Preneed Cemetery Activities Deferred Preneed Cemetery Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Ending balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	$ 923,155		$ 861,148
Cemetery [Member]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	861,148		833,303		813,493
Net preneed and atneed deferred sales	396,264		380,887		363,523
(Dispositions) acquisitions of businesses, net	119,504		1,089		(10,861)
Net investment (losses) earnings	201,941	[1]	130,012	[1]	(26,431)	[1]
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(386,632)		(363,072)		(350,356)
Change in cancellation allowance	18,358		3,968		802
Change in deferred preneed cemetary receipts held in trust	(298,337)		(133,612)		37,173
Effect of foreign currency and other	10,909		8,573		5,960
Ending balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	$ 923,155		$ 861,148		$ 833,303

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