Preneed Cemetery Activities Deferred Preneed Cemetery Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Ending balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	$ 861,148		$ 833,303
Cemetery [Member]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	833,303		813,493		817,543
Net preneed and atneed deferred sales	380,887		363,523		349,786
(Dispositions) acquisitions of businesses, net	1,089		(10,861)		1,090
Net investment (losses) earnings	130,012	[1]	(26,431)	[1]	117,331	[1]
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(363,072)		(350,356)		(347,996)
Change in cancellation allowance	3,968		802		(2,457)
Change in deferred preneed cemetary receipts held in trust	(133,612)		37,173		(125,974)
Effect of foreign currency and other	8,573		5,960		4,170
Ending balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	$ 861,148		$ 833,303		$ 813,493

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