Supplementary Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Product Information [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	761,000	0
Total merchandise revenues	$ 320,127	$ 289,805
Total services revenues	382,543	328,398
Other revenues	44,453	34,149
Total revenues	747,123	652,352
Total cost of merchandise	151,491	132,334
Total cost of services	196,543	162,455
Overhead and other expenses	232,707	197,906
Total costs and expenses	580,741	492,695
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	(761,000)	0
Funeral [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Total merchandise revenues	164,735	160,329
Total services revenues	311,160	273,830
Total revenues	510,668	462,019
Total cost of merchandise	81,954	75,781
Total cost of services	159,505	136,124
Cemetery [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Total merchandise revenues	155,392	129,476
Total services revenues	71,383	54,568
Total revenues	236,455	190,333
Total cost of merchandise	69,537	56,553
Total cost of services	$ 37,038	$ 26,331