Estimated Title Losses - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Provisions for title losses as a percentage of operating revenue	8.10%	9.40%	9.60%
Total provision	$ 140,029	$ 142,101	$ 148,438
Insurance recovery amount	706	5,082	8,260
Previous policy years
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Total provision	39,623	47,986	50,879
Previous policy years | Adjustments
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Total provision			4,800
Related to maintaining a high provisioning rate for title losses due to continued elevated claims payment experience
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Total provision	14,900	15,000	26,700
Related to large title losses
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Total provision	24,300	32,800	19,200
Insurance Claims
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Total provision	18,200	24,600	13,300
Insurance recovery amount	$ 500	$ 2,400	$ 2,800