Stewart Information Services (STC) 10-Q 1 Nov 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 28, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
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	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,371,297

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Title insurance:
Direct operations	$ 241,109	$ 243,128	$ 664,128	$ 676,148
Agency operations	282,269	279,343	732,320	741,993
Ancillary services	22,059	29,924	65,276	104,878
Investment income	4,520	4,121	14,445	12,735
Investment and other gains (losses) – net	3,253	(811)	4,706	728
Total revenues	553,210	555,705	1,480,875	1,536,482
Expenses
Amounts retained by agencies	231,586	227,374	598,915	607,611
Employee costs	154,529	165,024	457,166	498,598
Other operating expenses	94,043	99,758	268,210	286,553
Title losses and related claims	26,365	25,883	66,612	78,593
Impairment of goodwill	0	35,000	0	35,000
Depreciation and amortization	7,082	7,633	22,728	22,013
Interest	797	601	2,237	1,525
Total expenses	514,402	561,273	1,415,868	1,529,893
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests	38,808	(5,568)	65,007	6,589
Income tax expense	9,041	4,859	16,779	7,735
Net income (loss)	29,767	(10,427)	48,228	(1,146)
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,392	3,040	9,450	7,663
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart	26,375	(13,467)	38,778	(8,809)
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart
Net income (loss)	29,767	(10,427)	48,228	(1,146)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,808)	(4,282)	(216)	(8,538)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	(263)	(155)	11,708	(4,096)
Reclassification of adjustment for gains included in net income (loss)	(865)	(439)	(1,044)	(1,221)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes	(2,936)	(4,876)	10,448	(13,855)
Comprehensive income (loss)	26,831	(15,303)	58,676	(15,001)
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,392	3,040	9,450	7,663
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 23,439	$ (18,343)	$ 49,226	$ (22,664)
Basic average shares outstanding (000)	23,371	23,286	23,362	23,631
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (in usd per share)	$ 1.13	$ (0.58)	$ 1.15	$ (0.37)
Diluted average shares outstanding (000)	23,611	23,286	23,596	23,631
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (in usd per share)	$ 1.12	$ (0.58)	$ 1.13	$ (0.37)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 161,788	$ 179,067
Short-term investments	40,068	39,707
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Statutory reserve funds	448,813	483,312
Other	194,878	96,537
Total securities available-for-sale, at fair value	643,691	579,849
Receivables:
Premiums from agencies	33,402	36,393
Trade and other	46,017	49,453
Income taxes	1,767	1,914
Notes	2,605	3,744
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(8,714)	(9,833)
Total receivables	75,077	81,671
Property and equipment, at cost
Land	3,991	3,991
Buildings	22,621	22,898
Furniture and equipment	223,639	214,350
Accumulated depreciation	(177,254)	(169,870)
Total property and equipment, at cost	72,997	71,369
Title plants, at cost	75,313	75,743
Investments in investees, on an equity method basis	9,625	9,628
Goodwill	217,921	217,722
Intangible assets, net of amortization	14,307	18,075
Deferred tax assets	2,875	4,949
Other assets	46,070	43,807
Total assets	1,359,732	1,321,587
Liabilities
Notes payable	131,135	102,399
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	99,551	118,082
Estimated title losses	460,700	462,622
Deferred tax liabilities	9,980	1,356
Total liabilities	701,366	684,459
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders’ equity
Common and Class B Common Stock and additional paid-in capital	185,223	180,385
Retained earnings	461,497	455,519
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized investment gains on investments - net	20,067	9,403
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,576)	(13,360)
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart	650,545	629,281
Noncontrolling interests	7,821	7,847
Total stockholders’ equity (23,371,297 and 23,341,106 shares outstanding)	658,366	637,128
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 1,359,732	$ 1,321,587

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - shares	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Treasury stock, common shares	352,161	352,161
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,371,297	23,341,106

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 48,228	$ (1,146)
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization	22,728	22,013
Provision for bad debt	1,189	1,672
Investment and other gains – net	(4,706)	(728)
Payments for title losses in excess of provisions	(4,446)	(5,049)
Insurance recoveries of title losses	290	763
Impairment of goodwill	0	35,000
Decrease in receivables – net	4,386	8,634
Increase in other assets – net	(1,389)	(1,446)
Decrease in payables and accrued liabilities – net	(16,027)	(3,147)
Change in net deferred income taxes	3,159	(453)
Net income from equity investees	(1,933)	(2,904)
Dividends received from equity investees	1,912	3,111
Stock based compensation expense	5,093	4,626
Other – net	5,502	4,651
Cash provided by operating activities	63,986	65,597
Investing activities:
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale sold	49,666	60,314
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale matured	25,562	40,270
Purchases of investments available-for-sale	(122,149)	(101,503)
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments	(361)	3,160
Purchases of property and equipment, title plants and real estate – net	(13,615)	(13,373)
Cash paid for acquisition of subsidiaries	(300)	(3,958)
Other – net	944	1,904
Cash used by investing activities	(60,253)	(13,186)
Financing activities:
Payments on notes payable	(3,058)	(19,325)
Proceeds from notes payable	24,804	30,196
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(9,430)	(6,861)
Repurchases of common stock	0	(27,815)
Cash dividends paid	(20,800)	(11,280)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion	(12,000)	0
Payment of contingent consideration related to an acquisition	(2,002)	0
Other – net	(301)	23
Cash used by financing activities	(22,787)	(35,062)
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	1,775	(6,592)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(17,279)	10,757
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	179,067	200,558
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 161,788	$ 211,315

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 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
Balances at December 31, 2015 at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 637,128	$ 23,693	$ 156,692	$ 455,519	$ (3,957)	$ (2,666)	$ 7,847
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income attributable to Stewart	38,778			38,778
Cash dividends on Common Stock ($0.90 per share)	(20,800)			(20,800)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion	(12,000)			(12,000)
Stock based compensation and other	5,093	30	5,063
Purchase of remaining interest in consolidated subsidiary	(301)		(255)				(46)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments	11,708				11,708
Net realized gain reclassification	(1,044)				(1,044)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(216)				(216)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	9,450						9,450
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(9,430)						(9,430)
Balances at September 30, 2016 at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 658,366	$ 23,723	$ 161,500	$ 461,497	$ 6,491	$ (2,666)	$ 7,821

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Cash dividends on common stock (in usd per share)	$ 0.9
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)		$ 1

Interim financial statements

Interim financial statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interim financial statements	Interim financial statements. The financial information contained in this report for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 , and as of September 30, 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 loss 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 $448.8 million and $483.3 million at September 30, 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 $40.3 million and $17.2 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Although these cash statutory reserve funds are not restricted or segregated in depository accounts, they are required to be held pursuant to state statutes. 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.

Investments in debt and equity

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 72,725 75,421 70,300 72,008 Corporate 341,005 358,164 303,870 309,461 Foreign 156,444 162,798 149,914 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds 12,793 12,883 13,803 13,906 Equity securities 29,854 34,425 27,497 31,253 612,821 643,691 565,384 579,849 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: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 2,745 49 1,720 12 Corporate 17,241 82 7,700 2,109 Foreign 6,395 41 3,789 482 U.S. Treasury Bonds 90 — 128 25 Equity securities 5,462 891 4,842 1,086 31,933 1,063 18,179 3,714 Debt securities as of September 30, 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 45,531 45,904 After one year through five years 233,813 243,355 After five years through ten years 223,019 233,147 After ten years 80,604 86,860 582,967 609,266 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 September 30, 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 49 5,544 — — 49 5,544 Corporate 82 12,415 — — 82 12,415 Foreign 28 15,045 13 1,574 41 16,619 Equity securities 578 7,080 313 2,294 891 9,374 737 40,084 326 3,868 1,063 43,952 The number of investment securities in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2016 was 58 , 8 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic (Topic 820) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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 September 30, 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 — 75,421 75,421 Corporate — 358,164 358,164 Foreign — 162,798 162,798 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 12,883 12,883 Equity securities 34,425 — 34,425 34,425 609,266 643,691 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 September 30, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Investment income and other gai

Investment income and other gains and losses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment income and other gains and losses	Investment income and other gains and losses. Gross realized investment and other gains and losses follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Realized gains 3,301 968 8,377 3,195 Realized losses (48 ) (1,779 ) (3,671 ) (2,467 ) 3,253 (811 ) 4,706 728 Expenses assignable to investment income were insignificant. There were no significant investments as of September 30, 2016 that did not produce income during the year. For the nine months ended September 30, 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, $ 1.2 million of realized gain on a cost-basis investment transaction and $ 2.9 million of net realized gains from the sale of investments available-for-sale, partially offset by $ 1.3 million of office closure costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , investments and other gains - net included $2.0 million of net realized gains from the sale of investments available-for-sale, partially offset by $0.9 million impairment of other intangible assets. Proceeds from the sale of investments available-for-sale follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale 16,839 14,378 49,666 60,314

Share-based incentives

Share-based incentives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 grant date. 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 the 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. Additionally, during the second quarters 2016 and 2015, the Company granted its board of directors, as a component of annual director retainer compensation, 16,300 and 18,200 shares, respectively, of common stock, which immediately vested at the grant date. The aggregate fair values of these director awards at the grant dates in 2016 and 2015 were $ 0.6 million and $ 0.7 million , respectively.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share. The Company’s basic earnings per share (EPS) attributable to Stewart is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Stewart by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the reporting periods. To calculate diluted earnings per share, the number of shares is 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 earnings per share is as follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted, except per share) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart 26,375 (13,467 ) 38,778 (8,809 ) Less: Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion (a) — — (12,000 ) — Net income (loss) available to common shareholders 26,375 (13,467 ) 26,778 (8,809 ) Denominator (000): Basic average shares outstanding 23,371 23,286 23,362 23,631 Average number of dilutive shares relating to options 1 — 1 — Average number of dilutive shares relating to grants of restricted shares 239 — 233 — Diluted average shares outstanding 23,611 23,286 23,596 23,631 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 1.13 (0.58 ) 1.15 (0.37 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 1.12 (0.58 ) 1.13 (0.37 ) (a) - In accordance with the ASC 260, Earnings Per Share , the $12.0 million payment to the holders of the Class B Common Stock shares (refer to Note 11) is treated in a manner similar to the treatment of dividends on preferred stock for the purpose of calculating EPS. Accordingly, the $12.0 million payment was deducted from the 2016 net income to arrive at net income available to common stockholders for calculating basic and diluted EPS.

Contingent liabilities and comm

Contingent liabilities and commitments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 income 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 For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Title segment: Revenues 529,816 527,294 1,410,863 1,431,412 Depreciation and amortization 5,120 4,711 15,642 13,870 Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest 50,308 48,803 100,984 95,978 Ancillary services and corporate segment: Revenues 23,394 28,411 70,012 105,070 Depreciation and amortization 1,962 2,922 7,086 8,143 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (11,500 ) (54,371 ) (35,977 ) (89,389 ) Consolidated Stewart: Revenues 553,210 555,705 1,480,875 1,536,482 Depreciation and amortization 7,082 7,633 22,728 22,013 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest 38,808 (5,568 ) 65,007 6,589 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 For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) United States 518,204 524,567 1,394,228 1,456,742 International 35,006 31,138 86,647 79,740 553,210 555,705 1,480,875 1,536,482

Regulatory and legal developmen

Regulatory and legal developments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 class action lawsuits concerning the title insurance industry. The Company believes that it has adequate reserves for the various litigation matters and contingencies discussed in this paragraph 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 (405 ) (142 ) (263 ) (239 ) (84 ) (155 ) Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss) (1,330 ) (465 ) (865 ) (675 ) (236 ) (439 ) Net unrealized gains (1,735 ) (607 ) (1,128 ) (914 ) (320 ) (594 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (2,363 ) (555 ) (1,808 ) (5,787 ) (1,505 ) (4,282 ) Other comprehensive loss (4,098 ) (1,162 ) (2,936 ) (6,701 ) (1,825 ) (4,876 ) For the Nine Months Ended For the Nine 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 18,012 6,304 11,708 (6,303 ) (2,207 ) (4,096 ) Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss) (1,606 ) (562 ) (1,044 ) (1,878 ) (657 ) (1,221 ) Net unrealized gains 16,406 5,742 10,664 (8,181 ) (2,864 ) (5,317 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,581 1,797 (216 ) (12,215 ) (3,677 ) (8,538 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 17,987 7,539 10,448 (20,396 ) (6,541 ) (13,855 )

Class B Common Stock conversion

Class B Common Stock conversion	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 the 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 and $12.0 million in 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 and entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the holders of the Class B Common Stock. 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. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the $12.0 million cash payment was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings, similar to dividends on preferred stock (refer to Note 6).

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill. In connection with the restructuring of the reportable segments (refer to Note 8), management determined it is appropriate to re-allocate the goodwill attributable to the centralized title services business from the ancillary services and corporate segment to the title segment as shown below. Title Ancillary Services and Corporate Consolidated Total ($000 omitted) Balances at December 31, 2015 208,873 8,849 217,722 Re-allocation of goodwill 2,382 (2,382 ) — Acquisition 300 — 300 Disposals (101 ) — (101 ) Balances at September 30, 2016 211,454 6,467 217,921 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. The Company performed the annual goodwill impairment analysis during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and utilized the quantitative assessment for all title and ancillary services reporting units. The Company determined that the current reporting units of direct operations, agency operations, international operations and ancillary services (formerly, mortgage services) are appropriate for performing the annual goodwill impairment test. The Company performed a step one analysis in accordance with the ASC 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , using a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flow technique) and the market approach (guideline company and precedent transaction analyses). Based on the step one analysis, the Company determined that the fair values of all reporting units exceeded their corresponding carrying values. Based on this assessment, the Company concluded that the goodwill related to each of the reporting units is not impaired.

Interim financial statements (P

Interim financial statements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 loss 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 $448.8 million and $483.3 million at September 30, 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 $40.3 million and $17.2 million at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Although these cash statutory reserve funds are not restricted or segregated in depository accounts, they are required to be held pursuant to state statutes. 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.

Investments in debt and equit21

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Costs and Fair Values	The amortized costs and fair values follow: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 72,725 75,421 70,300 72,008 Corporate 341,005 358,164 303,870 309,461 Foreign 156,444 162,798 149,914 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds 12,793 12,883 13,803 13,906 Equity securities 29,854 34,425 27,497 31,253 612,821 643,691 565,384 579,849 Proceeds from the sale of investments available-for-sale follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale 16,839 14,378 49,666 60,314
Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses	Gross unrealized gains and losses were: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 2,745 49 1,720 12 Corporate 17,241 82 7,700 2,109 Foreign 6,395 41 3,789 482 U.S. Treasury Bonds 90 — 128 25 Equity securities 5,462 891 4,842 1,086 31,933 1,063 18,179 3,714
Debt Securities According to Contractual Terms	Debt securities as of September 30, 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 45,531 45,904 After one year through five years 233,813 243,355 After five years through ten years 223,019 233,147 After ten years 80,604 86,860 582,967 609,266
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 September 30, 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 49 5,544 — — 49 5,544 Corporate 82 12,415 — — 82 12,415 Foreign 28 15,045 13 1,574 41 16,619 Equity securities 578 7,080 313 2,294 891 9,374 737 40,084 326 3,868 1,063 43,952

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	As of September 30, 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 — 75,421 75,421 Corporate — 358,164 358,164 Foreign — 162,798 162,798 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 12,883 12,883 Equity securities 34,425 — 34,425 34,425 609,266 643,691 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 and other g23

Investment income and other gains and losses (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Realized gains 3,301 968 8,377 3,195 Realized losses (48 ) (1,779 ) (3,671 ) (2,467 ) 3,253 (811 ) 4,706 728
Proceeds from Sale of Investments Available-for-Sale	The amortized costs and fair values follow: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 72,725 75,421 70,300 72,008 Corporate 341,005 358,164 303,870 309,461 Foreign 156,444 162,798 149,914 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds 12,793 12,883 13,803 13,906 Equity securities 29,854 34,425 27,497 31,253 612,821 643,691 565,384 579,849 Proceeds from the sale of investments available-for-sale follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale 16,839 14,378 49,666 60,314

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted, except per share) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart 26,375 (13,467 ) 38,778 (8,809 ) Less: Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion (a) — — (12,000 ) — Net income (loss) available to common shareholders 26,375 (13,467 ) 26,778 (8,809 ) Denominator (000): Basic average shares outstanding 23,371 23,286 23,362 23,631 Average number of dilutive shares relating to options 1 — 1 — Average number of dilutive shares relating to grants of restricted shares 239 — 233 — Diluted average shares outstanding 23,611 23,286 23,596 23,631 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 1.13 (0.58 ) 1.15 (0.37 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 1.12 (0.58 ) 1.13 (0.37 ) (a) - In accordance with the ASC 260, Earnings Per Share , the $12.0 million payment to the holders of the Class B Common Stock shares (refer to Note 11) is treated in a manner similar to the treatment of dividends on preferred stock for the purpose of calculating EPS. Accordingly, the $12.0 million payment was deducted from the 2016 net income to arrive at net income available to common stockholders for calculating basic and diluted EPS.

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Selected Statement of Operations and Income (Loss) Information Related to Segments	Selected statement of income 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 For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Title segment: Revenues 529,816 527,294 1,410,863 1,431,412 Depreciation and amortization 5,120 4,711 15,642 13,870 Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest 50,308 48,803 100,984 95,978 Ancillary services and corporate segment: Revenues 23,394 28,411 70,012 105,070 Depreciation and amortization 1,962 2,922 7,086 8,143 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (11,500 ) (54,371 ) (35,977 ) (89,389 ) Consolidated Stewart: Revenues 553,210 555,705 1,480,875 1,536,482 Depreciation and amortization 7,082 7,633 22,728 22,013 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest 38,808 (5,568 ) 65,007 6,589
Revenues Generated in Domestic and All International Operations	Revenues generated in the United States and all international operations are as follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) United States 518,204 524,567 1,394,228 1,456,742 International 35,006 31,138 86,647 79,740 553,210 555,705 1,480,875 1,536,482

Other comprehensive income (l26

Other comprehensive income (loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 (405 ) (142 ) (263 ) (239 ) (84 ) (155 ) Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss) (1,330 ) (465 ) (865 ) (675 ) (236 ) (439 ) Net unrealized gains (1,735 ) (607 ) (1,128 ) (914 ) (320 ) (594 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments (2,363 ) (555 ) (1,808 ) (5,787 ) (1,505 ) (4,282 ) Other comprehensive loss (4,098 ) (1,162 ) (2,936 ) (6,701 ) (1,825 ) (4,876 ) For the Nine Months Ended For the Nine 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 18,012 6,304 11,708 (6,303 ) (2,207 ) (4,096 ) Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss) (1,606 ) (562 ) (1,044 ) (1,878 ) (657 ) (1,221 ) Net unrealized gains 16,406 5,742 10,664 (8,181 ) (2,864 ) (5,317 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,581 1,797 (216 ) (12,215 ) (3,677 ) (8,538 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 17,987 7,539 10,448 (20,396 ) (6,541 ) (13,855 )

Goodwill (Tables)

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill	In connection with the restructuring of the reportable segments (refer to Note 8), management determined it is appropriate to re-allocate the goodwill attributable to the centralized title services business from the ancillary services and corporate segment to the title segment as shown below. Title Ancillary Services and Corporate Consolidated Total ($000 omitted) Balances at December 31, 2015 208,873 8,849 217,722 Re-allocation of goodwill 2,382 (2,382 ) — Acquisition 300 — 300 Disposals (101 ) — (101 ) Balances at September 30, 2016 211,454 6,467 217,921

Interim financial statements (D

Interim financial statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Statutory reserve funds, short-term investments	$ 448,813	$ 483,312
Statutory reserve funds, investments
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Statutory reserve funds, short-term investments	448,800	483,300
Statutory reserve funds, cash and cash equivalents
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Statutory reserve funds, cash and cash equivalents	$ 40,300	$ 17,200

Investments in debt and equit29

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Amortized Costs and Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	$ 582,967
Equity securities, Amortized costs	29,854	$ 27,497
Total, Amortized costs	612,821	565,384
Debt securities, Fair values	609,266
Equity securities, Fair values	34,425	31,253
Total securities available-for-sale, at fair value	643,691	579,849
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	72,725	70,300
Debt securities, Fair values	75,421	72,008
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	341,005	303,870
Debt securities, Fair values	358,164	309,461
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	156,444	149,914
Debt securities, Fair values	162,798	153,221
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	12,793	13,803
Debt securities, Fair values	$ 12,883	$ 13,906

Investments in debt and equit30

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	$ 31,933	$ 18,179
Losses	1,063	3,714
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	2,745	1,720
Losses	49	12
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	17,241	7,700
Losses	82	2,109
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	6,395	3,789
Losses	41	482
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	90	128
Losses	0	25
Equity Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	5,462	4,842
Losses	$ 891	$ 1,086

Investments in debt and equit31

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Debt Securities According to Contractual Terms (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Amortized costs
In one year or less	$ 45,531
After one year through five years	233,813
After five years through ten years	223,019
After ten years	80,604
Amortized costs, total	582,967
Fair values
In one year or less	45,904
After one year through five years	243,355
After five years through ten years	233,147
After ten years	86,860
Debt securities, fair values total	$ 609,266

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 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	$ 737	$ 2,518
Fair values, Less than 12 months	40,084	126,438
Losses, More than 12 months	326	1,196
Fair values, More than 12 months	3,868	44,448
Total Losses	1,063	3,714
Total Fair Values	43,952	170,886
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	49	9
Fair values, Less than 12 months	5,544	2,230
Losses, More than 12 months	0	3
Fair values, More than 12 months	0	1,615
Total Losses	49	12
Total Fair Values	5,544	3,845
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	82	1,461
Fair values, Less than 12 months	12,415	83,565
Losses, More than 12 months	0	648
Fair values, More than 12 months	0	32,871
Total Losses	82	2,109
Total Fair Values	12,415	116,436
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	28	322
Fair values, Less than 12 months	15,045	35,008
Losses, More than 12 months	13	160
Fair values, More than 12 months	1,574	3,155
Total Losses	41	482
Total Fair Values	16,619	38,163
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months		6
Fair values, Less than 12 months		1,195
Losses, More than 12 months		19
Fair values, More than 12 months		3,583
Total Losses		25
Total Fair Values		4,778
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Losses, Less than 12 months	578	720
Fair values, Less than 12 months	7,080	4,440
Losses, More than 12 months	313	366
Fair values, More than 12 months	2,294	3,224
Total Losses	891	1,086
Total Fair Values	$ 9,374	$ 7,664

Investments in debt and equit33

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Additional Information (Details)	Sep. 30, 2016investment
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Number of investments in an unrealized loss position	58
Number of investments in an unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months	8

Fair value measurements (Detail

Fair value measurements (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 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	$ 643,691	$ 579,849
Corporate | Level 2 | Minimum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of inputs used in fair value measurement | input	3
Corporate | Level 2 | 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	$ 643,691	579,849
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	34,425	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	609,266	548,596
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	75,421	72,008
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Municipal | Level 1
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 | Municipal | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	75,421	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	358,164	309,461
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate | Level 1
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 | Corporate | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	358,164	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	162,798	153,221
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Foreign | Level 1
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 | Foreign | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	162,798	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	12,883	13,906
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | U.S. Treasury Bonds | Level 1
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 | U.S. Treasury Bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	12,883	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	34,425	31,253
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Equity securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	34,425	31,253
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Equity securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	$ 0	$ 0

Investment income and other g35

Investment income and other gains and losses - Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Available for sale securities gross realized gain (loss)
Realized gains	$ 3,301	$ 968	$ 8,377	$ 3,195
Realized losses	(48)	(1,779)	(3,671)	(2,467)
Realized gains (losses)	$ 3,253	$ (811)	$ 4,706	$ 728

Investment income and other g36

Investment income and other gains and losses - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net realized gains due to changes in the fair values of contingent consideration liabilities	$ 1.6
Realized gain on a cost-basis investment transaction	1.2
Net realized gains from the sale of investments available-for-sale	2.9	$ 2
Office closure costs	$ 1.3
Impairment of other intangible asset		$ 0.9

Investment income and other g37

Investment income and other gains and losses - Proceeds from the Sale of Investments Available-for-Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Gain loss on sale of investments
Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale	$ 16,839	$ 14,378	$ 49,666	$ 60,314

Share-based incentives (Details

Share-based incentives (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
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)	16,300		18,200
Shares granted and immediately vested in relation to the annual director retainer compensation, fair value	$ 0.6		$ 0.7
Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period				3 years
Time-Based Restricted Stock | Time-based restricted stock vesting period yr 1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 year
Time-Based Restricted Stock | Time-based restricted stock vesting period yr 2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 year
Time-Based Restricted Stock | Time-based restricted stock vesting period yr 3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 year
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 (in usd per share)		$ 37.33		$ 37.04

Earnings per share - Calculatio

Earnings per share - Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 26,375	$ (13,467)	$ 38,778	$ (8,809)
Less: Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion	0	0	(12,000)	0
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ 26,375	$ (13,467)	$ 26,778	$ (8,809)
Denominator (000):
Basic average shares outstanding	23,371	23,286	23,362	23,631
Diluted average shares outstanding	23,611	23,286	23,596	23,631
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (in usd per share)	$ 1.13	$ (0.58)	$ 1.15	$ (0.37)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (in usd per share)	$ 1.12	$ (0.58)	$ 1.13	$ (0.37)
Stock Option
Denominator (000):
Average number of dilutive shares relating to share-based incentives	1	0	1	0
Restricted Shares
Denominator (000):
Average number of dilutive shares relating to share-based incentives	239	0	233	0

Earnings per share - Additional

Earnings per share - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 26, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, additional cash issued to Class B common stock holders		$ 0	$ 0	$ 12,000	$ 0
Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, additional cash issued to Class B common stock holders	$ 12,000			$ 12,000

Contingent liabilities and co41

Contingent liabilities and commitments (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantee of indebtedness, relating to unused letters of credit	$ 5.6

Segment information - Additiona

Segment information - Additional Information (Details) - segment	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 553,210	$ 555,705	$ 1,480,875	$ 1,536,482
Depreciation and amortization	7,082	7,633	22,728	22,013
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest	38,808	(5,568)	65,007	6,589
Title segment:
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	529,816	527,294	1,410,863	1,431,412
Depreciation and amortization	5,120	4,711	15,642	13,870
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest	50,308	48,803	100,984	95,978
Ancillary services and corporate segment:
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	23,394	28,411	70,012	105,070
Depreciation and amortization	1,962	2,922	7,086	8,143
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest	$ (11,500)	$ (54,371)	$ (35,977)	$ (89,389)

Segment information - Revenues

Segment information - Revenues Generated in United States and All International Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 553,210	$ 555,705	$ 1,480,875	$ 1,536,482
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	518,204	524,567	1,394,228	1,456,742
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 35,006	$ 31,138	$ 86,647	$ 79,740

Other comprehensive income (l45

Other comprehensive income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Before-Tax Amount
Change in unrealized gains on investments, before-tax amount	$ (405)	$ (239)	$ 18,012	$ (6,303)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss), before-tax amount	(1,330)	(675)	(1,606)	(1,878)
Net unrealized gains, before-tax amount	(1,735)	(914)	16,406	(8,181)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, before-tax amount	(2,363)	(5,787)	1,581	(12,215)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax amount	(4,098)	(6,701)	17,987	(20,396)
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Change in unrealized gains on investments, tax expense (benefit)	(142)	(84)	6,304	(2,207)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss), tax expense (benefit)	(465)	(236)	(562)	(657)
Net unrealized gains, tax expense (benefit)	(607)	(320)	5,742	(2,864)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax expense (benefit)	(555)	(1,505)	1,797	(3,677)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax expense (benefit)	(1,162)	(1,825)	7,539	(6,541)
Net-of-Tax Amount
Change in unrealized gains on investments, net-of-tax amount	(263)	(155)	11,708	(4,096)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss), net-of-tax amount	(865)	(439)	(1,044)	(1,221)
Net unrealized gains, net-of-tax amount	(1,128)	(594)	10,664	(5,317)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net-of-tax amount	(1,808)	(4,282)	(216)	(8,538)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net-of-tax amount	$ (2,936)	$ (4,876)	$ 10,448	$ (13,855)

Class B Common Stock conversi46

Class B Common Stock conversion (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 26, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, additional cash issued to Class B common stock holders		$ 0	$ 0	$ 12,000	$ 0
Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, additional cash issued to Class B common stock holders	$ 12,000			$ 12,000
Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock | Class B Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, number of shares converted	1,050,012
Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock | Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of stock, number of shares issued	1,050,012

Goodwill (Details)

Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill by Segment
Balances at December 31, 2015	$ 217,722
Re-allocation of goodwill	0
Acquisition	300
Disposals	(101)
Balances at September 30, 2016	217,921
Title
Goodwill by Segment
Balances at December 31, 2015	208,873
Re-allocation of goodwill	2,382
Acquisition	300
Disposals	(101)
Balances at September 30, 2016	211,454
Ancillary Services and Corporate
Goodwill by Segment
Balances at December 31, 2015	8,849
Re-allocation of goodwill	(2,382)
Acquisition	0
Disposals	0
Balances at September 30, 2016	$ 6,467