Consolidated Statements of Operations, Retained Earnings and Comprehensive Earnings (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Title insurance:
Direct operations	$ 637,550	$ 636,454	$ 676,756
Agency operations	877,225	914,581	945,481
Real estate information	102,324	81,176	56,895
Investment income	15,505	18,397	20,804
Investment and other gains - net	2,302	21,782	7,366
Total revenues	1,634,906	1,672,390	1,707,302
Expenses
Amounts retained by agencies	723,943	753,438	783,406
Employee costs	469,839	467,491	481,535
Other operating expenses	256,194	273,253	289,648
Title losses and related claims	142,101	148,438	182,781
Depreciation and amortization	19,542	21,422	28,064
Interest	5,268	5,423	4,056
Total expenses	1,616,887	1,669,465	1,769,490
Earnings (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests	18,019	2,925	(62,188)
Income tax expense (benefit)	9,341	8,075	(19,757)
Net earnings (loss)	8,678	(5,150)	(42,431)
Less net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	6,330	7,432	8,544
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart	2,348	(12,582)	(50,975)
Retained earnings at beginning of year	282,666	296,116	347,952
Cash dividends on common stock ($.05 in 2011, 2010 and 2009)	(917)	(868)	(861)
Retained earnings at end of year	284,097	282,666	296,116
Comprehensive earnings (loss):
Net earnings (loss)	8,678	(5,150)	(42,431)
Other comprehensive earnings, net of taxes of $425, $3,148 and $3,439	3,071	2,650	10,667
Comprehensive earnings (loss)	11,749	(2,500)	(31,764)
Less comprehensive earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	6,330	7,432	8,544
Comprehensive earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 5,419	$ (9,932)	$ (40,308)
Basic and dilutive average shares outstanding (000)	19,131	18,313	18,182
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart	$ 0.12	$ (0.69)	$ (2.80)