XML 98 R86.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.5.0.2

Segment Information - Summary of Financial Information by Reportable Segment (Detail) - Successor [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
--- | --- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | $ 145,028 | $ 87,690 | $ 268,662 | $ 473,933 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 116,720 | (388,193) | 191,085 | 114,482 |
Total assets | 24,015,629 | 24,266,919 | 24,015,629 | 24,266,919 | $ 23,728,070
Net investment income | 90,917 | 64,195 | 222,496 | 201,931 |
Amortization of insurance intangible assets | 44,553 | 39,680 | 134,456 | 115,200 |
Interest expense | 31,493 | 29,899 | 92,632 | 85,980 |
Goodwill, Impairment Loss | 0 | 514,511 | 0 | 514,511 |
Unaffiliated Customers [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 143,838 | 86,565 | 265,191 | 470,725 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 115,530 | (389,318) | 187,614 | 111,274 |
Equity Method Investee [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 1,190 | 1,125 | 3,471 | 3,208 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 1,190 | 1,125 | 3,471 | 3,208 |
Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items |  |  |  | 0 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations |  | (964) |  | (801) |
Financial Guarantee [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 156,611 | 152,048 | 394,771 | 521,626 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 130,472 | (321,177) | 327,010 | 170,184 |
Financial Services [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | (14,594) | (67,201) | (134,652) | (54,131) |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | (15,347) | (67,230) | (136,930) | (56,000) |
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 3,307 | 2,915 | 9,333 | 6,547 |
Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | (296) | (72) | (790) | (109) |
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Guarantee [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations |  | (763) |  |  |
Total assets | 23,264,567 | 23,610,582 | 23,264,567 | 23,610,582 |
Net investment income | 87,350 | 61,292 | 212,595 | 195,270 |
Amortization of insurance intangible assets | 44,553 | 39,680 | 134,456 | 115,200 |
Interest expense | 31,352 | 29,738 | 92,193 | 85,165 |
Goodwill, Impairment Loss |  | 514,511 |  | 514,511 |
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Guarantee [Member] | Unaffiliated Customers [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 156,236 | 152,024 | 393,557 | 521,340 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 131,162 | (320,414) | 328,906 | 172,271 |
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Guarantee [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Guarantee [Member] | Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 375 | 24 | 1,214 | 286 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | (690) |  | (1,896) | (2,087) |
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations |  | 425 |  |  |
Total assets | 396,509 | 363,118 | 396,509 | 363,118 |
Net investment income | 195 | 139 | 596 | 401 |
Amortization of insurance intangible assets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Interest expense | 141 | 161 | 439 | 815 |
Goodwill, Impairment Loss |  | 0 |  | 0 |
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Unaffiliated Customers [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | (14,286) | (66,997) | (133,613) | (53,566) |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | (14,912) | (67,655) | (135,529) | (55,861) |
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | (308) | (204) | (1,039) | (565) |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | (435) |  | (1,401) | (139) |
Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 0 | 0 | 0 |  |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total assets | 3,940 | 3,981 | 3,940 | 3,981 |
Net investment income | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Amortization of insurance intangible assets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Interest expense | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goodwill, Impairment Loss |  | 0 |  | 0 |
Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] | Unaffiliated Customers [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] | Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | (296) | (72) | (790) | (109) |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 0 | (964) | 0 | (801) |
Inter-segment Eliminations [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 229 | 252 | 615 | 388 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 1,125 | 1,302 | 3,297 | 3,027 |
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 1,595 | 1,178 | 1,005 | 1,099 |
Total assets | 350,613 | 289,238 | 350,613 | 289,238 |
Net investment income | 3,372 | 2,764 | 9,305 | 6,260 |
Amortization of insurance intangible assets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] | Unaffiliated Customers [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 1,888 | 1,538 | 5,247 | 2,951 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | (720) | (1,249) | (5,763) | (5,136) |
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] | Equity Method Investee [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Revenues: |  |  |  |  |
Total revenues before expenses and reorganization items | 1,190 | 1,125 | 3,471 | 3,208 |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax (loss) income from continuing operations | 1,190 | 1,125 | 3,471 | 3,208 |
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations: |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense | $ 0 | 0 | $ 0 | 0 |
Goodwill, Impairment Loss |  | $ 0 |  | $ 0 |

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

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.18) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of loss from the write-down of an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13854-109267 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13777-109266 Reference 3: 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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=35741047&loc=d3e13816-109267 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAttributableToParentAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of operating profit and nonoperating income or expense before Income or Loss from equity method investments, income taxes, extraordinary items, and noncontrolling interest. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense for debt. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.8) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after investment expense, of income earned from investments in securities and real estate. Includes, but is not limited to, real estate investment, policy loans, dividends, and interest. Excludes realized gain (loss) on investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 16 -Article 12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26872669&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=ambc_UnaffiliatedCustomersMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis=us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=ambc_FinancialServicesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |