Supplementary Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Product Information [Line Items]
Total merchandise revenues	$ 322,178	$ 319,568
Total services revenues	385,427	381,488
Other revenues	40,512	44,439
Total revenues	748,117	745,495
Total cost of merchandise	148,181	150,992
Total cost of services	189,105	195,571
Overhead and other expenses	232,882	232,870
Total costs and expenses	570,168	579,433
Options exercised by attestation	0	761,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0	761,000
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	(3,547)	(1,483)
Funeral
Product Information [Line Items]
Total merchandise revenues	160,898	164,176
Total services revenues	313,886	310,105
Total revenues	507,656	509,045
Total cost of merchandise	79,158	81,455
Total cost of services	154,972	158,533
Cemetery
Product Information [Line Items]
Total merchandise revenues	161,280	155,392
Total services revenues	71,541	71,383
Total revenues	240,461	236,450
Total cost of merchandise	69,023	69,537
Total cost of services	$ 34,133	$ 37,038