Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator:
Net earnings attributable to Stewart																	$ 63,026		$ 109,182		$ 2,348
Interest expense, net of tax effects																	1,408		3,139
If-converted net earnings attributable to Stewart																	$ 64,434		$ 112,321		$ 2,348
Denominator (000):
Basic average shares outstanding																	22,096		19,294		19,131
Dilutive average number of shares relating to convertible senior notes																	2,467		5,047
Dilutive average number of shares relating to restricted shares grant																	178		43
Dilutive average shares outstanding																	24,741		24,384		19,131
Basic earnings per share attributable to Stewart																	$ 2.85		$ 5.66		$ 0.12
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Stewart	$ 0.72	[1]	$ 0.63	[1]	$ 1.09	[1]	$ 0.15	[1]	$ 2.56	[1]	$ 1.45	[1]	$ 1.05	[1]	$ (0.63)	[1]	$ 2.60	[1]	$ 4.61	[1]	$ 0.12

[1] Quarterly per share data may not sum to annual totals due to rounding or effects of dilution in particular quarters but not in annual totals.