This stand was to replace a much-used older stand that was beginning to wear out. The tripod base is much wider than my old stand when opened, making the stand very stable. When closed, the legs are prone to flap slightly - a means of retention would be a good addition, though a strong rubber band will do the trick.
It is quite strong and can just about hold a thick book (such as a Real Book), but if you're planning to use it for this type of document regularly, I would look for a stronger stand.