Service Corporation International (SCI) 10-Q 2 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 28, 2015
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Service Corporation International
Entity Central Index Key	89,089
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		196,505,804

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 714,525	$ 718,314	$ 2,216,996	$ 2,210,569
Costs and expenses	(572,581)	(570,016)	(1,730,373)	(1,740,167)
Gross profit	141,944	148,298	486,623	470,402
General and administrative expenses	(28,158)	(39,748)	(96,781)	(141,885)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	10,764	26,570	3,403	58,752
Operating income	124,550	135,120	393,245	387,269
Interest expense	(43,921)	(43,376)	(129,842)	(134,679)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(6,918)	0	(6,918)	(29,158)
Other income (expense), net	334	(9)	167	1,577
Income before income taxes	74,045	91,735	256,652	225,009
Provision for income taxes	(26,118)	(74,934)	(93,778)	(134,998)
Net income from continuing operations	47,927	16,801	162,874	90,011
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	884	(390)	846
Net income	47,927	17,685	162,484	90,857
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(479)	(34)	(1,066)	(6,182)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 47,448	$ 17,651	$ 161,418	$ 84,675
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 0.24	$ 0.08	$ 0.80	$ 0.40
Basic weighted average number of shares	199,310	210,820	201,729	212,009
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 0.23	$ 0.08	$ 0.78	$ 0.39
Diluted weighted average number of shares	203,444	213,010	205,950	215,365
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.12	$ 0.09	$ 0.32	$ 0.25

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 47,927	$ 17,685	$ 162,484	$ 90,857
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(28,182)	(16,060)	(42,941)	(13,732)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments to discontinued operations		3,114		3,114
Comprehensive income	19,745	4,739	119,543	80,239
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(464)	(24)	(1,038)	(6,182)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 19,281	$ 4,715	$ 118,505	$ 74,057

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 141,950	$ 177,335
Receivables, net	81,777	109,050
Inventories, net	29,557	29,697
Other	67,458	80,774
Total current assets	320,742	396,856
Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments	1,734,444	1,843,023
Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	2,267,806	2,306,669
Cemetery property, at cost	1,745,939	1,739,216
Property and equipment, net	1,851,264	1,861,403
Goodwill, net	1,799,939	1,810,853
Deferred charges and other assets	628,768	624,248
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	1,304,219	1,341,376
Total assets	11,653,121	11,923,644
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	449,725	453,042
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	95,045	90,931
Income taxes	1,868	8,035
Total current liabilities	546,638	552,008
Long-term debt	3,046,414	2,963,794
Deferred preneed funeral revenues	548,211	540,164
Deferred preneed cemetery revenues	1,131,506	1,062,381
Deferred tax liability	452,610	448,824
Other liabilities	502,980	502,553
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust	2,932,684	3,148,884
Care trusts’ corpus	$ 1,304,574	$ 1,327,658
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $1 per share par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 214,328,348 and 212,326,642 shares issued, respectively, and 211,175,401 and 212,316,642 shares outstanding, respectively	$ 197,126	$ 204,867
Capital in excess of par value	1,115,738	1,186,304
Accumulated deficit	(151,491)	(81,859)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	16,501	59,414
Total common stockholders’ equity	1,177,874	1,368,726
Noncontrolling interests	9,630	8,652
Total equity	1,187,504	1,377,378
Total liabilities and equity	$ 11,653,121	$ 11,923,644

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	208,729,686	205,458,331
Common stock, shares outstanding	197,125,709	204,866,770

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat6

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 162,484	$ 90,857
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	390	(846)
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations	0	(1,000)
Gains on early extinguishment of debt, net	6,918	29,158
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs	(6,549)	(24,804)
Depreciation and amortization	103,816	105,098
Amortization of intangible assets	23,536	27,792
Amortization of cemetery property	40,422	41,477
Amortization of loan costs	7,221	6,436
Provision for doubtful accounts	4,663	6,142
Provision for deferred income taxes	13,761	59,614
Losses (gains) on divestitures and impairment charges, net	(3,403)	(58,752)
Share-based compensation	10,717	9,742
Excess tax benefits from share based awards	(17,266)	(20,727)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
Decrease in receivables	11,724	(7,038)
Increase (decrease) in other assets	(627)	(12,845)
Decrease in payables and other liabilities	39,546	38,439
Effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:
Decrease in preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments	20,846	29,498
Decrease in deferred preneed funeral revenue	9,922	(24,746)
Decrease in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust	(47,365)	(29,879)
Effect of cemetery production and deliveries:
Increase in preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	(55,777)	(37,559)
Increase in deferred preneed cemetery revenue	70,995	34,388
(Decrease) increase in deferred preneed cemetery receipts held in trust	644	(5,355)
Other	0	1,131
Net cash provided by operating activities	396,618	256,221
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations	396,618	257,221
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(104,732)	(95,182)
Acquisitions	(41,430)	(10,815)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment, net	11,329	397,297
Other	8,066	(12,225)
Net cash used in investing activities	(125,780)	284,056
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations	(126,767)	279,075
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations	987	4,981
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	401,250	755,000
Debt Issuance Cost	(5,830)	(10,500)
Payments of debt	(145,171)	(222,958)
Early Repayment of Senior Debt	(197,377)	(762,764)
Principal payments on capital leases	20,421	21,979
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	30,491	27,609
Excess tax benefits from share based awards	17,266	20,727
Purchase of Company common stock	(305,488)	(130,162)
Payments of dividends	(64,068)	(53,026)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	(15,000)
Bank overdrafts and other	(9,095)	(3,377)
Net cash used in financing activities	(298,443)	(416,430)
Change in cash from discontinued operations	0	1,361
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents	(7,780)	(548)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(35,385)	124,660
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	177,335	141,599
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 141,950	$ 266,259

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat7

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Deficit	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 1,424,378	$ 212,327	$ (10)	$ 1,259,348	$ (145,876)	$ 88,441	$ 10,148
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	80,239	0	0	0	84,675	(10,618)	$ 6,182
Dividends declared on common stock	(53,026)	0	0	(53,026)	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	9,742	0	0	9,742	0	0	$ 0
Stock option exercises	28,370	2,855	0	25,515	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	352	0	(352)	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	$ (130,923)	$ 0	$ (6,386)	$ (37,653)	$ (86,884)	$ 0	$ 0
Cancellation of Company Stock	0	(42)	(42)	0	0	0	0
Tax Benefits Related to Share-Based Awards	$ 20,727	$ 0	$ 0	$ 20,727	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(15,000)	0	0	(7,440)	0	0	(7,560)
Noncontrolling interest payment	(135)	0	0	0	0	0	(135)
Other	1,564	93	0	1,471	0	0	0
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2014	1,365,936	215,585	(6,354)	1,218,332	(148,085)	77,823	8,635
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	1,377,378	205,458	(591)	1,186,304	(81,859)	59,414	8,652
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	119,543	0	0	0	161,418	(42,913)	1,038
Dividends declared on common stock	(64,068)	0	0	(64,068)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	10,717	0	0	10,717	0	0	0
Stock option exercises	30,491	2,951	0	27,540	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	259	(3)	(256)	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	(305,488)	$ 0	(11,010)	(63,428)	(231,050)	0	0
Tax Benefits Related to Share-Based Awards	17,266		0	17,266	0	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0
Noncontrolling interest payment	(60)	$ 0	0	0	0	0	(60)
Other	1,725	62	0	1,663	0	0	0
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 1,187,504	$ 208,730	$ (11,604)	$ 1,115,738	$ (151,491)	$ 16,501	$ 9,630

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat8

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.12	$ 0.09	$ 0.32	$ 0.25

Nature of Operations (Notes)

Nature of Operations (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations We are North America’s largest provider of deathcare products and services, with a network of funeral service locations and cemeteries operating in the United States and Canada. We are best known for our Dignity Memorial® brand, North America's first transcontinental brand of deathcare products and services. Our other brands are Dignity Planning™, National Cremation Society®, Advantage® Funeral and Cremation Services, Funeraria del Angel™, Making Everlasting Memories®, Neptune Society™, and Trident Society™. Our funeral and cemetery operations consist of funeral service locations, cemeteries, funeral service/cemetery combination locations, crematoria, and related businesses, which enable us to serve a wide array of customer needs. We sell cemetery property and funeral and cemetery merchandise and services at the time of need and on a preneed basis. Funeral service locations provide all professional services relating to funerals and cremations, including the use of funeral facilities and motor vehicles, arranging and directing services, removal, preparation, embalming, cremations, memorialization, and catering. Funeral merchandise, including burial caskets and related accessories, urns and other cremation receptacles, outer burial containers, flowers, on-line and video tributes, stationery products, casket and cremation memorialization products, and other ancillary merchandise, is sold at funeral service locations. Our cemeteries provide cemetery property interment rights, including developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, niches, and other cremation memorialization and interment options. Cemetery merchandise and services, including memorial markers and bases, outer burial containers, flowers and floral placement, other ancillary merchandise, graveside services, merchandise installation, and burial openings and closings, are sold at our cemeteries.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Our financial statements also include the accounts of the merchandise and service trusts and cemetery perpetual care trusts in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary. Our interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments, which management considers necessary for a fair statement of our results for these periods. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner consistent with the accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 , unless otherwise disclosed herein, and should be read in conjunction therewith. The accompanying year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year period. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation with no effect on our previously reported results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. Discontinued Operations In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended the Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment accounting standards to change the requirement for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. Fewer disposals are expected to qualify as discontinued operations under the new guidance. It also requires the disclosure of pretax income of disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. We adopted the amendment effective January 1, 2015 with no impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Stan

Recently Issued Accounting Standards (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Recently Issued Accounting Standards [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Revenue Recognition In May 2014 , the FASB issued the Revenue from Contracts with Customers accounting standard, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in the Revenue Recognition accounting standard and most industry-specific guidance. This new standard is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. It also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, and timing of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. Additionally, the new standard requires the deferral of direct incremental selling costs to the period in which the underlying revenue is recognized. In August 2015, the FASB issued an amendment that defers implementation of the Revenue from Contracts with Customers accounting standard for all entities by one year. The new standard will be effective for us beginning January 1, 2018 and we intend to implement the standard with the modified retrospective approach, which recognizes the cumulative effect of application recognized on that date. We are evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Consolidation In February 2015, the FASB amended the Consolidation accounting standard to revise the consolidation model for limited partnerships, variable interest entities, and certain investment funds. Further, the amendment provides guidance on how fee arrangements and related parties should be considered when determining whether to consolidate variable interest entities. As a result of this amendment, all legal entities are required to be reevaluated to determine if they should be consolidated. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2016. We are evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Debt Issuance Costs In April 2015, the FASB amended the Interest—Imputation of Interest accounting standard to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs on the balance sheet. Currently, debt issuance costs are included in Other current assets and Deferred charges and other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The amendment requires that these costs instead be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of Current maturities of long-term debt and Long-term debt , consistent with the presentation of debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB issued an additional amendment that provides additional guidance to the Interest—Imputation of Interest accounting standard since it did not address presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. The amendment noted that the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. This change does not impact the manner in which the debt issuance costs are expensed over the term of the debt. The change in presentation is effective for us on January 1, 2016. As of September 30, 2015 , the effect of these amendments would have been to reduce Other current assets and Current maturities of long-term debt by $8.3 million and to reduce Deferred charges and other assets and Long-term debt by $36.1 million . As of December 31, 2014 the effect of these amendments would have been to reduce Other current assets and Current maturities of long-term debt by $8.0 million and to reduce Deferred charges and other assets and Long-term debt by $36.8 million . Cloud Computing Arrangements In April 2015, the FASB amended the Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software accounting standard to provide guidance on whether a cloud computing arrangement contains a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then we should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, we should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2016, and we are still evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Fair Value Measurements In May 2015, the FASB amended the Fair Value Measurements accounting standard to remove the requirement to disclose the fair value measurement hierarchy level associated with investments measured at net asset value as a practical expedient. Other disclosures required by the standard for these assets remain the same. This amendment does not change the underlying accounting for these investments. The new guidance is effective for us with our first quarter 2016 filing on Form 10-Q. Inventory In July 2015, the FASB amended the Inventory accounting standard to state that an entity using an inventory method other than last-in, first out ("LIFO") or the retail inventory method should measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The new guidance clarifies that net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2017, and we are still evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Business Combinations In September 2015, the FASB amended the Business Combinations accounting standard to eliminate the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Under the new guidance, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments in the period in which they determine the amount of the adjustment. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2017 and will be applied prospectively to measurement-period adjustments occurring after the effective date, if any.

Preneed Funeral Activities (Not

Preneed Funeral Activities (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Funeral
Preneed Funeral Activities	Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments represent trust investments, including investment earnings, and customer receivables, net of unearned finance charges, related to unperformed price-guaranteed preneed funeral contracts. Our merchandise and service trusts are variable interest entities as defined in the Consolidation accounting standard. In accordance with this standard, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of these trusts, as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. Our trust investments detailed in Notes 5 and 6 are also accounted for as variable interest entities. When we receive payments from the customer, we deposit the amount required by law into the trust and reclassify the corresponding amount from Deferred preneed funeral revenue into Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. Amounts are withdrawn from the trusts after the contract obligations are performed. Cash flows from preneed contracts are presented as operating cash flows in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments are reduced by the trust investment earnings (realized and unrealized) that we have been allowed to withdraw in certain states prior to maturity. These earnings are recorded in Deferred preneed funeral revenue until the merchandise is delivered or the service is performed. The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with these preneed merchandise and service trusts: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deposits $ 30,143 $ 23,618 $ 92,623 $ 76,490 Withdrawals $ 36,310 $ 27,718 $ 123,499 $ 103,410 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 100,663 $ 238,860 $ 281,298 $ 379,650 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 110,642 $ 274,630 $ 282,960 $ 445,880 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities $ 9,341 $ 18,935 $ 23,546 $ 50,947 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities $ (8,982 ) $ (2,094 ) $ (17,554 ) $ (6,233 ) The components of Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Trust investments, at fair value $ 1,098,236 $ 1,205,747 Cash and cash equivalents 130,161 162,229 Insurance-backed fixed income securities 269,744 260,899 Trust investments 1,498,141 1,628,875 Receivables from customers 286,463 262,700 Unearned finance charge (10,996 ) (11,054 ) 1,773,608 1,880,521 Allowance for cancellation (39,164 ) (37,498 ) Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments $ 1,734,444 $ 1,843,023 The costs and fair values associated with trust investments measured at fair value at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in the trusts. Fair value represents the value of the underlying securities held by the trusts. September 30, 2015 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 82,969 $ 121 $ (1,248 ) $ 81,842 Canadian government 2 75,703 556 (558 ) 75,701 Corporate 2 21,521 364 (253 ) 21,632 Residential mortgage-backed 2 1,449 37 (21 ) 1,465 Asset-backed 2 5 — — 5 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 1,939 22 (112 ) 1,849 Common stock: United States 1 351,048 18,956 (29,166 ) 340,838 Canada 1 12,032 2,700 (1,069 ) 13,663 Other international 1 36,612 1,403 (6,224 ) 31,791 Mutual funds: Equity 1 318,576 1,166 (41,814 ) 277,928 Fixed income 1 221,425 434 (9,628 ) 212,231 Private equity 3 34,994 4,450 (5,554 ) 33,890 Other 3 4,427 989 (15 ) 5,401 Trust investments $ 1,162,700 $ 31,198 $ (95,662 ) $ 1,098,236 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 85,775 $ 468 $ (455 ) $ 85,788 Canadian government 2 90,430 449 (874 ) 90,005 Corporate 2 24,765 423 (126 ) 25,062 Residential mortgage-backed 2 1,325 29 (12 ) 1,342 Asset-backed 2 6 — — 6 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 2,503 113 (113 ) 2,503 Common stock: United States 1 377,441 18,533 (7,405 ) 388,569 Canada 1 14,708 4,292 (895 ) 18,105 Other international 1 38,035 1,175 (1,560 ) 37,650 Mutual funds: Equity 1 308,548 3,332 (15,901 ) 295,979 Fixed income 1 229,414 869 (3,576 ) 226,707 Private equity 3 35,094 2,649 (9,418 ) 28,325 Other 3 5,084 726 (104 ) 5,706 Trust investments $ 1,213,128 $ 33,058 $ (40,439 ) $ 1,205,747 Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, ratings, and tax-exempt status. These funds are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. The valuation of private equity and other alternative investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recent available appraisals. Private equity investments are valued based on reported net asset values. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors quarterly. These funds are classified as Level 3 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. As of September 30, 2015 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity and other investments was $45.2 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. Our private equity and other investments include several funds that invest in limited partnerships, distressed debt, real estate, and mezzanine financing. These investments can never be redeemed by the funds. Instead, due to the nature of the investments in this category, distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. We estimate that the underlying assets will be liquidated over the next 2 to 10 years. The change in our trust investments measured at fair value with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 34,366 $ 7,111 $ 27,339 $ 4,476 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 1,859 (551 ) 265 1,071 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (7 ) (4 ) (7 ) (4 ) Purchases — — 289 — Contributions — — 4,998 121 Distributions (2,328 ) (1,155 ) (2,949 ) — Fair value, ending balance $ 33,890 $ 5,401 $ 29,935 $ 5,664 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 28,325 $ 5,706 $ 26,885 $ 1,810 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 6,048 533 (1,370 ) 3,927 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (45 ) (17 ) (21 ) (5 ) Purchases — 23 3,244 — Sales (36 ) — — — Contributions 4,632 1,226 5,955 121 Distributions (5,034 ) (2,070 ) (4,758 ) (189 ) Fair value, ending balance $ 33,890 $ 5,401 $ 29,935 $ 5,664 ______________________________________________ (1) All unrealized gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . (2) All net realized losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2015 to 2045 . Maturities of fixed income securities, excluding mutual funds, at September 30, 2015 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 111,193 Due in one to five years 25,996 Due in five to ten years 29,213 Thereafter 14,243 $ 180,645 Earnings from all our merchandise and service trust investments are recognized in revenue when merchandise is delivered or a service is performed. Fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor are also included in current revenue. In addition, we are entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels a preneed contract; these amounts are also recognized in current revenue in the period in which they are earned. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments was $12.7 million and $15.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments was $41.1 million and $47.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges resulting from this assessment are recognized as investment losses in Other income (expense), net and a decrease to Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net, which reduces Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we recorded a $1.4 million and a $41.2 million impairment charge, respectively, for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we recorded a $2.9 million and a $41.6 million impairment charge, respectively, for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. The third quarter 2014 impairment charges were recorded in anticipation of a strategic change in the management of our trust assets requiring the liquidation of a majority of our US trust assets during the fourth quarter of 2014. This change did not impact our asset allocation, but did change the underlying legal structure housing the assets. These impairment charges reflect the unrealized loss positions on these liquidated assets as of September 30, 2014. We have determined that the remaining unrealized losses in our merchandise and service trust investments are considered temporary in nature, as the unrealized losses were due to temporary fluctuations in interest rates and equity prices. The investments are diversified across multiple industry segments using a balanced allocation strategy to minimize long-term risk. We believe that none of the remaining securities are other-than-temporarily impaired based on our analysis of the investments. Our analysis included a review of the portfolio holdings and discussions with the individual money managers as to the sector exposures, credit ratings, and the severity and duration of the unrealized losses. Our merchandise and service trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values, and the duration of unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, are shown in the following tables: September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 42,465 $ (1,209 ) $ 4,419 $ (39 ) $ 46,884 $ (1,248 ) Canadian government 1,433 (5 ) 12,058 (553 ) 13,491 (558 ) Corporate 5,611 (152 ) 2,666 (101 ) 8,277 (253 ) Residential mortgage-backed 262 (5 ) 224 (16 ) 486 (21 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 534 (112 ) — — 534 (112 ) Common stock: United States 188,385 (29,166 ) — — 188,385 (29,166 ) Canada 3,428 (692 ) 545 (377 ) 3,973 (1,069 ) Other international 17,715 (6,034 ) 606 (190 ) 18,321 (6,224 ) Mutual funds: Equity 257,015 (38,133 ) 13,346 (3,681 ) 270,361 (41,814 ) Fixed income 177,919 (9,038 ) 12,059 (590 ) 189,978 (9,628 ) Private equity — — 17,031 (5,554 ) 17,031 (5,554 ) Other — — 442 (15 ) 442 (15 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 694,767 $ (84,546 ) $ 63,396 $ (11,116 ) $ 758,163 $ (95,662 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 32,243 $ (412 ) $ 4,978 $ (43 ) $ 37,221 $ (455 ) Canadian government 2,894 (52 ) 14,904 (822 ) 17,798 (874 ) Corporate 4,988 (56 ) 2,420 (70 ) 7,408 (126 ) Residential mortgage-backed 217 (10 ) 106 (2 ) 323 (12 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 26 (113 ) — — 26 (113 ) Common stock: United States 126,527 (7,403 ) 438 (2 ) 126,965 (7,405 ) Canada 1,752 (379 ) 1,085 (516 ) 2,837 (895 ) Other international 19,593 (1,557 ) 2 (3 ) 19,595 (1,560 ) Mutual funds: Equity 233,827 (13,219 ) 23,717 (2,682 ) 257,544 (15,901 ) Fixed income 112,160 (3,128 ) 11,452 (448 ) 123,612 (3,576 ) Private equity 203 (461 ) 13,870 (8,957 ) 14,073 (9,418 ) Other 5 (11 ) 464 (93 ) 469 (104 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 534,435 $ (26,801 ) $ 73,436 $ (13,638 ) $ 607,871 $ (40,439 )

Preneed Cemetery Activities (No

Preneed Cemetery Activities (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Cemetery
Preneed Cemetery Activities	Preneed Cemetery Activities Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments represent trust investments, including investment earnings, and customer receivables, net of unearned finance charges, for contracts sold in advance of when the property interment rights, merchandise, or services are needed. Our merchandise and service trusts are variable interest entities as defined in the Consolidation accounting standard. In accordance with this standard, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of these trusts, as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. The trust investments detailed in Notes 4 and 6 are also accounted for as variable interest entities. When we receive payments from the customer, we deposit the amount required by law into the trust and reclassify the corresponding amount from Deferred preneed cemetery revenue into Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. Amounts are withdrawn from the trusts when the contract obligations are performed. Cash flows from preneed cemetery contracts are presented as operating cash flows in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments are reduced by the trust investment earnings (realized and unrealized) that we have been allowed to withdraw in certain states prior to maturity. These earnings are recorded in Deferred preneed cemetery revenue until the merchandise is delivered or the service is performed. The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with these preneed merchandise and service trusts: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deposits $ 40,327 $ 34,018 $ 116,581 $ 95,421 Withdrawals $ 33,260 $ 33,669 $ 115,930 $ 96,238 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 165,025 $ 247,853 $ 389,219 $ 458,176 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 150,804 $ 285,411 $ 389,747 $ 481,258 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities $ 10,318 $ 40,635 $ 33,859 $ 86,822 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities $ (11,948 ) $ (4,439 ) $ (25,375 ) $ (10,564 ) The components of Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Trust investments, at fair value $ 1,317,018 $ 1,404,298 Cash and cash equivalents 120,805 122,355 Trust investments 1,437,823 1,526,653 Receivables from customers 935,844 881,082 Unearned finance charges (33,477 ) (31,524 ) 2,340,190 2,376,211 Allowance for cancellation (72,384 ) (69,542 ) Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments $ 2,267,806 $ 2,306,669 The costs and fair values associated with the trust investments measured at fair value at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in the trusts. Fair value represents the market value of the underlying securities held by the trusts. September 30, 2015 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 67,552 $ 41 $ (1,258 ) $ 66,335 Canadian government 2 25,546 306 (86 ) 25,766 Corporate 2 5,293 31 (112 ) 5,212 Residential mortgage-backed 2 135 3 (2 ) 136 Asset-backed 2 170 18 — 188 Equity securities: Common stock: United States 1 546,840 27,293 (47,051 ) 527,082 Canada 1 9,077 3,737 (1,191 ) 11,623 Other international 1 56,256 2,102 (9,341 ) 49,017 Mutual funds: Equity 1 352,117 1,525 (48,602 ) 305,040 Fixed income 1 302,920 322 (13,353 ) 289,889 Private equity 3 30,896 6,462 (2,976 ) 34,382 Other 3 2,089 259 — 2,348 Trust investments $ 1,398,891 $ 42,099 $ (123,972 ) $ 1,317,018 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 63,447 $ 257 $ (605 ) $ 63,099 Canadian government 2 21,687 261 (134 ) 21,814 Corporate 2 8,725 122 (116 ) 8,731 Residential mortgage-backed 2 111 3 (1 ) 113 Asset-backed 2 170 16 — 186 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 10 1 — 11 Common stock: United States 1 557,955 22,746 (11,706 ) 568,995 Canada 1 10,962 5,011 (841 ) 15,132 Other international 1 55,632 1,605 (2,395 ) 54,842 Mutual funds: Equity 1 344,443 4,244 (18,430 ) 330,257 Fixed income 1 314,600 679 (4,702 ) 310,577 Private equity 3 32,342 3,185 (6,183 ) 29,344 Other 3 1,082 186 (71 ) 1,197 Trust investments $ 1,411,166 $ 38,316 $ (45,184 ) $ 1,404,298 Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, ratings, and tax-exempt status. These funds are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. The valuation of private equity and other alternative investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recent available appraisals. Private equity investments are valued based on reported net asset values. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors quarterly. These funds are classified as Level 3 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. As of September 30, 2015 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity and other investments was $46.8 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. Our private equity and other investments include several funds that invest in limited partnerships, distressed debt, real estate, and mezzanine financing. These investments can never be redeemed by the funds. Instead, due to the nature of the investments in this category, distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. We estimate that the underlying assets will be liquidated over the next 2 to 10 years. The change in our trust investments measured at fair value with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 34,867 $ 2,448 $ 27,557 $ 1,078 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 1,779 1,045 1,056 (186 ) Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (6 ) (4 ) (8 ) (5 ) Purchases — (26 ) — — Contributions — — 5,379 127 Distributions and other (2,258 ) (1,115 ) (3,147 ) — Fair value, ending balance $ 34,382 $ 2,348 $ 30,837 $ 1,014 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 29,344 $ 1,197 $ 26,844 $ 1,245 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 5,312 590 2,666 (149 ) Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (46 ) (17 ) (23 ) (6 ) Purchases — 1,348 — — Contributions 4,830 1,294 6,404 127 Distributions and other (5,058 ) (2,064 ) (5,054 ) (203 ) Fair value, ending balance $ 34,382 $ 2,348 $ 30,837 $ 1,014 ________________________________________ (1) All unrealized gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . (2) All net realized losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2015 to 2045 . Maturities of fixed income securities, excluding mutual funds, at September 30, 2015 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 26,631 Due in one to five years 25,881 Due in five to ten years 26,261 Thereafter 18,864 $ 97,637 Earnings from all our merchandise and service trust investments are recognized in current revenue when merchandise is delivered or a service is performed. Fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor are also included in current revenue. In addition, we are entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels a preneed contract; these amounts are also recognized in current revenue in the period in which they are earned. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments was $10.7 million and $12.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments was $34.9 million and $36.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges resulting from this assessment are recognized as investment losses in Other income (expense), net and a decrease to Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net, which reduces Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we recorded a $1.8 million and a $59.3 million impairment charge, respectively, for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we recorded a $3.8 million and a $59.8 million impairment charge, respectively, for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. The third quarter 2014 impairment charges were recorded in anticipation of a strategic change in the management of our trust assets requiring the liquidation of a majority of our US trust assets during the fourth quarter of 2014. This change did not impact our asset allocation, but did change the underlying legal structure housing the assets. These impairment charges reflect the unrealized loss positions on these liquidated assets as of September 30, 2014. We have determined that the remaining unrealized losses in our merchandise and service trust investments are considered temporary in nature, as the unrealized losses were due to temporary fluctuations in interest rates and equity prices. The investments are diversified across multiple industry segments using a balanced allocation strategy to minimize long-term risk. We believe that none of the remaining securities are other-than-temporarily impaired based on our analysis of the investments. Our analysis included a review of the portfolio holdings and discussions with the individual money managers as to the sector exposures, credit ratings, and the severity and duration of the unrealized losses. Our merchandise and service trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values and the duration of unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015 are shown in the following tables: September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 55,492 $ (1,257 ) $ 13 $ (1 ) $ 55,505 $ (1,258 ) Canadian government 1,242 (20 ) 879 (66 ) 2,121 (86 ) Corporate 204 (8 ) 2,441 (104 ) 2,645 (112 ) Residential mortgage-backed 27 — 19 (2 ) 46 (2 ) Equity securities: Common stock: United States 300,606 (47,051 ) — — 300,606 (47,051 ) Canada 789 (442 ) 1,231 (749 ) 2,020 (1,191 ) Other international 28,359 (9,341 ) — — 28,359 (9,341 ) Mutual funds: Equity 296,807 (48,088 ) 1,889 (514 ) 298,696 (48,602 ) Fixed income 259,288 (12,800 ) 13,519 (553 ) 272,807 (13,353 ) Private equity — — 8,325 (2,976 ) 8,325 (2,976 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 942,814 $ (119,007 ) $ 28,316 $ (4,965 ) $ 971,130 $ (123,972 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 45,072 $ (605 ) $ — $ — $ 45,072 $ (605 ) Canadian government — — 4,858 (134 ) 4,858 (134 ) Corporate 2,017 (61 ) 1,936 (55 ) 3,953 (116 ) Residential mortgage-backed 33 (1 ) — — 33 (1 ) Equity securities: Common stock: United States 192,015 (11,706 ) 585 — 192,600 (11,706 ) Canada 2,069 (319 ) 778 (522 ) 2,847 (841 ) Other international 28,308 (2,395 ) — — 28,308 (2,395 ) Mutual funds: Equity 303,211 (18,329 ) 1,577 (101 ) 304,788 (18,430 ) Fixed income 159,572 (4,106 ) 15,113 (596 ) 174,685 (4,702 ) Private equity 88 (100 ) 7,518 (6,083 ) 7,606 (6,183 ) Other 2 (3 ) 259 (68 ) 261 (71 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 732,387 $ (37,625 ) $ 32,624 $ (7,559 ) $ 765,011 $ (45,184 )

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Cemetery Perpetual Care
Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Text Block	Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts We are required by state and provincial law to pay into cemetery perpetual care trusts a portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property interment rights. Our cemetery perpetual care trusts are variable interest entities as defined in the Consolidation accounting standard. In accordance with this standard, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of these trusts, as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. The trust investments detailed in Notes 4 and 5 are also accounted for as variable interest entities. We consolidate our cemetery perpetual care trust investments with a corresponding amount recorded as Care trusts’ corpus. Cash flows from cemetery perpetual care trusts are presented as operating cash flows in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with our cemetery perpetual care trusts: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deposits $ 10,264 $ 9,202 $ 29,717 $ 29,439 Withdrawals $ 8,073 $ 8,680 $ 32,749 $ 23,879 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 29,129 $ 169,973 $ 174,243 $ 233,795 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 14,466 $ 172,646 $ 120,602 $ 251,719 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities $ 524 $ 7,034 $ 2,675 $ 21,903 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities $ (156 ) $ (935 ) $ (4,478 ) $ (1,599 ) The components of Cemetery perpetual care trust investments in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Trust investments, at fair value $ 1,209,834 $ 1,192,966 Cash and cash equivalents 94,385 148,410 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments $ 1,304,219 $ 1,341,376 The cost and fair values associated with trust investments, at fair value at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in the trusts. Fair value represents the value of the underlying securities or cash held by the trusts. September 30, 2015 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 3,697 $ 26 $ (95 ) $ 3,628 Canadian government 2 33,094 507 (154 ) 33,447 Corporate 2 13,178 168 (279 ) 13,067 Residential mortgage-backed 2 968 18 (7 ) 979 Asset-backed 2 662 6 (26 ) 642 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 6,264 33 (626 ) 5,671 Common stock: United States 1 237,356 7,740 (21,941 ) 223,155 Canada 1 5,381 2,049 (837 ) 6,593 Other international 1 12,825 40 (2,523 ) 10,342 Mutual funds: Equity 1 21,602 3,116 (1,468 ) 23,250 Fixed income 1 881,664 563 (41,924 ) 840,303 Private equity 3 38,631 1,988 (6,773 ) 33,846 Other 3 13,235 2,038 (362 ) 14,911 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments $ 1,268,557 $ 18,292 $ (77,015 ) $ 1,209,834 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 794 $ 40 $ (4 ) $ 830 Canadian government 2 31,993 442 (233 ) 32,202 Corporate 2 16,762 344 (210 ) 16,896 Residential mortgage-backed 2 910 15 (6 ) 919 Asset-backed 2 661 10 (4 ) 667 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 4,439 60 (12 ) 4,487 Common stock: United States 1 225,129 9,340 (4,881 ) 229,588 Canada 1 7,419 2,737 (596 ) 9,560 Other international 1 8,102 90 (399 ) 7,793 Mutual funds: Equity 1 17,310 3,264 (93 ) 20,481 Fixed income 1 846,230 1,580 (14,263 ) 833,547 Private equity 3 34,288 408 (10,788 ) 23,908 Other 3 13,526 1,094 (2,532 ) 12,088 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments $ 1,207,563 $ 19,424 $ (34,021 ) $ 1,192,966 Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, ratings, and tax-exempt status. These funds are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. The valuation of private equity and other alternative investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recently available appraisals. Private equity investments are valued based on reported net asset values. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors quarterly. These funds are classified as Level 3 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. As of September 30, 2015 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity and other investments was $21.4 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. Our private equity and other investments include several funds that invest in limited partnerships, distressed debt, real estate, and mezzanine financing. These investments can never be redeemed by the funds. Instead, due to the nature of the investments in this category, distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. We estimate that the underlying assets will be liquidated over the next 2 to 10 years. The change in our trust investments measured at fair value with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 34,137 $ 14,089 $ 21,274 $ 11,983 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 87 1,310 (206 ) 23 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (10 ) (13 ) (13 ) (17 ) Contributions — — 9,058 — Distributions and other (368 ) (475 ) (3,331 ) — Fair value, ending balance $ 33,846 $ 14,911 $ 26,782 $ 11,989 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair market value, beginning balance $ 23,908 $ 12,088 $ 19,779 $ 11,587 Net unrealized gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 6,380 1,344 1,091 704 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (40 ) (36 ) (37 ) (29 ) Sales — — (17 ) — Contributions 5,165 2,553 10,461 — Distributions and other (1,567 ) (1,038 ) (4,495 ) (273 ) Fair market value, ending balance $ 33,846 $ 14,911 $ 26,782 $ 11,989 _________________________________________ (1) All unrealized gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our cemetery perpetual care trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Care trusts’ corpus . See Note 7 for further information related to our Care trusts’ corpus . (2) All net losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our cemetery perpetual care trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Care trusts’ corpus . See Note 7 for further information related to our Care trusts’ corpus . Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2015 to 2045 . Maturities of fixed income securities at September 30, 2015 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 26,894 Due in one to five years 16,644 Due in five to ten years 7,174 Thereafter 1,051 $ 51,763 Distributable earnings from these cemetery perpetual care trust investments are recognized in current cemetery revenue to the extent we incur qualifying cemetery maintenance costs. Fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor are also included in current revenue. Recognized trust fund income related to these trust investments was $10.5 million and $10.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income related to these trust investments was $43.5 million and $39.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges resulting from this assessment are recognized as investment losses in Other income (expense), net and a decrease to Cemetery perpetual care trust investments . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net, which reduces Care trusts’ corpus . See Note 7 for further information related to our Care trusts’ corpus . For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we recorded a $0.1 million and an $8.0 million impairment charge, respectively, for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we recorded a $1.6 million and an $8.1 million impairment charge, respectively, for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to unrealized losses on certain investments. The third quarter 2014 impairment charges were recorded in anticipation of a strategic change in the management of our trust assets requiring the liquidation of a majority of our US trust assets during the fourth quarter of 2014. This change did not impact our asset allocation, but did change the underlying legal structure housing the assets. These impairment charges reflect the unrealized loss positions on these liquidated assets as of September 30, 2014. We have determined that the remaining unrealized losses in our cemetery perpetual care trust investments are considered temporary in nature, as the unrealized losses were due to temporary fluctuations in interest rates and equity prices. The investments are diversified across multiple industry segments using a balanced allocation strategy to minimize long-term risk. We believe that none of the remaining securities are other-than-temporarily impaired based on our analysis of the investments. Our analysis included a review of the portfolio holdings and discussions with the individual money managers as to the sector exposures, credit ratings, and the severity and duration of the unrealized losses. Our cemetery perpetual care trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values and the duration of unrealized losses, are shown in the following tables. September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 3,262 $ (95 ) $ — $ — $ 3,262 $ (95 ) Canadian government 15,585 (40 ) 1,412 (114 ) 16,997 (154 ) Corporate 2,112 (70 ) 4,474 (209 ) 6,586 (279 ) Residential mortgage-backed 200 (1 ) 89 (6 ) 289 (7 ) Asset-backed 131 (10 ) 372 (16 ) 503 (26 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 4,911 (626 ) — — 4,911 (626 ) Common stock: United States 158,685 (21,941 ) — — 158,685 (21,941 ) Canada 692 (303 ) 923 (534 ) 1,615 (837 ) Other international 10,060 (2,494 ) 84 (29 ) 10,144 (2,523 ) Mutual funds: Equity 5,107 (1,432 ) 255 (36 ) 5,362 (1,468 ) Fixed income 822,656 (41,471 ) 4,384 (453 ) 827,040 (41,924 ) Private equity — — 14,564 (6,773 ) 14,564 (6,773 ) Other 14 (11 ) 5,587 (351 ) 5,601 (362 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,023,415 $ (68,494 ) $ 32,144 $ (8,521 ) $ 1,055,559 $ (77,015 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 497 $ (4 ) $ — $ — $ 497 $ (4 ) Canadian government — — 7,825 (233 ) 7,825 (233 ) Corporate 4,656 (108 ) 3,198 (102 ) 7,854 (210 ) Residential mortgage-backed 256 (5 ) 69 (1 ) 325 (6 ) Asset-backed 373 (4 ) — — 373 (4 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 2,224 (11 ) 49 (1 ) 2,273 (12 ) Common stock: United States 100,370 (4,803 ) 419 (78 ) 100,789 (4,881 ) Canada 2,418 (244 ) 757 (352 ) 3,175 (596 ) Other international 4,444 (399 ) — — 4,444 (399 ) Mutual funds: Equity 2,601 (85 ) 153 (8 ) 2,754 (93 ) Fixed income 576,890 (14,177 ) 2,581 (86 ) 579,471 (14,263 ) Private equity 9,213 (798 ) 14,254 (9,990 ) 23,467 (10,788 ) Other 4,069 (352 ) 6,276 (2,180 ) 10,345 (2,532 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 708,011 $ (20,990 ) $ 35,581 $ (13,031 ) $ 743,592 $ (34,021 )

Deferred Preneed Funeral and Ce

Deferred Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trusts' Corpus (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trusts' Corpus [Abstract]
Deferred Preneed Funeral And Cemetery Receipts Held In Trust And Care Trusts Corpus	Deferred Preneed Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trusts’ Corpus Deferred Preneed Receipts Held in Trust We consolidate the merchandise and service trusts associated with our preneed activities. Although the consolidation of the merchandise and service trusts is required by accounting standards, it does not change the legal relationships among the trusts, us, or our customers. The customers are the legal beneficiaries of these merchandise and service trusts, and therefore their interests in these trusts represent a liability to us. The components of Deferred preneed receipts held in trust in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed below. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Preneed Funeral Preneed Cemetery Total Preneed Funeral Preneed Cemetery Total (In thousands) Trust investments $ 1,498,141 $ 1,437,823 $ 2,935,964 $ 1,628,875 $ 1,526,653 $ 3,155,528 Accrued trust operating payables and other (1,083 ) (2,197 ) (3,280 ) (2,487 ) (4,157 ) (6,644 ) Deferred preneed receipts held in trust $ 1,497,058 $ 1,435,626 $ 2,932,684 $ 1,626,388 $ 1,522,496 $ 3,148,884 Care Trusts’ Corpus The Care trusts’ corpus reflected in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet represents the cemetery perpetual care trusts, including the related accrued expenses. The components of Care trusts’ corpus in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed below. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Cemetery perpetual care trust investments $ 1,304,219 $ 1,341,376 Accrued trust operating payables and other 355 (13,718 ) Care trusts’ corpus $ 1,304,574 $ 1,327,658 Other Income (Expense), Net The components of Other income (expense), net in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are detailed below. See Notes 4, 5, and 6 for further discussion of the amounts related to the funeral, cemetery, and cemetery perpetual care trusts. Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Funeral Trusts Cemetery Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Other, Net Total (In thousands) Realized gains $ 9,341 $ 10,318 $ 524 $ — $ 20,183 Realized losses (8,982 ) (11,948 ) (156 ) — (21,086 ) Impairment charges (1,385 ) (1,761 ) (106 ) — (3,252 ) Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income 4,244 4,360 14,035 — 22,639 Trust expenses and income taxes (5,804 ) (7,902 ) (4,524 ) — (18,230 ) Net trust investment income (loss) (2,586 ) (6,933 ) 9,773 — 254 Reclassification to deferred preneed receipts held in trust and care trusts’ corpus 2,586 6,933 (9,773 ) — (254 ) Other income, net — — — 334 334 Total other income, net $ — $ — $ — $ 334 $ 334 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Funeral Trusts Cemetery Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Other, Net Total (In thousands) Realized gains $ 23,546 $ 33,859 $ 2,675 $ — $ 60,080 Realized losses (17,554 ) (25,375 ) (4,478 ) — (47,407 ) Impairment charges (2,880 ) (3,811 ) (1,613 ) — (8,304 ) Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income 17,126 16,138 40,369 — 73,633 Trust expenses and income taxes (15,641 ) (23,009 ) (27,367 ) — (66,017 ) Net trust investment income (loss) 4,597 (2,198 ) 9,586 — 11,985 Reclassification to deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and care trusts’ corpus (4,597 ) 2,198 (9,586 ) — (11,985 ) Other income, net — — — 167 167 Total other income, net $ — $ — $ — $ 167 $ 167 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Funeral Trusts Cemetery Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Other, Net Total (In thousands) Realized gains $ 18,935 $ 40,635 $ 7,034 $ — $ 66,604 Realized losses (2,094 ) (4,439 ) (935 ) — (7,468 ) Impairment charges (41,244 ) (59,311 ) (8,025 ) — (108,580 ) Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income 1,849 2,681 9,158 — 13,688 Trust expenses and income taxes (6,748 ) (6,541 ) (4,295 ) — (17,584 ) Net trust investment income (loss) (29,302 ) (26,975 ) 2,937 — (53,340 ) Reclassification to deferred preneed receipts held in trust and care trusts’ corpus 29,302 26,975 (2,937 ) — 53,340 Other expense, net — — — (9 ) (9 ) Total other expense, net $ — $ — $ — $ (9 ) $ (9 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Funeral Trusts Cemetery Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Other, Net Total (In thousands) Realized gains $ 50,947 $ 86,822 $ 21,903 $ — $ 159,672 Realized losses (6,233 ) (10,564 ) (1,599 ) — (18,396 ) Impairment charges (41,614 ) (59,829 ) (8,072 ) — (109,515 ) Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income 15,323 10,157 40,065 — 65,545 Trust expenses and income taxes (16,193 ) (15,733 ) (16,905 ) — (48,831 ) Net trust investment income 2,230 10,853 35,392 — 48,475 Reclassification to deferred preneed receipts held in trust and care trusts’ corpus (2,230 ) (10,853 ) (35,392 ) — (48,475 ) Other income, net — — — 1,577 1,577 Total other income, net $ — $ — $ — $ 1,577 $ 1,577

Income Taxes (Notes)

Income Taxes (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure	Income Taxes Income tax expense during interim periods is based on our estimated annual effective income tax rate plus any discrete items, which are recorded in the period in which they occur. Discrete items include, among others, such events as changes in estimates due to the finalization of tax returns, tax audit settlements, expiration of statutes of limitation, and increases or decreases in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. Our effective tax rate was 35.3% and 81.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Our effective tax rate was 36.5% and 60.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The higher effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 was primarily due to the gain on required divestitures associated with the Stewart acquisition. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2015 is above the 35% federal statutory tax rate primarily due to the state expense partially offset by state legislative changes and foreign earnings taxed at lower rates. Unrecognized Tax Benefits As of September 30, 2015 , the total amount of our unrecognized tax benefits was $191.7 million and the total amount of our accrued interest was $50.4 million . Additional interest expense of $2.8 million was accrued during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . A number of years may elapse before particular tax matters, for which we have unrecognized tax benefits, are settled. While we have effectively concluded our 2003 through 2005 tax years with respect to our affiliate, SCI Funeral & Cemetery Purchasing Cooperative, Inc., SCI and subsidiaries' tax years 1999 through 2005 remain under review at the IRS Appeals level. SCI and subsidiaries are under audit for 2006-2007 as a result of carry back claims. Furthermore, SCI and its affiliates are under audit by various state and foreign jurisdictions for years 2010 through 2013 . The outcome of each of these audits cannot be predicted at this time. It is reasonably possible that the amount of our unrecognized tax benefits could significantly increase or decrease over the next twelve months either because we prevail on positions or because the tax authorities prevail. Due to the uncertainty regarding the timing of completion of audits and possible outcomes, a current estimate of the range of increases or decreases that may occur within the next twelve months cannot be made.

Debt (Notes)

Debt (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure	Debt Debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) 6.75% Senior Notes due April 2016 $ — $ 197,377 7.0% Senior Notes due June 2017 295,000 295,000 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 250,000 250,000 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 200,000 200,000 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 150,000 150,000 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 425,000 425,000 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 850,000 550,000 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 200,000 200,000 Term Loan due July 2018 325,000 370,000 Bank Credit Facility due July 2018 225,000 235,000 Obligations under capital leases 208,613 181,002 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 4,087 4,251 Unamortized premiums (discounts), net 8,759 (2,905 ) Total debt 3,141,459 3,054,725 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (95,045 ) (90,931 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,046,414 $ 2,963,794 Current maturities of debt at September 30, 2015 include amounts due under our Term Loan, mortgage notes and other debt, and capital leases within the next year. Our consolidated debt had a weighted average interest rate of 5.15% and 5.21% at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Approximately 76% and 75% of our total debt had a fixed interest rate at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Bank Credit Facility The Company has a $500.0 million bank credit facility due July 2018 with a syndicate of banks, including a sublimit of $175.0 million for letters of credit. As of September 30, 2015 , we have $225.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Bank Credit Facility and have issued $33.3 million of letters of credit. The Bank Credit Facility provides us with flexibility for working capital, if needed, and is guaranteed by a majority of our domestic subsidiaries. The subsidiary guaranty is a guaranty of payment of the outstanding amount of the total lending commitment, including letters of credit. The Bank Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio, and certain dividend and share repurchase restrictions. We pay a quarterly fee on the unused commitment, which was 0.35% at September 30, 2015 . As of September 30, 2015 , we have $241.7 million in borrowing capacity under the bank credit facility. Debt Issuances and Additions In August 2015 , we issued an additional $ 300.0 million to our existing unsecured 5.375% Senior Notes Due May 2024 . This issuance generated a premium of $ 11.3 million . We used the net proceeds from this offering to redeem all of our outstanding 6.75% Senior Notes due April 2016 and to repay $ 100.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Bank Credit Facility. During 2015, we drew $ 90.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility, which was used to make required payments on our Term Loan and for general corporate purposes. In May 2014 , we issued $ 550.0 million of unsecured 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 . We used the net proceeds from this offering, along with a $95.0 million draw on our bank credit facility, to repay our 6.75% Senior Notes due April 2015 , 6.5% Senior Notes due April 2019 , and 7.0% Senior Notes due May 2019 along with associated refinancing costs. The newly issued notes are subject to the provisions of the Company's Senior Indenture dated as of February 1, 1993 , as amended, which includes covenants limiting, among other things, the creation of liens securing indebtedness and sale-leaseback transactions. In February 2014 , we drew $ 110.0 million on our bank credit facility, which we used along with cash on hand to repay our 3.125% Senior Convertible Notes July 2014 and our 3.375% Senior Convertible Notes due July 2016 . Debt Extinguishments and Reductions During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we made debt payments of $342.5 million for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $197.4 million in aggregate principal of our 6.75% Senior Notes due April 2016; • $100.0 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility; and • $45.0 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due July 2018. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $6.9 million recorded in Loss on early extinguishment of debt in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 , we made debt payments of $985.8 million for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $222.5 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due July 2018; • $250.0 million in aggregate principal of our 7.0% Senior Notes due May 2019; • $200.0 million in aggregate principal and $9.1 million in unamortized premiums of our 6.5% Senior Notes due April 2019; • $136.5 million in aggregate principal of our 6.75% Senior Notes due April 2015; • $86.4 million in aggregate principal and $21.7 million in unamortized premiums of our 3.125% Senior Convertible Notes due 2014; and • $45.0 million in aggregate principal and $14.2 million in unamortized premiums of our 3.375% Senior Convertible Notes due 2016. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $29.2 million recorded in Loss on early extinguishment of debt in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. Capital Leases During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , we acquired $51.3 million and $30.8 million , respectively, of capital leases, primarily related to transportation equipment. We made aggregate principal payments of $20.4 million and $22.0 million on our capital lease obligations for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively.

Credit Risk and Fair Value of F

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Estimates The fair value estimates of the following financial instruments have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables approximate the fair values of those instruments due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The fair values of receivables on preneed contracts are impracticable to estimate because of the lack of a trading market and the diverse number of individual contracts with varying terms. The fair value of our debt instruments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) 6.75% Senior Notes due April 2016 $ — $ 208,075 7.0% Senior Notes due June 2017 316,759 320,043 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 282,500 277,538 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 204,500 201,700 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 176,250 174,375 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 448,503 437,750 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 887,188 558,250 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 226,000 220,890 Term Loan due July 2018 325,000 370,000 Bank Credit Facility due July 2018 225,000 235,000 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 4,101 4,277 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,095,801 $ 3,007,898 The fair values of our long-term, fixed-rate loans were estimated using market prices for those loans, and therefore they are classified within Level 2 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The Term Loan, Bank Credit Facility agreement and the mortgage and other debt are classified within Level 3 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The fair values of these instruments have been estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements. An increase (decrease) in the inputs results in a directionally opposite change in the fair value of the instruments.

Share-Based Compensation (Notes

Share-Based Compensation (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments	Share-Based Compensation Stock Benefit Plans We utilize the Black-Scholes option valuation model for estimating the fair value of our stock options. This model uses a range of assumptions related to volatility, the risk-free interest rate, the expected life, and the dividend yield. The fair values of our stock options are calculated using the following weighted average assumptions for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 : Nine Months Ended Assumptions September 30, 2015 Dividend yield 1.8 % Expected volatility 23.3 % Risk-free interest rate 1.3 % Expected holding period (in years) 4.0 Stock Options The following table sets forth stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 : Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2014 12,107,106 $ 11.63 Granted 2,036,010 $ 23.00 Exercised (2,945,438 ) $ 10.44 Canceled (21,400 ) $ 20.59 Outstanding at September 30, 2015 11,176,278 $ 13.98 Exercisable at September 30, 2015 7,008,300 $ 10.58 As of September 30, 2015 , the unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options of $10.4 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. Restricted Shares Restricted share activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was as follows: Restricted Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2014 1,319,260 $ 13.39 Granted 253,791 $ 23.00 Forfeited (3,840 ) $ 20.47 Vested (990,558 ) $ 12.37 Nonvested restricted shares at September 30, 2015 578,653 $ 19.32 As of September 30, 2015 , the unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted shares of $7.6 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Equity (Notes)

Equity (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure	Equity (All shares reported in whole numbers) Our components of Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gains and Losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 59,414 $ — $ 59,414 Activity in 2015 (42,913 ) — (42,913 ) Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes — (110,016 ) (110,016 ) Reclassification of net unrealized gains activity attributable to the Deferred preneed receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, net of taxes — 110,016 110,016 Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 16,501 $ — $ 16,501 Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 88,441 $ — $ 88,441 Activity in 2014 (13,732 ) — (13,732 ) Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments to Net Income from discontinued operations 3,114 — 3,114 Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes — 11,672 11,672 Reclassification of net unrealized gains activity attributable to the Deferred preneed receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus , net of taxes — (11,672 ) (11,672 ) Balance at September 30, 2014 $ 77,823 $ — $ 77,823 The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate. The U.S. dollar amount that arises from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the foreign currency translation adjustment in Accumulated other comprehensive income . Cash Dividends On August 12, 2015 , our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.12 per common share. This dividend, totaling $23.7 million , was paid on September 30, 2015 . Share Repurchases Subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions, and limitations in our debt covenants, we may make purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions under our stock repurchase program. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , we repurchased 11,008,576 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $305.5 million , which is an average cost per share of $27.75 . On August 12, 2015, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization to $400.0 million . After these repurchases and the increase in authorization, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under our share repurchase program was approximately $321.6 million at September 30, 2015 . Subsequent to September 30, 2015 , we repurchased 619,905 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $17.5 million , which is an average cost per share of $28.17 . After these fourth quarter repurchases, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be repurchased under our repurchase program is $304.1 million . Noncontrolling Interest Subsequent to September 30, 2015, we purchased an additional 24.4% of the common stock of our consolidated subsidiary, Wilson Financial Group, Inc. for $ 2.1 million .

Segment Reporting (Notes)

Segment Reporting (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Segment Reporting Our operations are both product-based and geographically-based, and the reportable operating segments presented below include our funeral and cemetery operations. Our geographic areas include the United States and Canada, in both of which we conduct both funeral and cemetery operations. Our reportable segment information is as follows: Funeral Cemetery Reportable Segments (In thousands) Three months ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2015 $ 449,240 $ 265,285 $ 714,525 2014 $ 458,941 $ 259,373 $ 718,314 Gross profit: 2015 $ 77,032 $ 64,912 $ 141,944 2014 $ 89,660 $ 58,638 $ 148,298 Nine months ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2015 $ 1,428,385 $ 788,611 $ 2,216,996 2014 $ 1,447,526 $ 763,043 $ 2,210,569 Gross profit: 2015 $ 298,899 $ 187,724 $ 486,623 2014 $ 310,059 $ 160,343 $ 470,402 The following table reconciles gross profit from reportable segments to our consolidated income before income taxes: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Gross profit from reportable segments $ 141,944 $ 148,298 $ 486,623 $ 470,402 General and administrative expenses (28,158 ) (39,748 ) (96,781 ) (141,885 ) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net 10,764 26,570 3,403 58,752 Operating income 124,550 135,120 393,245 387,269 Interest expense (43,921 ) (43,376 ) (129,842 ) (134,679 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt (6,918 ) — (6,918 ) (29,158 ) Other income (expense), net 334 (9 ) 167 1,577 Income before income taxes $ 74,045 $ 91,735 $ 256,652 $ 225,009 Our geographic area information is as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) Three months ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2015 $ 671,857 $ 42,668 $ 714,525 2014 $ 671,949 $ 46,365 $ 718,314 Nine months ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2015 $ 2,077,383 $ 139,613 $ 2,216,996 2014 $ 2,062,231 $ 148,338 $ 2,210,569

Supplementary Information (Note

Supplementary Information (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block]	Supplementary Information Revenue and Costs and Expenses The detail of certain income statement accounts as presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Property and merchandise revenue: Funeral $ 145,193 $ 146,799 $ 456,806 $ 467,285 Cemetery 195,692 184,063 557,894 528,871 Total property and merchandise revenue 340,885 330,862 1,014,700 996,156 Services revenue: Funeral 265,025 276,449 859,878 878,154 Cemetery 62,356 66,021 207,637 208,190 Total services revenue 327,381 342,470 1,067,515 1,086,344 Other revenue 46,259 44,982 134,781 128,069 Total revenue $ 714,525 $ 718,314 $ 2,216,996 $ 2,210,569 Property and merchandise costs and expenses: Funeral $ 71,908 $ 72,569 $ 217,175 $ 222,542 Cemetery 80,827 80,532 240,564 238,608 Total cost of property and merchandise 152,735 153,101 457,739 461,150 Services costs and expenses: Funeral 154,538 152,625 472,602 476,288 Cemetery 31,817 35,049 101,989 111,627 Total cost of services 186,355 187,674 574,591 587,915 Overhead and other expense 233,491 229,241 698,043 691,102 Total costs and expenses $ 572,581 $ 570,016 $ 1,730,373 $ 1,740,167 Non-Cash Investing and Financing Transactions Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 2014 (In thousands) Net change in capital expenditure accrual $ (1,587 ) $ 735 Options exercised by attestation $ — $ 761 Shares repurchased $ — $ (761 )

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	Commitments and Contingencies Insurance Loss Reserves We purchase comprehensive general liability, morticians’ and cemetery professional liability, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation insurance coverage structured with high deductibles. The high-deductible insurance program means we are primarily self-insured for claims and associated costs and losses covered by these policies. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , we have self-insurance reserves of $76.8 million and $74.0 million , respectively. Litigation We are a party to various litigation matters, investigations, and proceedings. Some of the more frequent ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business is based on burial practices claims and employment-related matters, including discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour laws and regulations. For each of our outstanding legal matters, we evaluate the merits of the case, our exposure to the matter, possible legal or settlement strategies, and the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in the lawsuits described herein; however, if we determine that an unfavorable outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated, we establish the necessary accruals. We hold certain insurance policies that may reduce cash outflows with respect to an adverse outcome of certain of these litigation matters. We accrue such insurance recoveries when they become probable of being paid and can be reasonably estimated. Wage and Hour Claims. We are named a defendant in various lawsuits alleging violations of federal and state laws regulating wage and hour pay, including but not limited to the Samborsky lawsuit described below. Charles Samborsky, et al, individually and on behalf of those persons similarly situated, v. SCI California Funeral Services, Inc., et al ; Case No. BC544180; in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, Central District-Central Civil West Courthouse. This lawsuit was filed in April 2014 against an SCI subsidiary and purports to have been brought on behalf of employees who worked as family service counselors in California since April 2010. The plaintiffs allege causes of action for various violations of state laws regulating wage and hour pay. The plaintiffs seek unpaid wages, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, interest, and injunctive relief. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this lawsuit. Claims Regarding Acquisition of Stewart Enterprises . We are involved in the following lawsuits. Karen Moulton, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. Stewart Enterprises, Inc., Service Corporation International and others ; Case No. 2013-5636; in the Civil District Court Parish of New Orleans. This case was filed as a class action in June 2013 against SCI and our subsidiary in connection with SCI's proposed acquisition of Stewart Enterprises, Inc. The plaintiffs allege that SCI aided and abetted breaches of fiduciary duties by Stewart Enterprises and its board of directors in negotiating the combination of Stewart Enterprises with a subsidiary of SCI. The plaintiffs seek damages concerning the combination. We filed exceptions to the plaintiffs’ complaint that were granted in June 2014. Thus, subject to appeals, SCI will no longer be party to the suit. The case will continue against our subsidiary Stewart Enterprises and its former individual directors. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, for the payment of damages. S.E. Funeral Homes of California, Inc. v. The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles, et al. ; Case No. BC559142; in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. The plaintiff is a company indirectly owned by Stewart Enterprises, Inc. The plaintiff filed this action in September 2014 to prevent The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles (the “Archdiocese”) from terminating six ground leases. In reliance on the leases having 40 year terms beginning at the earliest in 1997, the plaintiff had previously made material investments since 1997 in constructing and operating funeral homes, chapels, mausoleums, and other improvements on the leased premises. In addition, the plaintiff has created a material backlog of deferred preneed revenue that plaintiff expects to receive in the coming years. In September 2014, the Archdiocese delivered notices purporting to terminate the leases and alleging that the leases were breached because the plaintiff did not obtain the Archdiocese’s consent before Stewart Enterprises, Inc. entered into a reverse merger with an affiliate of SCI. The plaintiff disputes this contention and seeks, among other things, a declaratory judgment declaring that the Archdiocese’s purported termination notices are invalid, requiring specific performance of the leases, or, in the alternative, awarding plaintiff compensatory damages. We cannot quantify the ultimate outcome in this lawsuit. The ultimate outcome of the matters described above cannot be determined at this time. We intend to vigorously defend all of the above lawsuits; however, an adverse decision in one or more of such matters could have a material effect on us, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

Earnings Per Share (Notes)

Earnings Per Share (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per common share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing Net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common shares that then shared in our earnings. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is presented below: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income: Net income — basic $ 47,448 $ 17,651 $ 161,418 $ 84,675 After tax interest on convertible debt 13 — 37 38 Net income — diluted $ 47,461 $ 17,651 $ 161,455 $ 84,713 Weighted average shares (denominator): Weighted average shares — basic 199,310 210,820 201,729 212,009 Stock options 4,013 2,190 4,100 3,235 Convertible debt 121 — 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 203,444 213,010 205,950 215,365 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.24 $ 0.08 $ 0.80 $ 0.40 Diluted $ 0.23 $ 0.08 $ 0.78 $ 0.39 Earnings per share from discontinued operations were less than $0.005 for all periods; therefore, net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders per share is the same as net income per share in the table above.

Divestiture-Related Activities

Divestiture-Related Activities (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Divestiture-Related Activities [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure	Divestiture-Related Activities As divestitures occur in the normal course of business, gains or losses on the sale of such locations are recognized in the income statement line item Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net, which consist of the following for the three and nine months ended September 30 : Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 12,400 $ 26,889 $ 9,373 $ 64,753 Impairment losses (1,636 ) (319 ) (5,970 ) (6,001 ) $ 10,764 $ 26,570 $ 3,403 $ 58,752

Summary of Significant Accoun26

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy	Our merchandise and service trusts are variable interest entities as defined in the Consolidation accounting standard. In accordance with this standard, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of these trusts, as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. Our trust investments detailed in Notes 5 and 6 are also accounted for as variable interest entities. Our merchandise and service trusts are variable interest entities as defined in the Consolidation accounting standard. In accordance with this standard, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of these trusts, as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. The trust investments detailed in Notes 4 and 6 are also accounted for as variable interest entities. Our cemetery perpetual care trusts are variable interest entities as defined in the Consolidation accounting standard. In accordance with this standard, we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary of these trusts, as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. The trust investments detailed in Notes 4 and 5 are also accounted for as variable interest entities.
Funeral and Cemetery cash flow	Cash flows from preneed contracts are presented as operating cash flows in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Cash flows from preneed cemetery contracts are presented as operating cash flows in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. Cash flows from cemetery perpetual care trusts are presented as operating cash flows in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue	These earnings are recorded in Deferred preneed funeral revenue until the merchandise is delivered or the service is performed. These earnings are recorded in Deferred preneed cemetery revenue until the merchandise is delivered or the service is performed.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, ratings, and tax-exempt status. These funds are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. The valuation of private equity and other alternative investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recent available appraisals. Private equity investments are valued based on reported net asset values. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors quarterly. These funds are classified as Level 3 investments pursuant to the Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, ratings, and tax-exempt status. These funds are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. The valuation of private equity and other alternative investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recent available appraisals. Private equity investments are valued based on reported net asset values. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors quarterly. These funds are classified as Level 3 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, ratings, and tax-exempt status. These funds are classified as Level 2 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. The valuation of private equity and other alternative investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. The fair value of these investments is estimated based on the market value of the underlying real estate and private equity investments. The underlying real estate value is determined using the most recently available appraisals. Private equity investments are valued based on reported net asset values. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors quarterly. These funds are classified as Level 3 investments pursuant to the fair value measurements hierarchy. The fair values of our long-term, fixed-rate loans were estimated using market prices for those loans, and therefore they are classified within Level 2 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The Term Loan, Bank Credit Facility agreement and the mortgage and other debt are classified within Level 3 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The fair values of these instruments have been estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements.
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Earnings from all our merchandise and service trust investments are recognized in revenue when merchandise is delivered or a service is performed. Fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor are also included in current revenue. In addition, we are entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels a preneed contract; these amounts are also recognized in current revenue in the period in which they are earned. Earnings from all our merchandise and service trust investments are recognized in current revenue when merchandise is delivered or a service is performed. Fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor are also included in current revenue. In addition, we are entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels a preneed contract; these amounts are also recognized in current revenue in the period in which they are earned. Distributable earnings from these cemetery perpetual care trust investments are recognized in current cemetery revenue to the extent we incur qualifying cemetery maintenance costs. Fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor are also included in current revenue.
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy	We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges resulting from this assessment are recognized as investment losses in Other income (expense), net and a decrease to Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net, which reduces Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges resulting from this assessment are recognized as investment losses in Other income (expense), net and a decrease to Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net, which reduces Deferred preneed receipts held in trust . See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust We assess our trust investments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges resulting from this assessment are recognized as investment losses in Other income (expense), net and a decrease to Cemetery perpetual care trust investments . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net, which reduces Care trusts’ corpus .
Earnings Per Share, Policy	Basic earnings per common share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing Net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common shares that then shared in our earnings. Basic earnings per common share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing Net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common shares that then shared in our earnings. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is presented below: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income: Net income — basic $ 47,448 $ 17,651 $ 161,418 $ 84,675 After tax interest on convertible debt 13 — 37 38 Net income — diluted $ 47,461 $ 17,651 $ 161,455 $ 84,713 Weighted average shares (denominator): Weighted average shares — basic 199,310 210,820 201,729 212,009 Stock options 4,013 2,190 4,100 3,235 Convertible debt 121 — 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 203,444 213,010 205,950 215,365 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.24 $ 0.08 $ 0.80 $ 0.40 Diluted $ 0.23 $ 0.08 $ 0.78 $ 0.39 Earnings per share from discontinued operations were less than $0.005 for all periods; therefore, net income from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders per share is the same as net income per share in the table above.
Segment Reporting, Policy	Our operations are both product-based and geographically-based, and the reportable operating segments presented below include our funeral and cemetery operations.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	We utilize the Black-Scholes option valuation model for estimating the fair value of our stock options.
Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Our financial statements also include the accounts of the merchandise and service trusts and cemetery perpetual care trusts in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary. Our interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments, which management considers necessary for a fair statement of our results for these periods. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner consistent with the accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 , unless otherwise disclosed herein, and should be read in conjunction therewith. The accompanying year-end condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year period. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation with no effect on our previously reported results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 . These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Discontinued Operations In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended the Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment accounting standards to change the requirement for reporting discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, a disposal of a component of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results. Fewer disposals are expected to qualify as discontinued operations under the new guidance. It also requires the disclosure of pretax income of disposals that do not qualify as discontinued operations. We adopted the amendment effective January 1, 2015 with no impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows.

Preneed Funeral Activities (Tab

Preneed Funeral Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Preneed funeral receivables net and trust investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	Our merchandise and service trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values and the duration of unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015 are shown in the following tables: September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 55,492 $ (1,257 ) $ 13 $ (1 ) $ 55,505 $ (1,258 ) Canadian government 1,242 (20 ) 879 (66 ) 2,121 (86 ) Corporate 204 (8 ) 2,441 (104 ) 2,645 (112 ) Residential mortgage-backed 27 — 19 (2 ) 46 (2 ) Equity securities: Common stock: United States 300,606 (47,051 ) — — 300,606 (47,051 ) Canada 789 (442 ) 1,231 (749 ) 2,020 (1,191 ) Other international 28,359 (9,341 ) — — 28,359 (9,341 ) Mutual funds: Equity 296,807 (48,088 ) 1,889 (514 ) 298,696 (48,602 ) Fixed income 259,288 (12,800 ) 13,519 (553 ) 272,807 (13,353 ) Private equity — — 8,325 (2,976 ) 8,325 (2,976 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 942,814 $ (119,007 ) $ 28,316 $ (4,965 ) $ 971,130 $ (123,972 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 45,072 $ (605 ) $ — $ — $ 45,072 $ (605 ) Canadian government — — 4,858 (134 ) 4,858 (134 ) Corporate 2,017 (61 ) 1,936 (55 ) 3,953 (116 ) Residential mortgage-backed 33 (1 ) — — 33 (1 ) Equity securities: Common stock: United States 192,015 (11,706 ) 585 — 192,600 (11,706 ) Canada 2,069 (319 ) 778 (522 ) 2,847 (841 ) Other international 28,308 (2,395 ) — — 28,308 (2,395 ) Mutual funds: Equity 303,211 (18,329 ) 1,577 (101 ) 304,788 (18,430 ) Fixed income 159,572 (4,106 ) 15,113 (596 ) 174,685 (4,702 ) Private equity 88 (100 ) 7,518 (6,083 ) 7,606 (6,183 ) Other 2 (3 ) 259 (68 ) 261 (71 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 732,387 $ (37,625 ) $ 32,624 $ (7,559 ) $ 765,011 $ (45,184 ) Our cemetery perpetual care trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values and the duration of unrealized losses, are shown in the following tables. September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 3,262 $ (95 ) $ — $ — $ 3,262 $ (95 ) Canadian government 15,585 (40 ) 1,412 (114 ) 16,997 (154 ) Corporate 2,112 (70 ) 4,474 (209 ) 6,586 (279 ) Residential mortgage-backed 200 (1 ) 89 (6 ) 289 (7 ) Asset-backed 131 (10 ) 372 (16 ) 503 (26 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 4,911 (626 ) — — 4,911 (626 ) Common stock: United States 158,685 (21,941 ) — — 158,685 (21,941 ) Canada 692 (303 ) 923 (534 ) 1,615 (837 ) Other international 10,060 (2,494 ) 84 (29 ) 10,144 (2,523 ) Mutual funds: Equity 5,107 (1,432 ) 255 (36 ) 5,362 (1,468 ) Fixed income 822,656 (41,471 ) 4,384 (453 ) 827,040 (41,924 ) Private equity — — 14,564 (6,773 ) 14,564 (6,773 ) Other 14 (11 ) 5,587 (351 ) 5,601 (362 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,023,415 $ (68,494 ) $ 32,144 $ (8,521 ) $ 1,055,559 $ (77,015 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 497 $ (4 ) $ — $ — $ 497 $ (4 ) Canadian government — — 7,825 (233 ) 7,825 (233 ) Corporate 4,656 (108 ) 3,198 (102 ) 7,854 (210 ) Residential mortgage-backed 256 (5 ) 69 (1 ) 325 (6 ) Asset-backed 373 (4 ) — — 373 (4 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 2,224 (11 ) 49 (1 ) 2,273 (12 ) Common stock: United States 100,370 (4,803 ) 419 (78 ) 100,789 (4,881 ) Canada 2,418 (244 ) 757 (352 ) 3,175 (596 ) Other international 4,444 (399 ) — — 4,444 (399 ) Mutual funds: Equity 2,601 (85 ) 153 (8 ) 2,754 (93 ) Fixed income 576,890 (14,177 ) 2,581 (86 ) 579,471 (14,263 ) Private equity 9,213 (798 ) 14,254 (9,990 ) 23,467 (10,788 ) Other 4,069 (352 ) 6,276 (2,180 ) 10,345 (2,532 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 708,011 $ (20,990 ) $ 35,581 $ (13,031 ) $ 743,592 $ (34,021 )
Funeral
Preneed funeral receivables net and trust investments [Line Items]
Investment related activities	The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with these preneed merchandise and service trusts: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deposits $ 30,143 $ 23,618 $ 92,623 $ 76,490 Withdrawals $ 36,310 $ 27,718 $ 123,499 $ 103,410 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 100,663 $ 238,860 $ 281,298 $ 379,650 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 110,642 $ 274,630 $ 282,960 $ 445,880 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities $ 9,341 $ 18,935 $ 23,546 $ 50,947 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities $ (8,982 ) $ (2,094 ) $ (17,554 ) $ (6,233 )
Long-term receivable and investment components	The components of Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Trust investments, at fair value $ 1,098,236 $ 1,205,747 Cash and cash equivalents 130,161 162,229 Insurance-backed fixed income securities 269,744 260,899 Trust investments 1,498,141 1,628,875 Receivables from customers 286,463 262,700 Unearned finance charge (10,996 ) (11,054 ) 1,773,608 1,880,521 Allowance for cancellation (39,164 ) (37,498 ) Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments $ 1,734,444 $ 1,843,023
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	The costs and fair values associated with trust investments measured at fair value at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in the trusts. Fair value represents the value of the underlying securities held by the trusts. September 30, 2015 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 82,969 $ 121 $ (1,248 ) $ 81,842 Canadian government 2 75,703 556 (558 ) 75,701 Corporate 2 21,521 364 (253 ) 21,632 Residential mortgage-backed 2 1,449 37 (21 ) 1,465 Asset-backed 2 5 — — 5 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 1,939 22 (112 ) 1,849 Common stock: United States 1 351,048 18,956 (29,166 ) 340,838 Canada 1 12,032 2,700 (1,069 ) 13,663 Other international 1 36,612 1,403 (6,224 ) 31,791 Mutual funds: Equity 1 318,576 1,166 (41,814 ) 277,928 Fixed income 1 221,425 434 (9,628 ) 212,231 Private equity 3 34,994 4,450 (5,554 ) 33,890 Other 3 4,427 989 (15 ) 5,401 Trust investments $ 1,162,700 $ 31,198 $ (95,662 ) $ 1,098,236 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 85,775 $ 468 $ (455 ) $ 85,788 Canadian government 2 90,430 449 (874 ) 90,005 Corporate 2 24,765 423 (126 ) 25,062 Residential mortgage-backed 2 1,325 29 (12 ) 1,342 Asset-backed 2 6 — — 6 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 2,503 113 (113 ) 2,503 Common stock: United States 1 377,441 18,533 (7,405 ) 388,569 Canada 1 14,708 4,292 (895 ) 18,105 Other international 1 38,035 1,175 (1,560 ) 37,650 Mutual funds: Equity 1 308,548 3,332 (15,901 ) 295,979 Fixed income 1 229,414 869 (3,576 ) 226,707 Private equity 3 35,094 2,649 (9,418 ) 28,325 Other 3 5,084 726 (104 ) 5,706 Trust investments $ 1,213,128 $ 33,058 $ (40,439 ) $ 1,205,747
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The change in our trust investments measured at fair value with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 34,366 $ 7,111 $ 27,339 $ 4,476 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 1,859 (551 ) 265 1,071 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (7 ) (4 ) (7 ) (4 ) Purchases — — 289 — Contributions — — 4,998 121 Distributions (2,328 ) (1,155 ) (2,949 ) — Fair value, ending balance $ 33,890 $ 5,401 $ 29,935 $ 5,664 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 28,325 $ 5,706 $ 26,885 $ 1,810 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 6,048 533 (1,370 ) 3,927 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (45 ) (17 ) (21 ) (5 ) Purchases — 23 3,244 — Sales (36 ) — — — Contributions 4,632 1,226 5,955 121 Distributions (5,034 ) (2,070 ) (4,758 ) (189 ) Fair value, ending balance $ 33,890 $ 5,401 $ 29,935 $ 5,664
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2015 to 2045 . Maturities of fixed income securities, excluding mutual funds, at September 30, 2015 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 111,193 Due in one to five years 25,996 Due in five to ten years 29,213 Thereafter 14,243 $ 180,645
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	Our merchandise and service trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values, and the duration of unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively, are shown in the following tables: September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 42,465 $ (1,209 ) $ 4,419 $ (39 ) $ 46,884 $ (1,248 ) Canadian government 1,433 (5 ) 12,058 (553 ) 13,491 (558 ) Corporate 5,611 (152 ) 2,666 (101 ) 8,277 (253 ) Residential mortgage-backed 262 (5 ) 224 (16 ) 486 (21 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 534 (112 ) — — 534 (112 ) Common stock: United States 188,385 (29,166 ) — — 188,385 (29,166 ) Canada 3,428 (692 ) 545 (377 ) 3,973 (1,069 ) Other international 17,715 (6,034 ) 606 (190 ) 18,321 (6,224 ) Mutual funds: Equity 257,015 (38,133 ) 13,346 (3,681 ) 270,361 (41,814 ) Fixed income 177,919 (9,038 ) 12,059 (590 ) 189,978 (9,628 ) Private equity — — 17,031 (5,554 ) 17,031 (5,554 ) Other — — 442 (15 ) 442 (15 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 694,767 $ (84,546 ) $ 63,396 $ (11,116 ) $ 758,163 $ (95,662 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 32,243 $ (412 ) $ 4,978 $ (43 ) $ 37,221 $ (455 ) Canadian government 2,894 (52 ) 14,904 (822 ) 17,798 (874 ) Corporate 4,988 (56 ) 2,420 (70 ) 7,408 (126 ) Residential mortgage-backed 217 (10 ) 106 (2 ) 323 (12 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 26 (113 ) — — 26 (113 ) Common stock: United States 126,527 (7,403 ) 438 (2 ) 126,965 (7,405 ) Canada 1,752 (379 ) 1,085 (516 ) 2,837 (895 ) Other international 19,593 (1,557 ) 2 (3 ) 19,595 (1,560 ) Mutual funds: Equity 233,827 (13,219 ) 23,717 (2,682 ) 257,544 (15,901 ) Fixed income 112,160 (3,128 ) 11,452 (448 ) 123,612 (3,576 ) Private equity 203 (461 ) 13,870 (8,957 ) 14,073 (9,418 ) Other 5 (11 ) 464 (93 ) 469 (104 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 534,435 $ (26,801 ) $ 73,436 $ (13,638 ) $ 607,871 $ (40,439 )

Preneed Cemetery Activities (Ta

Preneed Cemetery Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Preneed Cemetery Receivables, Net and Trust Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	Our merchandise and service trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values and the duration of unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015 are shown in the following tables: September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 55,492 $ (1,257 ) $ 13 $ (1 ) $ 55,505 $ (1,258 ) Canadian government 1,242 (20 ) 879 (66 ) 2,121 (86 ) Corporate 204 (8 ) 2,441 (104 ) 2,645 (112 ) Residential mortgage-backed 27 — 19 (2 ) 46 (2 ) Equity securities: Common stock: United States 300,606 (47,051 ) — — 300,606 (47,051 ) Canada 789 (442 ) 1,231 (749 ) 2,020 (1,191 ) Other international 28,359 (9,341 ) — — 28,359 (9,341 ) Mutual funds: Equity 296,807 (48,088 ) 1,889 (514 ) 298,696 (48,602 ) Fixed income 259,288 (12,800 ) 13,519 (553 ) 272,807 (13,353 ) Private equity — — 8,325 (2,976 ) 8,325 (2,976 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 942,814 $ (119,007 ) $ 28,316 $ (4,965 ) $ 971,130 $ (123,972 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 45,072 $ (605 ) $ — $ — $ 45,072 $ (605 ) Canadian government — — 4,858 (134 ) 4,858 (134 ) Corporate 2,017 (61 ) 1,936 (55 ) 3,953 (116 ) Residential mortgage-backed 33 (1 ) — — 33 (1 ) Equity securities: Common stock: United States 192,015 (11,706 ) 585 — 192,600 (11,706 ) Canada 2,069 (319 ) 778 (522 ) 2,847 (841 ) Other international 28,308 (2,395 ) — — 28,308 (2,395 ) Mutual funds: Equity 303,211 (18,329 ) 1,577 (101 ) 304,788 (18,430 ) Fixed income 159,572 (4,106 ) 15,113 (596 ) 174,685 (4,702 ) Private equity 88 (100 ) 7,518 (6,083 ) 7,606 (6,183 ) Other 2 (3 ) 259 (68 ) 261 (71 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 732,387 $ (37,625 ) $ 32,624 $ (7,559 ) $ 765,011 $ (45,184 ) Our cemetery perpetual care trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values and the duration of unrealized losses, are shown in the following tables. September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 3,262 $ (95 ) $ — $ — $ 3,262 $ (95 ) Canadian government 15,585 (40 ) 1,412 (114 ) 16,997 (154 ) Corporate 2,112 (70 ) 4,474 (209 ) 6,586 (279 ) Residential mortgage-backed 200 (1 ) 89 (6 ) 289 (7 ) Asset-backed 131 (10 ) 372 (16 ) 503 (26 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 4,911 (626 ) — — 4,911 (626 ) Common stock: United States 158,685 (21,941 ) — — 158,685 (21,941 ) Canada 692 (303 ) 923 (534 ) 1,615 (837 ) Other international 10,060 (2,494 ) 84 (29 ) 10,144 (2,523 ) Mutual funds: Equity 5,107 (1,432 ) 255 (36 ) 5,362 (1,468 ) Fixed income 822,656 (41,471 ) 4,384 (453 ) 827,040 (41,924 ) Private equity — — 14,564 (6,773 ) 14,564 (6,773 ) Other 14 (11 ) 5,587 (351 ) 5,601 (362 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,023,415 $ (68,494 ) $ 32,144 $ (8,521 ) $ 1,055,559 $ (77,015 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 497 $ (4 ) $ — $ — $ 497 $ (4 ) Canadian government — — 7,825 (233 ) 7,825 (233 ) Corporate 4,656 (108 ) 3,198 (102 ) 7,854 (210 ) Residential mortgage-backed 256 (5 ) 69 (1 ) 325 (6 ) Asset-backed 373 (4 ) — — 373 (4 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 2,224 (11 ) 49 (1 ) 2,273 (12 ) Common stock: United States 100,370 (4,803 ) 419 (78 ) 100,789 (4,881 ) Canada 2,418 (244 ) 757 (352 ) 3,175 (596 ) Other international 4,444 (399 ) — — 4,444 (399 ) Mutual funds: Equity 2,601 (85 ) 153 (8 ) 2,754 (93 ) Fixed income 576,890 (14,177 ) 2,581 (86 ) 579,471 (14,263 ) Private equity 9,213 (798 ) 14,254 (9,990 ) 23,467 (10,788 ) Other 4,069 (352 ) 6,276 (2,180 ) 10,345 (2,532 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 708,011 $ (20,990 ) $ 35,581 $ (13,031 ) $ 743,592 $ (34,021 )
Cemetery
Preneed Cemetery Receivables, Net and Trust Investments [Line Items]
Investment related activities	The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with these preneed merchandise and service trusts: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deposits $ 40,327 $ 34,018 $ 116,581 $ 95,421 Withdrawals $ 33,260 $ 33,669 $ 115,930 $ 96,238 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 165,025 $ 247,853 $ 389,219 $ 458,176 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 150,804 $ 285,411 $ 389,747 $ 481,258 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities $ 10,318 $ 40,635 $ 33,859 $ 86,822 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities $ (11,948 ) $ (4,439 ) $ (25,375 ) $ (10,564 )
Long-term receivable and investment components	The components of Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Trust investments, at fair value $ 1,317,018 $ 1,404,298 Cash and cash equivalents 120,805 122,355 Trust investments 1,437,823 1,526,653 Receivables from customers 935,844 881,082 Unearned finance charges (33,477 ) (31,524 ) 2,340,190 2,376,211 Allowance for cancellation (72,384 ) (69,542 ) Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments $ 2,267,806 $ 2,306,669
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	September 30, 2015 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 67,552 $ 41 $ (1,258 ) $ 66,335 Canadian government 2 25,546 306 (86 ) 25,766 Corporate 2 5,293 31 (112 ) 5,212 Residential mortgage-backed 2 135 3 (2 ) 136 Asset-backed 2 170 18 — 188 Equity securities: Common stock: United States 1 546,840 27,293 (47,051 ) 527,082 Canada 1 9,077 3,737 (1,191 ) 11,623 Other international 1 56,256 2,102 (9,341 ) 49,017 Mutual funds: Equity 1 352,117 1,525 (48,602 ) 305,040 Fixed income 1 302,920 322 (13,353 ) 289,889 Private equity 3 30,896 6,462 (2,976 ) 34,382 Other 3 2,089 259 — 2,348 Trust investments $ 1,398,891 $ 42,099 $ (123,972 ) $ 1,317,018 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 63,447 $ 257 $ (605 ) $ 63,099 Canadian government 2 21,687 261 (134 ) 21,814 Corporate 2 8,725 122 (116 ) 8,731 Residential mortgage-backed 2 111 3 (1 ) 113 Asset-backed 2 170 16 — 186 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 10 1 — 11 Common stock: United States 1 557,955 22,746 (11,706 ) 568,995 Canada 1 10,962 5,011 (841 ) 15,132 Other international 1 55,632 1,605 (2,395 ) 54,842 Mutual funds: Equity 1 344,443 4,244 (18,430 ) 330,257 Fixed income 1 314,600 679 (4,702 ) 310,577 Private equity 3 32,342 3,185 (6,183 ) 29,344 Other 3 1,082 186 (71 ) 1,197 Trust investments $ 1,411,166 $ 38,316 $ (45,184 ) $ 1,404,298
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The change in our trust investments measured at fair value with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 34,867 $ 2,448 $ 27,557 $ 1,078 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 1,779 1,045 1,056 (186 ) Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (6 ) (4 ) (8 ) (5 ) Purchases — (26 ) — — Contributions — — 5,379 127 Distributions and other (2,258 ) (1,115 ) (3,147 ) — Fair value, ending balance $ 34,382 $ 2,348 $ 30,837 $ 1,014 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 29,344 $ 1,197 $ 26,844 $ 1,245 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 5,312 590 2,666 (149 ) Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (46 ) (17 ) (23 ) (6 ) Purchases — 1,348 — — Contributions 4,830 1,294 6,404 127 Distributions and other (5,058 ) (2,064 ) (5,054 ) (203 ) Fair value, ending balance $ 34,382 $ 2,348 $ 30,837 $ 1,014
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2015 to 2045 . Maturities of fixed income securities, excluding mutual funds, at September 30, 2015 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 26,631 Due in one to five years 25,881 Due in five to ten years 26,261 Thereafter 18,864 $ 97,637

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust29

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	Our merchandise and service trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values and the duration of unrealized losses as of September 30, 2015 are shown in the following tables: September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 55,492 $ (1,257 ) $ 13 $ (1 ) $ 55,505 $ (1,258 ) Canadian government 1,242 (20 ) 879 (66 ) 2,121 (86 ) Corporate 204 (8 ) 2,441 (104 ) 2,645 (112 ) Residential mortgage-backed 27 — 19 (2 ) 46 (2 ) Equity securities: Common stock: United States 300,606 (47,051 ) — — 300,606 (47,051 ) Canada 789 (442 ) 1,231 (749 ) 2,020 (1,191 ) Other international 28,359 (9,341 ) — — 28,359 (9,341 ) Mutual funds: Equity 296,807 (48,088 ) 1,889 (514 ) 298,696 (48,602 ) Fixed income 259,288 (12,800 ) 13,519 (553 ) 272,807 (13,353 ) Private equity — — 8,325 (2,976 ) 8,325 (2,976 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 942,814 $ (119,007 ) $ 28,316 $ (4,965 ) $ 971,130 $ (123,972 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 45,072 $ (605 ) $ — $ — $ 45,072 $ (605 ) Canadian government — — 4,858 (134 ) 4,858 (134 ) Corporate 2,017 (61 ) 1,936 (55 ) 3,953 (116 ) Residential mortgage-backed 33 (1 ) — — 33 (1 ) Equity securities: Common stock: United States 192,015 (11,706 ) 585 — 192,600 (11,706 ) Canada 2,069 (319 ) 778 (522 ) 2,847 (841 ) Other international 28,308 (2,395 ) — — 28,308 (2,395 ) Mutual funds: Equity 303,211 (18,329 ) 1,577 (101 ) 304,788 (18,430 ) Fixed income 159,572 (4,106 ) 15,113 (596 ) 174,685 (4,702 ) Private equity 88 (100 ) 7,518 (6,083 ) 7,606 (6,183 ) Other 2 (3 ) 259 (68 ) 261 (71 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 732,387 $ (37,625 ) $ 32,624 $ (7,559 ) $ 765,011 $ (45,184 ) Our cemetery perpetual care trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values and the duration of unrealized losses, are shown in the following tables. September 30, 2015 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 3,262 $ (95 ) $ — $ — $ 3,262 $ (95 ) Canadian government 15,585 (40 ) 1,412 (114 ) 16,997 (154 ) Corporate 2,112 (70 ) 4,474 (209 ) 6,586 (279 ) Residential mortgage-backed 200 (1 ) 89 (6 ) 289 (7 ) Asset-backed 131 (10 ) 372 (16 ) 503 (26 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 4,911 (626 ) — — 4,911 (626 ) Common stock: United States 158,685 (21,941 ) — — 158,685 (21,941 ) Canada 692 (303 ) 923 (534 ) 1,615 (837 ) Other international 10,060 (2,494 ) 84 (29 ) 10,144 (2,523 ) Mutual funds: Equity 5,107 (1,432 ) 255 (36 ) 5,362 (1,468 ) Fixed income 822,656 (41,471 ) 4,384 (453 ) 827,040 (41,924 ) Private equity — — 14,564 (6,773 ) 14,564 (6,773 ) Other 14 (11 ) 5,587 (351 ) 5,601 (362 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,023,415 $ (68,494 ) $ 32,144 $ (8,521 ) $ 1,055,559 $ (77,015 ) December 31, 2014 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 497 $ (4 ) $ — $ — $ 497 $ (4 ) Canadian government — — 7,825 (233 ) 7,825 (233 ) Corporate 4,656 (108 ) 3,198 (102 ) 7,854 (210 ) Residential mortgage-backed 256 (5 ) 69 (1 ) 325 (6 ) Asset-backed 373 (4 ) — — 373 (4 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 2,224 (11 ) 49 (1 ) 2,273 (12 ) Common stock: United States 100,370 (4,803 ) 419 (78 ) 100,789 (4,881 ) Canada 2,418 (244 ) 757 (352 ) 3,175 (596 ) Other international 4,444 (399 ) — — 4,444 (399 ) Mutual funds: Equity 2,601 (85 ) 153 (8 ) 2,754 (93 ) Fixed income 576,890 (14,177 ) 2,581 (86 ) 579,471 (14,263 ) Private equity 9,213 (798 ) 14,254 (9,990 ) 23,467 (10,788 ) Other 4,069 (352 ) 6,276 (2,180 ) 10,345 (2,532 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 708,011 $ (20,990 ) $ 35,581 $ (13,031 ) $ 743,592 $ (34,021 )
Cemetery Perpetual Care
Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust Investments [Line Items]
Investment related activities	The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with our cemetery perpetual care trusts: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Deposits $ 10,264 $ 9,202 $ 29,717 $ 29,439 Withdrawals $ 8,073 $ 8,680 $ 32,749 $ 23,879 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 29,129 $ 169,973 $ 174,243 $ 233,795 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 14,466 $ 172,646 $ 120,602 $ 251,719 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities $ 524 $ 7,034 $ 2,675 $ 21,903 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities $ (156 ) $ (935 ) $ (4,478 ) $ (1,599 )
Long-term receivable and investment components	The components of Cemetery perpetual care trust investments in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Trust investments, at fair value $ 1,209,834 $ 1,192,966 Cash and cash equivalents 94,385 148,410 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments $ 1,304,219 $ 1,341,376
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	September 30, 2015 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 3,697 $ 26 $ (95 ) $ 3,628 Canadian government 2 33,094 507 (154 ) 33,447 Corporate 2 13,178 168 (279 ) 13,067 Residential mortgage-backed 2 968 18 (7 ) 979 Asset-backed 2 662 6 (26 ) 642 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 6,264 33 (626 ) 5,671 Common stock: United States 1 237,356 7,740 (21,941 ) 223,155 Canada 1 5,381 2,049 (837 ) 6,593 Other international 1 12,825 40 (2,523 ) 10,342 Mutual funds: Equity 1 21,602 3,116 (1,468 ) 23,250 Fixed income 1 881,664 563 (41,924 ) 840,303 Private equity 3 38,631 1,988 (6,773 ) 33,846 Other 3 13,235 2,038 (362 ) 14,911 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments $ 1,268,557 $ 18,292 $ (77,015 ) $ 1,209,834 December 31, 2014 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 794 $ 40 $ (4 ) $ 830 Canadian government 2 31,993 442 (233 ) 32,202 Corporate 2 16,762 344 (210 ) 16,896 Residential mortgage-backed 2 910 15 (6 ) 919 Asset-backed 2 661 10 (4 ) 667 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 4,439 60 (12 ) 4,487 Common stock: United States 1 225,129 9,340 (4,881 ) 229,588 Canada 1 7,419 2,737 (596 ) 9,560 Other international 1 8,102 90 (399 ) 7,793 Mutual funds: Equity 1 17,310 3,264 (93 ) 20,481 Fixed income 1 846,230 1,580 (14,263 ) 833,547 Private equity 3 34,288 408 (10,788 ) 23,908 Other 3 13,526 1,094 (2,532 ) 12,088 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments $ 1,207,563 $ 19,424 $ (34,021 ) $ 1,192,966
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	The change in our trust investments measured at fair value with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 34,137 $ 14,089 $ 21,274 $ 11,983 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 87 1,310 (206 ) 23 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (10 ) (13 ) (13 ) (17 ) Contributions — — 9,058 — Distributions and other (368 ) (475 ) (3,331 ) — Fair value, ending balance $ 33,846 $ 14,911 $ 26,782 $ 11,989 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Private Equity Other Private Equity Other (In thousands) Fair market value, beginning balance $ 23,908 $ 12,088 $ 19,779 $ 11,587 Net unrealized gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 6,380 1,344 1,091 704 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) (40 ) (36 ) (37 ) (29 ) Sales — — (17 ) — Contributions 5,165 2,553 10,461 — Distributions and other (1,567 ) (1,038 ) (4,495 ) (273 ) Fair market value, ending balance $ 33,846 $ 14,911 $ 26,782 $ 11,989
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2015 to 2045 . Maturities of fixed income securities at September 30, 2015 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 26,894 Due in one to five years 16,644 Due in five to ten years 7,174 Thereafter 1,051 $ 51,763

Deferred Preneed Funeral and 30

Deferred Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trusts' Corpus (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trusts' Corpus [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Receitps Held in Trust Components	The components of Deferred preneed receipts held in trust in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed below. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Preneed Funeral Preneed Cemetery Total Preneed Funeral Preneed Cemetery Total (In thousands) Trust investments $ 1,498,141 $ 1,437,823 $ 2,935,964 $ 1,628,875 $ 1,526,653 $ 3,155,528 Accrued trust operating payables and other (1,083 ) (2,197 ) (3,280 ) (2,487 ) (4,157 ) (6,644 ) Deferred preneed receipts held in trust $ 1,497,058 $ 1,435,626 $ 2,932,684 $ 1,626,388 $ 1,522,496 $ 3,148,884
Schedule of Care Trust Corpus' Components	The components of Care trusts’ corpus in our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are detailed below. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) Cemetery perpetual care trust investments $ 1,304,219 $ 1,341,376 Accrued trust operating payables and other 355 (13,718 ) Care trusts’ corpus $ 1,304,574 $ 1,327,658
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component	The components of Other income (expense), net in our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 are detailed below. See Notes 4, 5, and 6 for further discussion of the amounts related to the funeral, cemetery, and cemetery perpetual care trusts. Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Funeral Trusts Cemetery Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Other, Net Total (In thousands) Realized gains $ 9,341 $ 10,318 $ 524 $ — $ 20,183 Realized losses (8,982 ) (11,948 ) (156 ) — (21,086 ) Impairment charges (1,385 ) (1,761 ) (106 ) — (3,252 ) Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income 4,244 4,360 14,035 — 22,639 Trust expenses and income taxes (5,804 ) (7,902 ) (4,524 ) — (18,230 ) Net trust investment income (loss) (2,586 ) (6,933 ) 9,773 — 254 Reclassification to deferred preneed receipts held in trust and care trusts’ corpus 2,586 6,933 (9,773 ) — (254 ) Other income, net — — — 334 334 Total other income, net $ — $ — $ — $ 334 $ 334 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Funeral Trusts Cemetery Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Other, Net Total (In thousands) Realized gains $ 23,546 $ 33,859 $ 2,675 $ — $ 60,080 Realized losses (17,554 ) (25,375 ) (4,478 ) — (47,407 ) Impairment charges (2,880 ) (3,811 ) (1,613 ) — (8,304 ) Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income 17,126 16,138 40,369 — 73,633 Trust expenses and income taxes (15,641 ) (23,009 ) (27,367 ) — (66,017 ) Net trust investment income (loss) 4,597 (2,198 ) 9,586 — 11,985 Reclassification to deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and care trusts’ corpus (4,597 ) 2,198 (9,586 ) — (11,985 ) Other income, net — — — 167 167 Total other income, net $ — $ — $ — $ 167 $ 167 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Funeral Trusts Cemetery Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Other, Net Total (In thousands) Realized gains $ 18,935 $ 40,635 $ 7,034 $ — $ 66,604 Realized losses (2,094 ) (4,439 ) (935 ) — (7,468 ) Impairment charges (41,244 ) (59,311 ) (8,025 ) — (108,580 ) Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income 1,849 2,681 9,158 — 13,688 Trust expenses and income taxes (6,748 ) (6,541 ) (4,295 ) — (17,584 ) Net trust investment income (loss) (29,302 ) (26,975 ) 2,937 — (53,340 ) Reclassification to deferred preneed receipts held in trust and care trusts’ corpus 29,302 26,975 (2,937 ) — 53,340 Other expense, net — — — (9 ) (9 ) Total other expense, net $ — $ — $ — $ (9 ) $ (9 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Funeral Trusts Cemetery Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Other, Net Total (In thousands) Realized gains $ 50,947 $ 86,822 $ 21,903 $ — $ 159,672 Realized losses (6,233 ) (10,564 ) (1,599 ) — (18,396 ) Impairment charges (41,614 ) (59,829 ) (8,072 ) — (109,515 ) Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income 15,323 10,157 40,065 — 65,545 Trust expenses and income taxes (16,193 ) (15,733 ) (16,905 ) — (48,831 ) Net trust investment income 2,230 10,853 35,392 — 48,475 Reclassification to deferred preneed receipts held in trust and care trusts’ corpus (2,230 ) (10,853 ) (35,392 ) — (48,475 ) Other income, net — — — 1,577 1,577 Total other income, net $ — $ — $ — $ 1,577 $ 1,577

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Debt as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) 6.75% Senior Notes due April 2016 $ — $ 197,377 7.0% Senior Notes due June 2017 295,000 295,000 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 250,000 250,000 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 200,000 200,000 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 150,000 150,000 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 425,000 425,000 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 850,000 550,000 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 200,000 200,000 Term Loan due July 2018 325,000 370,000 Bank Credit Facility due July 2018 225,000 235,000 Obligations under capital leases 208,613 181,002 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 4,087 4,251 Unamortized premiums (discounts), net 8,759 (2,905 ) Total debt 3,141,459 3,054,725 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (95,045 ) (90,931 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,046,414 $ 2,963,794

Credit Risk and Fair Value of32

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure	The fair value of our debt instruments at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was as follows: September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 (In thousands) 6.75% Senior Notes due April 2016 $ — $ 208,075 7.0% Senior Notes due June 2017 316,759 320,043 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 282,500 277,538 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 204,500 201,700 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 176,250 174,375 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 448,503 437,750 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 887,188 558,250 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 226,000 220,890 Term Loan due July 2018 325,000 370,000 Bank Credit Facility due July 2018 225,000 235,000 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 4,101 4,277 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,095,801 $ 3,007,898

Share-Based Compensation (Table

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The fair values of our stock options are calculated using the following weighted average assumptions for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 : Nine Months Ended Assumptions September 30, 2015 Dividend yield 1.8 % Expected volatility 23.3 % Risk-free interest rate 1.3 % Expected holding period (in years) 4.0
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	The following table sets forth stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 : Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2014 12,107,106 $ 11.63 Granted 2,036,010 $ 23.00 Exercised (2,945,438 ) $ 10.44 Canceled (21,400 ) $ 20.59 Outstanding at September 30, 2015 11,176,278 $ 13.98 Exercisable at September 30, 2015 7,008,300 $ 10.58
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	Restricted share activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was as follows: Restricted Shares Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted shares at December 31, 2014 1,319,260 $ 13.39 Granted 253,791 $ 23.00 Forfeited (3,840 ) $ 20.47 Vested (990,558 ) $ 12.37 Nonvested restricted shares at September 30, 2015 578,653 $ 19.32

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Our components of Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gains and Losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 59,414 $ — $ 59,414 Activity in 2015 (42,913 ) — (42,913 ) Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes — (110,016 ) (110,016 ) Reclassification of net unrealized gains activity attributable to the Deferred preneed receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, net of taxes — 110,016 110,016 Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 16,501 $ — $ 16,501 Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 88,441 $ — $ 88,441 Activity in 2014 (13,732 ) — (13,732 ) Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments to Net Income from discontinued operations 3,114 — 3,114 Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes — 11,672 11,672 Reclassification of net unrealized gains activity attributable to the Deferred preneed receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus , net of taxes — (11,672 ) (11,672 ) Balance at September 30, 2014 $ 77,823 $ — $ 77,823

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Our reportable segment information is as follows: Funeral Cemetery Reportable Segments (In thousands) Three months ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2015 $ 449,240 $ 265,285 $ 714,525 2014 $ 458,941 $ 259,373 $ 718,314 Gross profit: 2015 $ 77,032 $ 64,912 $ 141,944 2014 $ 89,660 $ 58,638 $ 148,298 Nine months ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2015 $ 1,428,385 $ 788,611 $ 2,216,996 2014 $ 1,447,526 $ 763,043 $ 2,210,569 Gross profit: 2015 $ 298,899 $ 187,724 $ 486,623 2014 $ 310,059 $ 160,343 $ 470,402
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles gross profit from reportable segments to our consolidated income before income taxes: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Gross profit from reportable segments $ 141,944 $ 148,298 $ 486,623 $ 470,402 General and administrative expenses (28,158 ) (39,748 ) (96,781 ) (141,885 ) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net 10,764 26,570 3,403 58,752 Operating income 124,550 135,120 393,245 387,269 Interest expense (43,921 ) (43,376 ) (129,842 ) (134,679 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt (6,918 ) — (6,918 ) (29,158 ) Other income (expense), net 334 (9 ) 167 1,577 Income before income taxes $ 74,045 $ 91,735 $ 256,652 $ 225,009
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	Our geographic area information is as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) Three months ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2015 $ 671,857 $ 42,668 $ 714,525 2014 $ 671,949 $ 46,365 $ 718,314 Nine months ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2015 $ 2,077,383 $ 139,613 $ 2,216,996 2014 $ 2,062,231 $ 148,338 $ 2,210,569

Supplementary Information (Tabl

Supplementary Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Information [Table Text Block]	The detail of certain income statement accounts as presented in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations is as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Property and merchandise revenue: Funeral $ 145,193 $ 146,799 $ 456,806 $ 467,285 Cemetery 195,692 184,063 557,894 528,871 Total property and merchandise revenue 340,885 330,862 1,014,700 996,156 Services revenue: Funeral 265,025 276,449 859,878 878,154 Cemetery 62,356 66,021 207,637 208,190 Total services revenue 327,381 342,470 1,067,515 1,086,344 Other revenue 46,259 44,982 134,781 128,069 Total revenue $ 714,525 $ 718,314 $ 2,216,996 $ 2,210,569 Property and merchandise costs and expenses: Funeral $ 71,908 $ 72,569 $ 217,175 $ 222,542 Cemetery 80,827 80,532 240,564 238,608 Total cost of property and merchandise 152,735 153,101 457,739 461,150 Services costs and expenses: Funeral 154,538 152,625 472,602 476,288 Cemetery 31,817 35,049 101,989 111,627 Total cost of services 186,355 187,674 574,591 587,915 Overhead and other expense 233,491 229,241 698,043 691,102 Total costs and expenses $ 572,581 $ 570,016 $ 1,730,373 $ 1,740,167

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is presented below: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income: Net income — basic $ 47,448 $ 17,651 $ 161,418 $ 84,675 After tax interest on convertible debt 13 — 37 38 Net income — diluted $ 47,461 $ 17,651 $ 161,455 $ 84,713 Weighted average shares (denominator): Weighted average shares — basic 199,310 210,820 201,729 212,009 Stock options 4,013 2,190 4,100 3,235 Convertible debt 121 — 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 203,444 213,010 205,950 215,365 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.24 $ 0.08 $ 0.80 $ 0.40 Diluted $ 0.23 $ 0.08 $ 0.78 $ 0.39 Three months ended Three months ended Nine months ended Nine months ended September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 September 30, 2015 September 30, 2014 Earnings per share from discontinued operations 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005 Options not currently included in the computation of dilutive EPS —

Divestiture-Related Activitie38

Divestiture-Related Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Divestiture-Related Activities [Abstract]
Gains (Losses) on Divestitures and Impairment Charges	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2015 2014 2015 2014 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 12,400 $ 26,889 $ 9,373 $ 64,753 Impairment losses (1,636 ) (319 ) (5,970 ) (6,001 ) $ 10,764 $ 26,570 $ 3,403 $ 58,752

Recently Issued Accounting St39

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Narrative (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net	$ 8.3	$ 8
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net	$ 36.1	$ 36.8

Preneed Funeral Activities Inve

Preneed Funeral Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ 20,183	$ 66,604	$ 60,080	$ 159,672
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(21,086)	(7,468)	(47,407)	(18,396)
Funeral
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	694,767		694,767		$ 534,435
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	84,546		84,546		26,801
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	63,396		63,396		73,436
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	11,116		11,116		13,638
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	758,163		758,163		607,871
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	95,662		95,662		40,439
Deposits	30,143	23,618	92,623	76,490
Withdrawals	36,310	27,718	123,499	103,410
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	100,663	238,860	281,298	379,650
Sales of available-for-sale securities	110,642	274,630	282,960	445,880
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	9,341	18,935	23,546	50,947
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(8,982)	$ (2,094)	(17,554)	$ (6,233)
Private Equity Funds | Funeral
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0		0		203
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0		0		461
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	17,031		17,031		13,870
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	5,554		5,554		8,957
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	17,031		17,031		14,073
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	5,554		5,554		9,418
Other Investments | Funeral
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0		0		5
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0		0		11
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	442		442		464
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	15		15		93
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	442		442		469
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 15		$ 15		$ 104

Preneed Funeral Activities Long

Preneed Funeral Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	$ 1,734,444	$ 1,843,023
Funeral
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Trust investments, at market	1,098,236	1,205,747
Cash and cash equivalents	130,161	162,229
Insurance-backed fixed income securities	269,744	260,899
Trust investments	1,498,141	1,628,875
Receivables from customers	286,463	262,700
Unearned finance charges	(10,996)	(11,054)
Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	1,773,608	1,880,521
Allowance for cancellation	(39,164)	(37,498)
Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	$ 1,734,444	$ 1,843,023

Preneed Funeral Activities Sche

Preneed Funeral Activities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - Funeral - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 1,162,700	$ 1,213,128
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	31,198	33,058
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	95,662	40,439
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,098,236	1,205,747
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | US Treasury Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	82,969	85,775
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	121	468
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	1,248	455
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	81,842	85,788
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Government Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	75,703	90,430
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	556	449
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	558	874
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	75,701	90,005
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	21,521	24,765
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	364	423
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	253	126
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	21,632	25,062
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,449	1,325
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	37	29
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	21	12
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,465	1,342
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Asset-backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5	6
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	5	6
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Preferred Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,939	2,503
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	22	113
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	112	113
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,849	2,503
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | US Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	351,048	377,441
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	18,956	18,533
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	29,166	7,405
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	340,838	388,569
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Canada Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	12,032	14,708
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,700	4,292
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	1,069	895
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	13,663	18,105
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Other International Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	36,612	38,035
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1,403	1,175
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	6,224	1,560
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	31,791	37,650
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	318,576	308,548
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1,166	3,332
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	41,814	15,901
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	277,928	295,979
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fixed Income Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	221,425	229,414
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	434	869
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	9,628	3,576
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	212,231	226,707
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Private Equity Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	34,994	35,094
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	4,450	2,649
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	5,554	9,418
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	33,890	28,325
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,427	5,084
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	989	726
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	15	104
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$ 5,401	$ 5,706

Preneed Funeral Activities Leve

Preneed Funeral Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - Funeral - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Private Equity Funds
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance		$ 34,366	$ 27,339	$ 28,325	$ 26,885
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	1,859	265	6,048	(1,370)
Net realized losses included in Other income, net(2)	[2]	(7)	(7)	(45)	(21)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments		0	289	0	3,244
Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments				(36)	0
Contributions		0	4,998	4,632	5,955
Distributions and other		(2,328)	(2,949)	(5,034)	(4,758)
Fair market value, ending balance		33,890	29,935	33,890	29,935
Other Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance		7,111	4,476	5,706	1,810
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	(551)	1,071	533	3,927
Net realized losses included in Other income, net(2)	[2]	(4)	(4)	(17)	(5)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments		0	0	23	0
Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments				0	0
Contributions		0	121	1,226	121
Distributions and other		(1,155)	0	(2,070)	(189)
Fair market value, ending balance		$ 5,401	$ 5,664	$ 5,401	$ 5,664
[1]	All unrealized gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust.
[2]	All net realized losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust.

Preneed Funeral Activities In44

Preneed Funeral Activities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) - Funeral $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	$ 111,193
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	25,996
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	29,213
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	14,243
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Total, Fair Value	$ 180,645

Preneed Funeral Activities Sc45

Preneed Funeral Activities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments (Details) - Funeral - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 694,767	$ 534,435
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	84,546	26,801
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	63,396	73,436
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	11,116	13,638
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	758,163	607,871
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	95,662	40,439
US Treasury Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	42,465	32,243
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	1,209	412
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,419	4,978
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	39	43
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	46,884	37,221
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	1,248	455
Foreign Government Debt Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,433	2,894
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	5	52
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	12,058	14,904
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	553	822
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	13,491	17,798
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	558	874
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	5,611	4,988
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	152	56
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,666	2,420
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	101	70
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	8,277	7,408
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	253	126
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	262	217
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	5	10
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	224	106
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	16	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	486	323
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	21	12
Preferred Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	534	26
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	112	113
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	534	26
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	112	113
US Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	188,385	126,527
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	29,166	7,403
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	438
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	188,385	126,965
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	29,166	7,405
Canada Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	3,428	1,752
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	692	379
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	545	1,085
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	377	516
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,973	2,837
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	1,069	895
Other International Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	17,715	19,593
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	6,034	1,557
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	606	2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	190	3
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	18,321	19,595
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	6,224	1,560
Equity Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	257,015	233,827
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	38,133	13,219
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	13,346	23,717
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	3,681	2,682
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	270,361	257,544
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	41,814	15,901
Fixed Income Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	177,919	112,160
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	9,038	3,128
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	12,059	11,452
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	590	448
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	189,978	123,612
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	9,628	3,576
Private Equity Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	203
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	461
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	17,031	13,870
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	5,554	8,957
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	17,031	14,073
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	5,554	9,418
Other Investments
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	5
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	11
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	442	464
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	15	93
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	442	469
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 15	$ 104

Preneed Funeral Activities Pren

Preneed Funeral Activities Preneed Funeral Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 21,400		$ 21,400
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	3,252	$ 108,580	8,304	$ 109,515
Funeral
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	45,200		45,200
Investment Earnings, Net	12,700	15,100	41,100	47,600
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ 1,385	$ 41,244	$ 2,880	$ 41,614
Underlying assets liquidation range, minimum			2 years
Underlying assets liquidation range, maximum			10 years

Preneed Cemetery Activities Inv

Preneed Cemetery Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ 20,183	$ 66,604	$ 60,080	$ 159,672
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(21,086)	(7,468)	(47,407)	(18,396)
Cemetery
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Deposits	40,327	34,018	116,581	95,421
Withdrawals	33,260	33,669	115,930	96,238
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	165,025	247,853	389,219	458,176
Sales of available-for-sale securities	150,804	285,411	389,747	481,258
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	10,318	40,635	33,859	86,822
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ (11,948)	$ (4,439)	$ (25,375)	$ (10,564)

Preneed Cemetery Activities Lon

Preneed Cemetery Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	$ 2,267,806	$ 2,306,669
Cemetery
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Trust investments, at market	1,317,018	1,404,298
Cash and cash equivalents	120,805	122,355
Trust investments	1,437,823	1,526,653
Receivables from customers	935,844	881,082
Unearned finance charges	(33,477)	(31,524)
Preneed cemetary receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	2,340,190	2,376,211
Allowance for cancellation	(72,384)	(69,542)
Preneed cemetery receivables, net and trust investments	$ 2,267,806	$ 2,306,669

Preneed Cemetery Activities Sch

Preneed Cemetery Activities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - Cemetery - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 1,398,891	$ 1,411,166
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	42,099	38,316
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	123,972	45,184
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,317,018	1,404,298
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | US Treasury Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	67,552	63,447
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	41	257
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	1,258	605
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	66,335	63,099
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Government Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	25,546	21,687
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	306	261
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	86	134
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	25,766	21,814
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,293	8,725
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	31	122
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	112	116
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	5,212	8,731
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	135	111
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	3	3
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	2	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	136	113
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Asset-backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	170	170
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	18	16
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	188	186
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Preferred Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		10
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		1
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax		0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		11
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | US Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	546,840	557,955
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	27,293	22,746
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	47,051	11,706
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	527,082	568,995
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Canada Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	9,077	10,962
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	3,737	5,011
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	1,191	841
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	11,623	15,132
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Other International Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	56,256	55,632
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,102	1,605
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	9,341	2,395
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	49,017	54,842
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	352,117	344,443
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1,525	4,244
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	48,602	18,430
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	305,040	330,257
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fixed Income Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	302,920	314,600
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	322	679
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	13,353	4,702
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	289,889	310,577
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Private Equity Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	30,896	32,342
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	6,462	3,185
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	2,976	6,183
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	34,382	29,344
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,089	1,082
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	259	186
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	71
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$ 2,348	$ 1,197

Preneed Cemetery Activities Lev

Preneed Cemetery Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - Cemetery - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Private Equity Funds
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance		$ 34,867	$ 27,557	$ 29,344	$ 26,844
Net unrealized losses included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	1,779	1,056	5,312	2,666
Net realized losses included in Other income, net(2)	[2]	(6)	(8)	(46)	(23)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments		0	0	0	0
Contributions		0	5,379	4,830	6,404
Distributions and other		(2,258)	(3,147)	(5,058)	(5,054)
Fair market value, ending balance		34,382	30,837	34,382	30,837
Other Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance		2,448	1,078	1,197	1,245
Net unrealized losses included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	1,045	(186)	590	(149)
Net realized losses included in Other income, net(2)	[2]	(4)	(5)	(17)	(6)
Payments to Acquire Other Investments		(26)	0	(1,348)	0
Contributions		0	127	1,294	127
Distributions and other		(1,115)	0	(2,064)	(203)
Fair market value, ending balance		$ 2,348	$ 1,014	$ 2,348	$ 1,014
[1]	All unrealized gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust.
[2]	All net realized losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust.

Preneed Cemetery Activities I51

Preneed Cemetery Activities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) - Cemetery $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	$ 26,631
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	25,881
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	26,261
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	18,864
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Total, Fair Value	$ 97,637

Preneed Cemetery Activities S52

Preneed Cemetery Activities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments (Details) - Cemetery - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 942,814	$ 732,387
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(119,007)	(37,625)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	28,316	32,624
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(4,965)	(7,559)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	971,130	765,011
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(123,972)	(45,184)
US Treasury Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	55,492	45,072
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(1,257)	(605)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	13	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	55,505	45,072
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(1,258)	(605)
Foreign Government Debt Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,242	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(20)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	879	4,858
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(66)	(134)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	2,121	4,858
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(86)	(134)
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	204	2,017
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(8)	(61)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,441	1,936
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(104)	(55)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	2,645	3,953
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(112)	(116)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	27	33
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	19	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(2)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	46	33
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(2)	(1)
US Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	300,606	192,015
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(47,051)	(11,706)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	585
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	300,606	192,600
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(47,051)	(11,706)
Canada Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	789	2,069
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(442)	(319)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,231	778
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(749)	(522)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	2,020	2,847
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(1,191)	(841)
Other International Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	28,359	28,308
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(9,341)	(2,395)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	28,359	28,308
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(9,341)	(2,395)
Equity Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	296,807	303,211
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(48,088)	(18,329)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,889	1,577
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(514)	(101)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	298,696	304,788
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(48,602)	(18,430)
Fixed Income Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	259,288	159,572
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(12,800)	(4,106)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	13,519	15,113
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(553)	(596)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	272,807	174,685
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(13,353)	(4,702)
Private Equity Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	88
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	(100)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	8,325	7,518
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(2,976)	(6,083)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	8,325	7,606
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (2,976)	(6,183)
Other Investments
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value		2
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss		(3)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value		259
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss		(68)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		261
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss		$ (71)

Preneed Cemetery Activities Pre

Preneed Cemetery Activities Preneed Cemetery Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 21,400		$ 21,400
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	3,252	$ 108,580	8,304	$ 109,515
Cemetery
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	46,800		46,800
Investment Earnings, Net	10,700	12,200	34,900	36,200
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ 1,761	$ 59,311	$ 3,811	$ 59,829
Underlying assets liquidation range, minimum			2 years
Underlying assets liquidation range, maximum			10 years

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust54

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ 20,183	$ 66,604	$ 60,080	$ 159,672
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(21,086)	(7,468)	(47,407)	(18,396)
Cemetery Perpetual Care
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Deposits	10,264	9,202	29,717	29,439
Withdrawals	8,073	8,680	32,749	23,879
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	29,129	169,973	174,243	233,795
Sales of available-for-sale securities	14,466	172,646	120,602	251,719
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	524	7,034	2,675	21,903
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ (156)	$ (935)	$ (4,478)	$ (1,599)

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust55

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	$ 1,304,219	$ 1,341,376
Cemetery Perpetual Care
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,023,415	708,011
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	68,494	20,990
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	32,144	35,581
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	8,521	13,031
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,055,559	743,592
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	77,015	34,021
Trust investments, at market	1,209,834	1,192,966
Restricted Cash	94,385	148,410
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	1,304,219	1,341,376
Asset-backed Securities | Cemetery Perpetual Care
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	131	373
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	10	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	372	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	16	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	503	373
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 26	$ 4

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust56

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - Cemetery Perpetual Care - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 1,268,557	$ 1,207,563
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	18,292	19,424
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(77,015)	(34,021)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,209,834	1,192,966
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | US Treasury Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,697	794
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	26	40
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(95)	(4)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	3,628	830
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Government Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	33,094	31,993
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	507	442
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(154)	(233)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	33,447	32,202
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	13,178	16,762
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	168	344
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(279)	(210)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	13,067	16,896
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	968	910
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	18	15
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(7)	(6)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	979	919
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Asset-backed Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	662	661
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	6	10
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(26)	(4)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	642	667
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Preferred Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,264	4,439
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	33	60
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(626)	(12)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	5,671	4,487
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | US Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	237,356	225,129
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	7,740	9,340
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(21,941)	(4,881)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	223,155	229,588
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Canada Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,381	7,419
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,049	2,737
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(837)	(596)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	6,593	9,560
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Other International Common Stock Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	12,825	8,102
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	40	90
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(2,523)	(399)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	10,342	7,793
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	21,602	17,310
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	3,116	3,264
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1,468)	(93)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	23,250	20,481
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fixed Income Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	881,664	846,230
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	563	1,580
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(41,924)	(14,263)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	840,303	833,547
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Private Equity Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	38,631	34,288
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	1,988	408
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(6,773)	(10,788)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	33,846	23,908
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other Investments
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	13,235	13,526
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,038	1,094
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(362)	(2,532)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$ 14,911	$ 12,088

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust57

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Level 3 Activities (Details) - Cemetery Perpetual Care - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Private Equity Funds
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance		$ 34,137	$ 21,274	$ 23,908	$ 19,779
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	87	(206)	6,380	1,091
Net realized gains (losses) included in Other income, net(2)	[2]	(10)	(13)	(40)	(37)
Sales				0	(17)
Contributions		0	9,058	5,165	10,461
Distributions and other		(368)	(3,331)	(1,567)	(4,495)
Fair market value, ending balance		33,846	26,782	33,846	26,782
Other Investments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance		14,089	11,983	12,088	11,587
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	[1]	1,310	23	1,344	704
Net realized gains (losses) included in Other income, net(2)	[2]	(13)	(17)	(36)	(29)
Sales				0	0
Contributions		0	0	2,553	0
Distributions and other		(475)	0	(1,038)	(273)
Fair market value, ending balance		$ 14,911	$ 11,989	$ 14,911	$ 11,989
[1]	All unrealized gains (losses) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust.
[2]	All net realized losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our merchandise and service trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred preneed receipts held in trust. See Note 7 for further information related to our Deferred preneed receipts held in trust.

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust58

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Investments Classifed by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) - Cemetery Perpetual Care $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	$ 26,894
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	16,644
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	7,174
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Ten Years, Fair Value	1,051
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Total, Fair Value	$ 51,763

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust59

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments (Details) - Cemetery Perpetual Care - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 1,023,415	$ 708,011
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	68,494	20,990
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	32,144	35,581
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	8,521	13,031
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,055,559	743,592
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	77,015	34,021
US Treasury Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	3,262	497
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	95	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,262	497
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	95	4
Foreign Government Debt Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	15,585	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	40	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,412	7,825
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	114	233
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	16,997	7,825
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	154	233
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	2,112	4,656
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	70	108
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,474	3,198
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	209	102
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	6,586	7,854
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	279	210
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	200	256
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	1	5
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	89	69
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	6	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	289	325
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	7	6
Asset-backed Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	131	373
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	10	4
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	372	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	16	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	503	373
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	26	4
Preferred Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	4,911	2,224
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	626	11
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	49
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	4,911	2,273
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	626	12
US Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	158,685	100,370
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	21,941	4,803
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	419
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0	78
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	158,685	100,789
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	21,941	4,881
Canada Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	692	2,418
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	303	244
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	923	757
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	534	352
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,615	3,175
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	837	596
Other International Common Stock Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	10,060	4,444
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	2,494	399
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	84	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	29	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	10,144	4,444
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	2,523	399
Equity Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	5,107	2,601
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	1,432	85
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	255	153
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	36	8
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	5,362	2,754
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	1,468	93
Fixed Income Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	822,656	576,890
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	41,471	14,177
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,384	2,581
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	453	86
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	827,040	579,471
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	41,924	14,263
Private Equity Funds
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	9,213
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	798
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	14,564	14,254
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	6,773	9,990
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	14,564	23,467
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	6,773	10,788
Other Investments
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	14	4,069
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	11	352
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	5,587	6,276
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	351	2,180
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	5,601	10,345
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 362	$ 2,532

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trust60

Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 21,400		$ 21,400
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(3,252)	$ (108,580)	(8,304)	$ (109,515)
Cemetery Perpetual Care
Investment Earnings, Net	10,500	10,900	43,500	39,900
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ (106)	$ (8,025)	$ (1,613)	$ (8,072)
Underlying assets liquidation range, minimum			2 years
Underlying assets liquidation range, maximum			10 years

Deferred Preneed Funeral and 61

Deferred Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trusts' Corpus (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust, excluding accrued expenses	$ 2,935,964		$ 2,935,964		$ 3,155,528
Accrued trust operating payables and other	(3,280)		(3,280)		(6,644)
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust	2,932,684		2,932,684		3,148,884
Care trusts’ corpus	1,304,574		1,304,574		1,327,658
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	20,183	$ 66,604	60,080	$ 159,672
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(21,086)	(7,468)	(47,407)	(18,396)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(3,252)	(108,580)	(8,304)	(109,515)
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income	22,639	13,688	73,633	65,545
Trust expenses and income taxes	(18,230)	(17,584)	(66,017)	(48,831)
Net trust investment income	254	(53,340)	11,985	48,475
Investment Income, Nonoperating, Effect on Deferred Preneed Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trust Corpus'	(254)	53,340	(11,985)	(48,475)
Total other income, net	334	(9)	167	1,577
Funeral
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust, excluding accrued expenses	1,498,141		1,498,141		1,628,875
Accrued trust operating payables and other	(1,083)		(1,083)		(2,487)
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust	1,497,058		1,497,058		1,626,388
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	9,341	18,935	23,546	50,947
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(8,982)	(2,094)	(17,554)	(6,233)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(1,385)	(41,244)	(2,880)	(41,614)
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income	4,244	1,849	17,126	15,323
Trust expenses and income taxes	(5,804)	(6,748)	(15,641)	(16,193)
Net trust investment income	(2,586)	(29,302)	4,597	2,230
Investment Income, Nonoperating, Effect on Deferred Preneed Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trust Corpus'	2,586	29,302	(4,597)	(2,230)
Other income, net	0	0	0	0
Total other income, net	0	0	0	0
Cemetery
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust, excluding accrued expenses	1,437,823		1,437,823		1,526,653
Accrued trust operating payables and other	(2,197)		(2,197)		(4,157)
Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust	1,435,626		1,435,626		1,522,496
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	10,318	40,635	33,859	86,822
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(11,948)	(4,439)	(25,375)	(10,564)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(1,761)	(59,311)	(3,811)	(59,829)
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income	4,360	2,681	16,138	10,157
Trust expenses and income taxes	(7,902)	(6,541)	(23,009)	(15,733)
Net trust investment income	(6,933)	(26,975)	(2,198)	10,853
Investment Income, Nonoperating, Effect on Deferred Preneed Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trust Corpus'	6,933	26,975	2,198	(10,853)
Other income, net	0	0	0	0
Total other income, net	0	0	0	0
Cemetery Perpetual Care
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Care trusts' corpus, excluding accrued expenses	1,304,219		1,304,219		1,341,376
Accrued trust operating payables and other	(355)		(355)		(13,718)
Care trusts’ corpus	1,304,574		1,304,574		$ 1,327,658
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	524	7,034	2,675	21,903
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	(156)	(935)	(4,478)	(1,599)
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	(106)	(8,025)	(1,613)	(8,072)
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income	14,035	9,158	40,369	40,065
Trust expenses and income taxes	(4,524)	(4,295)	(27,367)	(16,905)
Net trust investment income	9,773	2,937	9,586	35,392
Investment Income, Nonoperating, Effect on Deferred Preneed Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trust Corpus'	(9,773)	(2,937)	(9,586)	(35,392)
Other income, net	0	0	0	0
Total other income, net	0	0	0	0
Intersegment Eliminations
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Line Items]
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	0	0	0	0
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	0	0	0	0
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	0	0	0	0
Interest, dividend, and other ordinary income	0	0	0	0
Trust expenses and income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net trust investment income	0	0	0	0
Investment Income, Nonoperating, Effect on Deferred Preneed Receipts Held in Trust and Care Trust Corpus'	0	0	0	0
Other income, net	334	(9)	167	1,577
Total other income, net	$ 334	$ (9)	$ 167	$ 1,577

Income Taxes Narrative (Details

Income Taxes Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	35.30%	81.70%	36.50%	60.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 191.7		$ 191.7
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 50.4		50.4
Unrecognized tax benefits, reduction of accrued interest			$ 2.8

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 3,141,459		$ 3,054,725
Less current maturities	(95,045)		(90,931)
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current	(95,045)		(90,931)
Total long-term debt	3,046,414		2,963,794
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Other Debt	342,500	$ 985,800
Unamortized pricing discounts and other	8,759		(2,905)
Unsecured Debt | April 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0		197,377
Unsecured Debt | June 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	295,000		295,000
Unsecured Debt | October 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	250,000		250,000
Unsecured Debt | November 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000		200,000
Unsecured Debt | November 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	150,000		150,000
Unsecured Debt | January 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	425,000		425,000
Unsecured Debt | May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000		550,000
Unsecured Debt | April 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000		200,000
Notes Payable to Banks [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable to Bank	325,000		370,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank credit facility due March 2016	225,000		235,000
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Obligations under capital leases	208,613		181,002
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2047	$ 4,087		$ 4,251

Debt Narratives (Details)

Debt Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.15%			5.15%		5.21%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	76.00%			76.00%		75.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 500,000			$ 500,000
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	175,000			175,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 33,300			33,300
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.35%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 241,700			241,700
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net		$ 95,000	$ 110,000	90,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt				145,171	$ 222,958
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	(6,918)	$ 0		(6,918)	(29,158)
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred				51,300	30,800
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations				20,421	21,979
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Other Debt				342,500	985,800
Unsecured Debt | May 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt					250,000
Unsecured Debt | May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000			850,000		$ 550,000
Additional Issuance of Unsecured Debt				300,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	11,300			11,300
Unsecured Debt | April 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt					200,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt					9,100
Unsecured Debt | April 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt					136,500
Unsecured Debt | July 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt				45,000	222,500
Unsecured Debt | July 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt					86,400
Repayments of Long-term Debt					21,700
Unsecured Debt | July 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt					45,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt					$ 14,200
Unsecured Debt | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt				100,000
Unsecured Debt | April 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 0			0		$ 197,377
Repayments of Debt				$ 197,400

Credit Risk and Fair Value of65

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fair value of debt instruments	$ 3,095,801	$ 3,007,898
April 2,016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	208,075
June 2,017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	316,759	320,043
October 2,018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	282,500	277,538
November 2,020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	204,500	201,700
November 2,021
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	176,250	174,375
January 2,022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	448,503	437,750
May 2,024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	887,188	558,250
April 2,027
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	226,000	220,890
July 2,018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2047	325,000	370,000
Mortgages [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2047	4,101	4,277
Line of Credit [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank credit facility due March 2016	$ 225,000	$ 235,000

Share-Based Compensation (Detai

Share-Based Compensation (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Exercised	0	(761,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 20.59
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	1.80%
Expected volatility	23.30%
Risk-free interest rate	1.30%
Expected holding period	4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period	12,107,106
Options outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 11.63
Granted	2,036,010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 23
Exercised	2,945,438
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 10.44
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares	(21,400)
Options outstanding at end of period	11,176,278
Options outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 13.98
Options exercisable at March 31, 2012	7,008,300
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 10.58
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares	(3,840)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 20.47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	1,319,260
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 13.39
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	253,791
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	(990,558)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 12.37
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	578,653
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 19.32

Share-Based Compensation Narrat

Share-Based Compensation Narratives (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Stock Options
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 10.4
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 4 months
Restricted Stock
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 7.6
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 10 months

Equity Components of Accumulate

Equity Components of Accumulated Other Comrehensive income (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 28, 2015
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 16,501,000			$ 59,414,000
Activity				119,543,000	$ 80,239,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments		$ (28,182,000)	$ (16,060,000)	(42,941,000)	(13,732,000)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments to Net Income from discontinued operations			3,114,000		$ 3,114,000
Balance at end of period		$ 16,501,000		$ 16,501,000
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share				$ 27.75
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		11,008,576			0
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method				$ 305,500,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 400,000,000		400,000,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		321,600,000		321,600,000
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries				0	$ 15,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	16,501,000			59,414,000	88,441,000
Activity				(42,913,000)	(10,618,000)
Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes				(110,016,000)	11,672,000
Reclassification of net unrealized gain activity attributable to the Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus’, net of taxes				110,016,000	(11,672,000)
Balance at end of period		16,501,000	77,823,000	16,501,000	$ 77,823,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired					0
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries					$ 0
Foreign Currency Gain (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	16,501,000			59,414,000	88,441,000
Activity				(42,913,000)
Foreign currency translation adjustments					(13,732,000)
Reclassification of foreign currency translation adjustments to Net Income from discontinued operations					3,114,000
Balance at end of period		16,501,000	77,823,000	16,501,000	77,823,000
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 0			0	0
Increase in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes				(110,016,000)	11,672,000
Reclassification of net unrealized gain activity attributable to the Deferred preneed funeral and cemetery receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus’, net of taxes				110,016,000	(11,672,000)
Balance at end of period		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Subsequent Event [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 28.17
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	619,905
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 17,500,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount						$ 304,100,000
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	$ 2,100,000
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired						24.40%

Equity Narratives (Details)

Equity Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 28, 2015
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share		$ 0.12	$ 0.09	$ 0.32	$ 0.25
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash				$ 23.7
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		11,008,576			0
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method				$ 305.5
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share				$ 27.75
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 321.6		$ 321.6
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	619,905
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 17.5
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 28.17
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount						$ 304.1

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	$ 714,525	$ 718,314	$ 2,216,996	$ 2,210,569
Gross Profit	141,944	148,298	486,623	470,402
General and administrative expenses	(28,158)	(39,748)	(96,781)	(141,885)
Losses (gains) on divestitures and impairment charges, net	10,764	26,570	3,403	58,752
Operating income	124,550	135,120	393,245	387,269
Interest expense	(43,921)	(43,376)	(129,842)	(134,679)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(6,918)	0	(6,918)	(29,158)
Other income (expense), net	334	(9)	167	1,577
Income before income taxes	74,045	91,735	256,652	225,009
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	671,857	671,949	2,077,383	2,062,231
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	42,668	46,365	139,613	148,338
Funeral
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	449,240	458,941	1,428,385	1,447,526
Gross Profit	77,032	89,660	298,899	310,059
Other income (expense), net	0	0	0	0
Cemetery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	265,285	259,373	788,611	763,043
Gross Profit	64,912	58,638	187,724	160,343
Other income (expense), net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Supplementary Information (Deta

Supplementary Information (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Product Information [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid			$ (1,587)	$ (735)
Total merchandise revenues	$ 340,885	$ 330,862	1,014,700	996,156
Total services revenues	327,381	342,470	1,067,515	1,086,344
Other revenues	46,259	44,982	134,781	128,069
Total revenues	714,525	718,314	2,216,996	2,210,569
Total cost of merchandise	152,735	153,101	457,739	461,150
Total cost of services	186,355	187,674	574,591	587,915
Overhead and other expenses	233,491	229,241	698,043	691,102
Total costs and expenses	572,581	570,016	$ 1,730,373	$ 1,740,167
Options exercised by attestation			0	761
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares			0	(761)
Funeral
Product Information [Line Items]
Total merchandise revenues	145,193	146,799	$ 456,806	$ 467,285
Total services revenues	265,025	276,449	859,878	878,154
Total revenues	449,240	458,941	1,428,385	1,447,526
Total cost of merchandise	71,908	72,569	217,175	222,542
Total cost of services	154,538	152,625	472,602	476,288
Cemetery
Product Information [Line Items]
Total merchandise revenues	195,692	184,063	557,894	528,871
Total services revenues	62,356	66,021	207,637	208,190
Total revenues	265,285	259,373	788,611	763,043
Total cost of merchandise	80,827	80,532	240,564	238,608
Total cost of services	$ 31,817	$ 35,049	$ 101,989	$ 111,627

Commitments and Contingencies72

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Self Insurance Reserve	$ 76.8	$ 74

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		142		1,431
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$ 0.005	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 47,448	$ 17,651	$ 161,418	$ 84,675
After tax interest on convertible debt	13		37	38
Net income — diluted	$ 47,461	$ 17,651	$ 161,455	$ 84,713
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares — basic	(199,310)	(210,820)	(201,729)	(212,009)
Stock options	4,013	2,190	4,100	3,235
Convertible debt	121	0	121	121
Weighted average shares — diluted	203,444	213,010	205,950	215,365
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 0.24	$ 0.08	$ 0.80	$ 0.40
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 0.23	$ 0.08	$ 0.78	$ 0.39
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		21		1,431
Antidilutive Convertible Debentures [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		121

Earnings Per Share Narratives (

Earnings Per Share Narratives (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share	$ 0.005	$ 0.01	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		142		1,431

Divestiture-Related Activitie75

Divestiture-Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Divestiture-Related Activities [Abstract]
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal	$ 12,400	$ 26,889	$ 9,373	$ 64,753
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Loss (Gain) on Write-down	(1,636)	(319)	(5,970)	(6,001)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	$ 10,764	$ 26,570	$ 3,403	$ 58,752