Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities Deferred Preneed Funeral Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 536,647		$ 575,546
Funeral [Member]
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	575,546		580,223		596,966
Net preneed contract sales	103,341		105,866		112,678
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	(4,491)		142,026		26,816
Net investment (losses) earnings	83,788	[1]	(12,164)	[1]	83,605	[1]
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(164,037)		(182,408)		(151,484)
Change in cancellation allowance	1,304		(1,526)		(761)
Change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust	(61,068)		(57,936)		(69,694)
Effect of foreign currency and other	2,264		1,465		(17,903)
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 536,647		$ 575,546		$ 580,223

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