Preneed Cemetery Activities Deferred Preneed Cemetery Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Ending balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	$ 833,303		$ 813,493
Cemetery [Member]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	813,493		817,543		771,117
Net preneed and atneed deferred sales	363,523		349,786		342,984
(Dispositions) acquisitions of businesses, net	(10,861)		1,090		5,461
Net investment (losses) earnings	(26,431)	[1]	117,331	[1]	242,483	[1]
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(350,356)		(347,996)		(325,036)
Change in cancellation allowance	802		(2,457)		10,855
Change in deferred preneed cemetary receipts held in trust	37,173		(125,974)		(235,031)
Effect of foreign currency and other	5,960		4,170		4,710
Ending balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	$ 833,303		$ 813,493		$ 817,543

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