Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 18,997	$ 22,364
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 10)	(4,416)	8,534
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax (Note 10)	863	582
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (Note 10)	(12)	107
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,565)	9,223
Comprehensive Income	15,432	31,587
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 2)	35	(137)
Comprehensive income attributable to Stepan Company	$ 15,467	$ 31,450

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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