Segment information - Selected Statement of Operations and Income (Loss) Information Related to Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 2,288,432	$ 1,940,008	$ 1,907,672
Depreciation and amortization	19,216	22,526	24,932
(Loss) income before taxes and noncontrolling interest	218,505	116,967	72,529
Title segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	2,205,301	1,857,048	1,855,706
Depreciation and amortization	15,230	19,971	21,449
(Loss) income before taxes and noncontrolling interest	246,878	108,459	108,314
Ancillary services and corporate segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	83,131	82,960	51,966
Depreciation and amortization	3,986	2,555	3,483
(Loss) income before taxes and noncontrolling interest	$ (28,373)	$ 8,508	$ (35,785)