Segment information - Summary of Segmental Revenues and Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 497,403	$ 555,704	$ 531,906	$ 448,872	$ 522,319	$ 508,097	$ 446,838	$ 393,576	$ 2,033,885	$ 1,870,830	$ 1,927,980
Impairment of goodwill									35,749	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									30,298	24,226	17,920
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									9,693	51,812	101,065
Operating Segments | Title
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,805,267	1,660,001	1,792,210
Impairment of goodwill									0
Depreciation and amortization									8,545	7,059	5,957
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									225,238	184,016	211,240
Operating Segments | Mortgage Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									212,934	194,018	121,945
Impairment of goodwill									35,749
Depreciation and amortization									13,074	9,540	4,634
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									(56,645)	6,364	12,609
Operating Segments | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									15,684	16,811	13,825
Impairment of goodwill									0
Depreciation and amortization									8,679	7,627	7,329
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									$ (158,900)	$ (138,568)	$ (122,784)