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Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 4 Months Ended | 8 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Jun. 30, 2015 | Mar. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2014 | Jun. 30, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2014 | Apr. 30, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013 | Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amount Of Insured Par Outstanding Ceded To Reinsurer | $ 9,711,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 9,711,000,000 |  |  |
Ceded Principal Outstanding Major Reinsurer Percentage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8.10% |  |  |
Deferred Ceded Premiums And Reinsurance Recoverables | 140,757,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 140,757,000 |  |  |
Accrued rate of interest on outstanding policy obligations (percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.10% | 5.10% |  |
Weighted average period of future premiums |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 9 years 2 months 12 days | 10 years 1 month 6 days |  |
Losses and loss expense reserves ceded to reinsurers | 44,059,000 |  |  |  | $ 100,355,000 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 44,059,000 | $ 100,355,000 |  |
Subrogation recoveries | 2,829,575,000 |  |  |  | 2,523,540,000 |  |  |  |  |  | 2,829,575,000 | 2,523,540,000 |  |
Subrogation recoveries, net of reinsurance | 2,800,149,000 |  |  |  | 2,496,515,000 |  |  |  |  |  | 2,800,149,000 | 2,496,515,000 |  |
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount | 136,167,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 136,167,000 |  |  |
Financial Guarantee Outstanding Principal Ceded To Third Parties | 10,936,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10,936,000,000 |  |  |
Successor [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Guarantee Gross Outstanding Principal Assumed From Third Parties | 243,600,000 |  |  |  | 245,900,000 |  |  |  |  |  | 243,600,000 | 245,900,000 |  |
Reinsurance Payable | 53,494,000 |  |  |  | 60,436,000 |  |  |  | $ 92,468,000 |  | $ 53,494,000 | $ 60,436,000 |  |
Transactions with non-investment grade internal ratings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 27.00% | 32.00% |  |
Non-investment grade RMBS on total premiums receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8.00% | 7.00% |  |
Percentage of student loan transactions on total premium receivables |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.00% | 8.00% |  |
Percentage related to asset-backed transaction |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.00% | 6.00% |  |
Uncollectable premium receivables | 15,240,000 |  |  |  | 17,780,000 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 15,240,000 | $ 17,780,000 |  |
Past due premiums on policies insuring non-investment grade obligations amount | 500 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 500 |  |  |
Accelerated premium revenue for retired obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 56,541,000 | 137,400,000 | 29,964,000 |  |
Reinsurance recoveries of losses included in losses and loss expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 14,106,000 | 47,085,000 | 21,164,000 |  |
Losses and loss expense reserves ceded to reinsurers | 44,059,000 |  |  |  | 100,355,000 |  |  |  | 138,155,000 | 122,357,000 | 44,059,000 | 100,355,000 | $ 122,357,000 |
Intangible amortization expense | 54,357,000 | $ 39,680,000 | $ 38,088,000 | $ 37,432,000 | 41,952,000 | $ 41,908,000 | $ 36,256,000 | $ 31,714,000 |  | $ 99,658,000 | 169,557,000 | 151,830,000 |  |
Insurance intangible asset | 1,212,112,000 |  |  |  | 1,410,920,000 |  |  |  | 1,658,972,000 |  | 1,212,112,000 | 1,410,920,000 |  |
Accumulated amortization on insurance intangible asset | $ 414,454,000 |  |  |  | $ 249,205,000 |  |  |  |  |  | 414,454,000 | 249,205,000 |  |
Successor [Member] | Insurance Intangible Asset [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Intangible amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 169,557,000 | $ 151,830,000 | $ 99,658,000 |
Predecessor [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reinsurance Payable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 92,468,000 |  |  |  |  |
Accelerated premium revenue for retired obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 36,433,000 |  |  |  |  |
Reinsurance recoveries of losses included in losses and loss expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3,889,000) |  |  |  |  |
Losses and loss expense reserves ceded to reinsurers |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 138,155,000 |  |  |  |  | $ 147,409,000
Intangible amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |  |  |
Insurance intangible asset |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0 |  |  |  |  |
Loss Reserves [Member] | Successor [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average risk-free rate used to discount loss reserves |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.40% | 2.30% |  |

X
- Definition Accumulated Amortization on Intangible Asset + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Amount of insured par outstanding ceded to reinsurer. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
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- Definition This element represents the reduction to gross claim liability for subrogation on insured RMBS financial obligations with credit deterioration. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition This element represents the reduction to gross claim liability for subrogation on insured RMBS financial obligations with credit deterioration, net of reinsurance. + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
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Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition Ceded Principal Outstanding Major Reinsurer Percentage. + References No definition available. + Details
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Period Type: | duration

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- Definition Reflects the effective interest rate on Deferred Amounts and Junior Deferred Amounts of the Segregated Account of Ambac as directed by the Rehabilitator of the Segregated Account. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Includes the unexpired portion of financial guarantee premiums ceded on policies as of the balance sheet date and reinsurance recoverables on claims or claim adjustment expense paid by the ceding insurer. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Financial Guarantee Gross Outstanding Principal Assumed from third parties. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Financial Guarantee Outstanding Principal Ceded to third parties. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Insurance [Line Items] + References No definition available. + Details
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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
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- Definition Percentage of financial guarantee premiums receivable related to RMBS insured transactions with non-investment grade internal ratings. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Percentage of financial guarantee premiums receivable related to Student Loan insured transactions with non-investment grade internal ratings. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Percentage Premiums Receivable Related To Certain Asset Backed Transactions With Non Investment Grade Internal Rating + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Percentage of financial guarantee premiums receivable related to insured transactions with non-investment grade internal ratings. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Premiums Past Due On Below Investment Grade Obligation + References No definition available. + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition The aggregate expense charged against earnings to allocate the cost of intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388964&loc=d3e16225-109274 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
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- Definition This element represents the amount of premium revenue on financial guarantee insurance contracts recognized during the period that was accelerated for revenue recognition purposes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 605 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933581&loc=SL5749298-161291 + Details
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- Definition This element represents the weighted average risk free rate used to discount the claim liability related to financial guarantee insurance contracts. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933314&loc=SL5749324-161292 + Details
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- Definition Weighted average period over which premium receivable for financial guarantee insurance contracts is collected where premium is received over the contract period, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 310 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933075&loc=SL5748726-161290 + Details
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- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388964&loc=d3e16212-109274 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph ((a)(1),(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26713463&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
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- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | credit
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- Definition The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the estimated valuation allowance to reduce gross premiums receivable to net realizable value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49124121&loc=d3e5074-111524 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-09) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24092-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
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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 carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the known and estimated amounts owed to insurers under reinsurance treaties or other arrangements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.13(a)(3),(c)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
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