Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,511	$ 21,006	$ 43,875	$ 39,822
Other comprehensive income (loss) :
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,554)	3,964	(2,020)	10,081
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax	582	521	1,164	1,044
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax	(43)	315	64	389
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,015)	4,800	(792)	11,514
Comprehensive income	11,496	25,806	43,083	51,336
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(65)	(167)	(202)	(236)
Comprehensive income attributable to Stepan Company	$ 11,431	$ 25,639	$ 42,881	$ 51,100

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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