Reconciliations of Equity

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Equity [Abstract]

Reconciliations of Equity

2. RECONCILIATIONS OF EQUITY

Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

				Stepan			Noncontrolling
				Company			Interest
(In thousands)	Total Equity			Equity			Equity (3)
Balance at January 1, 2015	$	536,944		$	535,546		$	1,398
Net income		21,286			21,270			16
Dividends		(4,047	)		(4,047	)		—
Common stock purchases (1)		(273	)		(273	)		—
Stock option exercises		167			167			—
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax		749			749			—
Translation adjustments		(25,152	)		(25,137	)		(15	)
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax		(42	)		(42	)		—
Other  (2)		846			846			—
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	530,478		$	529,079		$	1,399

				Stepan			Noncontrolling
				Company			Interest
(In thousands)	Total Equity			Equity			Equity (3)
Balance at January 1, 2014	$	553,741		$	552,286		$	1,455
Net income		13,008			13,018			(10	)
Dividends		(3,800	)		(3,800	)		—
Common stock purchases (1)		(531	)		(531	)		—
Stock option exercises		904			904			—
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax		410			410			—
Translation adjustments		94			117			(23	)
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax		3			3			—
Other  (2)		466			466			—
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	564,295		$	562,873		$	1,422

⁽¹⁾ Includes the value of Company shares purchased in the open market and the value of Company common shares tendered by employees to settle minimum statutory withholding taxes related to the receipt of performance awards and deferred compensation distributions.

⁽²⁾ Primarily comprised of activity related to stock-based compensation, deferred compensation and excess tax benefits.

⁽³⁾ Reflects the noncontrolling interest in the Company’s China joint venture.