Preneed Trust Investments (Components of preneed funeral trust investments) (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
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]          
Preneed funeral trust investments $ 96,002   $ 96,002   $ 97,607
Preneed Funeral Trust Investments [Member]          
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]          
Impairment charge, other than temporary decline in fair value of investments 600 $ 100 600 $ 100  
Preneed funeral trust investments, at fair value 98,972   98,972   100,579
Less: allowance for contract cancellation (2,970)   (2,970)   (2,972)
Preneed funeral trust investments $ 96,002   $ 96,002   $ 97,607