Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities, Textuals (Details) - Funeral [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 31,800
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, minimum	2017
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, maximum	2041
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 49,900	$ 52,900	$ 62,800
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	4,625	3,519	41,846
Insurance Commissions and Fees	$ 135,800	$ 137,000	$ 123,000