Insurance [Line Items]

No definition available.

Name:	ambc_InsuranceLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	ambc_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Past Due Premiums Receivable

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ambc_PastDuePremiumsReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	ambc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The valuation allowance as of the balance sheet date to reduce the gross amount of receivables to estimated net realizable value, which would be presented in parentheses on the face of the balance sheet.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123577603&loc=d3e5074-111524

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPremiumsAndOtherReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- 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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933581&loc=SL5749298-161291

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsAcceleratedPremiumRevenueAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- 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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933075&loc=SL5748726-161290

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow from premiums received for premium receivable on financial guarantee insurance contracts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126954810&loc=d3e3367-108585

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 310
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (c)(2)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933075&loc=SL5748726-161290

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableProceedsFromPremiumsReceived
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of accretion of the discount for premiums receivable on financial guarantee insurance contracts.

+ 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)(4)(iii)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933075&loc=SL5748726-161290

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAccretionOfDiscountOnPremiumReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in the premium receivable on financial guarantee insurance contracts from changes in the period of the contract.

+ 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)(4)(i)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933075&loc=SL5748726-161290

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentChangeInPeriodOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in the premiums receivable on financial guarantee insurance contracts from adjustments classified as other.

+ 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)(4)(iv)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6933075&loc=SL5748726-161290

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentOtherAdjustments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amortized cost of financing receivable 90 days or more past due and still accruing. Excludes net investment in lease.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124255953&loc=SL82919258-210447

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123577603&loc=d3e5111-111524

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 80
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124267575&loc=SL82922355-210448

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestment90DaysPastDueAndStillAccruing
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of investments classified as other.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(12))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(f,g))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of expense (reversal of expense) for expected credit loss on premium receivable.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PremiumReceivableCreditLossExpenseReversal
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- 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/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(5))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124255953&loc=SL82919249-210447

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124255953&loc=SL82919249-210447

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11B
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123577603&loc=SL6953423-111524

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123577603&loc=d3e5074-111524

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in allowance for credit loss on premium receivable.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124255953&loc=SL82919249-210447

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11B
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123577603&loc=SL6953423-111524

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase in allowance for credit loss on premium receivable from recovery.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsRecoveries
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of writeoff of premium receivable, charged against allowance for credit loss.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124255953&loc=SL82919249-210447

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11B
-Subparagraph (c)(3)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123577603&loc=SL6953423-111524

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsWriteOffsAgainstAllowance
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying amount as of the balance sheet date due the entity from (a) agents and insureds, (b) uncollected premiums and (c) others, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts.

+ 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.(a),5)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Gross amount, as of the balance sheet date, due the entity from (a) agents and insureds, (b) uncollected premiums and (c) others, before deducting the allowance for doubtful accounts.

+ 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 210.7-03.5)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableGross
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- 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://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 24
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124436220&loc=d3e21930-107793

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120397183&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 23
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124436220&loc=d3e21914-107793

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22644-107794

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431353&loc=SL124442411-227067

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 326
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=122640432&loc=SL121648383-210437

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 105
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126987489&loc=SL124442142-165695

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 105
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126987489&loc=SL124442142-165695

Reference 9: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 16
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126929396&loc=SL4568740-111683

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 40
-Section 65
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (e)(3)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126732423&loc=SL123482106-238011

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (f)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123596393&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124436220&loc=d3e21711-107793

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114001798&loc=d3e33918-111571

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(g)(1)(ii))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph (d)(2)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126983759&loc=SL121830611-158277

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 848
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)(3)(iii)(03)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=125980421&loc=SL125981372-237846

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32136-110900

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph (d)(3)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126983759&loc=SL121830611-158277

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 40
-Section 65
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (f)(2)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124501264&loc=SL117420844-207641

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (f)(2)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=128097895&loc=SL121327923-165333

Reference 22: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4I
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120409616&loc=SL4590271-111686

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 40
-Section 65
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (f)(1)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124501264&loc=SL117420844-207641

Reference 24: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 830
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32211-110900

Reference 25: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126929396&loc=SL4568447-111683

Reference 26: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (f)(1)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=128097895&loc=SL121327923-165333

Reference 27: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)(3)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124431687&loc=d3e22499-107794

Reference 28: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 65
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (e)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=128097895&loc=SL121327923-165333

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis=us-gaap_RealEstateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_ForeignExchangeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=ambc_SpecialtyPropertyCasualtyProgramMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis=ambc_PublicFinanceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis=us-gaap_StructuredFinanceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis=ambc_InternationalFinanceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis=ambc_SurveillanceCategoryOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis=ambc_SurveillanceCategoryOneaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis=ambc_SurveillanceCategoryTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis=ambc_SurveillanceCategoryThreeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis=ambc_SurveillanceCategoryFourMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CurrencyAxis=currency_GBP
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CurrencyAxis=currency_EUR
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=ambc_OtherPublicFinanceSectorsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=ambc_OtherInternationalMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=ambc_MortgageBackedAndHomeEquityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=ambc_StudentLoansMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=ambc_OtherStructuredFinanceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=ambc_SovereignAndSubSovereignMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=ambc_InvestorOwnedAndPublicUtilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SecuritiesFinancingTransactionAxis=ambc_HousingRevenueMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts - Summary of Gross Premium Receivable Roll-Forward (Direct and Assumed Contracts) (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions, £ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2023 GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2023 EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2022 GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2022 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2022 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021 USD ($)
Insurance [Line Items]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	$ 5,000			$ 8,000			$ 5,000	$ 9,000
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Accelerated Premium Revenue, Amount	0			0
Past Due Premiums Receivable	0						0
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning premium receivable	254,000			320,000
Premium receipts	9,000			15,000
Adjustments for changes in expected and contractual cash flows	7,000			3,000
Accretion of premium receivable discount	2,000			2,000
Uncollectable premiums	0			1,000
Other adjustments (including foreign exchange)	2,000			(3,000)
Ending premium receivable	256,000			308,000
Premium Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	5,000						5,000
Premium Receivable, Credit Loss Expense (Reversal)	0			(1,000)
Premium Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	0			0
Premium Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery	0			0
Financing Receivable, 90 Days or More Past Due, Still Accruing	0						0
Premiums Receivable, Gross	261,000						259,000
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,307,000			974,000			1,305,000	$ 1,098,000
Premiums Receivable, Net	272,000						269,000
Real Estate [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Other investments	22,000						22,000
Real Estate [Member] \| Foreign Exchange
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Other adjustments (including foreign exchange)	2,000			(4,000)
Specialty Property & Casualty Program
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	17,000						16,000
Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	148,000						150,000
Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	23,000						24,000
International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	90,000						85,000
I/SL [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	218,000						217,000
I/SL [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	140,000						142,000
I/SL [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	4,000						5,000
I/SL [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	74,000						70,000
IA [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	10,000						10,000
IA [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	3,000						3,000
IA [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	1,000						1,000
IA [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	7,000						7,000
II [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	5,000						5,000
II [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	5,000						5,000
II [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
II [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
III [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	16,000						16,000
III [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
III [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	7,000						7,000
III [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	9,000						9,000
IV [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	11,000						11,000
IV [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
IV [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	11,000						11,000
IV [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
United Kingdom, Pounds
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Ending premium receivable	75,000	£ 61		101,000	£ 77
Euro Member Countries, Euro
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Ending premium receivable	15,000		€ 13	$ 16,000		€ 15
Other Public Finance Sectors [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	2,000						2,000
Other Public Finance Sectors [Member] \| I/SL [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	2,000						2,000
Other Public Finance Sectors [Member] \| IA [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other Public Finance Sectors [Member] \| II [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other Public Finance Sectors [Member] \| III [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other Public Finance Sectors [Member] \| IV [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other International [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	3,000						2,000
Other International [Member] \| I/SL [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	3,000						2,000
Other International [Member] \| IA [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other International [Member] \| II [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other International [Member] \| III [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other International [Member] \| IV [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Mortgage Backed And Home Equity [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	12,000						11,000
Mortgage Backed And Home Equity [Member] \| I/SL [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Mortgage Backed And Home Equity [Member] \| IA [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Mortgage Backed And Home Equity [Member] \| II [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Mortgage Backed And Home Equity [Member] \| III [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Mortgage Backed And Home Equity [Member] \| IV [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	11,000						11,000
Student Loans [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	8,000						8,000
Student Loans [Member] \| I/SL [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	1,000						1,000
Student Loans [Member] \| IA [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	1,000						1,000
Student Loans [Member] \| II [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Student Loans [Member] \| III [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	7,000						7,000
Student Loans [Member] \| IV [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other Structured Finance [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	3,000						4,000
Other Structured Finance [Member] \| I/SL [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	3,000						4,000
Other Structured Finance [Member] \| IA [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other Structured Finance [Member] \| II [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other Structured Finance [Member] \| III [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Other Structured Finance [Member] \| IV [Member] \| Structured Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Sovereign And Sub Sovereign [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	69,000						64,000
Sovereign And Sub Sovereign [Member] \| I/SL [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	53,000						49,000
Sovereign And Sub Sovereign [Member] \| IA [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	7,000						7,000
Sovereign And Sub Sovereign [Member] \| II [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Sovereign And Sub Sovereign [Member] \| III [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	9,000						9,000
Sovereign And Sub Sovereign [Member] \| IV [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Investor Owned And Public Utilities [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	18,000						18,000
Investor Owned And Public Utilities [Member] \| I/SL [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	18,000						18,000
Investor Owned And Public Utilities [Member] \| IA [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Investor Owned And Public Utilities [Member] \| II [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Investor Owned And Public Utilities [Member] \| III [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Investor Owned And Public Utilities [Member] \| IV [Member] \| International Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Housing Revenue [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	146,000						148,000
Housing Revenue [Member] \| I/SL [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	138,000						140,000
Housing Revenue [Member] \| IA [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	3,000						3,000
Housing Revenue [Member] \| II [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	5,000						5,000
Housing Revenue [Member] \| III [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	0						0
Housing Revenue [Member] \| IV [Member] \| Public Finance [Member]
Financial Guarantee Insurance Contracts, Premium Receivable [Roll Forward]
Premiums Receivable, Gross	$ 0						$ 0