Preneed Funeral Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ 37,789		$ 20,763		$ 121,710		$ 108,604
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(6,632)		(13,050)		(22,615)		(49,193)
Funeral [Member]
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Deposits	20,187		19,982		63,802		64,081
Withdrawals	24,242		22,943		92,491		78,034
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	125,113	[1]	53,034	[1]	302,939	[1]	324,304	[1]
Sales of available-for-sale securities	91,064	[1]	51,672	[1]	337,714	[1]	323,471	[1]
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	12,953		7,681		41,654		43,446
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ (2,212)		$ (4,570)		$ (8,378)		$ (18,730)

[1] Reflects the rebalancing of Neptune Society trust assets during the current quarter.