Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Numerator:
Net earnings attributable to Stewart	$ 26,899	$ 24,911	$ 30,105	$ 12,754
Interest expense, net of tax effects	293	785	805	1,569
If-converted net earnings attributable to Stewart	$ 27,192	$ 25,696	$ 30,910	$ 14,323
Denominator (000):
Basic average shares outstanding	22,433	19,299	21,701	19,277
Dilutive average number of shares relating to options	150
Dilutive average number of shares relating to convertible senior notes	2,158	5,047	2,864	5,047
Dilutive average number of shares relating to restricted shares grant	178	42	178	43
Dilutive average shares outstanding	24,919	24,388	24,743	24,367
Basic earnings per share attributable to Stewart	$ 1.20	$ 1.29	$ 1.39	$ 0.66
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart	$ 1.09	$ 1.05	$ 1.25	$ 0.59