Preneed Funeral Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | |
| Investment related activities [Line Items] | ||||
| Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities | $ 25,588 | $ 17,045 | $ 132,064 | $ 67,297 |
| Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities | (17,108) | (20,256) | (52,715) | (96,634) |
Funeral [Member] | ||||
| Investment related activities [Line Items] | ||||
| Deposits | 18,960 | 18,771 | 55,189 | 61,294 |
| Withdrawals | 26,789 | 25,546 | 79,734 | 85,284 |
| Purchases of available-for-sale securities | 140,554 | 77,042 | 387,545 | 390,345 |
| Sales of available-for-sale securities | 114,476 | 86,754 | 448,988 | 401,253 |
| Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities | 11,353 | 5,963 | 49,618 | 26,461 |
| Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities | $ (6,586) | $ (8,360) | $ (18,215) | $ (42,017) |