Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Accounts receivable, allowance for bad debts	$ 822	$ 979
Preneed receivables, allowance for bad debts	1,774	1,933
Accumulated depreciation of property, plant and equipment	$ 76,223	$ 71,700
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,546,000	21,311,000
Treasury stock, shares	3,108,000	3,153,000