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Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts - Additional Information (Detail) € in Thousands, £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2019 EUR (€) | Mar. 31, 2019 GBP (£) | Feb. 12, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2018 EUR (€) | Mar. 31, 2018 GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Schedule Of Insured Financial Obligations With Credit Deterioration Reductions Of Gross Claim Liability Rmbs Subrogation | $ 1,766,022 |  |  | $ 1,770,546 |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable | $ 487,397 | $ 580,707 |  | $ 495,391 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 586,312
Estimated Future Premium Payments Weighted Average Discounted Rate | 2.60% |  |  | 2.70% | 2.60% | 2.60% |  |  |  |
Reinsurance Payable | $ 31,745 |  |  | $ 32,913 |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average period of future premiums | 8 years 9 months 18 days | 8 years 8 months 12 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Uncollectable premium receivables | $ 7,467 |  |  | 7,136 |  |  |  |  |  |
Past due premiums on policies insuring non-investment grade obligations amount | 100 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accelerated premium revenue for retired obligations | 12,223 |  | $ 9,392 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reinsurance recoveries of losses included in losses and loss expenses | (4,996) | $ 1,354 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Losses and loss expense reserves ceded to reinsurers | 26,238 | 38,735 |  | 22,623 |  |  |  |  |  | 40,658
Subrogation recoveries, net of reinsurance | (1,739,836) |  |  | (1,744,243) |  |  |  |  |  |
Intangible amortization expense | 36,278 | 28,636 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) | 1,561,070 |  |  | 1,551,576 |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization | 871,815 |  |  | 832,645 |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance intangible asset | 689,255 |  |  | 718,931 |  |  |  |  |  |
Possible Increase in Loss Reserves Related to Puerto Rico | 950,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | $ 1,665,888 | 2,109,165 |  | 1,633,147 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,645,258
Stockholders Equity After Possible Increase in Domestic Public Finance Loss Reserves |  |  |  | $ 715,888 |  |  |  |  |  |
Percent Cash & New COFINA Bonds Allocated Under POA |  |  |  |  |  |  | 93.00% |  |  |
Loss Reserves [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average risk-free rate used to discount loss reserves | 2.50% |  |  | 2.80% |  |  |  |  |  |
United Kingdom, Pounds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable | $ 141,527 | 163,926 |  |  |  | £ 108,825 |  |  | £ 116,815 |
Euro Member Countries, Euro |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable | 30,062 | $ 36,679 |  |  | € 26,807 |  |  | € 29,767 |  |
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Domestic Public Finance Losses | $ 69,304 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
External Credit Rating, Non Investment Grade [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Insurance [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Transactions with non-investment grade internal ratings | 19.00% |  |  | 20.00% |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- 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
Name: | ambc_BalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesNetOfReinsurance
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
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Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Domestic Public Finance Losses + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Weighted average discounted rate of estimated future premium payments to be paid by the VIEs. + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable Percent + 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
Name: | ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers
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Balance Type: | debit
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- Definition Percent Cash & New COFINA Bonds Allocated Under POA + References No definition available. + Details
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- Definition Possible Increase in Domestic Public Finance Loss Reserves + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_PossibleIncreaseinDomesticPublicFinanceLossReserves
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- Definition Premiums Past Due On Non Investment Grade Obligations + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ambc_PremiumsPastDueOnNonInvestmentGradeObligations
Namespace Prefix: | ambc_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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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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- Definition Stockholders Equity After Possible Increase in Domestic Public Finance Loss Reserves + References No definition available. + Details
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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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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 + 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99382878&loc=SL5749324-161292 + Details
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- Definition Amount of the premium receivable for financial guarantee insurance contracts reported in the statement of financial position. This element primarily would consist of those financial guarantee insurance contracts which premiums are to be collected over the contract period, but may, on occasion, include premiums which are to be collected in full at inception, but which straddle a financial reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 310 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c)(1),(5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933075&loc=SL5748726-161290 + 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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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 Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
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- Definition Amount before accumulated amortization of intangible assets, excluding goodwill. + References No definition available. + Details
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Balance Type: | debit
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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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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 + Details
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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/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 11B -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84173941&loc=SL6953423-111524 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -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 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84173941&loc=d3e5074-111524 + Details
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Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
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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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99397103&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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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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- Definition Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4568740-111683 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4I -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234705&loc=SL4590271-111686 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4568447-111683 + Details
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- Details
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- Details
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- Details
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- Details
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