First American Financial (FAF) 10-K 23 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 18, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	FAF
Entity Registrant Name	First American Financial Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1472787
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		107,781,233
Entity Public Float			$2,921,903,015

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,190,080	$834,837
Accounts and accrued income receivable, less allowances of $34,662 and $31,831	276,610	236,895
Income taxes receivable	5,547	37,632
Investments:
Deposits with banks	21,445	23,492
Debt securities, includes pledged securities of $120,742 and $123,956	3,450,252	2,819,817
Equity securities	402,412	358,043
Other long-term investments	159,783	183,976
Investments, Total	4,033,892	3,385,328
Loans receivable, net		73,755
Property and equipment, net	395,287	361,348
Title plants and other indexes	530,589	523,879
Deferred income taxes	19,712	27,478
Goodwill	959,945	846,026
Other intangible assets, net	55,812	46,347
Other assets	198,626	185,658
Total assets	7,666,100	6,559,183
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Deposits	2,332,714	1,692,932
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Accounts payable	26,264	26,378
Personnel costs	184,994	183,344
Pension costs and other retirement plans	477,763	388,993
Other	165,084	197,097
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	854,105	795,812
Deferred revenue	202,764	192,184
Reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims	1,011,780	1,018,365
Income taxes payable	6,228
Deferred income taxes	95,128	93,362
Notes and contracts payable	587,337	310,285
Total liabilities	5,090,056	4,102,940
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 18 and 20)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; Authorized—500 shares;Outstanding—none
Common stock, $0.00001 par value; Authorized—300,000 shares; Outstanding—107,541 shares and 105,900 shares	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	2,109,712	2,077,828
Retained earnings	662,310	520,764
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-199,106	-145,544
Total stockholders’ equity	2,572,917	2,453,049
Noncontrolling interests	3,127	3,194
Total equity	2,576,044	2,456,243
Total liabilities and equity	$7,666,100	$6,559,183

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts and accrued income receivable, allowances	$34,662	$31,831
Pledged securities included in debt securities	$120,742	$123,956
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	107,541,000	105,900,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Direct premiums and escrow fees	$2,115,274	$2,184,464	$2,041,740
Agent premiums	1,841,618	2,044,862	1,709,905
Information and other	619,949	627,645	645,023
Net investment income	71,041	89,895	81,031
Net realized investment gains	31,768	9,211	67,686
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses	-1,701		-3,564
Total revenues	4,677,949	4,956,077	4,541,821
Expenses:
Personnel costs	1,410,752	1,445,582	1,334,866
Premiums retained by agents	1,470,895	1,636,694	1,370,193
Other operating expenses	833,681	885,805	836,319
Provision for policy losses and other claims	450,023	530,356	397,717
Depreciation and amortization	85,597	74,916	74,950
Premium taxes	57,194	56,715	51,304
Interest	19,247	15,301	9,066
Total expenses	4,327,389	4,645,369	4,074,415
Income before income taxes	350,560	310,708	467,406
Income taxes	116,345	123,644	165,678
Net income	234,215	187,064	301,728
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	681	697	687
Net income attributable to the Company	$233,534	$186,367	$301,041
Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders:
Basic	$2.18	$1.74	$2.83
Diluted	$2.15	$1.71	$2.77
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.84	$0.48	$0.36
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	106,884	106,991	106,307
Diluted	108,688	109,102	108,542

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$80,738	$80,937	$50,688	$21,852	$51,789	[1]	$64,095	$34,948	$36,232	$234,215	$187,064	$301,728
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities										18,862	-32,992	31,445
Unrealized gain on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings										776	2,327	3,902
Foreign currency translation adjustment										-16,694	-13,650	5,131
Pension benefit adjustment										-56,496	49,324	-13,571
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax										-53,552	5,009	26,907
Comprehensive income										180,663	192,073	328,635
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests										691	694	691
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company										$179,972	$191,379	$327,944
[1]	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_EQU

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Total stockholders' equity	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands
Balance value at Sep. 30, 2011
Purchase of Company shares, value	($67,100)
Purchase of Company shares, shares		-3,200
Balance value at Dec. 31, 2014	2,576,044	1
Balance shares at Dec. 31, 2014	107,541	107,541
Balance value at Dec. 31, 2011	2,034,939	1	2,081,242	124,816	-177,459	2,028,600	6,339
Balance shares at Dec. 31, 2011		105,410
Net income	301,728			301,041		301,041	687
Dividends on common shares	-37,612			-37,612		-37,612
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans, value	15,040		16,270	-1,230		15,040
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans, shares		1,829
Share-based compensation expense	14,839		14,839			14,839
Net activity related to noncontrolling interests	-4,072		-746			-746	-3,326
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 19)	26,907				26,903	26,903	4
Balance value at Dec. 31, 2012	2,351,769	1	2,111,605	387,015	-150,556	2,348,065	3,704
Balance shares at Dec. 31, 2012		107,239
Net income	187,064			186,367		186,367	697
Dividends on common shares	-51,324			-51,324		-51,324
Purchase of Company shares, value	-64,606		-64,606			-64,606
Purchase of Company shares, shares		-2,951
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans, value	7,938		9,232	-1,294		7,938
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans, shares		1,612
Share-based compensation expense	22,301		22,301			22,301
Net activity related to noncontrolling interests	-1,908		-704			-704	-1,204
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 19)	5,009				5,012	5,012	-3
Balance value at Dec. 31, 2013	2,456,243	1	2,077,828	520,764	-145,544	2,453,049	3,194
Balance shares at Dec. 31, 2013	105,900	105,900
Net income	234,215			233,534		233,534	681
Dividends on common shares	-89,939			-89,939		-89,939
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans, value	10,457		12,506	-2,049		10,457
Shares issued in connection with share-based compensation plans, shares		1,641
Share-based compensation expense	19,302		19,302			19,302
Net activity related to noncontrolling interests	-682		76			76	-758
Other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 19)	-53,552				-53,562	-53,562	10
Balance value at Dec. 31, 2014	$2,576,044	$1	$2,109,712	$662,310	($199,106)	$2,572,917	$3,127
Balance shares at Dec. 31, 2014	107,541	107,541

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$234,215	$187,064	$301,728
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for policy losses and other claims	450,023	530,356	397,717
Depreciation and amortization	85,597	74,916	74,950
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities, net	24,579	26,782	17,264
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	-6,856	-6,202	-2,372
Net realized investment gains	-31,768	-9,211	-67,686
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses	1,701		3,564
Share-based compensation	19,302	22,301	14,839
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net	16,545	-5,316	-6,514
Dividends from equity method investments	5,002	11,552	11,585
Changes in assets and liabilities excluding effects of acquisitions and noncash transactions:
Claims paid, including assets acquired, net of recoveries	-469,750	-479,310	-445,986
Net change in income tax accounts	45,872	2,589	64,486
(Increase) decrease in accounts and accrued income receivable	-9,950	23,645	-29,398
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-15,003	5,318	83,979
Increase in deferred revenue	10,333	20,102	14,844
Other, net	795	-26,114	-3,325
Cash provided by operating activities	360,637	378,472	429,675
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash effect of acquisitions/dispositions	-163,320	-5,837	-32,476
Net decrease in deposits with banks	4,211	4,747	2,522
Purchases of debt and equity securities	-1,969,009	-1,532,710	-1,796,314
Proceeds from sales of debt and equity securities	928,386	621,255	954,626
Proceeds from maturities of debt securities	373,969	488,684	491,674
Net change in other long-term investments	8,025	6,443	6,591
Net proceeds from sale of loans receivable	42,284
Net paydowns on loans receivable	23,926	33,597	31,839
Capital expenditures	-97,222	-87,142	-83,892
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	12,058	5,807	7,767
Cash used for investing activities	-836,692	-465,156	-417,663
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in deposits	647,857	281,739	317,957
Net proceeds from issuance of debt	594,477	249,144	440,065
Repayment of debt	-325,110	-168,205	-510,544
Net activity related to noncontrolling interests	-682	-1,894	-4,094
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	6,856	6,202	2,372
Net proceeds in connection with share-based compensation plans	3,601	1,736	12,668
Purchase of Company shares		-64,606
Cash dividends	-89,939	-51,324	-44,705
Cash provided by financing activities	837,060	252,792	213,719
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-5,762	-1,800	105
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	355,243	164,308	225,836
Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of year	834,837	670,529	444,693
Cash and cash equivalents—End of year	1,190,080	834,837	670,529
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Interest	17,327	10,827	8,909
Premium taxes	58,148	54,629	45,375
Income taxes, less refunds of $13,925, $1,329 and $32,269	$72,028	$120,313	$87,324

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Income taxes, refunds	$13,925	$1,329	$32,269

Description_of_the_Company

Description of the Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of the Company	NOTE 1.	Description of the Company:
	First American Financial Corporation (the “Company”), through its subsidiaries, is engaged in the business of providing financial services. The Company consists of the following reportable segments and a corporate function:
	·	The Company’s title insurance and services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property in the United States and offers similar or related products and services internationally. This segment also provides closing and/or escrow services; accommodates tax-deferred exchanges of real estate; provides products, services and solutions involving the use of real property related data designed to mitigate risk or otherwise facilitate real estate transactions; maintains, manages and provides access to title plant records and images; and provides banking, trust and investment advisory services. The Company, through its principal title insurance subsidiary and such subsidiary’s affiliates, transacts its title insurance business through a network of direct operations and agents. Through this network, the Company issues policies in the 49 states that permit the issuance of title insurance policies and the District of Columbia. The Company also offers title insurance and other insurance and guarantee products, as well as related settlement services in foreign countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and various other established and emerging markets.
	·	The Company’s specialty insurance segment issues property and casualty insurance policies and sells home warranty products. The property and casualty insurance business provides insurance coverage to residential homeowners and renters for liability losses and typical hazards such as fire, theft, vandalism and other types of property damage. This business is licensed to issue policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and actively issues policies in 46 states. In certain markets it also offers preferred risk auto insurance to better compete with other carriers offering bundled home and auto insurance. The home warranty business provides residential service contracts that cover residential systems, such as heating and air conditioning systems, and appliances against failures that occur as the result of normal usage during the coverage period. This business currently operates in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
	The corporate function consists primarily of certain financing facilities as well as the corporate services that support the Company’s business operations.
	Spin-off
	The Company became a publicly traded company following its spin-off from its prior parent, The First American Corporation (“TFAC”) on June 1, 2010 (the “Separation”). On that date, TFAC distributed all of the Company’s outstanding shares to the record date shareholders of TFAC on a one-for-one basis (the “Distribution”). After the Distribution, the Company owns TFAC’s financial services businesses and TFAC, which reincorporated and assumed the name CoreLogic, Inc. (“CoreLogic”), continued to own its information solutions businesses.
	Significant Accounting Policies:
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and reflect the consolidated operations of the Company. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First American Financial Corporation and all controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Investments in which the Company exercises significant influence, but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company does not exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the cost method.
	Reclassifications, revisions and out-of-period adjustments
	Certain 2012 and 2013 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.
	The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 was revised for an error which resulted in an adjustment between income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes. The adjustment resulted in an increase to income taxes receivable of $11.1 million, an increase in deferred income tax assets of $27.5 million and an increase in deferred income tax liabilities of $38.6 million.
	During 2014, the Company identified and recorded adjustments to correct for certain errors in foreign currency translation and transactions in prior periods.  These adjustments resulted in an increase to other operating expenses of $5.0 million.
	The Company does not consider these adjustments to be material, individually or in the aggregate, to either the current year or any previously issued consolidated financial statements.
	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
	Cash and cash equivalents
	The Company considers cash equivalents to be all short-term investments that have an initial maturity of 90 days or less and are not restricted for statutory deposit or premium reserve requirements.
	Accounts and accrued income receivable
	Accounts and accrued income receivable are generally due within thirty days and are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We consider accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms as past due. We determine our allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, previous loss history, a specific customer’s ability to pay its obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. Amounts are charged off in the period they are deemed to be uncollectible.
	Investments
	Deposits with banks are short-term investments with initial maturities of generally more than 90 days.
	Debt securities are carried at fair value and consist primarily of investments in obligations of the United States Treasury, various corporations, certain state and political subdivisions and mortgage-backed securities.
	The Company maintains investments in debt securities in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves and state deposits. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of such investments totaled $120.7 million and $124.0 million, respectively. See Note 2 Statutory Restrictions on Investments and Stockholders’ Equity for additional discussion of the Company’s statutory restrictions.
	Equity securities are carried at fair value and consist primarily of investments in exchange traded funds, mutual funds and marketable common and preferred stocks of corporate entities.
	The Company classifies its publicly traded debt and equity securities as available-for-sale with unrealized gains or losses classified as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. See Note 15 Fair Value Measurements for additional discussion of the determination of fair value. Interest income, as well as the related amortization of premium and accretion of discount, on debt securities is recognized under the effective yield method and included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in net investment income. Realized gains and losses on sales of debt and equity securities are determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
	The Company evaluates its debt and equity securities with unrealized losses on a quarterly basis for potential other-than-temporary impairments in value.
	If the Company intends to sell a debt security in an unrealized loss position or determines that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before it recovers its amortized cost basis, the debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired and it is written down to fair value with all losses recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not intend to sell any debt securities in an unrealized loss position and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis.
	If the Company does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of a debt security with declines in fair value (even if the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security), the losses the Company considers to be the credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment loss (“credit loss”) is recognized in earnings and the non-credit portion is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security. The cash flows expected to be collected are discounted at the rate implicit in the security immediately prior to the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment.
	Expected future cash flows for debt securities are based on qualitative and quantitative factors specific to each security, including the probability of default and the estimated timing and amount of recovery. The detailed inputs used to project expected future cash flows may be different depending on the nature of the individual debt security.
	The Company determines if a non-agency mortgage-backed security in a loss position is other-than-temporarily impaired by comparing the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security to its amortized cost basis. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected exceed the amortized cost of the security, the Company concludes that the security is not other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company performs this analysis on all non-agency mortgage-backed securities in its portfolio that are in an unrealized loss position. For the securities that were determined not to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014, the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected exceeded the amortized cost of each security.
	Cash flows expected to be collected for each non-agency mortgage-backed security are estimated by analyzing loan-level detail to estimate future cash flows from the underlying assets, which are then applied to the security based on the underlying contractual provisions of the securitization trust that issued the security (e.g., subordination levels, remaining payment terms, etc.). The Company uses third-party software to determine how the underlying collateral cash flows will be distributed to each security issued from the securitization trust. The primary assumptions used in estimating future collateral cash flows are prepayment speeds, default rates and loss severity. In developing these assumptions, the Company considers the financial condition of the borrower, loan to value ratio, loan type and geographical location of the underlying property. The Company utilizes publicly available information related to specific assets, generally available market data such as forward interest rate curves and securities, loans and property data and market analytics tools provided through a third party.
	The table below summarizes the primary assumptions used at December 31, 2014 in estimating the cash flows expected to be collected for these securities.
		Weighted				Range
		average
	Prepayment speeds		10	%		8.8	%	–	14	%
	Default rates		2.5	%		1.8	%	–	3.7	%
	Loss severity		18.7	%		3.6	%	–	28.5	%
	As a result of the Company’s security-level review, the Company recognized $1.7 million and $3.6 million of other-than-temporary impairments considered to be credit related on its non-agency mortgage-backed securities in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, respectively. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments considered to be credit related in 2013. It is possible that the Company could recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities it owns at December 31, 2014 if future events or information cause it to determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.
	The following table presents the change in the credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings on debt securities for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairments related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Cumulative credit loss on debt securities held at beginning of period	$	16,478		$	16,478			$	33,656
	Addition to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized		1,701			—				3,564
	Accumulated losses on securities that matured or were sold during the year		—			—				(20,742	)
	Cumulative credit loss on debt securities held at end of period	$	18,179		$	16,478			$	16,478
	When a decline in the fair value of an equity security, including common and preferred stock, is considered to be other-than-temporary, such equity security is written down to its fair value. When assessing if a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the factors considered include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security, the seniority of the securities, issuer-specific news and other developments, the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings), macro-economic changes (including the outlook for industry sectors, which includes government policy initiatives) and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
	When an equity security has been in an unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months, the Company’s review of the security includes the above noted factors as well as other evidence that might exist supporting the view that the security will recover its value in the foreseeable future, typically within the next twelve months. If objective, substantial evidence does not indicate a likely recovery during that timeframe, the Company’s policy is that such losses are considered other-than-temporary and therefore an impairment loss is recorded. The Company did not record other-than-temporary impairment losses related to its equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Other long-term investments consist primarily of investments in affiliates, which are accounted for under either the equity method or the cost method of accounting, investments in real estate and notes receivable. The carrying value of investments in affiliates is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. In making the determination as to whether an individual investment in an affiliate was impaired, the Company assessed the then-current and expected financial condition of each relevant entity, including, but not limited to, the anticipated ability of the entity to make its contractually required payments to the Company (with respect to debt obligations to the Company), the results of valuation work performed with respect to the entity, the entity’s anticipated ability to generate sufficient cash flows and the market conditions in the industry in which the entity was operating. The Company recognized impairment losses on equity method investments in affiliates of $22.5 million, 7.8 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Investments in real estate are classified as held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs.  An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the investment.
	Notes receivable are carried at cost less reserves for losses. Loss reserves are established for notes receivable based upon an estimate of probable losses for the individual notes. A loss reserve is established on an individual note when it is deemed probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. The loss reserve is based upon the Company’s assessment of the borrower’s overall financial condition, resources and payment record; and, if appropriate, the realizable value of any collateral. These estimates consider all available evidence including the expected future cash flows, estimated fair value of collateral on secured notes, general economic conditions and trends, and other relevant factors, as appropriate. Notes are placed on non-accrual status when management determines that the collectibility of contractual amounts is not reasonably assured.
	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment includes computer software acquired or developed for internal use and for use with the Company’s products. Software development costs, which include capitalized interest costs and certain payroll-related costs of employees directly associated with developing software, in addition to incremental payments to third parties, are capitalized from the time technological feasibility is established until the software is ready for use. Management uses estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest) to measure the recoverability of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates that the carrying amount is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over its fair value.
	Depreciation on buildings and on furniture and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years and 1 to 15 years, respectively. Capitalized software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 1 to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over useful lives that are consistent with the lease term.
	Title plants and other indexes
	Title plants and other indexes at December 31, 2014 included title plants of $514.6 million and capitalized real estate data of $16.0 million, and at December 31, 2013 included title plants of $523.1 million and capitalized real estate data of $0.8 million. Title plants are carried at original cost, with the costs of daily maintenance (updating) charged to expense as incurred. Because properly maintained title plants have indefinite lives and do not diminish in value with the passage of time, no provision has been made for depreciation or amortization. The Company analyzes its title plants at least annually for impairment. This analysis includes, but is not limited to, the effects of obsolescence, duplication, demand and other economic factors. Capitalized real estate data is carried at cost, less amortization. Capitalized real estate data is amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 3 to 15 years.
	Business Combinations
	Amounts paid for acquisitions are allocated to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related costs are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
	Goodwill Impairment
	The Company is required to perform an annual goodwill impairment assessment for each reporting unit. The Company’s four reporting units are title insurance, home warranty, property and casualty insurance and trust and other services. The Company has elected to perform this annual assessment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or sooner if circumstances indicate possible impairment. Based on current guidance, the Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50%) less than the carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test, or may choose to forego the qualitative assessment and perform the quantitative impairment test. The qualitative factors considered in this assessment may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance as well as other relevant events and circumstances as determined by the Company. The Company evaluates the weight of each factor to determine whether it is more likely than not that impairment may exist. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate the more likely than not threshold was not met, the Company may choose not to perform the quantitative impairment test. If, however, the more likely than not threshold is met, the Company performs the quantitative test as required and discussed below.
	Management’s quantitative impairment testing process includes two steps. The first step (“Step 1”) compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined by using discounted cash flow analysis and market approach valuations. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill is not considered impaired and no additional analysis is required. However, if the carrying amount is greater than the fair value, a second step (“Step 2”) must be completed to determine if the fair value of the goodwill exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill.
	Step 2 involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which Step 1 indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in Step 1, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted.
The quantitative impairment test for goodwill utilizes a variety of valuation techniques, all of which require the Company to make estimates and judgments. Fair value is determined by employing an expected present value technique, which utilizes multiple cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes and an appropriate discount rate. The use of comparative market multiples (the “market approach”) compares the reporting unit to other comparable companies (if such comparables are present in the marketplace) based on valuation multiples to arrive at a fair value. In assessing the fair value, the Company utilizes the results of the valuations (including the market approach to the extent comparables are available) and considers the range of fair values determined under all methods and the extent to which the fair value exceeds the carrying amount of the equity or asset.
The valuation of each reporting unit includes the use of assumptions and estimates of many critical factors, including revenue growth rates and operating margins, discount rates and future market conditions, determination of market multiples and the establishment of a control premium, among others. Forecasts of future operations are based, in part, on operating results and the Company’s expectations as to future market conditions. These types of analyses contain uncertainties because they require the Company to make assumptions and to apply judgments to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. However, if actual results are not consistent with the Company’s estimates and assumptions, the Company may be exposed to future goodwill impairment losses that could be material.
The Company elected to perform qualitative assessments for 2014 and 2013, the results of which supported the conclusion that the fair values of the Company’s reporting units were not more likely than not less than their carrying amounts and, therefore, a quantitative assessment was not considered necessary.  For 2012, the Company performed a quantitative assessment and determined that the fair values of its reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts and, therefore, no additional analysis was required.  As a result of these assessments, the Company did not record any goodwill impairment losses for 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Other intangible assets
The Company’s intangible assets consist of noncompete agreements, customer relationships, trademarks, patents and licenses. Each of these intangible assets, excluding licenses, is amortized on a straight-line basis over its useful life ranging from 1 to 20 years and is subject to impairment assessments when there is an indication of a triggering event or abandonment. Licenses are an intangible asset with an indefinite life and are therefore not amortized but rather assessed for impairment by comparing the fair value of the license with its carrying value at least annually and when an indicator of potential impairment has occurred.
Management uses estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest) to measure the recoverability of intangible assets with finite lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates that the carrying amount is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over its fair value.
Reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims
The Company provides for title insurance losses by a charge to expense when the related premium revenue is recognized. The amount charged to expense is generally determined by applying a rate (the loss provision rate) to total title insurance premiums and escrow fees. The Company’s management estimates the loss provision rate at the beginning of each year and reassesses the rate quarterly to ensure that the resulting incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) loss reserve and known claims reserve included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets together reflect management’s best estimate of the total costs required to settle all IBNR and known claims. If the ending IBNR reserve is not considered adequate, an adjustment is recorded.
The process of assessing the loss provision rate and the resulting IBNR reserve involves evaluation of the results of an in-house actuarial review. The Company’s in-house actuary performs a reserve analysis utilizing generally accepted actuarial methods that incorporate cumulative historical claims experience and information provided by in-house claims and operations personnel. Current economic and business trends are also reviewed and used in the reserve analysis. These include real estate and mortgage markets conditions, changes in residential and commercial real estate values, and changes in the levels of defaults and foreclosures that may affect claims levels and patterns of emergence, as well as any company-specific factors that may be relevant to past and future claims experience. Results from the analysis include, but are not limited to, a range of IBNR reserve estimates and a single point estimate for IBNR as of the balance sheet date.
For recent policy years at early stages of development (generally the last three years), IBNR is estimated using a combination of expected loss rate and multiplicative loss development factor calculations. For more mature policy years, IBNR generally is estimated using multiplicative loss development factor calculations. The expected loss rate method estimates IBNR by applying an expected loss rate to total title insurance premiums and escrow fees, and adjusting for policy year maturity using estimated loss development patterns. Multiplicative loss development factor calculations estimate IBNR by applying factors derived from loss development patterns to losses realized to date. The expected loss rate and loss development patterns are based on historical experience and the relationship of the history to the applicable policy years.
The Company’s management uses the IBNR point estimate from the in-house actuary’s analysis and other relevant information it may have concerning claims to determine what it considers to be the best estimate of the total amount required for the IBNR reserve.
Title insurance policies are long-duration contracts with the majority of the claims reported to the Company within the first few years following the issuance of the policy. Generally, 70% to 80% of claim amounts become known in the first six years of the policy life, and the majority of IBNR reserves relate to the six most recent policy years. Changes in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for recent policy years are considered likely and could result in a material adjustment to the IBNR reserves. Based on historical experience, management believes a 50 basis point change to the loss rates for the most recent policy years, positive or negative, is reasonably likely given the long duration nature of a title insurance policy. For example, if the expected ultimate losses for each of the last six policy years increased or decreased by 50 basis points, the resulting impact on the Company’s IBNR reserve would be an increase or decrease, as the case may be, of $98.7 million. A material change in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for older policy years is also possible, particularly for policy years with loss ratios exceeding historical norms. The estimates made by management in determining the appropriate level of IBNR reserves could ultimately prove to be materially different from actual claims experience.
The Company provides for property and casualty insurance losses when the insured event occurs. The Company provides for claims losses relating to its home warranty business based on the average cost per claim as applied to the total of new claims incurred. The average cost per home warranty claim is calculated using the average of the most recent 12 months of claims experience adjusted for estimated future increases in costs.
Contingent litigation and regulatory liabilities
Amounts related to contingent litigation and regulatory liabilities are accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount is reasonably estimable.  The Company records legal fees in other operating expense in the period incurred.
Revenues
Title premiums on policies issued directly by the Company are recognized on the effective date of the title policy and escrow fees are recorded upon close of the escrow. Revenues from title policies issued by independent agents are recorded when notice of issuance is received from the agent, which is generally when cash payment is received by the Company. Revenues earned by the Company’s title plant management business are recognized at the time of delivery, as the Company has no significant ongoing obligation after delivery.
Direct premiums of the Company’s specialty insurance segment include revenues from home warranty contracts which are generally recognized ratably over the 12-month duration of the contracts, and revenues from property and casualty insurance policies which are also recognized ratably over the 12-month duration of the policies.
Revenues earned by the Company’s trust operations are recognized at the time of delivery, as the Company has no significant ongoing obligation after delivery.
Premium taxes
Title insurance, property and casualty insurance and home warranty companies, like other types of insurers, are generally not subject to state income or franchise taxes. However, in lieu thereof, most states impose a tax based primarily on insurance premiums written. This premium tax is reported as a separate line item in the consolidated statements of income in order to provide a more meaningful disclosure of the taxation of the Company.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company evaluates the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based upon the amount of existing temporary differences, the period in which they are expected to be recovered and expected levels of taxable income. A valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets is established when it is considered more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if sustaining those positions is considered more likely than not. Changes in recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions are reflected in the period in which a change in judgment occurs. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in tax expense.
Share-based compensation
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized in the Company’s financial statements over the requisite service period of the award using the straight-line method for awards that contain only a service condition and the graded vesting method for awards that contain a performance or market condition. The share-based compensation expense recognized is based on the number of shares ultimately expected to vest, net of forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
The Company’s primary means of providing share-based compensation is through the granting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”). RSUs granted generally have graded vesting and include a service condition; and for certain key employees and executives, may also include either a performance or market condition. RSUs receive dividend equivalents in the form of RSUs having the same vesting requirements as the RSUs initially granted.
In addition, the Company has an employee stock purchase plan that allows eligible employees the option to purchase common stock of the Company at 85% of the lower of the closing price on either the first or last day of each offering period.  The offering periods are three-month periods beginning on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each fiscal year.  The Company recognizes an expense in the amount equal to the value of the 15% discount and look-back feature over the three-month offering period.
Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to the Company’s stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive stock options had been exercised and RSUs were vested. The dilutive effect of stock options and unvested RSUs is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes any proceeds that could be obtained upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price for the period. The assumed proceeds include the purchase price the grantee pays, the hypothetical windfall tax benefit that the Company receives upon assumed exercise or vesting and the hypothetical average unrecognized compensation expense for the period. The Company calculates the assumed proceeds from excess tax benefits based on the “as-if” deferred tax assets calculated under share based compensation standards.
Certain unvested RSUs contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as they are eligible to participate in undistributed earnings without meeting service condition requirements. These awards are considered participating securities under the guidance which requires the use of the two-class method when computing basic and diluted earnings per share. The two-class method reduces earnings allocated to common stockholders by dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities.
Employee benefit plans
The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability on its consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which changes occur, through accumulated other comprehensive loss. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation (the projected benefit obligation for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the other postretirement plans). Actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits that have not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost previously are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Plan assets and obligations are measured annually as of December 31.
The Company informally funds its nonqualified deferred compensation plan through tax-advantaged investments known as variable universal life insurance. The Company’s deferred compensation plan assets are included as a component of other assets and the Company’s deferred compensation plan liability is included as a component of pension costs and other retirement plans on the consolidated balance sheets. The income earned on the Company’s deferred compensation plan assets is included as a component of net investment income and the income earned by the deferred compensation plan participants is included as a component of personnel costs on the consolidated statements of income.
Foreign currency
The Company operates in foreign countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and various other established and emerging markets. The functional currencies of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally their respective local currencies. The financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars as follows: assets and liabilities at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, equity at the historical rates of exchange, and income and expense amounts at average rates prevailing throughout the period. Translation adjustments resulting from the translation of the subsidiaries’ accounts are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included within other operating expenses.
Reinsurance
The Company assumes and cedes large title insurance risks through reinsurance. Additionally, the Company’s property and casualty insurance business uses reinsurance to limit risk associated with natural disasters such as windstorms, winter storms, wildfires and earthquakes. In reinsurance arrangements, the primary insurer retains a certain amount of risk under a policy and cedes the remainder of the risk under the policy to the reinsurer. The primary insurer pays the reinsurer a premium in exchange for accepting this risk of loss. The primary insurer generally remains liable to its insured for the total risk, but is reinsured under the terms of the reinsurance agreement. The amount of premiums assumed and ceded is recorded as a component of direct premiums and escrow fees on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The total amount of premiums assumed and ceded in connection with reinsurance was less than 1.0% of consolidated premium and escrow fees for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Payments and recoveries on reinsured losses for the Company’s title insurance and property and casualty businesses were immaterial during the three years ended December 31, 2014.  At December 31, 2014, a reinsurance receivable of $25.0 million, which related to a large commercial title claim, was included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in accounts and accrued income receivable.  The Company collected $23.2 million of the receivable in February 2015 and expects to collect the remaining $1.8 during the remainder of 2015.  No reinsurance receivable was included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013.
Escrow deposits and trust assets
The Company administers escrow deposits and trust assets as a service to its customers. Escrow deposits totaled $6.3 billion and $4.7 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of which $2.2 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, were held at the Company’s federal savings bank subsidiary, First American Trust, FSB. The escrow deposits held at First American Trust, FSB are temporarily invested in cash and cash equivalents and debt and equity securities, with offsetting liabilities included in deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The remaining escrow deposits were held at third-party financial institutions.
Trust assets held or managed by First American Trust, FSB totaled $3.0 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Escrow deposits held at third-party financial institutions and trust assets are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. However, the Company could be held contingently liable for the disposition of these assets.
In conducting its operations, the Company often holds customers’ assets in escrow, pending completion of real estate transactions and, as a result, the Company has ongoing programs for realizing economic benefits, including investment programs, borrowing agreements, and vendor services arrangements with various financial institutions. The effects of these programs are included in the consolidated financial statements as income or a reduction in expense, as appropriate, based on the nature of the arrangement and benefit received.
Like-kind exchanges
The Company facilitates tax-deferred property exchanges for customers pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code and tax-deferred reverse exchanges pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2000-37. As a facilitator and intermediary, the Company holds the proceeds from sales transactions and takes temporary title to property identified by the customer to be acquired with such proceeds. Upon the completion of each such exchange, the identified property is transferred to the customer or, if the exchange does not take place, an amount equal to the sales proceeds or, in the case of a reverse exchange, title to the property held by the Company is transferred to the customer. Like-kind exchange funds held by the Company totaled $2.4 billion and $1.4 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The like-kind exchange deposits are held at third-party financial institutions and, due to the structure utilized to facilitate these transactions, the proceeds and property are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. All such amounts are placed in deposit accounts insured, up to applicable limits, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company could be held contingently liable to the customer for the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:
In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance intended to eliminate the diversity in practice regarding financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Pending Accounting Pronouncements:
In June 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to eliminate the diversity in practice regarding share-based payment awards that include terms which provide for a performance target that affects vesting being achieved after the requisite service period. The new standard requires that a performance target which affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting and should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value.  The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.  The Company expects the adoption of this guidance to have no impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within and across industries, and across capital markets. The new revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and the timing of recognition. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue from insurance contracts is not within the scope of this guidance. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects the adoption of this guidance to have no impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Statutory_Restrictions_On_Inve

Statutory Restrictions On Investments And Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Restrictions on Investments and Stockholders' Equity	NOTE 2.    Statutory Restrictions on Investments and Stockholders’ Equity:
	Investments totaling $133.0 million and $128.9 million were on deposit with state treasurers in accordance with statutory requirements for the protection of policyholders at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Pursuant to insurance and other regulations under which the Company’s insurance subsidiaries operate, the amount of dividends, loans and advances available to the Company is limited, principally for the protection of policyholders. As of December 31, 2014, under such regulations, the maximum amount of dividends, loans and advances available to the Company from its insurance subsidiaries in 2015, without prior approval from applicable regulators, was $570.0 million.
	The Company’s principal title insurance subsidiary, First American Title Insurance Company (“FATICO”), maintained total statutory capital and surplus of $971.3 million and $996.0 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Statutory net income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $393.1 million, $199.1 million and $301.9 million, respectively. FATICO was in compliance with the minimum statutory capital and surplus requirements as of December 31, 2014.
	FATICO, which was previously domiciled in the state of California, redomesticated to Nebraska effective July 1, 2014.  FATICO’s statutory-based financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Nebraska Department of Insurance for the year ended December 31, 2014 and by the California Department of Insurance for the year ended December 31, 2013.  The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (“NAIC”) Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual (“NAIC SAP”) has been adopted as a component of prescribed or permitted practices by the states of Nebraska and California. Both states have adopted certain prescribed accounting practices that differ from those found in the NAIC SAP. Specifically, the timing of amounts released from the statutory premium reserve under both Nebraska’s and California’s required practice differs from NAIC SAP resulting in total statutory capital and surplus that was lower by $11.7 million and $193.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, than if reported in accordance with NAIC SAP. Additionally, for the year ended December 31, 2014, the state of Nebraska granted a permitted accounting practice to FATICO that differs from Nebraska’s prescribed accounting practices; specifically, the determination to not record a bulk reserve within the known claims reserve resulting in total statutory capital and surplus that was higher by $8.2 million at December 31, 2014 than if reported in accordance with Nebraska’s required practice.
	Statutory accounting principles differ in some respects from generally accepted accounting principles, and these differences include, but are not limited to, non-admission of certain assets (principally limitations on deferred tax assets, capitalized furniture and other equipment, premiums and other receivables 90 days past due and assets acquired in connection with claim settlements other than real estate or mortgage loans secured by real estate), reporting of bonds at amortized cost, amortization of goodwill, deferral of premiums received as statutory premium reserve, supplemental reserve (if applicable) and exclusion of the incurred but not reported claims reserve.

Debt_and_Equity_Securities

Debt and Equity Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Debt and Equity Securities	NOTE 3.    Debt and Equity Securities:
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are as follows:
			Amortized			Gross unrealized							Estimated
	(in thousands)		cost			gains				losses			fair value
	December 31, 2014
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	64,195		$	968			$	(181	)	$	64,982
	Municipal bonds			577,703			10,981				(1,007	)		587,677
	Foreign bonds			194,749			2,009				(8	)		196,750
	Governmental agency bonds			198,330			1,562				(2,018	)		197,874
	Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities			1,812,766			8,491				(9,095	)		1,812,162
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			15,949			1,306				(717	)		16,538
	Corporate debt securities			568,774			8,759				(3,264	)		574,269
			$	3,432,466		$	34,076			$	(16,290	)	$	3,450,252
	December 31, 2013
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	66,400		$	669			$	(685	)	$	66,384
	Municipal bonds			491,143			5,113				(10,291	)		485,965
	Foreign bonds			221,298			1,836				(626	)		222,508
	Governmental agency bonds			267,713			233				(5,401	)		262,545
	Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities			1,426,489			2,074				(25,254	)		1,403,309
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			19,658			1,167				(1,803	)		19,022
	Corporate debt securities			355,893			7,279				(3,088	)		360,084
			$	2,848,594		$	18,371			$	(47,148	)	$	2,819,817
	The cost and estimated fair value of investments in equity securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are as follows:
			Cost			Gross unrealized							Estimated
	(in thousands)					gains				losses			fair value
	31-Dec-14
	Preferred stocks		$	14,976		$	596			$	(47	)	$	15,525
	Common stocks			378,938			16,680				(8,731	)		386,887
			$	393,914		$	17,276			$	(8,778	)	$	402,412
	31-Dec-13
	Preferred stocks		$	9,915		$	1,567			$	(397	)	$	11,085
	Common stocks			324,184			25,137				(2,363	)		346,958
			$	334,099		$	26,704			$	(2,760	)	$	358,043
	The Company had the following unrealized gains (losses) as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized	$	604		$	(625	)		$	(4,435	)
	Debt securities—all other		17,182			(28,152	)			43,041
	Equity securities		8,498			23,944				6,750
		$	26,284		$	(4,833	)		$	45,356
	Sales of debt and equity securities resulted in realized gains of $34.1 million, $17.2 million and $70.1 million and realized losses of $9.1 million, $15.5 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company had the following gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Less than 12 months							12 months or longer						Total
	(in thousands)		Estimated			Unrealized				Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated		Unrealized
			fair value			losses				fair value			losses			fair value		losses
	December 31, 2014
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	8,122		$	(27	)		$	15,124		$	(154	)	$	23,246	$	(181	)
	Municipal bonds			137,755			(689	)			19,625			(318	)		157,380		(1,007	)
	Foreign bonds			6,215			(8	)			—			—			6,215		(8	)
	Governmental agency bonds			27,479			(88	)			127,936			(1,930	)		155,415		(2,018	)
	Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities			383,717			(1,612	)			300,918			(7,483	)		684,635		(9,095	)
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			—			—				5,611			(717	)		5,611		(717	)
	Corporate debt securities			198,079			(3,151	)			9,683			(113	)		207,762		(3,264	)
	Total debt securities			761,367			(5,575	)			478,897			(10,715	)		1,240,264		(16,290	)
	Equity securities			208,922			(8,587	)			2,340			(191	)		211,262		(8,778	)
	Total		$	970,289		$	(14,162	)		$	481,237		$	(10,906	)	$	1,451,526	$	(25,068	)
	December 31, 2013
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	37,492		$	(685	)		$	—		$	—		$	37,492	$	(685	)
	Municipal bonds			230,180			(8,938	)			27,687			(1,353	)		257,867		(10,291	)
	Foreign bonds			56,579			(626	)			—			—			56,579		(626	)
	Governmental agency bonds			203,011			(5,375	)			131			(26	)		203,142		(5,401	)
Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities			838,411			(20,970	)			124,425			(4,284	)		962,836		(25,254	)
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			—			—				12,086			(1,803	)		12,086		(1,803	)
Corporate debt securities			129,394			(2,422	)			12,500			(666	)		141,894		(3,088	)
Total debt securities			1,495,067			(39,016	)			176,829			(8,132	)		1,671,896		(47,148	)
Equity securities			85,112			(2,718	)			1,046			(42	)		86,158		(2,760	)
Total		$	1,580,179		$	(41,734	)		$	177,875		$	(8,174	)	$	1,758,054	$	(49,908	)
Substantially all securities in the Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed portfolio are senior tranches and all were investment grade at the time of purchase, however, all have subsequently been downgraded to below investment grade. The table below summarizes the composition of the Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed securities as of December 31, 2014, by collateral type and year of issuance.
(in thousands, except number of securities)		Number of			Amortized				Estimated
		Securities			Cost				Fair Value
Non-agency mortgage- backed securities:
Prime single family residential:
2007			1		$	2,738			$	2,394
2006			3			7,433				7,377
2005			1			524				509
Alt-A single family residential:
2007			1			5,254				6,258
			6		$	15,949			$	16,538
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturities, are as follows:
(in thousands)		Due in one			Due after				Due after			Due after			Total
		year or less			one				five			ten years
					through				through
					five years				ten years
U.S. Treasury bonds
Amortized cost		$	4,909		$	40,264			$	17,032		$	1,990		$	64,195
Estimated fair value		$	4,969		$	40,312			$	17,370		$	2,331		$	64,982
Municipal bonds
Amortized cost		$	20,148		$	262,901			$	181,812		$	112,842		$	577,703
Estimated fair value		$	20,239		$	264,952			$	186,168		$	116,318		$	587,677
Foreign bonds
Amortized cost		$	46,403		$	131,652			$	13,473		$	3,221		$	194,749
Estimated fair value		$	46,585		$	133,103			$	13,707		$	3,355		$	196,750
Governmental agency bonds
Amortized cost		$	2,279		$	171,686			$	12,402		$	11,963		$	198,330
Estimated fair value		$	2,284		$	169,796			$	12,762		$	13,032		$	197,874
Corporate debt securities
Amortized cost		$	18,503		$	239,699			$	262,743		$	47,829		$	568,774
Estimated fair value		$	18,640		$	242,236			$	263,623		$	49,770		$	574,269
Total debt securities excluding mortgage-backed securities
Amortized cost		$	92,242		$	846,202			$	487,462		$	177,845		$	1,603,751
Estimated fair value		$	92,717		$	850,399			$	493,630		$	184,806		$	1,621,552
Total mortgage-backed securities
Amortized cost															$	1,828,715
Estimated fair value															$	1,828,700
Total debt securities
Amortized cost															$	3,432,466
Estimated fair value															$	3,450,252
Mortgage-backed securities, which include contractual terms to maturity, are not categorized by contractual maturity because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

Financing_Receivables

Financing Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivables	NOTE 4.    Financing Receivables:
	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company completed its multi-year process of winding-down the operations of its industrial bank, First Security Business Bank, which included the sale of the bank’s loan portfolio and transfer of its customer deposits to a third party bank. The Company received proceeds from the sale of $42.3 million, net of $8.1 million related to customer deposits, and recorded a gain of $0.5 million.  Customer deposits were transferred at par value. Loans receivable, net totaled $73.8 million at December 31, 2013.
			December 31,
	Notes receivable:		2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Secured			5,810				10,533
	Unsecured			2,761				2,593
				8,571				13,126
	Loss reserve			(2,441	)			(2,584	)
	Notes receivable, net		$	6,130			$	10,542
	Aging analysis of notes receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows:
		Total				Current				30-59 days		60-89 days		90 days or		Non-accrual
										past due		past due		more		status
														past due
		(in thousands)
	31-Dec-14
	Notes Receivable:
	Secured	$	5,810			$	4,929			$	28	$	—	$	43	$	810
	Unsecured		2,761				1,121				7		—		—		1,633
		$	8,571			$	6,050			$	35	$	—	$	43	$	2,443
	31-Dec-13
	Notes Receivable:
	Secured	$	10,533			$	5,784			$	3,668	$	—	$	231	$	850
	Unsecured		2,593				771				—		—		—		1,822
		$	13,126			$	6,555			$	3,668	$	—	$	231	$	2,672
	The aggregate annual maturities for notes receivable at December 31, 2014, is as follows:
	Year			Notes
				Receivable
			(in thousands)
	2015			$	2,035
	2016				1,509
	2017				719
	2018				517
	2019				2,603
	2020 and thereafter				1,188
				$	8,571

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	NOTE 5.    Property and Equipment:
	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land	$	29,700		$	29,816
	Buildings		270,689			277,131
	Furniture and equipment		186,237			182,912
	Capitalized software		466,548			402,713
			953,174			892,572
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(557,887	)		(531,224	)
		$	395,287		$	361,348

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	NOTE 6.    Goodwill:
	A summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows:
		Title			Specialty		Total
		Insurance			Insurance
		and Services
		(in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	799,092		$	46,765	$	845,857
	Acquisitions		4,456			—		4,456
	Foreign currency translation		(4,287	)		—		(4,287	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		799,261			46,765		846,026
	Acquisitions		121,252			—		121,252
	Foreign currency translation		(5,554	)		—		(5,554	)
	Other adjustments		(1,779	)		—		(1,779	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	913,180		$	46,765	$	959,945
	For further discussion about the Company’s acquisitions in 2014 see Note 21 Business Combinations.
	The Company’s goodwill impairment assessments for 2014, 2013 and 2012 did not indicate impairment to any of its reporting units. There is no accumulated impairment for goodwill as the Company has never recognized impairment to any of its reporting units.

Other_Intangible_Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	NOTE 7.    Other Intangible Assets:
	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	94,850		$	77,382
	Noncompete agreements		27,286			26,928
	Trademarks		11,241			10,026
	Patents		2,840			2,840
			136,217			117,176
	Accumulated amortization		(97,282	)		(88,624	)
			38,935			28,552
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Licenses		16,877			17,795
		$	55,812		$	46,347
	Amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $12.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Estimated amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:
	Year		(in thousands)
	2015		$	8,886
	2016		$	8,423
	2017		$	6,799
	2018		$	4,462
	2019		$	3,690

Deposits

Deposits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking And Thrift [Abstract]
Deposits	NOTE 8.    Deposits:
	Deposit accounts are summarized as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands, except
		percentages)
	Escrow accounts:
	Interest bearing	$	1,962,351		$	1,376,921
	Non-interest bearing		266,281			176,964
			2,228,632			1,553,885
	Savings accounts (1)		—			22,015
	Certificate accounts (1)		—			26,596
	Business checking and other deposits (2)		104,082			90,436
		$	2,332,714		$	1,692,932
	Weighted average interest rate:
	Escrow accounts		0.11	%		0.13	%
	-1	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company completed its multi-year process of winding-down the operations of its industrial bank, First Security Business Bank, which included the sale of the bank’s loan portfolio and transfer of its customer deposits to a third party bank. The Company received proceeds from the sale of $42.3 million, net of $8.1 million related to customer deposits, and recorded a gain of $0.5 million.  Customer deposits were transferred at par value.
	-2	Business checking and other deposits primarily reflect non-interest bearing accounts.

Reserve_for_Known_and_Incurred

Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims	NOTE 9.    Reserve for Known and Incurred But Not Reported Claims:
	Activity in the reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims is summarized as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,018,365		$	976,462			$	1,014,676
	Provision related to:
	Current year		385,155			380,723				335,097
	Prior years		64,868			149,633				62,620
			450,023			530,356				397,717
	Payments, net of recoveries, related to:
	Current year		196,656			182,653				160,138
	Prior years		273,094			296,657				285,848
			469,750			479,310				445,986
	Other		13,142			(9,143	)			10,055
	Balance at end of year	$	1,011,780		$	1,018,365			$	976,462
	“Other” primarily represents reclassifications to the reserve for foreign currency gains/losses and assets acquired in connection with claim settlements. Claims activity associated with reinsurance is not material and, therefore, not presented separately. Current year payments include $174.4 million, $167.3 million and $144.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that primarily relate to the Company’s specialty insurance segment. Prior year payments include $23.2 million, $16.0 million and $16.7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that relate to the Company’s specialty insurance segment.
	The provision for title insurance losses, expressed as a percentage of title insurance premiums and escrow fees, was 7.0%, 8.8% and 6.9% for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The current year rate of 7.0% reflects an ultimate loss rate of 5.3% for the current policy year and a net increase in the loss reserve estimates for prior policy years of $62.2 million. The increase in loss reserve estimates for prior policy years reflected claims development above expected levels during 2014, primarily from domestic commercial policies.  The reserve strengthening associated with domestic commercial policies was $41.4 million and was primarily attributable to several large commercial claims, net of anticipated recoveries, mainly from mechanics liens, and primarily related to policy years 2003, 2005 and 2007.  Other factors, including a large international commercial claim from policy year 2004, also contributed to the net increase in the loss reserve estimates for prior policy years.
	As of December 31, 2014, the title insurance and services segment’s IBNR reserve was $802.1 million, which reflected management’s best estimate. The Company’s internal actuary determined a range of reasonable estimates of $726.1 million to $990.5 million. The range limits are $76.0 million below and $188.4 million above management’s best estimate, respectively, and represent an estimate of the range of variation among reasonable estimates of the IBNR reserve. Actuarial estimates are sensitive to assumptions used in models, as well as the structures of the models themselves, and to changes in claims payment and incurral patterns, which can vary materially due to economic conditions, among other factors.
	The prior year rate of 8.8% reflected an ultimate loss rate of 5.0% for policy year 2013 and a net increase in the loss reserve estimates for prior policy years of $148.5 million. The increase in loss reserve estimates for prior policy years reflected claims development above expected levels during 2013, primarily from domestic lenders policies, commercial policies and the Company’s guaranteed valuation product offered in Canada.  The reserve strengthening associated with domestic lenders policies was $67.4 million and was primarily attributable to increased claims frequency for policy years 2004 through 2008.  The increased claims frequency was primarily due to mortgage lenders and servicers processing a large volume of foreclosures during 2013.  As foreclosure processing increases, lenders claims generally increase, because lenders claims typically come from foreclosures in which the lender suffers a loss.  At December 31, 2013, the Company expected the high level of foreclosure processing to continue in the near term as mortgage lenders and servicers worked through their foreclosure inventory.  The reserve strengthening associated with domestic lenders policies reflected these expectations.  The reserve strengthening associated with commercial policies was $38.8 million and was primarily attributable to several large commercial claims, mainly from mechanics liens, and primarily related to policy years 2007 and 2008.  The reserve strengthening associated with the guaranteed valuation product offered in Canada was $21.7 million and was primarily attributable to claims frequency exceeding the Company’s expectations during 2013.  The increase in frequency primarily related to policy years 2007 and 2010.
	The 2012 rate of 6.9% reflected an ultimate loss rate of 5.1% for policy year 2012 and a net increase in the loss reserve estimates for prior policy years of $62.1 million. The increase in loss reserve estimates for prior policy years reflected claims development above expected levels during 2012, primarily from domestic lenders policies and international business, including the guaranteed valuation product offered in Canada. The reserve strengthening associated with domestic lenders policies was $25.6 million and was primarily attributable to policy years 2005 through 2007. This strengthening was primarily due to an increase in claims frequency experienced during 2012, partially offset by a slight decrease in severity. The reserve strengthening associated with the international business, excluding the guaranteed valuation product, was $15.6 million and was primarily related to increased severity experienced during 2012 for policy years 2003 through 2011. The reserve strengthening associated with the guaranteed valuation product was $11.8 million and reflected an increase in claims frequency experienced during the first half of 2012. The increase in frequency primarily related to policy years 2008 and 2009.
	The current economic environment continues to show potential for volatility over the short term, which may affect title claims. Relevant contributing factors include continuing elevated foreclosure inventory and foreclosure processing and general economic uncertainty. Other factors, including factors not yet identified, may also influence claims development. While real estate and financial market conditions have improved to some extent as evidenced by increased real estate prices and a decline in mortgage defaults, significant uncertainty remains. In addition, while foreclosure inventory and foreclosure processing remain elevated compared to historic norms, the level of inventory and processing has declined from its peak.  Nevertheless, the current environment continues to create an increased potential for actual claims experience to vary significantly from projections, in either direction, which would directly affect the claims provision. If actual claims vary significantly from expected, reserves may be adjusted to reflect updated estimates of future claims.
	The volume and timing of title insurance claims are subject to cyclical influences from real estate and mortgage markets. Title policies issued to lenders constitute a large portion of the Company’s title insurance volume. These policies insure lenders against losses on mortgage loans due to title defects in the collateral property. Even if an underlying title defect exists that could result in a claim, often the lender must realize an actual loss, or at least be likely to realize an actual loss, for title insurance liability to exist. As a result, title insurance claims exposure is sensitive to lenders’ losses on mortgage loans, and is affected in turn by external factors that affect mortgage loan losses, particularly macroeconomic factors.
	A general decline in real estate prices can expose lenders to greater risk of losses on mortgage loans, as loan-to-value ratios increase and defaults and foreclosures increase. Title insurance claims exposure for a given policy year is also affected by the quality of mortgage loan underwriting during the corresponding origination year. The Company believes that sensitivity of claims to external conditions in real estate and mortgage markets is an inherent feature of title insurance’s business economics that applies broadly to the title insurance industry. Lenders have experienced high losses on mortgage loans from prior years, including loans that were originated during the years 2005 through 2008. These losses have led to higher title insurance claims on lenders policies, and also have accelerated the reporting of claims that would have been realized later under more normal conditions.
	Loss ratios (projected to ultimate value) for policy years 2005 through 2008 are higher than loss ratios for policy years 1992 through 2004. The major causes of the higher loss ratios for those four policy years are believed to be confined mostly to that underwriting period. These causes included: rapidly increasing residential real estate prices which led to an increase in the incidences of fraud, lower mortgage loan underwriting standards and a higher concentration than usual of subprime mortgage loan originations.
	The projected ultimate loss ratios, as of December 31, 2014, for policy years 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 5.3%, 4.6% and 3.8%, respectively, which are lower than the ratios for 2005 through 2008. These projections were based in part on an assumption that more favorable underwriting conditions existed in 2009 through 2014 than in 2005 through 2008, including, but not limited to, tighter loan underwriting standards. Current claims data from policy years 2009 through 2014, while still at an early stage of development for the more recent policy years within that period, supports this assumption.
	A summary of the Company’s loss reserves is as follows:
	(in thousands, except percentages)		December 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Known title claims		$	165,330			16.3	%		$	135,478	13.3	%
	Incurred but not reported claims			802,069			79.3	%			840,104	82.5	%
	Total title claims			967,399			95.6	%			975,582	95.8	%
	Non-title claims			44,381			4.4	%			42,783	4.2	%
	Total loss reserves		$	1,011,780			100	%		$	1,018,365	100	%

Notes_and_Contracts_Payable

Notes and Contracts Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes and Contracts Payable	NOTE 10.    Notes and Contracts Payable:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands, except percentages)
	4.60% senior unsecured notes due November 15, 2024, net of unamortized discount of $74 at December 31, 2014, effective interest rate of 4.60%	$	299,926		$	—
	4.30% senior unsecured notes due February 1, 2023, net of unamortized discount of $760 and $837 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, effective interest rate of 4.35%		249,240			249,163
	Trust deed notes with maturities through 2032, collateralized by land and buildings with a net book value of $52,414 and $55,206 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, weighted-average interest rate of 5.39% and 5.42%, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		34,420			38,151
	Other notes and contracts payable with maturities through 2020, weighted-average interest rate of 5.30% and 2.96% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		3,751			22,971
		$	587,337		$	310,285
	The weighted-average interest rate for the Company’s notes and contracts payable was 4.52% and 4.34% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	On November 10, 2014, the Company issued $300.0 million of 4.60% 10-year senior unsecured notes due in 2024. The notes were priced at 99.975% to yield 4.603%. Interest is due semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, beginning May 15, 2015. The Company intends to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes. In anticipation of the receipt of the net proceeds from this offering, the Company repaid all borrowings outstanding under its credit facility, increasing the available capacity thereunder to the full $700.0 million size of the facility.
	In May 2014, the Company amended and restated its credit agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. in its capacity as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto. The credit agreement is comprised of a $700.0 million revolving credit facility. Unless terminated earlier, the revolving loan commitments under the credit agreement will terminate on May 14, 2019. The obligations of the Company under the credit agreement are neither secured nor guaranteed. The agreement replaced the Company’s $600.0 million senior unsecured credit agreement that had been in place since November 14, 2012.  Proceeds under the credit agreement may be used for general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2014, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the facility.
	The credit agreement includes an expansion option that permits the Company, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, to increase the revolving commitments and/or add term loan tranches (“Incremental Term Loans”) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $150.0 million. Incremental Term Loans, if made, may not mature prior to the revolving commitment termination date, provided that amortization may occur prior to such date.
	At the Company’s election, borrowings of revolving loans under the credit agreement bear interest at (a) the Alternate Base Rate plus the applicable spread or (b) the Adjusted LIBOR rate plus the applicable spread (in each case as defined in the agreement). The Company may select interest periods of one, two, three or six months or (if agreed to by all lenders) such other number of months for Eurodollar borrowings of loans. The applicable spread varies depending upon the debt rating assigned by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. and/or Standard & Poor’s Rating Services. The minimum applicable spread for Alternate Base Rate borrowings is 0.625% and the maximum is 1.00%. The minimum applicable spread for Adjusted LIBOR rate borrowings is 1.625% and the maximum is 2.00%. The rate of interest on Incremental Term Loans will be established at or about the time such loans are made and may differ from the rate of interest on revolving loans.
	The credit agreement includes representations and warranties, reporting covenants, affirmative covenants, negative covenants, financial covenants and events of default customary for financings of this type. Upon the occurrence of an event of default the lenders may accelerate the loans. Upon the occurrence of certain insolvency and bankruptcy events of default the loans will automatically accelerate. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the credit agreement.
	The aggregate annual maturities for notes and contracts payable in each of the five years after December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	Year		Annual maturities
			(in thousands)
	2015		$	4,899
	2016			4,458
	2017			5,009
	2018			3,861
	2019			3,593
	Thereafter			565,517
			$	587,337

Net_Investment_Income

Net Investment Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Income Net [Abstract]
Net Investment Income	NOTE 11.    Net Investment Income:
	The components of net investment income are as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Interest:
	Cash equivalents and deposits with banks	$	4,471		$	3,694	$	4,407
	Debt securities		56,373			47,226		45,112
	Other long-term investments		1,213			2,009		1,013
	Loans receivable		3,755			5,474		8,132
	Dividends on equity securities		11,961			11,776		5,388
	Equity in earnings of affiliates, net		(16,545	)		5,316		6,514
	Other		10,488			14,400		10,465
	Total investment income		71,716			89,895		81,031
	Investment expenses (1)		(675	)		—		—
	Net investment income	$	71,041		$	89,895	$	81,031
	-1	Investment expenses include fees paid to third party investment managers, which the Company began utilizing in 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes
	NOTE 12.    Income Taxes:
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, domestic and foreign pretax income from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests was $301.8 million and $48.8 million, $286.2 million and $24.5 million, and $449.6 million and $17.8 million, respectively.
	Income taxes are summarized as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current:
	Federal	$	87,189		$	86,406		$	82,269
	State		4,751			7,887			15,229
	Foreign		812			24,331			8,234
			92,752			118,624			105,732
	Deferred:
	Federal		15,594			8,937			60,242
	State		(304	)		9,774			111
	Foreign		8,303			(13,691	)		(407	)
			23,593			5,020			59,946
		$	116,345		$	123,644		$	165,678
	Income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the federal income tax rate of 35.0%. A reconciliation of this difference is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
			2014						2013					2012
		(in thousands, except percentages)
	Taxes calculated at federal rate	$	122,696			35	%	$	108,748		35	%	$	163,592		35	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		2,891			0.8			11,480		3.7			9,525		2
	Change in liability for tax positions		412			0.1			3,537		1.1			2,033		0.4
	Change in capital loss valuation allowance		—			—			—		—			(5,276	)	(1.1	)
	Foreign income taxed at different rates		(6,091	)		(1.7	)		8,567		2.8			2,881		0.6
	Foreign tax credits		(2,184	)		(0.6	)		(5,640	)	(1.8	)		(2,921	)	(0.6	)
	Other items, net		(1,379	)		(0.4	)		(3,048	)	(1.0	)		(4,156	)	(0.9	)
		$	116,345			33.2	%	$	123,644		39.8	%	$	165,678		35.4	%
	The Company’s effective income tax rate (income tax expense as a percentage of income before income taxes) was 33.2% for 2014, 39.8% for 2013 and 35.4% for 2012. The differences in the effective tax rates were primarily due to changes in state and foreign income taxes resulting from fluctuations in the Company’s noninsurance and foreign subsidiaries’ contribution to pretax profits, changes in the ratio of permanent differences to income before income taxes and changes in the liability related to tax positions reported on the Company’s tax returns. The effective tax rate for 2012 included the release of a valuation allowance recorded against capital losses.
	The primary components of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s net deferred tax liability are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred revenue	$	9,887		$	8,360
	Employee benefits		74,068			73,302
	Bad debt reserves		15,253			17,588
	Investments in affiliates		13,670			8,026
	Loss reserves		2,507			1,728
	Pension		120,401			86,858
	Net operating loss carryforward		23,727			27,762
	Securities		—			1,880
	Foreign tax credit		2,184			—
	Other		8,712			6,782
			270,409			232,286
	Valuation allowance		(15,706	)		(18,119	)
			254,703			214,167
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciable and amortizable assets		284,532			258,855
	Claims and related salvage		36,653			21,196
	Securities		8,934			—
			330,119			280,051
	Net deferred tax liability	$	75,416		$	65,884
	The exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs represent a tax benefit that has been reflected as a reduction of taxes payable and an increase to equity. The benefits recorded were $6.9 million and $6.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	In connection with the Separation, the Company and TFAC entered into a tax sharing agreement which governs the Company’s and CoreLogic’s respective rights, responsibilities and obligations for certain tax related matters. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had a net payable to CoreLogic of $35.1 million and $56.5 million, respectively, related to tax matters prior to the Separation. This amount is included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in other accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The decrease during the current year was primarily the result of tax payments made and an examination settlement reached with a taxing authority for tax matters prior to the Separation.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had available a foreign tax credit carryover of $2.2 million.  The Company expects to utilize these credits within the carryover period.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had available net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes totaling $122.5 million, consisting of federal, state and foreign losses of $0.5 million, $38.5 million and $83.5 million, respectively.  Of the aggregate net operating losses, $41.2 million have an indefinite expiration and the remaining $81.3 million expire at various times beginning in 2015. The Company carries a valuation allowance of $15.7 million against its deferred tax assets.  Of this amount, $13.3 million relates to net operating losses; the remaining $2.4 million relates to other foreign deferred tax assets.  The year-over-year decrease in the overall valuation allowance relates to the utilization of certain foreign losses and other foreign deferred tax assets against current year income.
	The Company evaluates the realizability of its deferred tax assets by assessing the valuation allowance and adjusting the amount of such allowance, if necessary. The factors used to assess the likelihood of realization are the Company’s forecast of future taxable income and available tax planning strategies that could be implemented to realize the net deferred tax assets. The ability or failure to achieve the forecasted taxable income in the applicable taxing jurisdictions could affect the ultimate realization of deferred tax assets.  Based on future operating results in certain jurisdictions, it is possible that the current valuation allowance positions of those jurisdictions could be adjusted in the next 12 months.
	During 2012, the Company released a valuation allowance of $5.3 million previously recorded against certain of its deferred tax assets. Specifically, management determined that it was more likely than not that all of its tax capital loss items will be realized prior to expiration as the result of realized gains from sales of securities and favorable market value activity in its securities portfolio. Application of the accounting guidance related to intraperiod tax allocations resulted in the valuation allowance being credited to tax expense in the amount of $5.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. As of December 31, 2014, no significant capital loss carryover remains in the Company’s deferred tax inventory.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, United States taxes were not provided for on the cumulative earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries of $132.8 million and $121.8 million, respectively, as the Company has invested or expects to invest the undistributed earnings indefinitely. If in the future these earnings are repatriated to the United States, or if the Company determines that the earnings will be remitted in the foreseeable future, additional tax provisions may be required. It is not practicable to calculate the deferred taxes associated with these earnings because of the variability of multiple factors that would need to be assessed at the time of any assumed repatriation; however, foreign tax credits may be available to reduce federal income taxes in the event of distribution.
	As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $24.1 million, $47.8 million and $47.9 million, respectively. The net decrease in the liability during 2014 was primarily attributable to an examination settlement reached with a taxing authority for issues related to the timing of deductibility, which, accordingly, did not impact the Company’s consolidated statement of income.  The net decrease in the liability during 2013 was primarily attributable to the Company’s effective settlement of a prior year tax return position. The net increase in the liability during 2012 was primarily attributable to the Company’s claim for a timing deduction in a prior year tax return.  As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the liabilities could be reduced by $3.4 million, $32.6 million and $32.6 million, respectively, of offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential adjustments including timing adjustments and state income taxes. The net amounts of $20.7 million, $15.2 million and $15.3 million as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, if recognized, would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
	December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(in thousands)
Unrecognized tax benefits—opening balance	$	47,800		$	47,900		$	17,300
Gross (decreases) increases—tax positions in prior period		(24,100	)		(600	)		200
Gross increases—current period tax positions		400			500			30,500
Expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes		—			—			(100	)
Unrecognized tax benefits—ending balance	$	24,100		$	47,800		$	47,900
The Company’s continuing practice is to recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in tax expense. As of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company had accrued $8.9 million, $4.7 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of interest and penalties (net of tax benefits of $3.7 million, $1.9 million and $1.7 million, respectively) related to uncertain tax positions.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various state jurisdictions, and various non-U.S. jurisdictions. The primary non-federal jurisdictions are California, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and non-U.S. income tax examinations by taxing authorities for years prior to 2005.
It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of the Company’s unrecognized tax positions may significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of items such as ongoing audits or the expiration of federal and state statutes of limitations for the assessment of taxes.
The Company records a liability for potential tax assessments based on its estimate of the potential exposure. New tax laws and new interpretations of laws and rulings by tax authorities may affect the liability for potential tax assessments. Due to the subjectivity and complex nature of the underlying issues, actual payments or assessments may differ from estimates. To the extent the Company’s estimates differ from actual payments or assessments, income tax expense is adjusted. The Company’s income tax returns in several jurisdictions are being examined by various tax authorities. The Company believes that adequate amounts of tax and related interest, if any, have been provided for any adjustments that may result from these examinations.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	NOTE 13.    Earnings Per Share:
	The Company’s potential dilutive securities are stock options and RSUs. Stock options and RSUs are reflected in diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by application of the treasury-stock method.
	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator
	Net income attributable to the Company	$	233,534	$	186,367	$	301,041
	Less: dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested RSUs		514		324		682
	Net income allocated to common stockholders	$	233,020	$	186,043	$	300,359
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average shares		106,884		106,991		106,307
	Effect of dilutive employee stock options and RSUs		1,804		2,111		2,235
	Diluted weighted-average shares		108,688		109,102		108,542
	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders
	Basic	$	2.18	$	1.74	$	2.83
	Diluted	$	2.15	$	1.71	$	2.77
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 133 thousand, 11 thousand and 700 thousand, respectively, of stock options and RSUs were excluded from the weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding due to their antidilutive effect.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	NOTE 14.    Employee Benefit Plans:
	The First American Financial Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan (the “Savings Plan”) allows for employee-elective contributions up to the maximum amount as determined by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company makes discretionary contributions to the Savings Plan based on profitability, as well as the contributions of participants. Participants are allowed to purchase the Company’s common stock as one of the investment options, subject to certain limitations. The Savings Plan held 3,528,000 shares and 3,903,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing 3.3% and 3.7% of the Company’s total common shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan for certain employees that allows participants to defer up to 100% of their salary, commissions and bonus. Participants can allocate their deferrals among a variety of investment crediting options (known as “deemed investments”). The term deemed investments means that the participant has no ownership interest in the funds they select; the funds are only used to measure the gains or losses that will be attributed to each participant’s deferral account over time. Participants can elect to have their deferral balance paid out while they are still employed or after their employment ends. The deferred compensation plan is exempt from most provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (“ERISA”) because it is only available to a select group of management and highly compensated employees and is not a qualified employee benefit plan. To preserve the tax-deferred savings advantages of a nonqualified deferred compensation plan, federal law requires that it be unfunded or informally funded. Participant deferrals, and any earnings on those deferrals, are general unsecured obligations of the Company. The Company informally funds the deferred compensation plan through a tax-advantaged investment known as variable universal life insurance. Deferred compensation plan assets are held as an asset of the Company within a special trust, called a “Rabbi Trust.” At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the value of the assets in the Rabbi Trust of $78.6 million and $73.2 million, respectively, and the unfunded liabilities of $76.4 million and $71.1 million, respectively, were included in the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and pension costs and other retirement plans, respectively.
	The Company’s defined benefit pension plan is a noncontributory, qualified plan with benefits based on an employee’s compensation and years of service. The defined benefit pension plan was closed to new entrants effective December 31, 2001 and amended to “freeze” all benefit accruals as of April 30, 2008.
	The Company also has nonqualified, unfunded supplemental benefit plans covering certain management personnel. The Executive and Management Supplemental Benefit Plans, subject to certain limitations, provide participants with maximum benefits of 30% and 15%, respectively, of average annual compensation over a fixed five year period. Effective January 1, 2011, the plans were closed to new participants.
	Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries have separate savings plans and the Company’s international subsidiaries have other employee benefit plans. Expenses related to these plans and expenses related to the Company’s deferred compensation plan, are included in the table below under other plans, net.
	The following table provides the principal components of the Company’s employee benefit plan expenses:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Expense:
	Savings plan	$	16,333			$	10,458		$	27,778
	Defined benefit pension plans		13,465				20,975			22,657
	Unfunded supplemental benefit plans		14,614				16,673			16,553
	Other plans, net		9,259				15,479			10,166
		$	53,671			$	63,585		$	77,154
	The following table summarizes the Company’s benefit obligations, assets and funded status associated with its defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plans:
		December 31,
		2014							2013
		Defined				Unfunded			Defined			Unfunded
		benefit				supplemental			benefit			supplemental
		pension				benefit plans			pension			benefit plans
		plans							plans
		(in thousands)
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	382,035			$	226,458		$	424,462		$	250,226
	Service costs		—				1,315			—			1,915
	Interest costs		18,644				10,536			17,340			9,521
	Plan amendment		—				—			—			2,088
	Actuarial losses (gains)		76,164				37,281			(38,766	)		(24,233	)
	Benefits paid		(26,176	)			(13,453	)		(21,001	)		(13,059	)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year		450,667				262,137			382,035			226,458
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		313,469				—			294,216			—
	Actual return on plan assets		24,400				—			10,971			—
	Contributions		27,672				13,453			29,283			13,059
	Benefits paid		(26,176	)			(13,453	)		(21,001	)		(13,059	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		339,365				—			313,469			—
	Reconciliation of funded status:
	Unfunded status of the plans	$	(111,302	)		$	(262,137	)	$	(68,566	)	$	(226,458	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
	Accrued benefit liability	$	(111,302	)		$	(262,137	)	$	(68,566	)	$	(226,458	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	219,081			$	120,642		$	162,084		$	90,303
	Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)		15				(24,964	)		40			(29,142	)
		$	219,096			$	95,678		$	162,124		$	61,161
	Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	450,667			$	262,137		$	382,035		$	226,458
	Net periodic cost related to the Company’s defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plans includes the following components:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Expense:
	Service costs	$	1,315			$	1,915		$	1,712
	Interest costs		29,180				26,861			29,068
	Expected return on plan assets		(20,850	)			(18,776	)		(15,553	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		22,587				32,033			28,368
	Amortization of prior service credit		(4,153	)			(4,385	)		(4,385	)
		$	28,079			$	37,648		$	39,210
	Net actuarial loss and prior service credit for the defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plans expected to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost over the next fiscal year include an expense of $34.0 million and a credit of $4.2 million, respectively.
	Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine costs for the plans were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Defined benefit pension plans
	Discount rate		4.97	%			4.18	%
Rate of return on plan assets		6.5	%			6.5	%
Unfunded supplemental benefit plans
Discount rate		4.8	%			3.91	%
Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the plans were as follows:
	December 31,
	2014				2013
Defined benefit pension plans
Discount rate		4.07	%			4.97	%
Unfunded supplemental benefit plans
Discount rate		4	%			4.8	%
The discount rate assumption used for the Company’s benefit plans reflects the yield available on high-quality, fixed-income debt securities that match the expected timing of the benefit obligation payments.
The Company adopted updated mortality tables published by the Society of Actuaries in October 2014.  The revised RP-2014 tables reflect substantial life expectancy improvements relative to the last tables published in 2000.
Assumptions for the expected long-term rate of return on assets of the defined benefit pension plans are based on future expectations for returns for each asset class based on the calculated market-related value of plan assets and the effect of periodic target asset allocation rebalancing, adjusted for the payment of reasonable expenses of the plan from plan assets. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was selected from within a reasonable range of rates determined by (1) historical real and expected returns for the asset classes covered by the investment policy and (2) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants. The Company believes the assumptions are appropriate based on the investment mix and long-term nature of the plan’s investments. The use of expected long-term returns on plan assets may result in recognized pension income that is greater or less than the actual returns of those plan assets in any given year. Over time, however, the expected long-term returns are designed to approximate the actual long-term returns, and therefore result in a pattern of income and cost recognition that more closely matches the pattern of the services provided by the employees.
The Company has a pension investment policy designed to meet or exceed the expected rate of return assumptions for assets of the plan. The policy’s investment objective is to increase the pension plan’s funding status such that the plan becomes fully funded on a plan termination basis by taking progressively less risk through aligning a greater percentage of plan assets with plan liabilities as the plan becomes more fully funded.
Under the investment policy, asset allocation targets are segmented into liability tracking assets and return seeking assets. The objective of this allocation strategy is to increase the percentage of assets in liability tracking investments as settlement funded status improves. Return seeking assets generally include pooled investment vehicles, foreign and domestic equities, fixed income securities, cash, REITs, and commodities. Liability tracking assets generally include fixed income securities and pooled investment vehicles. The plan maintains a level of cash and cash equivalents appropriate for the timely disbursement of benefits and payment of expenses.
Subject to the requirements of the investment policy, the investment manager may use commingled investment vehicles including but not limited to mutual funds, common trust funds, commingled trusts, and exchange traded funds. The investment policy prohibits certain investment transactions, including derivatives and other illiquid investments (e.g., private equity and real estate), subject to certain exceptions.
The investment manager tracks the estimated settlement funded status of the plan on a regular basis. When the funded status is equal to or greater than the next trigger point, the investment manager will rebalance to the allocation associated with that trigger point. The objective of liability tracking assets is to achieve performance related to changes in the value of the plan’s settlement liabilities, which is consistent with the objective of plan termination.
Asset allocation targets based on settlement funded status for the defined benefit pension plans are as follows:
Settlement funded status			Return seeking assets			Liability tracking assets
100	%		0	%		100	%
97.5	%		15	%		85	%
95	%		30	%		70	%
92.5	%		40	%		60	%
90	%		50	%		50	%
87.5	%		60	%		40	%
85	%		70	%		30	%
Below 85.0%			85	%		15	%
A summary of the defined benefit pension plan’s asset allocations as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
December 31,
	2014				2013
Asset category
Cash and cash equivalents		0.3	%			0.7	%
Equities		45.5	%			48.3	%
Fixed income funds		32.5	%			29.7	%
Balanced funds		19.4	%			18.9	%
Other		2.3	%			2.4	%
The Company expects to make cash contributions to its defined benefit and unfunded supplemental benefit plans of $21.7 million and $14.1 million, respectively, during 2015.
Benefit payments for all plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be made as follows:
Year		(in thousands)
2015		$	36,141
2016		$	36,100
2017		$	38,607
2018		$	40,498
2019		$	42,110
Five years thereafter		$	220,002
The Company categorizes its defined benefit pension plan assets carried at fair value using a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements. See Note 15 Fair Value Measurements for a more in-depth discussion on the fair value hierarchy and a description for each level.
The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
December 31, 2014	Estimated				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	fair value
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,101			$	1,101		$	—		$	—
Equities (a)		154,279				101,304			52,975			—
Fixed income funds (b)		110,405				59,507			50,898			—
Balanced funds (c)		65,856				—			65,856			—
Other (d)		7,724				—			—			7,724
	$	339,365			$	161,912		$	169,729		$	7,724
December 31, 2013	Estimated				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	fair value
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,080			$	2,080		$	—		$	—
Equities (a)		151,604				95,860			55,744			—
Fixed income funds (b)		93,210				49,281			43,929			—
Balanced funds (c)		59,147				—			59,147			—
Other (d)		7,428				—			—			7,428
	$	313,469			$	147,221		$	158,820		$	7,428
(a) Investments in passively managed index funds, actively managed mutual funds with holdings in domestic and international equities, and investments in domestic equities. These investments are valued at the closing price reported on the major market on which the individual securities are traded or the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) provided by the administrator of the fund.
(b) Investments in passively managed index funds and actively managed mutual funds with holdings in domestic and international corporate bonds, sovereign bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and other fixed income instruments. These investments are valued using matrix pricing models and quoted prices of the securities in active markets.
(c) Investments in global multi-asset risk parity strategy funds with holdings in domestic and international debt and equity securities, commodities, real estate, and derivative investments.  These investments are valued using the NAV provided by the administrator of the fund.
(d) Investments in a guaranteed deposit fund with holdings in insurance contracts.  These investments are valued at contract value of the fund including contributions and earnings, less applicable costs and liabilities, as provided by the administrator of the fund.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	NOTE 15.    Fair Value Measurements:
	Certain of the Company’s assets are carried at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
	The Company categorizes its assets and liabilities carried at fair value using a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements that distinguishes between market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy for inputs used in determining fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy level assigned to the assets and liabilities is based on management’s assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values at the measurement date. The three hierarchy levels are defined as follows:
	Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs (other than Level 1 prices), such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, and involve management judgment.
	If the inputs used to measure fair value fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the hierarchy level assigned is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
	The valuation techniques and inputs used by the Company to estimate the fair value of assets measured on a recurring basis, are summarized as follows:
	Debt securities
	The fair value of debt securities was based on the market values obtained from independent pricing services that were evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other market information and price quotes from well-established independent broker-dealers. The independent pricing services monitor market indicators, industry and economic events, and for broker-quoted only securities, obtain quotes from market makers or broker-dealers that they recognize to be market participants. The pricing services utilize the market approach in determining the fair value of the debt securities held by the Company. The Company obtains an understanding of the valuation models and assumptions utilized by the services and has controls in place to determine that the values provided represent fair value. The Company’s validation procedures include comparing prices received from the pricing services to quotes received from other third party sources for certain securities with market prices that are readily verifiable. If the price comparison results in differences over a predefined threshold, the Company will assess the reasonableness of the changes relative to prior periods given the prevailing market conditions and assess changes in the issuers’ credit worthiness, performance of any underlying collateral and prices of the instrument relative to similar issuances. To date, the Company has not made any material adjustments to the fair value measurements provided by the pricing services.
	Typical inputs and assumptions to pricing models used to value the Company’s U.S. Treasury bonds, municipal bonds, foreign bonds, governmental agency bonds, governmental agency mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities include, but are not limited to, benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, credit spreads, credit ratings, bond insurance (if applicable), benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events. For mortgage-backed securities, inputs and assumptions may also include the structure of issuance, characteristics of the issuer, collateral attributes and prepayment speeds. The fair value of non-agency mortgage-backed securities was obtained from the independent pricing services referenced above and subject to the Company’s validation procedures discussed above. However, since these securities were not actively traded and there were fewer observable inputs available requiring the pricing services to use more judgment in determining the fair value of the securities, they were classified as Level 3.
	The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed securities include prepayment rates, default rates and loss severity in the event of default. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for default rates is accompanied by a directionally similar change in the assumption used for the loss severity and a directionally opposite change in the assumption used for prepayment rates.
	Equity securities
	The fair value of equity securities, including preferred and common stocks, were based on quoted market prices for identical assets that are readily and regularly available in an active market.
	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s assets measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	64,982		$	—		$	64,982		$	—
	Municipal bonds			587,677			—			587,677			—
	Foreign bonds			196,750			—			196,750			—
	Governmental agency bonds			197,874			—			197,874			—
	Governmental agency mortgage- backed securities			1,812,162			—			1,812,162			—
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			16,538			—			—			16,538
	Corporate debt securities			574,269			—			574,269			—
				3,450,252			—			3,433,714			16,538
	Equity securities:
	Preferred stocks			15,525			15,525			—			—
	Common stocks			386,887			386,887			—			—
				402,412			402,412			—			—
	Total assets		$	3,852,664		$	402,412		$	3,433,714		$	16,538
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	31-Dec-13
	Assets:
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	66,384		$	—		$	66,384		$	—
	Municipal bonds			485,965			—			485,965			—
	Foreign bonds			222,508			—			222,508			—
	Governmental agency bonds			262,545			—			262,545			—
	Governmental agency mortgage- backed securities			1,403,309			—			1,403,309			—
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			19,022			—			—			19,022
	Corporate debt securities			360,084			—			360,084			—
				2,819,817			—			2,800,795			19,022
	Equity securities:
	Preferred stocks			11,085			11,085			—			—
	Common stocks			346,958			346,958			—			—
				358,043			358,043			—			—
	Total assets		$	3,177,860		$	358,043		$	2,800,795		$	19,022
	The Company did not have any transfers in and out of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 measurements during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period.
	The following table presents a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets measured on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
	Fair value at beginning of year	$	19,022		$	21,846
	Total gains/(losses) (realized and unrealized):
	Included in earnings:
	Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings		(1,701	)		—
	Included in other comprehensive income		1,225			4,174
	Settlements		(2,008	)		(6,998	)
	Fair value as of December 31	$	16,538		$	19,022
	Unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for the period relating to Level 3 available-for-sale investments that were still held at the end of the period:
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	$	(1,701	)	$	—
The Company did not purchase or sell any non-agency mortgage-backed securities during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Financial instruments not measured at fair value
In estimating the fair value of its financial instruments not measured at fair value, the Company used the following methods and assumptions:
Cash and cash equivalents
The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments.
Deposits with banks
The fair value of deposits with banks is estimated based on rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities, where applicable.
Notes receivable, net
The fair value of notes receivable, net is estimated based on the discounted value of the future cash flows using approximate current market rates being offered for notes with similar maturities and similar credit quality.
Deposits
The carrying value of escrow and other deposit accounts approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of this liability.
Notes and contracts payable
The fair value of notes and contracts payable are estimated based on current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Carrying		Estimated fair value
(in thousands)		Amount		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
31-Dec-14
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,190,080	$	1,190,080		$	1,190,080		$	—		$	—
Deposits with banks		$	21,445	$	21,540		$	4,068		$	17,472		$	—
Notes receivable, net		$	6,130	$	3,930		$	—		$	—		$	3,930
Liabilities:
Deposits		$	2,332,714	$	2,332,714		$	2,332,714		$	—		$	—
Notes and contracts payable		$	587,337	$	595,087		$	—		$	588,542		$	6,545
		Carrying		Estimated fair value
(in thousands)		Amount		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
31-Dec-13
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	834,837	$	834,837		$	834,837		$	—		$	—
Deposits with banks		$	23,492	$	23,601		$	2,070		$	21,531		$	—
Notes receivable, net		$	10,542	$	9,953		$	—		$	—		$	9,953
Liabilities:
Deposits		$	1,692,932	$	1,693,138		$	1,666,336		$	26,802		$	—
Notes and contracts payable		$	310,285	$	301,007		$	—		$	294,221		$	6,786

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation Plans	NOTE 16.    Share-Based Compensation Plans:
	The First American Financial Corporation 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive Compensation Plan”), effective May 28, 2010, permits the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance units, performance shares and other stock-based awards. Eligible participants in the Incentive Compensation Plan include the Company’s directors and officers, as well as other employees. At December 31, 2014, 6.0 million shares of common stock remain available to be issued from either authorized and unissued shares or previously issued shares acquired by the Company, subject to certain annual limits based on the type of award granted. The Incentive Compensation Plan terminates 10 years from the effective date unless cancelled prior to that date by the Company’s board of directors.
	The First American Financial Corporation 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) allows eligible employees the option to purchase common stock of the Company at 85% of the lower of the closing price on either the first or last day of each quarterly offering period. There were 354,000 and 350,000 shares issued in connection with this plan for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. At December 31, 2014, there were 3.4 million shares reserved for future issuances.
	The following table presents compensation expense associated with the Company’s share-based compensation plans:
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Expense:
	Restricted stock units	$	17,197			$	20,827		$	13,953
	Stock options		271				8			—
	Employee stock purchase plan		1,834				1,466			886
		$	19,302			$	22,301		$	14,839
	The following table summarizes RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(in thousands, except weighted-average grant-date fair value)			Shares				Weighted-average
								grant-date
								fair value
	RSUs unvested at December 31, 2013			2,720			$	17.6
	Granted during 2014			740			$	26.76
	Vested during 2014			(1,099	)		$	16.08
	Forfeited during 2014			(24	)		$	18.45
	RSUs unvested at December 31, 2014			2,337			$	21.21
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $19.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years. The fair value of RSUs is generally based on the market value of the Company’s shares on the date of grant. The total fair value of shares vested and not distributed for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $3.2 million, $4.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(in thousands, except weighted-average		Number				Weighted-			Weighted-		Aggregate
	exercise price and contractual term)		outstanding				average			average		intrinsic
							exercise price			remaining		value
										contractual term
	Balance at December 31, 2013			1,270			$	18.03
	Exercised during 2014			(584	)		$	15.51
	Balance at December 31, 2014			686			$	20.18			2.2 years	$	9,405
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014			686			$	20.18			2.2 years	$	9,405
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			586			$	18.92			1.1 years	$	8,786
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $0.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options of the Company that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $7.0 million, $6.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively. This intrinsic value represents the difference between the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of each option.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	NOTE 17.    Stockholders’ Equity:
	In March 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved an increase in the size of the Company’s stock repurchase plan from $150.0 million to $250.0 million, of which $182.9 million remained as of December 31, 2014. Purchases may be made from time to time by the Company in the open market at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the year ended December 31, 2014 and as of December 31, 2014, had repurchased and retired 3.2 million shares of its common stock under the current authorization for a total purchase price of $67.1 million.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	NOTE 18.    Commitments and Contingencies:
	Lease commitments
	The Company leases certain office facilities, automobiles and equipment under operating leases, which, for the most part, are renewable. The majority of these leases also provide that the Company pay insurance and taxes.
	Future minimum rental payments under operating leases that have initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		(in thousands)
	Year
	2015	$	79,243
	2016		71,155
	2017		53,431
	2018		36,296
	2019		23,563
	Thereafter		60,273
		$	323,961
	Total rental expense for all operating leases and month-to-month rentals was $93.5 million, $94.6 million and $96.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Other commitments and guarantees
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company was contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by affiliates and third parties to banks and others totaling $8.9 million and $14.7 million, respectively. The guarantee arrangements relate to promissory notes and other contracts that contingently require the Company to make payments to the guaranteed party upon the failure of debtors to make scheduled payments according to the terms of the notes and contracts. The Company’s maximum potential obligation under these guarantees totaled $8.9 million and $14.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is limited in duration to the terms of the underlying indebtedness. The Company has not incurred any costs as a result of these guarantees and has not recorded a liability on its consolidated balance sheets related to these guarantees at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The Company also guarantees the obligations of certain of its subsidiaries. These obligations are included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	NOTE 19.    Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
	Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Unrealized				Foreign				Pension			Accumulated
		gains (losses)				currency				benefit			other
		on securities				translation				adjustment			comprehensive
						adjustment							income (loss)
		(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	(13,409	)		$	4,793			$	(168,837	)	$	(177,453	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities		52,409				—				—			52,409
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings		6,502				—				—			6,502
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		—				5,131				—			5,131
	Net actuarial loss		—				—				(46,602	)		(46,602	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		—				—				28,368			28,368
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(4,385	)		(4,385	)
	Tax effect		(23,564	)			—				9,048			(14,516	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		21,938				9,924				(182,408	)		(150,546	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities		(54,000	)			—				—			(54,000	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings		3,809				—				—			3,809
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		—				(13,650	)			—			(13,650	)
	Net actuarial gain		—				—				53,080			53,080
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		—				—				32,033			32,033
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(4,385	)		(4,385	)
	Tax effect		19,526				—				(31,404	)		(11,878	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		(8,727	)			(3,726	)			(133,084	)		(145,537	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities		29,889				—				—			29,889
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings		1,229				—				—			1,229
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		—				(16,694	)			—			(16,694	)
	Net actuarial loss		—				—				(109,924	)		(109,924	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		—				—				22,587			22,587
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(4,153	)		(4,153	)
	Tax effect		(11,480	)			—				34,994			23,514
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	10,911			$	(20,420	)		$	(189,580	)	$	(199,089	)
	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) allocated to the Company and noncontrolling interests are as follows:
		Unrealized				Foreign				Pension			Accumulated
		gains (losses)				currency				benefit			other
		on securities				translation				adjustment			comprehensive
						adjustment							income (loss)
		(in thousands)
	2014
	Allocated to the Company	$	10,894			$	(20,420	)		$	(189,580	)	$	(199,106	)
	Allocated to noncontrolling interests		17				—				—			17
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	10,911			$	(20,420	)		$	(189,580	)	$	(199,089	)
	2013
	Allocated to the Company	$	(8,734	)		$	(3,726	)		$	(133,084	)	$	(145,544	)
	Allocated to noncontrolling interests		7				—				—			7
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(8,727	)		$	(3,726	)		$	(133,084	)	$	(145,537	)
	2012
	Allocated to the Company	$	21,928			$	9,924			$	(182,408	)	$	(150,556	)
	Allocated to noncontrolling interests		10				—				—			10
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	21,938			$	9,924			$	(182,408	)	$	(150,546	)
	The following table presents the other comprehensive income (loss) reclassification adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Unrealized				Foreign				Pension			Total
		gains (losses)				currency				benefit			other
		on securities				translation				adjustment			comprehensive
						adjustment							income (loss)
		(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Pretax change before reclassifications	$	52,693			$	(16,694	)		$	(109,924	)	$	(73,925	)
	Reclassifications out of AOCI		(21,575	)			—				18,434			(3,141	)
	Tax effect		(11,480	)			—				34,994			23,514
	Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	19,638				(16,694	)		$	(56,496	)	$	(53,552	)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Pretax change before reclassifications	$	(40,396	)		$	(13,650	)		$	53,080		$	(966	)
	Reclassifications out of AOCI		(9,795	)			—				27,648			17,853
Tax effect		19,526				—				(31,404	)		(11,878	)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	(30,665	)		$	(13,650	)		$	49,324		$	5,009
Year ended December 31, 2012
Pretax change before reclassifications	$	128,745			$	5,131			$	(46,602	)	$	87,274
Reclassifications out of AOCI		(69,834	)			—				23,983			(45,851	)
Tax effect		(23,564	)			—				9,048			(14,516	)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	35,347			$	5,131			$	(13,571	)	$	26,907
The following table presents the effect of the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the respective line items in the consolidated statements of income:
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
		Year ended December 31,									Affected line items in the
(in thousands)		2014				2013					consolidated statements of income
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Net realized gains (losses) on sales of securities		$	23,276		$	9,795					Net realized investment gains
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses			(1,701	)		—					Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
Pretax total		$	21,575		$	9,795
Tax effect		$	(7,959	)	$	(3,811	)
Pension benefit adjustment:
Amortization of defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plan items:
Net actuarial loss		$	(22,587	)	$	(32,033	)	-1
Prior service credit			4,153			4,385		-1
Pretax total		$	(18,434	)	$	(27,648	)
Tax effect		$	7,051		$	10,757
-1	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic cost. See Note 14 Employee Benefit Plans for additional details.

Litigation_and_Regulatory_Cont

Litigation and Regulatory Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Litigation and Regulatory Contingencies	NOTE 20.    Litigation and Regulatory Contingencies:
	The Company and its subsidiaries are parties to a number of non-ordinary course lawsuits. These lawsuits frequently are similar in nature to other lawsuits pending against the Company’s competitors.
	For those non-ordinary course lawsuits where the Company has determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, a liability representing the best estimate of the Company’s financial exposure based on known facts has been recorded. Actual losses may materially differ from the amounts recorded.
	For a substantial majority of these lawsuits, however, it is not possible to assess the probability of loss. Most of these lawsuits are putative class actions which require a plaintiff to satisfy a number of procedural requirements before proceeding to trial. These requirements include, among others, demonstration to a court that the law proscribes in some manner the Company’s activities, the making of factual allegations sufficient to suggest that the Company’s activities exceeded the limits of the law and a determination by the court—known as class certification—that the law permits a group of individuals to pursue the case together as a class. In certain instances the Company may also be able to compel the plaintiff to arbitrate its claim on an individual basis. If these procedural requirements are not met, either the lawsuit cannot proceed or, as is the case with class certification or compelled arbitration, the plaintiffs lose the financial incentive to proceed with the case (or the amount at issue effectively becomes de minimis). Frequently, a court’s determination as to these procedural requirements is subject to appeal to a higher court. As a result of, among other factors, ambiguities and inconsistencies in the myriad laws applicable to the Company’s business and the uniqueness of the factual issues presented in any given lawsuit, the Company often cannot determine the probability of loss until a court has finally determined that a plaintiff has satisfied applicable procedural requirements.
	Furthermore, because most of these lawsuits are putative class actions, it is often impossible to estimate the possible loss or a range of loss amounts, even where the Company has determined that a loss is reasonably possible. Generally class actions involve a large number of people and the effort to determine which people satisfy the requirements to become plaintiffs—or class members—is often time consuming and burdensome. Moreover, these lawsuits raise complex factual issues which result in uncertainty as to their outcome and, ultimately, make it difficult for the Company to estimate the amount of damages which a plaintiff might successfully prove. In addition, many of the Company’s businesses are regulated by various federal, state, local and foreign governmental agencies and are subject to numerous statutory guidelines. These regulations and statutory guidelines often are complex, inconsistent or ambiguous, which results in additional uncertainty as to the outcome of a given lawsuit—including the amount of damages a plaintiff might be afforded—or makes it difficult to analogize experience in one case or jurisdiction to another case or jurisdiction.
	Most of the non-ordinary course lawsuits to which the Company and its subsidiaries are parties challenge practices in the Company’s title insurance business, though a limited number of cases also pertain to the Company’s other businesses. These lawsuits include, among others, cases alleging, among other assertions, that the Company, one of its subsidiaries and/or one of its agents:
	·	charged an improper rate for title insurance in a refinance transaction, including
	·	Levine v. First American Title Insurance Company, filed on February 26, 2009 and pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,
	·	Lewis v. First American Title Insurance Company, filed on November 28, 2006 and pending in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho,
	·	Raffone v. First American Title Insurance Company, filed on February 14, 2004 and pending in the Circuit Court, Nassau County, Florida, and
	·	Slapikas v. First American Title Insurance Company, filed on December 19, 2005 and pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
	All of these lawsuits are putative class actions. A court has only granted class certification in Lewis and Raffone. The class originally certified in Slapikas was subsequently decertified. For the reasons stated above, the Company has been unable to assess the probability of loss or estimate the possible loss or the range of loss or, where the Company has been able to make an estimate, the Company believes the amount is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements as a whole.
	·	purchased minority interests in title insurance agents as an inducement to refer title insurance underwriting business to the Company or gave items of value to title insurance agents and others for referrals of business in violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, including
	·	Edwards v. First American Financial Corporation, filed on June 12, 2007 and pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California.
	In Edwards a narrow class has been certified. For the reasons stated above, the Company has been unable to estimate the possible loss or the range of loss.
	·	engaged in the unauthorized practice of law, including
	·	Gale v. First American Title Insurance Company, et al., filed on October 16, 2006 and pending in the United States District Court of Connecticut.
	The class originally certified in Gale was subsequently decertified. For the reasons described above, the Company has not yet been able to assess the probability of loss or estimate the possible loss or the range of loss.
	·	overcharged or improperly charged fees for products and services, denied home warranty claims, failed to timely file certain documents, and gave items of value to developers, builders and others as inducements to refer business in violation of certain laws, such as consumer protection laws and laws generally prohibiting unfair business practices, and certain obligations, including
	·	Bushman v. First American Title Insurance Company, et al., filed on November 21, 2013 and pending in the Circuit Court of the State of Michigan, County of Washtenaw,
	·	Chassen v. First American Financial Corporation, et al., filed on January 22, 2009 and pending in the United States District Court of New Jersey,
	·	DeLaurentis v. Data Tree Information Services LLC, filed on January 16, 2015 and pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York,
	·	Gunning v. First American Title Insurance Company, filed on July 14, 2008 and pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky,
	·	Kaufman v. First American Financial Corporation, et al., filed on December 21, 2007 and pending in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles,
	·	Kirk v. First American Financial Corporation, et al., filed on June 15, 2006 and pending in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles,
	·	Sjobring v. First American Financial Corporation, et al., filed on February 25, 2005 and pending in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles,
	·	Snyder v. First American Financial Corporation, et al., filed on June 21, 2014 and pending in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado,
	·	Wilmot v. First American Financial Corporation, et al., filed on April 20, 2007 and pending in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, and
	·	In re First American Home Buyers Protection Corporation, consolidated on October 9, 2014 and pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.
	All of these lawsuits, except Kaufman and Kirk, are putative class actions for which a class has not been certified. In Kaufman a class was certified but that certification was subsequently vacated. A trial of the Kirk matter has concluded, plaintiff has filed a notice of appeal and the Company filed a cross appeal. For the reasons described above, the Company has not yet been able to assess the probability of loss or estimate the possible loss or the range of loss or, where the Company has been able to make an estimate, the Company believes the amount is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements as a whole.
	While some of the lawsuits described above may be material to the Company’s operating results in any particular period if an unfavorable outcome results, the Company does not believe that any of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s overall financial condition or liquidity.
	The Company also is a party to non-ordinary course lawsuits other than those described above. With respect to these lawsuits, the Company has determined either that a loss is not reasonably possible or that the estimated loss or range of loss, if any, is not material to the consolidated financial statements as a whole.
	The Company’s title insurance, property and casualty insurance, home warranty, banking, thrift, trust and investment advisory businesses are regulated by various federal, state and local governmental agencies. Many of the Company’s other businesses operate within statutory guidelines. Consequently, the Company may from time to time be subject to examination or investigation by such governmental agencies. Currently, governmental agencies are examining or investigating certain of the Company’s operations. These exams or investigations include inquiries into, among other matters, pricing and rate setting practices in the title insurance industry, competition in the title insurance industry, real estate settlement service customer acquisition and retention practices and agency relationships. With respect to matters where the Company has determined that a loss is both probable and reasonably estimable, the Company has recorded a liability representing its best estimate of the financial exposure based on known facts. While the ultimate disposition of each such exam or investigation is not yet determinable, the Company does not believe that individually or in the aggregate they will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. These exams or investigations could, however, result in changes to the Company’s business practices which could ultimately have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	The Company’s Canadian operations provide certain services to lenders which it believes to be exempt from excise tax under applicable Canadian tax laws.  However, in October 2014, the Canadian taxing authority provided internal guidance that the services in question should be subject to the excise tax.  While discussions with the taxing authority are ongoing, the Company believes that the guidance may result in an assessment.  The amount, if any, of such assessment is not currently known, and any such assessment would be subject to negotiation.  In the event that the Company disagrees with the ultimate assessment, the Company intends to avail itself of avenues of appeal.  While the Company believes it is reasonably likely that the Company would prevail on the merits, a loss associated with the matter is possible.  In light of the foregoing, the Company is not currently able to reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss associated with the matter.  While such a loss could be material to the Company’s operating results in any particular period if an unfavorable outcome results, the Company does not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s overall financial condition or liquidity.
	The Company and its subsidiaries also are involved in numerous ongoing routine legal and regulatory proceedings related to their operations.  With respect to each of these proceedings, the Company has determined either that a loss is not reasonably possible or that the estimated loss or range of loss, if any, is not material to the consolidated financial statements as a whole.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations	NOTE 21.    Business Combinations:
	In March 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of a company that provides loan quality analytics, decision support tools and loan review services for the mortgage industry for a purchase price of $151.2 million. The Company completed additional acquisitions during 2014 for an aggregate purchase price of $11.3 million. The Company allocates the purchase price of each acquisition to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using a variety of valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis. These acquisitions have been included in the Company’s title insurance and services segment.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price of $5.3 million in cash and accrued contingent consideration of $1.2 million. The purchase price of each acquisition was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed using a variety of valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis. These four acquisitions have been included in the Company’s title insurance and services segment.

Segment_Financial_Information

Segment Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Financial Information	NOTE 22.    Segment Financial Information:
	The Company consists of the following reportable segments and a corporate function:
	·	The Company’s title insurance and services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property in the United States and offers similar or related products and services internationally. This segment also provides closing and/or escrow services; accommodates tax-deferred exchanges of real estate; provides products, services and solutions involving the use of real property related data designed to mitigate risk or otherwise facilitate real estate transactions; maintains, manages and provides access to title plant records and images; and provides banking, trust and investment advisory services. The Company, through its principal title insurance subsidiary and such subsidiary’s affiliates, transacts its title insurance business through a network of direct operations and agents. Through this network, the Company issues policies in the 49 states that permit the issuance of title insurance policies and the District of Columbia. The Company also offers title insurance and other insurance and guarantee products, as well as related settlement services in foreign countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and various other established and emerging markets.
	·	The Company’s specialty insurance segment issues property and casualty insurance policies and sells home warranty products. The property and casualty insurance business provides insurance coverage to residential homeowners and renters for liability losses and typical hazards such as fire, theft, vandalism and other types of property damage. This business is licensed to issue policies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and actively issues policies in 46 states. In certain markets it also offers preferred risk auto insurance to better compete with other carriers offering bundled home and auto insurance. The home warranty business provides residential service contracts that cover residential systems, such as heating and air conditioning systems, and appliances against failures that occur as the result of normal usage during the coverage period. This business currently operates in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
	The corporate function consists primarily of certain financing facilities as well as the corporate services that support the Company’s business operations. Eliminations consist of inter-segment revenues and related expenses included in the results of the operating segments.
	Selected financial information about the Company’s operations, by segment, for each of the past three years is as follows:
		Revenues			Depreciation		Equity in			Income (loss)			Assets			Investments		Capital
					and		earnings of			before						in equity		expenditures
					amortization		affiliates, net			income taxes						method
																affiliates
		(in thousands)
	2014
	Title Insurance and Services	$	4,304,428		$	77,820	$	(16,545	)	$	373,024		$	6,767,245		$	106,083	$	95,949
	Specialty Insurance		368,666			4,978		—			52,974			506,242			—		3,412
	Corporate		6,415			2,799		—			(75,438	)		464,980			—		—
	Eliminations		(1,560	)		—		—			—			(72,367	)		—		—
		$	4,677,949		$	85,597	$	(16,545	)	$	350,560		$	7,666,100		$	106,083	$	99,361
	2013
	Title Insurance and Services	$	4,606,088		$	66,956	$	7,387		$	350,165		$	5,751,632		$	124,921	$	83,469
	Specialty Insurance		339,613			4,865		—			42,132			499,788			—		3,673
	Corporate		13,008			3,095		(2,071	)		(81,589	)		369,385			101		—
	Eliminations		(2,632	)		—		—			—			(61,622	)		—		—
		$	4,956,077		$	74,916	$	5,316		$	310,708		$	6,559,183		$	125,022	$	87,142
	2012
	Title Insurance and Services	$	4,200,520		$	67,610	$	7,677		$	473,681		$	5,427,432		$	127,217	$	78,614
	Specialty Insurance		315,171			4,553		—			47,459			487,780			—		5,278
	Corporate		29,892			2,787		(1,163	)		(53,349	)		299,707			2,753		—
	Eliminations		(3,762	)		—		—			(385	)		(137,293	)		—		—
		$	4,541,821		$	74,950	$	6,514		$	467,406		$	6,077,626		$	129,970	$	83,892
	Revenues from external customers allocated between domestic and foreign operations, and by segment, for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014					2013						2012
		Domestic			Foreign		Domestic			Foreign			Domestic			Foreign
		(in thousands)
	Title Insurance and Services	$	3,977,498		$	325,393	$	4,283,067		$	320,413		$	3,865,480		$	332,577
	Specialty Insurance		368,666			—		339,613			—			313,889			—
		$	4,346,164		$	325,393	$	4,622,680		$	320,413		$	4,179,369		$	332,577
	Long-lived assets allocated between domestic and foreign operations, and by segment, as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014					2013						2012
		Domestic			Foreign		Domestic			Foreign			Domestic			Foreign
		(in thousands)
	Title Insurance and Services	$	1,792,387		$	122,045	$	1,610,310		$	135,912		$	1,580,399		$	151,289
	Specialty Insurance		105,062			—		105,724			—			104,698			—
		$	1,897,449		$	122,045	$	1,716,034		$	135,912		$	1,685,097		$	151,289

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
	(Unaudited)
			Quarter Ended
			March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
			(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Revenues		$	1,012,799	$	1,149,969	$	1,259,730	$	1,255,451
	Income before income taxes		$	35,253	$	76,458	$	115,952	$	122,897
	Net income		$	21,852	$	50,688	$	80,937	$	80,738
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	128	$	94	$	232	$	227
	Net income attributable to the Company		$	21,724	$	50,594	$	80,705	$	80,511
	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders (1):
	Basic		$	0.2	$	0.47	$	0.75	$	0.75
	Diluted		$	0.2	$	0.47	$	0.74	$	0.74
	-1	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders for the four quarters of each fiscal year may not sum to the total for the fiscal year because of the different number of shares outstanding during each period.
			Quarter Ended
			March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31 (1)
			(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	2013
	Revenues		$	1,146,763	$	1,288,464	$	1,300,978	$	1,219,872
	Income before income taxes		$	59,592	$	59,224	$	107,045	$	84,847
	Net income		$	36,232	$	34,948	$	64,095	$	51,789
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	54	$	276	$	205	$	162
	Net income attributable to the Company		$	36,178	$	34,672	$	63,890	$	51,627
	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders (2):
	Basic		$	0.34	$	0.32	$	0.6	$	0.49
	Diluted		$	0.33	$	0.31	$	0.59	$	0.48
	·	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.
	-1	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders for the four quarters of each fiscal year may not sum to the total for the fiscal year because of the different number of shares outstanding during each period.

Summary_Of_InvestmentsOther_Th

Summary Of Investments-Other Than Investments In Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties [Abstract]
Summary of Investments-Other Than Investments in Related Parties	SCHEDULE I
	1 OF 1
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS—OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES
	(in thousands)
	December 31, 2014
		Column A	Column B		Column C			Column D
	Type of investment		Cost		Market value			Amount at which
								shown in the
								balance sheet
	Deposits with banks:
	Consolidated		$	21,445	$	21,540		$	21,445
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds
	Consolidated		$	64,195	$	64,982		$	64,982
	Municipal bonds
	Consolidated		$	577,703	$	587,677		$	587,677
	Foreign bonds
	Consolidated		$	194,749	$	196,750		$	196,750
	Governmental agency bonds
	Consolidated		$	198,330	$	197,874		$	197,874
	Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities
	Consolidated		$	1,812,766	$	1,812,162		$	1,812,162
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
	Consolidated		$	15,949	$	16,538		$	16,538
	Corporate debt securities
	Consolidated		$	568,774	$	574,269		$	574,269
	Total debt securities:
	Consolidated		$	3,432,466	$	3,450,252		$	3,450,252
	Equity securities:
	Consolidated		$	393,914	$	402,412		$	402,412
	Notes receivable, net:
	Consolidated		$	6,130	$	3,930		$	6,130
	Other long-term investments:
	Consolidated		$	153,653	$	153,653	-1	$	153,653
	Total investments:
	Consolidated		$	4,007,608	$	4,031,787		$	4,033,892
	-1	As other long-term investments are not publicly traded, reasonable estimate of the fair values could not be made without incurring excessive costs.

Condensed_Financial_Statements

Condensed Financial Statements (Parent Company)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure	SCHEDULE II
	1 OF 5
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	(Parent Company)
	CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
	(in thousands, except par values)
		December 31,
		2014			2013
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	328,949		$	221,666
	Income taxes receivable		5,547			37,632
	Investment in subsidiaries		3,333,613			2,944,803
	Deferred income taxes		19,712			27,478
	Other assets		105,344			88,752
		$	3,793,165		$	3,320,331
	Liabilities and Equity
	Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	$	55,021		$	75,656
	Pension costs and other retirement plans		451,501			371,671
	Income taxes payable		6,228			—
	Due to subsidiaries, net		77			14,236
	Deferred income taxes		95,128			93,362
	Notes and contracts payable		549,166			249,163
	Notes and contracts payable to subsidiaries		60,000			60,000
			1,217,121			864,088
	Commitments and contingencies
	Stockholders’ equity:
	Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; Authorized—500 shares;                                  Outstanding—none		—			—
	Common stock, $0.00001 par value; Authorized—300,000 shares;
	Outstanding—107,541 shares and 105,900 shares		1			1
	Additional paid-in capital		2,109,712			2,077,828
	Retained earnings		662,310			520,764
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(199,106	)		(145,544	)
	Total stockholders’ equity		2,572,917			2,453,049
	Noncontrolling interests		3,127			3,194
	Total equity		2,576,044			2,456,243
		$	3,793,165		$	3,320,331
	See notes to condensed financial statements
	SCHEDULE II
	2 OF 5
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	(Parent Company)
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
	(in thousands)
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Revenues
	Dividends from subsidiaries	$	342,488		$	372,996		$	285,141
	Other income		6,412			12,804			29,839
			348,900			385,800			314,980
	Expenses
	Other expenses		33,959			36,184			24,569
	Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries		314,941			349,616			290,411
	Income taxes		104,523			139,127			102,940
	Equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries		23,797			(23,425	)		114,257
	Net income		234,215			187,064			301,728
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		681			697			687
	Net income attributable to the Company	$	233,534		$	186,367		$	301,041
	See notes to condensed financial statements
	SCHEDULE II
	3 OF 5
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	(Parent Company)
	CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	(in thousands)
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Net income	$	234,215		$	187,064		$	301,728
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities		18,862			(32,992	)		31,445
Unrealized gain on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings		776			2,327			3,902
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(16,694	)		(13,650	)		5,131
Pension benefit adjustment		(56,496	)		49,324			(13,571	)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(53,552	)		5,009			26,907
Comprehensive income		180,663			192,073			328,635
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		691			694			691
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company	$	179,972		$	191,379		$	327,944
See notes to condensed financial statements
SCHEDULE II
4 OF 5
FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities	$	54,298		$	71,326		$	(38,703	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash effect of acquisitions		(151,570	)		—			—
Proceeds from sales of equity securities		—			—			137,823
Contributions to subsidiaries		(11,396	)		(800	)		(10,999	)
Net change in other long-term investments		1,490			6,549			595
Cash (used for) provided by investing activities		(161,476	)		5,749			127,419
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of debt		593,943			249,095			440,000
Repayment of debt		(300,000	)		(160,000	)		(480,000	)
Repayment of debt to subsidiaries		—			—			(2,902	)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		6,856			6,202			2,372
Net proceeds in connection with share-based compensation plans		3,601			1,736			12,668
Purchase of Company shares		—			(64,606	)		—
Cash dividends		(89,939	)		(51,324	)		(44,705	)
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities		214,461			(18,897	)		(72,567	)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		107,283			58,178			16,149
Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of period		221,666			163,488			147,339
Cash and cash equivalents—End of period	$	328,949		$	221,666		$	163,488
See notes to condensed financial statements
SCHEDULE II
5 OF 5
FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Parent Company)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1.    Description of the Company:
First American Financial Corporation became a publicly traded company following its spin-off from its prior parent, The First American Corporation (“TFAC”) on June 1, 2010. On that date, TFAC distributed all of First American Financial Corporation’s outstanding shares to the record date shareholders of TFAC on a one-for-one basis. After the distribution, First American Financial Corporation owns TFAC’s financial services businesses and TFAC, which reincorporated and assumed the name CoreLogic, Inc., continued to own its information solutions businesses.
First American Financial Corporation is a holding company that conducts all of its operations through its subsidiaries. The Parent Company Financial Statements should be read in connection with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
Supplemental information about non-cash financing activity
In 2013, $23.9 million in tax receivables due from subsidiaries were reduced with a corresponding reduction in notes payable to subsidiaries in noncash transactions.
NOTE 2.    Dividends Received:
The holding company received cash dividends from subsidiaries of $79.1 million, $125.1 million and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Supplementary_Insurance_Inform

Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Insurance Information	SCHEDULE III
	1 OF 2
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
	(in thousands)
	BALANCE SHEET CAPTIONS
		Column A	Column B		Column C			Column D
	Segment		Deferred		Claims			Deferred
			policy		reserves			revenues
			acquisition
			costs
	2014
	Title Insurance and Services		$	2,179	$	969,008		$	14,265
	Specialty Insurance			25,316		42,772			188,499
	Total		$	27,495	$	1,011,780		$	202,764
	2013
	Title Insurance and Services		$	2,375	$	977,355		$	14,544
	Specialty Insurance			24,437		41,010			177,640
	Total		$	26,812	$	1,018,365		$	192,184
	SCHEDULE III
	2 OF 2
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
	(in thousands)
	INCOME STATEMENT CAPTIONS
		Column A	Column F		Column G			Column H		Column I			Column J			Column K
	Segment		Premiums		Net			Loss		Amortization			Other			Premiums
			and escrow		investment			provision		of deferred			operating			written
			fees		income (1)					policy			expenses
										acquisition
										costs
	2014
	Title Insurance and Services		$	3,603,080	$	83,635		$	253,122	$	2,746		$	761,584		$	—
	Specialty Insurance			353,812		12,594			196,901		(878	)		45,599			364,782
	Corporate			—		6,415			—		—			26,528			—
	Eliminations			—		(1,536	)		—		—			(30	)		—
	Total		$	3,956,892	$	101,108		$	450,023	$	1,868		$	833,681		$	364,782
	2013
	Title Insurance and Services		$	3,900,132	$	79,940		$	343,461	$	1,261		$	816,870		$	—
	Specialty Insurance			329,194		8,767			186,895		(2,529	)		41,725			344,433
	Corporate			—		13,008			—		—			27,264			—
	Eliminations			—		(2,609	)		—		—			(54	)		—
	Total		$	4,229,326	$	99,106		$	530,356	$	(1,268	)	$	885,805		$	344,433
	2012
	Title Insurance and Services		$	3,455,592	$	101,495		$	237,427	$	1,174		$	769,477		$	—
	Specialty Insurance			296,053		17,513			160,290		(108	)		42,395			312,696
	Corporate			—		29,892			—		—			24,462			—
	Eliminations			—		(3,747	)		—		—			(15	)		—
	Total		$	3,751,645	$	145,153		$	397,717	$	1,066		$	836,319		$	312,696

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Schedule Of Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Reinsurance	SCHEDULE IV
	1 OF 1
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	REINSURANCE
	(in thousands, except percentages)
	Segment	Premiums		Ceded to		Assumed		Premiums		Percentage of
		and escrow		other		from		and escrow		amount
		fees before		companies		other		fees		assumed to
		reinsurance				companies				premiums
										and escrow
										fees
	Title Insurance and Services
	2014	$	3,627,921	$	28,727	$	3,886	$	3,603,080		0.1	%
	2013	$	3,923,117	$	27,483	$	4,498	$	3,900,132		0.1	%
	2012	$	3,472,675	$	19,884	$	2,801	$	3,455,592		0.1	%
	Specialty Insurance
	2014	$	363,044	$	9,232	$	—	$	353,812		0	%
	2013	$	338,204	$	9,010	$	—	$	329,194		0	%
	2012	$	305,073	$	9,020	$	—	$	296,053		0	%

Valuation_And_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	SCHEDULE V
	1 OF 3
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in thousands)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Column A	Column B		Column C						Column D			Column E
					Additions
	Description		Balance at		Charged to			Charged			Deductions			Balance
			beginning		costs and			to other			from			at end
			of period		expenses			accounts			reserve			of period
	Reserve deducted from accounts receivable:
	Consolidated		$	31,831	$	12,352		$	—		$	9,521	(A)	$	34,662
	Reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims:
	Consolidated		$	1,018,365	$	450,023		$	13,142		$	469,750	(B)	$	1,011,780
	Reserve deducted from notes receivable:
	Consolidated		$	2,584	$	128		$	—		$	271		$	2,441
	Reserve deducted from deferred income taxes:
	Consolidated		$	18,119	$	—		$	—		$	2,413		$	15,706
	Note A—Amount represents accounts written off, net of recoveries.
	Note B—Amount represents claim payments, net of recoveries.
	SCHEDULE V
	2 OF 3
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in thousands)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Column A	Column B		Column C						Column D			Column E
					Additions
	Description		Balance at		Charged to			Charged			Deductions			Balance
			beginning		costs and			to other			from			at end
			of period		expenses			accounts			reserve			of period
	Reserve deducted from accounts receivable:
	Consolidated		$	30,917	$	7,478		$	—		$	6,564	(A)	$	31,831
	Reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims:
	Consolidated		$	976,462	$	530,356		$	(9,143	)	$	479,310	(B)	$	1,018,365
	Reserve deducted from notes receivable:
	Consolidated		$	2,902	$	(132	)	$	—		$	186		$	2,584
	Reserve deducted from deferred income taxes:
	Consolidated		$	14,172	$	3,578		$	369		$	—		$	18,119
	Note A—Amount represents accounts written off, net of recoveries.
	Note B—Amount represents claim payments, net of recoveries.
	SCHEDULE V
	3 OF 3
	FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION
	AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in thousands)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Column A	Column B		Column C						Column D			Column E
					Additions
	Description		Balance at		Charged to			Charged			Deductions			Balance
			beginning		costs and			to other			from			at end
			of period		expenses			accounts			reserve			of period
	Reserve deducted from accounts receivable:
	Consolidated		$	30,504	$	4,927		$	—		$	4,514	(A)	$	30,917
	Reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims:
	Consolidated		$	1,014,676	$	397,717		$	10,055		$	445,986	(B)	$	976,462
	Reserve deducted from notes receivable:
	Consolidated		$	4,183	$	462		$	—		$	1,743		$	2,902
	Reserve deducted from deferred income taxes:
	Consolidated		$	21,426	$	—		$	15		$	7,269		$	14,172
Note A—Amount represents accounts written off, net of recoveries.
Note B—Amount represents claim payments, net of recoveries.

Description_of_the_Company_Pol

Description of the Company (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and reflect the consolidated operations of the Company. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First American Financial Corporation and all controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Investments in which the Company exercises significant influence, but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in which the Company does not exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for under the cost method.
Reclassifications, Revisions and Out-of-Period Adjustments	Reclassifications, revisions and out-of-period adjustments
	Certain 2012 and 2013 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.
	The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2013 was revised for an error which resulted in an adjustment between income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes. The adjustment resulted in an increase to income taxes receivable of $11.1 million, an increase in deferred income tax assets of $27.5 million and an increase in deferred income tax liabilities of $38.6 million.
	During 2014, the Company identified and recorded adjustments to correct for certain errors in foreign currency translation and transactions in prior periods.  These adjustments resulted in an increase to other operating expenses of $5.0 million.
	The Company does not consider these adjustments to be material, individually or in the aggregate, to either the current year or any previously issued consolidated financial statements.
Use of Estimates	Use of estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the statements. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents
	The Company considers cash equivalents to be all short-term investments that have an initial maturity of 90 days or less and are not restricted for statutory deposit or premium reserve requirements.
Accounts and Accrued Income Receivable	Accounts and accrued income receivable
	Accounts and accrued income receivable are generally due within thirty days and are recorded net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. We consider accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms as past due. We determine our allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, previous loss history, a specific customer’s ability to pay its obligations to us, and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. Amounts are charged off in the period they are deemed to be uncollectible.
Investments	Investments
	Deposits with banks are short-term investments with initial maturities of generally more than 90 days.
	Debt securities are carried at fair value and consist primarily of investments in obligations of the United States Treasury, various corporations, certain state and political subdivisions and mortgage-backed securities.
	The Company maintains investments in debt securities in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves and state deposits. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair value of such investments totaled $120.7 million and $124.0 million, respectively. See Note 2 Statutory Restrictions on Investments and Stockholders’ Equity for additional discussion of the Company’s statutory restrictions.
	Equity securities are carried at fair value and consist primarily of investments in exchange traded funds, mutual funds and marketable common and preferred stocks of corporate entities.
	The Company classifies its publicly traded debt and equity securities as available-for-sale with unrealized gains or losses classified as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. See Note 15 Fair Value Measurements for additional discussion of the determination of fair value. Interest income, as well as the related amortization of premium and accretion of discount, on debt securities is recognized under the effective yield method and included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in net investment income. Realized gains and losses on sales of debt and equity securities are determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
	The Company evaluates its debt and equity securities with unrealized losses on a quarterly basis for potential other-than-temporary impairments in value.
	If the Company intends to sell a debt security in an unrealized loss position or determines that it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell a debt security before it recovers its amortized cost basis, the debt security is other-than-temporarily impaired and it is written down to fair value with all losses recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not intend to sell any debt securities in an unrealized loss position and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis.
	If the Company does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of a debt security with declines in fair value (even if the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security), the losses the Company considers to be the credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment loss (“credit loss”) is recognized in earnings and the non-credit portion is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security. The cash flows expected to be collected are discounted at the rate implicit in the security immediately prior to the recognition of the other-than-temporary impairment.
	Expected future cash flows for debt securities are based on qualitative and quantitative factors specific to each security, including the probability of default and the estimated timing and amount of recovery. The detailed inputs used to project expected future cash flows may be different depending on the nature of the individual debt security.
	The Company determines if a non-agency mortgage-backed security in a loss position is other-than-temporarily impaired by comparing the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security to its amortized cost basis. If the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected exceed the amortized cost of the security, the Company concludes that the security is not other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company performs this analysis on all non-agency mortgage-backed securities in its portfolio that are in an unrealized loss position. For the securities that were determined not to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014, the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected exceeded the amortized cost of each security.
	Cash flows expected to be collected for each non-agency mortgage-backed security are estimated by analyzing loan-level detail to estimate future cash flows from the underlying assets, which are then applied to the security based on the underlying contractual provisions of the securitization trust that issued the security (e.g., subordination levels, remaining payment terms, etc.). The Company uses third-party software to determine how the underlying collateral cash flows will be distributed to each security issued from the securitization trust. The primary assumptions used in estimating future collateral cash flows are prepayment speeds, default rates and loss severity. In developing these assumptions, the Company considers the financial condition of the borrower, loan to value ratio, loan type and geographical location of the underlying property. The Company utilizes publicly available information related to specific assets, generally available market data such as forward interest rate curves and securities, loans and property data and market analytics tools provided through a third party.
	The table below summarizes the primary assumptions used at December 31, 2014 in estimating the cash flows expected to be collected for these securities.
		Weighted				Range
		average
	Prepayment speeds		10	%		8.8	%	–	14	%
	Default rates		2.5	%		1.8	%	–	3.7	%
	Loss severity		18.7	%		3.6	%	–	28.5	%
	As a result of the Company’s security-level review, the Company recognized $1.7 million and $3.6 million of other-than-temporary impairments considered to be credit related on its non-agency mortgage-backed securities in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2012, respectively. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments considered to be credit related in 2013. It is possible that the Company could recognize additional other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities it owns at December 31, 2014 if future events or information cause it to determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.
	The following table presents the change in the credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings on debt securities for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairments related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Cumulative credit loss on debt securities held at beginning of period	$	16,478		$	16,478			$	33,656
	Addition to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized		1,701			—				3,564
	Accumulated losses on securities that matured or were sold during the year		—			—				(20,742	)
	Cumulative credit loss on debt securities held at end of period	$	18,179		$	16,478			$	16,478
	When a decline in the fair value of an equity security, including common and preferred stock, is considered to be other-than-temporary, such equity security is written down to its fair value. When assessing if a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary, the factors considered include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security, the seniority of the securities, issuer-specific news and other developments, the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings), macro-economic changes (including the outlook for industry sectors, which includes government policy initiatives) and the Company’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery.
	When an equity security has been in an unrealized loss position for greater than twelve months, the Company’s review of the security includes the above noted factors as well as other evidence that might exist supporting the view that the security will recover its value in the foreseeable future, typically within the next twelve months. If objective, substantial evidence does not indicate a likely recovery during that timeframe, the Company’s policy is that such losses are considered other-than-temporary and therefore an impairment loss is recorded. The Company did not record other-than-temporary impairment losses related to its equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Other long-term investments consist primarily of investments in affiliates, which are accounted for under either the equity method or the cost method of accounting, investments in real estate and notes receivable. The carrying value of investments in affiliates is written down, or impaired, to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other-than-temporary. In making the determination as to whether an individual investment in an affiliate was impaired, the Company assessed the then-current and expected financial condition of each relevant entity, including, but not limited to, the anticipated ability of the entity to make its contractually required payments to the Company (with respect to debt obligations to the Company), the results of valuation work performed with respect to the entity, the entity’s anticipated ability to generate sufficient cash flows and the market conditions in the industry in which the entity was operating. The Company recognized impairment losses on equity method investments in affiliates of $22.5 million, 7.8 million and $7.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Investments in real estate are classified as held for sale and carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs.  An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying value exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows from the investment.
	Notes receivable are carried at cost less reserves for losses. Loss reserves are established for notes receivable based upon an estimate of probable losses for the individual notes. A loss reserve is established on an individual note when it is deemed probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the note. The loss reserve is based upon the Company’s assessment of the borrower’s overall financial condition, resources and payment record; and, if appropriate, the realizable value of any collateral. These estimates consider all available evidence including the expected future cash flows, estimated fair value of collateral on secured notes, general economic conditions and trends, and other relevant factors, as appropriate. Notes are placed on non-accrual status when management determines that the collectibility of contractual amounts is not reasonably assured.
Property and Equipment	Property and equipment
	Property and equipment includes computer software acquired or developed for internal use and for use with the Company’s products. Software development costs, which include capitalized interest costs and certain payroll-related costs of employees directly associated with developing software, in addition to incremental payments to third parties, are capitalized from the time technological feasibility is established until the software is ready for use. Management uses estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest) to measure the recoverability of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates that the carrying amount is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over its fair value.
	Depreciation on buildings and on furniture and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 40 years and 1 to 15 years, respectively. Capitalized software costs are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 1 to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over useful lives that are consistent with the lease term.
Title Plants and Other Indexes	Title plants and other indexes
	Title plants and other indexes at December 31, 2014 included title plants of $514.6 million and capitalized real estate data of $16.0 million, and at December 31, 2013 included title plants of $523.1 million and capitalized real estate data of $0.8 million. Title plants are carried at original cost, with the costs of daily maintenance (updating) charged to expense as incurred. Because properly maintained title plants have indefinite lives and do not diminish in value with the passage of time, no provision has been made for depreciation or amortization. The Company analyzes its title plants at least annually for impairment. This analysis includes, but is not limited to, the effects of obsolescence, duplication, demand and other economic factors. Capitalized real estate data is carried at cost, less amortization. Capitalized real estate data is amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of 3 to 15 years.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations
	Amounts paid for acquisitions are allocated to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related costs are expensed in the periods in which the costs are incurred. The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition.
Goodwill Impairment	Goodwill Impairment
	The Company is required to perform an annual goodwill impairment assessment for each reporting unit. The Company’s four reporting units are title insurance, home warranty, property and casualty insurance and trust and other services. The Company has elected to perform this annual assessment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or sooner if circumstances indicate possible impairment. Based on current guidance, the Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if the fair value is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50%) less than the carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test, or may choose to forego the qualitative assessment and perform the quantitative impairment test. The qualitative factors considered in this assessment may include macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, overall financial performance as well as other relevant events and circumstances as determined by the Company. The Company evaluates the weight of each factor to determine whether it is more likely than not that impairment may exist. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate the more likely than not threshold was not met, the Company may choose not to perform the quantitative impairment test. If, however, the more likely than not threshold is met, the Company performs the quantitative test as required and discussed below.
	Management’s quantitative impairment testing process includes two steps. The first step (“Step 1”) compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying amount. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined by using discounted cash flow analysis and market approach valuations. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill is not considered impaired and no additional analysis is required. However, if the carrying amount is greater than the fair value, a second step (“Step 2”) must be completed to determine if the fair value of the goodwill exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill.
	Step 2 involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which Step 1 indicated impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to the amount of goodwill calculated in a business combination, by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in Step 1, over the aggregate estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted.
	The quantitative impairment test for goodwill utilizes a variety of valuation techniques, all of which require the Company to make estimates and judgments. Fair value is determined by employing an expected present value technique, which utilizes multiple cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes and an appropriate discount rate. The use of comparative market multiples (the “market approach”) compares the reporting unit to other comparable companies (if such comparables are present in the marketplace) based on valuation multiples to arrive at a fair value. In assessing the fair value, the Company utilizes the results of the valuations (including the market approach to the extent comparables are available) and considers the range of fair values determined under all methods and the extent to which the fair value exceeds the carrying amount of the equity or asset.
	The valuation of each reporting unit includes the use of assumptions and estimates of many critical factors, including revenue growth rates and operating margins, discount rates and future market conditions, determination of market multiples and the establishment of a control premium, among others. Forecasts of future operations are based, in part, on operating results and the Company’s expectations as to future market conditions. These types of analyses contain uncertainties because they require the Company to make assumptions and to apply judgments to estimate industry economic factors and the profitability of future business strategies. However, if actual results are not consistent with the Company’s estimates and assumptions, the Company may be exposed to future goodwill impairment losses that could be material.
	The Company elected to perform qualitative assessments for 2014 and 2013, the results of which supported the conclusion that the fair values of the Company’s reporting units were not more likely than not less than their carrying amounts and, therefore, a quantitative assessment was not considered necessary.  For 2012, the Company performed a quantitative assessment and determined that the fair values of its reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts and, therefore, no additional analysis was required.  As a result of these assessments, the Company did not record any goodwill impairment losses for 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets
	The Company’s intangible assets consist of noncompete agreements, customer relationships, trademarks, patents and licenses. Each of these intangible assets, excluding licenses, is amortized on a straight-line basis over its useful life ranging from 1 to 20 years and is subject to impairment assessments when there is an indication of a triggering event or abandonment. Licenses are an intangible asset with an indefinite life and are therefore not amortized but rather assessed for impairment by comparing the fair value of the license with its carrying value at least annually and when an indicator of potential impairment has occurred.
	Management uses estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest) to measure the recoverability of intangible assets with finite lives, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be fully recoverable. If the undiscounted cash flow analysis indicates that the carrying amount is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of the carrying amount over its fair value.
Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims	Reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims
	The Company provides for title insurance losses by a charge to expense when the related premium revenue is recognized. The amount charged to expense is generally determined by applying a rate (the loss provision rate) to total title insurance premiums and escrow fees. The Company’s management estimates the loss provision rate at the beginning of each year and reassesses the rate quarterly to ensure that the resulting incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) loss reserve and known claims reserve included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets together reflect management’s best estimate of the total costs required to settle all IBNR and known claims. If the ending IBNR reserve is not considered adequate, an adjustment is recorded.
	The process of assessing the loss provision rate and the resulting IBNR reserve involves evaluation of the results of an in-house actuarial review. The Company’s in-house actuary performs a reserve analysis utilizing generally accepted actuarial methods that incorporate cumulative historical claims experience and information provided by in-house claims and operations personnel. Current economic and business trends are also reviewed and used in the reserve analysis. These include real estate and mortgage markets conditions, changes in residential and commercial real estate values, and changes in the levels of defaults and foreclosures that may affect claims levels and patterns of emergence, as well as any company-specific factors that may be relevant to past and future claims experience. Results from the analysis include, but are not limited to, a range of IBNR reserve estimates and a single point estimate for IBNR as of the balance sheet date.
	For recent policy years at early stages of development (generally the last three years), IBNR is estimated using a combination of expected loss rate and multiplicative loss development factor calculations. For more mature policy years, IBNR generally is estimated using multiplicative loss development factor calculations. The expected loss rate method estimates IBNR by applying an expected loss rate to total title insurance premiums and escrow fees, and adjusting for policy year maturity using estimated loss development patterns. Multiplicative loss development factor calculations estimate IBNR by applying factors derived from loss development patterns to losses realized to date. The expected loss rate and loss development patterns are based on historical experience and the relationship of the history to the applicable policy years.
	The Company’s management uses the IBNR point estimate from the in-house actuary’s analysis and other relevant information it may have concerning claims to determine what it considers to be the best estimate of the total amount required for the IBNR reserve.
	Title insurance policies are long-duration contracts with the majority of the claims reported to the Company within the first few years following the issuance of the policy. Generally, 70% to 80% of claim amounts become known in the first six years of the policy life, and the majority of IBNR reserves relate to the six most recent policy years. Changes in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for recent policy years are considered likely and could result in a material adjustment to the IBNR reserves. Based on historical experience, management believes a 50 basis point change to the loss rates for the most recent policy years, positive or negative, is reasonably likely given the long duration nature of a title insurance policy. For example, if the expected ultimate losses for each of the last six policy years increased or decreased by 50 basis points, the resulting impact on the Company’s IBNR reserve would be an increase or decrease, as the case may be, of $98.7 million. A material change in expected ultimate losses and corresponding loss rates for older policy years is also possible, particularly for policy years with loss ratios exceeding historical norms. The estimates made by management in determining the appropriate level of IBNR reserves could ultimately prove to be materially different from actual claims experience.
	The Company provides for property and casualty insurance losses when the insured event occurs. The Company provides for claims losses relating to its home warranty business based on the average cost per claim as applied to the total of new claims incurred. The average cost per home warranty claim is calculated using the average of the most recent 12 months of claims experience adjusted for estimated future increases in costs.
Contingent Litigation and Regulatory Liabilities	Contingent litigation and regulatory liabilities
	Amounts related to contingent litigation and regulatory liabilities are accrued if it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount is reasonably estimable.  The Company records legal fees in other operating expense in the period incurred.
Revenues	Revenues
	Title premiums on policies issued directly by the Company are recognized on the effective date of the title policy and escrow fees are recorded upon close of the escrow. Revenues from title policies issued by independent agents are recorded when notice of issuance is received from the agent, which is generally when cash payment is received by the Company. Revenues earned by the Company’s title plant management business are recognized at the time of delivery, as the Company has no significant ongoing obligation after delivery.
	Direct premiums of the Company’s specialty insurance segment include revenues from home warranty contracts which are generally recognized ratably over the 12-month duration of the contracts, and revenues from property and casualty insurance policies which are also recognized ratably over the 12-month duration of the policies.
	Revenues earned by the Company’s trust operations are recognized at the time of delivery, as the Company has no significant ongoing obligation after delivery.
Premium Taxes	Premium taxes
	Title insurance, property and casualty insurance and home warranty companies, like other types of insurers, are generally not subject to state income or franchise taxes. However, in lieu thereof, most states impose a tax based primarily on insurance premiums written. This premium tax is reported as a separate line item in the consolidated statements of income in order to provide a more meaningful disclosure of the taxation of the Company.
Income Taxes	Income taxes
	The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company evaluates the need to establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based upon the amount of existing temporary differences, the period in which they are expected to be recovered and expected levels of taxable income. A valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets is established when it is considered more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if sustaining those positions is considered more likely than not. Changes in recognition or measurement of uncertain tax positions are reflected in the period in which a change in judgment occurs. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions in tax expense.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-based compensation
	The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized in the Company’s financial statements over the requisite service period of the award using the straight-line method for awards that contain only a service condition and the graded vesting method for awards that contain a performance or market condition. The share-based compensation expense recognized is based on the number of shares ultimately expected to vest, net of forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
	The Company’s primary means of providing share-based compensation is through the granting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”). RSUs granted generally have graded vesting and include a service condition; and for certain key employees and executives, may also include either a performance or market condition. RSUs receive dividend equivalents in the form of RSUs having the same vesting requirements as the RSUs initially granted.
	In addition, the Company has an employee stock purchase plan that allows eligible employees the option to purchase common stock of the Company at 85% of the lower of the closing price on either the first or last day of each offering period.  The offering periods are three-month periods beginning on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each fiscal year.  The Company recognizes an expense in the amount equal to the value of the 15% discount and look-back feature over the three-month offering period.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to the Company’s stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share, except that the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive stock options had been exercised and RSUs were vested. The dilutive effect of stock options and unvested RSUs is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes any proceeds that could be obtained upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price for the period. The assumed proceeds include the purchase price the grantee pays, the hypothetical windfall tax benefit that the Company receives upon assumed exercise or vesting and the hypothetical average unrecognized compensation expense for the period. The Company calculates the assumed proceeds from excess tax benefits based on the “as-if” deferred tax assets calculated under share based compensation standards.
	Certain unvested RSUs contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as they are eligible to participate in undistributed earnings without meeting service condition requirements. These awards are considered participating securities under the guidance which requires the use of the two-class method when computing basic and diluted earnings per share. The two-class method reduces earnings allocated to common stockholders by dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities.
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee benefit plans
	The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability on its consolidated balance sheets and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which changes occur, through accumulated other comprehensive loss. The funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation (the projected benefit obligation for pension plans and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the other postretirement plans). Actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits that have not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost previously are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Plan assets and obligations are measured annually as of December 31.
	The Company informally funds its nonqualified deferred compensation plan through tax-advantaged investments known as variable universal life insurance. The Company’s deferred compensation plan assets are included as a component of other assets and the Company’s deferred compensation plan liability is included as a component of pension costs and other retirement plans on the consolidated balance sheets. The income earned on the Company’s deferred compensation plan assets is included as a component of net investment income and the income earned by the deferred compensation plan participants is included as a component of personnel costs on the consolidated statements of income.
Foreign Currency	Foreign currency
	The Company operates in foreign countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and various other established and emerging markets. The functional currencies of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are generally their respective local currencies. The financial statements of the foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars as follows: assets and liabilities at the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date, equity at the historical rates of exchange, and income and expense amounts at average rates prevailing throughout the period. Translation adjustments resulting from the translation of the subsidiaries’ accounts are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included within other operating expenses.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance
	The Company assumes and cedes large title insurance risks through reinsurance. Additionally, the Company’s property and casualty insurance business uses reinsurance to limit risk associated with natural disasters such as windstorms, winter storms, wildfires and earthquakes. In reinsurance arrangements, the primary insurer retains a certain amount of risk under a policy and cedes the remainder of the risk under the policy to the reinsurer. The primary insurer pays the reinsurer a premium in exchange for accepting this risk of loss. The primary insurer generally remains liable to its insured for the total risk, but is reinsured under the terms of the reinsurance agreement. The amount of premiums assumed and ceded is recorded as a component of direct premiums and escrow fees on the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The total amount of premiums assumed and ceded in connection with reinsurance was less than 1.0% of consolidated premium and escrow fees for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Payments and recoveries on reinsured losses for the Company’s title insurance and property and casualty businesses were immaterial during the three years ended December 31, 2014.  At December 31, 2014, a reinsurance receivable of $25.0 million, which related to a large commercial title claim, was included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets in accounts and accrued income receivable.  The Company collected $23.2 million of the receivable in February 2015 and expects to collect the remaining $1.8 during the remainder of 2015.  No reinsurance receivable was included in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013.
Escrow Deposits and Trust Assets	Escrow deposits and trust assets
	The Company administers escrow deposits and trust assets as a service to its customers. Escrow deposits totaled $6.3 billion and $4.7 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, of which $2.2 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively, were held at the Company’s federal savings bank subsidiary, First American Trust, FSB. The escrow deposits held at First American Trust, FSB are temporarily invested in cash and cash equivalents and debt and equity securities, with offsetting liabilities included in deposits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The remaining escrow deposits were held at third-party financial institutions.
	Trust assets held or managed by First American Trust, FSB totaled $3.0 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Escrow deposits held at third-party financial institutions and trust assets are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. However, the Company could be held contingently liable for the disposition of these assets.
	In conducting its operations, the Company often holds customers’ assets in escrow, pending completion of real estate transactions and, as a result, the Company has ongoing programs for realizing economic benefits, including investment programs, borrowing agreements, and vendor services arrangements with various financial institutions. The effects of these programs are included in the consolidated financial statements as income or a reduction in expense, as appropriate, based on the nature of the arrangement and benefit received.
Like-Kind Exchanges	Like-kind exchanges
	The Company facilitates tax-deferred property exchanges for customers pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code and tax-deferred reverse exchanges pursuant to Revenue Procedure 2000-37. As a facilitator and intermediary, the Company holds the proceeds from sales transactions and takes temporary title to property identified by the customer to be acquired with such proceeds. Upon the completion of each such exchange, the identified property is transferred to the customer or, if the exchange does not take place, an amount equal to the sales proceeds or, in the case of a reverse exchange, title to the property held by the Company is transferred to the customer. Like-kind exchange funds held by the Company totaled $2.4 billion and $1.4 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The like-kind exchange deposits are held at third-party financial institutions and, due to the structure utilized to facilitate these transactions, the proceeds and property are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. All such amounts are placed in deposit accounts insured, up to applicable limits, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company could be held contingently liable to the customer for the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements:
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued updated guidance intended to eliminate the diversity in practice regarding financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of the guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Pending Accounting Pronouncements	Pending Accounting Pronouncements:
	In June 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance intended to eliminate the diversity in practice regarding share-based payment awards that include terms which provide for a performance target that affects vesting being achieved after the requisite service period. The new standard requires that a performance target which affects vesting and could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting and should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value.  The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted.  The Company expects the adoption of this guidance to have no impact on its consolidated financial statements.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within and across industries, and across capital markets. The new revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and the timing of recognition. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue from insurance contracts is not within the scope of this guidance. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption prohibited. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance which changes the criteria for determining which disposals are required to be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2014, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects the adoption of this guidance to have no impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Description_of_the_Company_Tab

Description of the Company (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Summary of Primary Assumptions used in Estimating Cash Flows Expected to be Collected for Securities	The table below summarizes the primary assumptions used at December 31, 2014 in estimating the cash flows expected to be collected for these securities.
		Weighted				Range
		average
	Prepayment speeds		10	%		8.8	%	–	14	%
	Default rates		2.5	%		1.8	%	–	3.7	%
	Loss severity		18.7	%		3.6	%	–	28.5	%
Change in Credit Portion of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments Recognized in Earnings on Debt Securities	The following table presents the change in the credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings on debt securities for which a portion of the other-than-temporary impairments related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.
		December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Cumulative credit loss on debt securities held at beginning of period	$	16,478		$	16,478			$	33,656
	Addition to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized		1,701			—				3,564
	Accumulated losses on securities that matured or were sold during the year		—			—				(20,742	)
	Cumulative credit loss on debt securities held at end of period	$	18,179		$	16,478			$	16,478

Debt_and_Equity_Securities_Tab

Debt and Equity Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)	The Company had the following unrealized gains (losses) as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized	$	604		$	(625	)		$	(4,435	)
	Debt securities—all other		17,182			(28,152	)			43,041
	Equity securities		8,498			23,944				6,750
		$	26,284		$	(4,833	)		$	45,356
Gross Unrealized Losses	The Company had the following gross unrealized losses as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Less than 12 months							12 months or longer						Total
	(in thousands)		Estimated			Unrealized				Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated		Unrealized
			fair value			losses				fair value			losses			fair value		losses
	December 31, 2014
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	8,122		$	(27	)		$	15,124		$	(154	)	$	23,246	$	(181	)
	Municipal bonds			137,755			(689	)			19,625			(318	)		157,380		(1,007	)
	Foreign bonds			6,215			(8	)			—			—			6,215		(8	)
	Governmental agency bonds			27,479			(88	)			127,936			(1,930	)		155,415		(2,018	)
	Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities			383,717			(1,612	)			300,918			(7,483	)		684,635		(9,095	)
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			—			—				5,611			(717	)		5,611		(717	)
	Corporate debt securities			198,079			(3,151	)			9,683			(113	)		207,762		(3,264	)
	Total debt securities			761,367			(5,575	)			478,897			(10,715	)		1,240,264		(16,290	)
	Equity securities			208,922			(8,587	)			2,340			(191	)		211,262		(8,778	)
	Total		$	970,289		$	(14,162	)		$	481,237		$	(10,906	)	$	1,451,526	$	(25,068	)
	December 31, 2013
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	37,492		$	(685	)		$	—		$	—		$	37,492	$	(685	)
	Municipal bonds			230,180			(8,938	)			27,687			(1,353	)		257,867		(10,291	)
	Foreign bonds			56,579			(626	)			—			—			56,579		(626	)
	Governmental agency bonds			203,011			(5,375	)			131			(26	)		203,142		(5,401	)
	Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities			838,411			(20,970	)			124,425			(4,284	)		962,836		(25,254	)
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			—			—				12,086			(1,803	)		12,086		(1,803	)
	Corporate debt securities			129,394			(2,422	)			12,500			(666	)		141,894		(3,088	)
	Total debt securities			1,495,067			(39,016	)			176,829			(8,132	)		1,671,896		(47,148	)
	Equity securities			85,112			(2,718	)			1,046			(42	)		86,158		(2,760	)
	Total		$	1,580,179		$	(41,734	)		$	177,875		$	(8,174	)	$	1,758,054	$	(49,908	)
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturities, are as follows:
	(in thousands)		Due in one			Due after				Due after			Due after			Total
			year or less			one				five			ten years
						through				through
						five years				ten years
	U.S. Treasury bonds
	Amortized cost		$	4,909		$	40,264			$	17,032		$	1,990		$	64,195
	Estimated fair value		$	4,969		$	40,312			$	17,370		$	2,331		$	64,982
	Municipal bonds
	Amortized cost		$	20,148		$	262,901			$	181,812		$	112,842		$	577,703
	Estimated fair value		$	20,239		$	264,952			$	186,168		$	116,318		$	587,677
	Foreign bonds
	Amortized cost		$	46,403		$	131,652			$	13,473		$	3,221		$	194,749
	Estimated fair value		$	46,585		$	133,103			$	13,707		$	3,355		$	196,750
	Governmental agency bonds
	Amortized cost		$	2,279		$	171,686			$	12,402		$	11,963		$	198,330
	Estimated fair value		$	2,284		$	169,796			$	12,762		$	13,032		$	197,874
	Corporate debt securities
	Amortized cost		$	18,503		$	239,699			$	262,743		$	47,829		$	568,774
	Estimated fair value		$	18,640		$	242,236			$	263,623		$	49,770		$	574,269
	Total debt securities excluding mortgage-backed securities
	Amortized cost		$	92,242		$	846,202			$	487,462		$	177,845		$	1,603,751
	Estimated fair value		$	92,717		$	850,399			$	493,630		$	184,806		$	1,621,552
	Total mortgage-backed securities
	Amortized cost															$	1,828,715
	Estimated fair value															$	1,828,700
	Total debt securities
	Amortized cost															$	3,432,466
	Estimated fair value															$	3,450,252
Debt Securities
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments Classified as Available-For-Sale	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are as follows:
			Amortized			Gross unrealized							Estimated
	(in thousands)		cost			gains				losses			fair value
	December 31, 2014
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	64,195		$	968			$	(181	)	$	64,982
	Municipal bonds			577,703			10,981				(1,007	)		587,677
	Foreign bonds			194,749			2,009				(8	)		196,750
	Governmental agency bonds			198,330			1,562				(2,018	)		197,874
	Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities			1,812,766			8,491				(9,095	)		1,812,162
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			15,949			1,306				(717	)		16,538
	Corporate debt securities			568,774			8,759				(3,264	)		574,269
			$	3,432,466		$	34,076			$	(16,290	)	$	3,450,252
	December 31, 2013
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	66,400		$	669			$	(685	)	$	66,384
	Municipal bonds			491,143			5,113				(10,291	)		485,965
	Foreign bonds			221,298			1,836				(626	)		222,508
	Governmental agency bonds			267,713			233				(5,401	)		262,545
	Governmental agency mortgage-backed securities			1,426,489			2,074				(25,254	)		1,403,309
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			19,658			1,167				(1,803	)		19,022
	Corporate debt securities			355,893			7,279				(3,088	)		360,084
			$	2,848,594		$	18,371			$	(47,148	)	$	2,819,817
Debt Securities | Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
Composition of Company's Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities	The table below summarizes the composition of the Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed securities as of December 31, 2014, by collateral type and year of issuance.
	(in thousands, except number of securities)		Number of			Amortized				Estimated
			Securities			Cost				Fair Value
	Non-agency mortgage- backed securities:
	Prime single family residential:
	2007			1		$	2,738			$	2,394
	2006			3			7,433				7,377
	2005			1			524				509
	Alt-A single family residential:
	2007			1			5,254				6,258
				6		$	15,949			$	16,538
Equity securities
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments Classified as Available-For-Sale	The cost and estimated fair value of investments in equity securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are as follows:
			Cost			Gross unrealized							Estimated
	(in thousands)					gains				losses			fair value
	31-Dec-14
	Preferred stocks		$	14,976		$	596			$	(47	)	$	15,525
	Common stocks			378,938			16,680				(8,731	)		386,887
			$	393,914		$	17,276			$	(8,778	)	$	402,412
	31-Dec-13
	Preferred stocks		$	9,915		$	1,567			$	(397	)	$	11,085
	Common stocks			324,184			25,137				(2,363	)		346,958
			$	334,099		$	26,704			$	(2,760	)	$	358,043

Financing_Receivables_Tables

Financing Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of Notes Receivable
			December 31,
	Notes receivable:		2014				2013
			(in thousands)
	Secured			5,810				10,533
	Unsecured			2,761				2,593
				8,571				13,126
	Loss reserve			(2,441	)			(2,584	)
	Notes receivable, net		$	6,130			$	10,542
Aging Analysis of Loans and Notes Receivable	Aging analysis of notes receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows:
		Total				Current				30-59 days		60-89 days		90 days or		Non-accrual
										past due		past due		more		status
														past due
		(in thousands)
	31-Dec-14
	Notes Receivable:
	Secured	$	5,810			$	4,929			$	28	$	—	$	43	$	810
	Unsecured		2,761				1,121				7		—		—		1,633
		$	8,571			$	6,050			$	35	$	—	$	43	$	2,443
	31-Dec-13
	Notes Receivable:
	Secured	$	10,533			$	5,784			$	3,668	$	—	$	231	$	850
	Unsecured		2,593				771				—		—		—		1,822
		$	13,126			$	6,555			$	3,668	$	—	$	231	$	2,672
Aggregate Annual Maturities for Loans and Notes Receivable	The aggregate annual maturities for notes receivable at December 31, 2014, is as follows:
	Year			Notes
				Receivable
			(in thousands)
	2015			$	2,035
	2016				1,509
	2017				719
	2018				517
	2019				2,603
	2020 and thereafter				1,188
				$	8,571

Property_And_Equipment_Tables

Property And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property and Equipment	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Land	$	29,700		$	29,816
	Buildings		270,689			277,131
	Furniture and equipment		186,237			182,912
	Capitalized software		466,548			402,713
			953,174			892,572
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(557,887	)		(531,224	)
		$	395,287		$	361,348

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Operating Segment	A summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows:
		Title			Specialty		Total
		Insurance			Insurance
		and Services
		(in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	799,092		$	46,765	$	845,857
	Acquisitions		4,456			—		4,456
	Foreign currency translation		(4,287	)		—		(4,287	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		799,261			46,765		846,026
	Acquisitions		121,252			—		121,252
	Foreign currency translation		(5,554	)		—		(5,554	)
	Other adjustments		(1,779	)		—		(1,779	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	913,180		$	46,765	$	959,945

Other_Intangible_Assets_Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Intangible Assets	Other intangible assets consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Finite-lived intangible assets:
	Customer relationships	$	94,850		$	77,382
	Noncompete agreements		27,286			26,928
	Trademarks		11,241			10,026
	Patents		2,840			2,840
			136,217			117,176
	Accumulated amortization		(97,282	)		(88,624	)
			38,935			28,552
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
	Licenses		16,877			17,795
		$	55,812		$	46,347
Estimated Amortization Expense for Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Estimated amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:
	Year		(in thousands)
	2015		$	8,886
	2016		$	8,423
	2017		$	6,799
	2018		$	4,462
	2019		$	3,690

Deposits_Tables

Deposits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking And Thrift [Abstract]
Escrow, Savings and Investment Certificate Accounts	Deposit accounts are summarized as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands, except
		percentages)
	Escrow accounts:
	Interest bearing	$	1,962,351		$	1,376,921
	Non-interest bearing		266,281			176,964
			2,228,632			1,553,885
	Savings accounts (1)		—			22,015
	Certificate accounts (1)		—			26,596
	Business checking and other deposits (2)		104,082			90,436
		$	2,332,714		$	1,692,932
	Weighted average interest rate:
	Escrow accounts		0.11	%		0.13	%
	·	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company completed its multi-year process of winding-down the operations of its industrial bank, First Security Business Bank, which included the sale of the bank’s loan portfolio and transfer of its customer deposits to a third party bank. The Company received proceeds from the sale of $42.3 million, net of $8.1 million related to customer deposits, and recorded a gain of $0.5 million.  Customer deposits were transferred at par value.
	-2	Business checking and other deposits primarily reflect non-interest bearing accounts.

Reserve_for_Known_and_Incurred1

Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Activity in Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims	Activity in the reserve for known and incurred but not reported claims is summarized as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013				2012
		(in thousands)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	1,018,365		$	976,462			$	1,014,676
	Provision related to:
	Current year		385,155			380,723				335,097
	Prior years		64,868			149,633				62,620
			450,023			530,356				397,717
	Payments, net of recoveries, related to:
	Current year		196,656			182,653				160,138
	Prior years		273,094			296,657				285,848
			469,750			479,310				445,986
	Other		13,142			(9,143	)			10,055
	Balance at end of year	$	1,011,780		$	1,018,365			$	976,462
Summary of Loss Reserves	A summary of the Company’s loss reserves is as follows:
	(in thousands, except percentages)		December 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Known title claims		$	165,330			16.3	%		$	135,478	13.3	%
	Incurred but not reported claims			802,069			79.3	%			840,104	82.5	%
	Total title claims			967,399			95.6	%			975,582	95.8	%
	Non-title claims			44,381			4.4	%			42,783	4.2	%
	Total loss reserves		$	1,011,780			100	%		$	1,018,365	100	%

Notes_and_Contracts_Payable_Ta

Notes and Contracts Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Notes and Contracts Payable
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands, except percentages)
	4.60% senior unsecured notes due November 15, 2024, net of unamortized discount of $74 at December 31, 2014, effective interest rate of 4.60%	$	299,926		$	—
	4.30% senior unsecured notes due February 1, 2023, net of unamortized discount of $760 and $837 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, effective interest rate of 4.35%		249,240			249,163
	Trust deed notes with maturities through 2032, collateralized by land and buildings with a net book value of $52,414 and $55,206 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, weighted-average interest rate of 5.39% and 5.42%, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		34,420			38,151
	Other notes and contracts payable with maturities through 2020, weighted-average interest rate of 5.30% and 2.96% at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively		3,751			22,971
		$	587,337		$	310,285
Aggregate Annual Maturities of Notes and Contracts Payable	The aggregate annual maturities for notes and contracts payable in each of the five years after December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	Year		Annual maturities
			(in thousands)
	2015		$	4,899
	2016			4,458
	2017			5,009
	2018			3,861
	2019			3,593
	Thereafter			565,517
			$	587,337

Net_Investment_Income_Tables

Net Investment Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment Income Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Investment Income	The components of net investment income are as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Interest:
	Cash equivalents and deposits with banks	$	4,471		$	3,694	$	4,407
	Debt securities		56,373			47,226		45,112
	Other long-term investments		1,213			2,009		1,013
	Loans receivable		3,755			5,474		8,132
	Dividends on equity securities		11,961			11,776		5,388
	Equity in earnings of affiliates, net		(16,545	)		5,316		6,514
	Other		10,488			14,400		10,465
	Total investment income		71,716			89,895		81,031
	Investment expenses (1)		(675	)		—		—
	Net investment income	$	71,041		$	89,895	$	81,031

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Tax Expenses	Income taxes are summarized as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Current:
	Federal	$	87,189		$	86,406		$	82,269
	State		4,751			7,887			15,229
	Foreign		812			24,331			8,234
			92,752			118,624			105,732
	Deferred:
	Federal		15,594			8,937			60,242
	State		(304	)		9,774			111
	Foreign		8,303			(13,691	)		(407	)
			23,593			5,020			59,946
		$	116,345		$	123,644		$	165,678
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	Income taxes differ from the amounts computed by applying the federal income tax rate of 35.0%. A reconciliation of this difference is as follows:
		Year ended December 31,
			2014						2013					2012
		(in thousands, except percentages)
	Taxes calculated at federal rate	$	122,696			35	%	$	108,748		35	%	$	163,592		35	%
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		2,891			0.8			11,480		3.7			9,525		2
	Change in liability for tax positions		412			0.1			3,537		1.1			2,033		0.4
	Change in capital loss valuation allowance		—			—			—		—			(5,276	)	(1.1	)
	Foreign income taxed at different rates		(6,091	)		(1.7	)		8,567		2.8			2,881		0.6
	Foreign tax credits		(2,184	)		(0.6	)		(5,640	)	(1.8	)		(2,921	)	(0.6	)
	Other items, net		(1,379	)		(0.4	)		(3,048	)	(1.0	)		(4,156	)	(0.9	)
		$	116,345			33.2	%	$	123,644		39.8	%	$	165,678		35.4	%
Net Deferred Tax (Liability) Assets	The primary components of temporary differences that give rise to the Company’s net deferred tax liability are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		(in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Deferred revenue	$	9,887		$	8,360
	Employee benefits		74,068			73,302
	Bad debt reserves		15,253			17,588
	Investments in affiliates		13,670			8,026
	Loss reserves		2,507			1,728
	Pension		120,401			86,858
	Net operating loss carryforward		23,727			27,762
	Securities		—			1,880
	Foreign tax credit		2,184			—
	Other		8,712			6,782
			270,409			232,286
	Valuation allowance		(15,706	)		(18,119	)
			254,703			214,167
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciable and amortizable assets		284,532			258,855
	Claims and related salvage		36,653			21,196
	Securities		8,934			—
			330,119			280,051
	Net deferred tax liability	$	75,416		$	65,884
Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Unrecognized tax benefits—opening balance	$	47,800		$	47,900		$	17,300
	Gross (decreases) increases—tax positions in prior period		(24,100	)		(600	)		200
	Gross increases—current period tax positions		400			500			30,500
	Expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes		—			—			(100	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits—ending balance	$	24,100		$	47,800		$	47,900

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share	The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator
	Net income attributable to the Company	$	233,534	$	186,367	$	301,041
	Less: dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested RSUs		514		324		682
	Net income allocated to common stockholders	$	233,020	$	186,043	$	300,359
	Denominator
	Basic weighted-average shares		106,884		106,991		106,307
	Effect of dilutive employee stock options and RSUs		1,804		2,111		2,235
	Diluted weighted-average shares		108,688		109,102		108,542
	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders
	Basic	$	2.18	$	1.74	$	2.83
	Diluted	$	2.15	$	1.71	$	2.77

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Tables

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Principal Components of Employee Benefit Plan Expenses	The following table provides the principal components of the Company’s employee benefit plan expenses:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Expense:
	Savings plan	$	16,333			$	10,458		$	27,778
	Defined benefit pension plans		13,465				20,975			22,657
	Unfunded supplemental benefit plans		14,614				16,673			16,553
	Other plans, net		9,259				15,479			10,166
		$	53,671			$	63,585		$	77,154
Company's Benefit Obligations, Assets and Funded Status	The following table summarizes the Company’s benefit obligations, assets and funded status associated with its defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plans:
		December 31,
		2014							2013
		Defined				Unfunded			Defined			Unfunded
		benefit				supplemental			benefit			supplemental
		pension				benefit plans			pension			benefit plans
		plans							plans
		(in thousands)
	Change in projected benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	382,035			$	226,458		$	424,462		$	250,226
	Service costs		—				1,315			—			1,915
	Interest costs		18,644				10,536			17,340			9,521
	Plan amendment		—				—			—			2,088
	Actuarial losses (gains)		76,164				37,281			(38,766	)		(24,233	)
	Benefits paid		(26,176	)			(13,453	)		(21,001	)		(13,059	)
	Projected benefit obligation at end of year		450,667				262,137			382,035			226,458
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		313,469				—			294,216			—
	Actual return on plan assets		24,400				—			10,971			—
	Contributions		27,672				13,453			29,283			13,059
	Benefits paid		(26,176	)			(13,453	)		(21,001	)		(13,059	)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		339,365				—			313,469			—
	Reconciliation of funded status:
	Unfunded status of the plans	$	(111,302	)		$	(262,137	)	$	(68,566	)	$	(226,458	)
	Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet:
	Accrued benefit liability	$	(111,302	)		$	(262,137	)	$	(68,566	)	$	(226,458	)
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
	Unrecognized net actuarial loss	$	219,081			$	120,642		$	162,084		$	90,303
	Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)		15				(24,964	)		40			(29,142	)
		$	219,096			$	95,678		$	162,124		$	61,161
	Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$	450,667			$	262,137		$	382,035		$	226,458
Net Periodic Cost	Net periodic cost related to the Company’s defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plans includes the following components:
		Year ended December 31,
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Expense:
	Service costs	$	1,315			$	1,915		$	1,712
	Interest costs		29,180				26,861			29,068
	Expected return on plan assets		(20,850	)			(18,776	)		(15,553	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		22,587				32,033			28,368
	Amortization of prior service credit		(4,153	)			(4,385	)		(4,385	)
		$	28,079			$	37,648		$	39,210
Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions Used to Determine Costs	Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine costs for the plans were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Defined benefit pension plans
	Discount rate		4.97	%			4.18	%
	Rate of return on plan assets		6.5	%			6.5	%
	Unfunded supplemental benefit plans
	Discount rate		4.8	%			3.91	%
Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations	Weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the plans were as follows:
		December 31,
		2014				2013
	Defined benefit pension plans
	Discount rate		4.07	%			4.97	%
	Unfunded supplemental benefit plans
	Discount rate		4	%			4.8	%
Target Asset Allocation Based On Funded Status	Asset allocation targets based on settlement funded status for the defined benefit pension plans are as follows:
	Settlement funded status			Return seeking assets			Liability tracking assets
	100	%		0	%		100	%
	97.5	%		15	%		85	%
	95	%		30	%		70	%
	92.5	%		40	%		60	%
	90	%		50	%		50	%
	87.5	%		60	%		40	%
	85	%		70	%		30	%
	Below 85.0%			85	%		15	%
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Asset Allocation	A summary of the defined benefit pension plan’s asset allocations as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	December 31,
		2014				2013
	Asset category
	Cash and cash equivalents		0.3	%			0.7	%
	Equities		45.5	%			48.3	%
	Fixed income funds		32.5	%			29.7	%
	Balanced funds		19.4	%			18.9	%
	Other		2.3	%			2.4	%
Benefit Payments	Benefit payments for all plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be made as follows:
	Year		(in thousands)
	2015		$	36,141
	2016		$	36,100
	2017		$	38,607
	2018		$	40,498
	2019		$	42,110
	Five years thereafter		$	220,002
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets at Fair Value	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s defined benefit pension plan assets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	December 31, 2014	Estimated				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
		fair value
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,101			$	1,101		$	—		$	—
	Equities (a)		154,279				101,304			52,975			—
	Fixed income funds (b)		110,405				59,507			50,898			—
	Balanced funds (c)		65,856				—			65,856			—
	Other (d)		7,724				—			—			7,724
		$	339,365			$	161,912		$	169,729		$	7,724
	December 31, 2013	Estimated				Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
		fair value
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,080			$	2,080		$	—		$	—
	Equities (a)		151,604				95,860			55,744			—
	Fixed income funds (b)		93,210				49,281			43,929			—
	Balanced funds (c)		59,147				—			59,147			—
	Other (d)		7,428				—			—			7,428
		$	313,469			$	147,221		$	158,820		$	7,428
	(a) Investments in passively managed index funds, actively managed mutual funds with holdings in domestic and international equities, and investments in domestic equities. These investments are valued at the closing price reported on the major market on which the individual securities are traded or the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) provided by the administrator of the fund.
	(b) Investments in passively managed index funds and actively managed mutual funds with holdings in domestic and international corporate bonds, sovereign bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and other fixed income instruments. These investments are valued using matrix pricing models and quoted prices of the securities in active markets.
	(c) Investments in global multi-asset risk parity strategy funds with holdings in domestic and international debt and equity securities, commodities, real estate, and derivative investments.  These investments are valued using the NAV provided by the administrator of the fund.
	(d) Investments in a guaranteed deposit fund with holdings in insurance contracts.  These investments are valued at contract value of the fund including contributions and earnings, less applicable costs and liabilities, as provided by the administrator of the fund.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s assets measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	64,982		$	—		$	64,982		$	—
	Municipal bonds			587,677			—			587,677			—
	Foreign bonds			196,750			—			196,750			—
	Governmental agency bonds			197,874			—			197,874			—
	Governmental agency mortgage- backed securities			1,812,162			—			1,812,162			—
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			16,538			—			—			16,538
	Corporate debt securities			574,269			—			574,269			—
				3,450,252			—			3,433,714			16,538
	Equity securities:
	Preferred stocks			15,525			15,525			—			—
	Common stocks			386,887			386,887			—			—
				402,412			402,412			—			—
	Total assets		$	3,852,664		$	402,412		$	3,433,714		$	16,538
	(in thousands)		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	31-Dec-13
	Assets:
	Debt securities:
	U.S. Treasury bonds		$	66,384		$	—		$	66,384		$	—
	Municipal bonds			485,965			—			485,965			—
	Foreign bonds			222,508			—			222,508			—
	Governmental agency bonds			262,545			—			262,545			—
	Governmental agency mortgage- backed securities			1,403,309			—			1,403,309			—
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities			19,022			—			—			19,022
	Corporate debt securities			360,084			—			360,084			—
				2,819,817			—			2,800,795			19,022
	Equity securities:
	Preferred stocks			11,085			11,085			—			—
	Common stocks			346,958			346,958			—			—
				358,043			358,043			—			—
	Total assets		$	3,177,860		$	358,043		$	2,800,795		$	19,022
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents a summary of the changes in fair value of Level 3 assets measured on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		Year Ended
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013
	Non-agency mortgage-backed securities:
	Fair value at beginning of year	$	19,022		$	21,846
	Total gains/(losses) (realized and unrealized):
	Included in earnings:
	Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings		(1,701	)		—
	Included in other comprehensive income		1,225			4,174
	Settlements		(2,008	)		(6,998	)
	Fair value as of December 31	$	16,538		$	19,022
	Unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings for the period relating to Level 3 available-for-sale investments that were still held at the end of the period:
	Net other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings	$	(1,701	)	$	—
Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not measured at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
			Carrying		Estimated fair value
	(in thousands)		Amount		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	31-Dec-14
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,190,080	$	1,190,080		$	1,190,080		$	—		$	—
	Deposits with banks		$	21,445	$	21,540		$	4,068		$	17,472		$	—
	Notes receivable, net		$	6,130	$	3,930		$	—		$	—		$	3,930
	Liabilities:
	Deposits		$	2,332,714	$	2,332,714		$	2,332,714		$	—		$	—
	Notes and contracts payable		$	587,337	$	595,087		$	—		$	588,542		$	6,545
			Carrying		Estimated fair value
	(in thousands)		Amount		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	31-Dec-13
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	834,837	$	834,837		$	834,837		$	—		$	—
	Deposits with banks		$	23,492	$	23,601		$	2,070		$	21,531		$	—
	Notes receivable, net		$	10,542	$	9,953		$	—		$	—		$	9,953
	Liabilities:
	Deposits		$	1,692,932	$	1,693,138		$	1,666,336		$	26,802		$	—
	Notes and contracts payable		$	310,285	$	301,007		$	—		$	294,221		$	6,786

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation Expense	The following table presents compensation expense associated with the Company’s share-based compensation plans:
		2014				2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Expense:
	Restricted stock units	$	17,197			$	20,827		$	13,953
	Stock options		271				8			—
	Employee stock purchase plan		1,834				1,466			886
		$	19,302			$	22,301		$	14,839
Summary of RSU Activity	The following table summarizes RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(in thousands, except weighted-average grant-date fair value)			Shares				Weighted-average
								grant-date
								fair value
	RSUs unvested at December 31, 2013			2,720			$	17.6
	Granted during 2014			740			$	26.76
	Vested during 2014			(1,099	)		$	16.08
	Forfeited during 2014			(24	)		$	18.45
	RSUs unvested at December 31, 2014			2,337			$	21.21
Summary of Stock Option Activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(in thousands, except weighted-average		Number				Weighted-			Weighted-		Aggregate
	exercise price and contractual term)		outstanding				average			average		intrinsic
							exercise price			remaining		value
										contractual term
	Balance at December 31, 2013			1,270			$	18.03
	Exercised during 2014			(584	)		$	15.51
	Balance at December 31, 2014			686			$	20.18			2.2 years	$	9,405
	Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014			686			$	20.18			2.2 years	$	9,405
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014			586			$	18.92			1.1 years	$	8,786

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Future Minimum Rental Payments	Future minimum rental payments under operating leases that have initial noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		(in thousands)
	Year
	2015	$	79,243
	2016		71,155
	2017		53,431
	2018		36,296
	2019		23,563
	Thereafter		60,273
		$	323,961

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		Unrealized				Foreign				Pension			Accumulated
		gains (losses)				currency				benefit			other
		on securities				translation				adjustment			comprehensive
						adjustment							income (loss)
		(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	(13,409	)		$	4,793			$	(168,837	)	$	(177,453	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities		52,409				—				—			52,409
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings		6,502				—				—			6,502
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		—				5,131				—			5,131
	Net actuarial loss		—				—				(46,602	)		(46,602	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		—				—				28,368			28,368
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(4,385	)		(4,385	)
	Tax effect		(23,564	)			—				9,048			(14,516	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012		21,938				9,924				(182,408	)		(150,546	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities		(54,000	)			—				—			(54,000	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings		3,809				—				—			3,809
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		—				(13,650	)			—			(13,650	)
	Net actuarial gain		—				—				53,080			53,080
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		—				—				32,033			32,033
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(4,385	)		(4,385	)
	Tax effect		19,526				—				(31,404	)		(11,878	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		(8,727	)			(3,726	)			(133,084	)		(145,537	)
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities		29,889				—				—			29,889
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings		1,229				—				—			1,229
	Change in foreign currency translation adjustments		—				(16,694	)			—			(16,694	)
	Net actuarial loss		—				—				(109,924	)		(109,924	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		—				—				22,587			22,587
	Amortization of prior service cost		—				—				(4,153	)		(4,153	)
	Tax effect		(11,480	)			—				34,994			23,514
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	10,911			$	(20,420	)		$	(189,580	)	$	(199,089	)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Allocated to Company and Noncontrolling Interests	Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) allocated to the Company and noncontrolling interests are as follows:
		Unrealized				Foreign				Pension			Accumulated
		gains (losses)				currency				benefit			other
		on securities				translation				adjustment			comprehensive
						adjustment							income (loss)
		(in thousands)
	2014
	Allocated to the Company	$	10,894			$	(20,420	)		$	(189,580	)	$	(199,106	)
	Allocated to noncontrolling interests		17				—				—			17
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	10,911			$	(20,420	)		$	(189,580	)	$	(199,089	)
	2013
	Allocated to the Company	$	(8,734	)		$	(3,726	)		$	(133,084	)	$	(145,544	)
	Allocated to noncontrolling interests		7				—				—			7
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(8,727	)		$	(3,726	)		$	(133,084	)	$	(145,537	)
	2012
	Allocated to the Company	$	21,928			$	9,924			$	(182,408	)	$	(150,556	)
	Allocated to noncontrolling interests		10				—				—			10
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	21,938			$	9,924			$	(182,408	)	$	(150,546	)
Adjustments for Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the other comprehensive income (loss) reclassification adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Unrealized				Foreign				Pension			Total
		gains (losses)				currency				benefit			other
		on securities				translation				adjustment			comprehensive
						adjustment							income (loss)
		(in thousands)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Pretax change before reclassifications	$	52,693			$	(16,694	)		$	(109,924	)	$	(73,925	)
	Reclassifications out of AOCI		(21,575	)			—				18,434			(3,141	)
	Tax effect		(11,480	)			—				34,994			23,514
	Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	19,638				(16,694	)		$	(56,496	)	$	(53,552	)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Pretax change before reclassifications	$	(40,396	)		$	(13,650	)		$	53,080		$	(966	)
	Reclassifications out of AOCI		(9,795	)			—				27,648			17,853
	Tax effect		19,526				—				(31,404	)		(11,878	)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	(30,665	)		$	(13,650	)		$	49,324		$	5,009
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Pretax change before reclassifications	$	128,745			$	5,131			$	(46,602	)	$	87,274
	Reclassifications out of AOCI		(69,834	)			—				23,983			(45,851	)
	Tax effect		(23,564	)			—				9,048			(14,516	)
	Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$	35,347			$	5,131			$	(13,571	)	$	26,907
Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	The following table presents the effect of the reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the respective line items in the consolidated statements of income:
			Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
			Year ended December 31,									Affected line items in the
	(in thousands)		2014				2013					consolidated statements of income
	Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
	Net realized gains (losses) on sales of securities		$	23,276		$	9,795					Net realized investment gains
	Net other-than-temporary impairment losses			(1,701	)		—					Net other-than-temporary impairment losses
	Pretax total		$	21,575		$	9,795
	Tax effect		$	(7,959	)	$	(3,811	)
	Pension benefit adjustment:
	Amortization of defined benefit pension and supplemental benefit plan items:
	Net actuarial loss		$	(22,587	)	$	(32,033	)	-1
	Prior service credit			4,153			4,385		-1
	Pretax total		$	(18,434	)	$	(27,648	)
	Tax effect		$	7,051		$	10,757
	-1	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic cost. See Note 14 Employee Benefit Plans for additional details.

Segment_Financial_Information_

Segment Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Selected Financial Information	Selected financial information about the Company’s operations, by segment, for each of the past three years is as follows:
		Revenues			Depreciation		Equity in			Income (loss)			Assets			Investments		Capital
					and		earnings of			before						in equity		expenditures
					amortization		affiliates, net			income taxes						method
																affiliates
		(in thousands)
	2014
	Title Insurance and Services	$	4,304,428		$	77,820	$	(16,545	)	$	373,024		$	6,767,245		$	106,083	$	95,949
	Specialty Insurance		368,666			4,978		—			52,974			506,242			—		3,412
	Corporate		6,415			2,799		—			(75,438	)		464,980			—		—
	Eliminations		(1,560	)		—		—			—			(72,367	)		—		—
		$	4,677,949		$	85,597	$	(16,545	)	$	350,560		$	7,666,100		$	106,083	$	99,361
	2013
	Title Insurance and Services	$	4,606,088		$	66,956	$	7,387		$	350,165		$	5,751,632		$	124,921	$	83,469
	Specialty Insurance		339,613			4,865		—			42,132			499,788			—		3,673
	Corporate		13,008			3,095		(2,071	)		(81,589	)		369,385			101		—
	Eliminations		(2,632	)		—		—			—			(61,622	)		—		—
		$	4,956,077		$	74,916	$	5,316		$	310,708		$	6,559,183		$	125,022	$	87,142
	2012
	Title Insurance and Services	$	4,200,520		$	67,610	$	7,677		$	473,681		$	5,427,432		$	127,217	$	78,614
	Specialty Insurance		315,171			4,553		—			47,459			487,780			—		5,278
	Corporate		29,892			2,787		(1,163	)		(53,349	)		299,707			2,753		—
	Eliminations		(3,762	)		—		—			(385	)		(137,293	)		—		—
		$	4,541,821		$	74,950	$	6,514		$	467,406		$	6,077,626		$	129,970	$	83,892
Schedule Of Revenues From External Customers And Long-Lived Assets	Revenues from external customers allocated between domestic and foreign operations, and by segment, for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014					2013						2012
		Domestic			Foreign		Domestic			Foreign			Domestic			Foreign
		(in thousands)
	Title Insurance and Services	$	3,977,498		$	325,393	$	4,283,067		$	320,413		$	3,865,480		$	332,577
	Specialty Insurance		368,666			—		339,613			—			313,889			—
		$	4,346,164		$	325,393	$	4,622,680		$	320,413		$	4,179,369		$	332,577
	Long-lived assets allocated between domestic and foreign operations, and by segment, as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014					2013						2012
		Domestic			Foreign		Domestic			Foreign			Domestic			Foreign
		(in thousands)
	Title Insurance and Services	$	1,792,387		$	122,045	$	1,610,310		$	135,912		$	1,580,399		$	151,289
	Specialty Insurance		105,062			—		105,724			—			104,698			—
		$	1,897,449		$	122,045	$	1,716,034		$	135,912		$	1,685,097		$	151,289

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data			Quarter Ended
			March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31
			(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Revenues		$	1,012,799	$	1,149,969	$	1,259,730	$	1,255,451
	Income before income taxes		$	35,253	$	76,458	$	115,952	$	122,897
	Net income		$	21,852	$	50,688	$	80,937	$	80,738
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	128	$	94	$	232	$	227
	Net income attributable to the Company		$	21,724	$	50,594	$	80,705	$	80,511
	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders (1):
	Basic		$	0.2	$	0.47	$	0.75	$	0.75
	Diluted		$	0.2	$	0.47	$	0.74	$	0.74
	·	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders for the four quarters of each fiscal year may not sum to the total for the fiscal year because of the different number of shares outstanding during each period.
			Quarter Ended
			March 31		June 30		September 30		December 31 (1)
			(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	2013
	Revenues		$	1,146,763	$	1,288,464	$	1,300,978	$	1,219,872
	Income before income taxes		$	59,592	$	59,224	$	107,045	$	84,847
	Net income		$	36,232	$	34,948	$	64,095	$	51,789
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		$	54	$	276	$	205	$	162
	Net income attributable to the Company		$	36,178	$	34,672	$	63,890	$	51,627
	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders (2):
	Basic		$	0.34	$	0.32	$	0.6	$	0.49
	Diluted		$	0.33	$	0.31	$	0.59	$	0.48
	·	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.
	·	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders for the four quarters of each fiscal year may not sum to the total for the fiscal year because of the different number of shares outstanding during each period.

Description_of_the_Company_Nar

Description of the Company (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 23, 2015
	State
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of states company issues title insurance policies	49
Number of states company licensed to issue property and casualty insurance policies	50
Number of states company issues property and casualty policies	46
Number of states company issues home warranty contracts	39
Income taxes receivable	$5,547,000	$37,632,000
Deferred income tax assets	254,703,000	214,167,000
Deferred income tax liability	330,119,000	280,051,000
Other operating expenses	833,681,000	885,805,000	836,319,000
Fair value of investments in debt securities for funding of statutory premium reserves and state deposits	120,700,000	124,000,000
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses	1,701,000		3,564,000
Impairment losses on equity method investments in affiliates	22,500,000	7,800,000	7,100,000
Title plants	514,600,000	523,100,000
Capitalized real estate data	16,000,000	800,000
Assessment to determine fair value	50.00%
Goodwill impairment losses	0	0	0
Change in basis points to one or more loss rate	0.50%
Increase (decrease) in IBNR reserve if the expected ultimate losses for each of the last six policy years increase or decrease by 50 basis points	98,700,000
Total premiums assumed and ceded in connection with reinsurance percentage less than premium and escrow fees	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Reinsurance receivable	25,000,000	0
Reinsurance receivable during the remainder of 2015	1,800,000
Escrow deposits	6,300,000,000	4,700,000,000
Like-kind exchange funds	2,400,000,000	1,400,000,000
First American Trust
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Escrow deposits	2,200,000,000	1,600,000,000
Assets held-in-trust	3,000,000,000	3,000,000,000
Subsequent Event
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Proceeds from reinsurance receivable				23,200,000
Incentive Compensation Plan
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Employee stock purchase plan percentage of purchase price on closing price	85.00%
Employee stock purchase plan percentage of discount purchase price on closing price	15.00%
Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capitalized real estate estimated useful lives, years	3 years
Other intangible assets estimated useful lives, years	1 year
Percentage of claim amounts known in the first few years of the policy life	70.00%
Maximum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capitalized real estate estimated useful lives, years	15 years
Other intangible assets estimated useful lives, years	20 years
Percentage of claim amounts known in the first few years of the policy life	80.00%
Buildings | Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives, years	5 years
Buildings | Maximum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives, years	40 years
Furniture and Equipment | Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives, years	1 year
Furniture and Equipment | Maximum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives, years	15 years
Capitalized Software Costs | Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives, years	1 year
Capitalized Software Costs | Maximum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives, years	15 years
Equity securities
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0	0
Compensating Errors | Restatement Adjustment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Income taxes receivable		11,100,000
Deferred income tax assets		27,500,000
Deferred income tax liability		38,600,000
Other operating expenses	$5,000,000

Description_of_the_Company_Sum

Description of the Company (Summary of Primary Assumptions used in Estimating Cash Flows Expected to be Collected for Securities) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Weighted Average
Schedule Of Expected Cash Flow Collected For Securities [Line Items]
Prepayment speeds, Range	10.00%
Default rates, Range	2.50%
Loss severity, Range	18.70%
Minimum
Schedule Of Expected Cash Flow Collected For Securities [Line Items]
Prepayment speeds, Range	8.80%
Default rates, Range	1.80%
Loss severity, Range	3.60%
Maximum
Schedule Of Expected Cash Flow Collected For Securities [Line Items]
Prepayment speeds, Range	14.00%
Default rates, Range	3.70%
Loss severity, Range	28.50%

Description_of_the_Company_Cha

Description of the Company (Change in Credit Portion of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments Recognized in Earnings on Debt Securities) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cumulative credit loss on debt securities held at beginning of period	$16,478	$33,656
Addition to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized	1,701	3,564
Accumulated losses on securities that matured or were sold during the year		-20,742
Cumulative credit loss on debt securities held at end of period	$18,179	$16,478

Statutory_Restrictions_On_Inve1

Statutory Restrictions On Investments And Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Deposit invested with state treasurers	$133	$128.90
Dividends, loans and advances available to parent from subsidiaries	570
Statutory capital and surplus	11.7	193.8
FATICO
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory surplus maintained by insurance subsidiary	971.3	996
Statutory net income	393.1	199.1	301.9
Permitted accounting practice	$8.20

Debt_and_Equity_Securities_Amo

Debt and Equity Securities (Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt Securities, Classified as Available-For-Sale) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$3,432,466	$2,848,594
Gross unrealized, gains	34,076	18,371
Gross unrealized, losses	-16,290	-47,148
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	3,450,252	2,819,817
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	64,195	66,400
Gross unrealized, gains	968	669
Gross unrealized, losses	-181	-685
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	64,982	66,384
Municipal Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	577,703	491,143
Gross unrealized, gains	10,981	5,113
Gross unrealized, losses	-1,007	-10,291
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	587,677	485,965
Foreign Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	194,749	221,298
Gross unrealized, gains	2,009	1,836
Gross unrealized, losses	-8	-626
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	196,750	222,508
Governmental Agency Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	198,330	267,713
Gross unrealized, gains	1,562	233
Gross unrealized, losses	-2,018	-5,401
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	197,874	262,545
Governmental Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	1,812,766	1,426,489
Gross unrealized, gains	8,491	2,074
Gross unrealized, losses	-9,095	-25,254
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	1,812,162	1,403,309
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	15,949	19,658
Gross unrealized, gains	1,306	1,167
Gross unrealized, losses	-717	-1,803
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	16,538	19,022
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	568,774	355,893
Gross unrealized, gains	8,759	7,279
Gross unrealized, losses	-3,264	-3,088
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	$574,269	$360,084

Debt_and_Equity_Securities_Cos

Debt and Equity Securities (Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Equity Securities, Classified as Available-For-Sale) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$393,914	$334,099
Gross unrealized, gains	17,276	26,704
Gross unrealized, losses	-8,778	-2,760
Equity securities	402,412	358,043
Preferred stocks
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	14,976	9,915
Gross unrealized, gains	596	1,567
Gross unrealized, losses	-47	-397
Equity securities	15,525	11,085
Common stocks
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	378,938	324,184
Gross unrealized, gains	16,680	25,137
Gross unrealized, losses	-8,731	-2,363
Equity securities	$386,887	$346,958

Debt_and_Equity_Securities_Net

Debt and Equity Securities (Net Unrealized Gains (Losses) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains (losses)	$26,284	($4,833)	$45,356
Debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains (losses)	604	-625	-4,435
Debt securities-all other
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains (losses)	17,182	-28,152	43,041
Equity securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross unrealized gains (losses)	$8,498	$23,944	$6,750

Debt_and_Equity_Securities_Nar

Debt and Equity Securities (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Realized gains on sales of securities	$34.10	$17.20	$70.10
Realized losses on sales of securities	$9.10	$15.50	$0.30

Debt_and_Equity_Securities_Gro

Debt and Equity Securities (Gross Unrealized Losses) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	$970,289	$1,580,179
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-14,162	-41,734
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	481,237	177,875
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-10,906	-8,174
Estimated fair value, Total	1,451,526	1,758,054
Unrealized losses, Total	-25,068	-49,908
Debt Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	761,367	1,495,067
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-5,575	-39,016
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	478,897	176,829
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-10,715	-8,132
Estimated fair value, Total	1,240,264	1,671,896
Unrealized losses, Total	-16,290	-47,148
Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	8,122	37,492
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-27	-685
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	15,124
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-154
Estimated fair value, Total	23,246	37,492
Unrealized losses, Total	-181	-685
Debt Securities | Municipal Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	137,755	230,180
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-689	-8,938
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	19,625	27,687
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-318	-1,353
Estimated fair value, Total	157,380	257,867
Unrealized losses, Total	-1,007	-10,291
Debt Securities | Foreign Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	6,215	56,579
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-8	-626
Estimated fair value, Total	6,215	56,579
Unrealized losses, Total	-8	-626
Debt Securities | Governmental Agency Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	27,479	203,011
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-88	-5,375
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	127,936	131
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-1,930	-26
Estimated fair value, Total	155,415	203,142
Unrealized losses, Total	-2,018	-5,401
Debt Securities | Governmental Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	383,717	838,411
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-1,612	-20,970
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	300,918	124,425
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-7,483	-4,284
Estimated fair value, Total	684,635	962,836
Unrealized losses, Total	-9,095	-25,254
Debt Securities | Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	5,611	12,086
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-717	-1,803
Estimated fair value, Total	5,611	12,086
Unrealized losses, Total	-717	-1,803
Debt Securities | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	198,079	129,394
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-3,151	-2,422
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	9,683	12,500
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-113	-666
Estimated fair value, Total	207,762	141,894
Unrealized losses, Total	-3,264	-3,088
Equity securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Estimated fair value, Less than 12 months	208,922	85,112
Unrealized losses, Less than 12 months	-8,587	-2,718
Estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	2,340	1,046
Unrealized losses, 12 months or longer	-191	-42
Estimated fair value, Total	211,262	86,158
Unrealized losses, Total	($8,778)	($2,760)

Debt_and_Equity_Securities_Com

Debt and Equity Securities (Composition of Company's Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Security
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$3,432,466	$2,848,594
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	3,450,252	2,819,817
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Number of Securities	6
Amortized Cost	15,949	19,658
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	16,538	19,022
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | Prime Single Family Residential Two Thousand Seven
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Number of Securities	1
Amortized Cost	2,738
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	2,394
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | Prime Single Family Residential Two Thousand Six
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Number of Securities	3
Amortized Cost	7,433
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	7,377
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | Prime Single Family Residential Two Thousand Five
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Number of Securities	1
Amortized Cost	524
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	509
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | Single Family Residential Two Thousand Seven
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Number of Securities	1
Amortized Cost	5,254
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	$6,258

Debt_and_Equity_Securities_Amo1

Debt and Equity Securities (Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost	$3,432,466	$2,848,594
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	3,450,252	2,819,817
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost, Due in one year or less	4,909
Amortized cost, Due after one through five years	40,264
Amortized cost, Due after five through ten years	17,032
Amortized cost, Due after ten years	1,990
Amortized Cost	64,195	66,400
Estimated fair value, Due in one year or less	4,969
Estimated fair value, Due after one through five years	40,312
Estimated fair value, Due after five through ten years	17,370
Estimated fair value, Due after ten years	2,331
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	64,982	66,384
Municipal Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost, Due in one year or less	20,148
Amortized cost, Due after one through five years	262,901
Amortized cost, Due after five through ten years	181,812
Amortized cost, Due after ten years	112,842
Amortized Cost	577,703	491,143
Estimated fair value, Due in one year or less	20,239
Estimated fair value, Due after one through five years	264,952
Estimated fair value, Due after five through ten years	186,168
Estimated fair value, Due after ten years	116,318
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	587,677	485,965
Foreign Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost, Due in one year or less	46,403
Amortized cost, Due after one through five years	131,652
Amortized cost, Due after five through ten years	13,473
Amortized cost, Due after ten years	3,221
Amortized Cost	194,749	221,298
Estimated fair value, Due in one year or less	46,585
Estimated fair value, Due after one through five years	133,103
Estimated fair value, Due after five through ten years	13,707
Estimated fair value, Due after ten years	3,355
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	196,750	222,508
Governmental Agency Bonds
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost, Due in one year or less	2,279
Amortized cost, Due after one through five years	171,686
Amortized cost, Due after five through ten years	12,402
Amortized cost, Due after ten years	11,963
Amortized Cost	198,330	267,713
Estimated fair value, Due in one year or less	2,284
Estimated fair value, Due after one through five years	169,796
Estimated fair value, Due after five through ten years	12,762
Estimated fair value, Due after ten years	13,032
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	197,874	262,545
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost, Due in one year or less	18,503
Amortized cost, Due after one through five years	239,699
Amortized cost, Due after five through ten years	262,743
Amortized cost, Due after ten years	47,829
Amortized Cost	568,774	355,893
Estimated fair value, Due in one year or less	18,640
Estimated fair value, Due after one through five years	242,236
Estimated fair value, Due after five through ten years	263,623
Estimated fair value, Due after ten years	49,770
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	574,269	360,084
Debt Securities Excluding Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost, Due in one year or less	92,242
Amortized cost, Due after one through five years	846,202
Amortized cost, Due after five through ten years	487,462
Amortized cost, Due after ten years	177,845
Amortized Cost	1,603,751
Estimated fair value, Due in one year or less	92,717
Estimated fair value, Due after one through five years	850,399
Estimated fair value, Due after five through ten years	493,630
Estimated fair value, Due after ten years	184,806
Debt securities, Estimated fair value	1,621,552
Total Mortgage-Backed Securities
Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized cost	1,828,715
Estimated fair value	$1,828,700

Financing_Receivables_Narrativ

Financing Receivables (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of loan portfolio	$42,300,000	$42,284,000
Net of sales from customer deposits	8,100,000
Gain on sale of loan portfolio	500,000
Loans receivable, net			$73,755,000

Financing_Receivables_Summary_

Financing Receivables (Summary of Notes Receivable) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable, gross	$8,571	$13,126
Loss reserve	-2,441	-2,584
Notes receivable, net	6,130	10,542
Notes Receivable-Secured
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable, gross	5,810	10,533
Notes Receivable-Unsecured
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Notes receivable, gross	$2,761	$2,593

Financing_Receivables_Aging_An

Financing Receivables (Aging Analysis of Notes Receivable) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Total Notes Receivable	$8,571	$13,126
Current	6,050	6,555
30-59 days past due	35	3,668
90 days or more past due	43	231
Non-accrual status	2,443	2,672
Notes Receivable-Secured
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Total Notes Receivable	5,810	10,533
Current	4,929	5,784
30-59 days past due	28	3,668
90 days or more past due	43	231
Non-accrual status	810	850
Notes Receivable-Unsecured
Accounts Notes And Loans Receivable [Line Items]
Total Notes Receivable	2,761	2,593
Current	1,121	771
30-59 days past due	7
Non-accrual status	$1,633	$1,822

Financing_Receivables_Aggregat

Financing Receivables (Aggregate Annual Maturities for Notes Receivable) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables [Abstract]
2015	$2,035
2016	1,509
2017	719
2018	517
2019	2,603
2020 and thereafter	1,188
Total Notes Receivable	$8,571	$13,126

Property_and_Equipment_Schedul

Property and Equipment (Schedule of Property and Equipment) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Land	$29,700	$29,816
Buildings	270,689	277,131
Furniture and equipment	186,237	182,912
Capitalized software	466,548	402,713
Property and equipment, Gross	953,174	892,572
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-557,887	-531,224
Property and equipment, Total	$395,287	$361,348

Goodwill_Carrying_Amount_of_Go

Goodwill (Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Operating Segment) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$846,026	$845,857
Acquisitions	121,252	4,456
Foreign currency translation	-5,554	-4,287
Other adjustments	-1,779
Ending balance	959,945	846,026
Operating Segments | Title Insurance and Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	799,261	799,092
Acquisitions	121,252	4,456
Foreign currency translation	-5,554	-4,287
Other adjustments	-1,779
Ending balance	913,180	799,261
Operating Segments | Specialty Insurance
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance			46,765
Ending balance	$46,765	$46,765	$46,765

Goodwill_Narrative_Detail

Goodwill (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill impairment losses	$0	$0	$0
Accumulated goodwill impairment	$0	$0	$0

Other_Intangible_Assets_Schedu

Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Other Intangible Assets) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
Customer relationships	$94,850	$77,382
Noncompete agreements	27,286	26,928
Trademarks	11,241	10,026
Patents	2,840	2,840
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	136,217	117,176
Accumulated amortization	-97,282	-88,624
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	38,935	28,552
Licenses	16,877	17,795
Other intangibles assets, net	$55,812	$46,347

Other_Intangible_Assets_Narrat

Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$12.60	$12	$12

Other_Intangible_Assets_Estima

Other Intangible Assets (Estimated Amortization Expense for Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill [Abstract]
2015	$8,886
2016	8,423
2017	6,799
2018	4,462
2019	$3,690

Deposits_Escrow_Savings_and_In

Deposits (Escrow, Savings and Investment Certificate Accounts) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Banking And Thrift [Abstract]
Interest bearing	$1,962,351		$1,376,921
Non-interest bearing	266,281		176,964
Escrow accounts	2,228,632		1,553,885
Savings accounts			22,015	[1]
Certificate accounts			26,596	[1]
Business checking and other deposits	104,082	[2]	90,436	[2]
Deposits, Total	$2,332,714		$1,692,932
Weighted average interest rate, Escrow accounts	0.11%		0.13%
[1]	During the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company completed its multi-year process of winding-down the operations of its industrial bank, First Security Business Bank, which included the sale of the bank’s loan portfolio and transfer of its customer deposits to a third party bank. The Company received proceeds from the sale of $42.3 million, net of $8.1 million related to customer deposits, and recorded a gain of $0.5 million. Customer deposits were transferred at par value.
[2]	Business checking and other deposits primarily reflect non-interest bearing accounts.

Deposits_Escrow_Savings_and_In1

Deposits (Escrow, Savings and Investment Certificate Accounts) (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking And Thrift [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of loan portfolio	$42,300,000	$42,284,000
Net of sales from customer deposits	8,100,000
Gain on sale of loan portfolio	$500,000

Reserve_for_Known_and_Incurred2

Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims (Activity in Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Insurance [Abstract]
Balance at beginning of year	$1,018,365	$976,462	$1,014,676
Provision related to current year	385,155	380,723	335,097
Provision related to prior years	64,868	149,633	62,620
Total Provision	450,023	530,356	397,717
Payments, net of recoveries, related to: Current year	196,656	182,653	160,138
Payments, net of recoveries, related to: Prior years	273,094	296,657	285,848
Total Payments, net of recoveries	469,750	479,310	445,986
Other	13,142	-9,143	10,055
Balance at end of year	$1,011,780	$1,018,365	$976,462

Reserve_for_Known_and_Incurred3

Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
Provision related to current year	$385,155,000	$380,723,000	$335,097,000
Provision related to prior years	64,868,000	149,633,000	62,620,000
Provision for title loss, percentage of title premiums and escrow fees	7.00%	8.80%	6.90%
Ultimate loss rate	5.30%	5.00%	5.10%
Estimated increase in loss reserve for prior policy years	62,200,000	148,500,000	62,100,000
IBNR reserve	802,069,000	840,104,000
Reasonable estimates of IBNR reserve range limit minimum	76,000,000
Reasonable estimates of IBNR reserve range limit maximum	188,400,000
Projected ultimate loss ratio percentage	5.30%	4.60%	3.80%
Minimum
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
IBNR reserve	726,100,000
Maximum
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
IBNR reserve	990,500,000
Domestic Commercial Policies
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
Estimated increase in loss reserve for prior policy years	41,400,000
Domestic Lender
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
Estimated increase in loss reserve for prior policy years		67,400,000	25,600,000
Commercial Policies
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
Estimated increase in loss reserve for prior policy years		38,800,000
Guaranteed Valuation Product
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
Estimated increase in loss reserve for prior policy years		21,700,000		11,800,000
International Business
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
Estimated increase in loss reserve for prior policy years			15,600,000
Insurance Segment
Liability For Future Policy Benefit By Product Segment [Line Items]
Provision related to current year	174,400,000	167,300,000	144,100,000
Provision related to prior years	$23,200,000	$16,000,000	$16,700,000

Reserve_for_Known_and_Incurred4

Reserve for Known and Incurred but Not Reported Claims (Summary of Loss Reserves) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Insurance [Abstract]
Known title claims, amount	$165,330	$135,478
Incurred but not reported claims	802,069	840,104
Total title claims, amount	967,399	975,582
Non-title claims, amount	44,381	42,783
Total loss reserves, amount	$1,011,780	$1,018,365
Known title claims, percent	16.30%	13.30%
Incurred but not reported claims, percent	79.30%	82.50%
Total title claims, percent	95.60%	95.80%
Non-title claims, percent	4.40%	4.20%
Total loss reserves, percent	100.00%	100.00%

Notes_and_Contracts_Payable_Sc

Notes and Contracts Payable (Schedule of Notes and Contracts Payable) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes and contracts payable	$587,337	$310,285
Senior Notes | 4.60% unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes and contracts payable	299,926
Senior Notes | 4.30% unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes and contracts payable	249,240	249,163
Trust Deed Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes and contracts payable	34,420	38,151
Other Notes and Contracts Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes and contracts payable	$3,751	$22,971

Notes_and_Contracts_Payable_Sc1

Notes and Contracts Payable (Schedule of Notes and Contracts Payable) (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 10, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	4.52%	4.34%
Senior Notes | 4.60% unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes maturity date	15-Nov-24
Debt instrument unamortized discount amount	$74
Effective interest rate	4.60%		4.60%
Senior Notes | 4.30% unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes maturity date	1-Feb-23
Debt instrument unamortized discount amount	760	837
Effective interest rate	4.35%	4.35%
Trust Deed Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity year	2032	2032
Debt collateralized by land and buildings	$52,414	$55,206
Weighted-average interest rate	5.39%	5.42%
Other Notes and Contracts Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	5.30%	2.96%
Other notes and contracts payable maturities in year	2020	2020

Notes_and_Contracts_Payable_Na

Notes and Contracts Payable (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 10, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	31-May-14	Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted-average interest rate	4.52%		4.34%
Outstanding borrowings under credit facility	$0
Line of credit facility, maximum increase in revolving credit	150
Revolving loans, interest rate description	At the Company’s election, borrowings of revolving loans under the credit agreement bear interest at (a) the Alternate Base Rate plus the applicable spread or (b) the Adjusted LIBOR rate plus the applicable spread (in each case as defined in the agreement). The Company may select interest periods of one, two, three or six months or (if agreed to by all lenders) such other number of months for Eurodollar borrowings of loans. The applicable spread varies depending upon the debt rating assigned by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. and/or Standard & Poor’s Rating Services. The minimum applicable spread for Alternate Base Rate borrowings is 0.625% and the maximum is 1.00%. The minimum applicable spread for Adjusted LIBOR rate borrowings is 1.625% and the maximum is 2.00%. The rate of interest on Incremental Term Loans will be established at or about the time such loans are made and may differ from the rate of interest on revolving loans.
Base Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, applicable spread	0.63%
Base Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, applicable spread	1.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, applicable spread	1.63%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, applicable spread	2.00%
Senior Notes | 4.60% unsecured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior unsecured notes issued		300
Senior unsecured notes, percentage		4.60%
Senior unsecured notes, term		10 years
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-Nov-24
Senior unsecured notes, price percentage		99.98%
Effective interest rate	4.60%	4.60%
Senior unsecured notes, interest payable terms	Interest is due semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, beginning May 15, 2015
Senior unsecured notes, increased unused capacity		700
Unsecured Debt | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity				$700	$600
Credit agreement termination date	14-May-19

Notes_and_Contracts_Payable_Ag

Notes and Contracts Payable (Aggregate Annual Maturities of Notes and Contracts Payable) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$4,899
2016	4,458
2017	5,009
2018	3,861
2019	3,593
Thereafter	565,517
Notes and contracts payable, Total	$587,337	$310,285

Net_Investment_Income_Schedule

Net Investment Income (Schedule of Net Investment Income) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract]
Cash equivalents and deposits with banks	$4,471		$3,694	$4,407
Debt securities	56,373		47,226	45,112
Other long-term investments	1,213		2,009	1,013
Loans receivable	3,755		5,474	8,132
Dividends on equity securities	11,961		11,776	5,388
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net	-16,545		5,316	6,514
Other	10,488		14,400	10,465
Total investment income	71,716		89,895	81,031
Investment expenses	-675	[1]
Investment income	$71,041		$89,895	$81,031
[1]	Investment expenses include fees paid to third party investment managers, which the Company began utilizing in 2014.

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Detail

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests, Domestic										$301,800,000	$286,200,000	$449,600,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before noncontrolling interests, Foreign										48,800,000	24,500,000	17,800,000
Federal income tax rate										35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Effective income tax rate										33.20%	39.80%	35.40%
Tax benefits recorded										6,856,000	6,202,000	2,372,000
Net payable related to spin-off tax liabilities	35,100,000				56,500,000					35,100,000	56,500,000
Foreign tax credit carryover	2,184,000									2,184,000
Operating loss carryforwards, amount	122,500,000									122,500,000
Operating loss carryforwards, indefinite expiration, amount	41,200,000									41,200,000
Operating loss carryforwards, remaining expiration, amount	81,300,000									81,300,000
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	15,706,000				18,119,000					15,706,000	18,119,000
Valuation allowance credited to tax expense												-5,276,000
Income before income taxes	122,897,000	115,952,000	76,458,000	35,253,000	84,847,000	[1]	107,045,000	59,224,000	59,592,000	350,560,000	310,708,000	467,406,000
Liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions	24,100,000				47,800,000					24,100,000	47,800,000	47,900,000	17,300,000
Offsetting tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions										3,400,000	32,600,000	32,600,000
Uncertain tax positions, net	20,700,000				15,200,000					20,700,000	15,200,000	15,300,000
Accrued interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions	8,900,000				4,700,000					8,900,000	4,700,000	4,200,000
Net of tax benefits										3,700,000	1,900,000	1,700,000
Unrecognized tax positions increase decrease, months										It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized benefit with respect to certain of the Company’s unrecognized tax positions may significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of items such as ongoing audits or the expiration of federal and state statutes of limitations for the assessment of taxes.
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Income before income taxes										132,800,000	121,800,000
Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowances On Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	13,300,000									13,300,000
Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowances On Other Foreign Deferred Tax Assets
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	2,400,000									2,400,000
Federal
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, amount	500,000									500,000
State
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, amount	38,500,000									38,500,000
Foreign
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, amount	$83,500,000									$83,500,000
[1]	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Tax_Ex

Income Taxes - Summary of Tax Expenses (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current Federal	$87,189	$86,406	$82,269
Current State	4,751	7,887	15,229
Current Foreign	812	24,331	8,234
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	92,752	118,624	105,732
Deferred Federal	15,594	8,937	60,242
Deferred State	-304	9,774	111
Deferred Foreign	8,303	-13,691	-407
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	23,593	5,020	59,946
Income tax	$116,345	$123,644	$165,678

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Effec

Income Taxes - Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Taxes calculated at federal rate	$122,696	$108,748	$163,592
State taxes, net of federal benefit	2,891	11,480	9,525
Change in liability for tax positions	412	3,537	2,033
Change in capital loss valuation allowance			-5,276
Foreign income taxed at different rates	-6,091	8,567	2,881
Foreign tax credits	-2,184	-5,640	-2,921
Other items, net	-1,379	-3,048	-4,156
Income tax	$116,345	$123,644	$165,678
Federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of federal benefit	0.80%	3.70%	2.00%
Change in liability for tax positions	0.10%	1.10%	0.40%
Change in capital loss valuation allowance			-1.10%
Foreign income taxed at different rates	-1.70%	2.80%	0.60%
Foreign tax credits	-0.60%	-1.80%	-0.60%
Other items, net	-0.40%	-1.00%	-0.90%
Total	33.20%	39.80%	35.40%

Income_Taxes_Net_Deferred_Tax_

Income Taxes - Net Deferred Tax Liability (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred revenue	$9,887	$8,360
Employee benefits	74,068	73,302
Bad debt reserves	15,253	17,588
Investments in affiliates	13,670	8,026
Loss reserves	2,507	1,728
Pension	120,401	86,858
Net operating loss carryforward	23,727	27,762
Securities		1,880
Foreign tax credit	2,184
Other	8,712	6,782
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	270,409	232,286
Valuation allowance	-15,706	-18,119
Deferred tax assets	254,703	214,167
Depreciable and amortizable assets	284,532	258,855
Claims and related salvage	36,653	21,196
Securities	8,934
Deferred tax liabilities	330,119	280,051
Net deferred tax liability	$75,416	$65,884

Income_Taxes_Changes_In_Unreco

Income Taxes - Changes In Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits—opening balance	$47,800	$47,900	$17,300
Gross (decreases) increases—tax positions in prior period	-24,100	-600	200
Gross increases—current period tax positions	400	500	30,500
Expiration of the statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes			-100
Unrecognized tax benefits—ending balance	$24,100	$47,800	$47,900

Earnings_Per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income attributable to the Company	$80,511		$80,705		$50,594		$21,724		$51,627	[1]	$63,890		$34,672		$36,178		$233,534	$186,367	$301,041
Less: dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested RSUs																	514	324	682
Net income allocated to common stockholders																	$233,020	$186,043	$300,359
Basic weighted-average shares																	106,884	106,991	106,307
Effect of dilutive employee stock options and RSUs																	1,804	2,111	2,235
Diluted weighted-average shares																	108,688	109,102	108,542
Basic	$0.75	[2]	$0.75	[2]	$0.47	[2]	$0.20	[2]	$0.49	[1],[2]	$0.60	[2]	$0.32	[2]	$0.34	[2]	$2.18	$1.74	$2.83
Diluted	$0.74	[2]	$0.74	[2]	$0.47	[2]	$0.20	[2]	$0.48	[1],[2]	$0.59	[2]	$0.31	[2]	$0.33	[2]	$2.15	$1.71	$2.77
[1]	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.
[2]	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders for the four quarters of each fiscal year may not sum to the total for the fiscal year because of the different number of shares outstanding during each period.

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Detail) (Stock Options ​and​ Restricted​ Stock​ Units​)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Options ​and​ Restricted​ Stock​ Units​
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Stock options and RSUs excluded from the weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding	133	11	700

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Narrati

Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred compensation arrangements [Abstract]
Deferred compensation plan, maximum deferral percentage	100.00%
Assets held-in-trust	78.6	73.2
Unfunded liabilities	76.4	71.1
Defined benefit pension plans and defined benefit postretirement plans disclosure [Abstract]
Executive and management supplemental benefit plans compensation period	5 years
Unfunded Supplemental Benefit Plans
Defined benefit pension plans and defined benefit postretirement plans disclosure [Abstract]
Cash contribution to plans during the next 12 months	14.1
Unfunded Supplemental Benefit Plans | Maximum
Defined benefit pension plans and defined benefit postretirement plans disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum benefit rate of final average compensation under non qualified plan	30.00%
Unfunded Supplemental Benefit Plans | Minimum
Defined benefit pension plans and defined benefit postretirement plans disclosure [Abstract]
Maximum benefit rate of final average compensation under non qualified plan	15.00%
Defined Benefit Pension And Supplemental Benefit Plans
Defined benefit pension plans and defined benefit postretirement plans disclosure [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss expected to be amortized from accumulated comprehensive loss into net periodic loss in next fiscal year	34
Prior service credit expected to be amortized from accumulated comprehensive loss into net periodic loss in next fiscal year	4.2
Pension Plan
Defined benefit pension plans and defined benefit postretirement plans disclosure [Abstract]
Cash contribution to plans during the next 12 months	21.7
Savings Plan
Defined contribution pension and other postretirement plans disclosure [Abstract]
Common stock, outstanding	3,528,000	3,903,000
Percentage of plan shares in total shares outstanding	3.30%	3.70%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Princip

Employee Benefit Plans (Principal Components of Employee Benefit Plan Expenses) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Expense
Employee benefit plan expenses	$53,671	$63,585	$77,154
Other Plans, Net
Expense
Employee benefit plan expenses	9,259	15,479	10,166
Savings Plan
Expense
Employee benefit plan expenses	16,333	10,458	27,778
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Expense
Employee benefit plan expenses	13,465	20,975	22,657
Unfunded Supplemental Benefit Plans
Expense
Employee benefit plan expenses	$14,614	$16,673	$16,553

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Company

Employee Benefit Plans (Company's Benefit Obligations, Assets and Funded Status) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Service costs	$1,315	$1,915	$1,712
Interest costs	29,180	26,861	29,068
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	313,469
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	339,365	313,469
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	382,035	424,462
Interest costs	18,644	17,340
Actuarial losses (gains)	76,164	-38,766
Benefits paid	-26,176	-21,001
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	450,667	382,035
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	313,469	294,216
Actual return on plan assets	24,400	10,971
Contributions	27,672	29,283
Benefits paid	-26,176	-21,001
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	339,365	313,469
Reconciliation of funded status, Unfunded status of the plans	-111,302	-68,566
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, Accrued benefit liability	-111,302	-68,566
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	219,081	162,084
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	15	40
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	219,096	162,124
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	450,667	382,035
Unfunded Supplemental Benefit Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	226,458	250,226
Service costs	1,315	1,915
Interest costs	10,536	9,521
Plan amendment		2,088
Actuarial losses (gains)	37,281	-24,233
Benefits paid	-13,453	-13,059
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	262,137	226,458
Change in plan assets:
Contributions	13,453	13,059
Benefits paid	-13,453	-13,059
Reconciliation of funded status, Unfunded status of the plans	-262,137	-226,458
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet, Accrued benefit liability	-262,137	-226,458
Unrecognized net actuarial loss	120,642	90,303
Unrecognized prior service cost (credit)	-24,964	-29,142
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	95,678	61,161
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year	$262,137	$226,458

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Net_Per

Employee Benefit Plans (Net Periodic Cost) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Service costs	$1,315	$1,915	$1,712
Interest costs	29,180	26,861	29,068
Expected return on plan assets	-20,850	-18,776	-15,553
Amortization of net actuarial loss	22,587	32,033	28,368
Amortization of prior service credit	-4,153	-4,385	-4,385
Net periodic cost	$28,079	$37,648	$39,210

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Weighte

Employee Benefit Plans (Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions Used to Determine Costs) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.97%	4.18%
Rate of return on plan assets	6.50%	6.50%
Unfunded Supplemental Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.80%	3.91%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Weighte1

Employee Benefit Plans (Weighted-Average Actuarial Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plans, Discount rate	4.07%	4.97%
Unfunded Supplemental Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plans, Discount rate	4.00%	4.80%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Target_

Employee Benefit Plans (Target Asset Allocation Based on Funded Status) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Settlement funded status	85.00%
Funded Ratio 100%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Settlement funded status	100.00%
Funded Ratio 97.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Settlement funded status	97.50%
Funded Ratio 95%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Settlement funded status	95.00%
Funded Ratio 92.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Settlement funded status	92.50%
Funded Ratio 90%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Settlement funded status	90.00%
Funded Ratio 87.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Settlement funded status	87.50%
Funded Ratio 85%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Settlement funded status	85.00%
Return Seeking Assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	85.00%
Return Seeking Assets | Funded Ratio 100%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	0.00%
Return Seeking Assets | Funded Ratio 97.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	15.00%
Return Seeking Assets | Funded Ratio 95%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	30.00%
Return Seeking Assets | Funded Ratio 92.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	40.00%
Return Seeking Assets | Funded Ratio 90%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	50.00%
Return Seeking Assets | Funded Ratio 87.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	60.00%
Return Seeking Assets | Funded Ratio 85%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	70.00%
Liability Tracking Assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	15.00%
Liability Tracking Assets | Funded Ratio 100%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	100.00%
Liability Tracking Assets | Funded Ratio 97.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	85.00%
Liability Tracking Assets | Funded Ratio 95%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	70.00%
Liability Tracking Assets | Funded Ratio 92.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	60.00%
Liability Tracking Assets | Funded Ratio 90%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	50.00%
Liability Tracking Assets | Funded Ratio 87.5%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	40.00%
Liability Tracking Assets | Funded Ratio 85%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assets, Target Allocations [Abstract]
Asset allocation target	30.00%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Defined

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined Benefit Pension Plan Asset Allocation) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash and Cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of plan assets	0.30%	0.70%
Equities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of plan assets	45.50%	48.30%
Fixed Income Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of plan assets	32.50%	29.70%
Balanced Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of plan assets	19.40%	18.90%
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of plan assets	2.30%	2.40%

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Benefit

Employee Benefit Plans (Benefit Payments, Expected Future Service) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Benefit Payments [Abstract]
2015	$36,141
2016	36,100
2017	38,607
2018	40,498
2019	42,110
Five years thereafter	$220,002

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Defined1

Employee Benefit Plans (Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets at Fair Value) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	$339,365		$313,469
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	161,912		147,221
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	169,729		158,820
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	7,724		7,428
Cash and Cash equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	1,101		2,080
Cash and Cash equivalents | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	1,101		2,080
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	154,279	[1]	151,604	[1]
Equity securities | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	101,304	[1]	95,860	[1]
Equity securities | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	52,975	[1]	55,744	[1]
Fixed Income Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	110,405	[2]	93,210	[2]
Fixed Income Funds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	59,507	[2]	49,281	[2]
Fixed Income Funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	50,898	[2]	43,929	[2]
Balanced Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	65,856	[3]	59,147	[3]
Balanced Funds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	65,856	[3]	59,147	[3]
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	7,724	[4]	7,428	[4]
Other | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	$7,724	[4]	$7,428	[4]
[1]	Investments in passively managed index funds, actively managed mutual funds with holdings in domestic and international equities, and investments in domestic equities. These investments are valued at the closing price reported on the major market on which the individual securities are traded or the Net Asset Value (“NAV”) provided by the administrator of the fund.
[2]	Investments in passively managed index funds and actively managed mutual funds with holdings in domestic and international corporate bonds, sovereign bonds, mortgage-backed securities, and other fixed income instruments. These investments are valued using matrix pricing models and quoted prices of the securities in active markets.
[3]	Investments in global multi-asset risk parity strategy funds with holdings in domestic and international debt and equity securities, commodities, real estate, and derivative investments. These investments are valued using the NAV provided by the administrator of the fund.
[4]	Investments in a guaranteed deposit fund with holdings in insurance contracts. These investments are valued at contract value of the fund including contributions and earnings, less applicable costs and liabilities, as provided by the administrator of the fund.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements (Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Total assets	$3,852,664	$3,177,860
Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	3,450,252	2,819,817
Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	402,412	358,043
U.S. Treasury Bonds | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	64,982	66,384
Municipal Bonds | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	587,677	485,965
Foreign Bonds | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	196,750	222,508
Governmental Agency Bonds | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	197,874	262,545
Governmental Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	1,812,162	1,403,309
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	16,538	19,022
Corporate Debt Securities | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	574,269	360,084
Preferred stocks | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	15,525	11,085
Common Stock | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	386,887	346,958
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Total assets	402,412	358,043
Level 1 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	402,412	358,043
Level 1 | Preferred stocks | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	15,525	11,085
Level 1 | Common Stock | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	386,887	346,958
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Total assets	3,433,714	2,800,795
Level 2 | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	3,433,714	2,800,795
Level 2 | U.S. Treasury Bonds | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	64,982	66,384
Level 2 | Municipal Bonds | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	587,677	485,965
Level 2 | Foreign Bonds | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	196,750	222,508
Level 2 | Governmental Agency Bonds | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	197,874	262,545
Level 2 | Governmental Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	1,812,162	1,403,309
Level 2 | Corporate Debt Securities | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	574,269	360,084
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Total assets	16,538	19,022
Level 3 | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	16,538	19,022
Level 3 | Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities | Debt Securities
Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract]
Available for sale securities, estimated fair value	$16,538	$19,022

Fair_Value_Measurements_Summar

Fair Value Measurements (Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Assets Measured on Recurring Basis) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of year	$19,022	$21,846
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses	-1,701		-3,564
Included in other comprehensive income	1,225	4,174
Settlements	-2,008	-6,998
Fair value as of December 31	$16,538	$19,022	$21,846

Fair_Value_Measurements_Carryi

Fair Value Measurements (Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,190,080	$834,837
Deposits with banks	21,445	23,492
Notes receivable, net	6,130	10,542
Liabilities:
Deposits	2,332,714	1,692,932
Notes and contracts payable	587,337	310,285
Estimated Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,190,080	834,837
Deposits with banks	21,540	23,601
Notes receivable, net	3,930	9,953
Liabilities:
Deposits	2,332,714	1,693,138
Notes and contracts payable	595,087	301,007
Estimated Fair Value | Level 1
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,190,080	834,837
Deposits with banks	4,068	2,070
Liabilities:
Deposits	2,332,714	1,666,336
Estimated Fair Value | Level 2
Assets:
Deposits with banks	17,472	21,531
Liabilities:
Deposits		26,802
Notes and contracts payable	588,542	294,221
Estimated Fair Value | Level 3
Assets:
Notes receivable, net	3,930	9,953
Liabilities:
Notes and contracts payable	$6,545	$6,786

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_1

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs	$19.60
Total fair value of shares vested and not distributed	3.2	4.3	2.3
Total intrinsic value of options exercised for years	7	6	7.1
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	$0.80
Incentive Compensation Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock that can be awarded under terms of incentive compensation plan, in shares	6,000,000
Incentive Compensation Plan, termination period, in years	10 years
Purchase of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	85.00%
Shares issued Employee Stock Purchase Plan	354,000	350,000
Shares reserved for future issuances	3,400,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period, Years	3 years
unvested stock options
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period, Years	3 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_2

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Share-Based Compensation Expense) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Restricted stock units	$17,197	$20,827	$13,953
Stock options	271	8
Employee stock purchase plan	1,834	1,466	886
Share-based compensation plans, Total	$19,302	$22,301	$14,839

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_3

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Summary of RSU Activity) (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning Balance, Shares	2,720
Granted during 2014, Shares	740
Vested during 2014, Shares	-1,099
Forfeited during 2014, Shares	-24
Ending Balance, Shares	2,337
Beginning Balance, Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$17.60
Granted during 2014, Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$26.76
Vested during 2014, Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$16.08
Forfeited during 2014, Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$18.45
Ending Balance, Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$21.21

ShareBased_Compensation_Plans_4

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Beginning Balance, Number outstanding	1,270
Exercised during 2014, Number outstanding	-584
Ending Balance, Number outstanding	686
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014, Number outstanding	686
Exercisable at December 31, 2014, Number outstanding	586
Beginning Balance, Weighted-average exercise price	$18.03
Exercised during 2014, Weighted-average exercise price	$15.51
Ending Balance, Weighted-average exercise price	$20.18
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014, Weighted-average exercise price	$20.18
Exercisable at December 31, 2014, Weighted-average exercise price	$18.92
Ending Balance, Weighted-average remaining contractual term, years	2 years 2 months 12 days
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014, Weighted-average remaining contractual term, years	2 years 2 months 12 days
Exercisable at December 31, 2014, Weighted-average remaining contractual term, years	1 year 1 month 6 days
Ending Balance, Aggregate intrinsic value	$9,405
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014, Aggregate intrinsic value	9,405
Exercisable at December 31, 2014, Aggregate intrinsic value	$8,786

Stockholders_Equity_Detail

Stockholders' Equity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	39 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2011
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount		$250,000,000	$150,000,000
Remaining authorize amount under stock repurchase program		182,900,000
Purchase of Company, value	$64,606,000	$67,100,000
Common Stock
Common stock repurchased, shares	2,951	3,200

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Rental Payments) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$79,243
2016	71,155
2017	53,431
2018	36,296
2019	23,563
Thereafter	60,273
Future minimum rental payments	$323,961

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Total rental expense for all operating leases	$93.50	$94.60	$96.80
Contingently liable for guarantees of indebtedness owed by affiliates and third parties	8.9	14.7
Maximum potential obligation	$8.90	$14.70

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest, Beginning Balance	($145,537)	($150,546)	($177,453)
Change in unrealized gain (losses) on securities	29,889	-54,000	52,409
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings	1,229	3,809	6,502
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	-16,694	-13,650	5,131
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-109,924	53,080	-46,602
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain	22,587	32,033	28,368
Amortization of prior service cost	-4,153	-4,385	-4,385
Tax effect	23,514	-11,878	-14,516
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest, Ending Balance	-199,089	-145,537	-150,546
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest, Beginning Balance	-8,727	21,938	-13,409
Change in unrealized gain (losses) on securities	29,889	-54,000	52,409
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings	1,229	3,809	6,502
Tax effect	-11,480	19,526	-23,564
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest, Ending Balance	10,911	-8,727	21,938
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest, Beginning Balance	-3,726	9,924	4,793
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	-16,694	-13,650	5,131
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest, Ending Balance	-20,420	-3,726	9,924
Pension Benefit Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest, Beginning Balance	-133,084	-182,408	-168,837
Net actuarial (loss) gain	-109,924	53,080	-46,602
Amortization of net actuarial (loss) gain	22,587	32,033	28,368
Amortization of prior service cost	-4,153	-4,385	-4,385
Tax effect	34,994	-31,404	9,048
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest, Ending Balance	($189,580)	($133,084)	($182,408)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Allocated to Company and Noncontrolling Interests) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Allocated to the Company	($199,106)	($145,544)	($150,556)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Allocated to non-controlling interests	17	7	10
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest	-199,089	-145,537	-150,546	-177,453
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Allocated to the Company	10,894	-8,734	21,928
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Allocated to non-controlling interests	17	7	10
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest	10,911	-8,727	21,938	-13,409
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Allocated to the Company	-20,420	-3,726	9,924
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest	-20,420	-3,726	9,924	4,793
Pension Benefit Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), Allocated to the Company	-189,580	-133,084	-182,408
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) including non-controlling interest	($189,580)	($133,084)	($182,408)	($168,837)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv4

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Reclassification Adjustments) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Pretax change before reclassifications	($73,925)	($966)	$87,274
Reclassifications out of AOCI	-3,141	17,853	-45,851
Tax effect	23,514	-11,878	-14,516
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-53,552	5,009	26,907
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Pretax change before reclassifications	52,693	-40,396	128,745
Reclassifications out of AOCI	-21,575	-9,795	-69,834
Tax effect	-11,480	19,526	-23,564
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	19,638	-30,665	35,347
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Pretax change before reclassifications	-16,694	-13,650	5,131
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-16,694	-13,650	5,131
Pension Benefit Adjustment
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Pretax change before reclassifications	-109,924	53,080	-46,602
Reclassifications out of AOCI	18,434	27,648	23,983
Tax effect	34,994	-31,404	9,048
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	($56,496)	$49,324	($13,571)

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv5

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	($31,768,000)		($9,211,000)		($67,686,000)
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses	1,701,000				3,564,000
Amortization of net actuarial loss	22,587,000		32,033,000		28,368,000
Amortization of prior service credit	-4,153,000		-4,385,000		-4,385,000
Pretax total	3,141,000		-17,853,000		45,851,000
Income taxes	116,345,000		123,644,000		165,678,000
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pretax total	21,575,000		9,795,000		69,834,000
Pension Benefit Adjustment
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Pretax total	-18,434,000		-27,648,000		-23,983,000
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	23,276,000		9,795,000
Net other-than-temporary impairment losses	-1,701,000
Pretax total	21,575,000		9,795,000
Income taxes	-7,959,000		-3,811,000
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Pension Benefit Adjustment
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-22,587,000	[1]	-32,033,000	[1]
Amortization of prior service credit	4,153,000	[1]	4,385,000	[1]
Pretax total	-18,434,000		-27,648,000
Income taxes	$7,051,000		$10,757,000
[1]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic cost. See Note 14 Employee Benefit Plans for additional details.

Business_Combinations_Narrativ

Business Combinations (Narrative) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Business
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price in cash	$5.30
Contingent consideration	1.2
Number of business acquired	4
Loan Quality Analytics
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition purchase price		151.2
Additional Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition purchase price			$11.30

Segment_Financial_Information_1

Segment Financial Information (Narrative) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	State
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of states issues title insurance policies	49
Number of states licensed to issues property and casualty insurance policies	50
Number of states issues property and casualty policies	46
Number of states issues home warranty contracts	39

Segment_Financial_Information_2

Segment Financial Information (Schedule of Selected Financial Information) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$1,255,451	$1,259,730	$1,149,969	$1,012,799	$1,219,872	[1]	$1,300,978	$1,288,464	$1,146,763	$4,677,949	$4,956,077	$4,541,821
Depreciation and amortization										85,597	74,916	74,950
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net										-16,545	5,316	6,514
Income (loss) before income taxes	122,897	115,952	76,458	35,253	84,847	[1]	107,045	59,224	59,592	350,560	310,708	467,406
Assets	7,666,100				6,559,183					7,666,100	6,559,183	6,077,626
Capital expenditures										99,361	87,142	83,892
Investments in equity method affiliates	106,083				125,022					106,083	125,022	129,970
Operating Segments | Title Insurance and Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										4,304,428	4,606,088	4,200,520
Depreciation and amortization										77,820	66,956	67,610
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net										-16,545	7,387	7,677
Income (loss) before income taxes										373,024	350,165	473,681
Assets	6,767,245				5,751,632					6,767,245	5,751,632	5,427,432
Capital expenditures										95,949	83,469	78,614
Investments in equity method affiliates	106,083				124,921					106,083	124,921	127,217
Operating Segments | Specialty Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										368,666	339,613	315,171
Depreciation and amortization										4,978	4,865	4,553
Income (loss) before income taxes										52,974	42,132	47,459
Assets	506,242				499,788					506,242	499,788	487,780
Capital expenditures										3,412	3,673	5,278
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										6,415	13,008	29,892
Depreciation and amortization										2,799	3,095	2,787
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net											-2,071	-1,163
Income (loss) before income taxes										-75,438	-81,589	-53,349
Assets	464,980				369,385					464,980	369,385	299,707
Investments in equity method affiliates					101						101	2,753
Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										-1,560	-2,632	-3,762
Income (loss) before income taxes												-385
Assets	($72,367)				($61,622)					($72,367)	($61,622)	($137,293)
[1]	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.

Segment_Financial_Information_3

Segment Financial Information (Schedule of Total Revenues From External Customers And Long-Lived Assets) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers	$1,255,451	$1,259,730	$1,149,969	$1,012,799	$1,219,872	[1]	$1,300,978	$1,288,464	$1,146,763	$4,677,949	$4,956,077	$4,541,821
Domestic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers										4,346,164	4,622,680	4,179,369
Long-lived assets	1,897,449				1,716,034					1,897,449	1,716,034	1,685,097
Foreign
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers										325,393	320,413	332,577
Long-lived assets	122,045				135,912					122,045	135,912	151,289
Title Insurance and Services | Domestic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers										3,977,498	4,283,067	3,865,480
Long-lived assets	1,792,387				1,610,310					1,792,387	1,610,310	1,580,399
Title Insurance and Services | Foreign
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers										325,393	320,413	332,577
Long-lived assets	122,045				135,912					122,045	135,912	151,289
Specialty Insurance | Domestic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from external customers										368,666	339,613	313,889
Long-lived assets	$105,062				$105,724					$105,062	$105,724	$104,698
[1]	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$1,255,451		$1,259,730		$1,149,969		$1,012,799		$1,219,872	[1]	$1,300,978		$1,288,464		$1,146,763		$4,677,949	$4,956,077	$4,541,821
Income before income taxes	122,897		115,952		76,458		35,253		84,847	[1]	107,045		59,224		59,592		350,560	310,708	467,406
Net income	80,738		80,937		50,688		21,852		51,789	[1]	64,095		34,948		36,232		234,215	187,064	301,728
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	227		232		94		128		162	[1]	205		276		54		681	697	687
Net income attributable to the Company	$80,511		$80,705		$50,594		$21,724		$51,627	[1]	$63,890		$34,672		$36,178		$233,534	$186,367	$301,041
Basic	$0.75	[2]	$0.75	[2]	$0.47	[2]	$0.20	[2]	$0.49	[1],[2]	$0.60	[2]	$0.32	[2]	$0.34	[2]	$2.18	$1.74	$2.83
Diluted	$0.74	[2]	$0.74	[2]	$0.47	[2]	$0.20	[2]	$0.48	[1],[2]	$0.59	[2]	$0.31	[2]	$0.33	[2]	$2.15	$1.71	$2.77
[1]	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.
[2]	Net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders for the four quarters of each fiscal year may not sum to the total for the fiscal year because of the different number of shares outstanding during each period.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Paren

Quarterly Financial Data (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Reduction in net income	$4.40
Decreases in diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders	$0.04

Schedule_I_Summary_Of_Investme

Schedule I - Summary Of Investments-Other Than Investments In Related Parties (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	$4,007,608
Market value	4,031,787
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	4,033,892
Deposits with Banks
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	21,445
Market value	21,540
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	21,445
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	64,195
Market value	64,982
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	64,982
Municipal Bonds
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	577,703
Market value	587,677
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	587,677
Foreign Bonds
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	194,749
Market value	196,750
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	196,750
Governmental Agency Bonds
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	198,330
Market value	197,874
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	197,874
Governmental Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,812,766
Market value	1,812,162
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,812,162
Non-Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	15,949
Market value	16,538
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	16,538
Corporate Debt Securities
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	568,774
Market value	574,269
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	574,269
Total Debt Securities
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	3,432,466
Market value	3,450,252
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	3,450,252
Equity Securities
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	393,914
Market value	402,412
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	402,412
Notes Receivable, Net
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	6,130
Market value	3,930
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	6,130
Other Long-term Investments
Summary Of Investments Other Than Investments In Related Parties Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	153,653
Market value	153,653	[1]
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	$153,653
[1]	As other long-term investments are not publicly traded, reasonable estimate of the fair values could not be made without incurring excessive costs.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Balance_

Schedule II - Condensed Balance Sheets Parent Company (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,190,080	$834,837	$670,529	$444,693
Income taxes receivable	5,547	37,632
Deferred income taxes	254,703	214,167
Other assets	198,626	185,658
Total assets	7,666,100	6,559,183	6,077,626
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	854,105	795,812
Income taxes payable	6,228
Deferred income taxes	95,128	93,362
Notes and contracts payable	587,337	310,285
Total liabilities	5,090,056	4,102,940
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; Authorized—500 shares;Outstanding—none
Common stock, $0.00001 par value; Authorized—300,000 shares; Outstanding—107,541 shares and 105,900 shares	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	2,109,712	2,077,828
Retained earnings	662,310	520,764
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-199,106	-145,544	-150,556
Total stockholders’ equity	2,572,917	2,453,049
Noncontrolling interests	3,127	3,194
Total equity	2,576,044	2,456,243	2,351,769	2,034,939
Total liabilities and equity	7,666,100	6,559,183
Parent Company
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	328,949	221,666	163,488	147,339
Income taxes receivable	5,547	37,632
Investment in subsidiaries	3,333,613	2,944,803
Deferred income taxes	19,712	27,478
Other assets	105,344	88,752
Total assets	3,793,165	3,320,331
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	55,021	75,656
Pension costs and other retirement plans	451,501	371,671
Income taxes payable	6,228
Due to subsidiaries, net	77	14,236
Deferred income taxes	95,128	93,362
Notes and contracts payable	549,166	249,163
Notes and contracts payable to subsidiaries	60,000	60,000
Total liabilities	1,217,121	864,088
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; Authorized—500 shares;Outstanding—none
Common stock, $0.00001 par value; Authorized—300,000 shares; Outstanding—107,541 shares and 105,900 shares	1	1
Additional paid-in capital	2,109,712	2,077,828
Retained earnings	662,310	520,764
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-199,106	-145,544
Total stockholders’ equity	2,572,917	2,453,049
Noncontrolling interests	3,127	3,194
Total equity	2,576,044	2,456,243
Total liabilities and equity	$3,793,165	$3,320,331

Schedule_II_Condensed_Balance_1

Schedule II - Condensed Balance Sheets Parent Company (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	107,541,000	105,900,000
Parent Company
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements Captions [Line Items]
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	107,541,000	105,900,000

Schedule_II_Condensed_Statemen

Schedule II - Condensed Statements Of Income Parent Company (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Total revenues	$1,255,451	$1,259,730	$1,149,969	$1,012,799	$1,219,872	[1]	$1,300,978	$1,288,464	$1,146,763	$4,677,949	$4,956,077	$4,541,821
Expenses:
Income taxes										116,345	123,644	165,678
Net income	80,738	80,937	50,688	21,852	51,789	[1]	64,095	34,948	36,232	234,215	187,064	301,728
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	227	232	94	128	162	[1]	205	276	54	681	697	687
Net income attributable to the Company	80,511	80,705	50,594	21,724	51,627	[1]	63,890	34,672	36,178	233,534	186,367	301,041
Parent Company
Revenues:
Dividends from subsidiaries										342,488	372,996	285,141
Other income										6,412	12,804	29,839
Total revenues										348,900	385,800	314,980
Expenses:
Other expenses										33,959	36,184	24,569
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries										314,941	349,616	290,411
Income taxes										104,523	139,127	102,940
Equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries										23,797	-23,425	114,257
Net income										234,215	187,064	301,728
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests										681	697	687
Net income attributable to the Company										$233,534	$186,367	$301,041
[1]	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Statemen1

Schedule II - Condensed Statements Of Comprehensive Income Parent Company (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Statement Of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$80,738	$80,937	$50,688	$21,852	$51,789	[1]	$64,095	$34,948	$36,232	$234,215	$187,064	$301,728
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities										18,862	-32,992	31,445
Unrealized gain on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings										776	2,327	3,902
Foreign currency translation adjustment										-16,694	-13,650	5,131
Pension benefit adjustment										-56,496	49,324	-13,571
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax										-53,552	5,009	26,907
Comprehensive income										180,663	192,073	328,635
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests										691	694	691
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company										179,972	191,379	327,944
Parent Company
Condensed Statement Of Income Captions [Line Items]
Net income										234,215	187,064	301,728
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities										18,862	-32,992	31,445
Unrealized gain on securities for which credit losses have been recognized in earnings										776	2,327	3,902
Foreign currency translation adjustment										-16,694	-13,650	5,131
Pension benefit adjustment										-56,496	49,324	-13,571
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax										-53,552	5,009	26,907
Comprehensive income										180,663	192,073	328,635
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests										691	694	691
Comprehensive income attributable to the Company										$179,972	$191,379	$327,944
[1]	Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 includes a net reduction of $4.4 million related to certain items that should have been recorded in a prior period. These items decreased diluted net income per share attributable to the Company’s stockholders by $0.04 for the quarter.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Statemen2

Schedule II - Condensed Statements Of Cash Flows Parent Company (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash effect of acquisitions/dispositions	($163,320)	($5,837)	($32,476)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	928,386	621,255	954,626
Net change in other long-term investments	8,025	6,443	6,591
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of debt	594,477	249,144	440,065
Repayment of debt	-325,110	-168,205	-510,544
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	6,856	6,202	2,372
Net proceeds in connection with share-based compensation plans	3,601	1,736	12,668
Purchase of Company shares		-64,606
Cash dividends	-89,939	-51,324	-44,705
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	355,243	164,308	225,836
Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of year	834,837	670,529	444,693
Cash and cash equivalents—End of year	1,190,080	834,837	670,529
Parent Company
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities	54,298	71,326	-38,703
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash effect of acquisitions/dispositions	-151,570
Proceeds from sales of equity securities			137,823
Contributions to subsidiaries	-11,396	-800	-10,999
Net change in other long-term investments	1,490	6,549	595
Cash (used for) provided by investing activities	-161,476	5,749	127,419
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net proceeds from issuance of debt	593,943	249,095	440,000
Repayment of debt	-300,000	-160,000	-480,000
Repayment of debt to subsidiaries			-2,902
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	6,856	6,202	2,372
Net proceeds in connection with share-based compensation plans	3,601	1,736	12,668
Purchase of Company shares		-64,606
Cash dividends	-89,939	-51,324	-44,705
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities	214,461	-18,897	-72,567
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	107,283	58,178	16,149
Cash and cash equivalents—Beginning of year	221,666	163,488	147,339
Cash and cash equivalents—End of year	$328,949	$221,666	$163,488

Schedule_II_Notes_to_Condensed

Schedule II - Notes to Condensed Financial Statements Parent Company (Detail) (Parent Company, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Tax receivable due from subsidiaries		$23.90
Cash dividends received from subsidiaries	$79.10	$125.10	$11.80

Schedule_III_Balance_Sheet_Cap

Schedule III - Balance Sheet Captions (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$27,495	$26,812
Claims reserves	1,011,780	1,018,365
Deferred revenues	202,764	192,184
Title Insurance and Services
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	2,179	2,375
Claims reserves	969,008	977,355
Deferred revenues	14,265	14,544
Specialty Insurance
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	25,316	24,437
Claims reserves	42,772	41,010
Deferred revenues	$188,499	$177,640

Schedule_III_Income_Statement_

Schedule III - Income Statement Captions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and escrow fees	$3,956,892		$4,229,326		$3,751,645
Net investment income	101,108	[1]	99,106	[1]	145,153	[1]
Loss provision	450,023		530,356		397,717
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	1,868		-1,268		1,066
Other operating expenses	833,681		885,805		836,319
Premiums written	364,782		344,433		312,696
Operating Segments | Title Insurance and Services
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and escrow fees	3,603,080		3,900,132		3,455,592
Net investment income	83,635	[1]	79,940	[1]	101,495	[1]
Loss provision	253,122		343,461		237,427
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	2,746		1,261		1,174
Other operating expenses	761,584		816,870		769,477
Operating Segments | Specialty Insurance
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and escrow fees	353,812		329,194		296,053
Net investment income	12,594	[1]	8,767	[1]	17,513	[1]
Loss provision	196,901		186,895		160,290
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	-878		-2,529		-108
Other operating expenses	45,599		41,725		42,395
Premiums written	364,782		344,433		312,696
Corporate
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]
Net investment income	6,415	[1]	13,008	[1]	29,892	[1]
Other operating expenses	26,528		27,264		24,462
Eliminations
Supplementary Insurance Information By Segment [Line Items]
Net investment income	-1,536	[1]	-2,609	[1]	-3,747	[1]
Other operating expenses	($30)		($54)		($15)
[1]	Net investment income includes net investment income, net realized investment gains and net other-than-temporary impairment losses.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Title Insurance and Services
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and escrow fees before reinsurance	$3,627,921	$3,923,117	$3,472,675
Ceded to other companies	28,727	27,483	19,884
Assumed from other companies	3,886	4,498	2,801
Premiums and escrow fees	3,603,080	3,900,132	3,455,592
Percentage of amount assumed to premiums and escrow fees	0.10%	0.10%	0.10%
Specialty Insurance
Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies By Product Segment [Line Items]
Premiums and escrow fees before reinsurance	363,044	338,204	305,073
Ceded to other companies	9,232	9,010	9,020
Premiums and escrow fees	$353,812	$329,194	$296,053
Percentage of amount assumed to premiums and escrow fees	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Schedule_V_Valuation_And_Quali

Schedule V - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Reserve Deducted From Accounts Receivable
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$31,831		$30,917		$30,504
Additions Charged to costs and expenses	12,352		7,478		4,927
Deductions from reserve	9,521	[1]	6,564	[1]	4,514	[1]
Balance at end of period	34,662		31,831		30,917
Reserve For Known And Incurred But Not Reported Claims
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	1,018,365		976,462		1,014,676
Additions Charged to costs and expenses	450,023		530,356		397,717
Additions Charged to other accounts	13,142		-9,143		10,055
Deductions from reserve	469,750	[2]	479,310	[2]	445,986	[2]
Balance at end of period	1,011,780		1,018,365		976,462
Reserve Deducted From Notes Receivable
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	2,584		2,902		4,183
Additions Charged to costs and expenses	128		-132		462
Deductions from reserve	271		186		1,743
Balance at end of period	2,441		2,584		2,902
Reserve Deducted From Deferred Income Taxes
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	18,119		14,172		21,426
Additions Charged to costs and expenses	-1,032		3,578
Additions Charged to other accounts			369		15
Deductions from reserve	2,413				7,269
Balance at end of period	$15,706		$18,119		$14,172
[1]	Amount represents accounts written off, net of recoveries.
[2]	Amount represents claim payments, net of recoveries.