Stewart Information Services (STC) 10-Q 29 Apr 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 27, 2016
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
Trading Symbol	STC
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,351,822
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		0

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Title insurance:
Direct operations	$ 186,002	$ 189,811
Agency operations	224,635	213,189
Ancillary services	22,035	40,772
Investment income	5,070	3,949
Investment and other gains – net	488	1,151
Total revenues	438,230	448,872
Expenses
Amounts retained by agencies	183,844	175,800
Employee costs	150,209	162,495
Other operating expenses	87,711	88,775
Title losses and related claims	23,093	33,134
Depreciation and amortization	8,306	7,105
Interest	779	438
Total expenses	453,942	467,747
Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interests	(15,712)	(18,875)
Income tax benefit	(6,648)	(7,531)
Net loss	(9,064)	(11,344)
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,130	1,104
Net loss attributable to Stewart	(11,194)	(12,448)
Net loss attributable to Stewart
Net loss	(9,064)	(11,344)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,295	(6,499)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	5,789	2,759
Reclassification of adjustment for gains included in net loss	(64)	(651)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	9,020	(4,391)
Comprehensive loss	(44)	(15,735)
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,130	1,104
Comprehensive loss attributable to Stewart	$ (2,174)	$ (16,839)
Basic and diluted average shares outstanding (000)	23,348	23,990
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Stewart (usd per share)	$ (0.48)	$ (0.52)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 108,753	$ 179,067
Short-term investments	42,009	39,707
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Statutory reserve funds	473,062	483,312
Other	153,301	96,537
Total securities available-for-sale, at fair value	626,363	579,849
Receivables:
Notes	2,933	3,744
Premiums from agencies	33,627	36,393
Income taxes	9,945	1,914
Trade and other	47,221	49,453
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(9,256)	(9,833)
Total receivables	84,470	81,671
Property and equipment, at cost
Land	3,991	3,991
Buildings	22,829	22,898
Furniture and equipment	219,062	214,350
Accumulated depreciation	(171,579)	(169,870)
Total property and equipment, at cost	74,303	71,369
Title plants, at cost	75,743	75,743
Real estate, at lower of cost or net realizable value	554	570
Investments in investees, on an equity method basis	9,381	9,628
Goodwill	217,722	217,722
Intangible assets, net of amortization	16,622	18,075
Deferred tax assets	2,737	4,949
Other assets	45,791	43,237
Total assets	1,304,448	1,321,587
Liabilities
Notes payable	115,905	102,399
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	91,307	118,082
Estimated title losses	466,409	462,622
Deferred tax liabilities	2,336	1,356
Total liabilities	$ 675,957	$ 684,459
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders’ equity
Common and Class B Common Stock and additional paid-in capital	$ 181,569	$ 180,385
Retained earnings	437,605	455,519
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized investment gains on investments - net	15,128	9,403
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,065)	(13,360)
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart	621,571	629,281
Noncontrolling interests	6,920	7,847
Total stockholders’ equity (23,351,264 and 23,341,106 shares outstanding)	628,491	637,128
Liabilities and stockholders' equity, total	$ 1,304,448	$ 1,321,587

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Treasury stock, common shares	352,161	352,161
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,351,264	23,341,106

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of net loss to cash used by operating activities:
Net loss	$ (9,064)	$ (11,344)
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization	8,306	7,105
Provision for bad debt	711	449
Investment and other gains – net	(488)	(1,151)
Payments for title losses less than provisions	101	12,654
Insurance recoveries of title losses	312	263
Increase in receivables – net	(4,246)	(13,476)
Increase in other assets – net	(2,583)	(5,527)
Decrease in payables and accrued liabilities – net	(28,540)	(14,501)
Decrease in net deferred income taxes	(1,953)	(2,222)
Net income from equity investees	(341)	(588)
Dividends received from equity investees	581	694
Stock based compensation expense	1,395	1,044
Other – net	3,968	(270)
Cash used by operating activities	(31,841)	(26,870)
Investing activities:
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale sold	11,327	23,901
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale matured	260	9,802
Purchases of investments available-for-sale	(44,254)	(33,468)
Net purchases of short-term investments	(2,302)	(247)
Purchases of property and equipment, title plants and real estate – net	(5,494)	(4,979)
Cash paid for acquisition of subsidiaries	0	(3,958)
Other – net	387	543
Cash used by investing activities	(40,076)	(8,406)
Financing activities:
Payments on notes payable	(1,307)	(5,951)
Proceeds from notes payable	10,000	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,028)	(1,677)
Repurchases of common stock	0	(1,393)
Cash dividends paid	(6,720)	0
Other – net	(240)	98
Cash used by financing activities	(1,295)	(8,923)
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	2,898	(3,213)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(70,314)	(47,412)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	179,067	200,558
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 108,753	$ 153,146

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2016 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common and Class B Common Stock ($1 par value)	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 637,128	$ 23,693	$ 156,692	$ 455,519	$ (3,957)	$ (2,666)	$ 7,847
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net loss attributable to Stewart	(11,194)			(11,194)
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.30 per share)	(6,720)			(6,720)
Stock based compensation and other	1,395	10	1,385
Purchase of remaining interest in consolidated subsidiary	(211)		(211)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments	5,789				5,789
Net realized gain reclassification	(64)				(64)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,295				3,295
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,130						2,130
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(3,028)						(3,028)
Net effect of changes in ownership and other	(29)						(29)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 628,491	$ 23,703	$ 157,866	$ 437,605	$ 5,063	$ (2,666)	$ 6,920

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (PARENTHETICAL) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash dividends on common stock (usd per share)	$ 0.30
Common Stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	1	$ 1
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1

Interim financial statements

Interim financial statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interim financial statements	Interim financial statements. The financial information contained in this report for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , and as of March 31, 2016 , is unaudited. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . A. Management’s responsibility. The accompanying interim financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of this information for all interim periods, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, have been made. The Company’s results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year and actual results could differ. B. Consolidation. The condensed 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 equity, are accounted for by the equity method. C. Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the 2015 interim financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net income attributable to Stewart, as previously reported, was not affected. D. Restrictions on cash and investments. The Company maintains investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory reserve funds, which approximated $473.1 million and $483.3 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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 $18.3 million and $17.2 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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. E. Recent significant accounting pronouncements. In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (ASU) 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which, among others, (i) requires equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (iii) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; and (iv) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is prohibited. The Company expects the adoption of this ASU will impact the presentation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , which amended several provisions of Topic 842 (Leases) which include the requirement to recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is allowed. An entity will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this ASU which may be material to the consolidated balance sheets. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified several aspects of the accounting for share-based transactions, including accounting and cash flow classification for excess tax benefits and deficiencies, forfeitures and tax withholding requirements and cash flow classification. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is allowed provided the entire ASU is adopted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements.

Investments in debt and equity

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale	Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale. The amortized costs and fair values follow: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 69,999 72,397 70,300 72,008 Corporate 334,781 346,654 303,870 309,461 Foreign 156,875 161,484 149,914 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds 13,801 13,894 13,803 13,906 Equity securities 27,634 31,934 27,497 31,253 603,090 626,363 565,384 579,849 Foreign debt securities consist primarily of Canadian government and corporate bonds, United Kingdom treasury bonds, and Mexican government bonds. Equity securities consist of common stocks and master limited partnerships. Gross unrealized gains and losses were: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 2,399 1 1,720 12 Corporate 12,128 255 7,700 2,109 Foreign 4,780 171 3,789 482 U.S. Treasury Bonds 95 2 128 25 Equity securities 5,660 1,360 4,842 1,086 25,062 1,789 18,179 3,714 Debt securities as of March 31, 2016 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 46,184 46,308 After one year through five years 248,586 256,004 After five years through ten years 217,047 224,775 After ten years 63,639 67,342 575,456 594,429 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 March 31, 2016 , 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 1,256 — — 1 1,256 Corporate 225 30,154 30 5,020 255 35,174 Foreign 65 34,396 106 3,976 171 38,372 U.S. Treasury Bonds 2 3,601 — — 2 3,601 Equity securities 1,120 7,819 240 1,021 1,360 8,840 1,413 77,226 376 10,017 1,789 87,243 The number of investment securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2016 was 96 , 5 securities 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 each investment security until its maturity or anticipated recovery, and no significant credit risk is deemed to exist, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. 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 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.

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic (Topic 820) 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. Topic 820 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. As of March 31, 2016 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,397 72,397 Corporate — 346,654 346,654 Foreign — 161,484 161,484 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 13,894 13,894 Equity securities 31,934 — 31,934 31,934 594,429 626,363 As of December 31, 2015 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 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 As of March 31, 2016 , 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 months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

Investment income

Investment income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment income	Investment income. Gross realized investment and other gains and losses follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Realized gains 3,937 1,554 Realized losses (3,449 ) (403 ) 488 1,151 Expenses assignable to investment income were insignificant. There were no significant investments as of March 31, 2016 that did not produce income during the year. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , investment and other gains – net included $ 1.6 million of net realized gains due to changes in the fair values of contingent consideration liabilities associated with certain prior year acquisitions, partially offset by $ 1.4 million of office closure costs. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 , investments and other gains - net included $1.2 million of net realized gains from the sale of investments available-for-sale. Proceeds from the sale of investments available-for-sale follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale 11,327 23,901

Share-based incentives

Share-based incentives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based incentives	Share-based incentives . During the first quarters 2016 and 2015, the Company granted executives and senior management shares of restricted common stock which are time-based. Prior to 2016, time-based restricted common stock grants vest at the end of three years after the grant date, while the 2016 grants will vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. 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 fair values of these awards at grant date in 2016 and 2015 were $3.9 million ( 105,000 shares with an average grant price of $ 37.33 ) and $4.2 million ( 113,000 shares with an average grant price of $ 37.04 ), 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.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share. The Company’s basic earnings per share attributable to Stewart is calculated by dividing net 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. 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 earnings per share and diluted earnings per share is computed in the same manner as basic earnings per share. The calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share is as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted, except per share) Numerator: Net loss attributable to Stewart (11,194 ) (12,448 ) Denominator (000): Basic and diluted average shares outstanding 23,348 23,990 Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Stewart (0.48 ) (0.52 )

Contingent liabilities and comm

Contingent liabilities and commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent liabilities and commitments	Contingent liabilities and commitments. In the ordinary course of business, the Company guarantees the third-party indebtedness of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2016 , the maximum potential future payments on the guarantees are not more than the related notes payable recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. 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. As of March 31, 2016 , the Company also had unused letters of credit aggregating $5.6 million related to workers’ compensation and other insurance. The Company does not expect to make any payments on these guarantees.

Segment information

Segment information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment information	Segment information. Prior to 2016, the Company reported three operating segments: title insurance and related services (title), mortgage services and corporate. Effective in the first quarter 2016, as a result of restructuring and streamlining the management of the mortgage services operations, the Company began reporting two operating segments: title and ancillary services and corporate . The centralized title services business, previously included in the mortgage services segment, is now included in the title segment. The remaining operations of the mortgage services segment, principally valuation services, government services and loan file review and audit, are not material, in the aggregate, for separate segment presentation and are now included in the ancillary services and corporate segment. In addition, the Company began allocating the costs of its centralized administrative services departments to the respective operating businesses. The new operating segments reflect the current manner that management uses in allocating resources and assessing performance of the Company's businesses. The title segment provides services needed to transfer title to property in a real estate transaction and includes services such as searching, examining, closing and insuring the condition of the title to the property. In addition, the title segment includes centralized title services, home and personal insurance services and Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. The ancillary services and corporate segment consists principally of services related to valuation services to large lenders, government services and loan file and review and audit (referred to as ancillary services and other operations). Also included in the ancillary services and corporate segment are expenses of the parent holding company and certain other enterprise-wide overhead costs. Selected statement of operations and loss information related to these segments is as follows using restated prior year period amounts to conform to the new segment presentation: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Title segment: Revenues 413,163 406,897 Depreciation and amortization 2,985 3,243 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (995 ) (11,395 ) Ancillary services and corporate segment: Revenues 25,067 41,975 Depreciation and amortization 5,321 3,862 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (14,717 ) (7,480 ) Consolidated Stewart: Revenues 438,230 448,872 Depreciation and amortization 8,306 7,105 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (15,712 ) (18,875 ) The Company does not provide asset information by reportable operating segment as it does not routinely evaluate the asset position by segment. Revenues generated in the United States and all international operations are as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) United States 417,589 429,209 International 20,641 19,663 438,230 448,872

Regulatory and legal developmen

Regulatory and legal developments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Regulatory and legal developments	Regulatory and legal developments. 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.

Other comprehensive income (los

Other comprehensive income (loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)	Other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects are as follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Three Months Ended Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) Unrealized investment gains on investments - net: Change in net unrealized gains on investments 8,906 3,117 5,789 4,245 1,486 2,759 Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net loss (98 ) (34 ) (64 ) (1,002 ) (351 ) (651 ) Net unrealized gains 8,808 3,083 5,725 3,243 1,135 2,108 Foreign currency translation adjustments 5,357 2,062 3,295 (8,942 ) (2,443 ) (6,499 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 14,165 5,145 9,020 (5,699 ) (1,308 ) (4,391 )

Exit activities

Exit activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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, which are included in the ancillary services and corporate segment. The decision was based on continued pricing pressures on existing contracts and decreased demand for these services. Since the announcement, the Company has operated the delinquent loan servicing business on a phased exit schedule. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has completed its exit of the business, for which total cumulative charges incurred amounted to $6.4 million , comprised of $1.6 million of employee termination benefits, $2.3 million of accrued early lease termination costs and $2.5 million of accelerated depreciation of assets. Of these amounts, approximately $0.4 million of employee termination benefits, $1.3 million of accrued early lease termination costs and $1.1 million of accelerated depreciation of assets were recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and are included within the employee costs, investments and other gains - net and depreciation and amortization lines, respectively, in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). A summary of changes in the outstanding liabilities related to the exit plan is as follows: Liability for employee termination benefits Liability for early lease termination Total ($000 omitted) Balances at December 31, 2015 760 952 1,712 Accrual for: Severance expenses 442 — 442 Early lease termination costs — 1,330 1,330 Reclassification of deferred rent balance — 399 399 Payments (310 ) (97 ) (407 ) Balances at March 31, 2016 892 2,584 3,476

Class B Common Stock conversion

Class B Common Stock conversion	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Class B Common Stock conversion	Class B Common Stock conversion. 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 was subject to the approval by the Company's stockholders. On April 27, 2016, the Company's stockholders approved the Exchange Agreement and the related amendments to the Company's by-laws and certificate of incorporation. On the same date after the stockholders' approval, the Company issued 1,050,012 shares of Common Stock plus $12.0 million cash in exchange for the retirement of the outstanding 1,050,012 Class B Common Stock shares.

Interim financial statements (P

Interim financial statements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Management's responsibility	Management’s responsibility. The accompanying interim financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of this information for all interim periods, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, have been made. The Company’s results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year and actual results could differ.
Consolidation	Consolidation. The condensed 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 equity, are accounted for by the equity method.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the 2015 interim financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net income attributable to Stewart, as previously reported, was not affected.
Restrictions on cash and investments	Restrictions on cash and investments. The Company maintains investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory reserve funds, which approximated $473.1 million and $483.3 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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 $18.3 million and $17.2 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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.
Recent significant accounting pronouncements	Recent significant accounting pronouncements. In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (ASU) 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which, among others, (i) requires equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment; (iii) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; and (iv) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is prohibited. The Company expects the adoption of this ASU will impact the presentation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , which amended several provisions of Topic 842 (Leases) which include the requirement to recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is allowed. An entity will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently assessing the impact of adopting this ASU which may be material to the consolidated balance sheets. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified several aspects of the accounting for share-based transactions, including accounting and cash flow classification for excess tax benefits and deficiencies, forfeitures and tax withholding requirements and cash flow classification. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is allowed provided the entire ASU is adopted. The Company is currently assessing the impact that the adoption of this ASU will have on the consolidated financial statements.

Investments in debt and equit21

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Costs and Fair Values	The amortized costs and fair values follow: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 69,999 72,397 70,300 72,008 Corporate 334,781 346,654 303,870 309,461 Foreign 156,875 161,484 149,914 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds 13,801 13,894 13,803 13,906 Equity securities 27,634 31,934 27,497 31,253 603,090 626,363 565,384 579,849 Proceeds from the sale of investments available-for-sale follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale 11,327 23,901
Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses	Gross unrealized gains and losses were: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 2,399 1 1,720 12 Corporate 12,128 255 7,700 2,109 Foreign 4,780 171 3,789 482 U.S. Treasury Bonds 95 2 128 25 Equity securities 5,660 1,360 4,842 1,086 25,062 1,789 18,179 3,714
Debt Securities According to Contractual Terms	Debt securities as of March 31, 2016 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 46,184 46,308 After one year through five years 248,586 256,004 After five years through ten years 217,047 224,775 After ten years 63,639 67,342 575,456 594,429
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, 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 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 March 31, 2016 , 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 1,256 — — 1 1,256 Corporate 225 30,154 30 5,020 255 35,174 Foreign 65 34,396 106 3,976 171 38,372 U.S. Treasury Bonds 2 3,601 — — 2 3,601 Equity securities 1,120 7,819 240 1,021 1,360 8,840 1,413 77,226 376 10,017 1,789 87,243

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	As of March 31, 2016 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,397 72,397 Corporate — 346,654 346,654 Foreign — 161,484 161,484 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 13,894 13,894 Equity securities 31,934 — 31,934 31,934 594,429 626,363 As of December 31, 2015 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 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

Investment income (Tables)

Investment income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses	Gross realized investment and other gains and losses follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Realized gains 3,937 1,554 Realized losses (3,449 ) (403 ) 488 1,151
Proceeds from Sale of Investments Available-for-Sale	The amortized costs and fair values follow: March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 69,999 72,397 70,300 72,008 Corporate 334,781 346,654 303,870 309,461 Foreign 156,875 161,484 149,914 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds 13,801 13,894 13,803 13,906 Equity securities 27,634 31,934 27,497 31,253 603,090 626,363 565,384 579,849 Proceeds from the sale of investments available-for-sale follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale 11,327 23,901

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The calculation of the basic and diluted loss per share is as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted, except per share) Numerator: Net loss attributable to Stewart (11,194 ) (12,448 ) Denominator (000): Basic and diluted average shares outstanding 23,348 23,990 Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Stewart (0.48 ) (0.52 )

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Selected Statement of Operations and Income (Loss) Information Related to Segments	Selected statement of operations and loss information related to these segments is as follows using restated prior year period amounts to conform to the new segment presentation: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Title segment: Revenues 413,163 406,897 Depreciation and amortization 2,985 3,243 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (995 ) (11,395 ) Ancillary services and corporate segment: Revenues 25,067 41,975 Depreciation and amortization 5,321 3,862 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (14,717 ) (7,480 ) Consolidated Stewart: Revenues 438,230 448,872 Depreciation and amortization 8,306 7,105 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (15,712 ) (18,875 )
Revenues Generated in the United States and All International Operations	Revenues generated in the United States and all international operations are as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) United States 417,589 429,209 International 20,641 19,663 438,230 448,872

Other comprehensive income (l26

Other comprehensive income (loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in the Balances of Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects are as follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Three Months Ended Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) Unrealized investment gains on investments - net: Change in net unrealized gains on investments 8,906 3,117 5,789 4,245 1,486 2,759 Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net loss (98 ) (34 ) (64 ) (1,002 ) (351 ) (651 ) Net unrealized gains 8,808 3,083 5,725 3,243 1,135 2,108 Foreign currency translation adjustments 5,357 2,062 3,295 (8,942 ) (2,443 ) (6,499 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 14,165 5,145 9,020 (5,699 ) (1,308 ) (4,391 )

Exit activities (Tables)

Exit activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in the Outstanding Balances Related to the Exit Plan	A summary of changes in the outstanding liabilities related to the exit plan is as follows: Liability for employee termination benefits Liability for early lease termination Total ($000 omitted) Balances at December 31, 2015 760 952 1,712 Accrual for: Severance expenses 442 — 442 Early lease termination costs — 1,330 1,330 Reclassification of deferred rent balance — 399 399 Payments (310 ) (97 ) (407 ) Balances at March 31, 2016 892 2,584 3,476

Interim financial statements (D

Interim financial statements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Statutory reserve funds, investments	$ 473,062	$ 483,312
Statutory Reserve
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Statutory reserve funds, cash and cash equivalents	$ 18,300	$ 17,200

Investments in debt and equit29

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Amortized Costs and Fair Values (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	$ 575,456
Equity securities, Amortized costs	27,634	$ 27,497
Total, Amortized costs	603,090	565,384
Debt securities, Fair values	594,429
Equity securities, Fair values	31,934	31,253
Total, Fair values	626,363	579,849
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	69,999	70,300
Debt securities, Fair values	72,397	72,008
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	334,781	303,870
Debt securities, Fair values	346,654	309,461
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	156,875	149,914
Debt securities, Fair values	161,484	153,221
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	13,801	13,803
Debt securities, Fair values	$ 13,894	$ 13,906

Investments in debt and equit30

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	$ 25,062	$ 18,179
Losses	1,789	3,714
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	2,399	1,720
Losses	1	12
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	12,128	7,700
Losses	255	2,109
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	4,780	3,789
Losses	171	482
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	95	128
Losses	2	25
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	5,660	4,842
Losses	$ 1,360	$ 1,086

Investments in debt and equit31

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Debt Securities According to Contractual Terms (Detail) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Amortized costs
In one year or less	$ 46,184
After one year through five years	248,586
After five years through ten years	217,047
After ten years	63,639
Amortized costs, total	575,456
Fair values
In one year or less	46,308
After one year through five years	256,004
After five years through ten years	224,775
After ten years	67,342
Fair values, total	$ 594,429

Investments in debt and equit32

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments and Fair Values of Related Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	$ 1,413	$ 2,518
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	77,226	126,438
Losses, More than 12 months	376	1,196
Fair Values, More than 12 months	10,017	44,448
Total Losses	1,789	3,714
Total Fair Values	87,243	170,886
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	1	9
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	1,256	2,230
Losses, More than 12 months	0	3
Fair Values, More than 12 months	0	1,615
Total Losses	1	12
Total Fair Values	1,256	3,845
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	225	1,461
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	30,154	83,565
Losses, More than 12 months	30	648
Fair Values, More than 12 months	5,020	32,871
Total Losses	255	2,109
Total Fair Values	35,174	116,436
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	65	322
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	34,396	35,008
Losses, More than 12 months	106	160
Fair Values, More than 12 months	3,976	3,155
Total Losses	171	482
Total Fair Values	38,372	38,163
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	2	6
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	3,601	1,195
Losses, More than 12 months	0	19
Fair Values, More than 12 months	0	3,583
Total Losses	2	25
Total Fair Values	3,601	4,778
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	1,120	720
Fair Values, Less than 12 months	7,819	4,440
Losses, More than 12 months	240	366
Fair Values, More than 12 months	1,021	3,224
Total Losses	1,360	1,086
Total Fair Values	$ 8,840	$ 7,664

Investments in debt and equit33

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2016investment
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Number of investments in an unrealized loss position	96
Number of investments in unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months	5

Fair value measurements (Detail

Fair value measurements (Detail) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)input	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	$ 626,363	$ 579,849
Level 2 | Corporate | Minimum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of inputs used in fair value measurement | input	3
Level 2 | Corporate | Maximum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of inputs used in fair value measurement | input	10
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	$ 626,363	579,849
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	72,397	72,008
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	346,654	309,461
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	161,484	153,221
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	13,894	13,906
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	31,934	31,253
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	31,934	31,253
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Foreign
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | U.S. Treasury Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	31,934	31,253
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	594,429	548,596
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Municipal
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	72,397	72,008
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Corporate
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	346,654	309,461
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Foreign
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	161,484	153,221
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | U.S. Treasury Bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	13,894	13,906
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2 | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	$ 0	$ 0

Investment income - Gross Reali

Investment income - Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Available for sale securities gross realized gain (loss)
Realized gains	$ 3,937	$ 1,554
Realized losses	(3,449)	(403)
Investment and other gains and losses	$ 488	$ 1,151

Investment income - Additional

Investment income - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net realized gains due to changes in the fair values of contingent consideration liabilities	$ 1.6
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Net realized gains from the sale of investments available-for-sale		$ 1.2
Facility Closing
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Office closure costs	$ 1.4

Investment income - Proceeds fr

Investment income - Proceeds from the Sale of Investments Available-for-Sale (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale	$ 11,327	$ 23,901

Share-based incentives (Detail)

Share-based incentives (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		3 years
Performance-Based Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	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	$ 3.9	$ 4.2
Share-based incentives, shares issued	105,000	113,000
Average grant price (usd per share)	$ 37.33	$ 37.04
Vesting Term, Year 1 | Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	1 year
Vesting Term, Year 2 | Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	1 year
Vesting Term, Year 3 | Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	1 year

Earnings per share (Details)

Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Numerator:
Net loss attributable to Stewart	$ (11,194)	$ (12,448)
Denominator (000):
Basic and diluted average shares outstanding	23,348	23,990
Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Stewart (usd per share)	$ (0.48)	$ (0.52)

Contingent liabilities and co40

Contingent liabilities and commitments (Detail) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantee of indebtedness, relating to unused letters of credit	$ 5.6

Segment information - Additiona

Segment information - Additional Information (Detail) - segment	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2	3

Segment information - Selected

Segment information - Selected Statement of Operations and Income (Loss) Information Related to Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 438,230	$ 448,872
Depreciation and amortization	8,306	7,105
Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interests	(15,712)	(18,875)
Operating Segments | Title
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	413,163	406,897
Depreciation and amortization	2,985	3,243
Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interests	(995)	(11,395)
Operating Segments | Ancillary services and corporate segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	25,067	41,975
Depreciation and amortization	5,321	3,862
Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interests	$ (14,717)	$ (7,480)

Segment information - Revenues

Segment information - Revenues Generated in United States and All International Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 438,230	$ 448,872
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	417,589	429,209
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 20,641	$ 19,663

Other comprehensive income (l44

Other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Before-Tax Amount
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, before-tax amount	$ 8,906	$ 4,245
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net loss, before-tax amount	(98)	(1,002)
Net unrealized gains, before-tax amount	8,808	3,243
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before-tax amount	5,357	(8,942)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before taxes	14,165	(5,699)
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, tax	3,117	1,486
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net loss, tax	(34)	(351)
Net unrealized gains, tax	3,083	1,135
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	2,062	(2,443)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	5,145	(1,308)
Net-of-Tax Amount
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net-of-tax amount	5,789	2,759
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net loss, net-of-tax amount	(64)	(651)
Net unrealized gains, net-of-tax amount	5,725	2,108
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net-of-tax amount	3,295	(6,499)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	$ 9,020	$ (4,391)

Exit activities - Additional In

Exit activities - Additional Information (Details) - Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total cumulative charges incurred	$ 6.4
Employee Termination Benefits
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total cumulative charges incurred	1.6
Costs recorded in period	0.4
Early Lease Termination
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total cumulative charges incurred	2.3
Costs recorded in period	1.3
Accelerated Depreciation of Assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total cumulative charges incurred	2.5
Costs recorded in period	$ 1.1

Exit activities - Summary of Ch

Exit activities - Summary of Changes in the Outstanding Balances Related to the Exit Plan (Details) - Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balances at December 31, 2015	$ 1,712
Reclassification of deferred rent balance	399
Payments	(407)
Balances at March 31, 2016	3,476
Liability for employee termination benefits
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balances at December 31, 2015	760
Restructuring reserve accruals	442
Payments	(310)
Balances at March 31, 2016	892
Liability for early lease termination
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Balances at December 31, 2015	952
Restructuring reserve accruals	1,330
Reclassification of deferred rent balance	399
Payments	(97)
Balances at March 31, 2016	$ 2,584

Class B Common Stock conversi47

Class B Common Stock conversion (Details) - Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock $ in Millions	Jan. 26, 2016USD ($)shares
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, additional cash issued to Class B common stock holders | $	$ 12
Class B Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, number of shares converted	1,050,012
Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, number of shares issued	1,050,012