XML 19 R46.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts - Summary of Loss Reserve Roll-Forward, Net of Subrogation Recoverable and Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended |
--- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2014
Loss And Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves [Line Items] |  |  |
Ceded Loss And Loss Expenses Paid Not Yet Recovered | $ 4,789 ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered | $ (517)ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered | $ 139 ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Less reinsurance on loss and loss expense reserves |  |  | 100,355 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers
Prior years: |  |  |
Add reinsurance on loss and loss expense reserves | 74,519 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers |  | 100,355 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers
Successor [Member] |  |  |
Loss And Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves [Line Items] |  |  |
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 [Roll Forward] |  |  |
Beginning gross loss and loss expense reserves | 3,798,733 us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 5,470,234 us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Less reinsurance on loss and loss expense reserves | 100,355 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 122,357 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Beginning balance of net loss and loss expense reserves | 3,698,378 us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 5,347,877 us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Current year: |  |  |
ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear | 1 ambc_Ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 151 ambc_Ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Total current year | 1 ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesCurrentYear / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 151 ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesCurrentYear / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Prior years: |  |  |
Change in previously established loss and loss expense reserves, gross of RMBS subrogation and net of reinsurance | (132,639)ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInPreviouslyEstablishedLossReservesPriorYears / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | (117,692)ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInPreviouslyEstablishedLossReservesPriorYears / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Claim and loss expense (payments) recoveries, net of subrogation and reinsurance | 104,202 us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1 / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 9,375 us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1 / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Change in previously established RMBS subrogation recoveries, net of reinsurance | (44,195)ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInEstablishedSubrogationRecoveriesPriorYears / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | (18,331)ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInEstablishedSubrogationRecoveriesPriorYears / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense Change In Loss Reserves Prior Year | (281,036)ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesPriorYear / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | (145,398)ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesPriorYear / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Net change in loss and loss expense reserves | (281,035)ambc_ChangeInLossAndLossExpenseReservesNet / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | (145,247)ambc_ChangeInLossAndLossExpenseReservesNet / 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 |
Add reinsurance on loss and loss expense reserves | 74,519 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | 111,303 ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |
Ending gross loss and loss expense reserves | $ 3,491,862 us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember | $ 5,313,933 us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense / us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis = us-gaap_SuccessorMember |

X
- Definition ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_Ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- 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

X
- Definition The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the loss and loss expense reserve accounts, net of subrogation and reinsurance. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_ChangeInLossAndLossExpenseReservesNet
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Change in Established Subrogation Recoveries Prior Years + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInEstablishedSubrogationRecoveriesPriorYears
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense change in loss reserves current year. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesCurrentYear
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Liability For Unpaid Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense Change In Loss Reserves Prior Year + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesPriorYear
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense Change in Previously Established Loss Reserves Prior Years + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInPreviouslyEstablishedLossReservesPriorYears
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInCurrentYearAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInPriorYearsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | ambc_LossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- 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

X
- Definition The amount needed to reflect the estimated ultimate cost of settling claims relating to insured events that have occurred on or before 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 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a),(b),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of payments to settle claims incurred in prior periods and related claims settlement costs. + 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 (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- 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
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- 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
Name: | us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=us-gaap_SuccessorMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |