I've figured out a way everyone could benefit from the mismanagement of Detroit, all the creditors can be paid, the pensions remain intact, and the US taxpayers make a small profit.
The city of Detroit could issue 20 billion in 0.05% bonds. The rate is so pathetically small, and the assets so slim, no investment house could possibly justify buying them. But, the Federal Reserve could do so. Detroit would take the money, fully fund their pensions, pay their creditors, and have zero debt except to the Feds. The Feds could give them 3 years to make their first payment, interest only after that for 50 years. The Federal Reserve could book a million dollar per year profit on the interest only payments, and the city of Detroit could pay it back 50 years from now after inflation eats away 95% of the value of the bonds, but no paper loss to the Federal Reserve since they don't have to mark the bonds to market value, and receive their capital back.