| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 05, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | CARRIAGE SERVICES INC |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001016281 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 5, 2021 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 1-11961 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 76-0423828 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3040 Post Oak Boulevard |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 300 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77056 |
| City Area Code | (713) |
| Local Phone Number | 332-8400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | CSV |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
