Estimated Title Losses (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Beginning balances	$ 502,611	$ 495,849	$ 503,475
Total provisions	140,029	142,101	148,438
Total payments	(123,976)	(134,319)	(158,309)
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	1,711	(1,020)	2,245
Ending balances	520,375	502,611	495,849
Current year
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total provisions	100,406	94,115	97,559
Total payments	(16,782)	(22,404)	(24,118)
Previous policy years
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total provisions	39,623	47,986	50,879
Total payments	$ (107,194)	$ (111,915)	$ (134,191)