Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 20,319	$ 19,231	$ 64,194	$ 59,053
Other comprehensive income (loss) :
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,513	(20,762)	3,493	(10,681)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax	512	389	1,676	1,433
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax	34	224	98	613
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,059	(20,149)	5,267	(8,635)
Comprehensive income (loss)	26,378	(918)	69,461	50,418
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(97)	(138)	(299)	(374)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stepan Company	$ 26,281	$ (1,056)	$ 69,162	$ 50,044

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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