Preneed Funeral Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - Other Investments - Funeral - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance		$ 4,772	$ 4,891
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	39	(74)
Fair market value, ending balance		$ 4,811	$ 4,817

[1] All unrealized gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. See Note 6 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust.