Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 1,731,417	$ 1,677,898	$ 1,602,545
Net preneed contract sales	900,037	847,848	794,527
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	10,488	193	(538)
Net investment (losses) earnings	381,436	146,103	(80,014)
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(876,857)	(823,319)	(780,423)
Change in cancellation allowance	(165)	5,396	3,627
Change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust	(361,499)	(124,923)	142,401
Effect of foreign currency and other	4,919	2,221	(4,227)
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 1,789,776	$ 1,731,417	$ 1,677,898