CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common and Class B Common Stock ($1 par value)	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	Retained earnings	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 663,089	$ 22,853	$ 171,915	$ 10,882	$ 452,314	$ (2,666)	$ 7,791
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net earnings attributable to Stewart	17,890				17,890
Stock bonuses and other	997	37	960
Exercise of stock options	58	2	56
Stock repurchases	(16,287)	(518)	(15,769)
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary	(299)		(299)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments	6,900			6,900
Net realized gain reclassification	(378)			(378)
Foreign currency translation	(4,308)			(4,308)
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	6,289						6,289
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(7,044)						(7,044)
Net effect of changes in ownership and other	3						3
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 666,910	$ 22,374	$ 156,863	$ 13,096	$ 470,204	$ (2,666)	$ 7,039