Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities, Textuals (Details) (USD $) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | |
| Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net | $ 42,423,000 | $ 2,916,000 | $ 47,218,000 | $ 14,041,000 |
Funeral [Member] | ||||
| Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | 12,700,000 | 12,700,000 | ||
| Investment Earnings, Net | 10,200,000 | 6,700,000 | 28,900,000 | 22,500,000 |
| Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net | $ 17,533,000 | $ 1,129,000 | $ 20,821,000 | $ 7,298,000 |