Summary of Segmental Revenues and Expenses (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, 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
Segment Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 520,972	$ 520,741	$ 483,712	$ 384,987	$ 445,077	$ 418,529	$ 404,883	$ 366,417	$ 1,910,412	$ 1,634,906	$ 1,672,390
Intersegment revenues									11,994	18,700	19,166
Depreciation and amortization									17,783	19,542	21,422
Earnings (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									89,338	18,019	2,925
Title
Segment Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,713,082	1,494,557	1,523,742
Depreciation and amortization									6,143	7,691	9,682
Earnings (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									147,628	89,438	82,062
Mortgage Services
Segment Information [Line Items]
Revenues									178,015	123,601	114,328
Intersegment revenues									8,158	15,675	15,922
Depreciation and amortization									4,107	4,774	4,250
Earnings (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									48,633	33,386	22,059
Corporate
Segment Information [Line Items]
Revenues									19,315	16,748	34,320
Intersegment revenues									3,836	3,025	3,244
Depreciation and amortization									7,533	7,077	7,490
Earnings (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									$ (106,923)	$ (104,805)	$ (101,196)