Estimated title losses - Estimated Title Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Loss Contingency Accrual
Beginning balance	$ 462,572	$ 462,622	$ 495,395
Provisions:
Current year	71,966	72,586	68,029
Previous policy years	24,566	18,561	38,236
Total provisions	96,532	91,147	106,265
Payments, net of recoveries:
Current year	(20,335)	(18,836)	(19,182)
Previous policy years	(63,914)	(73,194)	(104,450)
Total payments, net of recoveries	(84,249)	(92,030)	(123,632)
Adjustments related to acquired balance	0	0	(2,303)
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	6,135	833	(13,103)
Ending balance	$ 480,990	$ 462,572	$ 462,622
Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues:
Current year provisions (percent)	3.80%	3.80%	3.60%
Total provisions (percent)	5.10%	4.80%	5.60%