Preneed Cemetery Activities Deferred Preneed Cemetery Revenues (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Ending balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	$ 1,062,381		$ 1,016,275
Cemetery [Member]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	1,016,275		861,148		833,303
Net preneed and atneed deferred sales	531,768		396,264		380,887
(Dispositions) acquisitions of businesses, net	(25,071)		212,624		1,089
Net investment (losses) earnings	(22,378)	[1]	201,941	[1]	130,012	[1]
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(493,739)		(386,632)		(363,072)
Change in cancellation allowance	3,833		18,358		3,968
Change in deferred preneed cemetary receipts held in trust	55,636		(298,337)		(133,612)
Effect of foreign currency and other	(3,943)		10,909		8,573
Ending balance — Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	$ 1,062,381		$ 1,016,275		$ 861,148

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