Segment information - Selected Statement of Operations and Income (Loss) Information Related to Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 516,105	$ 472,075	$ 956,005	$ 870,595
Depreciation and amortization	4,061	5,775	8,292	11,764
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests	49,020	29,352	58,289	22,126
Title segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	504,436	463,636	938,875	848,074
Depreciation and amortization	3,733	5,048	7,554	10,200
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests	54,795	39,041	69,629	38,661
Ancillary services and corporate segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	11,669	8,439	17,130	22,521
Depreciation and amortization	328	727	738	1,564
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests	$ (5,775)	$ (9,689)	$ (11,340)	$ (16,535)