Stewart Information Services (STC) 10-K 26 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 23, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	94,344
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	STC
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 884,240
Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,292,100
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,050,012

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Direct operations	$ 897,118	$ 808,327	$ 763,649
Agency operations	991,332	906,062	1,046,378
Mortgage services	129,954	132,891	103,527
Investment income	16,850	16,806	15,492
Investment and other (losses) gains – net	(1,369)	6,744	(1,066)
Total revenues	2,033,885	1,870,830	1,927,980
Expenses
Amounts retained by agencies	809,564	738,649	848,437
Employee costs	658,266	624,326	571,026
Other operating expenses	381,954	347,276	280,258
Title losses and related claims	106,265	81,305	106,318
Impairment of goodwill	35,749	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	30,298	24,226	17,920
Interest	2,096	3,236	2,956
Total expenses	2,024,192	1,819,018	1,826,915
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests	9,693	51,812	101,065
Income tax expense	5,650	13,503	28,481
Net income	4,043	38,309	72,584
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10,247	8,556	9,558
Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart	(6,204)	29,753	63,026
Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart
Net income	4,043	38,309	72,584
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation	(11,145)	(7,565)	(6,819)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments	(3,741)	9,793	(7,282)
Reclassification of adjustment for net gains included in net (loss) income	(1,626)	(555)	(1,601)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes	(16,512)	1,673	(15,702)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(12,469)	39,982	56,882
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10,247	8,556	9,558
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Stewart	$ (22,716)	$ 31,426	$ 47,324
Basic average shares outstanding (000)	23,544	22,778	22,096
Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (usd per share)	$ (0.26)	$ 1.31	$ 2.85
Diluted average shares outstanding (000)	23,544	24,710	24,741
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (usd per share)	$ (0.26)	$ 1.24	$ 2.60

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 179,067	$ 200,558
Short-term investments	39,707	25,042
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Statutory reserve funds	483,312	438,511
Other	96,537	141,592
Available for sale securities, Total	579,849	580,103
Receivables:
Notes	3,744	4,031
Premiums from agencies	36,393	42,929
Income taxes	1,914	253
Trade and other	49,453	60,654
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(9,833)	(9,193)
Total receivables	81,671	98,674
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	3,991	5,524
Buildings	22,898	26,399
Furniture and equipment	214,350	215,344
Accumulated depreciation	(169,870)	(171,914)
Total property and equipment, at cost	71,369	75,353
Title plants, at cost	75,743	76,779
Real estate, at lower of cost or net realizable value	570	600
Investments in investees, on an equity method basis	9,628	9,880
Goodwill	217,722	251,868
Intangible assets, net of amortization	18,075	26,311
Deferred tax assets	4,949	800
Other assets	43,237	46,510
Total assets	1,321,587	1,392,478
Liabilities
Notes payable	102,399	71,180
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	118,082	111,965
Estimated title losses	462,622	495,395
Deferred tax liabilities	1,356	13,485
Total Liabilities	$ 684,459	$ 692,025
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders’ equity
Additional paid-in capital	$ 156,692	$ 179,205
Retained earnings	455,519	479,733
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,360)	(2,215)
Net unrealized gains on investments available-for-sale	9,403	14,770
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost, for 2015 and 2014	(2,666)	(2,666)
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart	629,281	693,185
Noncontrolling interests	7,847	7,268
Total stockholders’ equity	637,128	700,453
Liabilities and Equity, Total	1,321,587	1,392,478
Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	22,643	23,308
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	$ 1,050	$ 1,050

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Treasury stock, common shares	352,161	352,161
Common Stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	22,643,255	23,307,909
Common stock, shares outstanding	22,291,094	22,955,748
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,050,012	1,050,012
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,050,012	1,050,012

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Net income	$ 4,043	$ 38,309	$ 72,584
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization	30,298	24,226	17,920
Provision for bad debt	3,023	1,371	2,170
Investment and other (gains) losses – net	1,369	(6,744)	1,066
Payments for title losses in excess of provisions	(17,154)	(18,803)	(11,280)
Insurance recoveries of title losses	213	17,181	1,914
Impairment of goodwill	35,749	0	0
Decrease (increase) in receivables – net	13,267	9,397	(5,796)
Decrease (increase) in other assets – net	3,073	(1,878)	(1,467)
Increase (decrease) in payables and accrued liabilities – net	2,088	(6,854)	(8,100)
Decrease (increase) in net deferred income taxes	(5,800)	3,176	16,260
Net income from equity investees	(3,579)	(3,442)	(4,137)
Dividends received from equity investees	3,811	3,582	4,766
Stock based compensation expense	4,445	4,020	1,006
Other – net	5,668	448	281
Cash provided by operating activities	80,514	63,989	87,187
Investing activities:
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale sold	69,280	58,132	81,999
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale matured	42,195	48,427	11,849
Purchases of investments available-for-sale	(147,697)	(147,372)	(148,512)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments	(14,664)	13,294	(1,311)
Purchases of property and equipment, title plants and real estate – net	(19,658)	(19,537)	(17,282)
Proceeds from the sale of land, buildings, and furniture and equipment	4,214	1,415	2,168
Increases in notes receivable	(915)	(307)	(1,002)
Collections on notes receivable	1,302	386	2,666
Cash paid for acquisition of subsidiaries and other – net	(3,958)	(39,990)	(14,921)
Proceeds from the sale of equity investees and other assets	0	15	3,090
Proceeds from the sale of real estate	0	2,105	0
Other – net	1,110	4,875	2,893
Cash used by investing activities	(68,791)	(78,557)	(78,363)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable	52,651	120,273	11,146
Payments on notes payable	(22,494)	(60,838)	(12,199)
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiaries	(209)	(20)	(5,051)
Cash dividends paid	(18,010)	(2,334)	(2,159)
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(9,706)	(8,986)	(9,239)
Repurchases of Common Stock	(27,950)	(22,048)	0
Cash payments for settlement of debt	0	0	(742)
Other—net	168	(21)	48
Cash (used) provided by financing activities	(25,550)	26,026	(18,196)
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	(7,664)	(5,189)	(4,877)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(21,491)	6,269	(14,249)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	200,558	194,289	208,538
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	179,067	200,558	194,289
Supplemental information:
Retirement of Convertible Senior Notes with issuance of Common Stock	0	27,190	37,810
Changes in financial statement amounts due to purchase of subsidiaries:
Goodwill acquired	7,220	21,440	10,883
Receivables and other assets acquired	38	12,620	6,918
Intangible assets	0	21,110	8,519
Liabilities acquired	(3,300)	(15,180)	(11,399)
Cash paid for acquisitions of subsidiaries and other – net	3,958	39,990	14,921
Assets purchased through capital lease obligations	1,062	2,003	4,769
Income taxes – net paid (refunded)	14,982	(106)	18,032
Interest paid	$ 1,873	$ 2,616	$ 2,202

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common and Class B Common Stock ($1 par value)	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained Earnings	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 580,372	$ 19,756	$ 133,685	$ 26,584	$ 391,447	$ (2,666)	$ 11,566
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net loss attributable to Stewart	63,026				63,026
Cash dividends on Common Stock	(2,159)				(2,159)
Stock bonuses and other (including tax effects)	901	1	900
Exercise of stock options	59	2	57
Conversion of Convertible Senior Notes for Common Stock	41,809	3,094	38,715
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary	(1,442)		(1,442)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments (net of tax)	(7,282)			(7,282)
Net realized gain reclassification (net of tax)	(1,601)			(1,601)
Foreign currency translation (net of tax)	(6,819)			(6,819)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9,558						9,558
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(9,239)						(9,239)
Net effect of changes in ownership and other	(4,094)						(4,094)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	663,089	22,853	171,915	10,882	452,314	(2,666)	7,791
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net loss attributable to Stewart	29,753				29,753
Cash dividends on Common Stock	(2,334)				(2,334)
Stock bonuses and other (including tax effects)	3,916	77	3,839
Exercise of stock options	58	2	56
Stock repurchases	(22,048)	(685)	(21,363)
Conversion of Convertible Senior Notes for Common Stock	27,190	2,111	25,079
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary	(321)		(321)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments (net of tax)	9,793			9,793
Net realized gain reclassification (net of tax)	(555)			(555)
Foreign currency translation (net of tax)	(7,565)			(7,565)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	8,556						8,556
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(8,986)						(8,986)
Net effect of changes in ownership and other	(93)						(93)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	700,453	24,358	179,205	12,555	479,733	(2,666)	7,268
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net loss attributable to Stewart	(6,204)				(6,204)
Cash dividends on Common Stock	(18,010)				(18,010)
Stock bonuses and other (including tax effects)	4,851	93	4,758
Exercise of stock options	130	4	126
Stock repurchases	(27,950)	(762)	(27,188)
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary	(209)		(209)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments (net of tax)	(3,741)			(3,741)
Net realized gain reclassification (net of tax)	(1,626)			(1,626)
Foreign currency translation (net of tax)	(11,145)			(11,145)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10,247						10,247
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(9,706)						(9,706)
Net effect of changes in ownership and other	38						38
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 637,128	$ 23,693	$ 156,692	$ (3,957)	$ 455,519	$ (2,666)	$ 7,847

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUIT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (PARENTHETICAL) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends on common stock (usd per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.10	$ 0.10

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
General	General. Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company), is primarily engaged in the business of providing title insurance and real estate transaction related services. The Company operates through a network of production facilities, owned policy-issuing offices and independent agencies in the United States and international markets. Stewart Information Services Corporation is a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company offering products and services through its direct operations, network of approved agencies and other businesses within the Company. The Company provides these services to homebuyers and sellers; residential and commercial real estate professionals; mortgage lenders and servicers; title agencies and real estate attorneys; home builders; and United States and foreign governments. The Company also provides loan origination and servicing support; loan review and due diligence services; real estate valuation services; REO asset management; home and personal insurance services; compliance solutions; service performance management and technology to streamline the real estate process. Approximately 51% of consolidated title revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 were generated in Texas, New York, California, Florida and international markets. A. Management’s responsibility. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. B. Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts in these consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart and stockholders’ equity, as previously reported, were not affected. C. Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors. All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated and provisions have been made for noncontrolling interests. Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the entity, are accounted for by the equity method. D. Statutory accounting. Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) and other title insurance underwriters owned by the Company prepare financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities. In conforming the statutory financial statements to GAAP, the statutory premium reserve and the reserve for known title losses are eliminated and, in substitution, amounts are established for estimated title losses (Note 1F), for which the net effect, after providing for income taxes, is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Additionally, the investments in debt securities available-for-sale, which are carried at amortized cost for statutory accounting, are reported at fair value and the net unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable deferred taxes, on the investments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within stockholders’ equity. E. Revenue recognition. Operating revenues from direct title operations are considered earned at the time of the closing of the related real estate transaction. The Company recognizes premium revenues on title insurance policies written by independent agencies (agencies) when the policies are reported to the Company. In addition, where reasonable estimates can be made, the Company accrues for policies issued but not reported until after period end. The Company believes that reasonable estimates can be made when recent and consistent policy issuance information is available. Estimates are based on historical reporting patterns and other information obtained about agencies, as well as current trends in direct operations and in the title industry. In this accrual, future transactions are not being estimated. The Company is estimating revenues on policies that have already been issued by agencies but not yet reported to or received by the Company. The Company has consistently followed the same basic method of estimating unreported policy revenues for more than 10 years. Revenues generated by the mortgage services segment are generally considered earned at the time the service is performed or the product is delivered to the customer. F. Title losses and related claims. The Company’s method for recording the reserves for title losses on both an interim and annual basis begins with the calculation of its current loss provision rate, which is applied to the Company’s current premiums resulting in a title loss expense for the period. This loss provision rate is set to provide for estimated losses on current year policies and is determined using moving average ratios of recent actual policy loss payment experience (net of recoveries) to premium revenues. At each quarter end, the Company’s recorded reserve for title losses begins with the prior period’s reserve balance for claim losses, adds the current period provision to that balance and subtracts actual paid claims, resulting in an amount that management compares to its actuarially-based calculation of the ending reserve balance necessary to provide for future reported title losses. The actuarially-based calculation is a paid loss development calculation where loss development factors are selected based on company data and input from the Company’s third-party actuaries. The Company also obtains input from third-party actuaries in the form of a reserve analysis utilizing generally accepted actuarial methods. While the Company is responsible for determining its loss reserves, it utilizes this actuarial input to assess the overall reasonableness of its reserve estimation. If the Company’s recorded reserve amount is not at the actuarial point estimate, but is within a reasonable range (+ 5.0% /- 4.0% ) of its actuarially-based reserve calculation and the actuary’s point estimate, the Company’s management assesses the major factors contributing to the different reserve estimates in order to determine the overall reasonableness of its recorded reserve, as well as the position of the recorded reserves relative to the point estimate and the estimated range of reserves. The major factors considered can change from period to period and include items such as current trends in the real estate industry (which management can assess although there is a time lag in the development of this data for use by the actuary), the size and types of claims reported and changes in the Company’s claims management process. If the recorded amount is not within a reasonable range of the Company’s third-party actuary’s point estimate, it will adjust the recorded reserves in the current period and reassess the provision rate on a prospective basis. Once the Company’s reserve for title losses is recorded, it is reduced in future periods as a result of claims payments and may be increased or reduced by revisions to the Company’s estimate of the overall level of required reserves. Large claims (those exceeding $1.0 million on a single claim), including large title losses due to independent agency defalcations, are analyzed and reserved for separately due to the higher dollar amount of loss, lower volume of claims reported and sporadic reporting of such claims. Due to the inherent uncertainty in predicting future title policy losses, significant judgment is required by both the Company’s management and its third party actuaries in estimating reserves. As a consequence, the Company’s ultimate liability may be materially greater or less than its current reserves and/or its third party actuary’s calculated estimate. G. Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risks and maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition. H. Short-term investments. Short-term investments comprise time deposits with banks, federal government obligations and other investments maturing in less than one year. I. Investments in debt and equity securities. The investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined using the specific identification method. Net unrealized gains and losses on investments available-for-sale, net of applicable deferred taxes, are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within stockholders’ equity. At the time unrealized gains and losses become realized, they are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (using the specific identification method. Other-than-temporary declines in fair values of investments available-for-sale are charged to income. J. Property and equipment. Depreciation is principally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets at the following rates: buildings – 30 to 40 years and furniture and equipment – 3 to 10 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses are recognized at disposal. K. Title plants. Title plants include compilations of a county’s official land records, prior examination files, copies of prior title policies, maps and related materials that are geographically indexed to a specific property. The costs of acquiring existing title plants and creating new ones, prior to the time such plants are placed in operation, are capitalized. Title plants are not amortized since there is no indication of any loss of value over time but are subject to review for impairment. The costs of maintaining and operating title plants are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses on sales of copies of title plants or interests in title plants are recognized at the time of sale. L. Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed annually and normally completed in the third quarter using June 30 balances, or whenever occurrences of events indicate a potential impairment at the reporting unit level. We have an option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we decide not to use a qualitative assessment or if the reporting unit fails the qualitative assessment, then we perform a two-step quantitative analysis. The step one analysis is performed, using a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flow (DCF) technique) and the market approach (guideline company and precedent transaction analyses), to determine if the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value, which would indicate a potential impairment. The DCF model utilizes historical and projected operating results and cash flows, initially driven by estimates of changes in future revenue levels, and risk-adjusted discount rates. Our projected operating results are primarily driven by anticipated mortgage originations, which we obtain from projections by industry experts, for our title reporting units and forecasted contractual revenues for our mortgage services reporting unit. Fluctuations in revenues, followed by our ability to appropriately adjust our employee count and other operating expenses, or large and unanticipated adjustments to title loss reserves, are the primary reasons for increases or decreases in our projected operating results. Our market-based valuation methodologies utilize (i) market multiples of earnings and/or other operating metrics of comparable companies and (ii) our market capitalization and a control premium based on market data and factors specific to our ownership and corporate governance structure (such as our Class B Common Stock). If we determine that the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill is greater than its fair value, we then perform the step two analysis to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and calculate the amount of impairment. In performing the step two analysis, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. In this method, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value is the purchase price paid. Any impairment of goodwill is treated as the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying amount of the goodwill and is charged to current operations. While we are responsible for assessing whether an impairment of goodwill exists, we utilize inputs from third-party appraisers in performing the quantitative analysis for our impairment review. We evaluate goodwill based on four reporting units with goodwill balances (direct operations, agency operations, international operations and mortgage services). Goodwill is assigned to these reporting units at the time the goodwill is initially recorded. Once assigned to a reporting unit, the goodwill is pooled and no longer attributable to a specific acquisition. All activities within a reporting unit are available to support the carrying value of the goodwill. M. Other intangibles. Other intangible assets are comprised mainly of non-compete, underwriting and customer relationship agreements and acquired software. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives, which are primarily 3 to 10 years. These intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when certain events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company performs an analysis to determine whether the carrying amount of each intangible asset is recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable when it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. For any intangible asset that is not recoverable, the Company calculates the excess of the carrying amount of the intangible asset over its fair value, estimated using the income approach (discounted cash flow technique). The resulting difference of the carrying amount over the fair value is treated as the impairment on the asset. N. Other long-lived assets. The Company reviews the carrying values of title plants and other long-lived assets if certain events occur that may indicate impairment. An impairment of these long-lived assets is indicated when projected undiscounted cash flows over the estimated lives of the assets are less than carrying values. If impairment is indicated, the recorded amounts are written down to fair values. There were no significant impairment charges for long-lived assets during the three years ended December 31, 2015 . O. Fair values. The fair values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, notes receivable, notes payable and accounts payable, are determined by the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The net fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values. Investments in debt and equity securities and certain financial instruments are carried at their fair values. P. Leases. The Company recognizes rent expense under noncancelable operating leases, which generally expire over the next 10 years, on the straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, including provisions for any free rent periods or escalating lease payments. Q. Income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the tax basis and the book carrying values of certain assets and liabilities. To the extent that the Company does not believe its deferred tax assets meet the more-likely-than-not realization criteria, it establishes a valuation allowance. When it establishes a valuation allowance, or increases (decreases) the allowance during the year, it records a tax expense (benefit) in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Enacted tax rates are used in calculating amounts. The Company provides for uncertainties in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. R. Recent significant accounting pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which eliminated the transaction-specific and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaced it with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition. Originally, ASU 2014-09 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date , which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only for annual and interim periods after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Restrictions on cash and invest

Restrictions on cash and investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restrictions on cash and investments	Restrictions on cash and investments. The Company maintains investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements in the states of domicile of our underwriters for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory reserve funds, which approximated $483.3 million and $438.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, are required to be fully funded and invested in high-quality securities and short-term investments. In addition, included within Cash and cash equivalents are statutory reserve funds of approximately $17.2 million and $57.4 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These cash statutory reserve funds are not restricted or segregated in depository accounts. If the Company fails to maintain minimum investments or cash and cash equivalents to meet statutory requirements, the Company may be subject to fines or other penalties, including potential revocation of its business license. These funds are not available for any other purpose. In the event that insurance regulators adjust the determination of the statutory premium reserves of the Company’s title insurers, these restricted funds as well as statutory surplus would correspondingly increase or decrease. A substantial majority of consolidated cash and investments at each year end was held by the Company’s title insurance subsidiaries. Generally, the types of investments a title insurer can make are subject to legal restrictions. Furthermore, the transfer of funds by a title insurer to its parent or subsidiary operations, as well as other related party transactions, is restricted by law and generally requires the approval of state insurance authorities.

Statutory surplus and dividend

Statutory surplus and dividend restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Statutory surplus and dividend restrictions	Statutory surplus and dividend restrictions. Substantially all of the consolidated retained earnings at each year end were represented by Guaranty, which owns directly or indirectly all of the subsidiaries included in the consolidation. Guaranty cannot pay a dividend to its parent in excess of certain limits without the approval of the Texas Insurance Commissioner. The maximum dividend that can be paid after such approval in 2016 is $100.4 million . Guaranty paid $15.0 million and $25.0 million in dividends in 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and none in 2013 . Dividends from Guaranty are also voluntarily restricted primarily to maintain statutory surplus and liquidity at competitive levels and to demonstrate significant claims payment ability. The ability of a title insurer to pay claims can significantly affect the decision of lenders and other customers when buying a policy from a particular insurer. Surplus as regards policyholders (sum of statutory capital plus surplus) for Guaranty was $501.8 million and $525.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Statutory net income for Guaranty was $83.2 million , $53.2 million and $43.0 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 respectively. The amount of statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements for Guaranty was $2.0 million (and in the aggregate less than $15.0 million for all of the Company’s underwriter entities) at December 31, 2015 , and each of its underwriter entities was in compliance with such requirements as of December 31, 2015 .

Investments in debt and equity

Investments in debt and equity securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in debt and equity securities	Investments in debt and equity securities. Amortized costs and fair values at December 31, follow: 2015 2014 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 70,300 72,008 60,656 61,689 Corporate 303,870 309,461 296,578 308,691 Foreign 149,914 153,221 163,099 166,685 U.S. Treasury Bonds 13,803 13,906 14,337 14,802 Equity securities 27,497 31,253 22,710 28,236 565,384 579,849 557,380 580,103 The Company believes its investment portfolio is diversified and expects no material loss to result from the failure to perform by issuers of the debt securities it holds. Investments made by the Company are not collateralized. Foreign debt securities primarily include Canadian government and corporate bonds, which aggregated fair values of $125.2 million and $135.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and United Kingdom treasury bonds aggregating fair values of $23.1 million and $27.3 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Gross unrealized gains and losses at December 31, were: 2015 2014 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 1,720 12 1,125 92 Corporate 7,700 2,109 12,559 446 Foreign 3,789 482 3,690 104 U.S. Treasury Bonds 128 25 492 27 Equity securities 4,842 1,086 5,982 456 18,179 3,714 23,848 1,125 Debt securities at December 31, 2015 mature, according to their contractual terms, as follows (actual maturities may differ due to call or prepayment rights): Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) In one year or less 27,118 27,256 After one year through five years 226,497 230,842 After five years through ten years 230,161 235,219 After ten years 54,111 55,279 537,887 548,596 Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2015 , were: Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total Losses Fair values Losses Fair values Losses Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 9 2,230 3 1,615 12 3,845 Corporate 1,461 83,565 648 32,871 2,109 116,436 Foreign 322 35,008 160 3,155 482 38,163 U.S. Treasury Bonds 6 1,195 19 3,583 25 4,778 Equity securities: 720 4,440 366 3,224 1,086 7,664 2,518 126,438 1,196 44,448 3,714 170,886 The number of investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 was 155 , 30 of which were in unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months. Since the Company does not intend to sell and will more-likely-than-not maintain its investment in equity and debt securities until recovery of the fair value or amortized cost, respectively, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company also determined that there is no significant credit risk existing with its debt securities. Further, the Company performed an analysis of certain equity securities with significant unrealized losses and concluded that they were other-than-temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2015. As a result, the Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment of $ 2.7 million, included as part of Investment and other (losses) gains - net in the 2015 consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive (loss) income. Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 , were: Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total Losses Fair values Losses Fair values Losses Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 1 2,673 91 12,076 92 14,749 Corporate 107 7,167 339 26,545 446 33,712 Foreign 11 34,236 93 6,446 104 40,682 U.S. Treasury Bonds — — 27 3,694 27 3,694 Equity securities: 456 6,540 — — 456 6,540 575 50,616 550 48,761 1,125 99,377

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Fair Values Measurements and Disclosures Topic establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs when possible. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: • Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and • Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair values of the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs. At December 31, 2015 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,008 — 72,008 Corporate — 309,461 — 309,461 Foreign — 153,221 — 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 13,906 — 13,906 Equity securities: 31,253 — — 31,253 31,253 548,596 — 579,849 At December 31, 2014 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 61,689 — 61,689 Corporate — 308,691 — 308,691 Foreign — 166,685 — 166,685 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 14,802 — 14,802 Equity securities: 28,236 — — 28,236 28,236 551,867 — 580,103 At December 31, 2015 , Level 1 financial instruments consist of equity securities. Level 2 financial instruments consist of municipal, governmental, and corporate bonds, both U.S. and foreign. In accordance with the Company’s policies and guidelines which incorporate relevant statutory requirements, the Company’s third-party registered investment manager invests only in securities rated as investment grade or higher by the major rating services, where observable valuation inputs are significant. All municipal, foreign, and U.S. Treasury bonds are valued using a third-party pricing service, and the corporate bonds are valued using the market approach, which includes three to ten inputs from relevant market sources, including Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) and independent broker/dealer quotes, bids and offerings, as well as other relevant market data, such as securities with similar characteristics (i.e. sector, rating, maturity, etc.). Broker/dealer quotes, bids and offerings mentioned above are gathered (typically three to ten) and a consensus risk premium spread (credit spread) over risk-free Treasury yields is developed from the inputs obtained, which is then used to calculate the resulting fair value. There were no transfers of investments between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three years ended December 31, 2015 . As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below: 2015 2014 Level 3 Impairment loss recorded Level 3 Impairment loss recorded ($000 omitted) Cost-basis investments 3,127 600 3,938 1,000 The carrying amount of certain cost-basis investments exceeded their fair value and impairment charges of $0.6 million and $1.0 million were recorded in Investment and other (losses) gains – net for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The valuations were based on the values of the underlying assets of the investee.

Investment income

Investment income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment income	Investment income. Income from investments and gross realized investment and other gains and losses follow: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Investment income: Debt securities 15,181 14,593 13,387 Short-term investments, cash equivalents and other 1,669 2,213 2,105 16,850 16,806 15,492 Investment and other (losses) gains – net: Realized gains 5,948 12,018 7,555 Realized losses (7,317 ) (5,274 ) (8,621 ) (1,369 ) 6,744 (1,066 ) Proceeds from the sales of investments available-for-sale were $69.3 million , $58.1 million and $82.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Expenses assignable to investment income were insignificant. There were no significant investments at December 31, 2015 that did not produce income during the year. In 2015, investment and other (losses) gains – net included realized losses of $ 2.7 million relating to other-than-temporary impairment of investment in equity securities available-for-sale, $1.8 million impairment of other intangible assets and $1.4 million relating to office closure costs, partially offset by realized gains of $2.4 million from the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale and $1.5 million from the sale of office buildings. In 2014 , investment and other gains (losses) – net included realized gains of $5.6 million from the reduction in the fair value of a contingent consideration liability, $3.8 million from the sale of a business and $1.1 million from the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale, partially offset by charges of $1.9 million relating to office closure costs, $1.7 million impairment of an other intangible asset and $1.0 million relating to the impairment of a cost-basis investment. In 2013 , investment and other (losses) gains – net included a $5.4 million non-cash charge relating to the early retirement of $37.8 million of the Convertible Senior Notes (Notes), a $1.5 million loss on the sale of an equity investment and $1.0 million for the impairment of cost-basis investments offset by realized gains of $2.7 million from the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale, $2.3 million from non-title-related insurance policy proceeds and $1.9 million from the sale of real estate.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes. Income tax expense consists of the following: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Current: Federal 4,774 3,047 2,589 State 709 (224 ) 2,757 Foreign 5,967 7,442 6,753 Deferred: Federal (3,986 ) 3,916 18,361 State (1,375 ) (694 ) (206 ) Foreign (439 ) 16 (1,773 ) Income tax expense 5,650 13,503 28,481 The following reconciles income tax (benefit) expense computed at the federal statutory rate with income tax expense as reported: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Expected income tax (benefit) expense at 35% (1) (194 ) 15,140 32,027 Foreign tax rate differential (329 ) (693 ) (422 ) State income tax (benefit) expense – net of Federal impact (914 ) (840 ) 1,586 Impairment of goodwill 7,099 — — Nondeductible expenses 2,768 4,060 2,321 Return-to-provision adjustments (1,329 ) 1,133 (2,408 ) Valuation allowance (668 ) (5,020 ) (6,555 ) Intercompany dividends and dividends received deductions (541 ) (319 ) 449 Tax-exempt interest (404 ) (324 ) (233 ) Noncontrolling interest 251 186 529 Life insurance proceeds (175 ) — (797 ) Nondeductible bond conversion costs — — 1,900 Other – net 86 180 84 Income tax expense 5,650 13,503 28,481 Effective income tax rates (1) (1,019.4 )% 31.2 % 31.1 % (1) Calculated using (loss) income before taxes and after noncontrolling interests. Deferred income taxes as of December 31 were as follows: 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Deferred tax assets: Tax credit carryforwards 20,242 26,792 Accrued expenses 20,190 17,241 Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards 6,428 4,260 Foreign currency translation adjustments 5,220 411 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 3,524 3,379 Investments 3,369 1,582 Fixed assets 2,094 5,860 Other 1,954 2,127 Deferred tax assets – gross 63,021 61,652 Valuation allowance (2,217 ) (2,564 ) Deferred tax assets – net 60,804 59,088 Deferred tax liabilities: Amortization – goodwill and other intangibles (27,991 ) (34,740 ) Title loss provisions (18,523 ) (23,365 ) Unrealized gains on investments (4,811 ) (7,953 ) Deferred compensation on life insurance policies (3,558 ) (3,239 ) Other (2,328 ) (2,476 ) Deferred tax liabilities – gross (57,211 ) (71,773 ) Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) 3,593 (12,685 ) At December 31, 2015 and 2014, net deferred tax assets (liabilities) for U.S. federal tax paying components totaled approximately $3.8 million and $(12.0) million , respectively, and net deferred tax liabilities for foreign tax paying components totaled approximately $0.3 million and $0.7 million , respectively. The net decrease to the valuation allowance during 2015 and 2014 was $0.3 million and $4.4 million , respectively. During 2008, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets, net of definite-lived deferred tax liabilities, for which realization could not be assured based on a more-likely-than-not standard. The Company retained that valuation allowance for all subsequent periods through December 31, 2011 principally due to the Company’s cumulative three-year operating loss history as of the end of each period. The Company routinely evaluates the extent to which the valuation allowance may be reversed. During 2013, the Company utilized the remaining portion of its U.S. federal NOL carryforwards and released a $6.6 million valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carry forwards that it believed will, on a more-likely-than-not-basis, be utilized prior to expiration. During 2014, the Company released the remaining $5.0 million valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carryforwards. The Company believes it is more-likely-than-not it will be able to utilize its net deferred tax assets. The Company’s $20.2 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2015 expire in varying amounts from 2020 through 2023 . The Company's $6.4 million of deferred tax assets relating to NOL carryforwards include certain state amounts expiring in varying amounts from 2019 through 2035 and foreign amounts expiring in varying amounts from 2020 through 2022 or having unlimited carryforward periods. The future utilization of all NOL and foreign tax credit carryforwards is subject to various limitations. The remaining valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 relates principally to certain state and foreign NOL carryforwards. The Company’s income tax returns are routinely subject to examinations by U.S. federal, foreign, and state and local tax authorities. During 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) completed its examination of calendar years 2005 through 2008 and the Company received anticipated refunds from previously-filed carryback claims in the amount of $2.8 million . Also during 2014, the IRS completed its examination of the calendar year 2012 U.S. federal tax return without any IRS-initiated adjustments. The Company also is involved in routine examinations by state and local tax jurisdictions for calendar years 2008 through 2014. The Company expects no material adjustments from any tax return examinations.

Goodwill and other intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangibles	Goodwill and other intangibles. A summary of changes in goodwill is as follows: Title Mortgage Services Total ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1, 2014 198,727 33,111 231,838 Acquisitions 3,275 18,165 21,440 Disposals — (1,410 ) (1,410 ) Balances at December 31, 2014 202,002 49,866 251,868 Acquisitions 7,220 — 7,220 Purchase adjustments — (5,268 ) (5,268 ) Impairment — (35,749 ) (35,749 ) Disposals (349 ) — (349 ) Balances at December 31, 2015 208,873 8,849 217,722 The purchase adjustments recorded for 2015 were related to the remeasurement of assumed liabilities related to certain acquisitions from 2014. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually based on information as of June 30 of the current year or more frequently if circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. During 2015 and 2014, management utilized the qualitative assessment for the title reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. Based on that analysis, management concluded that the goodwill related to the reporting units within the title segment was not impaired. In 2014, the Company performed a quantitative assessment of the mortgage services segment's goodwill and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. In July 2015, the Company made the decision to exit the delinquent loan servicing activities included in the mortgage services segment. The Company based its decision to exit these operations on rapidly falling revenues, declining profit margins and the likelihood that future market demand for the related services would continue to diminish. This resulted in a review of the recoverability of goodwill related to the mortgage services segment. Accordingly, the Company performed the quantitative assessment for mortgage services' goodwill. Based on its impairment analysis using the two-step method, the Company recorded a $35.7 million impairment of mortgage services' goodwill for 2015. This impairment is presented as Impairment of goodwill in the 2015 consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The Company also performed an impairment analysis of other intangible assets within the mortgage services segment for 2015. Based on the Company's impairment review using the discounted cash flow technique to estimate fair value, the Company recorded an impairment of $0.9 million on an intangible asset. During 2014, the Company recorded an impairment of $1.7 million relating to an intangible asset of a separate business under the mortgage services segment. Further, the Company recognized in 2015 a $0.9 million impairment relating to an intangible asset under the title segment that will not be recoverable in future periods. These impairment losses are included in Investment and other (losses) gains - net in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization and impairment of other intangibles was $43.6 million and $25.5 million , respectively, at December 31, 2015 and $43.0 million and $16.7 million , respectively, at December 31, 2014 . The amortization expense recorded for these intangibles was $7.0 million , $6.2 million and $1.9 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The annual amortization expense expected to be recognized in the next five years is approximately $ 5.5 million in 2016, $ 4.6 million in 2017, $ 3.6 million in 2018, $ 2.0 million in 2019 and $ 1.0 million in 2020.

Equity investees

Equity investees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity investees	Equity investees. Summarized aggregate financial information for equity investees (in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity) is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) For the year: Revenues 28,843 31,562 42,105 Net income 8,830 7,914 8,064 At December 31: Total assets 33,555 25,533 25,470 Notes payable 20,200 12,727 12,390 Stockholders’ equity 7,213 7,665 5,561 Net premium revenues from policies issued by equity investees were approximately $2.5 million , $3.1 million and $4.4 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Income related to equity investees were $3.6 million , $3.4 million and $4.1 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. These amounts are included in Title insurance – direct operations in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Goodwill related to equity investees was $7.4 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and is included in Investments in investees in the consolidated balance sheets. Equity investments, including the related goodwill balances, are reviewed for impairment annually and upon the occurrence of an event that may indicate an impairment. No impairment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Notes payable, convertible seni

Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit	Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit. A summary of notes payable follows: 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Banks – varying payments and rates (1) 98,000 60,000 Other than banks 4,399 11,180 102,399 71,180 (1) Average interest rates were 1.68% and 2.21% during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Principal payments on the above notes, based upon the contractual maturities, are due in the amounts of $2.5 million in 2016, $1.3 million in 2017, $0.4 million in 2018, and $98.2 million in 2019. Included within the other notes payable line above are $3.8 million and $5.6 million of capital lease obligations at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. In October 2009, the Company entered into an agreement providing for the sale of $65.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.0% Convertible Senior Notes to an initial purchaser for resale to certain qualified institutional buyers in compliance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In 2013, the Company exchanged an aggregate of $37.8 million principal amount of Notes for an aggregate of 3,094,440 shares of Common Stock plus cash for the accrued and unpaid interest. In October 2014, the Company exchanged the remaining aggregate of $27.2 million principal amount of Notes for an aggregate of 2,111,017 shares of Common Stock. The Company incurred $3.3 million of debt issuance costs related to the Notes which were being amortized over the term of the Notes using the effective interest method. Upon conversion of the remaining Notes in 2014, the debt issuance costs were fully amortized at December 31, 2014. For 2014 and 2013, the amortization of the debt issuance costs was $0.3 million and $0.4 million , respectively, and interest expense on the Notes was $1.3 million and $2.0 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had available a $125.0 million unsecured line of credit commitment (the Credit Agreement), which expires October 2019, under which borrowings of $98.0 million were outstanding. The unsecured line of credit can be used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Borrowings, at the Company's election, bear interest at either (a) an Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate (ABR Borrowing) or (b) LIBOR plus the Applicable Rate (Eurodollar Borrowing). The Applicable Rate ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% per annum for ABR Borrowings and 1.50% to 2.00% per annum for Eurodollar Borrowings based on the Company's consolidated Leverage Ratio. Also, under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Company may at any time, subject to certain conditions, request an increase in the amount of the line of credit up to $50.0 million . The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Credit Agreement also contains certain consolidated financial covenants providing that (a) the ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to fixed charges (as defined in the agreement) not be below 1.25 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis (Fixed Charge Ratio); (b) the ratio of total Indebtedness to EBITDA for the prior four consecutive quarters must not be greater than 2.25 to 1.00 (Leverage Ratio); and (c) Capital Expenditures in the aggregate for the Company consolidated in any calendar year may not exceed $20.0 million , with certain allowances for carryover of unused amounts. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. On February 10, 2016, the Company entered into a first amendment (First Amendment) relating to the Credit Agreement. The First Amendment amends the Credit Agreement, effective as of December 31, 2015, to, among other things, (i) establish an exception to the limitation on restricted payments under the Credit Agreement for the cash payment of $12.0 million to the holders of the Company’s Class B Common Stock in respect of the Exchange Agreement, as announced in January 2016 (refer to Note 12), for the exchange of the Company’s Class B Common Stock into the Company’s Common Stock, (ii) establish an exception to the limitation on restricted payments under the Credit Agreement in respect of the Company’s new share repurchase program of up to $50.0 million , as announced in November 2015, (iii) increase the general permitted restricted payments (dividends) basket in Section 6.07 of the Credit Agreement from $25.0 million to $35.0 million annually, (iv) provide for an exclusion from the calculation of EBITDA of the $35.9 million impairment charge recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2015, and (v) increase the amount of capital expenditures permitted in any calendar year from $20 million to $25 million . Our qualified intermediary in tax-deferred property exchanges pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code enters into short-term loan agreements in the ordinary course of its business. The outstanding balances pursuant to these loans are reflected in notes payable - other than banks in the table above and borrowings and repayments on these loans are reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

Estimated title losses

Estimated title losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Estimated title losses	Estimated title losses. 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1 495,395 506,888 520,375 Provisions: Current year 68,029 64,577 92,043 Previous policy years 38,236 16,728 14,275 Total provisions 106,265 81,305 106,318 Payments, net of recoveries: Current year (19,182 ) (18,775 ) (23,969 ) Previous policy years (104,450 ) (67,898 ) (91,715 ) Total payments, net of recoveries (123,632 ) (86,673 ) (115,684 ) Adjustments related to acquired balance (2,303 ) 2,268 — Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates (13,103 ) (8,393 ) (4,121 ) Balances at December 31 462,622 495,395 506,888 Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues: Current year provisions 3.6 % 3.8 % 5.1 % Total provisions 5.6 % 4.7 % 5.9 % The loss ratio on the total provision recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflected an ultimate loss rate of 3.6% for policies issued in the current year and a net increase in the loss reserve estimates for prior policy years of $38.2 million . The increase in the loss reserve estimate for prior policy years included $6.2 million related to adverse loss development due to continued elevated claims payment experience for certain years and $29.1 million related to provisions for large title claims. Total provisions for large title claims related to prior policy years were $31.7 million , $3.1 million and $28.8 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The 2014 and 2013 loss ratios included provisions of 3.8% and 5.1% , respectively, related to the current policy year and net increases in the loss reserves estimate for prior policy years of $16.7 million and $14.3 million , respectively. During 2014 and 2013, the Company continued to experience favorable development relative to prior years which allowed the Company to lower the overall loss provision rates during these years. Provisions for prior policy years during 2014 and 2013 included adverse loss development of $17.9 million and $7.6 million , respectively, relating to other than large title losses.

Common Stock and Class B Common

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock	Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Holders of Common and Class B Common Stock have the same rights except no cash dividends may be paid on Class B Common Stock. The two classes of stock vote separately when electing directors and on any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation that affects the two classes unequally. A provision of the by-laws requires an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the directors to elect officers or to approve any proposal that may come before the directors. This provision cannot be changed without a majority vote of each class of stock. Holders of Class B Common Stock may, with no cumulative voting rights, elect four of nine directors if 1,050,000 or more shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding; three directors if between 600,000 and 1,050,000 shares are outstanding; and none if less than 600,000 shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding. Holders of Common Stock, with cumulative voting rights, elect the balance of the nine directors. Class B Common Stock may be converted by its stockholders into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis, although the holders of Class B Common Stock have agreed among themselves not to convert their stock. The agreement may be extended or terminated by them at any time. Such conversion is mandatory on any transfer to a person who is not a lineal descendant (or spouse or trustee of such descendant) of William H. Stewart, founder of Stewart Title Guaranty Company. On January 26, 2016, the Company entered into an Exchange Agreement with the holders of Class B Common Stock relating to the exchange of 1,050,012 Class B Common Stock shares, representing all outstanding Class B Common Stock, for 1,050,012 shares of Common Stock plus $12.0 million in aggregate cash. The Exchange Agreement is subject to several conditions, which include, among others, the approval by the Company's stockholders of the Exchange Agreement and the Company's by-laws during the 2016 annual meeting of stockholders and the approval of the listing of the Common Stock by the New York Stock Exchange. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there were 145,820 shares of Common Stock held by a subsidiary of the Company which are included in the Treasury stock reported in the consolidated balance sheets.

Share-based incentives

Share-based incentives	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based incentives	Share-based incentives. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted executives and senior management shares of restricted common stock which are time-based and vest at the end of three years. The Company also granted performance-based shares of restricted common stock which vest upon achievement of certain financial objectives over a period of three years. The aggregate grant-date fair values of these awards in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $4.4 million ( 119,000 shares with an average grant price of $37.16 ), $4.0 million ( 125,000 shares with an average grant price of $32.24 ) and $2.2 million ( 84,000 shares with an average grant price of $26.01 ), respectively. Awards were made pursuant to the Company’s employee incentive compensation plans and the compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards is recognized over the corresponding vesting period as part of Employee costs in the statements of operations. Additionally, in May 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company granted its board of directors, as a component of their annual director retainer compensation, 18,000 , 22,000 and 18,000 shares, respectively, of common stock, which immediately vested at grant date. The aggregate fair values of these director awards at grant dates in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $0.7 million , $0.7 million and $0.5 million , respectively, and the associated expense is recognized in Other operating expenses in the statements of operations. A summary of the restricted common stock award activity during the year ended December 31, 2015 is presented below: Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share ($) Nonvested balance at January 1, 2015 205,119 29.78 Granted 118,506 37.16 Adjustment for performance-based shares 19,610 37.18 Vested (78,115 ) 25.78 Forfeited (12,930 ) 31.43 Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 252,190 34.88 The fair value of shares that vested in 2015 and 2014 aggregated to $2.9 million and $2.3 million , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, compensation costs recognized in the statements of operations were approximately $4.4 million , $4.0 million and $1.0 million , respectively. The total tax benefits recognized in the statement of operations from tax deductions relating to vesting of restricted common stock awards in 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $1.0 million , $0.3 million and $0.3 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015, compensation costs not yet recognized related to nonvested restricted common stock awards was $4.7 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share. The Company’s basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart is calculated by dividing net (loss) income attributable to Stewart by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding during the reporting periods. To calculate diluted earnings per share, net income and number of shares are adjusted for the effects of any dilutive shares. Using the if-converted method, net income is adjusted for interest expense, net of any tax effects, applicable to the Convertible Senior Notes, which were fully converted into common stock during October 2014. The number of shares is adjusted by adding the number of dilutive shares, assuming they are issued, during the same reporting period. The treasury stock method is used to calculate the dilutive number of shares related to the Company’s long term incentive and stock option plans. In periods of loss, dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation of the diluted loss per share and diluted loss per share is computed in the same manner as basic loss per share. The calculation of the basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share is as follows: For the Years Ended 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Numerator: Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart (6,204 ) 29,753 63,026 Interest expense, net of tax effects — 1,006 1,408 If-converted net (loss) income attributable to Stewart (6,204 ) 30,759 64,434 Denominator (000): Basic average shares outstanding 23,544 22,778 22,096 Average number of dilutive shares relating to options — 2 — Average number of dilutive shares relating to convertible senior notes — 1,641 2,467 Average number of dilutive shares relating to restricted shares grant — 289 178 Diluted average shares outstanding 23,544 24,710 24,741 Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (0.26 ) 1.31 2.85 Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (0.26 ) 1.24 2.60

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance. As is industry practice, the Company cedes risks to other title insurance underwriters and reinsurers on certain transactions. However, the Company remains liable if the reinsurer should fail to meet its obligations. The Company also assumes risks from other underwriters on a transactional basis as well as on certain reinsurance treaties. Payments and recoveries on reinsured losses were insignificant during each of the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 . The total amount of premiums for assumed and ceded risks was less than 1.0% of consolidated title revenues in each of the last three years.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases. Lease expense was $42.9 million , $42.6 million and $39.2 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The future minimum lease payments relating to operating leases are summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars): 2016 45,133 2017 37,585 2018 30,838 2019 22,517 2020 12,585 2021 and after 18,360 167,018

Contingent liabilities and comm

Contingent liabilities and commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent liabilities and commitments	Contingent liabilities and commitments. The Company routinely holds third-party funds in segregated escrow accounts pending the closing of real estate transactions resulting in a contingent liability to the Company of approximately $1.3 billion at December 31, 2015 . In addition, the Company is contingently liable for disbursements of escrow funds held by agencies in those cases where specific insured closing guarantees have been issued. The Company owns a qualified intermediary in tax-deferred property exchanges for customers pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company holds the proceeds from these transactions until a qualifying exchange can occur. This resulted in a contingent liability to the Company of approximately $1.0 billion at December 31, 2015 . As is industry practice, escrow and Section 1031 exchanger fund accounts are not included in the consolidated balance sheets. In the ordinary course of business, the Company guarantees the third-party indebtedness of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2015 , the maximum potential future payments on the guarantees are not more than the related notes payable recorded in the consolidated balance sheets (refer to Note 10). The Company also guarantees the indebtedness related to lease obligations of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum future obligations arising from these lease-related guarantees are not more than the Company’s future minimum lease payments (refer to Note 16). As of December 31, 2015 , the Company also had unused letters of credit aggregating $5.6 million related to workers’ compensation coverage and other insurance. The Company does not expect to make any payments on these guarantees.

Regulatory and legal developmen

Regulatory and legal developments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Regulatory and legal developments	Regulatory and legal developments. In April 2008, Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch (Credit Suisse) asserted a claim under a Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) policy of title insurance dated on or about May 19, 2006 based upon the alleged priority of mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens on a resort development in the State of Idaho known as Tamarack. Guaranty ultimately undertook the defense of the claim under a reservation of rights. For reasons set forth in Guaranty's complaint, on or about May 18, 2011, Guaranty withdrew its defense of Credit Suisse and filed a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho captioned Stewart Title Guaranty Company v. Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch seeking a declaratory judgment and other relief. In the lawsuit Guaranty sought, among other things, a determination that it had no duty to indemnify Credit Suisse and sought to have certain provisions of the title insurance policy rescinded. Credit Suisse counterclaimed for, among other things, bad faith for failure to pay the claim. On August 29, 2013, the United States District Court for the District of Idaho rendered an opinion on Credit Suisse’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment. In its opinion the Court, among other things more fully set forth in said opinion, granted Credit Suisse’s motion negating certain policy defenses to coverage asserted by Guaranty. The Court also granted Credit Suisse’s Motion to Amend and permitted the assertion of punitive damages against Guaranty. Guaranty’s Motion to Reconsider the Court’s August 29, 2013 ruling was denied. Guaranty’s Motion for Summary Judgment based on Credit Suisse’s lack of standing to pursue its counter claims, and other grounds was denied on February 26, 2015. A jury trial was set to begin on September 3, 2015. That trial date was vacated pending a resolution of the matter through settlement. The matter has now been settled pursuant to a Confidential Settlement Agreement and all amounts have been paid as of December 31, 2015. * * * The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of its business, most of which involve disputed policy claims. In some of these lawsuits, the plaintiff seeks exemplary or treble damages in excess of policy limits. The Company does not expect that any of these proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Along with the other major title insurance companies, the Company is party to a number of class action lawsuits concerning the title insurance industry. The Company believes that it has adequate reserves for the various litigation matters and contingencies discussed above and that the likely resolution of these matters will not materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company is subject to administrative actions and litigation relating to the basis on which premium taxes are paid in certain states. Additionally, the Company has received various other inquiries from governmental regulators concerning practices in the insurance industry. Many of these practices do not concern title insurance. The Company believes that it has adequately reserved for these matters and does not anticipate that the outcome of these inquiries will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company is subject to various other administrative actions and inquiries into its business conduct in certain of the states in which it operates. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of the various regulatory and administrative matters, it believes that it has adequately reserved for these matters and does not anticipate that the outcome of any of these matters will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Segment information

Segment information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment information	Segment information. The Company’s three reportable operating segments are title insurance and related services (title), mortgage services and corporate. The title segment provides services needed to transfer the title in a real estate transaction. These services include searching, examining, closing and insuring the condition of the title to the property. The title segment also includes home and personal insurance services and Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. The mortgage services segment includes a diverse group of products and services provided to multiple markets. These services include providing origination and servicing support; default and REO services; post-closing outsourcing; portfolio due diligence; mortgage compliance solutions; servicer oversight to residential mortgage lenders, servicers and investors; technology to support the real estate transaction, and centralized title and valuation services to large lenders. The single largest customer of the mortgage services segment accounted for 41.1% , 51.4% and 74.5% of mortgage services revenues in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The corporate segment consists of the expenses of the parent holding company, certain other corporate overhead expenses, and the costs of its centralized support operations not otherwise allocated to the operating segments. The revenues for the segment are primarily related to investment income. Selected statement of operations information related to these segments is as follows: Title Mortgage Services Corporate Total ($000 omitted) 2015: Revenues 1,805,267 212,934 15,684 2,033,885 Impairment of goodwill — 35,749 — 35,749 Depreciation and amortization 8,545 13,074 8,679 30,298 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests 225,238 (56,645 ) (158,900 ) 9,693 2014: Revenues 1,660,001 194,018 16,811 1,870,830 Depreciation and amortization 7,059 9,540 7,627 24,226 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests 184,016 6,364 (138,568 ) 51,812 2013: Revenues 1,792,210 121,945 13,825 1,927,980 Depreciation and amortization 5,957 4,634 7,329 17,920 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests 211,240 12,609 (122,784 ) 101,065 The Company does not provide asset information by reportable operating segment as it does not routinely evaluate the asset position by segment. Revenues for the years ended December 31 in the United States and all international operations are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) United States 1,925,865 1,751,458 1,811,714 International 108,020 119,372 116,266 2,033,885 1,870,830 1,927,980

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions. During 2014, the Company completed acquisitions of three companies that provide collateral valuation, settlement services, title and closing services, and quality control and due diligence services for an aggregate purchase price of $ 40.0 million , net of liabilities assumed. The acquisitions were primarily funded by borrowings on the Company’s unsecured line of credit. The Company has recorded fair value estimates for the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and estimated goodwill of $ 20.0 million , based on the completion of the Company’s purchase price allocation as of December 31, 2014. During 2015, the Company recorded purchase adjustments of $5.3 million related to the remeasurement of assumed liabilities related to these acquisitions.

Other comprehensive (loss) inco

Other comprehensive (loss) income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive (loss) income	Other comprehensive (loss) income. Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive (loss) income and the related tax effects are as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) Foreign currency translation adjustments (16,022 ) (4,877 ) (11,145 ) (10,405 ) (2,840 ) (7,565 ) (10,349 ) (3,530 ) (6,819 ) Unrealized (losses) gains on investments: Change in unrealized (losses) gains on investments (5,757 ) (2,016 ) (3,741 ) 15,066 5,273 9,793 (11,203 ) (3,921 ) (7,282 ) Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net (loss) income (2,501 ) (875 ) (1,626 ) (853 ) (298 ) (555 ) (2,463 ) (862 ) (1,601 ) Net unrealized (losses) gains (8,258 ) (2,891 ) (5,367 ) 14,213 4,975 9,238 (13,666 ) (4,783 ) (8,883 ) Other comprehensive (losses) income (24,280 ) (7,768 ) (16,512 ) 3,808 2,135 1,673 (24,015 ) (8,313 ) (15,702 )

Exit activities

Exit activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Exit activities	Exit activities. During the third quarter 2015, management approved the exit plan for the delinquent loan servicing activities included in the mortgage services segment. The decision was based on continued pricing pressures on existing contracts and decreased demand for these services. The Company is operating the delinquent loan servicing business on a phased exit schedule and anticipates the completion of its exit no later than the end of first quarter 2016. The Company has estimated the total charge to be incurred related to exiting these operations to be between $5.0 million and $7.0 million . These costs include lease termination costs, additional severance expenses and accelerated amortization expense. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $3.5 million of costs, comprised of $1.1 million of employee termination benefits (of which $0.3 million was paid during 2015), $1.0 million of early lease termination costs accrued and $1.4 million of accelerated depreciation of assets. These amounts are included within the Employee costs, Investments and other (losses) gains - net and Depreciation and amortization lines, respectively, in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

Quarterly financial information

Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	Quarterly financial information (unaudited). Mar 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31 Total ($000 omitted, except per share) Revenues: 2015 448,872 531,906 555,704 497,403 2,033,885 2014 393,576 446,838 508,097 522,319 1,870,830 Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart: 2015 (12,448 ) 17,106 (13,467 ) 2,605 (6,204 ) 2014 (12,106 ) 6,279 23,717 11,863 29,753 Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (1) : 2015 (0.52 ) 0.72 (0.58 ) 0.11 (0.26 ) 2014 (0.54 ) 0.27 0.97 0.49 1.24 (1) Quarterly per share data may not sum to annual totals due to rounding or effects of dilution in particular quarters but not in annual totals.

Schedule I - Parent Company Fin

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information	SCHEDULE I STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION (Parent Company) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Revenues Investment income 15,000 25,087 — Other losses — (869 ) (3,164 ) Other income 922 90 263 15,922 24,308 (2,901 ) Expenses Employee costs 156 1,110 (91 ) Other operating expenses, including $276 each year to affiliates 7,617 3,806 1,329 Depreciation and amortization 162 421 527 Interest 1,726 2,054 2,494 9,661 7,391 4,259 Income (loss) before taxes and (loss) income from subsidiaries 6,261 16,917 (7,160 ) Income tax expense — 1 24 (Loss) income from subsidiaries (12,465 ) 12,837 70,210 Net (loss) income (6,204 ) 29,753 63,026 Retained earnings at beginning of year 479,733 452,314 391,447 Cash dividends on Common Stock (18,010 ) (2,334 ) (2,159 ) Retained earnings at end of year 455,519 479,733 452,314 See accompanying note to financial statement information. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION (Parent Company) BALANCE SHEETS As of December 31, 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Assets Cash and cash equivalents 832 15,210 Receivables: Notes - due from subsidiaries 68,382 46,885 Other, including $120 and $4, respectively, from affiliates 1,093 497 Allowance for uncollectible amounts (7 ) (10 ) 69,468 47,372 Property and equipment, at cost: Furniture and equipment 2,893 2,893 Accumulated depreciation (2,625 ) (2,463 ) 268 430 Title plant, at cost 48 48 Investments in subsidiaries, on an equity-method basis 653,519 688,858 Goodwill 8,470 8,470 Other assets 17,457 16,499 750,062 776,887 Liabilities Notes payable 98,000 60,000 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including $4 and $0, respectively, to affiliates 22,781 23,702 120,781 83,702 Contingent liabilities and commitments — — Stockholders’ equity Common Stock – $1 par, authorized 50,000,000; issued 22,643,255 and 23,307,909; outstanding 22,291,094 and 22,955,748, respectively 22,643 23,308 Class B Common Stock– $1 par, authorized 1,500,000; issued and outstanding 1,050,012 1,050 1,050 Additional paid-in capital 156,692 179,205 Retained earnings (1) 455,519 479,733 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income: Foreign currency translation adjustments (13,360 ) (2,215 ) Unrealized investment gains 9,403 14,770 Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost (2,666 ) (2,666 ) Total stockholders’ equity 629,281 693,185 750,062 776,887 (1) Includes undistributed earnings of subsidiaries of $514,522 in 2015 and $544,997 in 2014. See accompanying note to financial statement information. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION (Parent Company) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Reconciliation of net (loss) income to cash used by operating activities: Net (loss) income (6,204 ) 29,753 63,026 Add (deduct): Depreciation and amortization 162 421 527 Other losses — 869 3,164 Increase in receivables – net (22,096 ) (47,232 ) (95 ) (Increase) decrease in other assets – net (558 ) (828 ) 2,413 Increase in payables and accrued liabilities – net 21,136 12,395 3,335 Losses (income) from subsidiaries 12,465 (12,837 ) (70,210 ) Other – net (26,244 ) (31,824 ) (3,945 ) Cash used by operating activities (21,339 ) (49,283 ) (1,785 ) Investing activities: Dividends from subsidiaries 15,000 25,000 — Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment –net — — 5 Collections on notes receivables — — 1 Cash provided by investing activities 15,000 25,000 6 Financing activities: Proceeds from notes payable 45,000 60,000 — Payments on notes payable (7,000 ) — — Dividends paid (18,010 ) (2,334 ) (2,159 ) Repurchases of Common Stock (27,950 ) (22,048 ) — Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary (209 ) (321 ) (1,442 ) Settlement of convertible debt — — (1,149 ) Other – net 130 — — Cash (used) provided by financing activities (8,039 ) 35,297 (4,750 ) (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (14,378 ) 11,014 (6,529 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 15,210 4,196 10,725 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 832 15,210 4,196 Supplemental information: Income taxes paid 1 24 34 Interest paid 1,681 546 4 See accompanying note to financial statement information. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION (Parent Company) NOTE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION The Parent Company operates as a holding company, transacting substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries. Its consolidated financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of Form 10-K. The Parent Company financial statements should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and financial statement schedules. Certain prior year amounts in the Parent Company financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net (loss) income and stockholders’ equity, as previously reported, were not affected. Interest of $1.7 million on the Convertible Senior Notes was paid by a subsidiary in 2014. In October 2014, the remaining outstanding balance of the Convertible Senior Notes was converted into Common Stock as discussed in Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.

Schedule II - VALUATION AND QUA

Schedule II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS December 31, 2015 Col. A Col. B Col. C Additions Col. D Deductions Col. E Description Balance at beginning of period Charged to costs and expenses Charged to other accounts (describe) (Describe) Balance At end of period ($000 omitted) Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries: Year ended December 31, 2015: Estimated title losses 495,395 106,265 — 139,038 (A) 462,622 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 2,564 (347 ) — — 2,217 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 9,193 3,396 — 2,756 (B) 9,833 Year ended December 31, 2014: Estimated title losses 506,888 81,305 2,268 (C) 95,066 (A) 495,395 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 6,971 (4,407 ) — — 2,564 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 9,871 1,977 — 2,655 (B) 9,193 Year ended December 31, 2013: Estimated title losses 520,375 106,318 — 119,805 (A) 506,888 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 12,136 (5,165 ) — — 6,971 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 12,823 2,063 — 5,015 (B) 9,871 (A) Represents primarily payments of policy and escrow losses and loss adjustment expenses. (B) Represents uncollectible accounts written off. (C) Represents amounts added through acquisitions. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Management's responsibility	Management’s responsibility. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts in these consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart and stockholders’ equity, as previously reported, were not affected.
Consolidation	Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors. All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated and provisions have been made for noncontrolling interests. Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the entity, are accounted for by the equity method.
Statutory accounting	Statutory accounting. Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) and other title insurance underwriters owned by the Company prepare financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities. In conforming the statutory financial statements to GAAP, the statutory premium reserve and the reserve for known title losses are eliminated and, in substitution, amounts are established for estimated title losses (Note 1F), for which the net effect, after providing for income taxes, is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition. Operating revenues from direct title operations are considered earned at the time of the closing of the related real estate transaction. The Company recognizes premium revenues on title insurance policies written by independent agencies (agencies) when the policies are reported to the Company. In addition, where reasonable estimates can be made, the Company accrues for policies issued but not reported until after period end. The Company believes that reasonable estimates can be made when recent and consistent policy issuance information is available. Estimates are based on historical reporting patterns and other information obtained about agencies, as well as current trends in direct operations and in the title industry. In this accrual, future transactions are not being estimated. The Company is estimating revenues on policies that have already been issued by agencies but not yet reported to or received by the Company. The Company has consistently followed the same basic method of estimating unreported policy revenues for more than 10 years. Revenues generated by the mortgage services segment are generally considered earned at the time the service is performed or the product is delivered to the customer.
Title losses and related claims	Title losses and related claims. The Company’s method for recording the reserves for title losses on both an interim and annual basis begins with the calculation of its current loss provision rate, which is applied to the Company’s current premiums resulting in a title loss expense for the period. This loss provision rate is set to provide for estimated losses on current year policies and is determined using moving average ratios of recent actual policy loss payment experience (net of recoveries) to premium revenues. At each quarter end, the Company’s recorded reserve for title losses begins with the prior period’s reserve balance for claim losses, adds the current period provision to that balance and subtracts actual paid claims, resulting in an amount that management compares to its actuarially-based calculation of the ending reserve balance necessary to provide for future reported title losses. The actuarially-based calculation is a paid loss development calculation where loss development factors are selected based on company data and input from the Company’s third-party actuaries. The Company also obtains input from third-party actuaries in the form of a reserve analysis utilizing generally accepted actuarial methods. While the Company is responsible for determining its loss reserves, it utilizes this actuarial input to assess the overall reasonableness of its reserve estimation. If the Company’s recorded reserve amount is not at the actuarial point estimate, but is within a reasonable range (+ 5.0% /- 4.0% ) of its actuarially-based reserve calculation and the actuary’s point estimate, the Company’s management assesses the major factors contributing to the different reserve estimates in order to determine the overall reasonableness of its recorded reserve, as well as the position of the recorded reserves relative to the point estimate and the estimated range of reserves. The major factors considered can change from period to period and include items such as current trends in the real estate industry (which management can assess although there is a time lag in the development of this data for use by the actuary), the size and types of claims reported and changes in the Company’s claims management process. If the recorded amount is not within a reasonable range of the Company’s third-party actuary’s point estimate, it will adjust the recorded reserves in the current period and reassess the provision rate on a prospective basis. Once the Company’s reserve for title losses is recorded, it is reduced in future periods as a result of claims payments and may be increased or reduced by revisions to the Company’s estimate of the overall level of required reserves. Large claims (those exceeding $1.0 million on a single claim), including large title losses due to independent agency defalcations, are analyzed and reserved for separately due to the higher dollar amount of loss, lower volume of claims reported and sporadic reporting of such claims. Due to the inherent uncertainty in predicting future title policy losses, significant judgment is required by both the Company’s management and its third party actuaries in estimating reserves. As a consequence, the Company’s ultimate liability may be materially greater or less than its current reserves and/or its third party actuary’s calculated estimate.
Cash equivalents	Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risks and maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.
Short-term investments	Short-term investments. Short-term investments comprise time deposits with banks, federal government obligations and other investments maturing in less than one year.
Investments in debt and equity securities	Investments in debt and equity securities. The investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined using the specific identification method. Net unrealized gains and losses on investments available-for-sale, net of applicable deferred taxes, are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within stockholders’ equity. At the time unrealized gains and losses become realized, they are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (using the specific identification method. Other-than-temporary declines in fair values of investments available-for-sale are charged to income.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment. Depreciation is principally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets at the following rates: buildings – 30 to 40 years and furniture and equipment – 3 to 10 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses are recognized at disposal.
Title plants	Title plants. Title plants include compilations of a county’s official land records, prior examination files, copies of prior title policies, maps and related materials that are geographically indexed to a specific property. The costs of acquiring existing title plants and creating new ones, prior to the time such plants are placed in operation, are capitalized. Title plants are not amortized since there is no indication of any loss of value over time but are subject to review for impairment. The costs of maintaining and operating title plants are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses on sales of copies of title plants or interests in title plants are recognized at the time of sale.
Goodwill	Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed annually and normally completed in the third quarter using June 30 balances, or whenever occurrences of events indicate a potential impairment at the reporting unit level. We have an option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we decide not to use a qualitative assessment or if the reporting unit fails the qualitative assessment, then we perform a two-step quantitative analysis. The step one analysis is performed, using a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flow (DCF) technique) and the market approach (guideline company and precedent transaction analyses), to determine if the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value, which would indicate a potential impairment. The DCF model utilizes historical and projected operating results and cash flows, initially driven by estimates of changes in future revenue levels, and risk-adjusted discount rates. Our projected operating results are primarily driven by anticipated mortgage originations, which we obtain from projections by industry experts, for our title reporting units and forecasted contractual revenues for our mortgage services reporting unit. Fluctuations in revenues, followed by our ability to appropriately adjust our employee count and other operating expenses, or large and unanticipated adjustments to title loss reserves, are the primary reasons for increases or decreases in our projected operating results. Our market-based valuation methodologies utilize (i) market multiples of earnings and/or other operating metrics of comparable companies and (ii) our market capitalization and a control premium based on market data and factors specific to our ownership and corporate governance structure (such as our Class B Common Stock). If we determine that the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill is greater than its fair value, we then perform the step two analysis to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and calculate the amount of impairment. In performing the step two analysis, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. In this method, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value is the purchase price paid. Any impairment of goodwill is treated as the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying amount of the goodwill and is charged to current operations. While we are responsible for assessing whether an impairment of goodwill exists, we utilize inputs from third-party appraisers in performing the quantitative analysis for our impairment review. We evaluate goodwill based on four reporting units with goodwill balances (direct operations, agency operations, international operations and mortgage services). Goodwill is assigned to these reporting units at the time the goodwill is initially recorded. Once assigned to a reporting unit, the goodwill is pooled and no longer attributable to a specific acquisition. All activities within a reporting unit are available to support the carrying value of the goodwill.
Other intangibles	Other intangibles. Other intangible assets are comprised mainly of non-compete, underwriting and customer relationship agreements and acquired software. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives, which are primarily 3 to 10 years. These intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when certain events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company performs an analysis to determine whether the carrying amount of each intangible asset is recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable when it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. For any intangible asset that is not recoverable, the Company calculates the excess of the carrying amount of the intangible asset over its fair value, estimated using the income approach (discounted cash flow technique). The resulting difference of the carrying amount over the fair value is treated as the impairment on the asset.
Other long-lived assets	Other long-lived assets. The Company reviews the carrying values of title plants and other long-lived assets if certain events occur that may indicate impairment. An impairment of these long-lived assets is indicated when projected undiscounted cash flows over the estimated lives of the assets are less than carrying values. If impairment is indicated, the recorded amounts are written down to fair values. There were no significant impairment charges for long-lived assets during the three years ended December 31, 2015 .
Fair values	Fair values. The fair values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, notes receivable, notes payable and accounts payable, are determined by the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The net fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values. Investments in debt and equity securities and certain financial instruments are carried at their fair values.
Leases	Leases. The Company recognizes rent expense under noncancelable operating leases, which generally expire over the next 10 years, on the straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, including provisions for any free rent periods or escalating lease payments.
Income taxes	Income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the tax basis and the book carrying values of certain assets and liabilities. To the extent that the Company does not believe its deferred tax assets meet the more-likely-than-not realization criteria, it establishes a valuation allowance. When it establishes a valuation allowance, or increases (decreases) the allowance during the year, it records a tax expense (benefit) in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. Enacted tax rates are used in calculating amounts. The Company provides for uncertainties in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
Recent significant accounting pronouncements	Recent significant accounting pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which eliminated the transaction-specific and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaced it with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition. Originally, ASU 2014-09 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date , which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Earlier application is permitted only for annual and interim periods after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Investments in debt and equit34

Investments in debt and equity securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Costs and Fair Values	Amortized costs and fair values at December 31, follow: 2015 2014 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 70,300 72,008 60,656 61,689 Corporate 303,870 309,461 296,578 308,691 Foreign 149,914 153,221 163,099 166,685 U.S. Treasury Bonds 13,803 13,906 14,337 14,802 Equity securities 27,497 31,253 22,710 28,236 565,384 579,849 557,380 580,103
Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses	Gross unrealized gains and losses at December 31, were: 2015 2014 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 1,720 12 1,125 92 Corporate 7,700 2,109 12,559 446 Foreign 3,789 482 3,690 104 U.S. Treasury Bonds 128 25 492 27 Equity securities 4,842 1,086 5,982 456 18,179 3,714 23,848 1,125
Debt Securities According to Contractual Terms	Debt securities at December 31, 2015 mature, according to their contractual terms, as follows (actual maturities may differ due to call or prepayment rights): Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) In one year or less 27,118 27,256 After one year through five years 226,497 230,842 After five years through ten years 230,161 235,219 After ten years 54,111 55,279 537,887 548,596
Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments and Fair Values of Related Securities	Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 , were: Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total Losses Fair values Losses Fair values Losses Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 1 2,673 91 12,076 92 14,749 Corporate 107 7,167 339 26,545 446 33,712 Foreign 11 34,236 93 6,446 104 40,682 U.S. Treasury Bonds — — 27 3,694 27 3,694 Equity securities: 456 6,540 — — 456 6,540 575 50,616 550 48,761 1,125 99,377 Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2015 , were: Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total Losses Fair values Losses Fair values Losses Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 9 2,230 3 1,615 12 3,845 Corporate 1,461 83,565 648 32,871 2,109 116,436 Foreign 322 35,008 160 3,155 482 38,163 U.S. Treasury Bonds 6 1,195 19 3,583 25 4,778 Equity securities: 720 4,440 366 3,224 1,086 7,664 2,518 126,438 1,196 44,448 3,714 170,886

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	At December 31, 2015 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,008 — 72,008 Corporate — 309,461 — 309,461 Foreign — 153,221 — 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 13,906 — 13,906 Equity securities: 31,253 — — 31,253 31,253 548,596 — 579,849 At December 31, 2014 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 61,689 — 61,689 Corporate — 308,691 — 308,691 Foreign — 166,685 — 166,685 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 14,802 — 14,802 Equity securities: 28,236 — — 28,236 28,236 551,867 — 580,103
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis	As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are summarized below: 2015 2014 Level 3 Impairment loss recorded Level 3 Impairment loss recorded ($000 omitted) Cost-basis investments 3,127 600 3,938 1,000

Investment income (Tables)

Investment income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses	Income from investments and gross realized investment and other gains and losses follow: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Investment income: Debt securities 15,181 14,593 13,387 Short-term investments, cash equivalents and other 1,669 2,213 2,105 16,850 16,806 15,492 Investment and other (losses) gains – net: Realized gains 5,948 12,018 7,555 Realized losses (7,317 ) (5,274 ) (8,621 ) (1,369 ) 6,744 (1,066 )

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense	Income tax expense consists of the following: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Current: Federal 4,774 3,047 2,589 State 709 (224 ) 2,757 Foreign 5,967 7,442 6,753 Deferred: Federal (3,986 ) 3,916 18,361 State (1,375 ) (694 ) (206 ) Foreign (439 ) 16 (1,773 ) Income tax expense 5,650 13,503 28,481
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expenses Computed at Federal Statutory Rate with Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Reported	The following reconciles income tax (benefit) expense computed at the federal statutory rate with income tax expense as reported: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Expected income tax (benefit) expense at 35% (1) (194 ) 15,140 32,027 Foreign tax rate differential (329 ) (693 ) (422 ) State income tax (benefit) expense – net of Federal impact (914 ) (840 ) 1,586 Impairment of goodwill 7,099 — — Nondeductible expenses 2,768 4,060 2,321 Return-to-provision adjustments (1,329 ) 1,133 (2,408 ) Valuation allowance (668 ) (5,020 ) (6,555 ) Intercompany dividends and dividends received deductions (541 ) (319 ) 449 Tax-exempt interest (404 ) (324 ) (233 ) Noncontrolling interest 251 186 529 Life insurance proceeds (175 ) — (797 ) Nondeductible bond conversion costs — — 1,900 Other – net 86 180 84 Income tax expense 5,650 13,503 28,481 Effective income tax rates (1) (1,019.4 )% 31.2 % 31.1 % (1) Calculated using (loss) income before taxes and after noncontrolling interests.
Deferred Income Taxes	Deferred income taxes as of December 31 were as follows: 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Deferred tax assets: Tax credit carryforwards 20,242 26,792 Accrued expenses 20,190 17,241 Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards 6,428 4,260 Foreign currency translation adjustments 5,220 411 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 3,524 3,379 Investments 3,369 1,582 Fixed assets 2,094 5,860 Other 1,954 2,127 Deferred tax assets – gross 63,021 61,652 Valuation allowance (2,217 ) (2,564 ) Deferred tax assets – net 60,804 59,088 Deferred tax liabilities: Amortization – goodwill and other intangibles (27,991 ) (34,740 ) Title loss provisions (18,523 ) (23,365 ) Unrealized gains on investments (4,811 ) (7,953 ) Deferred compensation on life insurance policies (3,558 ) (3,239 ) Other (2,328 ) (2,476 ) Deferred tax liabilities – gross (57,211 ) (71,773 ) Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) 3,593 (12,685 )

Goodwill and other intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill	A summary of changes in goodwill is as follows: Title Mortgage Services Total ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1, 2014 198,727 33,111 231,838 Acquisitions 3,275 18,165 21,440 Disposals — (1,410 ) (1,410 ) Balances at December 31, 2014 202,002 49,866 251,868 Acquisitions 7,220 — 7,220 Purchase adjustments — (5,268 ) (5,268 ) Impairment — (35,749 ) (35,749 ) Disposals (349 ) — (349 ) Balances at December 31, 2015 208,873 8,849 217,722

Equity investees (Tables)

Equity investees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of Aggregate Financial Information for Equity Investees	Summarized aggregate financial information for equity investees (in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity) is as follows: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) For the year: Revenues 28,843 31,562 42,105 Net income 8,830 7,914 8,064 At December 31: Total assets 33,555 25,533 25,470 Notes payable 20,200 12,727 12,390 Stockholders’ equity 7,213 7,665 5,561

Notes payable, convertible se40

Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Notes Payable	A summary of notes payable follows: 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Banks – varying payments and rates (1) 98,000 60,000 Other than banks 4,399 11,180 102,399 71,180 (1) Average interest rates were 1.68% and 2.21% during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Estimated title losses (Tables)

Estimated title losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Estimated Provision of Losses	2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1 495,395 506,888 520,375 Provisions: Current year 68,029 64,577 92,043 Previous policy years 38,236 16,728 14,275 Total provisions 106,265 81,305 106,318 Payments, net of recoveries: Current year (19,182 ) (18,775 ) (23,969 ) Previous policy years (104,450 ) (67,898 ) (91,715 ) Total payments, net of recoveries (123,632 ) (86,673 ) (115,684 ) Adjustments related to acquired balance (2,303 ) 2,268 — Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates (13,103 ) (8,393 ) (4,121 ) Balances at December 31 462,622 495,395 506,888 Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues: Current year provisions 3.6 % 3.8 % 5.1 % Total provisions 5.6 % 4.7 % 5.9 %

Share-based incentives (Tables)

Share-based incentives (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of the Restricted Common Stock Award Activity	A summary of the restricted common stock award activity during the year ended December 31, 2015 is presented below: Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share ($) Nonvested balance at January 1, 2015 205,119 29.78 Granted 118,506 37.16 Adjustment for performance-based shares 19,610 37.18 Vested (78,115 ) 25.78 Forfeited (12,930 ) 31.43 Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 252,190 34.88

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The calculation of the basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share is as follows: For the Years Ended 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) Numerator: Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart (6,204 ) 29,753 63,026 Interest expense, net of tax effects — 1,006 1,408 If-converted net (loss) income attributable to Stewart (6,204 ) 30,759 64,434 Denominator (000): Basic average shares outstanding 23,544 22,778 22,096 Average number of dilutive shares relating to options — 2 — Average number of dilutive shares relating to convertible senior notes — 1,641 2,467 Average number of dilutive shares relating to restricted shares grant — 289 178 Diluted average shares outstanding 23,544 24,710 24,741 Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (0.26 ) 1.31 2.85 Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (0.26 ) 1.24 2.60

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments	The future minimum lease payments relating to operating leases are summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars): 2016 45,133 2017 37,585 2018 30,838 2019 22,517 2020 12,585 2021 and after 18,360 167,018

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segmental Revenues and Expenses	Selected statement of operations information related to these segments is as follows: Title Mortgage Services Corporate Total ($000 omitted) 2015: Revenues 1,805,267 212,934 15,684 2,033,885 Impairment of goodwill — 35,749 — 35,749 Depreciation and amortization 8,545 13,074 8,679 30,298 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests 225,238 (56,645 ) (158,900 ) 9,693 2014: Revenues 1,660,001 194,018 16,811 1,870,830 Depreciation and amortization 7,059 9,540 7,627 24,226 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests 184,016 6,364 (138,568 ) 51,812 2013: Revenues 1,792,210 121,945 13,825 1,927,980 Depreciation and amortization 5,957 4,634 7,329 17,920 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests 211,240 12,609 (122,784 ) 101,065
Revenues Generated in Domestic and Foreign Country	Revenues for the years ended December 31 in the United States and all international operations are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 ($000 omitted) United States 1,925,865 1,751,458 1,811,714 International 108,020 119,372 116,266 2,033,885 1,870,830 1,927,980

Other comprehensive earnings (l

Other comprehensive earnings (loss) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive (loss) income and the related tax effects are as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) Foreign currency translation adjustments (16,022 ) (4,877 ) (11,145 ) (10,405 ) (2,840 ) (7,565 ) (10,349 ) (3,530 ) (6,819 ) Unrealized (losses) gains on investments: Change in unrealized (losses) gains on investments (5,757 ) (2,016 ) (3,741 ) 15,066 5,273 9,793 (11,203 ) (3,921 ) (7,282 ) Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net (loss) income (2,501 ) (875 ) (1,626 ) (853 ) (298 ) (555 ) (2,463 ) (862 ) (1,601 ) Net unrealized (losses) gains (8,258 ) (2,891 ) (5,367 ) 14,213 4,975 9,238 (13,666 ) (4,783 ) (8,883 ) Other comprehensive (losses) income (24,280 ) (7,768 ) (16,512 ) 3,808 2,135 1,673 (24,015 ) (8,313 ) (15,702 )

Quarterly financial informati47

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information	Mar 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31 Total ($000 omitted, except per share) Revenues: 2015 448,872 531,906 555,704 497,403 2,033,885 2014 393,576 446,838 508,097 522,319 1,870,830 Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart: 2015 (12,448 ) 17,106 (13,467 ) 2,605 (6,204 ) 2014 (12,106 ) 6,279 23,717 11,863 29,753 Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (1) : 2015 (0.52 ) 0.72 (0.58 ) 0.11 (0.26 ) 2014 (0.54 ) 0.27 0.97 0.49 1.24 (1) Quarterly per share data may not sum to annual totals due to rounding or effects of dilution in particular quarters but not in annual totals.

General - Additional Informatio

General - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)reporting_unit
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenue major segments percentage	51.00%
Method for estimating unreported policy revenues, period of use (more than)	10 years
Threshold amount for large claims | $	$ 1,000,000
Number of reporting units used for goodwill evaluation | reporting_unit	4
Non-cancelable operating lease, expiration period	10 years
Minimum
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Threshold percentage, reserve amount	4.00%
Intangible assets estimated life	3 years
Minimum | Buildings
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	30 years
Minimum | Furniture and equipment
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	3 years
Maximum
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Threshold percentage, reserve amount	5.00%
Intangible assets estimated life	10 years
Maximum | Buildings
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	40 years
Maximum | Furniture and equipment
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life	10 years

Restrictions on cash and inve49

Restrictions on cash and investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Investments restricted for statutory reserve funds	$ 483.3	$ 438.5
Restricted cash and cash equivalent	$ 17.2	$ 57.4

Statutory surplus and dividen50

Statutory surplus and dividend restrictions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Maximum amount of dividend to be paid	$ 100,400,000
Dividends paid by Guaranty	15,000,000	$ 25,000,000	$ 0
Surplus for guaranty	501,800,000	525,800,000
Statutory net income	83,200,000	$ 53,200,000	$ 43,000,000
Statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements for guaranty	2,000,000
Underwriter entities
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements for guaranty	$ 15,000,000

Investments in debt and equit51

Investments in debt and equity securities - Amortized Costs and Fair Values (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	$ 537,887
Equity securities, Amortized costs	27,497	$ 22,710
Total, Amortized costs	565,384	557,380
Debt securities, fair values	548,596
Equity securities, Fair values	31,253	28,236
Available for sale securities, Total	579,849	580,103
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	70,300	60,656
Debt securities, fair values	72,008	61,689
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	303,870	296,578
Debt securities, fair values	309,461	308,691
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	149,914	163,099
Debt securities, fair values	153,221	166,685
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	13,803	14,337
Debt securities, fair values	$ 13,906	$ 14,802

Investments in debt and equit52

Investments in debt and equity securities - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)investment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Unrealized Losses On Investments [Line Items]
Foreign debt securities	$ 548,596
Number of investments in an unrealized loss position | investment	155
Number of investments in an unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months | investment	30
Investment and Other (Losses) Gains
Unrealized Losses On Investments [Line Items]
Recognized other than temporary impairment	$ 2,700
Foreign
Unrealized Losses On Investments [Line Items]
Foreign debt securities	153,221	$ 166,685
Foreign | Canada
Unrealized Losses On Investments [Line Items]
Foreign debt securities	125,200	135,800
Foreign | United Kingdom
Unrealized Losses On Investments [Line Items]
Foreign debt securities	$ 23,100	$ 27,300

Investments in debt and equit53

Investments in debt and equity securities - Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized gains	$ 18,179	$ 23,848
Gross unrealized losses	3,714	1,125
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized gains	1,720	1,125
Gross unrealized losses	12	92
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized gains	7,700	12,559
Gross unrealized losses	2,109	446
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized gains	3,789	3,690
Gross unrealized losses	482	104
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized gains	128	492
Gross unrealized losses	25	27
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross unrealized gains	4,842	5,982
Gross unrealized losses	$ 1,086	$ 456

Investments in debt and equit54

Investments in debt and equity securities - Debt Securities According Contractual Terms (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized costs, In one year or less	$ 27,118
Amortized costs, After one year through five years	226,497
Amortized costs, After five years through ten years	230,161
Amortized costs, After ten years	54,111
Amortized costs, Total	537,887
Fair Values, In one year or less	27,256
Fair Values, After one year through five years	230,842
Fair Values, After five years through ten years	235,219
Fair Values, After ten years	55,279
Debt securities, fair values total	$ 548,596

Investments in debt and equit55

Investments in debt and equity securities - Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments and Fair Values of Related Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	$ 2,518	$ 575
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	126,438	50,616
Losses, More than 12 months	1,196	550
Fair Values, More than 12 months	44,448	48,761
Total Losses	3,714	1,125
Total Fair Values	170,886	99,377
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	9	1
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	2,230	2,673
Losses, More than 12 months	3	91
Fair Values, More than 12 months	1,615	12,076
Total Losses	12	92
Total Fair Values	3,845	14,749
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	1,461	107
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	83,565	7,167
Losses, More than 12 months	648	339
Fair Values, More than 12 months	32,871	26,545
Total Losses	2,109	446
Total Fair Values	116,436	33,712
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	322	11
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	35,008	34,236
Losses, More than 12 months	160	93
Fair Values, More than 12 months	3,155	6,446
Total Losses	482	104
Total Fair Values	38,163	40,682
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	6	0
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	1,195	0
Losses, More than 12 months	19	27
Fair Values, More than 12 months	3,583	3,694
Total Losses	25	27
Total Fair Values	4,778	3,694
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	720	456
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	4,440	6,540
Losses, More than 12 months	366	0
Fair Values, More than 12 months	3,224	0
Total Losses	1,086	456
Total Fair Values	$ 7,664	$ 6,540

Fair value measurements - Finan

Fair value measurements - Financial Instrument Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	$ 579,849	$ 580,103
Fair value measurements, recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	579,849	580,103
Fair value measurements, recurring | Municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	72,008	61,689
Fair value measurements, recurring | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	309,461	308,691
Fair value measurements, recurring | Foreign
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	153,221	166,685
Fair value measurements, recurring | U.S. Treasury Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	13,906	14,802
Fair value measurements, recurring | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	31,253	28,236
Level 1 | Fair value measurements, recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	31,253	28,236
Level 1 | Fair value measurements, recurring | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	31,253	28,236
Level 2 | Fair value measurements, recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	548,596	551,867
Level 2 | Fair value measurements, recurring | Municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	72,008	61,689
Level 2 | Fair value measurements, recurring | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	309,461	308,691
Level 2 | Fair value measurements, recurring | Foreign
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	153,221	166,685
Level 2 | Fair value measurements, recurring | U.S. Treasury Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, Fair value measurements	$ 13,906	$ 14,802

Fair value measurements - Asset

Fair value measurements - Assets Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment loss recorded	$ 600	$ 1,000
Level 3 | Cost-basis investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cost-basis investments, at fair value	$ 3,127	$ 3,938

Fair value measurements - Addit

Fair value measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Impairment loss recorded	$ 600	$ 1,000

Investment income - Gross Reali

Investment income - Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 16,850	$ 16,806	$ 15,492
Realized gains	5,948	12,018	7,555
Realized losses	(7,317)	(5,274)	(8,621)
Investment and other (losses) gains – net	(1,369)	6,744	(1,066)
Debt securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	15,181	14,593	13,387
Short-term investments, cash equivalents and other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 1,669	$ 2,213	$ 2,105

Investment income - Additional

Investment income - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Proceeds from the sales of investments available-for-sale	$ 69.3	$ 58.1	$ 82
Impairment of an intangible asset	1.8	1.7
Realized gains from sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale	2.4	1.1	2.7
Gain on sale of office buildings	1.5
Realized gain from the reduction in the fair value of contingent consideration liability		5.6
Realized gain from sale of a business		3.8
Impairment of a cost basis investment		1	1
Non cash charge on early retirement of convertible senior notes			5.4
Loss on sale of equity investment			1.5
Gain on non title related insurance policy proceeds			2.3
Realized gain on sale of real estate			1.9
Convertible Notes Payable
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Convertible senior notes			$ 37.8	$ 27.2
Facility Closing
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Charges related to office closures	1.4	$ 1.9
Investment and Other (Losses) Gains
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Recognized other than temporary impairment	$ 2.7

Income taxes - Income Tax Expen

Income taxes - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 4,774	$ 3,047	$ 2,589
State	709	(224)	2,757
Foreign	5,967	7,442	6,753
Deferred:
Federal	(3,986)	3,916	18,361
State	(1,375)	(694)	(206)
Foreign	(439)	16	(1,773)
Income tax expense	$ 5,650	$ 13,503	$ 28,481

Income taxes - Reconciliation o

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expenses Computed at Federal Statutory Rate with Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected income tax (benefit) expense at 35%	$ (194)	$ 15,140	$ 32,027
Foreign tax rate differential	(329)	(693)	(422)
State income tax (benefit) expense – net of Federal impact	(914)	(840)	1,586
Impairment of goodwill	7,099	0	0
Nondeductible expenses	2,768	4,060	2,321
Return-to-provision adjustments	(1,329)	1,133	(2,408)
Valuation allowance	(668)	(5,020)	(6,555)
Intercompany dividends and dividends received deductions	(541)	(319)	449
Tax-exempt interest	(404)	(324)	(233)
Noncontrolling interest	251	186	529
Life insurance proceeds	(175)	0	(797)
Nondeductible bond conversion costs	0	0	1,900
Other – net	86	180	84
Income tax expense	$ 5,650	$ 13,503	$ 28,481
Effective income tax rates	(1019.40%)	31.20%	31.10%

Income taxes - Reconciliation63

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expenses Computed at Federal Statutory Rate with Income Tax Expense (Additional Information) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Income taxes - Deferred Income

Income taxes - Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Tax credit carryforwards	$ 20,242	$ 26,792
Accrued expenses	20,190	17,241
Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards	6,428	4,260
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,220	411
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	3,524	3,379
Investments	3,369	1,582
Fixed assets	2,094	5,860
Other	1,954	2,127
Deferred tax assets – gross	63,021	61,652
Valuation allowance	(2,217)	(2,564)
Deferred tax assets – net	60,804	59,088
Deferred tax liabilities:
Amortization – goodwill and other intangibles	(27,991)	(34,740)
Title loss provisions	(18,523)	(23,365)
Unrealized gains on investments	(4,811)	(7,953)
Deferred compensation on life insurance policies	(3,558)	(3,239)
Other	(2,328)	(2,476)
Deferred tax liabilities – gross	(57,211)	(71,773)
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)	$ 3,593
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)		$ (12,685)

Income taxes - Additional Infor

Income taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net deferred tax assets	$ 3,593
Net deferred tax liabilities		$ 12,685
Net decrease in valuation allowance	300	4,400
Deferred tax assets relating to NOL carryforwards	6,428	4,260
Anticipated refunds received from previously-filed carryback claims		2,800
Domestic Tax Authority
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net deferred tax assets	3,800
Net deferred tax liabilities		12,000
Foreign Tax Authority
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liabilities	300	700
Federal net operating loss, valuation allowances released			$ 6,600
Foreign tax credits carry forwards, deferred tax asset valuation allowances released		$ 5,000
Tax credit carry forwards	$ 20,200

Goodwill and other intangible66

Goodwill and other intangibles - Summary of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill summary
Beginning balances		$ 251,868	$ 231,838
Acquisitions		7,220	21,440
Purchase adjustments		(5,268)
Impairment	$ (35,900)	(35,749)	0	$ 0
Disposals		(349)	(1,410)
Ending balances		217,722	251,868	231,838
Title
Goodwill summary
Beginning balances		202,002	198,727
Acquisitions		7,220	3,275
Purchase adjustments		0
Impairment		0
Disposals		(349)	0
Ending balances		208,873	202,002	198,727
Mortgage Services
Goodwill summary
Beginning balances		49,866	33,111
Acquisitions		0	18,165
Purchase adjustments		(5,268)
Impairment		(35,749)
Disposals		0	(1,410)
Ending balances		$ 8,849	$ 49,866	$ 33,111

Goodwill and other intangible67

Goodwill and other intangibles - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment, mortgage services	$ 35,900	$ 35,749	$ 0	$ 0
Impairment of an intangible asset		1,800	1,700
Other intangibles, gross carrying amount		43,600	43,000
Accumulated amortization and impairment of other intangibles		25,500	16,700
Amortization expense of other intangibles		7,000	6,200	$ 1,900
Future amortization expense
Expected amortization expense in 2016		5,500
Expected amortization expense in 2017		4,600
Expected amortization expense in 2018		3,600
Expected amortization expense in 2019		2,000
Expected amortization expense in 2020		1,000
Title
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment, mortgage services		0
Impairment of an intangible asset		900
Mortgage Services
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment, mortgage services		35,749
Impairment of an intangible asset		$ 900	$ 1,700

Equity investees - Summarized A

Equity investees - Summarized Aggregate Financial Information for Equity Investees (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 28,843	$ 31,562	$ 42,105
Net income	8,830	7,914	8,064
Total assets	33,555	25,533	25,470
Notes payable	20,200	12,727	12,390
Stockholders’ equity	$ 7,213	$ 7,665	$ 5,561

Equity investees - Additional I

Equity investees - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Net premium revenues from policies issued by equity investees		$ 28,843,000	$ 31,562,000	$ 42,105,000
Earnings related to equity investees		8,830,000	7,914,000	8,064,000
Goodwill related to equity investees		217,722,000	251,868,000	231,838,000
Impairment of goodwill	$ 35,900,000	35,749,000	0	0
Direct Operations
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Net premium revenues from policies issued by equity investees		2,500,000	3,100,000	4,400,000
Earnings related to equity investees		3,600,000	3,400,000	$ 4,100,000
Equity securities
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Goodwill related to equity investees		7,400,000	7,400,000
Impairment of goodwill		$ 0	$ 0

Notes payable, convertible se70

Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit - Summary of Notes Payable (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Banks - varying payments and rates	$ 98,000	$ 60,000
Other than banks	4,399	11,180
Notes payable	$ 102,399	$ 71,180

Notes payable, convertible se71

Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit - Summary of Notes Payable (Additional Information) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Average interest rate	1.68%	2.21%

Notes payable, convertible se72

Notes payable, convertible senior notes and line of credit - Additional Information (Detail)	Feb. 10, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 26, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)shares	Oct. 31, 2009USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Principal payments on notes in 2016					$ 2,500,000
Principal payments on notes in 2017					1,300,000
Principal payments on notes in 2018					400,000
Principal payments on notes in 2019					98,200,000
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations					4,399,000	$ 11,180,000
Notes payable, debt issuance cost					3,300,000
Notes payable, amortization of debt issuance costs						300,000	$ 400,000
Notes payable, interest expense						1,300,000	2,000,000
Impairment charge				$ 35,900,000	35,749,000	0	0
Subsequent Event | Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Conversion of Stock, additional cash issued to Class B Common Stock holders		$ 12,000,000
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank line of credit facility amount					125,000,000
Bank line of credit facility, outstanding					98,000,000
Line of credit, conditional increase in maximum borrowing capacity					$ 50,000,000
Fixed charge ratio, minimum					1.25
Leverage ratio, maximum					2.25
Maximum aggregate annual capital expenditures allowed					$ 20,000,000
Annual dividend payments allowed, maximum					$ 25,000,000
Line of Credit | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum aggregate annual capital expenditures allowed	$ 25,000,000
Maximum exception to allowed restricted payments for the new share repurchase program	50,000,000
Annual dividend payments allowed, maximum	$ 35,000,000
Line of Credit | Base Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate, line of credit					0.50%
Line of Credit | Base Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate, line of credit					1.00%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate, line of credit					1.50%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate, line of credit					2.00%
Convertible Notes Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior notes, aggregate principal amount								$ 65,000,000
Convertible senior notes, interest rate								6.00%
Convertible senior notes, carrying amount			$ 27,200,000				$ 37,800,000
Convertible senior notes, shares issued during conversion (in shares) | shares			2,111,017				3,094,440
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations					$ 3,800,000	$ 5,600,000

Estimated title Losses (Detail)

Estimated title Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingency Accrual
Balances at January 1	$ 495,395	$ 506,888	$ 520,375
Provisions, Current year	68,029	64,577	92,043
Provisions, Previous policy years	38,236	16,728	14,275
Total provisions	106,265	81,305	106,318
Payments, net of recoveries, Current year	(19,182)	(18,775)	(23,969)
Payments, net of recoveries, Previous policy years	(104,450)	(67,898)	(91,715)
Total payments, net of recoveries	(123,632)	(86,673)	(115,684)
Adjustments related to acquired balance	(2,303)	2,268	0
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	(13,103)	(8,393)	(4,121)
Balances at December 31	$ 462,622	$ 495,395	$ 506,888
Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues:
Current year provisions	3.60%	3.80%	5.10%
Total provisions	5.60%	4.70%	5.90%

Estimated title losses - Additi

Estimated title losses - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Ultimate loss rate for policies issued in current year	3.60%	3.80%	5.10%
Net increase in loss reserve estimates for prior years	$ 38,236	$ 16,728	$ 14,275
Recorded provisions	106,265	81,305	106,318
Change in prior years reserve, claims payment experience
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net increase in loss reserve estimates for prior years	6,200
Recorded provisions		17,900	7,600
Change in prior years reserve, large title claims
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net increase in loss reserve estimates for prior years	29,100
Recorded provisions	$ 31,700	$ 3,100	$ 28,800

Common Stock and Class B Comm75

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Jan. 26, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015directorshares	Dec. 31, 2014shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of directors stockholders entitle to elect		9
Subsidiaries
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of treasury shares held | shares		145,820	145,820
Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock | Subsequent Event
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Stock, additional cash issued to Class B Common Stock holders | $	$ 12
Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock | Subsequent Event | Class B Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, number of shares converted | shares	1,050,012
Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock | Subsequent Event | Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, number of shares issued | shares	1,050,012
If 1,050,000 or more shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of directors stockholders entitle to elect		4
If between 600,000 and 1,050,000 shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of directors stockholders entitle to elect		3
If less than 600,000 shares of Class B Common Stock are outstanding
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of directors stockholders entitle to elect		0

Share-based incentives - Additi

Share-based incentives - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of vested shares				$ 2.9	$ 2.3
Compensation costs				4.4	4	$ 1
Tax benefits related to vesting of awards				1	$ 0.3	$ 0.3
Compensation costs not yet recognized				$ 4.7
Compensation costs not yet recognized, period for recognition				1 year 8 months 12 days
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted and immediately vested in relation to the annual director retainer compensation (in shares)	18,000	22,000	18,000
Fair value of vested shares	$ 0.7	$ 0.7	$ 0.5
Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period				3 years	3 years	3 years
Performance-Based Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period				3 years	3 years	3 years
Time Based Restricted Stock And Performance Based Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair values at grant date				$ 4.4	$ 4	$ 2.2
Share-based incentives, shares issued				119,000	125,000	84,000
Average grant price (in usd per share)				$ 37.16	$ 32.24	$ 26.01

Share-based incentives - Summar

Share-based incentives - Summary of the Restricted Common Stock Award Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Shares
Nonvested balance at January 1, 2015 (in shares) | shares	205,119
Granted (in shares) | shares	118,506
Adjustment for performance-based shares (in shares) | shares	19,610
Vested (in shares) | shares	(78,115)
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(12,930)
Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 (in shares) | shares	252,190
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share ($)
Nonvested balance at January 1, 2015 (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 29.78
Granted (in usd per share) | $ / shares	37.16
Adjustment for performance-based shares (in usd per share) | $ / shares	37.18
Vested (in usd per share) | $ / shares	25.78
Forfeited (in usd per share) | $ / shares	31.43
Nonvested balance at December 31, 2015 (in usd per share) | $ / shares	$ 34.88

Earnings per share - Basic and

Earnings per share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Numerator (in usd):
Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart									$ (6,204)	$ 29,753	$ 63,026
Interest expense, net of tax effects									0	1,006	1,408
If-converted net (loss) income attributable to Stewart									$ (6,204)	$ 30,759	$ 64,434
Denominator (000) (shares):
Basic average shares outstanding									23,544	22,778	22,096
Average number of dilutive shares relating to convertible senior notes									0	1,641	2,467
Diluted average shares outstanding									23,544	24,710	24,741
Basic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (usd per share)									$ (0.26)	$ 1.31	$ 2.85
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (usd per share)	$ 0.11	$ (0.58)	$ 0.72	$ (0.52)	$ 0.49	$ 0.97	$ 0.27	$ (0.54)	$ (0.26)	$ 1.24	$ 2.60
Employee Stock Option
Denominator (000) (shares):
Dilutive average number of shares relating to share-based payment arrangements									0	2	0
Restricted Stock
Denominator (000) (shares):
Dilutive average number of shares relating to share-based payment arrangements									0	289	178

Reinsurance - Additional Inform

Reinsurance - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Total amount of Premiums for assumed and ceded risks as a percentage of consolidated title revenue (less than)	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
Lease expense	$ 42.9	$ 42.6	$ 39.2

Leases - Summary of Future Mini

Leases - Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,016	$ 45,133
2,017	37,585
2,018	30,838
2,019	22,517
2,020	12,585
2021 and after	18,360
Future minimum payments, total	$ 167,018

Contingent Liabilities and Co82

Contingent Liabilities and Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liability	$ 462,622	$ 495,395	$ 506,888	$ 520,375
Guarantee of indebtedness, relating to unused letters of credit	5,600
Escrow Account Deposit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liability	1,300,000
Exchange Traded Funds
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liability	$ 1,000,000

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail) - segment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	3
Mortgage services revenue of the largest customer, percentage	41.10%	51.40%	74.50%

Segment information - Summary o

Segment information - Summary of Segmental Revenues and Expenses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 497,403	$ 555,704	$ 531,906	$ 448,872	$ 522,319	$ 508,097	$ 446,838	$ 393,576	$ 2,033,885	$ 1,870,830	$ 1,927,980
Impairment of goodwill									35,749	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									30,298	24,226	17,920
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									9,693	51,812	101,065
Operating Segments | Title
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,805,267	1,660,001	1,792,210
Impairment of goodwill									0
Depreciation and amortization									8,545	7,059	5,957
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									225,238	184,016	211,240
Operating Segments | Mortgage Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									212,934	194,018	121,945
Impairment of goodwill									35,749
Depreciation and amortization									13,074	9,540	4,634
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									(56,645)	6,364	12,609
Operating Segments | Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									15,684	16,811	13,825
Impairment of goodwill									0
Depreciation and amortization									8,679	7,627	7,329
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests									$ (158,900)	$ (138,568)	$ (122,784)

Segment information - Revenues

Segment information - Revenues Generated in Domestic and Foreign Country (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 497,403	$ 555,704	$ 531,906	$ 448,872	$ 522,319	$ 508,097	$ 446,838	$ 393,576	$ 2,033,885	$ 1,870,830	$ 1,927,980
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenue									1,925,865	1,751,458	1,811,714
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenue									$ 108,020	$ 119,372	$ 116,266

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)company	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 217,722	$ 251,868	$ 231,838
Series of Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of companies acquired | company		3
Aggregate purchase price		$ 40,000
Goodwill		$ 20,000
Purchase adjustment due to remeasurement of assumed liabilities related to acquisitions	$ 5,300

Other comprehensive (loss) in87

Other comprehensive (loss) income - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before-tax amount	$ (16,022)	$ (10,405)	$ (10,349)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	(4,877)	(2,840)	(3,530)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net-of-tax amount	(11,145)	(7,565)	(6,819)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, before-tax amount	(5,757)	15,066	(11,203)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, tax	(2,016)	5,273	(3,921)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments, net-of-tax amount	(3,741)	9,793	(7,282)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings, before-tax amount	(2,501)	(853)	(2,463)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings, tax	(875)	(298)	(862)
Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net earnings, net-of-tax amount	(1,626)	(555)	(1,601)
Net unrealized gains (losses), before-tax amount	(8,258)	14,213	(13,666)
Net unrealized gains (losses), tax	(2,891)	4,975	(4,783)
Net unrealized gains (losses), net-of-tax amount	(5,367)	9,238	(8,883)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before-tax amount	(24,280)	3,808	(24,015)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	(7,768)	2,135	(8,313)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes	$ (16,512)	$ 1,673	$ (15,702)

Exit activities (Details)

Exit activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee termination benefits	$ 658,266	$ 624,326	$ 571,026
Payments for employee termination benefits	300
Early lease termination costs	1,000
Accelerated depreciation of assets	30,298	$ 24,226	$ 17,920
Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring costs recorded	3,500
Employee Severance | Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Employee termination benefits	1,100
Accelerated Depreciation of Assets | Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Accelerated depreciation of assets	1,400
Minimum | Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Delinquent loan servicing exit, estimated total charge to be incurred	5,000
Maximum | Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Delinquent loan servicing exit, estimated total charge to be incurred	$ 7,000

Quarterly financial informati89

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) - Revenues Financial Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 497,403	$ 555,704	$ 531,906	$ 448,872	$ 522,319	$ 508,097	$ 446,838	$ 393,576	$ 2,033,885	$ 1,870,830	$ 1,927,980
Net (loss) earnings attributable to Stewart	$ 2,605	$ (13,467)	$ 17,106	$ (12,448)	$ 11,863	$ 23,717	$ 6,279	$ (12,106)	$ (6,204)	$ 29,753	$ 63,026
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (usd per share)	$ 0.11	$ (0.58)	$ 0.72	$ (0.52)	$ 0.49	$ 0.97	$ 0.27	$ (0.54)	$ (0.26)	$ 1.24	$ 2.60

Schedule I - Parent Company F90

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues
Investment income									$ 16,850	$ 16,806	$ 15,492
Other losses									(1,369)	6,744	(1,066)
Total revenues	$ 497,403	$ 555,704	$ 531,906	$ 448,872	$ 522,319	$ 508,097	$ 446,838	$ 393,576	2,033,885	1,870,830	1,927,980
Expenses
Employee costs									658,266	624,326	571,026
Other operating expenses, including $276 each year to affiliates									381,954	347,276	280,258
Depreciation and amortization									30,298	24,226	17,920
Interest									2,096	3,236	2,956
Total expenses									2,024,192	1,819,018	1,826,915
Income (loss) before taxes and (loss) income from subsidiaries									9,693	51,812	101,065
Income tax expense									5,650	13,503	28,481
Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart	2,605	$ (13,467)	$ 17,106	(12,448)	11,863	$ 23,717	$ 6,279	(12,106)	(6,204)	29,753	63,026
Retained earnings at beginning of year				479,733					479,733
Cash dividends on Common Stock									(18,010)	(2,334)	(2,159)
Retained earnings at end of year	455,519				479,733				455,519	479,733
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Revenues
Investment income									15,000	25,087	0
Other losses									0	(869)	(3,164)
Other income									922	90	263
Total revenues									15,922	24,308	(2,901)
Expenses
Employee costs									156	1,110	(91)
Other operating expenses, including $276 each year to affiliates									7,617	3,806	1,329
Depreciation and amortization									162	421	527
Interest									1,726	2,054	2,494
Total expenses									9,661	7,391	4,259
Income (loss) before taxes and (loss) income from subsidiaries									6,261	16,917	(7,160)
Income tax expense									0	1	24
(Loss) income from subsidiaries									(12,465)	12,837	70,210
Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart									(6,204)	29,753	63,026
Retained earnings at beginning of year				$ 479,733				$ 452,314	479,733	452,314	391,447
Cash dividends on Common Stock									(18,010)	(2,334)	(2,159)
Retained earnings at end of year	$ 455,519				$ 479,733				$ 455,519	$ 479,733	$ 452,314

Schedule I - Parent Company F91

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 381,954	$ 347,276	$ 280,258
Affiliates
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 276	$ 276	$ 276

Schedule I - Parent Company F92

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 179,067	$ 200,558	$ 194,289	$ 208,538
Receivables:
Notes - due from subsidiaries	3,744	4,031
Other, including $120 and $4, respectively, from affiliates	49,453	60,654
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(9,833)	(9,193)
Total receivables	81,671	98,674
Property and equipment, at cost:
Furniture and equipment	214,350	215,344
Accumulated depreciation	(169,870)	(171,914)
Total property and equipment, at cost	71,369	75,353
Title plant, at cost	75,743	76,779
Investments in subsidiaries, on an equity-method basis	9,628	9,880
Goodwill	217,722	251,868	231,838
Other assets	43,237	46,510
Total assets	1,321,587	1,392,478
Liabilities
Notes payable	102,399	71,180
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including $4 and $0, respectively, to affiliates	118,082	111,965
Total Liabilities	$ 684,459	$ 692,025
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders’ equity
Additional paid-in capital	$ 156,692	$ 179,205
Retained earnings	455,519	479,733
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,360)	(2,215)
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Total stockholders’ equity	637,128	700,453	663,089	580,372
Liabilities and Equity, Total	1,321,587	1,392,478
Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	22,643	23,308
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	1,050	1,050
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	832	15,210	4,196	10,725
Receivables:
Notes - due from subsidiaries	68,382	46,885
Other, including $120 and $4, respectively, from affiliates	1,093	497
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(7)	(10)
Total receivables	69,468	47,372
Property and equipment, at cost:
Furniture and equipment	2,893	2,893
Accumulated depreciation	(2,625)	(2,463)
Total property and equipment, at cost	268	430
Title plant, at cost	48	48
Investments in subsidiaries, on an equity-method basis	653,519	688,858
Goodwill	8,470	8,470
Other assets	17,457	16,499
Total assets	750,062	776,887
Liabilities
Notes payable	98,000	60,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities, including $4 and $0, respectively, to affiliates	22,781	23,702
Total Liabilities	120,781	83,702
Contingent liabilities and commitments	0	0
Stockholders’ equity
Additional paid-in capital	156,692	179,205
Retained earnings	455,519	479,733	$ 452,314	$ 391,447
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,360)	(2,215)
Unrealized investment gains	9,403	14,770
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Total stockholders’ equity	629,281	693,185
Liabilities and Equity, Total	750,062	776,887
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	22,643	23,308
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	$ 1,050	$ 1,050

Schedule I - Parent Company F93

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Trade and other	$ 49,453,000	$ 60,654,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 118,082,000	$ 111,965,000
Treasury stock, common shares	352,161	352,161
Common Stock
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	22,643,255	23,307,909
Common stock, shares outstanding	22,291,094	22,955,748
Class B Common Stock
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,050,012	1,050,012
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,050,012	1,050,012
Affiliates
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Trade and other	$ 120,000	$ 4,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,000	0
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Trade and other	1,093,000	497,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 22,781,000	$ 23,702,000
Treasury stock, common shares	352,161	352,161
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Common Stock
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	22,643,255	23,307,909
Common stock, shares outstanding	22,291,094	22,955,748
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Class B Common Stock
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	1,500,000	1,500,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,050,012	1,050,012
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,050,012	1,050,012
Subsidiaries
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings	$ 514,522	$ 544,997

Schedule I - Parent Company F94

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of net earnings to cash used by operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ 2,605	$ (13,467)	$ 17,106	$ (12,448)	$ 11,863	$ 23,717	$ 6,279	$ (12,106)	$ (6,204)	$ 29,753	$ 63,026
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization									30,298	24,226	17,920
Other losses									1,369	(6,744)	1,066
Increase in receivables – net									13,267	9,397	(5,796)
(Increase) decrease in other assets – net									3,073	(1,878)	(1,467)
Increase in payables and accrued liabilities – net									2,088	(6,854)	(8,100)
Losses (income) from subsidiaries									(3,579)	(3,442)	(4,137)
Other – net									5,668	448	281
Cash provided by operating activities									80,514	63,989	87,187
Investing activities:
Collections on notes receivables									1,302	386	2,666
Cash used by investing activities									(68,791)	(78,557)	(78,363)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable									52,651	120,273	11,146
Payments on notes payable									(22,494)	(60,838)	(12,199)
Repurchases of Common Stock									(27,950)	(22,048)	0
Other – net									168	(21)	48
Cash (used) provided by financing activities									(25,550)	26,026	(18,196)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									(21,491)	6,269	(14,249)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				200,558				194,289	200,558	194,289	208,538
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	179,067				200,558				179,067	200,558	194,289
Supplemental information:
Income taxes paid									14,982	(106)	18,032
Interest paid									1,873	2,616	2,202
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Reconciliation of net earnings to cash used by operating activities:
Net (loss) income									(6,204)	29,753	63,026
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization									162	421	527
Other losses									0	869	3,164
Increase in receivables – net									(22,096)	(47,232)	(95)
(Increase) decrease in other assets – net									(558)	(828)	2,413
Increase in payables and accrued liabilities – net									21,136	12,395	3,335
Losses (income) from subsidiaries									12,465	(12,837)	(70,210)
Other – net									(26,244)	(31,824)	(3,945)
Cash provided by operating activities									(21,339)	(49,283)	(1,785)
Investing activities:
Dividends from subsidiaries									15,000	25,000	0
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment –net									0	0	5
Collections on notes receivables									0	0	1
Cash used by investing activities									15,000	25,000	6
Financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable									45,000	60,000	0
Payments on notes payable									(7,000)	0	0
Dividends paid									(18,010)	(2,334)	(2,159)
Repurchases of Common Stock									(27,950)	(22,048)	0
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary									(209)	(321)	(1,442)
Settlement of convertible debt									0	0	(1,149)
Other – net									130	0	0
Cash (used) provided by financing activities									(8,039)	35,297	(4,750)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents									(14,378)	11,014	(6,529)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 15,210				$ 4,196	15,210	4,196	10,725
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 832				$ 15,210				832	15,210	4,196
Supplemental information:
Income taxes paid									1	24	34
Interest paid									$ 1,681	$ 546	$ 4

Schedule I - Parent Company F95

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest paid	$ 1,873	$ 2,616	$ 2,202
Subsidiaries
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Interest paid		$ 1,700

Schedule II - VALUATION AND Q96

Schedule II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Detail) - Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Estimated title losses
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	$ 495,395	$ 506,888	$ 520,375
Additions charged to costs and expenses	106,265	81,305	106,318
Additions charged to other accounts	0	2,268	0
Deductions	139,038	95,066	119,805
Balance At end of period	462,622	495,395	506,888
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	2,564	6,971	12,136
Additions charged to costs and expenses	(347)	(4,407)	(5,165)
Additions charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Balance At end of period	2,217	2,564	6,971
Allowance for uncollectible amounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	9,193	9,871	12,823
Additions charged to costs and expenses	3,396	1,977	2,063
Additions charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	2,756	2,655	5,015
Balance At end of period	$ 9,833	$ 9,193	$ 9,871