Preneed Funeral Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Insurance-backed fixed income securities	$ 77,791	$ 72,420
Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments	1,478,865	1,424,557
Funeral [Member]
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Trust investments, at market	892,685	875,043
Cash and cash equivalents	101,111	121,212
Insurance-backed fixed income securities	277,650	220,287
Trust investments	1,271,446	1,216,542
Receivables from customers	246,601	247,434
Unearned finance charge	(5,425)	(5,620)
Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	1,512,622	1,458,356
Allowance for cancellation	(33,757)	(33,799)
Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments	$ 1,478,865	$ 1,424,557	$ 1,356,353	$ 1,191,692

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An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date, net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the contract. The aggregate fair value as of the balance sheet date of financial instruments and other positions may include: (1) mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset backed securities; (2) US government and agency obligations; (3) state and municipal government obligations; (4) other sovereign government debt; (5) corporate obligations; (6) corporate equities; (7) principal investments; (8) derivative contracts; and (9) physical commodities. Includes both pledged and unpledged holdings.

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An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the contract. The aggregate fair value as of the balance sheet date of financial instruments and other positions may include: (1) mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset backed securities; (2) US government and agency obligations; (3) state and municipal government obligations; (4) other sovereign government debt; (5) corporate obligations; (6) corporate equities; (7) principal investments; (8) derivative contracts; and (9) physical commodities. Includes both pledged and unpledged holdings.

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Amounts due from customers or clients, more than one year from the balance sheet date, for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business.

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A valuation allowance for receivables due to an Entity for more than one year from the balance sheet date that are expected to be uncollectible.

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts which could be received based on the terms of the insurance contract upon surrendering life policies owned by the entity.

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Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all investments.

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