Diluted Earnings Per Share Using if- Converted Method (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Numerator:
Net earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 61,760		$ 34,668		$ 24,911		$ (12,157)		$ 2,159		$ 4,542		$ 5,940		$ (10,293)		$ 109,182		$ 2,348		$ (12,582)
Interest expense, net of tax effects																	3,139
If-converted net earnings (loss) attributable to Stewart																	$ 112,321		$ 2,348		$ (12,582)
Denominator (000):
Basic average shares outstanding																	19,294		19,131		18,313
Dilutive average number of shares relating to convertible senior notes																	5,047
Dilutive average number of shares relating to restricted shares grant																	43
Dilutive average shares outstanding																	24,384		19,131		18,313
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart	$ 2.56	[1]	$ 1.45	[1]	$ 1.05	[1]	$ (0.63)	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.22	[1],[2]	$ 0.28	[1],[2]	$ (0.55)	[1]	$ 4.61	[1]	$ 0.12	[1]	$ (0.69)

[1] Quarterly per share data may not sum to annual totals due to rounding or effects of dilution in particular quarters but not in annual totals.

[2] The diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart was primarily due to dilutive effects of the Convertible Senior Notes (Note 10) using the if-converted method (Note 15).