Preneed Activities Preneed Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 112.6	$ 94.4	$ 98.4
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, maximum	2040
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, minimum	2017
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 129.4
ECF Investment Earnings, Net	$ 62.9	$ 67.6	$ 59.6

This item represents investment income derived from investments in debt and equity securities consisting of interest income earned from investments in debt securities and on cash and cash equivalents, dividend income from investments in equity securities, and income or expense derived from the amortization of investment related discounts or premiums, respectively, net of related investment expenses. This item also includes realized or unrealized gains or losses on the sale or holding of investments in debt and equity securities required to be included in earnings for the period. It does not include investment income from real or personal property, such as rental income.

No definition available.

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Namespace Prefix:	sci_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration