vii) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933314&loc=SL5749324-161292 + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Amount of reduction of provision for policy benefits and costs incurred for policies ceded. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6480758&loc=d3e6811-158387 + Details
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- Definition The estimated amount as of the balance sheet date to be received by an insurer from the sale of property (usually damaged) on which the insurer has paid a total claim to the insured and has obtained title to the property and the right of an insurer to pursue any course of recovery of damages, in its name or in the name of the policyholder, against a third party who is liable for costs relating to an insured event that have been paid by the insurer. Estimated salvage and subrogation is generally deducted from the liability for unpaid claims. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 30 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482241&loc=d3e13779-158432 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 30 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482241&loc=d3e13783-158432 + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition This element represents the claim liability, reported on or included in the statement of financial position, related to financial guarantee insurance contracts and presented in the schedule of insured financial obligations with credit deterioration in the context of each surveillance grouping or category used by management to monitor and track potential deterioration in the credit worthiness of the insured party's ability to meet its financial obligations related to the contracts underlying financial guarantee insurance contracts the entity has issued. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 55 -Paragraph 34 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34726416&loc=SL5751140-161288 + Details
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Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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