Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities Deferred Preneed Funeral Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 686,299		$ 536,647
Funeral [Member]
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	536,647		575,546		580,223
Net preneed contract sales	144,202		103,341		105,866
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	431,460		(4,491)		142,026
Net investment (losses) earnings	126,428	[1]	83,788	[1]	(12,164)	[1]
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(200,680)		(164,037)		(182,408)
Change in cancellation allowance	(5,670)		1,304		(1,526)
Change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust	(343,878)		(61,068)		(57,936)
Effect of foreign currency and other	(2,210)		2,264		1,465
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 686,299		$ 536,647		$ 575,546

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