Preneed Funeral Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ 52,192	$ 20,396	$ 83,921	$ 87,841
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(11,770)	(10,410)	(15,983)	(36,143)
Funeral [Member]
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Deposits	21,416	21,921	43,615	44,099
Withdrawals	35,544	24,179	68,249	55,091
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	116,847	83,211	177,826	271,270
Sales of available-for-sale securities	149,946	86,897	246,650	271,799
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	17,330	9,754	28,701	35,765
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ (4,445)	$ (4,412)	$ (6,166)	$ (14,160)