Supplementary Information Level 4 (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2013
Sep. 30, 2012
Product Information [Line Items]        
Total merchandise revenues $ 291,785 $ 271,543 $ 875,016 $ 815,659
Total services revenues 281,432 277,246 905,923 867,641
Other revenues 36,734 32,393 106,869 97,760
Total revenues 609,951 581,182 1,887,808 1,781,060
Total cost of merchandise 125,374 116,346 388,194 366,301
Total cost of services 162,738 155,060 491,350 465,031
Overhead and other expenses 205,760 188,505 606,764 572,701
Total costs and expenses 493,872 459,911 1,486,308 1,404,033
Options exercised by attestation 0 0 143,000 0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares 0 0 (143,000) 0
Funeral [Member]
        
Product Information [Line Items]        
Total merchandise revenues 138,015 133,756 441,767 412,039
Total services revenues 231,511 228,392 748,217 720,285
Total revenues 399,581 388,365 1,277,419 1,209,067
Total cost of merchandise 62,945 61,183 204,694 194,557
Total cost of services 138,420 131,076 414,481 390,489
Cemetery [Member]
        
Product Information [Line Items]        
Total merchandise revenues 153,770 137,787 433,249 403,620
Total services revenues 49,921 48,854 157,706 147,356
Total revenues 210,370 192,817 610,389 571,993
Total cost of merchandise 62,429 55,163 183,500 171,744
Total cost of services $ 24,318 $ 23,984 $ 76,869 $ 74,542