Equity Level 1 (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 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	10,979		—			10,979
Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes	—		101,917			101,917
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	—		(101,917		)	(101,917		)
Balance at September 30, 2012	$	116,831	$	—		$	116,831

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 August 7, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $.06 per common share. At September 30, 2012, this dividend totaling $12.8 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 October 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 nine months ended September 30, 2012, we repurchased 12,226,905 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $142.7 million, which is an average cost per common share of $11.67. After these repurchases, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under our share repurchase program was approximately $77.3 million at September 30, 2012.

Subsequent to September 30, 2012, we repurchased an additional 1,416,937 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $19.4 million, which is an average cost per share of $13.68. After these fourth quarter repurchases, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under our share repurchase program is approximately $57.9 million.