Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries | Estimated Title Losses
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	$ 502,611		$ 495,849		$ 503,475
Additions charged to costs and expenses	140,029		142,101		148,438
Additions charged to other accounts
Deductions	122,265	[1]	135,339	[1]	156,064	[1]
Balance at the end of period	520,375		502,611		495,849
Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries | Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	84,771		91,934		93,080
Additions charged to costs and expenses	(72,635)		(7,163)		(1,146)
Additions charged to other accounts
Balance at the end of period	12,136		84,771		91,934
Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries | Allowance for uncollectible amounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	16,056		19,438		20,501
Additions charged to costs and expenses	3,201		1,318		4,186
Additions charged to other accounts
Deductions	6,434	[2]	4,700	[2]	5,249	[2]
Balance at the end of period	12,823		16,056		19,438
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Allowance for uncollectible amounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	15		77		635
Additions charged to costs and expenses	1				(96)
Additions charged to other accounts
Deductions	2	[2]	62	[2]	462	[2]
Balance at the end of period	$ 14		$ 15		$ 77

[1] Represents primarily payments of policy and escrow losses and loss adjustment expenses.

[2] Represents uncollectible accounts written off.