Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:
Net earnings attributable to Stewart	$ 15,409	$ 34,668	$ 45,514	$ 47,422
Interest expense, net of tax effects	303	785	1,109	2,354
If-converted net earnings attributable to Stewart	$ 15,712	$ 35,453	$ 46,623	$ 49,776
Denominator (000):
Basic average shares outstanding	22,475	19,309	21,962	19,288
Dilutive average number of shares relating to options	1
Dilutive average number of shares relating to convertible senior notes	2,115	5,047	2,595	5,047
Dilutive average number of shares relating to restricted shares grant	178	43	178	43
Dilutive average shares outstanding	24,769	24,399	24,735	24,378
Basic earnings per share attributable to Stewart	$ 0.69	$ 1.80	$ 2.07	$ 2.46
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart	$ 0.63	$ 1.45	$ 1.88	$ 2.04