Major Segments of Business (Revenue, pre-tax income and total and total assets by segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from continuing operations	$ 61,054	$ 60,140	$ 193,063	$ 185,336
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	4,560	7,574	23,815	23,860
Total assets	887,046		887,046		$ 885,069
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from continuing operations	47,329	45,183	150,279	140,952
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	12,394	13,478	45,414	44,322
Total assets	637,075		637,075		634,145
Cemetery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from continuing operations	13,725	14,957	42,784	44,384
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	3,002	4,327	11,609	12,875
Total assets	245,674		245,674		241,621
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from continuing operations	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(10,836)	$ (10,231)	(33,208)	$ (33,337)
Total assets	$ 4,297		$ 4,297		$ 9,303