Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 72,337	$ 79,687	$ 72,602
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 20)	(8,034)	6,101	(12,523)
Defined benefit pension plans:
Net actuarial loss arising in period (net of taxes of $7,783, $2,568, $3,617 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	13,417	(5,387)	(5,259)
Amortization of prior service cost included in pension expense (net of taxes of $6, $5, $6 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	13	13	13
Amortization of actuarial loss included in pension expense (net of taxes of $2,015, $1,371, $1,154 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	3,395	2,261	1,913
Amortization of transition obligation included in pension expense (net of taxes of $1, $5, $8 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	1	13	19
Net defined benefit pension plan activity (Note 20)	16,826	(3,100)	(3,314)
Cash flow hedges:
Gains (losses) arising in period (net of taxes of $0, $16, $12 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	(32)	116	(1)
Reclassifications to income in period (net of taxes of $14 and $8 in 2013 and 2012, respectively)	13	19
Net cash flow hedge activity (Note 20)	(19)	135	(1)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	8,773	3,136	(15,838)
Comprehensive Income	81,110	82,823	56,764
Comprehensive (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	440	(389)	(674)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Stepan Company	$ 81,550	$ 82,434	$ 56,090