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Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jun. 30, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	STEPAN CO
Entity Central Index Key	0000094049
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		10,369,660

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Net Sales	$ 470,231	$ 476,989	$ 935,500	$ 899,587
Cost of Sales	396,835	407,404	785,320	768,216
Gross Profit	73,396	69,585	150,180	131,371
Operating Expenses:
Selling	12,985	12,171	26,636	23,001
Administrative	14,086	12,680	31,038	23,554
Research, development and technical services	11,504	10,656	22,285	20,887
Administrative Marketing Research Development Expenses	38,575	35,507	79,959	67,442
Operating Income	34,821	34,078	70,221	63,929
Other Income (Expense):
Interest, net	(2,086)	(2,194)	(4,690)	(4,257)
Loss from equity in joint ventures	(1,300)	(805)	(2,441)	(1,770)
Other, net (Note 12)	83	253	1,148	565
Total Other Income (Expense)	(3,303)	(2,746)	(5,983)	(5,462)
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	31,518	31,332	64,238	58,467
Provision for Income Taxes	10,007	10,326	20,363	18,645
Net Income	21,511	21,006	43,875	39,822
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Note 2)	(86)	(139)	(148)	(194)
Net Income Attributable to Stepan Company	$ 21,425	$ 20,867	$ 43,727	$ 39,628
Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 9):
Basic	$ 2.01	$ 2.00	$ 4.12	$ 3.80
Diluted	$ 1.89	$ 1.87	$ 3.85	$ 3.55
Shares Used to Compute Net Income Per Common Share Attributable to Stepan Company (Note 9):
Basic	10,550	10,345	10,537	10,335
Diluted	11,357	11,178	11,345	11,175
Dividends Declared Per Common Share	$ 0.28	$ 0.26	$ 0.56	$ 0.52

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,511	$ 21,006	$ 43,875	$ 39,822
Other comprehensive income (loss) :
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(10,554)	3,964	(2,020)	10,081
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax	582	521	1,164	1,044
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax	(43)	315	64	389
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,015)	4,800	(792)	11,514
Comprehensive income	11,496	25,806	43,083	51,336
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(65)	(167)	(202)	(236)
Comprehensive income attributable to Stepan Company	$ 11,431	$ 25,639	$ 42,881	$ 51,100

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 69,523	$ 84,099
Receivables, net	278,184	260,784
Inventories (Note 6)	137,852	111,175
Deferred income taxes	9,055	8,769
Other current assets	16,183	14,915
Total current assets	510,797	479,742
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Cost	1,152,600	1,119,897
Less: accumulated depreciation	756,661	735,914
Property, plant and equipment, net	395,939	383,983
Goodwill, net	7,038	7,000
Other intangible assets, net	9,940	11,181
Long-term investments (Note 3)	13,445	12,464
Other non-current assets	6,138	6,748
Total assets	943,297	901,118
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 11)	33,294	34,487
Accounts payable	140,604	137,764
Accrued liabilities	61,615	60,975
Total current liabilities	235,513	233,226
Deferred income taxes	9,990	8,644
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 11)	162,049	164,967
Other non-current liabilities	90,878	88,816
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 7)
Equity:
5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, without par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 518,293 shares in 2012 and in 2011	12,957	12,957
Common stock, $1 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; Issued 11,831,942 shares in 2012 and 11,709,312 shares in 2011	11,832	11,709
Additional paid-in capital	101,564	94,932
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(42,134)	(41,485)
Retained earnings	403,872	366,293
Less: Common treasury stock, at cost, 1,482,657 shares in 2012 and 1,462,980 shares in 2011	(44,932)	(43,195)
Total Stepan Company stockholders' equity	443,159	401,211
Noncontrolling interests (Note 2)	1,708	4,254
Total equity	444,867	405,465
Total liabilities and equity	$ 943,297	$ 901,118

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, par value
5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, shares issued	518,293	518,293
5-1/2% convertible preferred stock, cumulative, voting, shares outstanding	518,293	518,293
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,831,942	11,709,312
Treasury stock, shares	1,482,657	1,462,980

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$ 43,875	$ 39,822
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	25,217	23,007
Deferred compensation	4,957	(709)
Realized and unrealized gain on long-term investments	(1,010)	(438)
Stock-based compensation	1,591	1,777
Deferred income taxes	538	4,846
Other non-cash items	2,669	1,083
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables, net	(19,725)	(83,875)
Inventories	(27,978)	(55,088)
Other current assets	(1,150)	(3,586)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	12,303	55,151
Pension liabilities	(1,646)	(895)
Environmental and legal liabilities	(143)	(412)
Deferred revenues	(662)	(890)
Excess tax benefit from stock options and awards	(2,070)	(1,113)
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities	36,766	(21,320)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment	(40,798)	(40,400)
Business acquisition		(13,562)
Sale of mutual funds	537	1,613
Other, net	(1,662)	(2,136)
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities	(41,923)	(54,485)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Revolving debt and bank overdrafts, net	(810)	9,738
Build-to-suit obligation buyout		(12,206)
Other debt repayments	(2,827)	(2,291)
Dividends paid	(6,148)	(5,638)
Company stock repurchased	(500)	(1,000)
Stock option exercises	2,320	889
Payment to noncontrolling interest (Note 13)	(2,000)
Excess tax benefit from stock options and awards	2,070	1,113
Other, net	(1,256)	(1,265)
Net Cash Used In Financing Activities	(9,151)	(10,660)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	(268)	866
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(14,576)	(85,599)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	84,099	111,198
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	69,523	25,599
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash payments of income taxes, net of refunds	15,121	9,832
Cash payments of interest	$ 5,216	$ 4,122

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements [Abstract]

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared by Stepan Company (Company), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although management believes that the disclosures are adequate and make the information presented not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2012 and its results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, have been included. These financial statements and related footnotes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s 2011 Form 10-K.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for condensed financial information, including the financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations of the registrant (parent company) as of the same dates or for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements are being presented. Alternatively, the details of this disclosure can be reported by the specific parent company taxonomy elements, indicating the appropriate date and period contexts in an instance document.

+ References + Details

Reconciliations of Equity

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Reconciliations of Equity [Abstract]

RECONCILIATIONS OF EQUITY

2.	RECONCILIATIONS OF EQUITY

Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:


(In thousands)	Total Equity			Stepan Company Equity			Noncontrolling Interests’ Equity ⁽³⁾

Balance at January 1, 2012	$	405,465		$	401,211		$	4,254
Net income		43,875			43,727			148
Purchase of remaining interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc. from noncontrolling interest		(2,000	)		748			(2,748	)
Dividends		(6,148	)		(6,148	)		—
Common stock purchases ⁽¹⁾		(1,761	)		(1,761	)		—
Stock option exercises		2,320			2,320			—
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax		1,164			1,164			—
Translation adjustments		(2,020	)		(2,074	)		54
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax		64			64			—
Other ⁽²⁾		3,908			3,908			—

Balance at June 30, 2012	$	444,867		$	443,159		$	1,708


Balance at January 1, 2011	$	353,071		$	349,491		$	3,580
Net income		39,822			39,628			194
Dividends		(5,638	)		(5,638	)		—
Common stock purchases ⁽¹⁾		(2,274	)		(2,274	)		—
Stock option exercises		889			889			—
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax		1,044			1,044			—
Translation adjustments		10,081			10,039			42
Derivative instrument gain, net of tax		389			389			—
Other ⁽²⁾		3,603			3,603			—

Balance at June 30, 2011	$	400,987		$	397,171		$	3,816

⁽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 ⁾

Includes partners’ noncontrolling interests in the Company’s China and Philippines joint ventures. See Note 13 for information regarding the Company’s purchase of the remaining ownership interest in the Philippine joint venture.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

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Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Financial Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

3.	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following are the financial instruments held by the Company at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, and descriptions of the methods and assumptions used to estimate the instruments’ fair values:

Cash and cash equivalents

Carrying value approximates fair value because of the short maturity of the instruments.

Derivative assets and liabilities

Derivative assets and liabilities relate to the foreign currency exchange and interest rate contracts discussed in Note 4. Fair value and carrying value were the same because the contracts were recorded at fair value. The fair values of the foreign currency contracts were calculated as the difference between the applicable forward foreign exchange rates at the reporting date and the contracted foreign exchange rates multiplied by the contracted notional amounts. The fair values of the interest rate swaps were calculated as the difference between the contracted swap rate and the current market replacement swap rate multiplied by the present value of one basis point for the notional amount of the contract. See the table that follows these financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair values of derivative assets and liabilities.

Long-term investments

Long-term investments are the mutual fund assets the Company holds to fund a portion of its deferred compensation liabilities and all of its non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution obligations (see the defined contribution plans section of Note 8). Fair value and carrying value were the same because the mutual fund assets were recorded at fair value in accordance with the fair value option rules set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 825, Financial Instruments. Fair values for the mutual funds were calculated using the published market price per unit at the reporting date multiplied by the number of units held at the reporting date. See the table that follows these financial instrument descriptions for the reported fair value of long-term investments.

Debt obligations

The fair value of debt with original maturities greater than one year comprised the combined present values of scheduled principal and interest payments for each of the various loans, individually discounted at rates equivalent to those which could be obtained by the Company for new debt issues with durations equal to the average life to maturity of each loan. The fair values of the remaining Company debt obligations approximated their carrying values due to the short-term nature of the debt. The Company’s fair value measurements for debt fall in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

At June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the fair value of debt and the related carrying values, including current maturities, were as follows:


(In thousands)
	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011

Fair value	$	206,391	$	206,789

Carrying value		195,343		199,454

The following tables present financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis at fair value as of June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall:


(In thousands)	June 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Mutual fund assets	$	13,445	$	13,445	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		30		—		30		—

Total assets at fair value	$	13,475	$	13,445	$	30	$	—


Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	3	$	—	$	3	$	—
Interest rate contracts		55		—		55		—

Total liabilities at fair value	$	58	$	—	$	58	$	—


(In thousands)	December 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Mutual fund assets	$	12,464	$	12,464	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		100		—		100		—

Total assets at fair value	$	12,564	$	12,464	$	100	$	—


Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	52	$	—	$	52	$	—
Interest rate contracts		36		—		36		—

Total liabilities at fair value	$	88	$	—	$	88	$	—

Derivative Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

4.	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risk managed by the use of derivative instruments is foreign currency exchange risk. The Company holds forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are not designated as any type of accounting hedge as defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (although they are effectively economic hedges). The Company uses these contracts to manage its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on certain Company subsidiary accounts receivable, accounts payable and other obligation balances that are denominated in currencies other than the entities’ functional currencies. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Gains and losses arising from recording the foreign exchange contracts at fair value are reported in earnings as offsets to the losses and gains reported in earnings arising from the re-measurement of the receivable and payable balances into the applicable functional currencies. At June 30, 2012, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, with settlement dates of about one month, to buy or sell foreign currencies with a U.S. dollar equivalent of $15,458,000. At December 31, 2011, the Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts, all with settlement dates of about one month, to buy or sell foreign currencies with a U.S. dollar equivalent of $26,627,000.

The Company also holds forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are designated as a cash flow hedge. The Company uses these contracts to manage the risks and related cash flow variability resulting from exposure to exchange rate fluctuations on forecasted progress payments related to a construction project undertaken in Singapore. The progress payments are denominated in a currency other than the Singapore location’s functional currency. The latest date through which the Company expects to hedge its exposure to the variability in cash flows for the progress payments is December 31, 2013. The forward foreign exchange contracts are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. Period-to-period changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments are recognized as gains or losses in other comprehensive income, to the extent effective. Once the constructed asset is complete and placed into service, the accumulated gains or losses will be reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) into earnings in the periods over which the asset is being depreciated. The amount in AOCI at June 30, 2012, that is expected to be reclassified into earnings in the next 12 months is insignificant. The Company had open forward foreign currency exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges with U.S. dollar equivalent amounts of $1,508,000 and $5,266,000 at June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

The Company is exposed to volatility in short-term interest rates and mitigates certain portions of that risk by using interest rate swaps. The interest rate swaps are recognized on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at fair value. The Company held interest rate swap contracts with notional values of $3,229,000 at June 30, 2012, and $3,694,000 at December 31, 2011, which were designated as cash flow hedges. Period-to-period changes in the fair value of interest rate swap contracts are recognized as gains or losses in other comprehensive income, to the extent effective. As each interest rate swap hedge contract is settled, the corresponding gain or loss is reclassified out of AOCI into earnings in that settlement period. The latest date through which the Company expects to hedge its exposure to the volatility of short-term interest rates is June 30, 2014.

The fair values of the derivative instruments held by the Company on June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, and derivative instrument gains and losses and amounts reclassified out of AOCI into earnings for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, were immaterial.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-SubTopic 30
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Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

5.	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

On June 30, 2012, the Company had stock options outstanding under its 2000 Stock Option Plan, stock options and stock awards outstanding under its 2006 Incentive Compensation Plan and stock options, stock awards and stock appreciation rights (SARs) outstanding under its 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan. SARs, which were granted for the first time in 2012, cliff vest after two years of continuous service, settle in cash and expire ten years from the grant date. Because SARs are cash-settled, they are accounted for as liabilities that must be re-measured at fair value at the end of every reporting period until settlement. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for determining the fair value of SARs. Compensation expense for each reporting period is based on the period-to-period change (or portion of the change, depending on the proportion of the vesting period that has been completed at the reporting date) in the fair value of the SARs

Compensation expense charged against income for all stock options, stock awards and SARs was as follows:


(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30				Six Months Ended June 30
2012		2011		2012		2011
$	963	$	928	$	1,591	$	1,777

Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs was as follows:


(In thousands)
	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Stock options	$	1,269	$	974
Stock awards		3,220		2,109
SARs		910		—

The increase in unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, SARs and stock awards reflected the first quarter 2012 grants of 32,623 stock options, 29,729 stock awards and 32,623 SARs. The unrecognized compensation costs at June 30, 2012, are expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of 1.2 years, 2.1 years and 1.6 years for stock options, stock awards and SARs, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Inventories

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Inventories [Abstract]

INVENTORIES

6.	INVENTORIES

The composition of inventories was as follows:


(In thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011

Finished products	$	88,586	$	73,076
Raw materials		49,266		38,099

Total inventories	$	137,852	$	111,175

Inventories are primarily priced using the last-in, first-out inventory valuation method. If the first-in, first-out inventory valuation method had been used for all inventories, inventory balances would have been approximately $42,614,000 and $43,954,000 higher than reported at June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Contingencies [Abstract]

CONTINGENCIES

7.	CONTINGENCIES

There are a variety of legal proceedings pending or threatened against the Company. Some of these proceedings may result in fines, penalties, judgments or costs being assessed against the Company at some future time. The Company’s operations are subject to extensive local, state and federal regulations, including the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the Superfund amendments of 1986 (Superfund). Over the years, the Company has received requests for information related to or has been named by the government as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at a number of waste disposal sites where clean up costs have been or may be incurred under CERCLA and similar state statutes. In addition, damages are being claimed against the Company in general liability actions for alleged personal injury or property damage in the case of some disposal and plant sites. The Company believes that it has made adequate provisions for the costs it may incur with respect to these sites.

At June 30, 2012, the Company has estimated a range of possible environmental and legal losses of $9.1 million to $28.9 million. At June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the Company’s accrued liability for such losses, which represented the Company’s best estimate within the estimated range of possible environmental and legal losses, was $14.9 million and $14.6 million, respectively. During the first six months of 2012 cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters approximated $1.5 million compared to $2.7 million in the first six months of 2011.

For certain sites, the Company has responded to information requests made by federal, state or local government agencies but has received no response confirming or denying the Company’s stated positions. As such, estimates of the total costs, or range of possible costs, of remediation, if any, or the Company’s share of such costs, if any, cannot be determined with respect to these sites. Consequently, the Company is unable to predict the effect thereof on the Company’s financial position, cash flows and results of operations. Given the information available, management believes the Company has no liability at these sites. However, in the event of one or more adverse determinations with respect to such sites in any annual or interim period, the effect on the Company’s cash flows and results of operations for those periods could be material. Based upon the Company’s present knowledge with respect to its involvement at these sites, the possibility of other viable entities’ responsibilities for cleanup, and the extended period over which any costs would be incurred, the Company believes that these matters, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position.

Following are summaries of the material contingencies at June 30, 2012:

Maywood, New Jersey Site

The Company’s property in Maywood, New Jersey, and property formerly owned by the Company adjacent to its current site and other nearby properties (Maywood site) were listed on the National Priorities List in September 1993 pursuant to the provisions of CERCLA because of certain alleged chemical contamination. Pursuant to an Administrative Order on Consent entered into between USEPA and the Company for property formerly owned by the Company and the issuance of an order by USEPA to the Company for property currently owned by the Company, the Company has completed various Remedial Investigation Feasibility Studies (RI/FS) and is awaiting the issuance of a Record of Decision (ROD) from USEPA.

The Company believes its recorded liability for claims associated with the remediation of chemical contamination at the Maywood site is adequate. However, depending on the results of the ongoing discussions with USEPA, the final cost of such remediation could differ from the current estimates.

In addition, under the terms of a settlement agreement reached on November 12, 2004, the United States Department of Justice and the Company agreed to fulfill the terms of a Cooperative Agreement reached in 1985 under which the United States will take title to and responsibility for radioactive waste removal at the Maywood site, including past and future remediation costs incurred by the United States. As such, the Company recorded no liability related to this settlement agreement.

D’Imperio Property Site

During the mid-1970’s, Jerome Lightman and the Lightman Drum Company disposed of hazardous substances at several sites in New Jersey. The Company was named as a potentially responsible party (PRP) in the case United States v. Lightman (1:92-cv-4710 D.N.J.), which involved the D’Imperio Property Site located in New Jersey. In 2007, the Company reached an agreement with respect to the past costs and future allocation percentage in said litigation for costs related to the D’Imperio site, including costs to comply with USEPA’s Unilateral Administrative Orders. The resolution of the Company’s liability for this litigation did not have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company. In the first quarter of 2012, the PRPs approved certain changes to remediation cost estimates, which were considered in the Company’s determination of its range of estimated possible losses and liability balance. The changes in range of possible losses and liability balance were immaterial.

Remediation work is continuing at this site. Based on current information, the Company believes that its recorded liability for claims associated with the D’Imperio site is adequate. However, actual costs could differ from current estimates.

Wilmington Site

The Company is currently contractually obligated to contribute to the response costs associated with the Company’s formerly-owned site at 51 Eames Street, Wilmington, Massachusetts. Remediation at this site is being managed by its current owner to whom the Company sold the property in 1980. Under the agreement, once total site remediation costs exceed certain levels, the Company is obligated to contribute up to five percent of future response costs associated with this site with no limitation on the ultimate amount of contributions. To date, the Company has paid the current owner $2.0 million for the Company’s portion of environmental response costs through the first quarter of 2012 (the current owner of the site bills the Company one calendar quarter in arrears). The Company has recorded a liability for its portion of the estimated remediation costs for the site. Depending on the ultimate cost of the remediation at this site, the amount for which the Company is liable could differ from the current estimates.

The Company and other prior owners also entered into an agreement in April 2004 waiving certain statute of limitations defenses for claims which may be filed by the Town of Wilmington, Massachusetts, in connection with this site. While the Company has denied any liability for any such claims, the Company agreed to this waiver while the parties continue to discuss the resolution of any potential claim which may be filed.

The Company believes that based on current information its recorded liability for the claims related to this site is adequate. However, actual costs could differ from current estimates.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Postretirement Benefit Plans

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

8.	POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company sponsors various funded qualified and unfunded non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, the most significant of which cover employees in the U.S. and U.K. locations. The U.S. and U.K. defined benefit pension plans are frozen and service benefits are no longer being accrued.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost


	UNITED STATES
(In thousands)	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2012			2011			2012			2011

Interest cost	$	1,735		$	1,761		$	3,471		$	3,523
Expected return on plan assets		(2,103	)		(2,013	)		(4,205	)		(4,025	)
Amortization of net loss		932			786			1,863			1,571

Net periodic benefit cost	$	564		$	534		$	1,129		$	1,069


	UNITED KINGDOM
(In thousands)	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2012			2011			2012			2011

Interest cost	$	210		$	279		$	419		$	555
Expected return on plan assets		(221	)		(264	)		(441	)		(525	)
Amortization of net loss		11			52			22			103

Net periodic benefit cost	$	—		$	67		$	—		$	133

Employer Contributions

U.S. Plans

The Company expects to contribute approximately $6,698,000 to its U.S. qualified defined benefit pension plans in 2012 and to pay $268,000 in 2012 related to its unfunded non-qualified plans. As of June 30, 2012, $2,120,000 had been contributed to the qualified plans and $152,000 had been paid related to the non-qualified plans.

U.K. Plan

The Company’s United Kingdom subsidiary expects to contribute approximately $940,000 to its defined benefit pension plan in 2012. As of June 30, 2012, $507,000 had been contributed to the plan.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors retirement savings defined contribution plans that cover U.S. and U.K. employees. The Company also sponsors a qualified profit sharing plan for its U.S. employees. The retirement savings and profit sharing defined contribution plans include a qualified plan and a non-qualified supplemental executive plan.

Defined contribution plan expenses for the Company’s retirement savings plan were $1,058,000 and $2,112,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, compared to $1,005,000 and $1,955,000, respectively, for three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

Expenses related to the Company’s profit sharing plan were $1,352,000 and $2,881,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 20112 compared to $1,510,000 and $2,660,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

In July 2011, the Company established a rabbi trust to fund the obligations of its previously unfunded non-qualified supplemental executive defined contribution plans (supplemental plans). The trust comprises various mutual fund investments selected by the participants of the supplemental plans. In accordance with the accounting guidance for rabbi trust arrangements, the assets of the trust and the obligations of the supplemental plans are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company elected the fair value option for the mutual fund investment assets so that offsetting changes in the mutual fund values and defined contribution plan obligations would be recorded in earnings in the same period. Therefore, the mutual funds are reported at fair value with any subsequent changes in fair value recorded in the statements of income. The liabilities related to the supplemental plans increase (i.e., supplemental plan expense is recognized) when the value of the trust assets appreciates and decrease when the value of the trust assets declines (i.e., supplemental plan income is recognized). At June 30, 2012, the balance of the trust assets was $1,429,000, which equaled the balance of the supplemental plan liabilities (see the long-term investments section in Note 3 for further information regarding the Company’s mutual fund assets).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB
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-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 132R
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
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-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

9.	EARNINGS PER SHARE

Below is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.


(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Three Months Ended June 30				Six Months Ended June 30
	2012		2011		2012		2011

Computation of Basic Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	21,425	$	20,867	$	43,727	$	39,628
Deduct dividends on preferred stock		177		179		355		358

Income applicable to common stock	$	21,248	$	20,688	$	43,372	$	39,270

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		10,550		10,345		10,537		10,335


Basic earnings per share	$	2.01	$	2.00	$	4.12	$	3.80


Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	21,425	$	20,867	$	43,727	$	39,628

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding		10,550		10,345		10,537		10,335
Add weighted-average net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) ⁽¹⁾		212		237		213		244
Add weighted-average net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)		3		2		3		2
Add weighted-average shares issuable from assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock		592		594		592		594

Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings		11,357		11,178		11,345		11,175


Diluted earnings per share	$	1.89	$	1.87	$	3.85	$	3.55

⁽¹⁾

Options to purchase 255 and 16,444 shares of common stock were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively. Options to purchase 63,167 and 61,516 shares of common stock were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. The options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price for the common stock and their effect would have been antidilutive.

Segment Reporting

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT REPORTING

10.	SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company has three reportable segments: surfactants, polymers and specialty products. Segment operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below:


(In thousands)	Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty Products		Segment Totals

For the three months ended June 30, 2012
Net sales	$	335,114	$	113,923	$	21,194	$	470,231
Operating income		31,024		11,775		3,395		46,194

For the three months ended June 30, 2011
Net sales	$	343,767	$	120,854	$	12,368	$	476,989
Operating income		24,693		15,064		3,485		43,242

For the six months ended June 30, 2012
Net sales	$	682,270	$	210,672	$	42,558	$	935,500
Operating income		64,016		23,526		7,290		94,832

For the six months ended June 30, 2011
Net sales	$	668,652	$	207,253	$	23,682	$	899,587
Operating income		52,857		21,429		6,749		81,035

Below are reconciliations of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes:


(In thousands)	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Operating income segment totals	$	46,194		$	43,242		$	94,832		$	81,035
Unallocated corporate expenses ⁽¹⁾		(11,373	)		(9,164	)		(24,611	)		(17,106	)

Total operating income		34,821			34,078			70,221			63,929
Interest expense, net		(2,086	)		(2,194	)		(4,690	)		(4,257	)
Loss from equity in joint ventures		(1,300	)		(805	)		(2,441	)		(1,770	)
Other, net		83			253			1,148			565

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	31,518		$	31,332		$	64,238		$	58,467

⁽¹⁾	Unallocated corporate expenses primarily comprise corporate administrative expenses (e.g., corporate finance, legal, human resources, information systems and deferred compensation) that are not included in segment operating income and not used to evaluate segment performance.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Debt

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Debt [Abstract]

DEBT

11.

DEBT

At June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, debt comprised the following:


(In thousands)	Maturity Dates	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Unsecured private placement notes
4.86%	2017-2023	$	65,000	$	65,000
5.88%	2016-2022		40,000		40,000
5.69%	2012-2018		40,000		40,000
6.86%	2012-2015		17,142		17,142
6.59%	2012-2012		2,727		2,727

Debt of foreign subsidiaries
Secured bank term loans, foreign currency	2012-2016		10,688		12,496
Secured bank term loan, U.S. dollars	2012-2014		4,667		5,833
Other loans, foreign currency	2012-2015		15,119		16,256

Total debt		$	195,343	$	199,454
Less current maturities			33,294		34,487

Long-term debt		$	162,049	$	164,967

The Company has a $60,000,000 U.S. revolving credit agreement scheduled to expire in August 2013. The Company also maintains standby letters of credit under its workers’ compensation insurance agreements and for other purposes, as needed from time to time, which are issued under the revolving credit agreement. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $2,627,000 and no outstanding debt under this agreement. There was $57,373,000 available under the revolving credit agreement as of June 30, 2012.

The various loan agreements contain provisions, which, among others, require maintenance of certain financial ratios and place limitations on additional debt, investments and payment of dividends. Based on the loan agreement provisions that place limitations on dividend payments, unrestricted retained earnings (i.e., retained earnings available for dividend distribution) were $211,664,000 and $184,738,000 at June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Other Net

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Other, Net [Abstract]

OTHER, NET

12.	OTHER, NET

Other, net in the consolidated statements of income included the following:


(In thousands)	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2012			2011			2012		2011
Foreign exchange gain	$	505		$	279		$	120	$	105
Investment income		14			9			18		22
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments		(436	)		(35	)		1,010		438

Other, net	$	83		$	253		$	1,148	$	565

Purchase of the Remaining Interest In Stepan Philippines Inc

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Purchase of the Remaining Interest In Stepan Philippines Inc [Abstract]

PURCHASE OF THE REMAINING INTEREST IN STEPAN PHILIPPINES INC.

13.	PURCHASE OF THE REMAINING INTEREST IN STEPAN PHILIPPINES INC.

On March 22, 2012, the Company purchased the remaining interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc. (SPI), increasing the Company’s ownership share from 88.8 percent to 100 percent. The Company paid $2,000,000 of cash to the holder of the noncontrolling interest to acquire the remaining interest in SPI. As a result of this transaction, the Company’s equity (additional paid-in capital) increased by $551,000. In addition, $197,000 of cumulative translation adjustments (gains) that previously had been allocated to the noncontrolling interest was reclassified to the Company’s AOCI.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group.

+ References + Details

Acquisition

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Acquisition [Abstract]

ACQUISITION

14.	ACQUISITION

On June 23, 2011, the Company purchased the Clarinol®, Marinol®, and PinnoThin® product lines of Lipid Nutrition B.V., a part of Loders Croklaan B.V. The acquired product lines are included in the Company’s specialty products segment, and provide a portfolio of nutritional fats for the global food, supplement and nutrition industries. The acquisition purchase price was $13,562,000 of cash. In addition to the purchase price paid, the Company incurred $0.3 million of acquisition-related costs, including legal and consulting expenses, which were reflected in administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statement of income.

The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and, accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were measured and recorded at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at June 23, 2011:


(In thousands)
Assets:
Inventory	$	5,000
Identifiable intangible assets:
Patents		6,948
Customer lists		736
Trademarks, know-how		429

Total identifiable intangible assets		8,113
Goodwill		483

Total assets acquired	$	13,596


Current liabilities	$	34

Net assets acquired	$	13,562

The acquired goodwill, which is allocated entirely to the Company’s specialty products segment, is deductable for tax purposes. The goodwill reflects the potential manufacturing and marketing synergies arising from combining the new product lines with the Company’s existing food and health services products. The weighted average amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets at the time of acquisition were as follows: patents-12 years; customer lists-five years; and trademarks and know-how-five years. The purchase price allocation for the acquisition is final, and no purchase price allocation adjustments were made to the amounts originally recorded at the acquisition date.

Pro forma financial information has not been included because revenues and earnings of the Company’s consolidated entity would not have been materially different than reported had the acquisition date been January 1, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Number 88-16
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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e
-Appendix F

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

15.	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), and do not require additional fair value measurements and are not intended to establish valuation standards or affect valuation practices. The amendments in this update are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Adoption of the new requirement did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. In this update, FASB eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The amendments require that all non-owner changes in equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within these years, beginning after December 15, 2011. This date does not apply to the requirement for the presentation of reclassifications of items out of other comprehensive income to net income. This requirement has been deferred indefinitely by ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. Although adoption of the new requirement had an effect on the Company’s presentation of comprehensive income, it did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment, which amends the guidance on testing goodwill for impairment. The new standard provides entities that are testing goodwill for impairment the option of performing a qualitative assessment before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit (i.e., step 1 of the goodwill impairment test). If an entity determines, on the basis of the qualitative assessment, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of greater than 50 percent) less than the reporting unit’s carrying amount, the traditional two-step impairment test would be required. The ASU does not change how goodwill is calculated or assigned to reporting units, nor does it revise the requirement to test goodwill annually for impairment. Furthermore, the ASU does not amend the requirement to test goodwill for impairment between annual tests if events or circumstances warrant. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company did not employ the qualitative assessment made available by this update for the Company’s 2012 annual goodwill impairment testing. Application of the option provided in this update did not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This update creates new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity’s rights of setoff and related arrangements associated with its financial and derivative instruments. Entities are required to apply the new disclosure requirements for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Retrospective application is required. Adoption of the new requirement will not have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. The amendments in this update aim to simplify the impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by permitting an entity the option to first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether the quantitative impairment test included in Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—General Intangibles Other than Goodwill must be performed. The amendment is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The Company currently has no indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill reported on its consolidated balance sheet. As such, adoption of this amendment is not expected to have an effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

- Definition

The entire disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510796

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6801783&loc=d3e22583-107794

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.10-01.(b)(6))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6958853&loc=d3e46468-122699

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6801783&loc=d3e22580-107794

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accounting Change
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503790

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6801783&loc=d3e22499-107794

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Retrospective Application
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523989

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e725-108305

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e765-108305

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

+ Details

Reconciliations of Equity (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Reconciliations of Equity [Abstract]

Reconciliations of total equity

Below are reconciliations of total equity, Company equity and equity attributable to the noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:


(In thousands)	Total Equity			Stepan Company Equity			Noncontrolling Interests’ Equity ⁽³⁾

Balance at January 1, 2012	$	405,465		$	401,211		$	4,254
Net income		43,875			43,727			148
Purchase of remaining interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc. from noncontrolling interest		(2,000	)		748			(2,748	)
Dividends		(6,148	)		(6,148	)		—
Common stock purchases ⁽¹⁾		(1,761	)		(1,761	)		—
Stock option exercises		2,320			2,320			—
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax		1,164			1,164			—
Translation adjustments		(2,020	)		(2,074	)		54
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax		64			64			—
Other ⁽²⁾		3,908			3,908			—

Balance at June 30, 2012	$	444,867		$	443,159		$	1,708


Balance at January 1, 2011	$	353,071		$	349,491		$	3,580
Net income		39,822			39,628			194
Dividends		(5,638	)		(5,638	)		—
Common stock purchases ⁽¹⁾		(2,274	)		(2,274	)		—
Stock option exercises		889			889			—
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax		1,044			1,044			—
Translation adjustments		10,081			10,039			42
Derivative instrument gain, net of tax		389			389			—
Other ⁽²⁾		3,603			3,603			—

Balance at June 30, 2011	$	400,987		$	397,171		$	3,816

⁽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 ⁾

Includes partners’ noncontrolling interests in the Company’s China and Philippines joint ventures.

Financial Instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair value of debt and the related carrying values

At June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, the fair value of debt and the related carrying values, including current maturities, were as follows:


(In thousands)
	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011

Fair value	$	206,391	$	206,789

Carrying value		195,343		199,454

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value


(In thousands)	June 2012		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Mutual fund assets	$	13,445	$	13,445	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		30		—		30		—

Total assets at fair value	$	13,475	$	13,445	$	30	$	—


Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	3	$	—	$	3	$	—
Interest rate contracts		55		—		55		—

Total liabilities at fair value	$	58	$	—	$	58	$	—


(In thousands)	December 2011		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3

Mutual fund assets	$	12,464	$	12,464	$	—	$	—
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts		100		—		100		—

Total assets at fair value	$	12,564	$	12,464	$	100	$	—


Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	$	52	$	—	$	52	$	—
Interest rate contracts		36		—		36		—

Total liabilities at fair value	$	88	$	—	$	88	$	—

- Definition

Tabular disclosure related to assets and liabilities by class, including financial instruments measured at fair value that are classified in shareholders' equity, if any, that are measured at fair value on a recurring and/or nonrecurring basis in periods after initial recognition. Disclosures include, but are not limited to: (a) the fair value measurements recorded and the reasons for the measurements and (b) the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements are categorized in their entirety (levels 1, 2, 3) as well as transfers between levels 1 and 2.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19279-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a,b,bb)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=SL7498348-110258

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19190-110258

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 33
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 6
-Footnote 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Compensation expense charged against income

Compensation expense charged against income for all stock options, stock awards and SARs was as follows:


(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30				Six Months Ended June 30
2012		2011		2012		2011
$	963	$	928	$	1,591	$	1,777

Unrecognized compensation cost for stock option and stock awards

Unrecognized compensation costs for stock options, stock awards and SARs was as follows:


(In thousands)
	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Stock options	$	1,269	$	974
Stock awards		3,220		2,109
SARs		910		—

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the allocation of equity-based compensation costs to a given line item on the balance sheet and income statement for the period. This may include the reporting line for the costs and the amount capitalized and expensed.

+ References + Details

Inventories (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Inventories [Abstract]

Composition of Inventories

The composition of inventories was as follows:


(In thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011

Finished products	$	88,586	$	73,076
Raw materials		49,266		38,099

Total inventories	$	137,852	$	111,175

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Postretirement Benefit Plans [Abstract]

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost


	UNITED STATES
(In thousands)	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2012			2011			2012			2011

Interest cost	$	1,735		$	1,761		$	3,471		$	3,523
Expected return on plan assets		(2,103	)		(2,013	)		(4,205	)		(4,025	)
Amortization of net loss		932			786			1,863			1,571

Net periodic benefit cost	$	564		$	534		$	1,129		$	1,069


	UNITED KINGDOM
(In thousands)	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2012			2011			2012			2011

Interest cost	$	210		$	279		$	419		$	555
Expected return on plan assets		(221	)		(264	)		(441	)		(525	)
Amortization of net loss		11			52			22			103

Net periodic benefit cost	$	—		$	67		$	—		$	133

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share

Below is the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.


(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Three Months Ended June 30				Six Months Ended June 30
	2012		2011		2012		2011

Computation of Basic Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	21,425	$	20,867	$	43,727	$	39,628
Deduct dividends on preferred stock		177		179		355		358

Income applicable to common stock	$	21,248	$	20,688	$	43,372	$	39,270

Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding		10,550		10,345		10,537		10,335


Basic earnings per share	$	2.01	$	2.00	$	4.12	$	3.80


Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$	21,425	$	20,867	$	43,727	$	39,628

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding		10,550		10,345		10,537		10,335
Add weighted-average net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) ⁽¹⁾		212		237		213		244
Add weighted-average net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)		3		2		3		2
Add weighted-average shares issuable from assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock		592		594		592		594

Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings		11,357		11,178		11,345		11,175


Diluted earnings per share	$	1.89	$	1.87	$	3.85	$	3.55

⁽¹⁾

Segment Reporting (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Operating Segment

Segment operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are summarized below:


(In thousands)	Surfactants		Polymers		Specialty Products		Segment Totals

For the three months ended June 30, 2012
Net sales	$	335,114	$	113,923	$	21,194	$	470,231
Operating income		31,024		11,775		3,395		46,194

For the three months ended June 30, 2011
Net sales	$	343,767	$	120,854	$	12,368	$	476,989
Operating income		24,693		15,064		3,485		43,242

For the six months ended June 30, 2012
Net sales	$	682,270	$	210,672	$	42,558	$	935,500
Operating income		64,016		23,526		7,290		94,832

For the six months ended June 30, 2011
Net sales	$	668,652	$	207,253	$	23,682	$	899,587
Operating income		52,857		21,429		6,749		81,035

Reconciliation of segment operating income to Consolidated

Below are reconciliations of segment operating income to consolidated income before income taxes:


(In thousands)	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2012			2011			2012			2011
Operating income segment totals	$	46,194		$	43,242		$	94,832		$	81,035
Unallocated corporate expenses ⁽¹⁾		(11,373	)		(9,164	)		(24,611	)		(17,106	)

Total operating income		34,821			34,078			70,221			63,929
Interest expense, net		(2,086	)		(2,194	)		(4,690	)		(4,257	)
Loss from equity in joint ventures		(1,300	)		(805	)		(2,441	)		(1,770	)
Other, net		83			253			1,148			565

Consolidated income before income taxes	$	31,518		$	31,332		$	64,238		$	58,467

⁽¹⁾	Unallocated corporate expenses primarily comprise corporate administrative expenses (e.g., corporate finance, legal, human resources, information systems and deferred compensation) that are not included in segment operating income and not used to evaluate segment performance.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Debt (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Debt [Abstract]

Debt comprised

At June 30, 2012, and December 31, 2011, debt comprised the following:


(In thousands)	Maturity Dates	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Unsecured private placement notes
4.86%	2017-2023	$	65,000	$	65,000
5.88%	2016-2022		40,000		40,000
5.69%	2012-2018		40,000		40,000
6.86%	2012-2015		17,142		17,142
6.59%	2012-2012		2,727		2,727

Debt of foreign subsidiaries
Secured bank term loans, foreign currency	2012-2016		10,688		12,496
Secured bank term loan, U.S. dollars	2012-2014		4,667		5,833
Other loans, foreign currency	2012-2015		15,119		16,256

Total debt		$	195,343	$	199,454
Less current maturities			33,294		34,487

Long-term debt		$	162,049	$	164,967

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Other Net (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Other, Net [Abstract]

Other net in the consolidated statements of income

Other, net in the consolidated statements of income included the following:


(In thousands)	Three Months Ended June 30						Six Months Ended June 30
	2012			2011			2012		2011
Foreign exchange gain	$	505		$	279		$	120	$	105
Investment income		14			9			18		22
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments		(436	)		(35	)		1,010		438

Other, net	$	83		$	253		$	1,148	$	565

Acquisitions (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Acquisition [Abstract]

Assumption of assets acquired and liabilities

The following table summarizes the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at June 23, 2011:


(In thousands)
Assets:
Inventory	$	5,000
Identifiable intangible assets:
Patents		6,948
Customer lists		736
Trademarks, know-how		429

Total identifiable intangible assets		8,113
Goodwill		483

Total assets acquired	$	13,596


Current liabilities	$	34

Net assets acquired	$	13,562

Reconciliations of Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Reconciliations of total equity
Beginning Balance			$ 405,465	$ 353,071
Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Balance			401,211
Noncontrolling Interests' , Beginning Balance			4,254
Net income	$ 21,511	$ 21,006	43,875	39,822
Net income, Stepan Company Equity	21,425	20,867	43,727	39,628
Net income, Noncontrolling Interests'	86	139	148	194
Purchase of remaining interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc. from noncontrolling interest			(2,000)
Dividends			(6,148)	(5,638)
Common stock purchases			(1,761)	(2,274)
Stock option exercises			2,320	889
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax	582	521	1,164	1,044
Translation adjustments	(10,554)	3,964	(2,020)	10,081
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax	(43)	315	64	389
Other			3,908	3,603
Ending Balance	444,867	400,987	444,867	400,987
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance	443,159		443,159
Noncontrolling Interests' , Ending Balance	1,708		1,708
Noncontrolling Interest's Equity [Member]
Reconciliations of total equity
Noncontrolling Interests' , Beginning Balance			4,254	3,580
Net income, Noncontrolling Interests'			148	194
Purchase of remaining interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc. from noncontrolling interest			(2,748)
Dividends
Common stock purchases
Stock option exercises
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax
Translation adjustments, Noncontrolling Interests'			54	42
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax
Other
Noncontrolling Interests' , Ending Balance	1,708	3,816	1,708	3,816
Stepan Company Equity [Member]
Reconciliations of total equity
Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Balance			401,211	349,491
Net income, Stepan Company Equity			43,727	39,628
Purchase of remaining interest in Stepan Philippines, Inc. from noncontrolling interest			748
Dividends			(6,148)	(5,638)
Common stock purchases			(1,761)	(2,274)
Stock option exercises			2,320	889
Defined benefit pension adjustments, net of tax			1,164	1,044
Translation adjustments, Stepan Company Equity			(2,074)	10,039
Derivative instrument activity, net of tax			64	389
Other			3,908	3,603
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance	$ 443,159	$ 397,171	$ 443,159	$ 397,171

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair value of debt and the related carrying values
Carrying Value	$ 195,343	$ 199,454
Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of debt and the related carrying values
Fair Value	$ 206,391	$ 206,789

Financial Instruments (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Mutual fund assets	$ 13,445	$ 12,464
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts	30	100
Total assets at fair value	13,475	12,564
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	3	52
Interest rate contracts		36
Total liabilities at fair value	58	88
Level 1 [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Mutual fund assets	13,445	12,464
Derivative assets:
Total assets at fair value	13,445	12,464
Level 2 [Member]
Derivative assets:
Foreign currency contracts	30	100
Total assets at fair value	30	100
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts	3	52
Interest rate contracts	55	36
Total liabilities at fair value	58	88
Level 3 [Member]
Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Mutual fund assets
Derivative assets:
Total assets at fair value
Derivative liabilities:
Foreign currency contracts
Total liabilities at fair value

Derivative Instrument (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Open forward foreign currency exchange contract designated as a cash flow hedge	$ 3,229,000	$ 3,694,000
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Forward foreign currency exchange	1,508,000	5,266,000
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member] \| Foreign Exchange Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Open forward foreign currency exchange contract not designated as a hedge	$ 15,458,000	$ 26,627,000

Stock Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Compensation expense charged against income
Compensation expense	$ 963	$ 928	$ 1,591	$ 1,777

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References + Details

Stock Based Compensation (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Options [Member]
Unrecognized compensation cost for stock option and stock awards
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 1,269	$ 974
Stock Awards [Member]
Unrecognized compensation cost for stock option and stock awards
Unrecognized compensation cost	3,220	$ 2,109
SARs [Member]
Unrecognized compensation cost for stock option and stock awards
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 910

Stock Based Compensation (Details Textual)	6 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Details Textual)	Jun. 30, 2012 shares
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Grant	32,623
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognizable compensation for compensation arrangements	1 year 2 months 12 days
Stock Awards [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Grant	29,729
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognizable compensation for compensation arrangements	2 years 1 month 6 days
SARs [Member]
Stock Based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Grant	32,623
Vesting period	2 years
Period of expiration	10 years
Weighted average period for amortization of unrecognizable compensation for compensation arrangements	1 year 7 months 6 days

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Composition of inventories
Finished products	$ 88,586	$ 73,076
Raw materials	49,266	38,099
Total inventories	$ 137,852	$ 111,175

Inventories (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories (Textual) [Abstract]
LIFO reserve	$ 42,614,000	$ 43,954,000

Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	6 Months Ended
Contingencies (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Environmental and legal losses, minimum	$ 9.1
Environmental and legal losses, maximum	28.9
Accrued liability for losses	14.9		$ 14.6
Cash outlays related to legal and environmental matters	1.5	$ 2.7
Wilmington Site [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Payment of environmental response costs	$ 2.0
Contribution for future response costs	5.00%

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
UNITED STATES [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Interest cost	$ 1,735	$ 1,761	$ 3,471	$ 3,523
Expected return on plan assets	(2,103)	(2,013)	(4,205)	(4,025)
Amortization of net loss	932	786	1,863	1,571
Net periodic benefit cost	564	534	1,129	1,069
UNITED KINGDOM [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Interest cost	210	279	419	555
Expected return on plan assets	(221)	(264)	(441)	(525)
Amortization of net loss	11	52	22	103
Net periodic benefit cost		$ 67		$ 133

- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 30
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512136

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details Textual) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Postretirement benefit plan (Textual) [Abstract]
Balance of the trust assets	$ 1,429,000		$ 1,429,000
U.S Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected payment related to Nonqualified plan	268,000		268,000
Company's expected contribution to qualified plan	6,698,000		6,698,000
Contribution to the qualified plans			2,120,000
Payment related to the non-qualified plans			152,000
U.K Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company's expected contribution to qualified plan	940,000		940,000
Contribution to the qualified plans			507,000
Retirement Savings Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan expense	1,058,000	$ 1,005,000	2,112,000	$ 1,955,000
Profit Sharing Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan expense	$ 1,352,000	$ 1,510,000	$ 2,881,000	$ 2,660,000

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Computation of Basic Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$ 21,425	$ 20,867	$ 43,727	$ 39,628
Deduct dividends on preferred stock	177	179	355	358
Income applicable to common stock	$ 21,248	$ 20,688	$ 43,372	$ 39,270
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding	10,550	10,345	10,537	10,335
Basic earnings per share	$ 2.01	$ 2.00	$ 4.12	$ 3.80
Computation of Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to Stepan Company	$ 21,425	$ 20,867	$ 43,727	$ 39,628
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding	10,550	10,345	10,537	10,335
Add weighted-average net shares issuable from assumed exercise of options (under treasury stock method) (1)	212	237	213	244
Add weighted-average net shares related to unvested stock awards (under treasury stock method)	3	2	3	2
Add weighted-average shares issuable from assumed conversion of convertible preferred stock	592	594	592	594
Weighted-average shares applicable to diluted earnings	11,357	11,178	11,345	11,175
Diluted	$ 1.89	$ 1.87	$ 3.85	$ 3.55

Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Details Textual) - shares	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive stock options	255	63,167	16,444	61,516

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Operating Segment
Net Sales	$ 470,231	$ 476,989	$ 935,500	$ 899,587
Operating Income	34,821	34,078	70,221	63,929
Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income	46,194	43,242	94,832	81,035
Surfactants [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales	335,114	343,767	682,270	668,652
Surfactants [Member] \| Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income	31,024	24,693	64,016	52,857
Polymers [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales	113,923	120,854	210,672	207,253
Polymers [Member] \| Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income	11,775	15,064	23,526	21,429
Specialty Products [Member]
Operating Segment
Net Sales	21,194	12,368	42,558	23,682
Specialty Products [Member] \| Operating Income Segments [Member]
Operating Segment
Operating Income	$ 3,395	$ 3,485	$ 7,290	$ 6,749

Segment Reporting (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Reconciliation of segment operating income to Consolidated
Operating income segment totals	$ 46,194	$ 43,242	$ 94,832	$ 81,035
Unallocated corporate expenses	(11,373)	(9,164)	(24,611)	(17,106)
Operating Income	34,821	34,078	70,221	63,929
Interest, net	(2,086)	(2,194)	(4,690)	(4,257)
Loss from equity in joint ventures	(1,300)	(805)	(2,441)	(1,770)
Other, net	83	253	1,148	565
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes	$ 31,518	$ 31,332	$ 64,238	$ 58,467

- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16385135&loc=d3e33749-111570

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 9
-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 11
-Article 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt
Total debt	$ 195,343	$ 199,454
Less current maturities	33,294	34,487
Long-term debt	$ 162,049	164,967
Unsecured private placement notes one [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	4.86%
Maturity Dates	2017-2023
Total debt	$ 65,000	65,000
Unsecured private placement notes two [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	5.88%
Maturity Dates	2016-2022
Total debt	$ 40,000	40,000
Unsecured private placement notes three [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	5.69%
Maturity Dates	2012-2018
Total debt	$ 40,000	40,000
Unsecured private placement notes four [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	6.86%
Maturity Dates	2012-2015
Total debt	$ 17,142	17,142
Unsecured private placement notes five [Member]
Debt
Debt instrument interest rate percentage	6.59%
Maturity Dates	2012-2012
Total debt	$ 2,727	2,727
Debt of foreign subsidiaries Secured bank term loans, foreign currency [Member]
Debt
Maturity Dates	2012-2016
Carrying value of variable interest secured term	$ 10,688	12,496
Debt of foreign subsidiaries Secured bank term loan, U.S. dollars [Member]
Debt
Maturity Dates	2012-2014
Carrying value of variable interest secured term	$ 4,667	5,833
Debt of foreign subsidiaries Other loans, foreign currency [Member]
Debt
Maturity Dates	2012-2015
Total debt	$ 15,119	$ 16,256

Debt (Details Textual) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Revolving credit agreement	$ 60,000,000
Debt Outstanding	0
Letters of Credit outstanding	2,627,000
Unused Revolving credit	57,373,000
Loan agreement provisions that place limitations on dividend payments, unrestricted retained earnings	$ 211,664,000	$ 184,738,000

Other Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Other Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Other net in the consolidated statements of income
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$ 505	$ 279	$ 120	$ 105
Investment income	14	9	18	22
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(436)	(35)	1,010	438
Other, net	$ 83	$ 253	$ 1,148	$ 565

- Definition

The aggregate foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains (losses) may be disclosed as dealer gains (losses).

+ References + Details

- Definition

This item represents the net total realized and unrealized gain (loss) included in earnings for the period as a result of selling or holding marketable securities categorized as trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity, including the unrealized holding gain (loss) of held-to-maturity securities transferred to the trading security category and the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) which was included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity) for available-for-sale securities transferred to trading securities during the period. Additionally, this item would include any gains (losses) realized during the period from the sale of investments accounted for under the cost method of accounting and losses recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of the subject investments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (c)-(e)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c),9(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 320
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27405-111563

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 115
-Paragraph 13, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Article 5

+ Details

- Definition

This item represents investment income derived from investments in debt and equity securities consisting of interest income earned from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents, dividend income from investments in equity securities, and income or expense derived from the amortization of investment related discounts or premiums, respectively, net of related investment expenses. This item does not include realized or unrealized gains or losses on the sale or holding of investments in debt and equity securities required to be included in earnings for the period or for other than temporary losses related to investments in debt and equity securities which are included in realized losses in the period recognized, and does not include investment income from real or personal property, such as rental income.

+ References + Details

Purchase of the Remaining Interest in Stepan Philippines Inc (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 22, 2012
Purchase of the remaining interest in stepan philippines inc (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of company's ownership, before purchasing the interest in Stepan Philippines		88.80%
Percentage of company's ownership, after purchasing the interest in Stepan Philippines		100.00%
Payment to noncontrolling interest (Note 13)	$ (2,000,000)
Increase in additional paid in capital	551,000
Reclassification of cumulative translation adjustments (gains) to AOCI	$ 197,000

Acquisition (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 23, 2011 USD ($)
Assets:
Inventory	$ 5,000
Identifiable intangible assets:
Total identifiable intangible assets	8,113
Goodwill	483
Total assets acquired	13,596
Current liabilities	34
Net assets acquired	13,562
Patents [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets:
Identifiable intangible assets	6,948
Customer lists [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets:
Identifiable intangible assets	736
Trademarks, Know-how [Member]
Identifiable intangible assets:
Identifiable intangible assets	$ 429

Acquisition (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
Acquisition (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 23, 2011
Acquisition (Textual) [Abstract]
Acquisition purchase price		$ 13,562
Acquisition-related costs incurred	$ 300
Patents [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets	12 years
Customer lists [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets	5 years
Trademarks and Know How [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization periods for the identifiable intangible assets	5 years