Investments - Summary of Roll-Forward of Ambac's Cumulative Credit Losses on Debt Securities for Which Portion of Other-than-Temporary Impairment was Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014 Successor Ambac [Member]	Mar. 31, 2013 Predecessor Ambac [Member]
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning	$ 1,182	$ 183,300
Additions for credit impairments recognized on:
Securities not previously impaired	4,767
Securities previously impaired
Reductions for credit impairments previously recognized on:
Securities that matured or were sold during the period	0	(9)
Securities that no longer have a portion of other-than-temporary impairment in other comprehensive income because of the company's intent to sell such securities
Balance at end	$ 5,949	$ 183,291