Preneed Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income			$ 142,958
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance	$ 7,924	$ 8,553	7,163	$ 8,177
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	(116)	117	694	486
Purchases	1,881	36	1,909	61
Sales	(854)	(1,309)	(931)	(1,327)
Fair market value, ending balance	$ 8,835	$ 7,397	$ 8,835	$ 7,397