Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales (Note 1)	$ 1,927,213	[1]	$ 1,880,786	[1]	$ 1,803,737	[1]
Cost of Sales	1,677,650		1,599,101		1,512,184
Gross Profit	249,563		281,685		291,553
Operating Expenses:
Selling (Note 1)	54,763		53,229		53,145
Administrative (Note 1)	54,646		71,454		63,979
Research, development and technical services (Note 1)	45,451		46,809		45,713
Total Operating expenses	154,860		171,492		162,837
Business restructuring and asset impairments (Note 21)	4,009	[2]	1,040	[2]
Operating Income	90,694		109,153		128,716
Other Income (Expense):
Interest, net (Note 6)	(11,441)		(10,358)		(9,599)
Loss from equity in joint ventures (Note 1)	(5,008)		(5,336)		(4,724)
Other, net (Note 8)	1,290		2,171		1,329
Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total	(15,159)		(13,523)		(12,994)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	75,535		95,630		115,722
Provision for Income Taxes (Note 9)	18,454		23,293		36,035
Net Income	57,081		72,337		79,687
Net (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 1)	20		491		(291)
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company	$ 57,101		$ 72,828		$ 79,396
Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 18):
Basic	$ 2.51		$ 3.22		$ 3.71
Diluted	$ 2.49		$ 3.18		$ 3.49
Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 18):
Basic	22,758		22,621		21,273
Diluted	22,917		22,924		22,730

[1] Net sales are attributed to countries based on selling location.

[2] See Note 21 regarding business restructuring and asset impairment costs.