Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) (USD $) In Thousands | Sep. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items] | ||
| Cemetery perpetual care trust investments | $ 974,266 | $ 987,019 |
Cemetery Perpetual Care [Member] | ||
| Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items] | ||
| Trust investments, at market | 913,014 | 922,228 |
| Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents | 61,252 | 64,791 |
| Cemetery perpetual care trust investments | $ 974,266 | $ 987,019 |