Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities Receivables Net and Trust Invesments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Ending balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	$ 1,843,023		$ 1,870,243
Funeral [Member]
Beginning balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	1,870,243		1,536,257		1,484,764
Net preneed contract sales	247,994		192,712		124,962
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds	(211,830)		(170,921)		(125,625)
Deposits to trust	102,553		82,168		81,601
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	(19,203)		271,395		6,021
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings	22,480	[1]	125,986	[1]	84,611	[1]
Maturities and distributed earnings	(162,059)		(153,446)		(126,130)
Change in cancellation allowance	7,644		(3,245)		934
Effect of foreign currency and other	(14,799)		(10,663)		5,119
Ending balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	$ 1,843,023		$ 1,870,243		$ 1,536,257

[1] Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings.