Stewart Information Services (STC) 10-Q 28 Apr 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 25, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STEWART INFORMATION SERVICES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	94,344
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	STC
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,710,234

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Title insurance:
Direct operations	$ 187,428	$ 186,002
Agency operations	233,349	224,635
Ancillary services	17,304	22,035
Operating revenues	438,081	432,672
Investment income	4,671	5,070
Investment and other gains – net	287	488
Total revenues	443,039	438,230
Expenses
Amounts retained by agencies	191,175	183,844
Employee costs	139,785	150,209
Other operating expenses	78,318	87,711
Title losses and related claims	20,701	23,093
Depreciation and amortization	6,378	8,306
Interest	817	779
Total expenses	437,174	453,942
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interests	5,865	(15,712)
Income tax benefit	(144)	(6,648)
Net income (loss)	6,009	(9,064)
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,922	2,130
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart	4,087	(11,194)
Net income (loss)	6,009	(9,064)
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,325	3,295
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	2,467	5,789
Reclassification of adjustment for gains included in net income (loss)	(367)	(64)
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes	3,425	9,020
Comprehensive income (loss)	9,434	(44)
Less net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,922	2,130
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 7,512	$ (2,174)
Basic average shares outstanding (000)	23,433	23,348
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (in usd per share)	$ 0.17	$ (0.48)
Diluted average shares outstanding (000)	23,569	23,348
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (in usd per share)	$ 0.17	$ (0.48)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 122,575	$ 185,772
Short-term investments	22,836	22,239
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
Statutory reserve funds	484,752	485,409
Other	171,447	146,094
Total securities available-for-sale, at fair value	656,199	631,503
Receivables:
Premiums from agencies	32,253	31,246
Trade and other	42,334	41,897
Income taxes	7,008	4,878
Notes	3,145	3,402
Allowance for uncollectible amounts	(9,691)	(9,647)
Total receivables	75,049	71,776
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land	3,991	3,991
Buildings	22,688	22,529
Furniture and equipment	223,700	217,105
Accumulated depreciation	(178,539)	(173,119)
Total property and equipment, at cost	71,840	70,506
Title plants, at cost	75,313	75,313
Investments in investees, on an equity method basis	9,423	9,796
Goodwill	217,094	217,094
Intangible assets, net of amortization	9,975	10,890
Deferred tax assets	3,863	3,860
Other assets	43,801	42,975
Total assets	1,307,968	1,341,724
Liabilities
Notes payable	100,845	106,808
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	88,401	115,640
Estimated title losses	460,142	462,572
Deferred tax liabilities	9,480	7,856
Total liabilities	658,868	692,876
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Stockholders’ equity
Common Stock and additional paid-in capital	181,371	180,959
Retained earnings	468,844	471,788
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized investment gains on investments - net	9,946	7,846
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(15,402)	(16,727)
Treasury stock – 352,161 common shares, at cost	(2,666)	(2,666)
Stockholders’ equity attributable to Stewart	642,093	641,200
Noncontrolling interests	7,007	7,648
Total stockholders’ equity (23,710,234 and 23,431,279 shares outstanding)	649,100	648,848
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 1,307,968	$ 1,341,724

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Treasury stock, common shares	352,161	352,161
Common stock, shares outstanding	23,710,234	23,431,279

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 6,009	$ (9,064)
Add (deduct):
Depreciation and amortization	6,378	8,306
Provision for bad debt	366	711
Investment and other gains – net	(287)	(488)
Amortization of net premium on investments available-for-sale	1,718	1,742
Payments for title losses in excess of provisions	(3,605)	(523)
Adjustment for insurance recoveries of title losses	409	312
Increase in receivables – net	(3,896)	(3,622)
Increase in other assets – net	(666)	(2,583)
Decrease in payables and accrued liabilities – net	(27,355)	(26,540)
Change in net deferred income taxes	136	(1,953)
Net income from equity investees	(197)	(341)
Dividends received from equity investees	570	581
Stock based compensation expense	1,230	1,395
Other – net	1	226
Cash used by operating activities	(19,189)	(31,841)
Investing activities:
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale sold	15,843	11,327
Proceeds from investments available-for-sale matured	14,956	260
Purchases of investments available-for-sale	(51,981)	(44,254)
Net purchases of short-term investments	(597)	(2,302)
Purchases of property and equipment, title plants and real estate – net	(5,586)	(5,494)
Other – net	449	387
Cash used by investing activities	(26,916)	(40,076)
Financing activities:
Payments on notes payable	(8,382)	(1,307)
Proceeds from notes payable	875	10,000
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(2,563)	(3,028)
Cash dividends paid	(7,031)	(6,720)
Other – net	(818)	(240)
Cash used by financing activities	(17,919)	(1,295)
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	827	2,898
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(63,197)	(70,314)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	185,772	179,067
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 122,575	$ 108,753

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock ($1 par value)	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interests
Balances at December 31, 2016 at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 648,848	$ 23,783	$ 157,176	$ 471,788	$ (8,881)	$ (2,666)	$ 7,648
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income attributable to Stewart	4,087			4,087
Cash dividends on Common Stock ($0.30 per share)	(7,031)			(7,031)
Stock based compensation and other	1,230	279	951
Purchase of remaining interest in consolidated subsidiary	(818)		(818)				0
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments	2,467				2,467
Net realized gain reclassification	(367)				(367)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,325				1,325
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,922						1,922
Subsidiary dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	(2,563)						(2,563)
Balances at March 31, 2017 at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 649,100	$ 24,062	$ 157,309	$ 468,844	$ (5,456)	$ (2,666)	$ 7,007

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in usd per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Cash dividends on common stock (in usd per share)	$ 0.30

Interim financial statements

Interim financial statements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interim financial statements	Interim financial statements. The financial information contained in this report for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , and as of March 31, 2017 , is unaudited. This report should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 . A. Management’s responsibility. The accompanying interim financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of this information for all interim periods, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, have been made. The Company’s results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year and actual results could differ. B. Consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors. All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated and provisions have been made for noncontrolling interests. Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity, are accounted for by the equity method. C. Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the 2016 interim financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net loss attributable to Stewart, as previously reported, was not affected. D. Restrictions on cash and investments. The Company maintains investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory reserve funds, which approximated $484.8 million and $485.4 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are required to be fully funded and invested in high-quality securities and short-term investments. In addition, included within cash and cash equivalents are statutory reserve funds of approximately $18.7 million and $13.9 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Although these cash statutory reserve funds are not restricted or segregated in depository accounts, they are required to be held pursuant to state statutes. If the Company fails to maintain minimum investments or cash and cash equivalents to meet statutory requirements, the Company may be subject to fines or other penalties, including potential revocation of its business license. These funds are not available for any other purpose. In the event that insurance regulators adjust the determination of the statutory premium reserves of the Company’s title insurers, these restricted funds as well as statutory surplus would correspondingly increase or decrease. E. Recently adopted accounting pronouncements. In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (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 early adopted ASU 2017-01 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 early adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2017.

Investments in debt and equity

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale	Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale. The amortized costs and fair values follow: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 72,236 72,918 72,284 72,432 Corporate 334,887 341,283 338,365 343,047 Foreign 190,366 192,663 165,735 167,027 U.S. Treasury Bonds 12,795 12,635 12,795 12,613 Equity securities 30,616 36,700 30,255 36,384 640,900 656,199 619,434 631,503 Foreign debt securities consist primarily of Canadian government and corporate bonds, United Kingdom treasury bonds, and Mexican government bonds. Equity securities consist of common stocks and master limited partnership interests. Gross unrealized gains and losses were: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 1,111 429 723 575 Corporate 7,612 1,216 6,871 2,189 Foreign 3,414 1,117 2,912 1,620 U.S. Treasury Bonds 5 165 4 186 Equity securities 6,902 818 6,800 671 19,044 3,745 17,310 5,241 Debt securities as of March 31, 2017 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 41,967 42,258 After one year through five years 260,428 266,216 After five years through ten years 230,514 232,252 After ten years 77,375 78,773 610,284 619,499 Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2017 , were: Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total Losses Fair values Losses Fair values Losses Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 429 12,503 — — 429 12,503 Corporate 1,216 98,998 — — 1,216 98,998 Foreign 1,095 72,071 22 1,550 1,117 73,621 U.S. Treasury Bonds 165 11,867 — — 165 11,867 Equity securities 592 8,413 226 1,473 818 9,886 3,497 203,852 248 3,023 3,745 206,875 The number of investment securities in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2017 was 164 , 10 securities of which were in unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months. Since the Company does not intend to sell and will more-likely-than-not maintain each investment security until its maturity or anticipated recovery, and no significant credit risk is deemed to exist, these investments are not considered other-than-temporarily impaired. Gross unrealized losses on investments and the fair values of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 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 Company believes its investment portfolio is diversified and expects no material loss to result from the failure to perform by issuers of the debt securities it holds. Investments made by the Company are not collateralized.

Fair value measurements

Fair value measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value measurements	Fair value measurements. The Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic (Topic 820) of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal, or most advantageous, market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Topic 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs when possible. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: • Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; • Level 2 – observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; and • Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair values of the assets or liabilities, including certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs. As of March 31, 2017 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,918 72,918 Corporate — 341,283 341,283 Foreign — 192,663 192,663 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 12,635 12,635 Equity securities 36,700 — 36,700 36,700 619,499 656,199 As of December 31, 2016 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,432 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 As of March 31, 2017 , 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 levels during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

Investment income and other gai

Investment income and other gains and losses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investment income and other gains and losses	Investment income and other gains and losses. Gross realized investment and other gains and losses follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Realized gains 566 3,937 Realized losses (279 ) (3,449 ) 287 488 Expenses assignable to investment income were insignificant. There were no significant investments as of March 31, 2017 that did not produce income during the year. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 , investment and other gains – net included $ 0.4 million of net realized gains from the sale of investments available-for-sale. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , investments and other gains - net included $1.6 million of net realized gains due to changes in the fair values of contingent consideration liabilities associated with certain prior year acquisitions, partially offset by $1.4 million of office closure costs. Proceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale are as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale 15,843 11,327

Estimated title losses

Estimated title losses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Estimated title losses	Estimated title losses. A summary of estimated title losses for the three months ended March 31 is as follows: 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1 462,572 462,622 Provisions: Current year 20,537 22,991 Previous policy years 164 102 Total provisions 20,701 23,093 Payments, net of recoveries: Current year (2,988 ) (3,762 ) Previous policy years (20,909 ) (19,542 ) Total payments, net of recoveries (23,897 ) (23,304 ) Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates 766 3,998 Balances at March 31 460,142 466,409 Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues: Current year provisions 4.9 % 5.6 % Total provisions 4.9 % 5.6 %

Earnings per share

Earnings per share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share. The Company’s basic earnings per share (EPS) attributable to Stewart is calculated by dividing net income attributable to Stewart by the weighted-average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the reporting periods. Outstanding shares of Common Stock granted to employees that are not yet vested (restricted shares) are excluded from the calculation of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for calculating basic EPS. To calculate diluted EPS, the number of shares is adjusted for the effects of any dilutive shares. The treasury stock method is used to calculate the dilutive number of shares related to the Company’s long term incentive and stock option plans. In periods of loss, dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation of the diluted EPS and diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as basic EPS. The calculation of the basic and diluted EPS is as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted, except per share) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart 4,087 (11,194 ) Denominator (000): Basic average shares outstanding 23,433 23,348 Average number of dilutive shares relating to grants of restricted shares 136 — Diluted average shares outstanding 23,569 23,348 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 0.17 (0.48 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 0.17 (0.48 )

Share-based payments

Share-based payments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based payments	Share-based payments. During the first quarters 2017 and 2016, the Company granted executives and senior management shares of restricted common stock, consisting of time-based shares, which vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, and performance-based shares, which vest upon achievement of certain financial objectives over the period of three years . The aggregate fair values of these awards at the grant date in the first quarters 2017 and 2016 were $3.0 million ( 69,000 shares with an average grant price per share of $43.87 ) and $3.9 million ( 105,000 shares with an average grant price per share of $37.33 ), 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. In April 2017, the Company granted certain senior management 19,000 shares of restricted common stock with aggregate fair value of $0.8 million and an average grant price per share of $44.45 . Similar grants were made by the Company in 2016 and were included in the above shares granted during the first quarter 2016.

Contingent liabilities and comm

Contingent liabilities and commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contingent liabilities and commitments	Contingent liabilities and commitments. In the ordinary course of business, the Company guarantees the third-party indebtedness of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. As of March 31, 2017 , the maximum potential future payments on the guarantees are not more than the related notes payable recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company also guarantees the indebtedness related to lease obligations of certain of its consolidated subsidiaries. The maximum future obligations arising from these lease-related guarantees are not more than the Company’s future minimum lease payments. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company also had unused letters of credit aggregating $5.6 million related to workers’ compensation and other insurance. The Company does not expect to make any payments on these guarantees.

Regulatory and legal developmen

Regulatory and legal developments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment information	Segment information. The Company reports two operating segments: title and ancillary services and corporate . 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. Beginning in 2017, the principal offerings 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, net of centralized administrative services costs allocated to respective operating businesses. Selected statement of income information related to these segments is as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Title segment: Revenues 425,795 413,540 Depreciation and amortization 5,226 5,158 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest 12,276 (618 ) Ancillary services and corporate segment: Revenues 17,244 24,690 Depreciation and amortization 1,152 3,148 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (6,411 ) (15,094 ) Consolidated Stewart: Revenues 443,039 438,230 Depreciation and amortization 6,378 8,306 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest 5,865 (15,712 ) The Company does not provide asset information by reportable operating segment as it does not routinely evaluate the asset position by segment. Revenues generated in the United States and all international operations are as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) United States 419,251 417,589 International 23,788 20,641 443,039 438,230

Other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income	Other comprehensive income. Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive income and the related tax effects are as follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Three Months Ended Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) Unrealized investment gains on investments - net: Change in net unrealized gains on investments 3,795 1,328 2,467 8,906 3,117 5,789 Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss) (565 ) (198 ) (367 ) (98 ) (34 ) (64 ) Net unrealized gains 3,230 1,130 2,100 8,808 3,083 5,725 Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,680 355 1,325 5,357 2,062 3,295 Other comprehensive income 4,910 1,485 3,425 14,165 5,145 9,020

Interim financial statements (P

Interim financial statements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Management's responsibility	Management’s responsibility. The accompanying interim financial statements were prepared by management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), including management’s best judgments and estimates. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of this information for all interim periods, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, have been made. The Company’s results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year and actual results could differ.
Consolidation	Consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements include all subsidiaries in which the Company owns more than 50% voting rights in electing directors. All significant intercompany amounts and transactions have been eliminated and provisions have been made for noncontrolling interests. Unconsolidated investees, in which the Company typically owns 20% through 50% of the equity, are accounted for by the equity method.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications. Certain amounts in the 2016 interim financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes. Net loss attributable to Stewart, as previously reported, was not affected.
Restrictions on cash and investments	Restrictions on cash and investments. The Company maintains investments in accordance with certain statutory requirements for the funding of statutory premium reserves. Statutory reserve funds, which approximated $484.8 million and $485.4 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, are required to be fully funded and invested in high-quality securities and short-term investments. In addition, included within cash and cash equivalents are statutory reserve funds of approximately $18.7 million and $13.9 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Although these cash statutory reserve funds are not restricted or segregated in depository accounts, they are required to be held pursuant to state statutes. If the Company fails to maintain minimum investments or cash and cash equivalents to meet statutory requirements, the Company may be subject to fines or other penalties, including potential revocation of its business license. These funds are not available for any other purpose. In the event that insurance regulators adjust the determination of the statutory premium reserves of the Company’s title insurers, these restricted funds as well as statutory surplus would correspondingly increase or decrease.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements	Recently adopted accounting pronouncements. In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (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 early adopted ASU 2017-01 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 early adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2017.

Investments in debt and equit20

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Costs and Fair Values	The amortized costs and fair values follow: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 72,236 72,918 72,284 72,432 Corporate 334,887 341,283 338,365 343,047 Foreign 190,366 192,663 165,735 167,027 U.S. Treasury Bonds 12,795 12,635 12,795 12,613 Equity securities 30,616 36,700 30,255 36,384 640,900 656,199 619,434 631,503 roceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale are as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale 15,843 11,327
Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses	Gross unrealized gains and losses were: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gains Losses Gains Losses ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 1,111 429 723 575 Corporate 7,612 1,216 6,871 2,189 Foreign 3,414 1,117 2,912 1,620 U.S. Treasury Bonds 5 165 4 186 Equity securities 6,902 818 6,800 671 19,044 3,745 17,310 5,241
Debt Securities According to Contractual Terms	Debt securities as of March 31, 2017 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 41,967 42,258 After one year through five years 260,428 266,216 After five years through ten years 230,514 232,252 After ten years 77,375 78,773 610,284 619,499
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 March 31, 2017 , were: Less than 12 months More than 12 months Total Losses Fair values Losses Fair values Losses Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 429 12,503 — — 429 12,503 Corporate 1,216 98,998 — — 1,216 98,998 Foreign 1,095 72,071 22 1,550 1,117 73,621 U.S. Treasury Bonds 165 11,867 — — 165 11,867 Equity securities 592 8,413 226 1,473 818 9,886 3,497 203,852 248 3,023 3,745 206,875

Fair value measurements (Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	As of March 31, 2017 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,918 72,918 Corporate — 341,283 341,283 Foreign — 192,663 192,663 U.S. Treasury Bonds — 12,635 12,635 Equity securities 36,700 — 36,700 36,700 619,499 656,199 As of December 31, 2016 , financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Level 1 Level 2 Fair value measurements ($000 omitted) Investments available-for-sale: Debt securities: Municipal — 72,432 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

Investment income and other g22

Investment income and other gains and losses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses	Gross realized investment and other gains and losses follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Realized gains 566 3,937 Realized losses (279 ) (3,449 ) 287 488
Proceeds from Sale of Investments Available-for-Sale	The amortized costs and fair values follow: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Amortized costs Fair values Amortized costs Fair values ($000 omitted) Debt securities: Municipal 72,236 72,918 72,284 72,432 Corporate 334,887 341,283 338,365 343,047 Foreign 190,366 192,663 165,735 167,027 U.S. Treasury Bonds 12,795 12,635 12,795 12,613 Equity securities 30,616 36,700 30,255 36,384 640,900 656,199 619,434 631,503 roceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale are as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Proceeds from sales of investments available-for-sale 15,843 11,327

Estimated title losses (Tables)

Estimated title losses (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Insurance [Abstract]
Summary of Estimated Title Losses	A summary of estimated title losses for the three months ended March 31 is as follows: 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Balances at January 1 462,572 462,622 Provisions: Current year 20,537 22,991 Previous policy years 164 102 Total provisions 20,701 23,093 Payments, net of recoveries: Current year (2,988 ) (3,762 ) Previous policy years (20,909 ) (19,542 ) Total payments, net of recoveries (23,897 ) (23,304 ) Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates 766 3,998 Balances at March 31 460,142 466,409 Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues: Current year provisions 4.9 % 5.6 % Total provisions 4.9 % 5.6 %

Earnings per share (Tables)

Earnings per share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	The calculation of the basic and diluted EPS is as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted, except per share) Numerator: Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart 4,087 (11,194 ) Denominator (000): Basic average shares outstanding 23,433 23,348 Average number of dilutive shares relating to grants of restricted shares 136 — Diluted average shares outstanding 23,569 23,348 Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 0.17 (0.48 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart 0.17 (0.48 )

Segment information (Tables)

Segment information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Selected Statement of Operations and Income (Loss) Information Related to Segments	Selected statement of income information related to these segments is as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) Title segment: Revenues 425,795 413,540 Depreciation and amortization 5,226 5,158 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest 12,276 (618 ) Ancillary services and corporate segment: Revenues 17,244 24,690 Depreciation and amortization 1,152 3,148 Loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest (6,411 ) (15,094 ) Consolidated Stewart: Revenues 443,039 438,230 Depreciation and amortization 6,378 8,306 Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest 5,865 (15,712 )
Revenues Generated in Domestic and All International Operations	Revenues generated in the United States and all international operations are as follows: For the Three Months Ended 2017 2016 ($000 omitted) United States 419,251 417,589 International 23,788 20,641 443,039 438,230

Other comprehensive income (Tab

Other comprehensive income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in the Balances of Each Component of Other Comprehensive Income	Changes in the balances of each component of other comprehensive income and the related tax effects are as follows: For the Three Months Ended For the Three Months Ended Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount Before-Tax Amount Tax Expense (Benefit) Net-of-Tax Amount ($000 omitted) ($000 omitted) Unrealized investment gains on investments - net: Change in net unrealized gains on investments 3,795 1,328 2,467 8,906 3,117 5,789 Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss) (565 ) (198 ) (367 ) (98 ) (34 ) (64 ) Net unrealized gains 3,230 1,130 2,100 8,808 3,083 5,725 Foreign currency translation adjustments 1,680 355 1,325 5,357 2,062 3,295 Other comprehensive income 4,910 1,485 3,425 14,165 5,145 9,020

Interim financial statements (D

Interim financial statements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Statutory reserve funds, short-term investments	$ 484,752	$ 485,409
Statutory reserve funds, investments
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Statutory reserve funds, short-term investments	484,800	485,400
Statutory reserve funds, cash and cash equivalents
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Items [Line Items]
Statutory reserve funds, cash and cash equivalents	$ 18,700	$ 13,900

Investments in debt and equit28

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Amortized Costs and Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amortized costs
Debt securities	$ 610,284
Equity securities	30,616	$ 30,255
Total, amortized costs	640,900	619,434
Fair values
Debt securities	619,499
Equity securities	36,700	36,384
Total securities available-for-sale, at fair value	656,199	631,503
Municipal
Amortized costs
Debt securities	72,236	72,284
Fair values
Debt securities	72,918	72,432
Corporate
Amortized costs
Debt securities	334,887	338,365
Fair values
Debt securities	341,283	343,047
Foreign
Amortized costs
Debt securities	190,366	165,735
Fair values
Debt securities	192,663	167,027
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Amortized costs
Debt securities	12,795	12,795
Fair values
Debt securities	$ 12,635	$ 12,613

Investments in debt and equit29

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	$ 19,044	$ 17,310
Losses	3,745	5,241
Municipal
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	1,111	723
Losses	429	575
Corporate
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	7,612	6,871
Losses	1,216	2,189
Foreign
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	3,414	2,912
Losses	1,117	1,620
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	5	4
Losses	165	186
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains	6,902	6,800
Losses	$ 818	$ 671

Investments in debt and equit30

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Debt Securities According to Contractual Terms (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Amortized costs
In one year or less	$ 41,967
After one year through five years	260,428
After five years through ten years	230,514
After ten years	77,375
Amortized costs, total	610,284
Fair values
In one year or less	42,258
After one year through five years	266,216
After five years through ten years	232,252
After ten years	78,773
Fair values, total	$ 619,499

Investments in debt and equit31

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Gross Unrealized Losses on Investments and Fair Values of Related Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Losses
Less than 12 months	$ 3,497	$ 4,801
More than 12 months	248	440
Total	3,745	5,241
Fair values
Less than 12 months	203,852	239,812
More than 12 months	3,023	5,410
Total	206,875	245,222
Municipal
Losses
Less than 12 months	429	575
More than 12 months	0	0
Total	429	575
Fair values
Less than 12 months	12,503	32,038
More than 12 months	0	0
Total	12,503	32,038
Corporate
Losses
Less than 12 months	1,216	2,189
More than 12 months	0	0
Total	1,216	2,189
Fair values
Less than 12 months	98,998	119,965
More than 12 months	0	0
Total	98,998	119,965
Foreign
Losses
Less than 12 months	1,095	1,427
More than 12 months	22	193
Total	1,117	1,620
Fair values
Less than 12 months	72,071	70,012
More than 12 months	1,550	3,160
Total	73,621	73,172
U.S. Treasury Bonds
Losses
Less than 12 months	165	186
More than 12 months	0	0
Total	165	186
Fair values
Less than 12 months	11,867	11,847
More than 12 months	0	0
Total	11,867	11,847
Equity securities
Losses
Less than 12 months	592	424
More than 12 months	226	247
Total	818	671
Fair values
Less than 12 months	8,413	5,950
More than 12 months	1,473	2,250
Total	$ 9,886	$ 8,200

Investments in debt and equit32

Investments in debt and equity securities available-for-sale - Additional Information (Details)	Mar. 31, 2017investment
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Number of investments in an unrealized loss position	164
Number of investments in an unrealized loss positions for more than 12 months	10

Fair value measurements (Detail

Fair value measurements (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)input	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	$ 656,199	$ 631,503
Corporate | Level 2 | Minimum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of inputs used in fair value measurement | input	3
Corporate | Level 2 | Maximum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of inputs used in fair value measurement | input	10
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	$ 656,199	631,503
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	36,700	36,384
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	619,499	595,119
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	72,918	72,432
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	72,918	72,432
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	341,283	343,047
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	341,283	343,047
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	192,663	167,027
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	192,663	167,027
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	12,635	12,613
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	12,635	12,613
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	36,700	36,384
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	36,700	36,384
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Equity securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, fair value measurements	$ 0	$ 0

Investment income and other g34

Investment income and other gains and losses - Gross Realized Investment and Other Gains and Losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Available for sale securities gross realized gain (loss)
Realized gains	$ 566	$ 3,937
Realized losses	(279)	(3,449)
Realized gains (losses)	$ 287	$ 488

Investment income and other g35

Investment income and other gains and losses - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Net realized gains from the sale of investments available-for-sale	$ 0.4	$ 1.6
Impairment of other intangible asset		$ 1.4

Investment income and other g36

Investment income and other gains and losses - Proceeds from the Sale of Investments Available-for-Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Gain loss on sale of investments
Proceeds from sale of investments available-for-sale	$ 15,843	$ 11,327

Estimated title losses (Details

Estimated title losses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]
Balances at beginning of period	$ 462,572	$ 462,622
Provisions:
Current year	20,537	22,991
Previous policy years	164	102
Total provisions	20,701	23,093
Payments, net of recoveries:
Current year	(2,988)	(3,762)
Previous policy years	(20,909)	(19,542)
Total payments, net of recoveries	(23,897)	(23,304)
Effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates	766	3,998
Balances at end of period	$ 460,142	$ 466,409
Loss ratios as a percentage of title operating revenues:
Current year provisions	4.90%	5.60%
Total provisions	4.90%	5.60%

Earnings per share (Details)

Earnings per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Stewart	$ 4,087	$ (11,194)
Denominator (000):
Basic average shares outstanding	23,433	23,348
Diluted average shares outstanding	23,569	23,348
Basic earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (in usd per share)	$ 0.17	$ (0.48)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share attributable to Stewart (in usd per share)	$ 0.17	$ (0.48)
Restricted Shares
Denominator (000):
Average number of dilutive shares relating to share-based incentives	136	0

Share-based payments (Details)

Share-based payments (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Time-Based Restricted Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period			3 years
Performance-Based Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		3 years
Restricted Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair values at grant date		$ 3	$ 3.9
Share-based incentives, shares issued		69	105
Average grant price (in usd per share)		$ 43.87	$ 37.33
Subsequent Event | Restricted Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate fair values at grant date	$ 0.8
Share-based incentives, shares issued	19
Average grant price (in usd per share)	$ 44.45

Contingent liabilities and co40

Contingent liabilities and commitments (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Guarantee of indebtedness, relating to unused letters of credit	$ 5.6

Segment information - Additiona

Segment information - Additional Information (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	2

Segment information - Selected

Segment information - Selected Statement of Operations and Income (Loss) Information Related to Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 443,039	$ 438,230
Depreciation and amortization	6,378	8,306
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest	5,865	(15,712)
Title segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	425,795	413,540
Depreciation and amortization	5,226	5,158
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest	12,276	(618)
Ancillary services and corporate segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	17,244	24,690
Depreciation and amortization	1,152	3,148
Income (loss) before taxes and noncontrolling interest	$ (6,411)	$ (15,094)

Segment information - Revenues

Segment information - Revenues Generated in United States and All International Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 443,039	$ 438,230
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	419,251	417,589
International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 23,788	$ 20,641

Other comprehensive income (Det

Other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Before-Tax Amount
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	$ 3,795	$ 8,906
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss)	(565)	(98)
Net unrealized gains	3,230	8,808
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,680	5,357
Other comprehensive income	4,910	14,165
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	1,328	3,117
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss)	(198)	(34)
Net unrealized gains	1,130	3,083
Foreign currency translation adjustments	355	2,062
Other comprehensive income	1,485	5,145
Net-of-Tax Amount
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	2,467	5,789
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (loss)	(367)	(64)
Net unrealized gains	2,100	5,725
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,325	3,295
Other comprehensive income	$ 3,425	$ 9,020