Preneed Cemetery Activities Preneed Cemetary Activities Receivables Net and Trust Investments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	$ 2,306,669		$ 2,292,348
Cemetery [Member]
Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	2,292,348		1,826,835		1,595,940
Net preneed contract sales	688,336		562,433		501,654
Dispositions (acquisitions) of businesses, net	(10,898)		190,870		1,124
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings	(18,038)	[1]	203,499	[1]	133,351	[1]
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds	(615,489)		(471,710)		(417,965)
Deposits to trust	129,581		106,185		98,130
Maturities, deliveries, and associated earnings	(150,064)		(119,576)		(98,738)
Change in cancellation allowance	843		3,002		(3,481)
Effect of foreign currency and other	(9,950)		(9,190)		16,820
Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	$ 2,306,669		$ 2,292,348		$ 1,826,835

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