Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 137,272	$ 117,196
Cash and cash equivalents - statutory reserve funds	20,311	23,647
Cash and cash equivalents at carrying value	157,583	140,843
Short-term investments	27,947	33,137
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Statutory reserve funds	409,664	397,074
Other	54,687	63,911
Total, Fair values	464,351	460,985
Receivables:
Notes	8,697	10,394
Premiums from agencies	42,885	47,351
Income taxes	9,094	7,412
Trade and other receivables	51,582	39,660
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(14,219)	(16,056)
Total receivables	98,039	88,761
Property and equipment, at cost
Land	6,677	6,429
Buildings	27,864	23,823
Furniture and equipment	235,733	234,262
Accumulated depreciation	(213,444)	(208,077)
Total property and equipment, at cost	56,830	56,437
Title plants, at cost	77,947	77,406
Real estate, at lower of cost or net realizable value	2,344	5,236
Investments in investees, on an equity method basis	15,066	18,055
Goodwill	216,602	214,492
Intangible assets, net of amortization	7,796	8,693
Other assets	56,443	52,096
Total assets	1,180,948	1,156,141
Liabilities
Notes payable	6,948	11,722
Convertible senior notes	64,600	64,513
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	85,839	86,389
Estimated title losses	510,694	502,611
Deferred income taxes	30,930	27,449
Total Liabilities	699,011	692,684
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	296,851	284,097
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	21,139	16,681
Treasury stock - 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Stockholders' equity attributable to Stewart	468,290	450,214
Noncontrolling interests	13,647	13,243
Total stockholders' equity (19,351,985 and 19,303,844 shares outstanding)	481,937	463,457
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	1,180,948	1,156,141
Common Stock Class B
Stockholders' equity
Common and Class B Common Stock and additional paid-in capital	$ 152,966	$ 152,102