Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 Customer Relationships [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Customer Lists [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Noncompete Agreements [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Leases, Acquired-in-Place, Market Adjustment [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Preneed customer relationships related to insurance claims			$ 15,200
Preneed deferred revenue			1,740
Covenants-not-to-compete			13,332
Operating leases			440
Tradenames			3,600
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
Tradenames	121,838	82,732	33,200
Licenses and permits			500
Total intangible assets			$ 68,012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum				10	10	5	5	5
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum				10	14	15	15	5