Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 13,480	$ 20,149	$ 50,856	$ 61,800
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 10)	(19,521)	5,752	(15,709)	(6,806)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax (Note 10)	429	810	1,249	2,538
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (Note 10)	2	3	6	(18)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(19,090)	6,565	(14,454)	(4,286)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(5,610)	26,714	36,402	57,514
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 2)	(14)	248	28	344
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stepan Company	$ (5,624)	$ 26,962	$ 36,430	$ 57,858