Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities Deferred Preneed Funeral Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 540,164		$ 551,948
Funeral [Member]
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	551,948		535,136		573,477
Net preneed contract sales	198,195		144,202		103,341
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	(21,639)		298,047		(4,491)
Net investment (losses) earnings	24,256	[1]	126,428	[1]	83,788	[1]
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(258,534)		(200,680)		(164,037)
Change in cancellation allowance	21,272		(5,670)		1,304
Change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust	26,131		(343,878)		(61,068)
Effect of foreign currency and other	(1,465)		(1,637)		2,822
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 540,164		$ 551,948		$ 535,136

[1] Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings.