Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities Deferred Preneed Funeral Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 575,546		$ 580,223
Funeral [Member]
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	580,223		596,966		588,198
Net preneed contract sales	105,866		112,678		141,752
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	142,026		26,816		(794)
Net investment (losses) earnings	(12,164)	[1]	83,605	[1]	135,842	[1]
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(182,408)		(151,484)		(153,382)
Change in cancellation allowance	(1,526)		(761)		(2,972)
Change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust	(57,936)		(69,694)		(117,181)
Effect of foreign currency and other	1,465		(17,903)		5,503
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 575,546		$ 580,223		$ 596,966

[1] Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings (losses).