Stewart Information Services (STC) 10-K 27 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Feb. 23, 2017	Jun. 30, 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
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	STC
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,431,279
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 937,340,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Title insurance:
Direct operations	$ 894,313	$ 897,118	$ 808,327
Agency operations	1,009,797	991,332	906,062
Ancillary services	84,271	129,954	132,891
Investment income	18,925	16,850	16,806
Investment and other (losses) gains – net	(666)	(1,369)	6,744
Total revenues	2,006,640	2,033,885	1,870,830
Expenses
Amounts retained by agencies	826,022	809,564	738,649
Employee costs	604,353	658,266	624,326
Other operating expenses	363,986	381,954	347,276
Title losses and related claims	91,147	106,265	81,305
Impairment of goodwill	0	35,749	0
Depreciation and amortization	30,044	30,298	24,226
Interest	3,062	2,096	3,236
Total expenses	1,918,614	2,024,192	1,819,018
Income before taxes and noncontrolling interests	88,026	9,693	51,812
Income tax expense	19,605	5,650	13,503
Net income	68,421	4,043	38,309
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12,943	10,247	8,556
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart	55,478	(6,204)	29,753
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart
Net income	68,421	4,043	38,309
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,367)	(11,145)	(7,565)
Change in unrealized net gains on investments	354	(3,741)	9,793
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income	(1,911)	(1,626)	(555)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes	(4,924)	(16,512)	1,673
Comprehensive income (loss)	63,497	(12,469)	39,982
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12,943	10,247	8,556
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 50,554	$ (22,716)	$ 31,426
Basic average shares outstanding (shares)	23,364	23,544	22,778
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (USD per share)	$ 1.86	$ (0.26)	$ 1.31
Diluted average shares outstanding (shares)	23,472	23,544	24,710
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (USD per share)	$ 1.85	$ (0.26)	$ 1.24

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 185,772	$ 179,067
Short-term investments	22,239	39,707
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Statutory reserve funds	485,409	483,312
Other	146,094	96,537
Available for sale securities, Total	631,503	579,849
Receivables:
Notes	3,402	3,744
Premiums from agencies	31,246	36,393
Income taxes	4,878	1,914
Trade and other	41,897	49,453
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(9,647)	(9,833)
Total receivables	71,776	81,671
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	3,991	3,991
Buildings	22,529	22,898
Furniture and equipment	217,105	214,350
Accumulated depreciation	(173,119)	(169,870)
Total property and equipment, at cost	70,506	71,369
Title plants, at cost	75,313	75,743
Investments in investees, on an equity method basis	9,796	9,628
Goodwill	217,094	217,722
Intangible assets, net of amortization	10,890	18,075
Deferred tax assets, net	3,860	4,949
Other assets	42,975	43,807
Total assets	1,341,724	1,321,587
Liabilities
Notes payable	106,808	102,399
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	115,640	118,082
Estimated title losses	462,572	462,622
Deferred tax liabilities, net	7,856	1,356
Total Liabilities	692,876	684,459
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders’ equity
Additional paid-in capital	157,176	156,692
Retained earnings	471,788	455,519
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(16,727)	(13,360)
Net unrealized gains on investments available-for-sale	7,846	9,403
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost, for 2016 and 2015	(2,666)	(2,666)
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart	641,200	629,281
Noncontrolling interests	7,648	7,847
Total stockholders’ equity	648,848	637,128
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,341,724	1,321,587
Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	23,783	22,643
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	$ 0	$ 1,050

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Treasury stock, common shares (shares)	352,161	352,161
Common Stock
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	23,783,440	22,643,255
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	23,431,279	22,291,094
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	0	1,500,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	0	1,050,012
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	0	1,050,012

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Net income	$ 68,421	$ 4,043	$ 38,309
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization	30,044	30,298	24,226
Provision for bad debt	3,349	3,396	1,977
Investment and other (gains) losses – net	666	1,369	(6,744)
Payments for title losses in excess of provisions	(1,056)	(17,154)	(18,803)
Adjustment for insurance recoveries of title losses	(173)	213	17,181
Impairment of goodwill	0	35,749	0
Decrease in receivables – net	7,759	12,894	8,791
Decrease (increase) in other assets – net	391	3,073	(1,878)
(Decrease) increase in payables and accrued liabilities – net	(3,888)	2,088	(6,854)
Decrease (increase) in net deferred income taxes	7,446	(5,800)	3,176
Net income from equity investees	(2,834)	(3,579)	(3,442)
Dividends received from equity investees	2,640	3,811	3,582
Stock based compensation expense	2,982	4,445	4,020
Other – net	7,215	5,668	448
Cash provided by operating activities	122,962	80,514	63,989
Investing activities:
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale sold	81,091	69,280	58,132
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale matured	27,125	42,195	48,427
Purchases of investments available-for-sale	(166,444)	(147,697)	(147,372)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments	17,468	(14,664)	13,294
Purchases of property and equipment, title plants and real estate	(18,155)	(19,658)	(19,537)
Proceeds from the sale of land, buildings, property and equipment, and real estate	692	4,214	3,520
Net cash received from disposal (paid for acquisition) of subsidiaries and other assets	1,268	(3,958)	(39,990)
Other – net	181	1,497	4,969
Cash used by investing activities	(56,774)	(68,791)	(78,557)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable	57,758	52,651	120,273
Payments on notes payable	(60,339)	(22,494)	(60,838)
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiaries	(991)	(209)	(20)
Cash dividends paid	(27,840)	(18,010)	(2,334)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion	(12,000)	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(12,961)	(9,706)	(8,986)
Repurchases of Common Stock	(1,053)	(27,950)	(22,048)
Payment of contingent consideration related to an acquisition	(2,002)	0	0
Other—net	86	168	(21)
Cash (used) provided by financing activities	(59,342)	(25,550)	26,026
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	(141)	(7,664)	(5,189)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,705	(21,491)	6,269
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	179,067	200,558	194,289
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	185,772	179,067	200,558
Supplemental information:
Retirement of Convertible Senior Notes with issuance of Common Stock	0	0	27,190
Net changes in financial statement amounts due to disposal and purchase of subsidiaries and other assets:
Goodwill (disposed) acquired	(628)	7,220	21,440
Receivables and other assets disposed (acquired)	(1,272)	38	12,620
Intangible assets disposed (acquired)	(1,730)	0	21,110
Liabilities recognized or acquired	(499)	(3,300)	(15,180)
Net realized loss on the disposal	2,861	0	0
Net cash (received from disposal) paid for acquisition of subsidiaries and other assets	(1,268)	3,958	39,990
Assets purchased through capital lease obligations	6,990	1,062	2,003
Income taxes – net paid (refunded)	15,265	14,982	(106)
Interest paid	$ 3,020	$ 1,873	$ 2,616

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common and Class B Common Stock ($1 par value)	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Retained Earnings	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interests
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 663,089	$ 22,853	$ 171,915	$ 10,882	$ 452,314	$ (2,666)	$ 7,791
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	29,753				29,753
Cash dividends on Common Stock	(2,334)				(2,334)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion	0
Stock bonuses and other	3,916	77	3,839
Exercise of stock options	58	2	56
Stock repurchases	(22,048)	(685)	(21,363)
Conversion of Convertible Senior Notes for Common Stock	27,190	2,111	25,079
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary	(321)		(321)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments (net of tax)	9,793			9,793
Net realized gain reclassification (net of tax)	(555)			(555)
Foreign currency translation (net of tax)	(7,565)			(7,565)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	8,556						8,556
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(8,986)						(8,986)
Net effect of changes in ownership and other	(93)						(93)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	700,453	24,358	179,205	12,555	479,733	(2,666)	7,268
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	(6,204)				(6,204)
Cash dividends on Common Stock	(18,010)				(18,010)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion	0
Stock bonuses and other	4,851	93	4,758
Exercise of stock options	130	4	126
Stock repurchases	(27,950)	(762)	(27,188)
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary	(209)		(209)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments (net of tax)	(3,741)			(3,741)
Net realized gain reclassification (net of tax)	(1,626)			(1,626)
Foreign currency translation (net of tax)	(11,145)			(11,145)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	10,247						10,247
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(9,706)						(9,706)
Net effect of changes in ownership and other	38						38
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	637,128	23,693	156,692	(3,957)	455,519	(2,666)	7,847
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of new accounting pronouncement	0		(631)		631
Net income (loss)	55,478				55,478
Cash dividends on Common Stock	(27,840)				(27,840)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion	(12,000)				(12,000)
Stock bonuses and other	2,982	110	2,872
Exercise of stock options	86	3	83
Stock repurchases	(1,053)	(23)	(1,030)
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary	(991)		(810)				(181)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments (net of tax)	354			354
Net realized gain reclassification (net of tax)	(1,911)			(1,911)
Foreign currency translation (net of tax)	(3,367)			(3,367)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	12,943						12,943
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(12,961)						(12,961)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 648,848	$ 23,783	$ 157,176	$ (8,881)	$ 471,788	$ (2,666)	$ 7,648

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQU7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (PARENTHETICAL) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash dividends on Common Stock (USD per share)	$ 1.2	$ 0.8	$ 0.1
Common Stock
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	1	1	1
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

General

General	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
General	General. Stewart Information Services Corporation, through its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company), is primarily engaged in the business of providing title insurance and real estate transaction related services. The Company operates through a network of production facilities, owned policy-issuing offices and independent agencies in the United States and international markets. Stewart Information Services Corporation is a customer-focused, global title insurance and real estate services company offering products and services through its direct operations, network of approved agencies and other businesses within the Company. The Company provides these services to homebuyers and sellers; residential and commercial real estate professionals; mortgage lenders and servicers; title agencies and real estate attorneys; home builders; and the United States government. The Company also provides services to large mortgage lenders and servicers, mortgage brokers and mortgage investors which are primarily related to appraisal and valuation services (referred to as ancillary services operations). Approximately 48% of consolidated title revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 were generated in Texas, New York, California, Florida and international markets (principally Canada). A. Management’s responsibility. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. B. Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts in these consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart and stockholders’ equity, as previously reported, were not affected. C. Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors. All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated and provisions have been made for noncontrolling interests. Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the entity, are accounted for by the equity method. D. Statutory accounting. Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) and other title insurance underwriters owned by the Company prepare financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities. In conforming the statutory financial statements to GAAP, the statutory premium reserve and the reserve for known title losses are eliminated and, in substitution, amounts are established for estimated title losses (Note 1F), for which the net effect, after providing for income taxes, is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, the investments in debt securities available-for-sale, which are carried at amortized cost for statutory accounting, are reported at fair value and the net unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable deferred taxes, on the investments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within stockholders’ equity. E. Revenue recognition. Operating revenues from direct title operations are considered earned at the time of the closing of the related real estate transaction. The Company recognizes premium revenues on title insurance policies written by independent agencies (agencies) when the policies are reported to the Company. In addition, where reasonable estimates can be made, the Company accrues for policies issued but not reported until after period end. The Company believes that reasonable estimates can be made when recent and consistent policy issuance information is available. Estimates are based on historical reporting patterns and other information obtained about agencies, as well as current trends in direct operations and in the title industry. In this accrual, future transactions are not being estimated. The Company is estimating revenues on policies that have already been issued by agencies but not yet reported to or received by the Company. The Company has consistently followed the same basic method of estimating unreported policy revenues for more than 10 years. Revenues generated by the Company's ancillary services operations are generally considered earned at the time the service is performed or the product is delivered to the customer. F. Title losses and related claims. The Company’s method for recording the reserves for title losses on both an interim and annual basis begins with the calculation of its current loss provision rate, which is applied to the Company’s current premiums resulting in a title loss expense for the period. This loss provision rate is set to provide for estimated losses on current year policies and is determined using moving average ratios of recent actual policy loss payment experience (net of recoveries) to premium revenues. At each quarter end, the Company’s recorded reserve for title losses begins with the prior period’s reserve balance for claim losses, adds the current period provision to that balance and subtracts actual paid claims, resulting in an amount that management compares to its actuarially-based calculation of the ending reserve balance necessary to provide for future reported title losses. The actuarially-based calculation is a paid loss development calculation where loss development factors are selected based on company data and input from the Company’s third-party actuaries. The Company also obtains input from third-party actuaries in the form of a reserve analysis utilizing generally accepted actuarial methods. While the Company is responsible for determining its loss reserves, it utilizes this actuarial input to assess the overall reasonableness of its reserve estimation. If the Company’s recorded reserve amount is not at the actuarial point estimate, but is within a reasonable range (+ 5.0% /- 4.0% ) of its actuarially-based reserve calculation and the actuary’s point estimate, the Company’s management assesses the major factors contributing to the different reserve estimates in order to determine the overall reasonableness of its recorded reserve, as well as the position of the recorded reserves relative to the point estimate and the estimated range of reserves. The major factors considered can change from period to period and include items such as current trends in the real estate industry (which management can assess although there is a time lag in the development of this data for use by the actuary), the size and types of claims reported and changes in the Company’s claims management process. If the recorded amount is not within a reasonable range of the Company’s third-party actuary’s point estimate, it will adjust the recorded reserves in the current period and reassess the provision rate on a prospective basis. Once the Company’s reserve for title losses is recorded, it is reduced in future periods as a result of claims payments and may be increased or reduced by revisions to the Company’s estimate of the overall level of required reserves. Large claims (those exceeding $1.0 million on a single claim), including large title losses due to independent agency defalcations, are analyzed and reserved for separately due to the higher dollar amount of loss, lower volume of claims reported and sporadic reporting of such claims. Due to the inherent uncertainty in predicting future title policy losses, significant judgment is required by both the Company’s management and its third party actuaries in estimating reserves. As a consequence, the Company’s ultimate liability may be materially greater or less than its current reserves and/or its third party actuary’s calculated estimate. G. Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risks and maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition. H. Short-term investments. Short-term investments comprise time deposits with banks, federal government obligations and other investments maturing in less than one year. I. Investments in debt and equity securities. The investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined using the specific identification method. Net unrealized gains and losses on investments available-for-sale, net of applicable deferred taxes, are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within stockholders’ equity. At the time unrealized gains and losses become realized, they are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income using the specific identification method. Other-than-temporary declines in fair values of investments available-for-sale are charged to income. J. Property and equipment. Depreciation is principally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets at the following rates: buildings – 30 to 40 years and furniture and equipment – 3 to 10 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses are recognized at disposal. K. Title plants. Title plants include compilations of a county’s official land records, prior title examination files, copies of prior title policies, maps and related materials that are geographically indexed to a specific property. The costs of acquiring existing title plants and creating new ones, prior to the time such plants are placed in operation, are capitalized. Title plants are not amortized since there is no indication of any loss of value over time but are subject to review for impairment. The costs of maintaining and operating title plants are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses on sales of copies of title plants or interests in title plants are recognized at the time of sale. L. Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed annually, during the third quarter using June 30 balances, or whenever occurrences of events indicate a potential impairment at the reporting unit level. U.S. GAAP provides an option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we decide not to use a qualitative assessment or if the reporting unit fails the qualitative assessment, then we perform a two-step quantitative analysis. The step one analysis is performed, using a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flow (DCF) technique) and the market approach (guideline company and precedent transaction analyses), to determine if the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value, which would indicate a potential impairment. The DCF model utilizes historical and projected operating results and cash flows, initially driven by estimates of changes in future revenue levels, and risk-adjusted discount rates. Our projected operating results are primarily driven by anticipated mortgage originations, which we obtain from projections by industry experts, for our title reporting units and forecasted contractual revenues for our ancillary services reporting unit. Fluctuations in revenues, followed by our ability to appropriately adjust our employee count and other operating expenses, or large and unanticipated adjustments to title loss reserves, are the primary reasons for increases or decreases in our projected operating results. Our market-based valuation methodologies utilize (i) market multiples of earnings and/or other operating metrics of comparable companies and (ii) our market capitalization and a control premium based on market data and factors specific to our ownership and corporate governance structure. If we determine that the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill is greater than its fair value, we then perform the step two analysis to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and calculate the amount of impairment. In performing the step two analysis, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. In this method, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value is the purchase price paid. Any impairment of goodwill is determined by the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying amount of the goodwill and is charged to current operations. While we are responsible for assessing whether an impairment of goodwill exists, we utilize inputs from third-party appraisers in performing the quantitative analysis for our impairment review. We evaluate goodwill based on four reporting units with goodwill balances (direct operations, agency operations, international operations and ancillary services). Goodwill is assigned to these reporting units at the time the goodwill is initially recorded. Once assigned to a reporting unit, the goodwill is pooled and no longer attributable to a specific acquisition. All activities within a reporting unit are available to support the carrying value of the goodwill. M. Other intangibles. Other intangible assets are comprised principally of non-compete, underwriting and customer relationship agreements and acquired software. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives, which are primarily 3 to 10 years. These intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when certain events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company performs an analysis to determine whether the carrying amount of each intangible asset is recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable when it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. For any intangible asset that is not recoverable, the Company calculates the excess of the carrying amount of the intangible asset over its fair value, estimated using the income approach (DCF technique). The resulting difference of the carrying amount over the fair value is treated as the impairment of the asset and is charged to current operations. N. Other long-lived assets. The Company reviews the carrying values of title plants and other long-lived assets if certain events occur that may indicate impairment. An impairment of these long-lived assets is indicated when projected undiscounted cash flows over the estimated lives of the assets are less than carrying values. If impairment is indicated, the recorded amounts are written down to fair values. There were no significant impairment charges for long-lived assets during the three years ended December 31, 2016 . O. Fair values. The fair values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, notes receivable, notes payable and accounts payable, are determined by the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The net fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values. Investments in debt and equity securities and certain financial instruments are carried at their fair values. P. Leases. The Company recognizes rent expense under noncancelable operating leases, which generally expire over the next 10 years, on the straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, including provisions for any free rent periods or escalating lease payments. Q. Income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the tax basis and the book carrying values of certain assets and liabilities. To the extent that the Company does not believe its deferred tax assets meet the more-likely-than-not realization criteria, it establishes a valuation allowance. When it establishes a valuation allowance, or increases (decreases) the allowance during the year, it records a tax expense (benefit) in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Enacted tax rates are used in calculating amounts. The Company provides for uncertainties in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. R. Recently adopted accounting pronouncements. In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (ASU) 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified several aspects of the accounting for share-based transactions. The new guidance requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) when the awards vest or are settled. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 requires the cash flows related to excess tax benefits to be classified as an operating activity along with other income tax cash flows; removes the requirement to include hypothetical excess tax benefits in the application of the treasury stock method when computing earnings per share; allows for repurchase of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes at maximum statutory tax rates without triggering liability accounting; clarifies that all cash payments made on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows; and provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. 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. During the fourth quarter 2016, the Company elected to early adopt ASU 2016-09. Using the modified retrospective method of adoption, the Company recognized a cumulative effect adjustment at January 1, 2016 and reclassified the remaining $0.6 million of unrecognized excess tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to retained earnings in the 2016 statement of equity. The additional impact of the adoption was the recognition of excess tax benefits in the provision for income taxes, rather than in additional paid-in capital, beginning January 1, 2016 and the Company's election to recognize forfeitures in the period they occur. There were no other material impacts of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 and no prior year balances were adjusted. S. Recent significant accounting pronouncements not yet adopted. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which eliminated the transaction-specific and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaced it with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition. Originally, ASU 2014-09 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB clarified certain aspects of identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB provided additional guidance related to disclosure of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on collectibility, non-cash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes collected from customers. Earlier application is permitted only for annual and interim periods after December 15, 2016. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 using the cumulative effect method of adoption. The Company is still currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company does not expect ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 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 equal to the present value of contractual 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. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 and recognize and measure leases in the financial statements at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company considers the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in material increases in the assets and liabilities reported on its consolidated balance sheets. However, the Company expects the new ASU will likely have insignificant impact on its consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. The Company is currently assessing technological and staff resources that will be needed to address changes to its lease management and accounting processes. Refer to Note 16 for the disclosures of future minimum lease payments relating to operating leases of office spaces. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combination: Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments in this ASU change the definition of a business to assist with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is allowed. The Company expects to early adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2017. Also in January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments in this ASU eliminate Step 2 from the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this new guidance, the annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge, if determined applicable, should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. This ASU does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is allowed. The Company expects to early adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2017.

Restrictions on cash and invest

Restrictions on cash and investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restrictions on cash and investments	Restrictions on cash and investments. The Company maintains investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements in the states of domicile of our underwriters for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory reserve funds, which approximated $485.4 million and $483.3 million at December 31, 2016 and 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 $13.9 million and $17.2 million at December 31, 2016 and 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 sufficient to meet statutory requirements, the Company may be subject to fines or other penalties, including potential revocation of its business license. These funds are not available for any other purpose. In the event that insurance regulators adjust the determination of the statutory premium reserves of the Company’s title insurers, these restricted funds as well as statutory surplus would correspondingly increase or decrease. A substantial majority of consolidated cash and investments at each year end was held by the Company’s title insurance subsidiaries. Generally, the types of investments a title insurer can make are subject to legal restrictions. Furthermore, the transfer of funds by a title insurer to its parent or subsidiary operations, as well as other related party transactions, is restricted by law and generally requires the approval of state insurance authorities.

Statutory surplus and dividend

Statutory surplus and dividend restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Statutory surplus and dividend restrictions	Statutory surplus and dividend restrictions. Substantially all of the consolidated retained earnings at each year end were represented by Guaranty, which owns directly or indirectly all of the subsidiaries included in the consolidation. Guaranty cannot pay a dividend to its parent in excess of certain limits without the approval of the Texas Insurance Commissioner. The maximum dividend that can be paid after such approval in 2016 is $102.0 million . Guaranty paid dividends of $20.0 million , $15.0 million and $25.0 million in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Dividends from Guaranty are also voluntarily restricted primarily to maintain statutory surplus and liquidity at competitive levels and to demonstrate significant claims payment ability. The ability of a title insurer to pay claims can significantly affect the decision of lenders and other customers when buying a policy from a particular insurer. Surplus as regards policyholders (sum of statutory capital plus surplus) for Guaranty was $509.9 million and $501.8 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Statutory net income for Guaranty was $53.6 million , $83.2 million and $53.2 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 respectively. The amount of statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements for Guaranty was $2.0 million (and in the aggregate less than $15.0 million for all of the Company’s underwriter subsidiaries) at December 31, 2016 , and each of its underwriter entities was in compliance with such requirements as of December 31, 2016 .

Investments in debt and equity

Investments in debt and equity securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in debt and equity securities	Investments in debt and equity securities. Amortized costs and fair values at December 31, follow: 2016 2015 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 72,284 72,432 70,300 72,008 Corporate 338,365 343,047 303,870 309,461 Foreign 165,735 167,027 149,914 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds 12,795 12,613 13,803 13,906 Equity securities 30,255 36,384 27,497 31,253 619,434 631,503 565,384 579,849 The Company believes its investment portfolio is diversified and expects no material loss to result from the failure to perform by issuers of the debt securities it holds. Investments made by the Company are not collateralized. Foreign debt securities primarily include Canadian government and corporate bonds, with aggregate fair values of $139.6 million and $125.2 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and United Kingdom treasury bonds with aggregate fair values of $22.6 million and $23.1 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Gross unrealized gains and losses at December 31, were: 2016 2015 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 723 575 1,720 12 Corporate 6,871 2,189 7,700 2,109 Foreign 2,912 1,620 3,789 482 U.S. Treasury Bonds 4 186 128 25 Equity securities 6,800 671 4,842 1,086 17,310 5,241 18,179 3,714 Debt securities at December 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 53,313 53,644 After one year through five years 227,877 232,594 After five years through ten years 225,206 225,483 After ten years 82,783 83,398 589,179 595,119 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, 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 575 32,038 — — 575 32,038 Corporate 2,189 119,965 — — 2,189 119,965 Foreign 1,427 70,012 193 3,160 1,620 73,172 U.S. Treasury Bonds 186 11,847 — — 186 11,847 Equity securities: 424 5,950 247 2,250 671 8,200 4,801 239,812 440 5,410 5,241 245,222 The number of investments in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2016 was 192 , 11 of which were in unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months. Since the Company does not intend to sell and will more-likely-than-not maintain its investment in equity and debt securities until recovery of the fair value or amortized cost, respectively, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. The Company also determined that there is no significant credit risk existing with its debt securities. In 2015, the Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment of $ 2.7 million on certain equity securities with significant unrealized losses, reported within investment and other losses - net in the 2015 consolidated statement of operations and other comprehensive loss. In 2016, the Company determined that there was no other-than-temporary impairment on its investments in available-for-sale 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

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This guidance establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs when possible. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: • Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and • Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair values of the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs. At December 31, 2016 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,432 — 72,432 Corporate — 343,047 — 343,047 Foreign — 167,027 — 167,027 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 12,613 — 12,613 Equity securities: 36,384 — — 36,384 36,384 595,119 — 631,503 At December 31, 2015 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,008 — 72,008 Corporate — 309,461 — 309,461 Foreign — 153,221 — 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 13,906 — 13,906 Equity securities: 31,253 — — 31,253 31,253 548,596 — 579,849 At December 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2016 .

Investment income and other gai

Investment income and other gains and losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment income and other gains and losses	Investment income and other gains and losses. Income from investments and gross realized investment and other gains and losses are detailed below: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Investment income: Debt securities 16,476 15,181 14,593 Short-term investments, cash equivalents and other 2,449 1,669 2,213 18,925 16,850 16,806 Investment and other (losses) gains – net: Realized gains 9,882 5,948 12,018 Realized losses (10,548 ) (7,317 ) (5,274 ) (666 ) (1,369 ) 6,744 Proceeds from the sales of investments available-for-sale were $81.1 million , $69.3 million and $58.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Expenses assignable to investment income were insignificant and there were no significant investments that did not produce income for all years presented. In 2016, investment and other losses - net included $3.4 million of office closure and early lease termination costs and $3.3 million of realized losses from sale of certain businesses within ancillary services operations, partially offset by $4.0 million of net realized gains from the sale of investments available-for-sale, $1.2 million of realized gain on a cost-basis investment transaction and $0.4 million of realized gain from sale of certain title offices. In 2015, investment and other losses – net included realized losses of $ 2.7 million relating to other-than-temporary impairment of investment in equity securities available-for-sale, $1.8 million impairment of other intangible assets and $1.4 million relating to office closure costs, partially offset by realized gains of $2.4 million from the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale and $1.5 million from the sale of office buildings. In 2014 , investment and other gains – net included realized gains of $5.6 million from the reduction in the fair value of a contingent consideration liability, $3.8 million from the sale of a business and $1.1 million from the sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale, partially offset by charges of $1.9 million relating to office closure costs, $1.7 million impairment of an other intangible asset and $1.0 million relating to the impairment of a cost-basis investment.

Income taxes

Income taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income taxes	Income taxes. Income tax expense consists of the following: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Current: Federal 4,718 4,774 3,047 State 1,447 709 (224 ) Foreign 5,983 5,967 7,442 Deferred: Federal 6,262 (3,986 ) 3,916 State (1,347 ) (1,375 ) (694 ) Foreign 2,542 (439 ) 16 Income tax expense 19,605 5,650 13,503 The following reconciles income tax expense (benefit) computed at the federal statutory rate with income tax expense as reported: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Expected income tax expense (benefit) at 35% (1) 26,279 (194 ) 15,140 Return-to-provision and true-up adjustments (4,127 ) (1,329 ) 1,133 Previously unrecognized research and development credits (3,434 ) — — Nondeductible expenses 2,772 2,768 4,060 Intercompany dividends, net of deduction for dividends received (539 ) (541 ) (319 ) Tax-exempt interest (458 ) (404 ) (324 ) State income tax benefit – net of Federal impact (407 ) (914 ) (840 ) Noncontrolling interest 303 251 186 Valuation allowance 294 (668 ) (5,020 ) Foreign tax rate differential (207 ) (329 ) (693 ) Impairment of goodwill — 7,099 — Other – net (871 ) (89 ) 180 Income tax expense 19,605 5,650 13,503 Effective income tax rates (1) 26.1 % (1,019.4 )% 31.2 % (1) Calculated using income (loss) before taxes and after noncontrolling interests. Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from the same tax jurisdiction are netted and presented as either an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from different tax jurisdictions are not netted. Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are detailed below. 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses 26,835 20,190 Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards 6,275 6,428 Tax credit carryforwards 6,154 20,242 Federal offset to Canadian deferred tax liability (1) 4,335 1,657 Foreign currency translation adjustments 4,238 5,220 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 3,454 3,524 Fixed assets 2,067 2,094 Investments 978 3,369 Other 476 297 Deferred tax assets – gross 54,812 63,021 Valuation allowance (2,457 ) (2,217 ) Deferred tax assets – net 52,355 60,804 Deferred tax liabilities: Amortization – goodwill and other intangibles (26,851 ) (27,991 ) Title loss provisions (21,433 ) (18,523 ) Unrealized gains on investments (3,873 ) (4,811 ) Deferred compensation on life insurance policies (3,345 ) (3,558 ) Other (849 ) (2,328 ) Deferred tax liabilities – gross (56,351 ) (57,211 ) Net deferred income tax (liability) asset (3,996 ) 3,593 (1) For U.S. income tax purposes, the Company’s Canada operation is a branch of Guaranty. As a result, the branch’s Canadian net deferred tax liability is offset in the U.S. as a deferred tax asset but not in an equal amount given differing tax rates in Canada and the U.S. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, net deferred tax (liabilities) assets for U.S. federal tax paying components totaled approximately $(1.2) million and $3.8 million , respectively, and net deferred tax liabilities for foreign tax paying components totaled approximately $2.8 million and $0.3 million , respectively. The net increase (decrease) to the valuation allowance during 2016 and 2015 was $0.2 million and $(0.3) million , respectively. During 2008, the Company recorded a valuation allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets, net of definite-lived deferred tax liabilities, for which realization could not be assured based on a more-likely-than-not standard. The Company retained that valuation allowance for all subsequent periods through December 31, 2011 principally due to the Company’s cumulative three-year operating loss history as of the end of each period. The Company routinely evaluates the extent to which the valuation allowance may be reversed. During 2014, the Company released the remaining $5.0 million valuation allowance on foreign tax credit carryforwards that it believed will, on a more-likely-than-not-basis, be utilized prior to expiration. During 2016 and 2015, there were no material releases of any valuation allowance. The Company believes it is more-likely-than-not it will be able to utilize its net deferred tax assets. The Company’s $6.2 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards at December 31, 2016 expire in 2022 and 2023 . The Company's $6.3 million of deferred tax assets relating to NOL carryforwards include certain state amounts which expire in varying amounts from 2019 through 2036 and foreign amounts which expire in varying amounts from 2020 through 2026 or have unlimited carryforward periods. The future utilization of all NOL and foreign tax credit carryforwards is subject to various limitations. The remaining valuation allowance at December 31, 2016 relates principally to certain state and foreign NOL carryforwards. The Company’s income tax returns are routinely subject to examinations by U.S. federal, foreign, and state and local tax authorities. During 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) completed its examination of calendar years 2005 through 2008 and the Company received anticipated refunds from previously-filed carryback claims in the amount of $2.8 million . Also during 2014, the IRS completed its examination of the calendar year 2012 U.S. federal tax return without any IRS-initiated adjustments. The Company is also involved in routine examinations by state and local tax jurisdictions for calendar years 2010 through 2014. The Company expects no material adjustments from any tax return examinations.

Goodwill and other intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and other intangibles	Goodwill and other intangibles. The summary of changes in goodwill is as follows: Title Ancillary Services and Corporate Total ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1, 2015 202,002 49,866 251,868 Re-allocation of goodwill 3,951 (3,951 ) — Acquisitions 7,220 — 7,220 Purchase adjustments — (5,268 ) (5,268 ) Impairment (1,569 ) (34,180 ) (35,749 ) Disposals (349 ) — (349 ) Balances at December 31, 2015 211,255 6,467 217,722 Acquisitions 300 — 300 Disposals (190 ) (738 ) (928 ) Balances at December 31, 2016 211,365 5,729 217,094 In connection with the realignment of the Company's reportable segments in 2016 (refer to Note 19), management determined it was appropriate to re-allocate the goodwill attributable to the centralized title services business from the ancillary services and corporate segment to the title segment. For comparability, this adjustment and the 2015 impairment related to the centralized title services business were presented as part of the title segment 2015 activity in the table shown above. The purchase adjustments recorded for 2015 were related to the remeasurement of assumed liabilities related to certain acquisitions from 2014 (refer to Note 20). 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. In 2016, the Company performed a quantitative assessment for each of its reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. Based on the analysis, the Company concluded that the goodwill related to each reporting unit was not impaired. In 2015, the Company utilized the qualitative assessment for the title reporting units and concluded that the goodwill related to the title reporting units was not impaired. Further, in 2015, based on management's decision to exit the delinquent loan servicing activities included within the ancillary services reporting unit, the Company performed a two-step quantitative assessment of ancillary services' goodwill. Based on the impairment analysis, the Company recorded a $35.7 million impairment of goodwill for 2015, which was presented as impairment of goodwill in the 2015 consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. As discussed above, $1.6 million of the total impairment was related to the centralized title services business and was subsequently included as part of the title segment as a result of the Company's realignment of its reportable segments. In 2015, the Company also performed an impairment analysis of other intangible assets within the ancillary services and corporate segment. Based on the Company's impairment review using the discounted cash flow technique to estimate fair value, the Company recorded an impairment of $0.9 million on an intangible asset. Further, the Company recognized in 2015 a $0.9 million impairment relating to an intangible asset under the title segment that will not be recoverable in future periods. These impairment losses on other intangible assets were reported within investment and other losses - net in the 2015 consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss. During 2016, the Company determined no impairment on other intangible assets was required. The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization and impairment of other intangibles was $32.7 million and $21.8 million , respectively, at December 31, 2016 and $43.6 million and $25.5 million , respectively, at December 31, 2015 . During 2016, other intangible assets with total gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization and impairment of $11.2 million and $9.1 million, respectively, were written off as part of the sale of certain businesses within the Company's ancillary services operations (refer to Note 21). The amortization expense recorded for the Company's other intangible assets was $5.5 million and $7.0 million in 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The annual amortization expense expected to be recognized in the next five years is approximately $ 3.4 million in 2017, $ 2.8 million in 2018, $ 2.0 million in 2019, $ 1.0 million in 2020 and $ 0.4 million in 2021.

Equity investees

Equity investees	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity investees	Equity investees. Summarized aggregate financial information for equity investees (in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity) is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) For the year: Revenues 24,274 28,843 31,562 Net income 6,542 8,830 7,914 At December 31: Total assets 32,324 33,555 25,533 Notes payable 20,895 20,200 12,727 Stockholders’ equity 9,483 7,213 7,665 Net premium revenues from policies issued by equity investees were approximately $2.1 million , $2.5 million and $3.1 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Income related to equity investees was $2.8 million , $3.6 million and $3.4 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. These amounts are included in title insurance – direct operations in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Goodwill related to equity investees was $7.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and is included in investments in investees in the consolidated balance sheets. Equity investments, including the related goodwill balances, are reviewed for impairment annually and upon the occurrence of an event that may indicate an impairment. No impairment was recorded during the three years ended December 31, 2016.

Notes payable and line of credi

Notes payable and line of credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes payable and line of credit	Notes payable and line of credit. A summary of notes payable follows: 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Banks – varying payments and rates (1) 92,875 98,000 Other than banks 13,933 4,399 106,808 102,399 (1) Average interest rates were 1.97% and 1.68% during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Principal payments on the above notes, based upon the contractual maturities, are due in the amounts of $9.7 million in 2017, $2.3 million in 2018, $94.1 million in 2019, and $0.7 million in 2020. Included within notes payable - other than banks are $7.3 million and $3.8 million of capital lease obligations at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , the Company had available a $125.0 million unsecured line of credit commitment (Credit Agreement), which expires October 2019, under which borrowings of $92.9 million were outstanding; the remaining balance of the line of credit available for use was $29.6 million , net of an unused $2.5 million letter of credit. The unsecured line of credit can be used for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. Borrowings bear interest, at the Company's election, at either (a) an Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate (ABR Borrowing) or (b) LIBOR plus the Applicable Rate (Eurodollar Borrowing). The Applicable Rate ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% per annum for ABR Borrowings and 1.50% to 2.00% per annum for Eurodollar Borrowings based on the Company's consolidated Leverage Ratio. Also, under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the Company may at any time, subject to certain conditions, request an increase in the amount of the line of credit up to $50.0 million . The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Credit Agreement also contains certain consolidated financial covenants providing that (a) the ratio of EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to fixed charges (as defined in the agreement) not be below 1.25 to 1.00 on a trailing four-quarter basis (Fixed Charge Ratio); (b) the ratio of total Indebtedness to EBITDA for the prior four consecutive quarters must not be greater than 2.25 to 1.00 (Leverage Ratio); and (c) Capital Expenditures in the aggregate for the Company in any calendar year may not exceed $20.0 million , with certain allowances for carryover of unused amounts. The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. In February 2016, the Company entered into a first amendment (First Amendment) relating to the Credit Agreement. The First Amendment amended the Credit Agreement, effective as of December 31, 2015, to, among other things, (i) establish an exception to the limitation on restricted payments under the Credit Agreement, which allowed for the cash payment of $12.0 million in April 2016 to the holders of the Company’s Class B Common Stock in respect of the Exchange Agreement (refer to Note 12), (ii) establish an exception to the limitation on restricted payments under the Credit Agreement in respect of the Company’s new share repurchase program of up to $50.0 million , as announced in November 2015, (iii) increase the general permitted restricted payments (dividends) basket in Section 6.07 of the Credit Agreement from $25.0 million to $35.0 million annually, (iv) provide for an exclusion from the calculation of EBITDA of the $35.9 million impairment charge recorded in 2015, and (v) increase the amount of capital expenditures permitted in any calendar year from $20 million to $25 million . The Company's qualified intermediary in tax-deferred property exchanges pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code enters into short-term loan agreements with parties to an exchange in the ordinary course of its business. The outstanding balances pursuant to these loans, as included within notes payable - other than banks in the above table, were $6.5 million and $0.4 million as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and are secured by cash that is included in cash and cash equivalents on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Borrowings and repayments on these loans are reflected as financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Estimated title losses

Estimated title losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Estimated title losses	Estimated title losses. A summary of estimated title losses is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1 462,622 495,395 506,888 Provisions: Current year 72,586 68,029 64,577 Previous policy years 18,561 38,236 16,728 Total provisions 91,147 106,265 81,305 Payments, net of recoveries: Current year (18,836 ) (19,182 ) (18,775 ) Previous policy years (73,194 ) (104,450 ) (67,898 ) Total payments, net of recoveries (92,030 ) (123,632 ) (86,673 ) Adjustments related to acquired balance — (2,303 ) 2,268 Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates 833 (13,103 ) (8,393 ) Balances at December 31 462,572 462,622 495,395 Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues: Current year provisions 3.8 % 3.6 % 3.8 % Total provisions 4.8 % 5.6 % 4.7 % The loss provision recorded for the year ended December 31, 2016 reflected an ultimate loss rate of 3.8% of title revenues for policies issued in the current year and a net increase in the loss reserve estimates for prior policy years of $18.6 million . The increase in the loss reserve estimate for prior policy years included $14.3 million related to adverse loss development due to continued elevated claims payment experience for certain years. Total provisions for large title claims related to prior policy years were $3.8 million , $31.7 million and $3.1 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The 2015 and 2014 loss provisions included 3.6% and 3.8% , respectively, of title revenues related to the current policy year and net increases in the loss reserves estimate for prior policy years of $38.2 million and $16.7 million , respectively. During 2015 and 2014, the Company continued to experience favorable development relative to prior years which allowed the Company to lower the overall loss provision rates during these years. Provisions for prior policy years during 2015 and 2014 included adverse loss development of $6.2 million and $17.9 million , respectively, relating to other than large title losses.

Common Stock and Class B Common

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock	Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Prior to April 2016, the Company had two classes of stock outstanding - the Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock. 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. 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 14). At December 31, 2016 and 2015 , there were 145,820 shares of Common Stock held by a subsidiary of the Company which are included in the treasury stock reported in the consolidated balance sheets.

Share-based payments

Share-based payments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based payments	Share-based payments. During the three years ended December 31, 2016, 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. The time-based grants in 2016 and future periods vest equally 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 grant-date fair values of restricted common stock awards in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $4.1 million ( 110,000 shares with an average grant price of $37.34 ), $4.4 million ( 119,000 shares with an average grant price of $37.16 ) and $4.0 million ( 125,000 shares with an average grant price of $32.24 ), respectively. Awards were made pursuant to the Company’s employee incentive compensation plans and the compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards is recognized over the corresponding vesting period as part of employee costs in the consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, in 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Company granted its board of directors, as a component of their annual director retainer compensation, approximately 18,000 , 18,000 and 22,000 shares, respectively, of common stock, which immediately vested at grant date. The aggregate fair values of these director awards at grant dates were $0.6 million , $0.7 million and $0.7 million , respectively, and the associated expense is recognized in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. A summary of the restricted common stock award activity during the year ended December 31, 2016 is presented below: Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share ($) Nonvested balance at January 1, 2016 252,190 34.88 Granted 109,903 37.34 Adjustment for performance-based shares (36,997 ) 32.91 Vested (83,286 ) 33.23 Forfeited (35,483 ) 35.03 Nonvested balance at December 31, 2016 206,327 37.18 The fair value of shares that vested in 2016 and 2015 aggregated to $3.8 million and $2.9 million , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, compensation costs recognized in the statements of operations were approximately $3.0 million , $4.4 million and $4.0 million , respectively. The total tax benefits recognized in the statement of operations from tax deductions relating to vesting of restricted common stock awards in 2016, 2015 and 2014 were $1.7 million , $1.0 million and $0.3 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2016, compensation costs not yet recognized related to nonvested restricted common stock awards was $4.0 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share. The Company’s basic earnings (loss) per share (EPS) attributable to Stewart is calculated by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Stewart by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the reporting periods. To calculate diluted earnings per share, net income and number of shares are adjusted for the effects of any dilutive shares. Using the if-converted method, net income is adjusted for interest expense, net of any tax effects, applicable to the Convertible Senior Notes, which were fully converted into common stock during October 2014. The number of shares is adjusted by adding the number of dilutive shares, assuming they are issued, during the same reporting period. The treasury stock method is used to calculate the dilutive number of shares related to the Company’s long term incentive and stock option plans. In periods of loss, dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation of the diluted loss per share and diluted loss per share is computed in the same manner as basic loss per share. The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows: For the Years Ended 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart 55,478 (6,204 ) 29,753 Less: Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion (a) (12,000 ) — — Net income (loss) for calculating basic EPS 43,478 (6,204 ) 29,753 Add: Interest expense, net of tax effects — — 1,006 Adjusted net income (loss) for calculating diluted EPS 43,478 (6,204 ) 30,759 Denominator (000): Basic average shares outstanding 23,364 23,544 22,778 Average number of dilutive shares relating to options — — 2 Average number of dilutive shares relating to convertible senior notes — — 1,641 Average number of dilutive shares relating to restricted shares grant 108 — 289 Diluted average shares outstanding 23,472 23,544 24,710 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 1.86 (0.26 ) 1.31 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 1.85 (0.26 ) 1.24 (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 12) 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 the adjusted net income for calculating basic and diluted EPS.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance. As is industry practice, the Company cedes risks to other title insurance underwriters and reinsurers on certain transactions. However, the Company remains liable if the reinsurer should fail to meet its obligations. The Company also assumes risks from other underwriters on a transactional basis as well as on certain reinsurance treaties. Payments and recoveries on reinsured losses were insignificant during each of the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . The total amount of premiums for assumed and ceded risks was less than 1.0% of consolidated title revenues in each of the last three years.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases. Lease expense was $41.3 million , $42.9 million and $42.6 million in 2016 , 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The future minimum lease payments relating to operating leases are summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars): 2017 50,274 2018 41,967 2019 31,468 2020 18,666 2021 11,375 2022 and after 14,442 168,192

Contingent liabilities and comm

Contingent liabilities and commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent liabilities and commitments	Contingent liabilities and commitments. The Company routinely holds third-party funds in segregated escrow accounts pending the closing of real estate transactions resulting in a contingent liability to the Company of approximately $1.0 billion at December 31, 2016 . In addition, the Company is contingently liable for disbursements of escrow funds held by agencies in those cases where specific insured closing guarantees have been issued. The Company owns a qualified intermediary in tax-deferred property exchanges for customers pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company holds the proceeds from these transactions until a qualifying exchange can occur. This resulted in a contingent liability to the Company of approximately $1.1 billion at December 31, 2016 . As is industry practice, escrow and Section 1031 exchanger fund accounts are not included in the consolidated balance sheets. In the ordinary course of business, the Company guarantees the third-party indebtedness of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2016 , the maximum potential future payments on the guarantees are not more than the related notes payable recorded in the consolidated balance sheets (refer to Note 10). The Company also guarantees the indebtedness related to lease obligations of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum future obligations arising from these lease-related guarantees are not more than the Company’s future minimum lease payments (refer to Note 16). As of December 31, 2016 , the Company also had unused letters of credit aggregating $5.6 million related to workers’ compensation coverage and other insurance. The Company does not expect to make any payments on these guarantees.

Regulatory and legal developmen

Regulatory and legal developments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 ordinary course proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. In addition, 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 receives from time to time various other inquiries from governmental regulators concerning practices in the insurance industry. Many of these practices do not concern title insurance. To the extent the Company is in receipt of such inquiries, it believes that it has adequately reserved for these matters and does not anticipate that the outcome of these inquiries will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company is subject to various other administrative actions and inquiries into its business conduct in certain of the states in which it operates. While the Company cannot predict the outcome of the various regulatory and administrative matters, it believes that it has adequately reserved for these matters and does not anticipate that the outcome of any of these matters will materially affect its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Segment information

Segment information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 realigning 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 appraisal and valuation services, 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 historically provided appraisal and valuation services, document management, recording and call center-related services offered to large mortgage lenders and servicers, mortgage brokers and mortgage investors. As of December 31, 2016 the principal offering of ancillary services are appraisal and valuation services. 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 information related to these segments for the years ended December 31 is as follows using restated prior year period amounts to conform to the new segment presentation: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Title segment: Revenues 1,922,422 1,904,258 1,730,875 Impairment of goodwill — 1,569 — Depreciation and amortization 21,176 18,767 16,677 Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest 139,083 119,032 90,786 Ancillary services and corporate segment: Revenues 84,218 129,627 139,955 Impairment of goodwill — 34,180 — Depreciation and amortization 8,868 11,531 7,549 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (51,057 ) (109,339 ) (38,974 ) Consolidated Stewart: Revenues 2,006,640 2,033,885 1,870,830 Impairment of goodwill — 35,749 — Depreciation and amortization 30,044 30,298 24,226 Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest 88,026 9,693 51,812 The Company does not provide asset information by reportable operating segment as it does not routinely evaluate the asset position by segment. Revenues for the years ended December 31 in the United States and all international operations are as follows: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) United States 1,889,144 1,925,865 1,751,458 International 117,496 108,020 119,372 2,006,640 2,033,885 1,870,830

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions. During 2014, the Company completed acquisitions of three companies that provide collateral valuation, appraisal services, settlement services, title and closing services, and quality control and loan file review services for an aggregate purchase price of $ 40.0 million , net of liabilities assumed. The acquisitions were primarily funded by borrowings on the Company’s unsecured line of credit. The Company has recorded fair value estimates for the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and estimated goodwill of $ 20.0 million , based on the completion of the Company’s purchase price allocation as of December 31, 2014. During 2015, the Company recorded purchase adjustments of $5.3 million related to the remeasurement of assumed liabilities related to these acquisitions (refer to Note 8). During 2016, the Company sold the quality control services operations, along with other activities within the ancillary services operations (refer to Note 21).

Exit activities

Exit activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 were included in the ancillary services and corporate segment. The decision was based on continued pricing pressures on existing contracts as well as the overall improvement in the housing market and economy which led to decreased demand for these services. The Company operated the delinquent loan servicing business on a phased exit schedule which was completed at the end of the first quarter 2016. As of December 31, 2016, total cumulative exit-related charges incurred approximated $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, $1.4 million of accrued early lease termination costs and $1.1 million of accelerated depreciation of assets were recorded during the year ended December 31, 2016 and are included within the employee costs, investment and other (losses) gains - net and depreciation and amortization lines, respectively, in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss). During the fourth quarter 2016, the Company sold its loan file review and quality control services operations for a combined $1.8 million cash and note receivable, and its government services operations for a combined $1.6 million cash and promissory note. The sale of these operations, which were included in the ancillary services and corporate segment, allows the Company to focus resources on its core business of title insurance and related services. Including the write-off of related goodwill and other intangible assets, the Company recognized total charges of $3.3 million on the sale of these operations in investment and other (losses) gains - net in the 2016 consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Other comprehensive (loss) inco

Other comprehensive (loss) income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive (loss) income	Other comprehensive (loss) income. Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive (loss) income and the related tax effects are as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) Foreign currency translation adjustments (2,385 ) 982 (3,367 ) (16,022 ) (4,877 ) (11,145 ) (10,405 ) (2,840 ) (7,565 ) Unrealized net gains on investments: Change in unrealized net gains on investments 544 190 354 (5,757 ) (2,016 ) (3,741 ) 15,066 5,273 9,793 Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss) (2,940 ) (1,029 ) (1,911 ) (2,501 ) (875 ) (1,626 ) (853 ) (298 ) (555 ) (2,396 ) (839 ) (1,557 ) (8,258 ) (2,891 ) (5,367 ) 14,213 4,975 9,238 Other comprehensive (loss) income (4,781 ) 143 (4,924 ) (24,280 ) (7,768 ) (16,512 ) 3,808 2,135 1,673

Quarterly financial information

Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly financial information (unaudited)	Quarterly financial information (unaudited). Mar 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31 Total ($000 omitted, except per share) Revenues: 2016 438,229 489,437 553,210 525,764 2,006,640 2015 448,871 531,906 555,705 497,403 2,033,885 Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart: 2016 (11,195 ) 23,599 26,375 16,699 55,478 2015 (12,448 ) 17,106 (13,467 ) 2,605 (6,204 ) Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (1) : 2016 (0.48 ) 0.49 1.12 0.71 1.85 2015 (0.52 ) 0.72 (0.58 ) 0.11 (0.26 ) (1) Quarterly per share data may not sum to annual totals due to rounding or effects of dilution in particular quarters but not in annual totals.

Schedule I - Parent Company Fin

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information	SCHEDULE I STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION (Parent Company) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Revenues Investment income 20,000 15,000 25,087 Other losses — — (869 ) Other income 1,252 922 90 21,252 15,922 24,308 Expenses Employee costs 832 156 1,110 Other operating expenses, including $276 each year to affiliates 6,641 7,617 3,806 Depreciation 69 162 421 Interest 2,726 1,726 2,054 10,268 9,661 7,391 Income before taxes and income (losses) from subsidiaries 10,984 6,261 16,917 Income tax expense 2,928 — 1 Income (losses) from subsidiaries 47,422 (12,465 ) 12,837 Net income (loss) 55,478 (6,204 ) 29,753 Retained earnings at beginning of year 455,519 479,733 452,314 Cash dividends on Common Stock (27,840 ) (18,010 ) (2,334 ) Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion (12,000 ) — — Cumulative effect adjustment on adoption of new accounting pronouncement 631 — — Retained earnings at end of year 471,788 455,519 479,733 See accompanying note to financial statement information. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION (Parent Company) BALANCE SHEETS As of December 31, 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Assets Cash and cash equivalents 2,890 832 Receivables: Notes - due from subsidiaries 40,879 68,382 Receivables from affiliates 848 1,093 Allowance for uncollectible amounts (4 ) (7 ) 41,723 69,468 Property and equipment, at cost: Furniture and equipment 2,733 2,893 Accumulated depreciation (2,512 ) (2,625 ) 221 268 Title plant, at cost 48 48 Investments in subsidiaries, on an equity-method basis 688,837 653,519 Goodwill 8,470 8,470 Other assets 16,698 17,457 758,887 750,062 Liabilities Notes payable 92,875 98,000 Accounts payable and other liabilities 24,812 22,781 117,687 120,781 Contingent liabilities and commitments — — Stockholders’ equity Common Stock – $1 par, authorized 50,000,000; issued 23,783,440 and 22,643,255; outstanding 23,431,279 and 22,291,094, respectively 23,783 22,643 Class B Common Stock – $1 par, authorized 1,500,000; issued and outstanding 1,050,012 as of December 31, 2015; retired in 2016 — 1,050 Additional paid-in capital 157,176 156,692 Retained earnings (1) 471,788 455,519 Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income: Foreign currency translation adjustments (16,727 ) (13,360 ) Unrealized investment gains 7,846 9,403 Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost (2,666 ) (2,666 ) Total stockholders’ equity 641,200 629,281 758,887 750,062 (1) Includes undistributed earnings of subsidiaries of $522,104 in 2016 and $514,522 in 2015. See accompanying note to financial statement information. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION (Parent Company) STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Reconciliation of net income (loss) to cash provided (used) by operating activities: Net income (loss) 55,478 (6,204 ) 29,753 Add (deduct): Depreciation 69 162 421 Other losses — — 869 Decrease (increase) in receivables – net 245 (596 ) (357 ) Decrease (increase) in other assets – net 359 (558 ) (828 ) (Decrease) increase in payables and accrued liabilities – net (496 ) (515 ) 12,395 (Income) losses from subsidiaries (47,421 ) 12,465 (12,837 ) Other – net (6,731 ) (4,593 ) (31,824 ) Cash provided (used) by operating activities 1,503 161 (2,408 ) Investing activities: Dividends from subsidiary 20,000 15,000 25,000 Purchase of property and equipment –net (22 ) — — Collections on notes receivables 27,500 — — Increases in notes receivables — (21,500 ) (46,875 ) Cash provided (used) by investing activities 47,478 (6,500 ) (21,875 ) Financing activities: Proceeds from notes payable 20,000 45,000 60,000 Payments on notes payable (25,125 ) (7,000 ) — Dividends paid (27,840 ) (18,010 ) (2,334 ) Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion (12,000 ) — — Repurchases of Common Stock (1,053 ) (27,950 ) (22,048 ) Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary (991 ) (209 ) (321 ) Other – net 86 130 — Cash (used) provided by financing activities (46,923 ) (8,039 ) 35,297 Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 2,058 (14,378 ) 11,014 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 832 15,210 4,196 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2,890 832 15,210 Supplemental information: Income taxes paid 1 1 24 Interest paid 2,716 1,681 546 See accompanying note to financial statement information. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION (Parent Company) NOTE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION The Parent Company operates as a holding company, transacting substantially all of its business through its subsidiaries. Its consolidated financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of Form 10-K. The Parent Company financial statements should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and financial statement schedules. Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts in the Parent Company financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net income (loss) and stockholders’ equity, as previously reported, were not affected. Investment income. During 2016, 2015 and 2014, Guaranty paid to the Parent Company dividends of $20.0 million , $15.0 million and $25.0 million , respectively. Class B Common Stock. In April 2016, the Parent Company's stockholders approved the Class B Exchange Agreement, in which all outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock were retired in exchange for shares of Common Stock plus $12.0 million in cash. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for details. Income taxes. The Parent Company consistently generates losses, exclusive of dividends or equity earnings from its subsidiaries, and is not expected to generate future income without its subsidiaries. As a result, an increased valuation allowance was recorded during 2016 against deferred tax assets, net of definite-lived deferred tax liabilities, which more-likely-than-not will not be realized by the Parent Company.

Schedule II - Valuation and Qua

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS December 31, 2016 Col. A Col. B Col. C Additions Col. D Deductions Col. E Description Balance at beginning of period Charged to costs and expenses Charged to other accounts (describe) (Describe) Balance At end of period ($000 omitted) Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries: Year ended December 31, 2016: Estimated title losses 462,622 91,147 — 91,197 (A) 462,572 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 2,217 240 — — 2,457 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 9,833 3,349 — 3,535 (B) 9,647 Year ended December 31, 2015: Estimated title losses 495,395 106,265 — 139,038 (A) 462,622 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 2,564 (347 ) — — 2,217 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 9,193 3,396 — 2,756 (B) 9,833 Year ended December 31, 2014: Estimated title losses 506,888 81,305 2,268 (C) 95,066 (A) 495,395 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets 6,971 (4,407 ) — — 2,564 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 9,871 1,977 — 2,655 (B) 9,193 (A) Represents primarily payments of policy and escrow losses and loss adjustment expenses. (B) Represents uncollectible accounts written off. (C) Represents amounts added through acquisitions. See accompanying Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

General (Policies)

General (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Management's responsibility	Management’s responsibility. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications. Certain prior year amounts in these consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart and stockholders’ equity, as previously reported, were not affected.
Consolidation	Consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors. All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated and provisions have been made for noncontrolling interests. Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the entity, are accounted for by the equity method.
Statutory accounting	Statutory accounting. Stewart Title Guaranty Company (Guaranty) and other title insurance underwriters owned by the Company prepare financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory authorities. In conforming the statutory financial statements to GAAP, the statutory premium reserve and the reserve for known title losses are eliminated and, in substitution, amounts are established for estimated title losses (Note 1F), for which the net effect, after providing for income taxes, is included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Additionally, the investments in debt securities available-for-sale, which are carried at amortized cost for statutory accounting, are reported at fair value and the net unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable deferred taxes, on the investments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within stockholders’ equity.
Revenue recognition	Revenue recognition. Operating revenues from direct title operations are considered earned at the time of the closing of the related real estate transaction. The Company recognizes premium revenues on title insurance policies written by independent agencies (agencies) when the policies are reported to the Company. In addition, where reasonable estimates can be made, the Company accrues for policies issued but not reported until after period end. The Company believes that reasonable estimates can be made when recent and consistent policy issuance information is available. Estimates are based on historical reporting patterns and other information obtained about agencies, as well as current trends in direct operations and in the title industry. In this accrual, future transactions are not being estimated. The Company is estimating revenues on policies that have already been issued by agencies but not yet reported to or received by the Company. The Company has consistently followed the same basic method of estimating unreported policy revenues for more than 10 years. Revenues generated by the Company's ancillary services operations are generally considered earned at the time the service is performed or the product is delivered to the customer.
Title losses and related claims	Title losses and related claims. The Company’s method for recording the reserves for title losses on both an interim and annual basis begins with the calculation of its current loss provision rate, which is applied to the Company’s current premiums resulting in a title loss expense for the period. This loss provision rate is set to provide for estimated losses on current year policies and is determined using moving average ratios of recent actual policy loss payment experience (net of recoveries) to premium revenues. At each quarter end, the Company’s recorded reserve for title losses begins with the prior period’s reserve balance for claim losses, adds the current period provision to that balance and subtracts actual paid claims, resulting in an amount that management compares to its actuarially-based calculation of the ending reserve balance necessary to provide for future reported title losses. The actuarially-based calculation is a paid loss development calculation where loss development factors are selected based on company data and input from the Company’s third-party actuaries. The Company also obtains input from third-party actuaries in the form of a reserve analysis utilizing generally accepted actuarial methods. While the Company is responsible for determining its loss reserves, it utilizes this actuarial input to assess the overall reasonableness of its reserve estimation. If the Company’s recorded reserve amount is not at the actuarial point estimate, but is within a reasonable range (+ 5.0% /- 4.0% ) of its actuarially-based reserve calculation and the actuary’s point estimate, the Company’s management assesses the major factors contributing to the different reserve estimates in order to determine the overall reasonableness of its recorded reserve, as well as the position of the recorded reserves relative to the point estimate and the estimated range of reserves. The major factors considered can change from period to period and include items such as current trends in the real estate industry (which management can assess although there is a time lag in the development of this data for use by the actuary), the size and types of claims reported and changes in the Company’s claims management process. If the recorded amount is not within a reasonable range of the Company’s third-party actuary’s point estimate, it will adjust the recorded reserves in the current period and reassess the provision rate on a prospective basis. Once the Company’s reserve for title losses is recorded, it is reduced in future periods as a result of claims payments and may be increased or reduced by revisions to the Company’s estimate of the overall level of required reserves. Large claims (those exceeding $1.0 million on a single claim), including large title losses due to independent agency defalcations, are analyzed and reserved for separately due to the higher dollar amount of loss, lower volume of claims reported and sporadic reporting of such claims. Due to the inherent uncertainty in predicting future title policy losses, significant judgment is required by both the Company’s management and its third party actuaries in estimating reserves. As a consequence, the Company’s ultimate liability may be materially greater or less than its current reserves and/or its third party actuary’s calculated estimate.
Cash equivalents	Cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risks and maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition.
Short-term investments	Short-term investments. Short-term investments comprise time deposits with banks, federal government obligations and other investments maturing in less than one year.
Investments in debt and equity securities	Investments in debt and equity securities. The investment portfolio is classified as available-for-sale. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments are determined using the specific identification method. Net unrealized gains and losses on investments available-for-sale, net of applicable deferred taxes, are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income within stockholders’ equity. At the time unrealized gains and losses become realized, they are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income using the specific identification method. Other-than-temporary declines in fair values of investments available-for-sale are charged to income.
Property and equipment	Property and equipment. Depreciation is principally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets at the following rates: buildings – 30 to 40 years and furniture and equipment – 3 to 10 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses are recognized at disposal.
Title plants	Title plants. Title plants include compilations of a county’s official land records, prior title examination files, copies of prior title policies, maps and related materials that are geographically indexed to a specific property. The costs of acquiring existing title plants and creating new ones, prior to the time such plants are placed in operation, are capitalized. Title plants are not amortized since there is no indication of any loss of value over time but are subject to review for impairment. The costs of maintaining and operating title plants are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses on sales of copies of title plants or interests in title plants are recognized at the time of sale.
Goodwill	Goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed annually, during the third quarter using June 30 balances, or whenever occurrences of events indicate a potential impairment at the reporting unit level. U.S. GAAP provides an option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we decide not to use a qualitative assessment or if the reporting unit fails the qualitative assessment, then we perform a two-step quantitative analysis. The step one analysis is performed, using a combination of the income approach (discounted cash flow (DCF) technique) and the market approach (guideline company and precedent transaction analyses), to determine if the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value, which would indicate a potential impairment. The DCF model utilizes historical and projected operating results and cash flows, initially driven by estimates of changes in future revenue levels, and risk-adjusted discount rates. Our projected operating results are primarily driven by anticipated mortgage originations, which we obtain from projections by industry experts, for our title reporting units and forecasted contractual revenues for our ancillary services reporting unit. Fluctuations in revenues, followed by our ability to appropriately adjust our employee count and other operating expenses, or large and unanticipated adjustments to title loss reserves, are the primary reasons for increases or decreases in our projected operating results. Our market-based valuation methodologies utilize (i) market multiples of earnings and/or other operating metrics of comparable companies and (ii) our market capitalization and a control premium based on market data and factors specific to our ownership and corporate governance structure. If we determine that the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill is greater than its fair value, we then perform the step two analysis to determine the implied fair value of the goodwill and calculate the amount of impairment. In performing the step two analysis, the implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. In this method, the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all the assets and liabilities of that reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the estimated fair value is the purchase price paid. Any impairment of goodwill is determined by the difference between the implied fair value and the carrying amount of the goodwill and is charged to current operations. While we are responsible for assessing whether an impairment of goodwill exists, we utilize inputs from third-party appraisers in performing the quantitative analysis for our impairment review. We evaluate goodwill based on four reporting units with goodwill balances (direct operations, agency operations, international operations and ancillary services). Goodwill is assigned to these reporting units at the time the goodwill is initially recorded. Once assigned to a reporting unit, the goodwill is pooled and no longer attributable to a specific acquisition. All activities within a reporting unit are available to support the carrying value of the goodwill.
Other intangibles	Other intangibles. Other intangible assets are comprised principally of non-compete, underwriting and customer relationship agreements and acquired software. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives, which are primarily 3 to 10 years. These intangible assets are reviewed for impairment when certain events or changes in circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company performs an analysis to determine whether the carrying amount of each intangible asset is recoverable. The carrying amount is not recoverable when it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. For any intangible asset that is not recoverable, the Company calculates the excess of the carrying amount of the intangible asset over its fair value, estimated using the income approach (DCF technique). The resulting difference of the carrying amount over the fair value is treated as the impairment of the asset and is charged to current operations.
Other long-lived assets	Other long-lived assets. The Company reviews the carrying values of title plants and other long-lived assets if certain events occur that may indicate impairment. An impairment of these long-lived assets is indicated when projected undiscounted cash flows over the estimated lives of the assets are less than carrying values. If impairment is indicated, the recorded amounts are written down to fair values.
Fair values	Fair values. The fair values of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, notes receivable, notes payable and accounts payable, are determined by the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The net fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values. Investments in debt and equity securities and certain financial instruments are carried at their fair values.
Leases	Leases. The Company recognizes rent expense under noncancelable operating leases, which generally expire over the next 10 years, on the straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, including provisions for any free rent periods or escalating lease payments.
Income taxes	Income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to differences between the tax basis and the book carrying values of certain assets and liabilities. To the extent that the Company does not believe its deferred tax assets meet the more-likely-than-not realization criteria, it establishes a valuation allowance. When it establishes a valuation allowance, or increases (decreases) the allowance during the year, it records a tax expense (benefit) in its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Enacted tax rates are used in calculating amounts. The Company provides for uncertainties in income taxes by prescribing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements and Recent significant accounting pronouncements not yet adopted	Recent significant accounting pronouncements not yet adopted. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which eliminated the transaction-specific and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaced it with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition. Originally, ASU 2014-09 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB clarified certain aspects of identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB provided additional guidance related to disclosure of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on collectibility, non-cash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes collected from customers. Earlier application is permitted only for annual and interim periods after December 15, 2016. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 using the cumulative effect method of adoption. The Company is still currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company does not expect ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 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 equal to the present value of contractual 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. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 and recognize and measure leases in the financial statements at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company considers the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in material increases in the assets and liabilities reported on its consolidated balance sheets. However, the Company expects the new ASU will likely have insignificant impact on its consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. The Company is currently assessing technological and staff resources that will be needed to address changes to its lease management and accounting processes. Refer to Note 16 for the disclosures of future minimum lease payments relating to operating leases of office spaces. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combination: Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments in this ASU change the definition of a business to assist with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is allowed. The Company expects to early adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2017. Also in January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments in this ASU eliminate Step 2 from the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this new guidance, the annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge, if determined applicable, should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. This ASU does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is allowed. The Company expects to early adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2017. Recently adopted accounting pronouncements. In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. (ASU) 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplified several aspects of the accounting for share-based transactions. The new guidance requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) when the awards vest or are settled. Additionally, ASU 2016-09 requires the cash flows related to excess tax benefits to be classified as an operating activity along with other income tax cash flows; removes the requirement to include hypothetical excess tax benefits in the application of the treasury stock method when computing earnings per share; allows for repurchase of an employee’s shares for tax withholding purposes at maximum statutory tax rates without triggering liability accounting; clarifies that all cash payments made on an employee’s behalf for withheld shares should be presented as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows; and provides an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. 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. During the fourth quarter 2016, the Company elected to early adopt ASU 2016-09. Using the modified retrospective method of adoption, the Company recognized a cumulative effect adjustment at January 1, 2016 and reclassified the remaining $0.6 million of unrecognized excess tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to retained earnings in the 2016 statement of equity. The additional impact of the adoption was the recognition of excess tax benefits in the provision for income taxes, rather than in additional paid-in capital, beginning January 1, 2016 and the Company's election to recognize forfeitures in the period they occur. There were no other material impacts of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 and no prior year balances were adjusted. S. Recent significant accounting pronouncements not yet adopted. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which eliminated the transaction-specific and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replaced it with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition. Originally, ASU 2014-09 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March 2016, the FASB clarified the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB clarified certain aspects of identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB provided additional guidance related to disclosure of remaining performance obligations, as well as other amendments to guidance on collectibility, non-cash consideration and the presentation of sales and other similar taxes collected from customers. Earlier application is permitted only for annual and interim periods after December 15, 2016. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 using the cumulative effect method of adoption. The Company is still currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Based on a preliminary assessment, the Company does not expect ASU 2014-09 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 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 equal to the present value of contractual 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. The Company expects to adopt ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 and recognize and measure leases in the financial statements at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company considers the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in material increases in the assets and liabilities reported on its consolidated balance sheets. However, the Company expects the new ASU will likely have insignificant impact on its consolidated statements of operations and cash flows. The Company is currently assessing technological and staff resources that will be needed to address changes to its lease management and accounting processes. Refer to Note 16 for the disclosures of future minimum lease payments relating to operating leases of office spaces. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combination: Clarifying the Definition of a Business . The amendments in this ASU change the definition of a business to assist with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities is a business. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is allowed. The Company expects to early adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2017. Also in January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment . To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the amendments in this ASU eliminate Step 2 from the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. Under this new guidance, the annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge, if determined applicable, should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit should be considered when measuring the goodwill impairment loss. This ASU does not amend the optional qualitative assessment of goodwill impairment. This ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is allowed. The Company expects to early adopt the ASU effective January 1, 2017.

Investments in debt and equit34

Investments in debt and equity securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Costs and Fair Values	Amortized costs and fair values at December 31, follow: 2016 2015 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 72,284 72,432 70,300 72,008 Corporate 338,365 343,047 303,870 309,461 Foreign 165,735 167,027 149,914 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds 12,795 12,613 13,803 13,906 Equity securities 30,255 36,384 27,497 31,253 619,434 631,503 565,384 579,849
Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses	Gross unrealized gains and losses at December 31, were: 2016 2015 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 723 575 1,720 12 Corporate 6,871 2,189 7,700 2,109 Foreign 2,912 1,620 3,789 482 U.S. Treasury Bonds 4 186 128 25 Equity securities 6,800 671 4,842 1,086 17,310 5,241 18,179 3,714
Debt Securities According to Contractual Terms	Debt securities at December 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 53,313 53,644 After one year through five years 227,877 232,594 After five years through ten years 225,206 225,483 After ten years 82,783 83,398 589,179 595,119
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, 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 575 32,038 — — 575 32,038 Corporate 2,189 119,965 — — 2,189 119,965 Foreign 1,427 70,012 193 3,160 1,620 73,172 U.S. Treasury Bonds 186 11,847 — — 186 11,847 Equity securities: 424 5,950 247 2,250 671 8,200 4,801 239,812 440 5,410 5,241 245,222 Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2015 , were: Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total Losses Fair values Losses Fair values Losses Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 9 2,230 3 1,615 12 3,845 Corporate 1,461 83,565 648 32,871 2,109 116,436 Foreign 322 35,008 160 3,155 482 38,163 U.S. Treasury Bonds 6 1,195 19 3,583 25 4,778 Equity securities: 720 4,440 366 3,224 1,086 7,664 2,518 126,438 1,196 44,448 3,714 170,886

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	At December 31, 2016 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,432 — 72,432 Corporate — 343,047 — 343,047 Foreign — 167,027 — 167,027 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 12,613 — 12,613 Equity securities: 36,384 — — 36,384 36,384 595,119 — 631,503 At December 31, 2015 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,008 — 72,008 Corporate — 309,461 — 309,461 Foreign — 153,221 — 153,221 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 13,906 — 13,906 Equity securities: 31,253 — — 31,253 31,253 548,596 — 579,849

Investment income and other g36

Investment income and other gains and losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses	Income from investments and gross realized investment and other gains and losses are detailed below: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Investment income: Debt securities 16,476 15,181 14,593 Short-term investments, cash equivalents and other 2,449 1,669 2,213 18,925 16,850 16,806 Investment and other (losses) gains – net: Realized gains 9,882 5,948 12,018 Realized losses (10,548 ) (7,317 ) (5,274 ) (666 ) (1,369 ) 6,744

Income taxes (Tables)

Income taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense	Income tax expense consists of the following: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Current: Federal 4,718 4,774 3,047 State 1,447 709 (224 ) Foreign 5,983 5,967 7,442 Deferred: Federal 6,262 (3,986 ) 3,916 State (1,347 ) (1,375 ) (694 ) Foreign 2,542 (439 ) 16 Income tax expense 19,605 5,650 13,503
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expenses Computed at Federal Statutory Rate with Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Reported	The following reconciles income tax expense (benefit) computed at the federal statutory rate with income tax expense as reported: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Expected income tax expense (benefit) at 35% (1) 26,279 (194 ) 15,140 Return-to-provision and true-up adjustments (4,127 ) (1,329 ) 1,133 Previously unrecognized research and development credits (3,434 ) — — Nondeductible expenses 2,772 2,768 4,060 Intercompany dividends, net of deduction for dividends received (539 ) (541 ) (319 ) Tax-exempt interest (458 ) (404 ) (324 ) State income tax benefit – net of Federal impact (407 ) (914 ) (840 ) Noncontrolling interest 303 251 186 Valuation allowance 294 (668 ) (5,020 ) Foreign tax rate differential (207 ) (329 ) (693 ) Impairment of goodwill — 7,099 — Other – net (871 ) (89 ) 180 Income tax expense 19,605 5,650 13,503 Effective income tax rates (1) 26.1 % (1,019.4 )% 31.2 % (1) Calculated using income (loss) before taxes and after noncontrolling interests.
Deferred Income Taxes	Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from the same tax jurisdiction are netted and presented as either an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheets. Deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from different tax jurisdictions are not netted. Deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are detailed below. 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Deferred tax assets: Accrued expenses 26,835 20,190 Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards 6,275 6,428 Tax credit carryforwards 6,154 20,242 Federal offset to Canadian deferred tax liability (1) 4,335 1,657 Foreign currency translation adjustments 4,238 5,220 Allowance for uncollectible amounts 3,454 3,524 Fixed assets 2,067 2,094 Investments 978 3,369 Other 476 297 Deferred tax assets – gross 54,812 63,021 Valuation allowance (2,457 ) (2,217 ) Deferred tax assets – net 52,355 60,804 Deferred tax liabilities: Amortization – goodwill and other intangibles (26,851 ) (27,991 ) Title loss provisions (21,433 ) (18,523 ) Unrealized gains on investments (3,873 ) (4,811 ) Deferred compensation on life insurance policies (3,345 ) (3,558 ) Other (849 ) (2,328 ) Deferred tax liabilities – gross (56,351 ) (57,211 ) Net deferred income tax (liability) asset (3,996 ) 3,593 (1) For U.S. income tax purposes, the Company’s Canada operation is a branch of Guaranty. As a result, the branch’s Canadian net deferred tax liability is offset in the U.S. as a deferred tax asset but not in an equal amount given differing tax rates in Canada and the U.S.

Goodwill and other intangibles

Goodwill and other intangibles (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Goodwill	The summary of changes in goodwill is as follows: Title Ancillary Services and Corporate Total ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1, 2015 202,002 49,866 251,868 Re-allocation of goodwill 3,951 (3,951 ) — Acquisitions 7,220 — 7,220 Purchase adjustments — (5,268 ) (5,268 ) Impairment (1,569 ) (34,180 ) (35,749 ) Disposals (349 ) — (349 ) Balances at December 31, 2015 211,255 6,467 217,722 Acquisitions 300 — 300 Disposals (190 ) (738 ) (928 ) Balances at December 31, 2016 211,365 5,729 217,094

Equity investees (Tables)

Equity investees (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Summary of Aggregate Financial Information for Equity Investees	Summarized aggregate financial information for equity investees (in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity) is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) For the year: Revenues 24,274 28,843 31,562 Net income 6,542 8,830 7,914 At December 31: Total assets 32,324 33,555 25,533 Notes payable 20,895 20,200 12,727 Stockholders’ equity 9,483 7,213 7,665

Notes payable and line of cre40

Notes payable and line of credit (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Notes Payable	A summary of notes payable follows: 2016 2015 ($000 omitted) Banks – varying payments and rates (1) 92,875 98,000 Other than banks 13,933 4,399 106,808 102,399 (1) Average interest rates were 1.97% and 1.68% during the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Estimated title losses (Tables)

Estimated title losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Summary of Estimated Title Losses	A summary of estimated title losses is as follows: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1 462,622 495,395 506,888 Provisions: Current year 72,586 68,029 64,577 Previous policy years 18,561 38,236 16,728 Total provisions 91,147 106,265 81,305 Payments, net of recoveries: Current year (18,836 ) (19,182 ) (18,775 ) Previous policy years (73,194 ) (104,450 ) (67,898 ) Total payments, net of recoveries (92,030 ) (123,632 ) (86,673 ) Adjustments related to acquired balance — (2,303 ) 2,268 Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates 833 (13,103 ) (8,393 ) Balances at December 31 462,572 462,622 495,395 Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues: Current year provisions 3.8 % 3.6 % 3.8 % Total provisions 4.8 % 5.6 % 4.7 %

Share-based payments (Tables)

Share-based payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of the Restricted Common Stock Award Activity	A summary of the restricted common stock award activity during the year ended December 31, 2016 is presented below: Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share ($) Nonvested balance at January 1, 2016 252,190 34.88 Granted 109,903 37.34 Adjustment for performance-based shares (36,997 ) 32.91 Vested (83,286 ) 33.23 Forfeited (35,483 ) 35.03 Nonvested balance at December 31, 2016 206,327 37.18

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share	The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows: For the Years Ended 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart 55,478 (6,204 ) 29,753 Less: Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion (a) (12,000 ) — — Net income (loss) for calculating basic EPS 43,478 (6,204 ) 29,753 Add: Interest expense, net of tax effects — — 1,006 Adjusted net income (loss) for calculating diluted EPS 43,478 (6,204 ) 30,759 Denominator (000): Basic average shares outstanding 23,364 23,544 22,778 Average number of dilutive shares relating to options — — 2 Average number of dilutive shares relating to convertible senior notes — — 1,641 Average number of dilutive shares relating to restricted shares grant 108 — 289 Diluted average shares outstanding 23,472 23,544 24,710 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 1.86 (0.26 ) 1.31 Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 1.85 (0.26 ) 1.24

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments	The future minimum lease payments relating to operating leases are summarized as follows (in thousands of dollars): 2017 50,274 2018 41,967 2019 31,468 2020 18,666 2021 11,375 2022 and after 14,442 168,192

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Segmental Revenues and Expenses	Selected statement of operations information related to these segments for the years ended December 31 is as follows using restated prior year period amounts to conform to the new segment presentation: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) Title segment: Revenues 1,922,422 1,904,258 1,730,875 Impairment of goodwill — 1,569 — Depreciation and amortization 21,176 18,767 16,677 Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest 139,083 119,032 90,786 Ancillary services and corporate segment: Revenues 84,218 129,627 139,955 Impairment of goodwill — 34,180 — Depreciation and amortization 8,868 11,531 7,549 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (51,057 ) (109,339 ) (38,974 ) Consolidated Stewart: Revenues 2,006,640 2,033,885 1,870,830 Impairment of goodwill — 35,749 — Depreciation and amortization 30,044 30,298 24,226 Income before taxes and noncontrolling interest 88,026 9,693 51,812
Revenues Generated in Domestic and Foreign Country	Revenues for the years ended December 31 in the United States and all international operations are as follows: 2016 2015 2014 ($000 omitted) United States 1,889,144 1,925,865 1,751,458 International 117,496 108,020 119,372 2,006,640 2,033,885 1,870,830

Other comprehensive (loss) in46

Other comprehensive (loss) income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive (loss) income and the related tax effects are as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) Foreign currency translation adjustments (2,385 ) 982 (3,367 ) (16,022 ) (4,877 ) (11,145 ) (10,405 ) (2,840 ) (7,565 ) Unrealized net gains on investments: Change in unrealized net gains on investments 544 190 354 (5,757 ) (2,016 ) (3,741 ) 15,066 5,273 9,793 Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss) (2,940 ) (1,029 ) (1,911 ) (2,501 ) (875 ) (1,626 ) (853 ) (298 ) (555 ) (2,396 ) (839 ) (1,557 ) (8,258 ) (2,891 ) (5,367 ) 14,213 4,975 9,238 Other comprehensive (loss) income (4,781 ) 143 (4,924 ) (24,280 ) (7,768 ) (16,512 ) 3,808 2,135 1,673

Quarterly financial informati47

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information	Mar 31 June 30 Sept 30 Dec 31 Total ($000 omitted, except per share) Revenues: 2016 438,229 489,437 553,210 525,764 2,006,640 2015 448,871 531,906 555,705 497,403 2,033,885 Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart: 2016 (11,195 ) 23,599 26,375 16,699 55,478 2015 (12,448 ) 17,106 (13,467 ) 2,605 (6,204 ) Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (1) : 2016 (0.48 ) 0.49 1.12 0.71 1.85 2015 (0.52 ) 0.72 (0.58 ) 0.11 (0.26 ) (1) Quarterly per share data may not sum to annual totals due to rounding or effects of dilution in particular quarters but not in annual totals.

General (Detail)

General (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)reporting_unit	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue major segments percentage	48.00%
Method for estimating unreported policy revenues, period of use (more than) (years)	10 years
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Threshold amount for large claims	$ 1,000,000
Number of reporting units used for goodwill evaluation | reporting_unit	4
Non-cancelable operating lease, expiration period (years)	10 years
Unrecognized excess tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to retained earnings	$ (631,000)	$ 0	$ 0
Minimum
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Threshold percentage, reserve amount (percent)	4.00%
Intangible assets estimated life (years)	3 years
Minimum | Buildings
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life (years)	30 years
Minimum | Furniture and equipment
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life (years)	3 years
Maximum
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Threshold percentage, reserve amount (percent)	5.00%
Intangible assets estimated life (years)	10 years
Maximum | Buildings
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life (years)	40 years
Maximum | Furniture and equipment
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment, useful life (years)	10 years
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Forfeiture Rate Component | Retained Earnings | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Unrecognized excess tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to retained earnings	$ (600,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Forfeiture Rate Component | Additional paid-in capital | New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect
Organization Consolidation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Unrecognized excess tax benefits from additional paid-in capital to retained earnings	$ 600,000

Restrictions on cash and inve49

Restrictions on cash and investments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Investments restricted for statutory reserve funds	$ 485.4	$ 483.3
Restricted cash and cash equivalent	$ 13.9	$ 17.2

Statutory surplus and dividen50

Statutory surplus and dividend restrictions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Maximum amount of dividend to be paid	$ 102
Dividends paid by guaranty	20	$ 15	$ 25
Surplus for guaranty	509.9	501.8
Statutory net income	53.6	$ 83.2	$ 53.2
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements for guaranty	2
Underwriter entities
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Statutory capital and surplus necessary to satisfy regulatory requirements for guaranty	$ 15

Investments in debt and equit51

Investments in debt and equity securities - Amortized Costs and Fair Values (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	$ 589,179
Equity securities, Amortized costs	30,255	$ 27,497
Total, Amortized costs	619,434	565,384
Debt securities, Fair values	595,119
Equity securities, Fair values	36,384	31,253
Available for sale securities, Total	631,503	579,849
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	72,284	70,300
Debt securities, Fair values	72,432	72,008
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	338,365	303,870
Debt securities, Fair values	343,047	309,461
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	165,735	149,914
Debt securities, Fair values	167,027	153,221
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt securities, Amortized costs	12,795	13,803
Debt securities, Fair values	$ 12,613	$ 13,906

Investments in debt and equit52

Investments in debt and equity securities - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)investment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Foreign debt securities	$ 595,119,000
Number of investments in an unrealized loss position | investment	192
Number of investments in an unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months | investment	11
Investment and Other (Losses) Gains
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Recognized other than temporary impairment	$ 0	$ 2,700,000
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Foreign debt securities	167,027,000	153,221,000
Foreign | Canada
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Foreign debt securities	139,600,000	125,200,000
Foreign | United Kingdom
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Foreign debt securities	$ 22,600,000	$ 23,100,000

Investments in debt and equit53

Investments in debt and equity securities - Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	$ 17,310	$ 18,179
Losses	5,241	3,714
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	723	1,720
Losses	575	12
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	6,871	7,700
Losses	2,189	2,109
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	2,912	3,789
Losses	1,620	482
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	4	128
Losses	186	25
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	6,800	4,842
Losses	$ 671	$ 1,086

Investments in debt and equit54

Investments in debt and equity securities - Debt Securities According Contractual Terms (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Amortized costs
In one year or less	$ 53,313
After one year through five years	227,877
After five years through ten years	225,206
After ten years	82,783
Amortized costs, Total	589,179
Fair values
In one year or less	53,644
After one year through five years	232,594
After five years through ten years	225,483
After ten years	83,398
Debt securities, fair values total	$ 595,119

Investments in debt and equit55

Investments in debt and equity securities - Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments and Fair Values of Related Securities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Losses
Less than 12 months	$ 4,801	$ 2,518
More than 12 months	440	1,196
Total	5,241	3,714
Fair values
Less than 12 months	239,812	126,438
More than 12 months	5,410	44,448
Total	245,222	170,886
Municipal
Losses
Less than 12 months	575	9
More than 12 months	0	3
Total	575	12
Fair values
Less than 12 months	32,038	2,230
More than 12 months	0	1,615
Total	32,038	3,845
Corporate
Losses
Less than 12 months	2,189	1,461
More than 12 months	0	648
Total	2,189	2,109
Fair values
Less than 12 months	119,965	83,565
More than 12 months	0	32,871
Total	119,965	116,436
Foreign
Losses
Less than 12 months	1,427	322
More than 12 months	193	160
Total	1,620	482
Fair values
Less than 12 months	70,012	35,008
More than 12 months	3,160	3,155
Total	73,172	38,163
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Losses
Less than 12 months	186	6
More than 12 months	0	19
Total	186	25
Fair values
Less than 12 months	11,847	1,195
More than 12 months	0	3,583
Total	11,847	4,778
Equity securities
Losses
Less than 12 months	424	720
More than 12 months	247	366
Total	671	1,086
Fair values
Less than 12 months	5,950	4,440
More than 12 months	2,250	3,224
Total	$ 8,200	$ 7,664

Fair value measurements - Finan

Fair value measurements - Financial Instrument Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	$ 631,503	$ 579,849
Fair value measurements, recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	631,503	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	36,384	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	595,119	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	72,432	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	72,432	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	343,047	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	343,047	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	167,027	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	167,027	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	12,613	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	12,613	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	36,384	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	36,384	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

Fair value measurements - Addit

Fair value measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - Corporate - Level 2	Dec. 31, 2016input
Minimum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of inputs used in fair value measurement	3
Maximum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of inputs used in fair value measurement	10

Investment income and other g58

Investment income and other gains and losses - Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 18,925	$ 16,850	$ 16,806
Investment and other (losses) gains – net:
Realized gains	9,882	5,948	12,018
Realized losses	(10,548)	(7,317)	(5,274)
Investment and other (losses) gains – net	(666)	(1,369)	6,744
Debt securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	16,476	15,181	14,593
Short-term investments, cash equivalents and other
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 2,449	$ 1,669	$ 2,213

Investment income and other g59

Investment income and other gains and losses - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Proceeds from the sales of investments available-for-sale	$ 81,100,000	$ 69,300,000	$ 58,100,000
Realized loss from sale of a business	(3,300,000)		3,800,000
Realized gains from sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale		2,400,000	1,100,000
Realized gains (losses)	1,200,000
Gain on sale of office buildings	400,000	1,500,000
Impairment of an intangible asset	0	1,800,000	1,700,000
Impairment of a cost basis investment			1,000,000
Investment and Other (Losses) Gains
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Realized gains from sale of debt and equity investments available-for-sale	4,000,000
Recognized other than temporary impairment	0	2,700,000
Realized gain from the reduction in the fair value of contingent consideration liability			5,600,000
Facility Closing
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Charges related to office closures	$ 3,400,000	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,900,000

Income taxes - Income Tax Expen

Income taxes - Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current:
Federal	$ 4,718	$ 4,774	$ 3,047
State	1,447	709	(224)
Foreign	5,983	5,967	7,442
Deferred:
Federal	6,262	(3,986)	3,916
State	(1,347)	(1,375)	(694)
Foreign	2,542	(439)	16
Income tax expense	$ 19,605	$ 5,650	$ 13,503

Income taxes - Reconciliation o

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expenses Computed at Federal Statutory Rate with Income Tax Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expected income tax expense (benefit) at 35%	$ 26,279	$ (194)	$ 15,140
Return-to-provision and true-up adjustments	(4,127)	(1,329)	1,133
Previously unrecognized research and development credits	(3,434)	0	0
Nondeductible expenses	2,772	2,768	4,060
Intercompany dividends, net of deduction for dividends received	(539)	(541)	(319)
Tax-exempt interest	(458)	(404)	(324)
State income tax benefit – net of Federal impact	(407)	(914)	(840)
Noncontrolling interest	303	251	186
Valuation allowance	294	(668)	(5,020)
Foreign tax rate differential	(207)	(329)	(693)
Impairment of goodwill	0	7,099	0
Other – net	(871)	(89)	180
Income tax expense	$ 19,605	$ 5,650	$ 13,503
Effective income tax rates	26.10%	(1019.40%)	31.20%

Income taxes - Reconciliation62

Income taxes - Reconciliation of Income Tax Expenses Computed at Federal Statutory Rate with Income Tax Expense (Additional Information) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%

Income taxes - Deferred Income

Income taxes - Deferred Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued expenses	$ 26,835	$ 20,190
Net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards	6,275	6,428
Tax credit carryforwards	6,154	20,242
Federal offset to Canadian deferred tax liability	4,335	1,657
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4,238	5,220
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	3,454	3,524
Fixed assets	2,067	2,094
Investments	978	3,369
Other	476	297
Deferred tax assets – gross	54,812	63,021
Valuation allowance	(2,457)	(2,217)
Deferred tax assets – net	52,355	60,804
Deferred tax liabilities:
Amortization – goodwill and other intangibles	(26,851)	(27,991)
Title loss provisions	(21,433)	(18,523)
Unrealized gains on investments	(3,873)	(4,811)
Deferred compensation on life insurance policies	(3,345)	(3,558)
Other	(849)	(2,328)
Deferred tax liabilities – gross	(56,351)	(57,211)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (3,996)
Net deferred income tax asset		$ 3,593

Income taxes - Additional Infor

Income taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ 3,996
Net deferred income tax asset		$ 3,593
Net increase (decrease) in valuation allowance	200	(300)
Deferred tax assets relating to NOL carryforwards	6,275	6,428
Anticipated refunds received from previously-filed carryback claims			$ 2,800
Domestic Tax Authority
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liabilities	1,200
Net deferred income tax asset		3,800
Foreign Tax Authority
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net deferred tax liabilities	2,800	$ 300
Foreign tax credits carry forwards, deferred tax asset valuation allowances released			$ 5,000
Tax credit carry forwards	$ 6,200

Goodwill and other intangible65

Goodwill and other intangibles - Summary of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 10, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill summary
Beginning balances		$ 217,722	$ 251,868
Re-allocation of goodwill			0
Acquisitions		300	7,220
Purchase adjustments			(5,268)
Impairment	$ (35,900)	0	(35,749)	$ 0
Disposals		(928)	(349)
Ending balances		217,094	217,722	251,868
Title
Goodwill summary
Beginning balances		211,255	202,002
Re-allocation of goodwill			3,951
Acquisitions		300	7,220
Purchase adjustments			0
Impairment		0	(1,569)	0
Disposals		(190)	(349)
Ending balances		211,365	211,255	202,002
Ancillary Services and Corporate
Goodwill summary
Beginning balances		6,467	49,866
Re-allocation of goodwill			(3,951)
Acquisitions		0	0
Purchase adjustments			(5,268)
Impairment		0	(34,180)	0
Disposals		(738)	0
Ending balances		$ 5,729	$ 6,467	$ 49,866

Goodwill and other intangible66

Goodwill and other intangibles - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Feb. 10, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill	$ 35,900,000	$ 0	$ 35,749,000	$ 0
Impairment of an intangible asset		0	1,800,000	1,700,000
Other intangibles, gross carrying amount		32,700,000	43,600,000
Accumulated amortization and impairment of other intangibles		21,800,000	25,500,000
Amortization expense of other intangibles		5,500,000	7,000,000
Future amortization expense
Expected amortization expense in 2017		3,400,000
Expected amortization expense in 2018		2,800,000
Expected amortization expense in 2019		2,000,000
Expected amortization expense in 2020		1,000,000
Expected amortization expense in 2021		400,000
Ancillary Services and Corporate
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill		0	34,180,000	0
Impairment of an intangible asset			900,000
Other intangibles, gross carrying amount		11,200,000
Accumulated amortization and impairment of other intangibles		9,100,000
Title
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill		$ 0	1,569,000	$ 0
Impairment of an intangible asset			$ 900,000

Equity investees - Summarized A

Equity investees - Summarized Aggregate Financial Information for Equity Investees (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 24,274	$ 28,843	$ 31,562
Net income	6,542	8,830	7,914
Total assets	32,324	33,555	25,533
Notes payable	20,895	20,200	12,727
Stockholders’ equity	$ 9,483	$ 7,213	$ 7,665

Equity investees - Additional I

Equity investees - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Feb. 10, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Net premium revenues from policies issued by equity investees		$ 24,274,000	$ 28,843,000	$ 31,562,000
Earnings related to equity investees		6,542,000	8,830,000	7,914,000
Goodwill related to equity investees		217,094,000	217,722,000	251,868,000
Impairment of goodwill	$ 35,900,000	0	35,749,000	0
Equity securities
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Goodwill related to equity investees		7,400,000	7,400,000
Impairment of goodwill		0	0	0
Direct Operations
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Net premium revenues from policies issued by equity investees		2,100,000	2,500,000	3,100,000
Earnings related to equity investees		$ 2,800,000	$ 3,600,000	$ 3,400,000

Notes payable and line of cre69

Notes payable and line of credit - Summary of Notes Payable (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Banks - varying payments and rates	$ 92,875	$ 98,000
Other than banks	13,933	4,399
Notes payable	$ 106,808	$ 102,399
Average interest rate (percent)	1.97%	1.68%

Notes payable and line of cre70

Notes payable and line of credit - Additional Information (Detail)	Feb. 10, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Principal payments on notes in 2017		$ 9,700,000
Principal payments on notes in 2018		2,300,000
Principal payments on notes in 2019		94,100,000
Principal payments on notes in 2020		700,000
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations		13,933,000	$ 4,399,000
Additional cash issued to class B common stock holders		12,000,000	0	$ 0
Impairment of goodwill	$ 35,900,000	0	35,749,000	$ 0
Notes Payable, Other Than Banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding balances of short-term loan agreements		6,500,000	400,000
Conversion, Class B Common Stock to Common Stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Additional cash issued to class B common stock holders	12,000,000
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank line of credit facility amount		125,000,000
Bank line of credit facility, outstanding		92,900,000
Remaining borrowing capacity		29,600,000
Line of credit, conditional increase in maximum borrowing capacity		$ 50,000,000
Fixed charge ratio, minimum (percent)		1.25
Leverage ratio, maximum (percent)		2.25
Aggregate annual capital expenditures allowed		$ 20,000,000
Maximum exception to allowed restricted payments for the new share repurchase program	50,000,000
Line of Credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate annual capital expenditures allowed	20,000,000
Annual dividend payments allowed	25,000,000
Line of Credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate annual capital expenditures allowed	25,000,000
Annual dividend payments allowed	$ 35,000,000
Line of Credit | Base Rate | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate, line of credit (percent)		0.50%
Line of Credit | Base Rate | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate, line of credit (percent)		1.00%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate, line of credit (percent)		1.50%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate, line of credit (percent)		2.00%
Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remaining borrowing capacity		$ 2,500,000
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations		$ 7,300,000	$ 3,800,000

Estimated title losses - Estima

Estimated title losses - Estimated Title Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Loss Contingency Accrual
Beginning balance	$ 462,622	$ 495,395	$ 506,888
Provisions:
Current year	72,586	68,029	64,577
Previous policy years	18,561	38,236	16,728
Total provisions	91,147	106,265	81,305
Payments, net of recoveries:
Current year	(18,836)	(19,182)	(18,775)
Previous policy years	(73,194)	(104,450)	(67,898)
Total payments, net of recoveries	(92,030)	(123,632)	(86,673)
Adjustments related to acquired balance	0	(2,303)	2,268
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	833	(13,103)	(8,393)
Ending balance	$ 462,572	$ 462,622	$ 495,395
Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues:
Current year provisions (percent)	3.80%	3.60%	3.80%
Total provisions (percent)	4.80%	5.60%	4.70%

Estimated title losses - Additi

Estimated title losses - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Current year estimated loss (percent)	3.80%	3.60%	3.80%
Increase (decrease) in prior year estimates		$ 38.2	$ 16.7
Increase (decrease) in liability claims provision	$ 18.6
Change in prior years reserve, claims payment experience
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in liability claims provision	14.3
Recorded provisions		6.2	17.9
Change in prior years reserve, large title claims
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in liability claims provision	$ 3.8	$ 31.7	$ 3.1

Common Stock and Class B Comm73

Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 27, 2016	Jan. 26, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Additional cash issued to class B common stock holders				$ 12,000	$ 0	$ 0
Number of treasury shares held (shares)				352,161	352,161
Subsidiaries
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Number of treasury shares held (shares)				145,820	145,820
Conversion, Class B Common Stock To Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Additional cash issued to class B common stock holders	$ 12,000	$ 12,000	$ 12,000	$ 12,000
Conversion, Class B Common Stock To Common Stock | Class B Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares converted (shares)	1,050,012	1,050,012
Conversion, Class B Common Stock To Common Stock | Common Stock
Conversion of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (shares)	1,050,012	1,050,012

Share-based payments - Addition

Share-based payments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value of vested shares	$ 3.8	$ 2.9
Compensation costs	3	4.4	$ 4
Tax benefits related to vesting of awards	1.7	$ 1	$ 0.3
Compensation costs not yet recognized	$ 4
Compensation costs not yet recognized, period for recognition (years)	1 year 8 months 12 days
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted and immediately vested in relation to the annual director retainer compensation (shares)	18,000	18,000	22,000
Fair value of vested shares	$ 0.6	$ 0.7	$ 0.7
Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (years)	3 years
Performance-Based Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair values at grant date	$ 4.1	$ 4.4	$ 4
Shares issued (shares)	109,903	119,000	125,000
Average grant price (USD per share)	$ 37.34	$ 37.16	$ 32.24
Shares granted and immediately vested in relation to the annual director retainer compensation (shares)	83,286
Time-based restricted stock vesting period year 2 | Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (years)		3 years
Time-based restricted stock vesting period year 3 | Time-Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period (years)			3 years

Share-based payments - Summary

Share-based payments - Summary of the Restricted Common Stock Award Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares
Nonvested balance at beginning of period (shares)	252,190
Granted (shares)	109,903	119,000	125,000
Adjustment for performance-based shares (shares)	(36,997)
Vested (shares)	(83,286)
Forfeited (shares)	(35,483)
Nonvested balance at end of period (shares)	206,327	252,190
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value per Share
Nonvested balance at beginning of period (USD per share)	$ 34.88
Granted (USD per share)	37.34	$ 37.16	$ 32.24
Adjustment for performance-based shares (USD per share)	32.91
Vested (USD per share)	33.23
Forfeited (USD per share)	35.03
Nonvested balance at end of period (USD per share)	$ 37.18	$ 34.88

Earnings per share (Detail)

Earnings per share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Apr. 27, 2016	Jan. 26, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart				$ 16,699	$ 26,375	$ 23,599	$ (11,195)	$ 2,605	$ (13,467)	$ 17,106	$ (12,448)	$ 55,478	$ (6,204)	$ 29,753
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion												(12,000)	0	0
Net income (loss) for calculating basic EPS												43,478	(6,204)	29,753
Add: Interest expense, net of tax effects												0	0	1,006
Adjusted net income (loss) for calculating diluted EPS												$ 43,478	$ (6,204)	$ 30,759
Denominator (000):
Basic average shares outstanding (shares)												23,364	23,544	22,778
Average number of dilutive shares relating to convertible senior notes (shares)												0	0	1,641
Diluted average shares outstanding (shares)												23,472	23,544	24,710
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (USD per share)												$ 1.86	$ (0.26)	$ 1.31
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (USD per share)				$ 0.71	$ 1.12	$ 0.49	$ (0.48)	$ 0.11	$ (0.58)	$ 0.72	$ (0.52)	$ 1.85	$ (0.26)	$ 1.24
Conversion, Class B Common Stock To Common Stock
Numerator:
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion	$ (12,000)	$ (12,000)	$ (12,000)									$ (12,000)
Employee Stock Option
Denominator (000):
Average number of dilutive shares (shares)												0	0	2
Restricted Stock
Denominator (000):
Average number of dilutive shares (shares)												108	0	289

Reinsurance (Detail)

Reinsurance (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Total amount of Premiums for assumed and ceded risks as a percentage of consolidated title revenue (less than)	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Lease expense	$ 41.3	$ 42.9	$ 42.6

Leases - Summary of Future Mini

Leases - Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Detail) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,017	$ 50,274
2,018	41,967
2,019	31,468
2,020	18,666
2,021	11,375
2022 and after	14,442
Future minimum payments, total	$ 168,192

Contingent liabilities and co80

Contingent liabilities and commitments (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantee of indebtedness, relating to unused letters of credit	$ 5.6
Escrow Account Deposit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liability, escrow deposit	1,000
Escrow Account Deposit - Section 1031 Exchange
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liability, escrow deposit	$ 1,100

Segment information - Additiona

Segment information - Additional Information (Detail) - segment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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	Feb. 10, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 525,764	$ 553,210	$ 489,437	$ 438,229	$ 497,403	$ 555,705	$ 531,906	$ 448,871	$ 2,006,640	$ 2,033,885	$ 1,870,830
Impairment of goodwill	$ 35,900									0	35,749	0
Depreciation and amortization										30,044	30,298	24,226
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest										88,026	9,693	51,812
Title
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										1,922,422	1,904,258	1,730,875
Impairment of goodwill										0	1,569	0
Depreciation and amortization										21,176	18,767	16,677
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest										139,083	119,032	90,786
Ancillary Services and Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										84,218	129,627	139,955
Impairment of goodwill										0	34,180	0
Depreciation and amortization										8,868	11,531	7,549
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest										$ (51,057)	$ (109,339)	$ (38,974)

Segment information - Revenues

Segment information - Revenues Generated in Domestic and Foreign Country (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenue	$ 525,764	$ 553,210	$ 489,437	$ 438,229	$ 497,403	$ 555,705	$ 531,906	$ 448,871	$ 2,006,640	$ 2,033,885	$ 1,870,830
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenue									1,889,144	1,925,865	1,751,458
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net revenue									$ 117,496	$ 108,020	$ 119,372

Acquisitions (Detail)

Acquisitions (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)company	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 217,722	$ 251,868	$ 217,094
Series of Business Acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of companies acquired | company		3
Aggregate purchase price		$ 40,000
Goodwill		$ 20,000
Purchase adjustment due to remeasurement of assumed liabilities related to acquisitions	$ 5,300

Exit activities (Details)

Exit activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Realized loss from sale of a business		$ 3.3	$ (3.8)
Disposed of by Sale
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Realized loss from sale of a business	$ 3.3
Disposed of by Sale | Quality Control Services Business
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Consideration received	1.8	1.8
Disposed of by Sale | Government Services Business
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Consideration received	1.6	1.6
Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative exit-related charges	6.4	6.4
Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations | Employee Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative exit-related charges	1.6	1.6
Exit-related charges		0.4
Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations | Contract Termination
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative exit-related charges	2.3	2.3
Exit-related charges		1.4
Exit Plan Out Of Delinquent Loan Servicing Operations | Accelerated Depreciation of Assets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Cumulative exit-related charges	$ 2.5	2.5
Exit-related charges		$ 1.1

Other comprehensive (loss) in86

Other comprehensive (loss) income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Before-Tax Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (2,385)	$ (16,022)	$ (10,405)
Unrealized net gains on investments:
Change in unrealized net gains on investments	544	(5,757)	15,066
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss)	(2,940)	(2,501)	(853)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(2,396)	(8,258)	14,213
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(4,781)	(24,280)	3,808
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	982	(4,877)	(2,840)
Unrealized net gains on investments:
Change in unrealized net gains on investments	190	(2,016)	5,273
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss)	(1,029)	(875)	(298)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(839)	(2,891)	4,975
Other comprehensive (loss) income	143	(7,768)	2,135
Net-of-Tax Amount
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,367)	(11,145)	(7,565)
Unrealized net gains on investments:
Change in unrealized net gains on investments	354	(3,741)	9,793
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss)	(1,911)	(1,626)	(555)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(1,557)	(5,367)	9,238
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$ (4,924)	$ (16,512)	$ 1,673

Quarterly financial informati87

Quarterly financial information (unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 525,764	$ 553,210	$ 489,437	$ 438,229	$ 497,403	$ 555,705	$ 531,906	$ 448,871	$ 2,006,640	$ 2,033,885	$ 1,870,830
Net (loss) income attributable to Stewart	$ 16,699	$ 26,375	$ 23,599	$ (11,195)	$ 2,605	$ (13,467)	$ 17,106	$ (12,448)	$ 55,478	$ (6,204)	$ 29,753
Diluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Stewart (USD per share)	$ 0.71	$ 1.12	$ 0.49	$ (0.48)	$ 0.11	$ (0.58)	$ 0.72	$ (0.52)	$ 1.85	$ (0.26)	$ 1.24

Schedule I - Parent Company F88

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues
Investment income									$ 18,925	$ 16,850	$ 16,806
Total revenues	$ 525,764	$ 553,210	$ 489,437	$ 438,229	$ 497,403	$ 555,705	$ 531,906	$ 448,871	2,006,640	2,033,885	1,870,830
Expenses
Employee costs									604,353	658,266	624,326
Other operating expenses, including $276 each year to affiliates									363,986	381,954	347,276
Depreciation and amortization									30,044	30,298	24,226
Interest									3,062	2,096	3,236
Total expenses									1,918,614	2,024,192	1,819,018
Income before taxes and income (losses) from subsidiaries									88,026	9,693	51,812
Income tax expense									19,605	5,650	13,503
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart	16,699	$ 26,375	$ 23,599	(11,195)	2,605	$ (13,467)	$ 17,106	(12,448)	55,478	(6,204)	29,753
Retained earnings at beginning of year				455,519					455,519
Cash dividends on Common Stock									(27,840)	(18,010)	(2,334)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion									(12,000)	0	0
Cumulative effect adjustment on adoption of new accounting pronouncement	631				0				631	0	0
Retained earnings at end of year	471,788				455,519				471,788	455,519
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Revenues
Investment income									20,000	15,000	25,087
Other losses									0	0	(869)
Other income									1,252	922	90
Total revenues									21,252	15,922	24,308
Expenses
Employee costs									832	156	1,110
Other operating expenses, including $276 each year to affiliates									6,641	7,617	3,806
Depreciation and amortization									69	162	421
Interest									2,726	1,726	2,054
Total expenses									10,268	9,661	7,391
Income before taxes and income (losses) from subsidiaries									10,984	6,261	16,917
Income tax expense									2,928	0	1
Income (losses) from subsidiaries									47,422	(12,465)	12,837
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart									55,478	(6,204)	29,753
Retained earnings at beginning of year				$ 455,519				$ 479,733	455,519	479,733	452,314
Cash dividends on Common Stock									(27,840)	(18,010)	(2,334)
Retained earnings at end of year	$ 471,788				$ 455,519				$ 471,788	$ 455,519	$ 479,733

Schedule I - Parent Company F89

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 363,986	$ 381,954	$ 347,276
Affiliates
Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations [Line Items]
Other operating expenses	$ 276	$ 276	$ 276

Schedule I - Parent Company F90

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 185,772	$ 179,067	$ 200,558	$ 194,289
Receivables:
Notes - due from subsidiaries	3,402	3,744
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(9,647)	(9,833)
Total receivables	71,776	81,671
Property and equipment, at cost:
Furniture and equipment	217,105	214,350
Accumulated depreciation	(173,119)	(169,870)
Total property and equipment, at cost	70,506	71,369
Title plant, at cost	75,313	75,743
Investments in subsidiaries, on an equity-method basis	9,796	9,628
Goodwill	217,094	217,722	251,868
Other assets	42,975	43,807
Total assets	1,341,724	1,321,587
Liabilities
Notes payable	106,808	102,399
Accounts payable and other liabilities	115,640	118,082
Total Liabilities	692,876	684,459
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders’ equity
Additional paid-in capital	157,176	156,692
Retained earnings	471,788	455,519
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(16,727)	(13,360)
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Total stockholders’ equity	648,848	637,128	700,453	663,089
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,341,724	1,321,587
Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	23,783	22,643
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	0	1,050
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	2,890	832	15,210	4,196
Receivables:
Notes - due from subsidiaries	40,879	68,382
Receivables from affiliates	848	1,093
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(4)	(7)
Total receivables	41,723	69,468
Property and equipment, at cost:
Furniture and equipment	2,733	2,893
Accumulated depreciation	(2,512)	(2,625)
Total property and equipment, at cost	221	268
Title plant, at cost	48	48
Investments in subsidiaries, on an equity-method basis	688,837	653,519
Goodwill	8,470	8,470
Other assets	16,698	17,457
Total assets	758,887	750,062
Liabilities
Notes payable	92,875	98,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	24,812	22,781
Total Liabilities	117,687	120,781
Contingent liabilities and commitments	0	0
Stockholders’ equity
Additional paid-in capital	157,176	156,692
Retained earnings	471,788	455,519	$ 479,733	$ 452,314
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(16,727)	(13,360)
Unrealized investment gains	7,846	9,403
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Total stockholders’ equity	641,200	629,281
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	758,887	750,062
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	23,783	22,643
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Class B Common Stock
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock	$ 0	$ 1,050

Schedule I - Parent Company F91

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 115,640,000	$ 118,082,000
Treasury stock, common shares (shares)	352,161	352,161
Common Stock
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	23,783,440	22,643,255
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	23,431,279	22,291,094
Class B Common Stock
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	0	1,500,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	0	1,050,012
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	0	1,050,012
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Trade and other	$ 848,000	$ 1,093,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 24,812,000	$ 22,781,000
Treasury stock, common shares (shares)	352,161	352,161
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Common Stock
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	23,783,440	22,643,255
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	23,431,279	22,291,094
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company | Class B Common Stock
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (USD per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (shares)	0	1,500,000
Common stock, shares issued (shares)	0	1,050,012
Common stock, shares outstanding (shares)	0	1,050,012
Subsidiaries
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Treasury stock, common shares (shares)	145,820	145,820
Undistributed earnings	$ 522,104	$ 514,522

Schedule I - Parent Company F92

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Statements of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 16,699	$ 26,375	$ 23,599	$ (11,195)	$ 2,605	$ (13,467)	$ 17,106	$ (12,448)	$ 55,478	$ (6,204)	$ 29,753
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization									30,044	30,298	24,226
Decrease (increase) in receivables – net									7,759	12,894	8,791
Decrease (increase) in other assets – net									391	3,073	(1,878)
(Decrease) increase in payables and accrued liabilities – net									(3,888)	2,088	(6,854)
(Income) losses from subsidiaries									(2,834)	(3,579)	(3,442)
Other – net									7,215	5,668	448
Cash provided by operating activities									122,962	80,514	63,989
Investing activities:
Cash used by investing activities									(56,774)	(68,791)	(78,557)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable									57,758	52,651	120,273
Payments on notes payable									(60,339)	(22,494)	(60,838)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion									(12,000)	0	0
Repurchases of Common Stock									(1,053)	(27,950)	(22,048)
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary									(991)	(209)	(20)
Other – net									86	168	(21)
Cash (used) provided by financing activities									(59,342)	(25,550)	26,026
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									6,705	(21,491)	6,269
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				179,067				200,558	179,067	200,558	194,289
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	185,772				179,067				185,772	179,067	200,558
Supplemental information:
Income taxes paid									15,265	14,982	(106)
Interest paid									3,020	1,873	2,616
Stewart Information Services Corporation - Parent Company
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart									55,478	(6,204)	29,753
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization									69	162	421
Other losses									0	0	869
Decrease (increase) in receivables – net									245	(596)	(357)
Decrease (increase) in other assets – net									359	(558)	(828)
(Decrease) increase in payables and accrued liabilities – net									(496)	(515)	12,395
(Income) losses from subsidiaries									(47,421)	12,465	(12,837)
Other – net									(6,731)	(4,593)	(31,824)
Cash provided by operating activities									1,503	161	(2,408)
Investing activities:
Dividends from subsidiary									20,000	15,000	25,000
Purchase of property and equipment –net									(22)	0	0
Collections on notes receivables									27,500	0	0
Increases in notes receivables									0	(21,500)	(46,875)
Cash used by investing activities									47,478	(6,500)	(21,875)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from notes payable									20,000	45,000	60,000
Payments on notes payable									(25,125)	(7,000)	0
Dividends paid									(27,840)	(18,010)	(2,334)
Cash paid on Class B Common Shares conversion									(12,000)	0	0
Repurchases of Common Stock									(1,053)	(27,950)	(22,048)
Purchase of remaining interest of consolidated subsidiary									(991)	(209)	(321)
Other – net									86	130	0
Cash (used) provided by financing activities									(46,923)	(8,039)	35,297
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									2,058	(14,378)	11,014
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 832				$ 15,210	832	15,210	4,196
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 2,890				$ 832				2,890	832	15,210
Supplemental information:
Income taxes paid									1	1	24
Interest paid									$ 2,716	$ 1,681	$ 546

Schedule I - Parent Company F93

Schedule I - Parent Company Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 27, 2016	Jan. 26, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Dividends paid by guaranty				$ 20,000	$ 15,000	$ 25,000
Interest paid				3,020	1,873	2,616
Additional cash issued to class B common stock holders				12,000	$ 0	$ 0
Conversion, Class B Common Stock To Common Stock
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Additional cash issued to class B common stock holders	$ 12,000	$ 12,000	$ 12,000	$ 12,000

Schedule II - Valuation and Q94

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - Stewart Information Services Corporation and subsidiaries - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Estimated title losses
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	$ 462,622	$ 495,395	$ 506,888
Additions charged to costs and expenses	91,147	106,265	81,305
Additions charged to other accounts	0	0	2,268
Deductions	91,197	139,038	95,066
Balance At end of period	462,572	462,622	495,395
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	2,217	2,564	6,971
Additions charged to costs and expenses	240	(347)	(4,407)
Additions charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Balance At end of period	2,457	2,217	2,564
Allowance for uncollectible amounts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves
Balance at beginning of period	9,833	9,193	9,871
Additions charged to costs and expenses	3,349	3,396	1,977
Additions charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	3,535	2,756	2,655
Balance At end of period	$ 9,647	$ 9,833	$ 9,193