Equity Level 1 (Notes)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

Equity

(All shares reported in whole numbers)

Our components of Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:

	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment			Unrealized Gains and Losses			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
				(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	105,852		$	—		$	105,852
Activity in 2012	(2,524		)	—			(2,524		)
Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes	—			34,036			34,036
Reclassification of net unrealized gain activity attributable to the Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus’, net of taxes	—			(34,036		)	(34,036		)
Balance at June 30, 2012	$	103,328		$	—		$	103,328

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate. The U.S. dollar amount that arises from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in Accumulated other comprehensive income.

Cash Dividends

On May 9, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $.06 per common share. At June 30, 2012, this dividend totaling $12.9 million was recorded in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and Capital in excess of par value in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. This dividend will be paid on July 31, 2012.

Share Repurchase Program

Subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions, and limitations in our debt covenants, we may make purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions under our stock repurchase program. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, we repurchased 9,211,638 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $102.8 million, which is an average cost per share of $11.16. After these repurchases, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under our share repurchase program was approximately $117.2 million at June 30, 2012.