Name:	sci_CemeteryPerpetualCareTrustInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	sci_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other

No definition available.

Name:	sci_Insurancebackedfixedincomesecuritiesandother
Namespace Prefix:	sci_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Line items represent the components of long-term receivables and investments, including trust investments, at market; cash and cash equivalents held by the trust; insurance policies held by the trust; and gross carrying value of long-term receivables from customers and unearned finance charges and cancellation allowance related to those receivables.

No definition available.

Name:	sci_LongTermReceivableAndInvestmentComponentsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	sci_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date, net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the contract. The aggregate fair value as of the balance sheet date of financial instruments and other positions may include: (1) mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset backed securities; (2) US government and agency obligations; (3) state and municipal government obligations; (4) other sovereign government debt; (5) corporate obligations; (6) corporate equities; (7) principal investments; (8) derivative contracts; and (9) physical commodities. Includes both pledged and unpledged holdings.

No definition available.

Name:	sci_Preneedreceivablesnetandtrustinvestments
Namespace Prefix:	sci_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

An amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the Entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date. Such amount may include accrued interest receivable in accordance with the terms of the contract. The aggregate fair value as of the balance sheet date of financial instruments and other positions may include: (1) mortgages, mortgage-backed and asset backed securities; (2) US government and agency obligations; (3) state and municipal government obligations; (4) other sovereign government debt; (5) corporate obligations; (6) corporate equities; (7) principal investments; (8) derivative contracts; (9) physical commodities; and (10) cash. Includes both pledged and unpledged holdings.

No definition available.

Name:	sci_Preneedreceivablesnetandtrustinvestmentsexcludingallowanceforcancellation
Namespace Prefix:	sci_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

No definition available.

Name:	sci_Preneedtrustinvestments
Namespace Prefix:	sci_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount, after allowance for credit loss, of right to consideration from customer for product sold and service rendered in normal course of business, classified as noncurrent.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481990/310-10-45-2

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(9))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479853/942-210-S99-1

Name:	us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

The total amount of cash and securities held by third party trustees pursuant to terms of debt instruments or other agreements as of the date of each statement of financial position presented, which can be used by the trustee only to pay the noncurrent portion of specified obligations.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(b))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480678/235-10-S99-1

Name:	us-gaap_AssetsHeldInTrust
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all investments.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(1)(h))
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1