CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 169,688	$ 196,471
Cash and cash equivalents - statutory reserve funds	5,688	12,067
Cash and cash equivalents at carrying value	175,376	208,538
Short-term investments	36,146	37,025
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Statutory reserve funds	450,155	444,579
Other	71,895	58,680
Available for sale securities, Total	522,050	503,259
Receivables:
Notes	5,314	8,483
Premiums from agencies	36,511	45,458
Income taxes	3,899	3,259
Trade and other receivables	50,372	56,311
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(10,443)	(12,823)
Total receivables	85,653	100,688
Property and equipment, at cost
Land	5,848	5,848
Buildings	26,759	26,887
Furniture and equipment	243,836	241,694
Accumulated depreciation	(221,535)	(219,715)
Total property and equipment, at cost	54,908	54,714
Title plants, at cost	78,051	77,360
Real estate, at lower of cost or net realizable value	3,782	3,941
Investments in investees, on an equity method basis	13,206	13,891
Goodwill	220,983	220,955
Intangible assets, net of amortization	6,648	7,015
Deferred tax asset	6,844	7,562
Other assets	59,008	56,229
Total assets	1,262,655	1,291,177
Liabilities
Notes payable	6,426	6,481
Convertible senior notes	27,767	64,687
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	95,947	116,617
Estimated title losses	508,756	520,375
Deferred tax liability	2,645	2,645
Total Liabilities	641,541	710,805
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders' equity
Common and Class B Common Stock and additional paid-in capital	193,803	153,441
Retained earnings	394,654	391,447
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,917	12,169
Unrealized investment gains on investments	15,222	14,415
Treasury stock, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Stockholders' equity attributable to Stewart	609,930	568,806
Noncontrolling interests	11,184	11,566
Total stockholders' equity	621,114	580,372
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 1,262,655	$ 1,291,177