Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Numerator
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 24,911	$ 5,940	$ 12,754	$ (4,353)
Interest expense, net of tax effects	785	785	1,569	0
If-converted net earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 25,696	$ 6,725	$ 14,323	$ (4,353)
Denominator(000):
Basic average shares outstanding (000)	19,299	19,216	19,277	19,024
Dilutive average number of shares relating to convertible senior notes	5,047	5,047	5,047	0
Dilutive average number of shares relating to restricted shares grant	42	63	43	0
Dilutive average shares outstanding	24,388	24,326	24,367	19,024
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart	$ 1.05	$ 0.28	$ 0.59	$ (0.23)