Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 162,797	$ 117,196
Cash and cash equivalents - statutory reserve funds	15,023	23,647
Cash and cash equivalents at carrying value	177,820	140,843
Short-term investments	37,052	33,137
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Statutory reserve funds	428,182	397,074
Other	55,598	63,911
Available for sale securities, Total	483,780	460,985
Receivables:
Notes	8,681	10,394
Premiums from agencies	45,462	47,351
Income taxes	9,721	7,412
Trade and other receivables	55,076	39,660
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(13,308)	(16,056)
Total receivables	105,632	88,761
Property and equipment, at cost
Land	5,848	6,429
Buildings	26,841	23,823
Furniture and equipment	239,117	234,262
Accumulated depreciation	(216,586)	(208,077)
Total property and equipment, at cost	55,220	56,437
Title plants, at cost	77,947	77,406
Real estate, at lower of cost or net realizable value	4,284	5,236
Investments in investees, on an equity method basis	14,113	18,055
Goodwill	216,744	214,492
Intangible assets, net of amortization	7,400	8,693
Other assets	57,866	52,096
Total assets	1,237,858	1,156,141
Liabilities
Notes payable	6,490	11,722
Convertible senior notes	64,644	64,513
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	89,753	86,389
Estimated title losses	516,315	502,611
Deferred income taxes	35,977	27,449
Total Liabilities	713,179	692,684
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders' equity
Retained earnings	331,519	284,097
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	28,901	16,681
Treasury stock - 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Stockholders' equity attributable to Stewart	510,654	450,214
Noncontrolling interests	14,025	13,243
Total stockholders' equity (19,352,905 and 19,303,844 shares outstanding)	524,679	463,457
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity	1,237,858	1,156,141
Common Stock Class B
Stockholders' equity
Common and Class B Common Stock and additional paid-in capital	$ 152,900	$ 152,102