Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Ambac's Financial Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	$ 661,658	$ 783,071
Loans	9,203	18,996
Other assets	14,557	16,779
Financial liabilities:
Obligations under investment and repurchase agreements	356,091	523,046
Liabilities subject to compromise	1,704,904	1,707,421
Long term debt, including accrued interest	150,170	223,601
Derivative liabilities	213,585	190,653
Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash	43,837	15,999
Restricted cash		2,500
Loans	7,387	16,934
Other assets	14,557	16,779
Total financial assets	24,267,353	23,615,021
Financial liabilities:
Obligations under investment and repurchase agreements	361,905	549,043
Liabilities subject to compromise	434,823	112,233
Long term debt		562,043
Long term debt, including accrued interest	801,277
Liabilities for net financial guarantees written	3,091,257	2,642,795
Total financial liabilities	22,778,490	20,623,126
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash	43,837	15,999
Restricted cash		2,500
Loans	9,203	18,996
Other assets	14,557	16,779
Total financial assets	24,277,829	23,637,464
Financial liabilities:
Obligations under investment and repurchase agreements	362,017	546,546
Liabilities subject to compromise	1,622,189	1,622,189
Long term debt, including accrued interest	377,524	391,372
Liabilities for net financial guarantees written	7,074,808	7,547,288
Total financial liabilities	27,547,541	26,897,495
Variable interest entity [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	2,261,294	2,199,338
Loans	15,359,073	14,126,994
Financial liabilities:
Long term debt	15,200,538	14,039,450
Long term debt, including accrued interest	15,436,008	14,288,540
Variable interest entity [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Restricted cash	2,290	2,140
Loans	15,560,051	14,309,134
Financial liabilities:
Long term debt	15,414,233	14,255,452
Variable interest entity [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Restricted cash	2,290	2,140
Loans	15,568,711	14,329,515
Financial liabilities:
Long term debt	15,436,008	14,288,540
Future contracts [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets	1,253
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		627
Future contracts [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets	1,253
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		627
Credit derivatives [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	213,585	190,653
Credit derivatives [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	213,585	190,653
Currency swaps [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		2,423
Currency swaps [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		2,423
Other contracts [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	220	361
Other contracts [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	220	361
Call options on long-term debt [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets		6,055
Call options on long-term debt [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets		6,055
Other Assets [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets	46,752	411,652
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	(151,365)	(30,859)
Other Assets [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets	46,752	411,652
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	(151,365)	(30,859)
Other Assets [Member] \| Currency swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		(27,779)
Other Assets [Member] \| Currency swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		(27,779)
Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets		(242,500)
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	390,774	251,303
Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets		(242,500)
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	390,774	251,303
Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	2,131,315	2,023,974
Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	2,131,315	2,023,974
Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Currency swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	90,466	90,857
Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Currency swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	90,466	90,857
Municipal obligations [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,814,730	2,002,999
Municipal obligations [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,814,730	2,002,999
Corporate obligations [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,112,174	1,127,500
Corporate obligations [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,112,174	1,127,500
Corporate obligations [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	2,261,294	2,199,338
Corporate obligations [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	2,261,294	2,199,338
Foreign obligations [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	70,112	94,795
Foreign obligations [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	70,112	94,795
U.S. government obligations [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	127,283	111,562
Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral	265,779	260,802
U.S. government obligations [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	127,283	111,562
Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral	265,779	260,802
U.S. agency obligations [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	82,535	86,871
U.S. agency obligations [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	82,535	86,871
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,455,582	1,412,517
Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral		2,728
Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,455,582	1,412,517
Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral		2,728
Collateralized debt obligations [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	33,342	46,237
Collateralized debt obligations [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	33,342	46,237
Other commercial asset-backed [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	706,637	947,808
Other commercial asset-backed [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	706,637	947,808
Short-term [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	661,658	783,071
Short-term [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	661,658	783,071
Other [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	100	100
Other [Member] \| Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	100	100
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash	43,837	15,999
Restricted cash		2,500
Total financial assets	1,098,328	1,162,207
Financial liabilities:
Total financial liabilities		627
Level 1 [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member]
Financial assets:
Restricted cash	2,290	2,140
Level 1 [Member] \| Future contracts [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets	1,253
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		627
Level 1 [Member] \| U.S. government obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	127,283	111,562
Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral	265,779	260,802
Level 1 [Member] \| Short-term [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	657,886	769,204
Level 2 [Member]
Financial assets:
Total financial assets	5,466,212	6,080,738
Financial liabilities:
Liabilities subject to compromise	434,823	112,233
Total financial liabilities	15,245,213	14,532,792
Level 2 [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member]
Financial assets:
Loans	200,978	182,140
Financial liabilities:
Long term debt	12,457,732	12,320,810
Level 2 [Member] \| Currency swaps [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		2,423
Level 2 [Member] \| Other contracts [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	220	361
Level 2 [Member] \| Other Assets [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets	46,752	260,851
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	(151,365)
Level 2 [Member] \| Other Assets [Member] \| Currency swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		(27,779)
Level 2 [Member] \| Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets		(53)
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	282,022	9,913
Level 2 [Member] \| Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	2,131,315	2,023,974
Level 2 [Member] \| Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Currency swaps [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	90,466	90,857
Level 2 [Member] \| Municipal obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,814,730	2,002,999
Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,108,518	1,119,570
Level 2 [Member] \| Foreign obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	70,112	94,795
Level 2 [Member] \| U.S. agency obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	82,535	85,647
Level 2 [Member] \| Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	1,455,582	1,412,517
Fixed income securities, pledged as collateral		2,728
Level 2 [Member] \| Collateralized debt obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	26,860	33,755
Level 2 [Member] \| Other commercial asset-backed [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	656,373	871,922
Level 2 [Member] \| Short-term [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	3,772	13,867
Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets:
Loans	7,387	16,934
Other assets	14,557	16,779
Total financial assets	17,702,813	16,372,076
Financial liabilities:
Obligations under investment and repurchase agreements	361,905	549,043
Long term debt		562,043
Long term debt, including accrued interest	801,277
Liabilities for net financial guarantees written	3,091,257	2,642,795
Total financial liabilities	7,533,277	6,089,707
Level 3 [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member]
Financial assets:
Loans	15,359,073	14,126,994
Financial liabilities:
Long term debt	2,956,501	1,934,642
Level 3 [Member] \| Credit derivatives [Member]
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	213,585	190,653
Level 3 [Member] \| Call options on long-term debt [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets		6,055
Level 3 [Member] \| Other Assets [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets		150,801
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities		(30,859)
Level 3 [Member] \| Interest rate swaps - liability position [Member] \| Interest rate swaps [Member]
Financial assets:
Derivative assets		(242,447)
Financial liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	108,752	241,390
Level 3 [Member] \| Corporate obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	3,656	7,930
Level 3 [Member] \| Corporate obligations [Member] \| Variable interest entity [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	2,261,294	2,199,338
Level 3 [Member] \| U.S. agency obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities		1,224
Level 3 [Member] \| Collateralized debt obligations [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	6,482	12,482
Level 3 [Member] \| Other commercial asset-backed [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	50,264	75,886
Level 3 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Financial assets:
Fixed income securities	$ 100	$ 100

Guaranteed investment agreements at fair value.

No definition available.

Name:	abk_GuaranteedInvestmentAgreementsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	abk_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Liabilities subject to compromise at fair value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	abk_LiabilitiesSubjectToCompromiseFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	abk_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Fair value of restricted cash and cash equivalents.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	abk_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	abk_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the aggregate of the assets reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 820

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

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

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7534914&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Available-for-Sale Securities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505594

+ Details

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

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the sum of the obligations to contract holders to provide to them an agreed upon rate of return pursuant to the terms of the underlying contract. These contracts represent lending by the contract holders to the entity in return for a guaranteed (primarily fixed) interest rate until maturity, unless called earlier if the contracts provide that option to the contract holders (usually institutions). There is little or no insurance risk for the entity.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Company may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 8

-Footnote 2

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 7, 8, 9, 10

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Cash

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Cash Equivalents

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 7

-Footnote 1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Fair value of liability associated with derivative asset, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 205G

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 44C

-Subparagraph a

-Clause 1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4B

-Subparagraph (a),(c)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624163-113959

+ Details

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

- Definition

Fair value of derivative asset, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Definition

Fair value of derivative liability, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

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

- Definition

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6903542&loc=d3e32014-111567

+ Details

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

- Details

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

- Details

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

- Definition

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 460

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6851643&loc=d3e12201-110248

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 45

-Paragraph 3, 8, 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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

- Definition

This element represents the aggregate of the liabilities reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value by the entity. This element is intended to be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements.

+ References

+ Details

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

- Definition

Total amount of liabilities subject to compromise.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 852

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6916575&loc=d3e55717-112764

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 852

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6585303&loc=d3e56145-112766

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 90-7

-Paragraph 26

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 852

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6918054&loc=d3e56015-112765

+ Details

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

- Definition

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 310

-SubTopic 10

-Glossary Loan

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6517073

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 114

-Paragraph 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Total of loans held-for-sale and held-in-portfolio net of unearned income, allowance for loan and lease losses, if any, unamortized loan origination and other fees and costs, and purchased premiums or discounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph a

-Article 9

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(a))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

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

- Definition

Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 9

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 16

-Article 7

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 20, 22

-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

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

- Definition

The fair value amount of long-term debt whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Value of the other investment not readily marketable determined by management based upon fair value methods, including pricing of similar securities and valuation techniques, that was used to record the investment for financial reporting purposes.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 940

-SubTopic 820

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7519002&loc=d3e45360-110995

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)

-Number AAG-BRD

-Paragraph 6-14

-IssueDate 2006-05-01

-Chapter 7

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Other investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy that will be realized in a short period of time, usually less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.1(g))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 5

-Article 9

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph g

-Article 7

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher OTS

-Name Federal Regulation (FR)

-Number Title 12

-Section 563c.102

-Chapter V

-Subsection I

-LegacyDoc This is a non-GAAP reference that was included in the 2009 taxonomy. It will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.5)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

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

- Definition

Fair value of financial instrument held by the entity for its own account (proprietary securities) for trading or investment purposes that are carried at fair value and pledged to counterparties as collateral for financing transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 860

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6467456&loc=d3e113888-111728

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 860

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1A

-Subparagraph (b)(1)(i)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7523297&loc=SL6224234-111729

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8

-Paragraph B6

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 140

-Paragraph 17

-Subparagraph a(2)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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