Schedule I - Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 280,258	$ 286,496	$ 256,194
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	1,329	1,674	451
Cash dividends on Common Stock, per share	$ 0.10	$ 0.10	$ 0.05
Affiliates | Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 276	$ 305	$ 177