Stepan (SCL) 10-Q 27 Oct 17 2017 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Oct. 19, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SCL
Entity Registrant Name	STEPAN CO
Entity Central Index Key	94,049
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,522,579

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales		$ 487,814	$ 445,030	$ 1,451,184	$ 1,345,530
Cost of Sales		412,212	361,635	1,193,518	1,075,705
Gross Profit		75,602	83,395	257,666	269,825
Operating Expenses:
Selling		13,740	13,990	40,484	42,252
Administrative		18,557	18,958	54,376	55,350
Research, development and technical services		12,699	14,268	40,416	42,306
Deferred compensation expense		(129)	7,441	5,263	12,595
Total Operating expenses		44,867	54,657	140,539	152,503
Business restructuring expenses (Note 14)		426		1,798	1,061
Operating Income		30,309	28,738	115,329	116,261
Other Income (Expense):
Interest, net		(2,763)	(2,824)	(8,618)	(9,855)
Other, net (Note 13)		1,766	1,229	3,994	401
Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total		(997)	(1,595)	(4,624)	(9,454)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes		29,312	27,143	110,705	106,807
Provision for Income Taxes	[1]	7,459	5,776	29,044	29,020
Net Income	[1]	21,853	21,367	81,661	77,787
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 2)		46	(5)	33	(13)
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company	[1]	$ 21,899	$ 21,362	$ 81,694	$ 77,774
Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 9):
Basic	[1]	$ 0.95	$ 0.94	$ 3.56	$ 3.42
Diluted	[1]	$ 0.94	$ 0.92	$ 3.50	$ 3.38
Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 9):
Basic		22,971	22,819	22,941	22,771
Diluted	[1]	23,374	23,148	23,361	23,017
Dividends Declared Per Common Share		$ 0.21	$ 0.19	$ 0.62	$ 0.57
[1]	The 2016 amounts for the noted items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	[1]	$ 21,853	$ 21,367	$ 81,661	$ 77,787
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 10)		9,837	(2,213)	26,288	7,685
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax (Note 10)		539	497	1,671	1,626
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (Note 10)		(2)		(7)	(27)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		10,374	(1,716)	27,952	9,284
Comprehensive income		32,227	19,651	109,613	87,071
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 2)		20	(1)	(26)	24
Comprehensive income attributable to Stepan Company		$ 32,247	$ 19,650	$ 109,587	$ 87,095
[1]	The 2016 amounts for the noted items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 264,100	$ 225,743
Receivables, net	314,125	263,408
Inventories (Note 6)	163,716	173,663
Other current assets	23,718	22,727
Total current assets	765,659	685,541
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Cost	1,588,996	1,513,478
Less: accumulated depreciation	(997,122)	(930,764)
Property, plant and equipment, net	591,874	582,714
Goodwill, net	25,724	25,308
Other intangible assets, net	19,810	22,339
Long-term investments (Note 3)	26,335	24,055
Other non-current assets	13,429	13,933
Total assets	1,442,831	1,353,890
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 12)	21,165	28,154
Accounts payable	172,384	158,316
Accrued liabilities	96,421	110,795
Total current liabilities	289,970	297,265
Deferred income taxes	19,729	12,497
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 12)	283,261	288,859
Other non-current liabilities	113,600	119,353
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
Equity:
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 60,000,000 shares; Issued shares 26,063,641 in 2017 and 25,894,782 shares in 2016	26,064	25,895
Additional paid-in capital	168,548	158,042
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 10)	(99,572)	(127,465)
Retained earnings	716,923	649,070
Less: Common treasury stock, at cost, 3,542,333 shares in 2017 and 3,470,084 shares in 2016	(77,030)	(70,938)
Total Stepan Company stockholders’ equity	734,933	634,604
Noncontrolling interests (Note 2)	1,338	1,312
Total equity	736,271	635,916
Total liabilities and equity	$ 1,442,831	$ 1,353,890

Condensed Consolidated Balance5

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	26,063,641	25,894,782
Treasury stock, shares	3,542,333	3,470,084

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	[1]	$ 81,661	$ 77,787
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		57,121	55,196
Deferred compensation		5,263	12,595
Realized and unrealized gains on long-term investments		(3,677)	(720)
Stock-based compensation		6,248	8,055
Deferred income taxes		7,132	4,169
Other non-cash items		3,738	292
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net		(37,713)	(30,270)
Inventories		14,789	(12,485)
Other current assets		(631)	(308)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(5,872)	5,142
Pension liabilities		(2,141)	415
Environmental and legal liabilities		(392)	498
Deferred revenues		(843)	(846)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	[2]	124,683	119,520
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment		(57,902)	(69,761)
Business acquisition (Note 15)		(4,339)
Other, net		(759)	(2,788)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities		(63,000)	(72,549)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net		(7,309)	1,014
Other debt repayments		(5,714)	(6,193)
Dividends paid		(13,841)	(12,732)
Company stock repurchased		(4,500)	(2,408)
Stock option exercises		3,127	3,290
Other, net		(1,649)	(275)
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities	[2]	(29,886)	(17,304)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash		6,560	1,190
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		38,357	30,857
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period		225,743	176,143
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period		264,100	207,000
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds		22,377	18,577
Cash payments of interest		$ 9,113	$ 9,592
[1]	The 2016 amounts for the noted items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
[2]	The amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 have been immaterially changed from the originally reported amounts as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of ASU No.2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.

Condensed Consolidated Financia

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Stepan Company (the Company), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures are adequate and make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of September 30, 2017, results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, have been included. These financial statements and related footnotes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 (2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Reconciliations of Equity

Reconciliations of Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Reconciliations of Equity	2. RECONCILIATIONS OF EQUITY Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: (In thousands) Total Equity Stepan Company Equity Noncontrolling Interests’ Equity (3) Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 635,916 $ 634,604 $ 1,312 Net income 81,661 81,694 (33 ) Dividends (13,841 ) (13,841 ) — Common stock purchases (1) (6,255 ) (6,255 ) — Stock option exercises 3,127 3,127 — Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax 1,671 1,671 — Translation adjustments 26,288 26,229 59 Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (7 ) (7 ) — Other (2) 7,711 7,711 — Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 736,271 $ 734,933 $ 1,338 (In thousands) Total Equity Stepan Company Equity Noncontrolling Interests’ Equity (3) Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 558,384 $ 556,984 $ 1,400 Net income 77,787 77,774 13 Dividends (12,732 ) (12,732 ) — Common stock purchases (1) (2,643 ) (2,643 ) — Stock option exercises 3,290 3,290 — Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax 1,626 1,626 — Translation adjustments 7,685 7,722 (37 ) Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (27 ) (27 ) — Other (2)(4) 6,362 6,362 — Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 639,732 $ 638,356 $ 1,376 (1) Includes the value of shares of the Company’s common stock purchased in the open market and tendered by employees to settle statutory withholding taxes related to the receipt of performance awards, the receipt of deferred compensation distributions and the exercises of stock appreciation rights (SARs). (2) Primarily comprised of activity related to stock-based compensation and deferred compensation. (3) Reflects the noncontrolling interest in the Company’s China joint venture. (4) Amounts for the noted line items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of ASU No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The following describe the financial instruments held by the Company at September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, and the methods and assumptions used to estimate the instruments’ fair values: Cash and cash equivalents Carrying value approximated fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments. Derivative assets and liabilities Derivative assets and liabilities included the foreign currency exchange contracts are discussed in Note 4. Fair value and carrying value were the same because the contracts were recorded at fair value. The fair values of the foreign currency contracts were calculated as the difference between the applicable forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date and the contracted foreign exchange rates multiplied by the contracted notional amounts. See the table that follows the financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair values of derivative assets and liabilities. Long-term investments Long-term investments included the mutual fund assets the Company held to fund a portion of its deferred compensation liabilities and all of its non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution obligations. Fair value and carrying value were the same because the mutual fund assets were recorded at fair value. Fair values for the mutual funds were calculated using the published market price per unit at the reporting date multiplied by the number of units held at the reporting date. See the table that follows the financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair value of long-term investments. Debt obligations The fair value of debt with original maturities greater than one year comprised the combined present values of scheduled principal and interest payments for each of the various loans, individually discounted at rates equivalent to those which could be obtained by the Company for new debt issues with durations equal to the average life to maturity of each loan. The fair values of the remaining Company debt obligations approximated their carrying values due to the short-term nature of the debt. The Company’s fair value measurements for debt fall in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. At September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the fair values of debt and the related carrying values, including current maturities, were as follows (the fair value and carrying value amounts are presented without regard to unamortized debt issuance costs of $1,025,000 and $1,141,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively): (In thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair value $ 309,587 $ 316,364 Carrying value 305,451 318,154 The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall: (In thousands) September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Mutual fund assets $ 26,335 $ 26,335 $ — $ — Derivative assets: Foreign currency contracts 161 — 161 — Total assets at fair value $ 26,496 $ 26,335 $ 161 $ — Derivative liabilities: Foreign currency contracts $ 342 $ — $ 342 $ — (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Mutual fund assets $ 24,055 $ 24,055 $ — $ — Derivative assets: Foreign currency contracts 453 — 453 — Total assets at fair value $ 24,508 $ 24,055 $ 453 $ — Derivative liabilities : Foreign currency contracts $ 469 $ — $ 469 $ —

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed by the use of derivative instruments is foreign currency exchange risk. The Company holds forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not designated as any type of accounting hedge as defined by GAAP. The Company uses these contracts to manage its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on certain Company subsidiary cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other obligation balances that are denominated in currencies other than the entities’ functional currencies. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from recording the foreign exchange contracts at fair value are reported in earnings as offsets to the losses and gains reported in earnings arising from the re-measurement of the asset and liability balances into the applicable functional currencies. At September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, all with durations of approximately one to three months, to buy or sell foreign currencies with U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of $39,220,000 and $33,372,000, respectively. The fair values of the derivative instruments held by the Company on September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, are disclosed in Note 3. Derivative instrument gains and losses for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, were immaterial. For amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (AOCI) into earnings for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, see Note 10.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION On September 30, 2017, the Company had stock options outstanding under its 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan and stock options, stock awards and SARs outstanding under its 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan. SARs granted prior to 2015 are cash-settled, and SARs granted in 2015 and thereafter are settled in shares of Company common stock. Stock options and SARs granted prior to 2017 cliff vest after two years. Stock options and SARs granted in 2017 have a three-year graded vesting feature, with one-third of the awards vesting each year. The Company has elected the straight-line method of expense attribution for the stock options and SARs with the graded vesting feature. Compensation expense recorded for all stock options, stock awards and SARs was as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 $ 1,697 $ 3,607 $ 6,248 $ 8,055 The decrease in stock-based compensation expense between the three-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, was primarily attributable to a decrease in cash-settled SARs compensation resulting from a decrease in the market price of Company common stock in the third quarter of 2017 versus an increase in the stock price of Company common stock in the third quarter of 2016. The above decrease in cash-settled SARs compensation was also the primary reason for the decline in stock-based compensation expense between the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs were as follows: (In thousands) September 2017 December 31, 2016 Stock options $ 1,533 $ 895 Stock awards 4,632 5,514 SARs 3,178 1,859 The unrecognized compensation costs at September 30, 2017, are expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of 2.0 years, 1.6 years and 2.0 years for stock options, stock awards and SARs, respectively. Grants of the following awards were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2017: Shares Stock options 71,434 Stock awards (at target) 44,599 SARs 148,723

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	6. INVENTORIES The composition of inventories at September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, was as follows: (In thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Finished goods $ 106,881 $ 127,597 Raw materials 56,835 46,066 Total inventories $ 163,716 $ 173,663 Inventories are priced primarily using the last-in, first-out inventory valuation method. If the first-in, first-out inventory valuation method had been used for all inventories, total inventory balances would have been approximately $33,606,000 and $25,872,000 higher than reported at September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingencies	7. CONTINGENCIES There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against the Company. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties, judgments or costs being assessed against the Company at some future time. The Company’s operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal regulations, including the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the Superfund amendments of 1986 (Superfund) and similar laws in the other countries in which the Company does business. Over the years, the Company has received requests for information related to or has been named by the government as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at a number of waste disposal sites where cleanup costs have been or may be incurred under CERCLA and similar state statutes. In addition, damages are being claimed against the Company in general liability actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of some disposal and plant sites. The Company believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with respect to these sites. As of September 30, 2017, the Company estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses of $25.0 million to $46.1 For certain sites, the Company has responded to information requests made by federal, state or local government agencies but has received no response confirming or denying the Company’s stated positions. As such, estimates of the total costs, or range of possible costs, of remediation, if any, or the Company’s share of such costs, if any, cannot be determined with respect to these sites. Consequently, the Company is unable to predict the effect thereof on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. Based upon the Company’s present knowledge with respect to its involvement at these sites, the possibility of other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup, and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, the Company believes that these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations with respect to such sites in any annual or interim period, the effect on the Company’s cash flows and results of operations for those periods could be material. Following are summaries of the material contingencies at September 30, 2017: Maywood, New Jersey Site The Company’s property in Maywood, New Jersey and property formerly owned by the Company adjacent to its current site and other nearby properties (Maywood site) were listed on the National Priorities List in September 1993 pursuant to the provisions of CERCLA because of certain alleged chemical contamination. Pursuant to an Administrative Order on Consent entered into between United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Company for property formerly owned by the Company, and the issuance of an order by USEPA to the Company for property currently owned by the Company, the Company has completed various Remedial Investigation Feasibility Studies, and on September 24, 2014, USEPA issued its Record of Decision (ROD) for chemically-contaminated soil. USEPA has not yet issued a ROD for chemically-contaminated groundwater for the Maywood site. Based on the most current information available, the Company believes its recorded liability represents its best estimate of the cost of remediation for the Maywood site. The best estimate of the cost of remediation for the Maywood site could change as the Company continues to hold discussions with USEPA, as the design of the remedial action progresses or if other PRPs are identified. The ultimate amount for which the Company is liable could differ from the Company’s current recorded liability. In April 2015, the Company entered into an Administrative Settlement Agreement and Administrative Order on Consent with USEPA which requires payment of certain costs and performance of certain investigative and design work for chemically-contaminated soil. Based on the Company’s review and analysis of this order, no changes to the Company’s recorded liability for claims associated with soil remediation of chemical contamination were required. In addition, under the terms of a settlement agreement reached on November 12, 2004, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Company agreed to fulfill the terms of a Cooperative Agreement reached in 1985 under which the United States will take title to and responsibility for radioactive waste removal at the Maywood site, including past and future remediation costs incurred by the United States. As such, the Company recorded no liability related to this settlement agreement. D’Imperio Property Site During the mid-1970’s, Jerome Lightman and the Lightman Drum Company disposed of hazardous substances at several sites in New Jersey. The Company was named as a PRP in a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey that involved the D’Imperio Property Site located in New Jersey. In 2016, the PRPs were provided with updated remediation cost estimates which were considered in the Company’s determination of its range of estimated possible losses and liability balance. The changes in range of possible losses and liability balance were immaterial. Remediation work is continuing at this site. Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability represents its best estimate of the cost of remediation for the D’Imperio site. Depending on the ultimate cost of the remediation at this site, the amount for which the Company is liable could differ from the current estimates. Wilmington Site The Company is currently contractually obligated to contribute to the response costs associated with the Company’s formerly-owned site at 51 Eames Street, Wilmington, Massachusetts. Remediation at this site is being managed by its current owner, to whom the Company sold the property in 1980. Under the agreement, once total site remediation costs exceed certain levels, the Company is obligated to contribute up to five percent of future response costs associated with this site with no limitation on the ultimate amount of contributions. To date, the Company has paid the current owner $2.5 million for the Company’s portion of environmental response costs. The Company has recorded a liability for its portion of the estimated remediation costs for the site. The Company believes that based on current information its recorded liability represents the best estimate of its share of the remediation costs at this site. Depending on the ultimate cost of the remediation at this site, the amount for which the Company is liable could differ from the current recorded liability. The Company and other prior owners also entered into an agreement in April 2004 waiving certain statute of limitations defenses for claims which may be filed by the Town of Wilmington, Massachusetts, in connection with this site. While the Company has denied any liability for any such claims, the Company agreed to this waiver while the parties continue to discuss the resolution of any potential claim which may be filed. Other U.S. Sites Through the regular environmental monitoring of its plant production sites, the Company discovered levels of chemical contamination that were above thresholds allowed by law at two of its U.S. plants. The Company voluntarily reported its results to the applicable state environmental agencies. As a result, the Company is required to perform self-remediation of the affected areas. In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company established a liability for the estimated cost of remediating the sites. Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability represents its best estimate of the cost of remediation for these sites. The ultimate cost of the remediation at this site could differ from the Company’s current recorded liability.

Postretirement Benefit Plans

Postretirement Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Postretirement Benefit Plans	8. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS Defined Benefit Pension Plans The Company sponsors various funded qualified and unfunded non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, the most significant of which cover employees in the U.S. and U.K. locations. The U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans are frozen and service benefits are no longer being accrued. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost UNITED STATES (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest cost $ 1,665 $ 1,741 $ 4,988 $ 5,200 Expected return on plan assets (2,323 ) (2,251 ) (6,966 ) (6,759 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 738 776 2,314 2,540 Net periodic benefit cost $ 80 $ 266 $ 336 $ 981 UNITED KINGDOM (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest cost $ 151 $ 177 $ 441 $ 564 Expected return on plan assets (203 ) (218 ) (593 ) (694 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 97 18 284 58 Net periodic benefit (income) cost $ 45 $ (23 ) $ 132 $ (72 ) Employer Contributions U.S. Plans The Company made a $2,100,000 voluntary contribution to its funded U.S. qualified defined benefit plans in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017. No other contributions are expected to be made to the funded plans in 2017. Approximately $312,000 is expected to be paid related to the unfunded non-qualified plans in 2017. Of such amount, $256,000 had been paid as of September 30, 2017. U.K. Plan The Company’s U.K. subsidiary expects to contribute approximately $360,000 to its defined benefit pension plan in 2017. Of such amount, $281,000 had been contributed as of September 30, 2017. Defined Contribution Plans The Company sponsors retirement savings defined contribution plans that cover U.S. and U.K. employees. The Company also sponsors a qualified profit sharing plan for its U.S. employees. The retirement savings and profit sharing defined contribution plans include a qualified plan and a non-qualified supplemental executive plan. Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company’s retirement savings and profit sharing plans were as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Retirement savings plans $ 1,275 $ 1,304 $ 3,758 $ 3,849 Profit sharing plan 1,308 1,595 5,259 5,098 Total defined contribution expense $ 2,583 $ 2,899 $ 9,017 $ 8,947 The Company funds the obligations of its non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution plans (supplemental plans) through a rabbi trust. The trust comprises various mutual fund investments selected by the participants of the supplemental plans. In accordance with the accounting guidance for rabbi trust arrangements, the assets of the trust and the obligations of the supplemental plans are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company elected the fair value option for the mutual fund investment assets so that offsetting changes in the mutual fund values and defined contribution plan obligations would be recorded in earnings in the same period. Therefore, the mutual funds are reported at fair value with any subsequent changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income. The liabilities related to the supplemental plans increase (i.e., supplemental plan expense is recognized) when the value of the trust assets appreciates and decrease when the value of the trust assets declines (i.e., supplemental plan income is recognized). At September 30, 2017, the balance of the trust assets was $1,502,000, which equaled the balance of the supplemental plan liabilities.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	9. EARNINGS PER SHARE Below are the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Computation of Basic Earnings per Share Net income attributable to Stepan Company $ 21,899 $ 21,362 $ 81,694 $ 77,774 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 22,971 22,819 22,941 22,771 Basic earnings per share $ 0.95 $ 0.94 $ 3.56 $ 3.42 Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share Net income attributable to Stepan Company $ 21,899 $ 21,362 $ 81,694 $ 77,774 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding 22,971 22,819 22,941 22,771 Add weighted-average net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) (1) 147 162 167 151 Add weighted-average net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method) 8 7 8 6 Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of SARs (under treasury stock method) (1) 140 93 142 45 Add weighted-average contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method) 108 67 103 44 Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings 23,374 23,148 23,361 23,017 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.94 $ 0.92 $ 3.50 $ 3.38 (1) Options/SARs to acquire 24,840 shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Options/SARs to acquire 58,287 shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Inclusion of the instruments would have had antidilutive effects on the computations of earnings per share.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	10. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Below are the changes in the Company’s AOCI balances by component (net of income taxes) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017: (In thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments Total Balance at June 30, 2016 $ (78,406 ) $ (35,696 ) $ 47 $ (114,055 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (2,209 ) — (2 ) (2,211 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 497 2 499 Net current-period other comprehensive income (2,209 ) 497 — (1,712 ) Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (80,615 ) $ (35,199 ) $ 47 $ (115,767 ) Balance at June 30, 2017 $ (80,357 ) $ (29,658 ) $ 95 $ (109,920 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 9,811 — — 9,811 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 539 (2 ) 537 Net current-period other comprehensive income 9,811 539 (2 ) 10,348 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (70,546 ) $ (29,119 ) $ 93 $ (99,572 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (88,337 ) $ (36,825 ) $ 74 $ (125,088 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 7,722 — (34 ) $ 7,688 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 1,626 7 $ 1,633 Net current-period other comprehensive income 7,722 1,626 (27 ) 9,321 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (80,615 ) $ (35,199 ) $ 47 $ (115,767 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (96,775 ) $ (30,790 ) $ 100 $ (127,465 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 26,229 — — 26,229 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 1,671 (7 ) 1,664 Net current-period other comprehensive income 26,229 1,671 (7 ) 27,893 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (70,546 ) $ (29,119 ) $ 93 $ (99,572 ) Information regarding the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, is displayed below: (In thousands) Amount Reclassified from AOCI (a) AOCI Components Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statements of Income 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial losses $ (835 ) $ (794 ) $ (2,598 ) $ (2,598 ) (b) 296 297 927 972 Tax benefit $ (539 ) $ (497 ) $ (1,671 ) $ (1,626 ) Net of tax Gains and losses on cash flow hedges: Interest rate contracts $ — $ (7 ) $ — $ (20 ) Interest, net Foreign exchange contracts 2 3 7 7 Cost of sales 2 (4 ) 7 (13 ) Total before tax — 2 — 6 Tax benefit $ 2 $ (2 ) $ 7 $ (7 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (537 ) $ (499 ) $ (1,664 ) $ (1,633 ) Net of tax (a) Amounts in parentheses denote expense to statement of income. (b) This component of accumulated other comprehensive income is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 8 for additional details).

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	11. SEGMENT REPORTING The Company has three reportable segments: Surfactants, Polymers and Specialty Products. Net sales by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, were as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Segment Net Sales Surfactants $ 321,444 $ 290,467 $ 973,381 $ 899,014 Polymers 147,754 134,144 415,551 382,540 Specialty Products 18,616 20,419 62,252 63,976 Total $ 487,814 $ 445,030 $ 1,451,184 $ 1,345,530 Segment operating income and reconciliations of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, are summarized below: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Segment Operating Income Surfactants $ 22,466 $ 20,737 $ 91,733 $ 85,214 Polymers 21,116 27,087 63,772 80,278 Specialty Products 988 2,328 7,702 6,449 Segment operating income 44,570 50,152 163,207 171,941 Business restructuring (426 ) — (1,798 ) (1,061 ) Unallocated corporate expenses (1) (13,835 ) (21,414 ) (46,080 ) (54,619 ) Consolidated operating income 30,309 28,738 115,329 116,261 Interest expense, net (2,763 ) (2,824 ) (8,618 ) (9,855 ) Other, net 1,766 1,229 3,994 401 Consolidated income before income taxes $ 29,312 $ 27,143 $ 110,705 $ 106,807 (1) Unallocated corporate expenses are primarily comprised of corporate administrative expenses (e.g., corporate finance, legal, human resources, information systems, deferred compensation and environmental remediation) that are not included in segment operating income and not used to evaluate segment performance.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	12. DEBT At September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, debt comprised the following: (In thousands) Maturity Dates September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Unsecured private placement notes 3.95% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $354 and $382 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2021-2027 $ 99,646 $ 99,618 3.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $355 and $390 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2019-2025 99,645 99,610 4.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $200 and $225 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2017-2023 64,800 64,775 5.88% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $100 and $116 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2017-2022 28,471 34,170 5.69% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $16 and $28 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2017-2018 11,412 11,400 Debt of foreign subsidiaries Unsecured bank term loan, foreign currency 2017 452 432 Secured bank debt, foreign currency 2017 — 7,008 Total debt $ 304,426 $ 317,013 Less current maturities 21,165 28,154 Long-term debt $ 283,261 $ 288,859 The Company has a committed $125,000,000 multi-currency revolving credit agreement that expires on July 10, 2019. The Company maintains standby letters of credit under its workers’ compensation insurance agreements and for other purposes, as needed from time to time, which are issued under the revolving credit agreement. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $4,677,000 a The various loan agreements contain provisions which, among others, require maintenance of certain financial ratios and place limitations on additional debt, investments and payment of dividends. Based on the loan agreement provisions that place limitations on dividend payments, unrestricted retained earnings (i.e., retained earnings available for dividend distribution) were $200,112,000 and $157,606,000 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

Other, Net

Other, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Other, Net	13. OTHER, NET Other, net in the consolidated statements of income included the following: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign exchange (losses) gains $ 596 $ 286 $ 97 $ (489 ) Investment income 69 18 220 170 Realized and unrealized gains on investments 1,101 925 3,677 720 Other, net $ 1,766 $ 1,229 $ 3,994 $ 401

Business Restructuring

Business Restructuring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Business Restructuring	14. BUSINESS RESTRUCTURING In May 2016, the Company announced plans to shut down its Longford Mills, Ontario, Canada (Longford Mills) manufacturing facility, a part of the Surfactant reportable segment, by December 31, 2016. The shutdown plan was developed as an effort to improve the Company’s asset utilization in North America and to reduce the Company’s fixed cost base. Manufacturing operations of the Longford Mills plant ceased by the end of 2016, and production of goods manufactured at the facility was transferred to other Company North American production sites. Decommissioning of the assets is expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2017. As of September 30, 2017, an aggregate of $4,483,000 of expense has been recognized since the beginning of the restructuring, reflecting $1,594,000 of termination benefits for approximately 30 employees and $2,889,000 for other expenses, principally asset decommissioning costs. The spending for the decommissioning of the assets is nearly complete. Below is a reconciliation of the December 31, 2016 and the September 30, 2017 restructuring liabilities: (In thousands) Termination Benefits Other Expense Total Restructuring liability at December 31, 2016 $ 1,548 $ 437 $ 1,985 Expense recognized — 786 786 Amounts paid (550 ) (928 ) (1,478 ) Foreign currency translation 17 6 23 Restructuring liability at March 31, 2017 $ 1,015 $ 301 $ 1,316 Expense recognized — 454 454 Amounts paid (168 ) (615 ) (783 ) Foreign currency translation 20 3 23 Restructuring liability at June 30, 2017 $ 867 $ 143 $ 1,010 Expense recognized — 426 426 Amounts paid (126 ) (444 ) (570 ) Foreign currency translation 37 14 51 Restructuring liability at September 30, 2017 $ 778 $ 139 $ 917 In addition to the above, the Company eliminated 11 positions from manufacturing operations at its Singapore plant in June 2017. The Singapore plant is part of the Company’s Surfactant segment. The reduction in positions was made to better align the number of personnel with current business requirements and to reduce costs at that site. As a result of the reduction in workforce, termination expense of $132,000 was recognized in the second quarter ended June 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, there was no remaining liability for the termination pay.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	1 5 . ACQUISITIONS 2017 Acquisition Agreement On June 13, 2017, the Company announced that it had reached an agreement with BASF Mexicana, S.A. DE C.V. (BASF) to acquire BASF’s production facility in Ecatepec, Mexico, and a portion of its related surfactants business. The facility, which is near Mexico City, has over 50,000 metric tons of capacity, 124,000 square feet of warehouse space, a laboratory and office space. The acquisition is currently expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018, subject to closing conditions. The acquired facility and business will be included in the Company’s Surfactant segment. 2016 Business Acquisition O n October 3, 2016, the Company’s subsidiary in Brazil acquired the commercial business of Tebras Tensoativos do Brazil Ltda. (Tebras) and the sulfonation production facility of PBC Industria Quimica Ltda. (PBC). The original purchase price of the acquisitions was R$93,309,000 (approximately $29,075,000), of which R$70,000,000 (approximately $21,812,000) was paid from cash on hand, R$9,000,000 (approximately $2,804,000) was deposited in escrow to cover certain potential losses as specified in the purchase agreement and R$14,309,000 (approximately $4,459,000) for working capital adjustments was unpaid pending agreement on the adjustment amounts. In the first quarter of 2017, the Company settled on and paid the working capital adjustment amounts that were outstanding at December 31, 2016. The payment totaled R$13,925,000 (approximately $4,339,000), which made the adjusted purchase price of the acquisitions R$92,925,000 (approximately $28,955,000). As a result of the change in purchase price, the amount of the purchase price allocated to goodwill changed from $14,327,000 to $14,207,000. The values of all other assets acquired and liabilities assumed remained as previously reported. In addition, the change in purchase price had no impact on the Company’s current or previously reported results of operations. The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed: (In thousands) Assets: Current assets $ 5,165 Property, plant and equipment 5,716 Identifiable intangible assets 7,354 Goodwill 14,207 Total assets acquired $ 32,442 Liabilities: Current liabilities $ 408 Deferred tax liability 3,079 Total liabilities assumed $ 3,487 Net assets acquired $ 28,955 The acquired goodwill, which was assigned entirely to the Company’s Surfactant segment, is not currently tax deductible. The goodwill reflects the opportunity of introducing the Company’s broad line of surfactant products to the acquired entities’ large customer base. Identifiable intangible assets included customer relationships ($4,331,000), a supply contract ($2,555,000) and non-compete agreements ($468,000). The amortization period for these intangibles at the time of acquisition were 13 years, four years and five years, respectively. The Company continues to evaluate the purchase price allocation, including the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Any changes to these amounts during the measurement period may result in an adjustment to the recorded amount of goodwill.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	1 6 . RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842) In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-4, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-7, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

Recent Accounting Pronounceme23

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2, Leases (Topic 842) In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-4, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-7, Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

Reconciliations of Equity (Tabl

Reconciliations of Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Reconciliations of Total Equity	Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: (In thousands) Total Equity Stepan Company Equity Noncontrolling Interests’ Equity (3) Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 635,916 $ 634,604 $ 1,312 Net income 81,661 81,694 (33 ) Dividends (13,841 ) (13,841 ) — Common stock purchases (1) (6,255 ) (6,255 ) — Stock option exercises 3,127 3,127 — Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax 1,671 1,671 — Translation adjustments 26,288 26,229 59 Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (7 ) (7 ) — Other (2) 7,711 7,711 — Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 736,271 $ 734,933 $ 1,338 (In thousands) Total Equity Stepan Company Equity Noncontrolling Interests’ Equity (3) Balance at January 1, 2016 $ 558,384 $ 556,984 $ 1,400 Net income 77,787 77,774 13 Dividends (12,732 ) (12,732 ) — Common stock purchases (1) (2,643 ) (2,643 ) — Stock option exercises 3,290 3,290 — Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax 1,626 1,626 — Translation adjustments 7,685 7,722 (37 ) Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (27 ) (27 ) — Other (2)(4) 6,362 6,362 — Balance at September 30, 2016 $ 639,732 $ 638,356 $ 1,376 (1) Includes the value of shares of the Company’s common stock purchased in the open market and tendered by employees to settle statutory withholding taxes related to the receipt of performance awards, the receipt of deferred compensation distributions and the exercises of stock appreciation rights (SARs). (2) Primarily comprised of activity related to stock-based compensation and deferred compensation. (3) Reflects the noncontrolling interest in the Company’s China joint venture. (4) Amounts for the noted line items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of ASU No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Debt	At September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, the fair values of debt and the related carrying values, including current maturities, were as follows (the fair value and carrying value amounts are presented without regard to unamortized debt issuance costs of $1,025,000 and $1,141,000 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively): (In thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Fair value $ 309,587 $ 316,364 Carrying value 305,451 318,154
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis at Fair Value	The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall: (In thousands) September 30, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Mutual fund assets $ 26,335 $ 26,335 $ — $ — Derivative assets: Foreign currency contracts 161 — 161 — Total assets at fair value $ 26,496 $ 26,335 $ 161 $ — Derivative liabilities: Foreign currency contracts $ 342 $ — $ 342 $ — (In thousands) December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Mutual fund assets $ 24,055 $ 24,055 $ — $ — Derivative assets: Foreign currency contracts 453 — 453 — Total assets at fair value $ 24,508 $ 24,055 $ 453 $ — Derivative liabilities : Foreign currency contracts $ 469 $ — $ 469 $ —

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Compensation Expense Recorded for All Stock Options, Stock Awards and SARs	Compensation expense recorded for all stock options, stock awards and SARs was as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 $ 1,697 $ 3,607 $ 6,248 $ 8,055
Unrecognized Compensation Costs for Stock Options, Stock Awards and SARs	Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs were as follows: (In thousands) September 2017 December 31, 2016 Stock options $ 1,533 $ 895 Stock awards 4,632 5,514 SARs 3,178 1,859
Share Based Payment Awards Granted in Period	Grants of the following awards were made during the nine months ended September 30, 2017: Shares Stock options 71,434 Stock awards (at target) 44,599 SARs 148,723

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Composition of Inventories	The composition of inventories at September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, was as follows: (In thousands) September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Finished goods $ 106,881 $ 127,597 Raw materials 56,835 46,066 Total inventories $ 163,716 $ 173,663

Postretirement Benefit Plans (T

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost UNITED STATES (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest cost $ 1,665 $ 1,741 $ 4,988 $ 5,200 Expected return on plan assets (2,323 ) (2,251 ) (6,966 ) (6,759 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 738 776 2,314 2,540 Net periodic benefit cost $ 80 $ 266 $ 336 $ 981 UNITED KINGDOM (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Interest cost $ 151 $ 177 $ 441 $ 564 Expected return on plan assets (203 ) (218 ) (593 ) (694 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 97 18 284 58 Net periodic benefit (income) cost $ 45 $ (23 ) $ 132 $ (72 )
Defined Contribution Plan Expenses for Company's Retirement Savings Plans and Profit Sharing Plan	Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company’s retirement savings and profit sharing plans were as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Retirement savings plans $ 1,275 $ 1,304 $ 3,758 $ 3,849 Profit sharing plan 1,308 1,595 5,259 5,098 Total defined contribution expense $ 2,583 $ 2,899 $ 9,017 $ 8,947

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	Below are the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016: (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Computation of Basic Earnings per Share Net income attributable to Stepan Company $ 21,899 $ 21,362 $ 81,694 $ 77,774 Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 22,971 22,819 22,941 22,771 Basic earnings per share $ 0.95 $ 0.94 $ 3.56 $ 3.42 Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share Net income attributable to Stepan Company $ 21,899 $ 21,362 $ 81,694 $ 77,774 Weighted-average number of shares outstanding 22,971 22,819 22,941 22,771 Add weighted-average net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) (1) 147 162 167 151 Add weighted-average net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method) 8 7 8 6 Add weighted-average net shares from assumed exercise of SARs (under treasury stock method) (1) 140 93 142 45 Add weighted-average contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method) 108 67 103 44 Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings 23,374 23,148 23,361 23,017 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.94 $ 0.92 $ 3.50 $ 3.38 (1) Options/SARs to acquire 24,840 shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Options/SARs to acquire 58,287 shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Inclusion of the instruments would have had antidilutive effects on the computations of earnings per share.

Accumulated Other Comprehensi30

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Below are the changes in the Company’s AOCI balances by component (net of income taxes) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2017: (In thousands) Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments Total Balance at June 30, 2016 $ (78,406 ) $ (35,696 ) $ 47 $ (114,055 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (2,209 ) — (2 ) (2,211 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 497 2 499 Net current-period other comprehensive income (2,209 ) 497 — (1,712 ) Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (80,615 ) $ (35,199 ) $ 47 $ (115,767 ) Balance at June 30, 2017 $ (80,357 ) $ (29,658 ) $ 95 $ (109,920 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 9,811 — — 9,811 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 539 (2 ) 537 Net current-period other comprehensive income 9,811 539 (2 ) 10,348 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (70,546 ) $ (29,119 ) $ 93 $ (99,572 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (88,337 ) $ (36,825 ) $ 74 $ (125,088 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 7,722 — (34 ) $ 7,688 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 1,626 7 $ 1,633 Net current-period other comprehensive income 7,722 1,626 (27 ) 9,321 Balance at September 30, 2016 $ (80,615 ) $ (35,199 ) $ 47 $ (115,767 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (96,775 ) $ (30,790 ) $ 100 $ (127,465 ) Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 26,229 — — 26,229 Amounts reclassified from AOCI — 1,671 (7 ) 1,664 Net current-period other comprehensive income 26,229 1,671 (7 ) 27,893 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (70,546 ) $ (29,119 ) $ 93 $ (99,572 )
Summary of Amounts Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Information regarding the reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, is displayed below: (In thousands) Amount Reclassified from AOCI (a) AOCI Components Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statements of Income 2017 2016 2017 2016 Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial losses $ (835 ) $ (794 ) $ (2,598 ) $ (2,598 ) (b) 296 297 927 972 Tax benefit $ (539 ) $ (497 ) $ (1,671 ) $ (1,626 ) Net of tax Gains and losses on cash flow hedges: Interest rate contracts $ — $ (7 ) $ — $ (20 ) Interest, net Foreign exchange contracts 2 3 7 7 Cost of sales 2 (4 ) 7 (13 ) Total before tax — 2 — 6 Tax benefit $ 2 $ (2 ) $ 7 $ (7 ) Net of tax Total reclassifications for the period $ (537 ) $ (499 ) $ (1,664 ) $ (1,633 ) Net of tax (a) Amounts in parentheses denote expense to statement of income. (b) This component of accumulated other comprehensive income is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 8 for additional details).

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating Segment	The Company has three reportable segments: Surfactants, Polymers and Specialty Products. Net sales by segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, were as follows: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Segment Net Sales Surfactants $ 321,444 $ 290,467 $ 973,381 $ 899,014 Polymers 147,754 134,144 415,551 382,540 Specialty Products 18,616 20,419 62,252 63,976 Total $ 487,814 $ 445,030 $ 1,451,184 $ 1,345,530
Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Financial Statements	Segment operating income and reconciliations of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, are summarized below: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Segment Operating Income Surfactants $ 22,466 $ 20,737 $ 91,733 $ 85,214 Polymers 21,116 27,087 63,772 80,278 Specialty Products 988 2,328 7,702 6,449 Segment operating income 44,570 50,152 163,207 171,941 Business restructuring (426 ) — (1,798 ) (1,061 ) Unallocated corporate expenses (1) (13,835 ) (21,414 ) (46,080 ) (54,619 ) Consolidated operating income 30,309 28,738 115,329 116,261 Interest expense, net (2,763 ) (2,824 ) (8,618 ) (9,855 ) Other, net 1,766 1,229 3,994 401 Consolidated income before income taxes $ 29,312 $ 27,143 $ 110,705 $ 106,807 (1) Unallocated corporate expenses are primarily comprised of corporate administrative expenses (e.g., corporate finance, legal, human resources, information systems, deferred compensation and environmental remediation) that are not included in segment operating income and not used to evaluate segment performance.

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	At September 30, 2017, and December 31, 2016, debt comprised the following: (In thousands) Maturity Dates September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Unsecured private placement notes 3.95% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $354 and $382 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2021-2027 $ 99,646 $ 99,618 3.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $355 and $390 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2019-2025 99,645 99,610 4.86% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $200 and $225 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2017-2023 64,800 64,775 5.88% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $100 and $116 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2017-2022 28,471 34,170 5.69% (net of unamortized debt issuance cost of $16 and $28 for 2017 and 2016, respectively) 2017-2018 11,412 11,400 Debt of foreign subsidiaries Unsecured bank term loan, foreign currency 2017 452 432 Secured bank debt, foreign currency 2017 — 7,008 Total debt $ 304,426 $ 317,013 Less current maturities 21,165 28,154 Long-term debt $ 283,261 $ 288,859

Other, Net (Tables)

Other, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Income And Expenses [Abstract]
Other Net in Consolidated Statements of Income	Other, net in the consolidated statements of income included the following: (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2017 2016 2017 2016 Foreign exchange (losses) gains $ 596 $ 286 $ 97 $ (489 ) Investment income 69 18 220 170 Realized and unrealized gains on investments 1,101 925 3,677 720 Other, net $ 1,766 $ 1,229 $ 3,994 $ 401

Business Restructuring (Tables)

Business Restructuring (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Restructuring Liabilities	Below is a reconciliation of the December 31, 2016 and the September 30, 2017 restructuring liabilities: (In thousands) Termination Benefits Other Expense Total Restructuring liability at December 31, 2016 $ 1,548 $ 437 $ 1,985 Expense recognized — 786 786 Amounts paid (550 ) (928 ) (1,478 ) Foreign currency translation 17 6 23 Restructuring liability at March 31, 2017 $ 1,015 $ 301 $ 1,316 Expense recognized — 454 454 Amounts paid (168 ) (615 ) (783 ) Foreign currency translation 20 3 23 Restructuring liability at June 30, 2017 $ 867 $ 143 $ 1,010 Expense recognized — 426 426 Amounts paid (126 ) (444 ) (570 ) Foreign currency translation 37 14 51 Restructuring liability at September 30, 2017 $ 778 $ 139 $ 917

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed: (In thousands) Assets: Current assets $ 5,165 Property, plant and equipment 5,716 Identifiable intangible assets 7,354 Goodwill 14,207 Total assets acquired $ 32,442 Liabilities: Current liabilities $ 408 Deferred tax liability 3,079 Total liabilities assumed $ 3,487 Net assets acquired $ 28,955

Reconciliations of Equity - Rec

Reconciliations of Equity - Reconciliations of Total Equity (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reconciliations of total equity
Beginning Balance				$ 635,916	$ 558,384
Net income	[1]	$ 21,853	$ 21,367	81,661	77,787
Dividends				(13,841)	(12,732)
Common stock purchases	[2]			(6,255)	(2,643)
Stock option exercises				3,127	3,290
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax		539	497	1,671	1,626
Translation adjustments		9,837	(2,213)	26,288	7,685
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax		(2)		(7)	(27)
Other	[3]			7,711	6,362	[4]
Ending Balance		736,271	639,732	736,271	639,732
Stepan Company Equity [Member]
Reconciliations of total equity
Beginning Balance				634,604	556,984
Net income				81,694	77,774
Dividends				(13,841)	(12,732)
Common stock purchases	[2]			(6,255)	(2,643)
Stock option exercises				3,127	3,290
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax				1,671	1,626
Translation adjustments				26,229	7,722
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax				(7)	(27)
Other	[3]			7,711	6,362	[4]
Ending Balance		734,933	638,356	734,933	638,356
Noncontrolling Interests' Equity [Member]
Reconciliations of total equity
Beginning Balance	[5]			1,312	1,400
Net income	[5]			(33)	13
Translation adjustments	[5]			59	(37)
Ending Balance	[5]	$ 1,338	$ 1,376	$ 1,338	$ 1,376
[1]	The 2016 amounts for the noted items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
[2]	Includes the value of shares of the Company’s common stock purchased in the open market and tendered by employees to settle statutory withholding taxes related to the receipt of performance awards, the receipt of deferred compensation distributions and the exercises of stock appreciation rights (SARs).
[3]	Primarily comprised of activity related to stock-based compensation and deferred compensation.
[4]	Amounts for the noted line items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of ASU No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
[5]	Reflects the noncontrolling interest in the Company’s China joint venture.

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 1,025,000	$ 1,141,000

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values and Related Carrying Values of Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value	$ 305,451	$ 318,154
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value	$ 309,587	$ 316,364

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual fund assets	$ 26,335	$ 24,055
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts	161	453
Total assets at fair value	26,496	24,508
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	342	469
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mutual fund assets	26,335	24,055
Derivative assets:
Total assets at fair value	26,335	24,055
Level 2 [Member]
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts	161	453
Total assets at fair value	161	453
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$ 342	$ 469

Derivative Instruments - Additi

Derivative Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount	$ 39,220,000	$ 33,372,000
Minimum [Member]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative foreign currency exchange contracts durations	1 month
Maximum [Member]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative foreign currency exchange contracts durations	3 months

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years	2 years
Percentage of awards vesting in each year	33.33%
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years
SARs [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years	2 years
Percentage of awards vesting in each year	33.33%
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognized compensation cost	2 years
Stock Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognized compensation cost	1 year 7 months 7 days

Stock-Based Compensation - Comp

Stock-Based Compensation - Compensation Expense Recorded for All Stock Options, Stock Awards and SARs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Compensation expense	$ 1,697	$ 3,607	$ 6,248	$ 8,055

Stock-Based Compensation - Unre

Stock-Based Compensation - Unrecognized Compensation Costs for Stock Options, Stock Awards and SARs (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs	$ 1,533	$ 895
Stock Awards [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs	4,632	5,514
SARs [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs	$ 3,178	$ 1,859

Stock-Based Compensation - Shar

Stock-Based Compensation - Share Based Payment Awards Granted in Period (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017shares
Stock Option [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted in period	71,434
Stock Awards (at target) [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted in period	44,599
SARs [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted in period	148,723

Inventories - Composition of In

Inventories - Composition of Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Finished goods	$ 106,881	$ 127,597
Raw materials	56,835	46,066
Total inventories	$ 163,716	$ 173,663

Inventories - Additional Inform

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
LIFO reserve	$ 33,606,000	$ 25,872,000

Contingencies - Additional Info

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental and legal losses	$ 25,000,000		$ 25,800,000
Cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,000,000
Contribution for future response costs	5.00%
Wilmington Site [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Payment of environmental response costs	$ 2,500,000
Minimum [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental and legal losses	25,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Environmental and legal losses	$ 46,100,000

Postretirement Benefit Plans -

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
United States [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	$ 1,665	$ 1,741	$ 4,988	$ 5,200
Expected return on plan assets	(2,323)	(2,251)	(6,966)	(6,759)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	738	776	2,314	2,540
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	80	266	336	981
United Kingdom [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Interest cost	151	177	441	564
Expected return on plan assets	(203)	(218)	(593)	(694)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	97	18	284	58
Net periodic benefit (income) cost	$ 45	$ (23)	$ 132	$ (72)

Postretirement Benefit Plans 49

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Defined Benefit Pension Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
U.S Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions	$ 2,100,000	$ 2,100,000
Expected payment related to qualified plan	0	0
Expected payment related to non-qualified plan	312,000	312,000
Payments related to non-qualified plans	256,000	256,000
U.K Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contributions		281,000
Expected payment related to qualified plan	$ 360,000	$ 360,000

Postretirement Benefit Plans 50

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Defined Contribution Plan Expenses for the Company's Retirement Savings Plans and Profit Sharing Plan (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined contribution expense	$ 2,583	$ 2,899	$ 9,017	$ 8,947
Retirement Savings Plans [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined contribution expense	1,275	1,304	3,758	3,849
Profit Sharing Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined contribution expense	$ 1,308	$ 1,595	$ 5,259	$ 5,098

Postretirement Benefit Plans 51

Postretirement Benefit Plans - Defined Contribution Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Defined Contribution Plans [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance of trust assets	$ 1,502,000

Earnings Per Share - Computatio

Earnings Per Share - Computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Computation of Basic Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	[1]	$ 21,899	$ 21,362	$ 81,694	$ 77,774
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		22,971	22,819	22,941	22,771
Basic earnings per share	[1]	$ 0.95	$ 0.94	$ 3.56	$ 3.42
Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company		$ 21,899	$ 21,362	$ 81,694	$ 77,774
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		22,971	22,819	22,941	22,771
Add weighted-average net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)		8	7	8	6
Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings	[1]	23,374	23,148	23,361	23,017
Diluted earnings per share	[1]	$ 0.94	$ 0.92	$ 3.50	$ 3.38
Options [Member]
Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Add weighted-average net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options, SARS and contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method)	[2]	147	162	167	151
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Add weighted-average net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options, SARS and contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method)	[2]	140	93	142	45
Performance Stock Award [Member]
Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Add weighted-average net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options, SARS and contingently issuable net shares related to performance stock awards (under treasury stock method)		108	67	103	44
[1]	The 2016 amounts for the noted items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
[2]	Options/SARs to acquire 24,840 shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Options/SARs to acquire 58,287 shares of Company common stock were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Inclusion of the instruments would have had antidilutive effects on the computations of earnings per share.

Earnings Per Share - Computat53

Earnings Per Share - Computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Parenthetical) (Detail) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) [Member]
Earnings Per Share Basic [Line Items]
Options/SARs to acquire shares of common stock excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share	24,840	58,287

Accumulated Other Comprehensi54

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance			$ 634,604
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	$ 9,811	$ (2,211)	26,229	$ 7,688
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	537	499	1,664	1,633
Net current-period other comprehensive income	10,348	(1,712)	27,893	9,321
Ending Balance	734,933		734,933
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(80,357)	(78,406)	(96,775)	(88,337)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	9,811	(2,209)	26,229	7,722
Net current-period other comprehensive income	9,811	(2,209)	26,229	7,722
Ending Balance	(70,546)	(80,615)	(70,546)	(80,615)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(29,658)	(35,696)	(30,790)	(36,825)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	539	497	1,671	1,626
Net current-period other comprehensive income	539	497	1,671	1,626
Ending Balance	(29,119)	(35,199)	(29,119)	(35,199)
Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	95	47	100	74
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		(2)		(34)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	(2)	2	(7)	7
Net current-period other comprehensive income	(2)		(7)	(27)
Ending Balance	93	47	93	47
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(109,920)	(114,055)	(127,465)	(125,088)
Ending Balance	$ (99,572)	$ (115,767)	$ (99,572)	$ (115,767)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi55

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Summary of Amounts Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes		$ 29,312	$ 27,143	$ 110,705	$ 106,807
Tax benefit	[1]	(7,459)	(5,776)	(29,044)	(29,020)
Interest, net		(2,763)	(2,824)	(8,618)	(9,855)
Cost of Sales		412,212	361,635	1,193,518	1,075,705
Defined Benefit Pension Plan Adjustments [Member] | Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial losses	[2],[3]	(835)	(794)	(2,598)	(2,598)
Tax benefit	[2]	296	297	927	972
Income applicable to common stock	[2]	(539)	(497)	(1,671)	(1,626)
Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments [Member] | Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	[2]	2	(4)	7	(13)
Tax benefit	[2]		2		6
Income applicable to common stock	[2]	2	(2)	7	(7)
Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments [Member] | Interest rate contracts [Member] | Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest, net	[2]		(7)		(20)
Cash Flow Hedge Adjustments [Member] | Foreign exchange contracts [Member] | Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Cost of Sales	[2]	2	3	7	7
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Income applicable to common stock	[2]	$ (537)	$ (499)	$ (1,664)	$ (1,633)
[1]	The 2016 amounts for the noted items have been immaterially changed from the amounts originally reported as a result of the Company’s fourth quarter 2016 adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-9, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
[2]	Amounts in parentheses denote expense to statement of income.
[3]	This component of accumulated other comprehensive income is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 8 for additional details).

Segment Reporting - Additional

Segment Reporting - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3

Segment Reporting - Operating S

Segment Reporting - Operating Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 487,814	$ 445,030	$ 1,451,184	$ 1,345,530
Surfactants [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	321,444	290,467	973,381	899,014
Polymers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	147,754	134,144	415,551	382,540
Specialty Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 18,616	$ 20,419	$ 62,252	$ 63,976

Segment Reporting - Reconciliat

Segment Reporting - Reconciliation of Segment Information to Consolidated Financial Statements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		$ 30,309	$ 28,738	$ 115,329	$ 116,261
Business restructuring		(426)		(1,798)	(1,061)
Interest expense, net		(2,763)	(2,824)	(8,618)	(9,855)
Other, net		1,766	1,229	3,994	401
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes		29,312	27,143	110,705	106,807
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		44,570	50,152	163,207	171,941
Operating Segments [Member] | Surfactants [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		22,466	20,737	91,733	85,214
Operating Segments [Member] | Polymers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		21,116	27,087	63,772	80,278
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income		988	2,328	7,702	6,449
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business restructuring		(426)		(1,798)	(1,061)
Unallocated corporate expenses	[1]	$ (13,835)	$ (21,414)	$ (46,080)	$ (54,619)
[1]	Unallocated corporate expenses are primarily comprised of corporate administrative expenses (e.g., corporate finance, legal, human resources, information systems, deferred compensation and environmental remediation) that are not included in segment operating income and not used to evaluate segment performance.

Debt - Debt (Detail)

Debt - Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 304,426	$ 317,013
Less current maturities	21,165	28,154
Long-term debt	283,261	288,859
Unsecured private placement 3.95% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 99,646	$ 99,618
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	3.95%	3.95%
Unsecured private placement 3.95% note [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,021	2,021
Unsecured private placement 3.95% note [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,027	2,027
Unsecured private placement 3.86% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 99,645	$ 99,610
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	3.86%	3.86%
Unsecured private placement 3.86% note [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,019	2,019
Unsecured private placement 3.86% note [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,025	2,025
Unsecured private placement 4.86% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 64,800	$ 64,775
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	4.86%	4.86%
Unsecured private placement 4.86% note [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,017	2,017
Unsecured private placement 4.86% note [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,023	2,023
Unsecured private placement 5.88% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 28,471	$ 34,170
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	5.88%	5.88%
Unsecured private placement 5.88% note [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,017	2,017
Unsecured private placement 5.88% note [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,022	2,022
Unsecured private placement 5.69% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 11,412	$ 11,400
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	5.69%	5.69%
Unsecured private placement 5.69% note [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,017	2,017
Unsecured private placement 5.69% note [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Dates	2,018	2,018
Debt of foreign subsidiaries Unsecured bank debt, foreign currency [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 452	$ 432
Maturity Dates	2,017	2,017
Debt of foreign subsidiaries Secured bank debt, foreign currency [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt		$ 7,008
Maturity Dates	2,017	2,017

Debt - Debt (Parenthetical) (De

Debt - Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 1,025,000	$ 1,141,000
Unsecured private placement 3.95% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance cost	354,000	382,000
Unsecured private placement 3.86% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance cost	355,000	390,000
Unsecured private placement 4.86% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance cost	200,000	225,000
Unsecured private placement 5.88% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance cost	100,000	116,000
Unsecured private placement 5.69% note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance cost	$ 16,000	$ 28,000

Debt - Additional Information (

Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - Multi currency revolving credit agreement [Member] - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit agreement	$ 125,000,000
Credit agreement expiry Date	Jul. 10, 2019
Letters of Credit Outstanding	$ 4,677,000
Outstanding borrowing	0
Unused Revolving credit	120,323,000
Unrestricted retained earnings	$ 200,112,000	$ 157,606,000

Other, Net - Other Net in Conso

Other, Net - Other Net in Consolidated Statements of Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Other Nonoperating Income Expense [Abstract]
Foreign exchange (losses) gains	$ 596	$ 286	$ 97	$ (489)
Investment income	69	18	220	170
Realized and unrealized gains on investments	1,101	925	3,677	720
Other, net	$ 1,766	$ 1,229	$ 3,994	$ 401

Business Restructuring - Additi

Business Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		17 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017Employees	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)Employees
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Business restructuring		$ 426,000		$ 1,798,000	$ 1,061,000
Longford Mills [Member] | Surfactants [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Business restructuring						$ 4,483,000
Number positions eliminated | Employees						30
Longford Mills [Member] | Surfactants [Member] | Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Business restructuring						$ 1,594,000
Longford Mills [Member] | Surfactants [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Business restructuring						2,889,000
Singapore Plant [Member] | Surfactants [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Number positions eliminated | Employees	11
Singapore Plant [Member] | Surfactants [Member] | Termination Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Business restructuring			$ 132,000
Restructuring liability		$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

Business Restructuring - Reconc

Business Restructuring - Reconciliation of Restructuring Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Expense recognized	$ 426			$ 1,798	$ 1,061
Longford Mills Shutdown [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring liability	1,010	$ 1,316	$ 1,985	1,985
Expense recognized	426	454	786
Amounts paid	(570)	(783)	(1,478)
Foreign currency translation	51	23	23
Restructuring liability	917	1,010	1,316	917
Longford Mills Shutdown [Member] | Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring liability	867	1,015	1,548	1,548
Amounts paid	(126)	(168)	(550)
Foreign currency translation	37	20	17
Restructuring liability	778	867	1,015	778
Longford Mills Shutdown [Member] | Other Expense [Member]
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring liability	143	301	437	437
Expense recognized	426	454	786
Amounts paid	(444)	(615)	(928)
Foreign currency translation	14	3	6
Restructuring liability	$ 139	$ 143	$ 301	$ 139

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail)	Oct. 03, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2016BRL	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 13, 2017ft²T	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017BRL	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2016BRL
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Paid from cash on hand			$ 4,339,000
Goodwill			$ 25,724,000				$ 25,308,000
Tebras And PBC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 14,207,000
Acquisition of intangible assets	7,354,000
Tebras And PBC [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of intangible assets	4,331,000
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets at the time of acquisition			13 years
Tebras And PBC [Member] | Supply Contract [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of intangible assets	2,555,000
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets at the time of acquisition			4 years
Tebras And PBC [Member] | Non-compete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition of intangible assets	468,000
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets at the time of acquisition			5 years
Tebras And PBC [Member] | Before purchase accounting adjustments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	14,327,000
Tebras And PBC [Member] | After purchase accounting adjustments [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	14,207,000
Tebras And PBC [Member] | Surfactants [Member] | Brazil [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Original purchase price of the acquisitions	29,075,000							BRL 93,309,000
Paid from cash on hand	21,812,000	BRL 70,000,000
Deposited in escrow	2,804,000							9,000,000
Unpaid working capital adjustments	$ 4,459,000							BRL 14,309,000
Working capital adjustment amount paid					$ 4,339,000	BRL 13,925,000
Adjusted purchase price of the acquisitions					$ 28,955,000	BRL 92,925,000
2017 Acquisition Agreement [Member] | BASF Mexicana, S.A. DE C.V. [Member] | Surfactants [Member] | Ecatepec, Mexico [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Capacity of production facility expected to be acquired | T				50,000
Warehouse space, laboratory and office space currently expected to be acquired | ft²				124,000

Acquisitions - Summary of Asset

Acquisitions - Summary of Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 03, 2016
Assets:
Goodwill	$ 25,724	$ 25,308
Tebras And PBC [Member]
Assets:
Current assets			$ 5,165
Property, plant and equipment			5,716
Identifiable intangible assets			7,354
Goodwill			14,207
Total assets acquired			32,442
Liabilities:
Current liabilities			408
Deferred tax liability			3,079
Total liabilities assumed			3,487
Net assets acquired			$ 28,955