Preneed Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - Other Investments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance	$ 7,163	$ 8,162	$ 6,650
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income(1)	912	463	152
Net realized losses included in Other income, net(2)	0	(212)	0
Purchases	1,945	89	1,360
Sales	953	1,339	0
Fair market value, ending balance	$ 9,067	$ 7,163	$ 8,162