Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Successor Ambac [Member]	Successor Ambac [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Successor Ambac [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Successor Ambac [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	Successor Ambac [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Successor Ambac [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Successor Ambac [Member] Treasury Stock [Member]	Successor Ambac [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Predecessor Ambac [Member]	Predecessor Ambac [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Predecessor Ambac [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Predecessor Ambac [Member] Preferred Stock [Member]	Predecessor Ambac [Member] Common Stock [Member]	Predecessor Ambac [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Predecessor Ambac [Member] Treasury Stock [Member]	Predecessor Ambac [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012										$ (3,246,967)	$ (6,297,264)	$ 625,385	$ 0	$ 3,080	$ 2,172,027	$ (410,755)	$ 660,560
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total comprehensive income (loss)										376,897	282,299	94,686	0	0	0	0	(88)
Stock-based compensation										(60)	(60)	0	0	0	0	0	0
Shares issued under equity plans										60	0	0	0	0	0	60	0
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2013										(2,870,070)	(6,015,025)	720,071	0	3,080	2,172,027	(410,695)	660,472
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	978,422	978,422	505,219	11,661	0	450	185,672	(19)	275,439
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Total comprehensive income (loss)		248,851	155,942	92,756	0	0	0	0	153
Stock-based compensation		1,537	0	0	0	0	1,537	0	0
Shares issued under equity plans		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Warrants exercised		1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$ 1,228,811	$ 1,228,811	$ 661,161	$ 104,417	$ 0	$ 450	$ 187,210	$ (19)	$ 275,592