Major Segments of Business (Revenue, pre-tax income and total and total assets by segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from continuing operations	$ 59,261	$ 56,504	$ 122,514	$ 112,157
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	7,660	6,366	18,683	9,041
Total assets	841,900		841,900		$ 827,528
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from continuing operations	44,501	42,192	94,638	86,157
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	13,401	13,068	31,199	27,390
Total assets	587,537		587,537		568,842
Cemetery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from continuing operations	14,760	14,312	27,876	26,000
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	4,454	4,582	8,501	7,886
Total assets	241,316		241,316		240,009
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from continuing operations	0		0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	(10,195)	$ (11,284)	(21,017)	$ (26,235)
Total assets	$ 13,047		$ 13,047		$ 18,677