Preneed Activities Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, Gross		$ 1,999,092		$ 1,789,776
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	$ (544,780)	(567,911)	$ 0
Deferred Revenue		$ 1,431,181		$ 1,789,776

Amount of deferred revenue as of balance sheet date. Deferred revenue represents collections of cash or other assets related to a revenue producing activity for which revenue has not yet been recognized. Generally, an entity records deferred revenue when it receives consideration from a customer before achieving certain criteria that must be met for revenue to be recognized in conformity with GAAP.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredRevenue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant