Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 27,657	$ 21,286
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments (Note 10)	12,590	(25,152)
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax (Note 10)	564	749
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax (Note 10)	(21)	(42)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	13,133	(24,445)
Comprehensive income (loss)	40,790	(3,159)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (Note 2)	(14)	(1)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Stepan Company	$ 40,776	$ (3,160)