| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 30, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 30, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | FIRST AMERICAN FINANCIAL CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001472787 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity File Number | 001-34580 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-1911571 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 First American Way |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Santa Ana |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 92707-5913 |
| City Area Code | (714) |
| Local Phone Number | 250-3000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.00001 par value |
| Trading Symbol | FAF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
