Estimated title losses - Estimated Title Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss Contingency Accrual
Beginning balance	$ 480,990	$ 462,572	$ 462,622
Provisions:
Current year	70,480	90,401	92,311
Previous policy years	1,034	6,131	(1,164)
Total provisions	71,514	96,532	91,147
Payments, net of recoveries:
Current year	(17,460)	(20,335)	(18,836)
Previous policy years	(65,246)	(63,914)	(73,194)
Total payments, net of recoveries	(82,706)	(84,249)	(92,030)
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	(8,238)	6,135	833
Ending balance	$ 461,560	$ 480,990	$ 462,572
Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues:
Current year provisions (percent)	3.80%	4.80%	4.80%
Total provisions (percent)	3.90%	5.10%	4.80%