Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries | Estimated Title Losses
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	$ 520,375		$ 502,611		$ 495,849
Additions charged to costs and expenses	106,318		140,029		142,101
Additions charged to other accounts
Deductions	119,805	[1]	122,265	[1]	135,339	[1]
Balance at the end of period	506,888		520,375		502,611
Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries | Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	12,136		84,771		91,934
Additions charged to costs and expenses	(5,165)		(72,635)		(7,163)
Additions charged to other accounts
Balance at the end of period	6,971		12,136		84,771
Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries | Allowance for uncollectible amounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	12,823		16,056		19,438
Additions charged to costs and expenses	2,063		3,201		1,318
Additions charged to other accounts
Deductions	5,015	[2]	6,434	[2]	4,700	[2]
Balance at the end of period	9,871		12,823		16,056
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Allowance for uncollectible amounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at the beginning of period	14		15		77
Additions charged to costs and expenses			1
Additions charged to other accounts
Deductions	2	[2]	2	[2]	62	[2]
Balance at the end of period	$ 12		$ 14		$ 15

[1] Represents primarily payments of policy and escrow losses and loss adjustment expenses.

[2] Represents uncollectible accounts written off.