Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities, Textuals (Details) - Funeral [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 41,900
Underlying assets liquidation range, minimum	2 years
Underlying assets liquidation range, maximum	10 years
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, minimum	2016
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, maximum	2045
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 52,900	$ 62,800	$ 48,500
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	3,519	41,846	829
Insurance Commissions and Fees	$ 137,000	$ 123,000	$ 106,500