Preneed Funeral Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ 46,390	$ 52,192	$ 93,068	$ 83,921
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(6,818)	(11,770)	(10,928)	(15,983)
Funeral
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Deposits	24,949	21,416	52,872	43,615
Withdrawals	31,955	35,544	75,692	68,249
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	79,305	116,847	140,790	177,826
Sales of available-for-sale securities	107,199	149,946	171,250	246,650
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	15,911	17,330	32,012	28,701
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ (2,665)	$ (4,445)	$ (4,139)	$ (6,166)