Preneed Cemetery Activities Preneed Cemetery 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 |
Cemetery [Member] | ||||
| Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments | 13,200,000 | 13,200,000 | ||
| Investment Earnings, Net | 4,600,000 | 2,800,000 | 15,700,000 | 9,400,000 |
| Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net | $ 24,885,000 | $ 1,536,000 | $ 26,081,000 | $ 4,919,000 |