Preneed Cemetery Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	$ 1,777,598	$ 1,595,940
Cemetery [Member]
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Trust investments, at market	1,171,117	1,051,464
Cash and cash equivalents	94,446	104,554
Insurance-backed fixed income securities	4	5
Trust investments	1,265,567	1,156,023
Receivables from customers	590,448	517,917
Unearned finance charges	(30,805)	(33,766)
Preneed cemetary receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	1,825,210	1,640,174
Allowance for cancellation	(47,612)	(44,234)
Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	$ 1,777,598	$ 1,595,940

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An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date, net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the contract. The aggregate fair value as of the balance sheet date of financial instruments and other positions may include: (1) mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset backed securities; (2) US government and agency obligations; (3) state and municipal government obligations; (4) other sovereign government debt; (5) corporate obligations; (6) corporate equities; (7) principal investments; (8) derivative contracts; and (9) physical commodities. Includes both pledged and unpledged holdings.

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An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the contract. The aggregate fair value as of the balance sheet date of financial instruments and other positions may include: (1) mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset backed securities; (2) US government and agency obligations; (3) state and municipal government obligations; (4) other sovereign government debt; (5) corporate obligations; (6) corporate equities; (7) principal investments; (8) derivative contracts; and (9) physical commodities. Includes both pledged and unpledged holdings.

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Amounts due from customers or clients, more than one year from the balance sheet date, for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business.

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Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts which could be received based on the terms of the insurance contract upon surrendering life policies owned by the entity.

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