Service Corporation International (SCI) 10-K 14 Feb 18 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 12, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Service Corp International
Entity Central Index Key	89,089
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		185,008,791
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 6,501,405,154

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 3,095,031	$ 3,031,137	$ 2,986,041
Costs and expenses	(2,372,842)	(2,354,703)	(2,311,452)
Operating profit	722,189	676,434	674,589
General and administrative expenses	(154,423)	(137,730)	(130,813)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net	7,015	(26,819)	6,522
Hurricane expense, net	(5,584)	0	0
Operating income	569,197	511,885	550,298
Interest expense	(169,125)	(162,093)	(172,897)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	(274)	(22,503)	(6,918)
Other income (expense), net	460	(631)	(132)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	400,258	326,658	370,351
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	146,589	(149,353)	(135,027)
Income from continuing operations	546,847	177,305	235,324
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	(390)
Net income	546,847	177,305	234,934
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(184)	(267)	(1,162)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 546,663	$ 177,038	$ 233,772
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 2.91	$ 0.92	$ 1.17
Basic weighted average number of shares	187,630	193,086	200,356
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 2.84	$ 0.90	$ 1.14
Diluted weighted average number of shares	192,246	196,042	204,450
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.58	$ 0.51	$ 0.44

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 546,847	$ 177,305	$ 234,934
Foreign currency translation adjustments	25,462	10,331	(53,283)
Total comprehensive income	572,309	187,636	181,651
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(195)	(270)	(1,129)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 572,114	$ 187,366	$ 180,522

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 330,039	$ 194,986
Receivables, net	90,304	98,455
Inventories	25,378	26,431
Other	35,575	34,524
Total current assets	481,296	354,396
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	4,778,842	4,305,165
Cemetery property	1,791,989	1,776,935
Property and equipment, net	1,873,044	1,827,587
Goodwill	1,805,981	1,799,081
Deferred charges and other assets	601,184	567,520
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	1,532,167	1,407,465
Total assets	12,864,503	12,038,149
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	489,172	439,936
Current maturities of long-term debt	337,337	89,974
Income taxes payable	2,470	7,960
Total current liabilities	828,979	537,870
Long-term debt	3,135,316	3,196,616
Deferred preneed revenue	1,789,776	1,731,417
Deferred tax liability	283,765	454,638
Other liabilities	410,982	510,322
Deferred receipts held in trust	3,475,430	3,103,796
Care trusts’ corpus	1,530,818	1,408,243
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Equity:
Common stock, $1 per share par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 191,935,647 and 195,403,644 shares issued, respectively, and 186,614,747 and 189,405,244 shares outstanding, respectively	186,615	189,405
Capital in excess of par value	970,468	990,203
Accumulated deficit	210,364	(103,387)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	41,943	16,492
Total common stockholders’ equity	1,409,390	1,092,713
Noncontrolling interests	47	2,534
Total equity	1,409,437	1,095,247
Total liabilities and equity	$ 12,864,503	$ 12,038,149

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par or stated value per share	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	191,935,647	195,403,644
Common stock, shares outstanding	186,614,747	189,405,244

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 546,847	$ 177,305	$ 234,934
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	390
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	274	22,503	6,918
Premiums paid on early extinguishment of debt	0	(20,524)	(6,549)
Depreciation and amortization	153,141	147,233	141,456
Amortization of intangibles	27,650	30,956	31,459
Amortization of cemetery property	68,102	66,745	62,407
Amortization of loan costs	5,859	5,826	9,434
Provision for doubtful accounts	9,980	10,776	6,083
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	(317,838)	7,490	18,048
(Gains) losses on divestitures and impairment charges, net	(7,015)	26,819	(6,522)
Share-based compensation	14,788	14,056	13,843
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	0	(12,685)	(18,123)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	9,740	(14,198)	464
(Increase) decrease in other assets	15,385	17,855	2,457
Increase in payables and other liabilities	81,763	47,888	20,567
Effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:
Increase in preneed receivables, net and trust investments	63,994	(73,394)	(48,120)
Increase in deferred revenue	(31,182)	34,775	67,159
Decrease in deferred receipts held in trust	23,274	(25,831)	(64,119)
Net cash provided by operating activities	502,340	463,595	472,186
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(214,501)	(193,446)	(150,986)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(49,988)	(69,146)	(41,258)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	28,429	41,310	16,772
Net withdrawals of restricted funds and other	175	5,150	8,066
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations	(235,885)	(216,132)	(167,406)
Net cash provided by investing activities from discontinued operations	0	0	987
Net cash used in investing activities	(235,885)	(216,132)	(166,419)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,787,500	1,060,000	446,250
Debt issuance costs	(12,939)	(5,232)	(6,025)
Scheduled payments of debt	(468,973)	(36,414)	(160,220)
Early payments of debt	(1,117,512)	(875,110)	(197,377)
Principal payments on capital leases	(51,106)	(33,119)	(28,601)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	33,611	17,662	31,809
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	0	12,685	18,123
Purchase of Company common stock	(199,637)	(227,928)	(345,261)
Payments of dividends	(108,750)	(98,418)	(87,570)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(4,580)	(1,961)	(2,075)
Bank overdrafts and other	5,959	(1,095)	(7,531)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(136,427)	(188,930)	(338,478)
Effect of foreign currency	5,025	1,854	(10,025)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	135,053	60,387	(42,736)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	194,986	134,599	177,335
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 330,039	$ 194,986	$ 134,599

Consolidated Statement of Equit

Consolidated Statement of Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Deficit(1)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interest
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	181,651	0	0	0	233,772	(53,250)	1,129
Dividends declared on common stock	(87,570)	0	0	(87,570)	0	0	0
Stock option exercises	31,931	3,054	0	28,877	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	254	(9)	(245)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	13,843		0
Purchase of Company common stock	(345,383)	0		13,843	0	0	0
Tax benefits related to stock-based awards	18,123	0	0	18,123	0	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(2,075)	0	(12,455)	(71,664)	(261,264)	0	0
Acquisition		0	0	2,775	0	0	(4,850)
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (222)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (222)
Retirement of treasury shares	0	(7,969)	(7,969)	0	0	0	0
Other	$ 1,725	$ 62	$ 0	$ 1,663	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	1,189,401	200,859	(5,086)	1,092,106	(109,351)	6,164	4,709
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	187,636	0	0	0	177,038	10,328	270
Dividends declared on common stock	(98,418)	0	0	(98,418)	0	0	0
Stock option exercises	17,662	2,108	0	15,554	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	241	(1)	(240)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	14,056	0	0	14,056	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	(227,928)	0	(8,812)	(48,042)	(171,074)	0	0
Tax benefits related to stock-based awards	12,685	0	0	12,685	0	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(1,961)	0	0	364	0	0	(2,325)
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (120)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (120)
Retirement of treasury shares	0	(7,901)	(7,901)	0	0	0	0
Other	$ 2,234	$ 96	$ 0	$ 2,138	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2016	1,095,247	195,403	(5,998)	990,203	(103,387)	16,492	2,534
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	572,309	0	0	0	546,663	25,451	195
Dividends declared on common stock	(108,750)	0	0	(37,011)	(71,739)	0	0
Stock option exercises	33,611	2,759	0	30,852	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	209	(2)	(207)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	14,788	0	0	14,788	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	(199,637)	0	(6,211)	(32,253)	(161,173)	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(4,580)			2,258			(2,322)
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (360)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 360
Retirement of treasury shares	0	(6,890)	(6,890)	0	0	0	0
Other	$ 6,809	$ 455	$ 0	$ 6,354	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,409,437	$ 191,936	$ (5,321)	$ 970,468	$ 210,364	$ 41,943	$ 47

Consolidated Statement of Equi8

Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.17	$ 0.58	$ 0.51	$ 0.44

Nature of Operations Level 1 (N

Nature of Operations Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	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. Our funeral service and cemetery operations consist of funeral service locations, cemeteries, funeral service/cemetery combination locations, crematoria, and other 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, travel protection, and catering. Funeral merchandise, including burial caskets and related accessories, urns and other cremation receptacles, outer burial containers, flowers, online 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 interments, are sold at our cemeteries.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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. We have retained the specialized industry accounting principles when consolidating the trusts. Our trusts are variable interest entities, for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. Although we consolidate the trusts, it does not change the legal relationships among the trusts, us, or our customers. The customers are the legal beneficiaries of these trusts; therefore, their interests in these trusts represent a liability to us. Reclassifications to Prior Period Financial Statements and Adjustments 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. In 2017, we moved certain of our crematories from the cemetery segment to the funeral segment and recast prior period amounts to reflect this change in organization structure. For the year 2016, we recorded in General and administrative expenses an out-of-period expense of $5.5 million for previously improperly capitalized acquisition costs. Such amounts are immaterial to both current and prior period financial statements. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Our trade receivables primarily consist of amounts due for funeral services already performed. We provide various allowances and cancellation reserves for our preneed and atneed receivables and the related deferred revenue. These allowances are based on an analysis of historical trends of collection and cancellation activity. Atneed funeral and cemetery receivables are considered past due after 30 days. Collections are generally managed by the locations or third party agencies acting on behalf of the locations, until a receivable is 180 days delinquent at which time it is fully reserved and sent to a collection agency. These estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the economy, and demographic or competitive changes in our areas of operation. Inventories and Cemetery Property Funeral and cemetery merchandise are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Cemetery property is recorded at cost. Inventory costs and cemetery property are relieved using specific identification in performance of a contract. Cemetery property amortization was $68.1 million , $66.7 million , and $62.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, whereas renewals and major replacements that extend the assets useful lives are capitalized. Depreciation is recognized ratably over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Buildings are depreciated over a period ranging from seven to forty years, equipment is depreciated over a period from three to eight years, and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or ten years. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $153.1 million , $147.2 million , and $141.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. When property is sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheet; resulting gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period of sale or disposal. Leases We have lease arrangements related to funeral service locations and transportation equipment that were primarily classified as capital leases at December 31, 2017 . Lease terms related to funeral service locations generally range from one to 40 years with options to renew at varying terms. Lease terms related to transportation equipment generally range from one to five years with options to renew at varying terms. We calculate operating lease expense ratably over the lease term. We consider reasonably assured renewal options and fixed escalation provisions in our calculation. For more information related to leases, see Note 8. Goodwill The excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is tested annually during the fourth quarter for impairment by assessing the fair value of each of our reporting units. Our goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In order to perform our goodwill impairment test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. We determine fair value of each reporting unit using both a market and income approach. Our methodology considers discounted cash flows and multiples of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. We do not record an impairment of goodwill in instances where the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount. If the aggregate fair value is less than the related carrying amount for a reporting unit, we compare the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we used a 6.5% discount rate, growth rates ranging from 1.2% to 4.7% over a five-year period, plus a terminal value determined using the constant growth method in projecting our future cash flows. Fair value was calculated as the sum of the projected discounted cash flows of our reporting units over the next five years plus terminal value at the end of those five years. Our terminal value was calculated using a long-term growth rate of 2.5% and 2.9% for our funeral and cemetery reporting units, respectively. In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. No interim goodwill impairment reviews were required in 2017 or 2016 . For more information related to goodwill, see Note 4. Other Intangible Assets Our intangible assets include customer relationships, trademarks and tradenames, and other intangible assets primarily resulting from acquisitions. Our trademark and tradenames and certain other intangible assets are considered to have an indefinite life and are not subject to amortization. We test for impairment of intangible assets annually during the fourth quarter. Our intangible asset impairment tests involve estimates and management judgment. For trademark and tradenames, our test uses the relief from royalty method whereby we determine the fair value of the assets by discounting the cash flows that represent a savings over having to pay a royalty fee for use of the trademark and tradenames. The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we estimated that the pre-tax savings would range from 1.0% to 4.0% of the revenue associated with the trademark and tradenames, based primarily on our research of intellectual property valuation and licensing databases. We also assumed a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and 2.9% for our funeral and cemetery segments, respectively, and discounted the cash flows at a 6.7% discount rate based on the relative risk of these assets to our overall business. In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of intangible assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. No interim intangible impairment reviews were required in 2017 or 2016 . Certain of our intangible assets associated with prior acquisitions are relieved using specific identification in performance of a contract. We amortize all other finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to forty years. For more information related to intangible assets, see Note 4. Fair Value Measurements We measure the available-for-sale securities held by our funeral merchandise and service, cemetery merchandise and service, and cemetery perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We utilize a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: • Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments. • 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 securities are classified as Level 2 investments. • The valuation of other investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. These securities are classified as Level 3 investments. An asset’s or liability’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fixed income commingled funds, money market funds, and private equity investments are measured at net asset value. Fixed income commingled funds and money market funds are redeemable for net asset value with two weeks' notice and immediately, respectively. Our private equity 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. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed quarterly by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. 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 . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income/(expense), related to Deferred receipts held in trust, net . For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded a $28.9 million , a $11.9 million , and a $9.6 million , respectively, impairment charge for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to certain investments. Treasury Stock We make treasury stock purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions and normal trading restrictions. We account for the repurchase of our common stock under the par value method. We canceled 6.9 million , 7.9 million , and 8.0 million shares of common stock held in our treasury in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. These retired treasury shares were changed to authorized but unissued status. Foreign Currency Translation All assets and liabilities of Canadian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect as of the end of the reporting period. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in Equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Equity and Consolidated Balance Sheet. The functional currency of SCI and its subsidiaries is the respective local currency. The transactional currency gains and losses that arise from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of our operations are recorded in Other income/(expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We do not have any investments in foreign operations considered to be in highly inflationary economies. Funeral and Cemetery Operations Revenue is recognized when merchandise is delivered or services are performed. Revenue associated with sales of preneed cemetery property interment rights is deferred until the property is constructed and a minimum of 10% of the sales price is collected. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis in our consolidated financial statements. We sell price-guaranteed preneed contracts through various programs providing for future merchandise and services at prices prevailing when the agreements are signed. Revenue associated with sales of preneed contracts is deferred until merchandise is delivered or the services are performed, generally at the time of need. Travel protection and certain memorialization merchandise sold on a preneed basis are delivered to the customer at the time of sale and are recognized at the time delivery occurs. For personalized marker merchandise, with the customer’s direction generally obtained at the time of sale, we may order, store, and transfer title to the customer. In situations in which we have no further obligation or involvement related to the merchandise, we recognize revenue and record the cost of sales upon the earlier of vendor storage of these items or delivery in our cemetery. The total consideration received for these arrangements is allocated to each item based on relative selling price determined using either vendor specific objective evidence of the selling price or third-party evidence of selling price. Vendor specific objective evidence of the selling price is determined based on the price we sell the items for on a stand-alone basis. Third-party evidence of selling price is based on the price of our largely interchangeable products that are sold in stand-alone sales to similarly situated customers. There is no general right of return for delivered items. Pursuant to state or provincial law, all or a portion of the proceeds from merchandise or services sold on a preneed basis may be required to be deposited into trust funds. When we receive payments from the customer, we deposit the amount required by law into the merchandise and service trusts and reclassify the corresponding amount from Deferred revenue into Deferred receipts held in trust . Amounts are withdrawn from the merchandise and service trusts when the contract obligations are performed. We defer investment earnings related to these merchandise and service trusts until the associated merchandise is delivered or services are performed. Fees charged by our wholly-owned registered investment advisor are also included in revenue in the period in which they are earned. 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 revenue. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of cemetery property interment rights is required by state or provincial law to be paid into perpetual care trust funds. Investment earnings from these trusts are distributed to us regularly, are recognized in current cemetery revenue, and are intended to defray cemetery maintenance costs, which are expensed as incurred. The principal of such perpetual care trust funds generally cannot be withdrawn. Costs related to sales of merchandise and services are charged to expense when merchandise is delivered or services are performed. Costs related to the sale of property interment rights include the property and construction costs specifically identified by project. Property and construction costs are charged to expense when the revenue is recognized by specific identification in the performance of a contract. Insurance-funded preneed contracts Not included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet are insurance-funded preneed contracts that will be funded by life insurance or annuity contracts issued by third party insurers. Where permitted by state or provincial law, customers may arrange their preneed contract by purchasing a life insurance or annuity policy from third-party insurance companies, for which we earn a commission as general sales agent for the insurance company. These general agency commissions (GA revenue) are based on a percentage per contract sold and are recognized as funeral revenue when the insurance purchase transaction between the customer and third-party insurance provider is completed. GA revenue recognized in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $121.0 million , $135.8 million , and $137.0 million , respectively. Direct selling costs incurred pursuant to the sale of insurance-funded preneed contracts are expensed as incurred. The policy amount of the insurance contract between the customer and the third-party insurance company generally equals the amount of the preneed contract. We do not reflect the unfulfilled insurance-funded preneed contract amounts in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The proceeds of the life insurance policies or annuity contracts will be reflected in funeral revenue as we perform these funerals. Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Receivables We sell preneed contracts whereby the customer enters into arrangements for future merchandise and services prior to the time of need. As these contracts are entered into prior to the delivery of the related merchandise and services, the preneed funeral and cemetery receivables are offset by a comparable deferred revenue amount. These receivables have an interest component for which interest income is recorded when the interest amount is considered collectible and realizable, which typically coincides with cash payment. We do not accrue interest on financing receivables that are not paid in accordance with the contractual payment date given the nature of our merchandise and services, the nature of our contracts with customers, and the timing of the delivery of our services. We do not consider receivables to be past due until the merchandise or services are required to be delivered at which time the preneed receivable is paid or reclassified as a trade receivable with payment terms of less than 30 days. As the preneed funeral and cemetery receivables are offset by comparable deferred revenue amounts, we have no risk of loss related to these receivables. If a preneed contract is canceled prior to delivery, state or provincial law determines the amount of the refund owed to the customer, if any, including the amount of the attributed investment earnings. Upon cancellation, we receive the amount of principal deposited to the trust and previously undistributed net investment earnings and, where required, issue a refund to the customer. We retain excess funds, if any, and recognize the attributed investment earnings (net of any investment earnings payable to the customer) as revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In certain jurisdictions, we may be obligated to fund any shortfall if the amount deposited for the customer exceeds the funds in trust. Based on our historical experience, we have provided an allowance for cancellation of these receivables, which is recorded as a reduction in receivables with a corresponding offset to deferred revenue. Income Taxes We compute income taxes using the liability method. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. We have established a valuation allowance against a portion of our deferred tax assets. We could be required to further adjust that valuation allowance in the near term if market conditions change materially and future earnings are, or are projected to be, significantly different than our current estimates. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period. All deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowances are classified as non-current on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, requiring payment of a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, generally eliminating U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property, and imposing limitations on deductibility of certain executive compensation. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we have recognized the provisional tax impacts related to deemed repatriated earnings and the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions we may take as a result of the Tax Act. For further information on the impacts of the Tax Act, see Note 5 in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Accounting Standards Adopted in 2017 Stock Compensation In March 2016, the FASB amended " Stock Compensation ", modifying certain aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, which requires the tax effects related to share-based payments to be recorded through the statement of operations, simplifies the accounting requirements for forfeitures and employers' tax withholding requirements, and modifies the presentation of certain items on the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires the tax effect related to the settlement of share-based awards be included in income tax benefit or expense in the statement of operations rather than in additional paid-in-capital. This guidance also eliminates the requirement to reclassify excess tax benefits from operating activities to financing activities within the statement of cash flows. We adopted the new guidance in the first quarter of 2017, as required, and the impact of the restricted stock deliveries and option exercises for the year ended December 31, 2017 was a reduction to our provision for income taxes of $18.6 million . Prior periods have not been retrospectively adjusted for adoption of this guidance. The remaining amendments to this standard, as noted above, are either not applicable or do not change our current accounting practices and thus do not impact our consolidated financial statements, including our consolidated statement of cash flows. Inventory In July 2015, the FASB amended " Inventory " 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 or net realizable value. The new guidance clarifies that net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new guidance was effective for us on January 1, 2017 and our adoption did not materially impact our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", which replaces most existing revenue recognition guidance. During 2016, the FASB made several amendments to the new standard that clarified guidance on several matters, including principal vs. agent considerations, identifying performance obligations, sales taxes, and licensing. The new standard, as amended, requires that we recognize revenue in the amount to which we expect to be entitled for delivery of promised goods and services to our customers. The new standard will also result in enhanced revenue-related disclosures, including any significant judgments and changes in judgments. Additionally, the new standard requires the deferral of incremental selling costs to the period in which the underlying revenue is recognized. We established a cross-functional implementation team and analyzed the impact on our contract portfolio by reviewing our revenue streams and our current policies and procedures to identify potential differences that would result from applying the requirements of the new standard to our contracts. The implementation team reported findings and progress of the project to management on a frequent basis. Through this process, we have identified and made appropriate changes to our processes, systems, and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard. During 2017, we evaluated the potential changes from adopting the new standard on our future reporting and disclosures. We also reviewed our contracts and developed a process for the systematic application of the standard to existing undelivered performance obligations at adoption. Additionally, we made programming changes to our point-of-sale system to accommodate recognition and disclosure requirements under the new standard. Finally, we identified and designed additional controls around new processes that were implemented upon adoption of the new standard. The standard primarily impacts the manner in which we recognize a) certain nonrefundable up-front fees and b) incremental costs to acquire new preneed funeral trust contracts and preneed and atneed cemetery contracts (i.e., selling costs). The nonrefundable fees will be deferred and recognized as revenue when the underlying goods and services are delivered to the customer. The incremental selling costs will be deferred and amortized by specific identification to the delivery of the underlying goods and services. Additionally, the amounts due from customers for undelivered performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts represent contract assets, which are required to be netted with Deferred revenue , instead of Preneed receivables, net and trust investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We will continue to expense costs to acquire new preneed funeral insurance contracts in the period incurred. The insurance contracts are not and will not be reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheet because they do not represent assets or liabilities as we have no claim to the insurance proceeds until the contract is fulfilled and no obligation under the contract until the benefits are assigned to us after the time of need. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach, which recognizes the cumulative effect of adoption on that date. Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB amended "Financial Instruments" to provide additional guidance on the recognition and measurement of financial assets and liabilities. The amendment requires investments in equity instruments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in net income. These changes in fair value will be offset by a corresponding change in the fair value of Deferred receipts held in trust or Care trusts' corpus. The new guidance was effective for us on January 1, 2018 and our adoption did not materially impact our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows. Stock Compensation In May 2017, the FASB amended " Stock Compensation " to clarify which changes in terms and conditions of share-based awards require accounting for as modifications. Under the new guidance, modification accounting is required only if the fair value, vesting conditions, or the classification of the award (as equity or liability) changes as a result of the change in terms or conditions. The new guidance was effective for us on January 1, 2018, and our adoption did not materially impact our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows. Cash Flow In August and November 2016, the FASB amended "Statement of Cash Flows" to clarify guidance on the classification of certain cash receipts and cash payments. Additionally, the guidance requires that the statement of cash flows reflect changes in restricted cash in addition to cash and cash equivalents. As a result of the amended guidance, we will reclassify premiums paid on early extinguishment of debt from cash flows from operating activities to cash flows from financing activities and both proceeds from insurance claims and premium payments on company-owned life insurance from cash flows from operating activities to cash flows from investing activities. The guidance requires these presentation changes to be made retrospectively and is effective for us beginning in 2018. Retirement Plans In March 2017, the FASB amended " Retirement Plans " to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost by requiring the classification of interest costs and actuarial gains and losses separately from operating income on the consolidated statement of operations. We intend to apply the practical expedient of reclassifying the amounts disclosed as "total net periodic benefit cost" in Note 11 from operatin

Preneed Activities Level 1 (Not

Preneed Activities Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Preneed Activities Text Block	3. Preneed Activities Preneed receivables, net and trust investments The components of Preneed receivables, net and trust investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables $ 336,925 $ 312,556 Preneed cemetery receivables 1,118,146 1,038,592 Preneed receivables from customers 1,455,071 1,351,148 Unearned finance charge (45,515 ) (45,989 ) Allowance for cancellation (107,749 ) (104,740 ) Preneed receivables, net 1,301,807 1,200,419 Trust investments, at market 4,749,548 4,240,963 Assets associated with business held for sale (5,660 ) — Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 265,314 271,248 Trust investments 5,009,202 4,512,211 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,532,167 ) (1,407,465 ) Preneed trust investments 3,477,035 3,104,746 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with trusts for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deposits $ 371,234 $ 321,232 $ 313,244 Withdrawals $ 415,283 $ 350,379 $ 364,314 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 2,057,348 $ 1,462,900 $ 1,326,398 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 1,999,918 $ 1,393,728 $ 1,261,777 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities (1)(2) $ 256,413 $ 100,284 $ 100,477 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities (1) $ (76,963 ) $ (113,806 ) $ (79,203 ) (1) All realized gains and losses are recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus (2) Given the positive performance of the financial markets in 2017 and a significant realignment of certain portions of our trust portfolio, we experienced a substantial increase in our realized gains during the year. The activity in Preneed receivables, net and trust investments for the years ended December 31 was as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464 $ 4,149,692 Net preneed contract sales 1,257,288 1,159,194 1,083,424 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,109,380 ) (1,030,703 ) (951,099 ) Deposits to trust 328,241 279,782 274,361 Acquisitions of businesses, net 8,153 1,477 5,804 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 384,512 145,511 (80,699 ) Maturities and distributed earnings (411,452 ) (337,912 ) (364,367 ) Change in cancellation allowance (528 ) 3,329 741 Effect of foreign currency and other 16,843 6,023 (39,393 ) Ending balance — Preneed receivables net, and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings. The cost and market values associated with trust investments recorded at market value at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in the trusts. Market value represents the value of the underlying securities held by the trusts. December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 48,805 $ 14 $ (117 ) $ 48,702 Canadian government 2 81,500 160 (1,089 ) 80,571 Corporate 2 13,540 327 (170 ) 13,697 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,279 16 (14 ) 3,281 Asset-backed 2 320 15 (10 ) 325 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 7,834 385 (139 ) 8,080 Common stock: United States 1 1,161,015 266,822 (24,739 ) 1,403,098 Canada 1 30,762 12,545 (522 ) 42,785 Other international 1 63,510 13,174 (2,834 ) 73,850 Mutual funds: Equity 1 613,934 59,100 (4,312 ) 668,722 Fixed income 1 1,230,196 11,897 (23,943 ) 1,218,150 Other 3 5,953 3,114 — 9,067 Trust investments, at fair value 3,260,648 367,569 (57,889 ) 3,570,328 Commingled funds Fixed income 454,242 235 (5,860 ) 448,617 Equity 214,000 12,826 — 226,826 Money market funds 287,435 — — 287,435 Private equity 166,860 51,631 (2,149 ) 216,342 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,122,537 64,692 (8,009 ) 1,179,220 Trust investments, at market $ 4,383,185 $ 432,261 $ (65,898 ) $ 4,749,548 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 145,315 $ 884 $ (838 ) $ 145,361 Canadian government 2 79,141 409 (222 ) 79,328 Corporate 2 18,934 295 (227 ) 19,002 Residential mortgage-backed 2 333 1 (1 ) 333 Asset-backed 2 448 16 (31 ) 433 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 2,907 83 (156 ) 2,834 Common stock: United States 1 1,107,942 151,146 (35,542 ) 1,223,546 Canada 1 25,708 10,030 (455 ) 35,283 Other international 1 83,238 4,995 (10,632 ) 77,601 Mutual funds: Equity 1 688,120 19,962 (56,857 ) 651,225 Fixed income 1 875,615 6,203 (46,219 ) 835,599 Other 3 4,712 2,468 (17 ) 7,163 Trust investments, at fair value 3,032,413 196,492 (151,197 ) 3,077,708 Fixed income commingled funds 692,434 8,524 (12,234 ) 688,724 Money market funds 304,055 — — 304,055 Private equity 175,881 9,812 (15,217 ) 170,476 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,172,370 18,336 (27,451 ) 1,163,255 Trust investments, at market $ 4,204,783 $ 214,828 $ (178,648 ) $ 4,240,963 As of December 31, 2017 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity and other investments was $129.4 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. The change in our market-based trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 $ 6,650 Net unrealized gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 912 463 152 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) — (212 ) — Purchases 1,945 89 1,360 Sales (953 ) (1,339 ) — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 (1) All unrealized gains recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred receipts held in trust . (2) All losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense) income, net to Deferred receipts held in trust. Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2017 to 2040 . Maturities of fixed income securities at December 31, 2017 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 75,831 Due in one to five years 61,283 Due in five to ten years 9,101 Thereafter 361 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 146,576 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our preneed trust investments was $112.6 million , $94.4 million , and $98.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our cemetery perpetual care trust investments was $62.9 million , $67.6 million , and $59.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. We have determined that the unrealized losses in our 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 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 trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values, and the duration of unrealized losses for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , are shown in the following tables: December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 29,014 $ (115 ) $ 106 $ (2 ) $ 29,120 $ (117 ) Canadian government 20,947 (639 ) 6,370 (450 ) 27,317 (1,089 ) Corporate 2,423 (31 ) 4,453 (139 ) 6,876 (170 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,880 (12 ) 151 (2 ) 3,031 (14 ) Asset-backed — — 74 (10 ) 74 (10 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 1,106 (92 ) 248 (47 ) 1,354 (139 ) Common stock: United States 184,973 (20,561 ) 18,542 (4,178 ) 203,515 (24,739 ) Canada 1,307 (224 ) 1,314 (298 ) 2,621 (522 ) Other international 19,070 (2,499 ) 2,327 (335 ) 21,397 (2,834 ) Mutual funds: Equity 32,348 (1,193 ) 21,140 (3,119 ) 53,488 (4,312 ) Fixed income 225,766 (1,402 ) 294,980 (22,541 ) 520,746 (23,943 ) Trust investments, at fair value 519,834 (26,768 ) 349,705 (31,121 ) 869,539 (57,889 ) Commingled funds Fixed income 215,295 (988 ) 181,358 (4,872 ) 396,653 (5,860 ) Private equity — — 11,752 (2,149 ) 11,752 (2,149 ) Trust investments, at net asset value 215,295 (988 ) 193,110 (7,021 ) 408,405 (8,009 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 735,129 $ (27,756 ) $ 542,815 $ (38,142 ) $ 1,277,944 $ (65,898 ) December 31, 2016 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 41,409 $ (838 ) $ — $ — $ 41,409 $ (838 ) Canadian government 2,913 (31 ) 3,344 (191 ) 6,257 (222 ) Corporate 2,107 (22 ) 6,162 (205 ) 8,269 (227 ) Residential mortgage-backed 303 (1 ) — — 303 (1 ) Asset backed 28 (22 ) 156 (9 ) 184 (31 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 971 (53 ) 515 (103 ) 1,486 (156 ) Common stock: United States 271,433 (23,168 ) 50,923 (12,374 ) 322,356 (35,542 ) Canada 3,318 (383 ) 1,078 (72 ) 4,396 (455 ) Other international 19,274 (4,139 ) 24,525 (6,493 ) 43,799 (10,632 ) Mutual funds: Equity 234,714 (9,825 ) 276,504 (47,032 ) 511,218 (56,857 ) Fixed income 323,917 (5,941 ) 425,614 (40,278 ) 749,531 (46,219 ) Other 26 (2 ) 1,160 (15 ) 1,186 (17 ) Trust investments, at fair value 900,413 (44,425 ) 789,981 (106,772 ) 1,690,394 (151,197 ) Fixed income commingled funds 473,550 (11,714 ) 20,587 (520 ) 494,137 (12,234 ) Private equity 22,677 (750 ) 73,100 (14,467 ) 95,777 (15,217 ) Trust investments, at net asset value 496,227 (12,464 ) 93,687 (14,987 ) 589,914 (27,451 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,396,640 $ (56,889 ) $ 883,668 $ (121,759 ) $ 2,280,308 $ (178,648 ) Deferred revenue At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , Deferred revenue , net of allowance for cancellation, represents future revenue, including distributed trust investment earnings associated with unperformed trust-funded preneed contracts that are not held in trust accounts. Future revenue and net trust investment earnings that are held in trust accounts are included in Deferred receipts held in trust. The following table summarizes the activity in Deferred revenue for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue $ 1,731,417 $ 1,677,898 $ 1,602,545 Net preneed contract sales 900,037 847,848 794,527 Acquisitions (divestitures) of businesses, net 10,488 193 (538 ) Net investment earnings (losses) (1) 381,436 146,103 (80,014 ) Recognized deferred revenue (876,857 ) (823,319 ) (780,423 ) Change in cancellation allowance (165 ) 5,396 3,627 Change in deferred receipts held in trust (361,499 ) (124,923 ) 142,401 Effect of foreign currency and other 4,919 2,221 (4,227 ) Ending balance — Deferred revenue $ 1,789,776 $ 1,731,417 $ 1,677,898 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill and Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for our funeral and cemetery reporting units are as follows: (in thousands): 2017 2016 Funeral Cemetery Total Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Balance as of January 1 $ 1,493,655 $ 305,426 $ 1,799,081 $ 1,490,502 $ 305,838 $ 1,796,340 Increase (decrease) in goodwill related to acquisitions 8,013 1,215 9,228 26,809 (151 ) 26,658 Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures (5,413 ) (224 ) (5,637 ) (26,554 ) (270 ) (26,824 ) Held for sale (3,082 ) (177 ) (3,259 ) — — — Effect of foreign currency 6,568 — 6,568 2,898 9 2,907 Activity 6,086 814 6,900 3,153 (412 ) 2,741 Balance as of December 31 $ 1,499,741 $ 306,240 $ 1,805,981 $ 1,493,655 $ 305,426 $ 1,799,081 The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows: Useful Life Minimum Maximum 2017 2016 (Years) (In thousands) Amortizing intangibles: Covenants-not-to-compete 2 - 20 $ 214,628 $ 211,549 Customer relationships 10 - 20 129,516 146,876 Tradenames 5 - 5 9,150 9,150 Other 5 - 40 11,927 11,927 365,221 379,502 Less: accumulated amortization: Covenants-not-to-compete 192,296 186,430 Customer relationships 61,321 71,903 Tradenames 7,320 5,490 Other 4,830 4,238 265,767 268,061 Amortizing intangibles, net 99,454 111,441 Non-amortizing intangibles: Tradenames Indefinite 263,880 245,984 Other Indefinite 10,765 10,640 Non-amortizing intangibles 274,645 256,624 Intangible assets, net $ 374,099 $ 368,065 As part of our annual recoverability testing process during 2017, we recognized $0.6 million of impairment on tradenames. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $27.7 million , $31.0 million , and $31.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. The following is estimated amortization expense, excluding certain intangibles for which we are unable to provide an estimate because they are amortized based on specific identification in the performance of a preneed contract, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 2018 $ 11,718 2019 9,100 2020 7,371 2021 6,613 2022 5,554 Total estimated amortization expense $ 40,356

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes The provision or benefit for income taxes includes U.S. federal income taxes (determined on a consolidated return basis), foreign income taxes, and state income taxes. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("the Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, requiring payment of a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, generally eliminating U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating a bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property, and imposing limitation on deductibility of certain executive compensation. The Tax Act reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. As a result of the reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate, we re-measured our ending net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2017 at the rate at which they are expected to reverse in the future and recognized a provisional tax benefit of $168.4 million . We are still analyzing certain aspects of the Tax Act, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The Tax Act provided for a one-time deemed mandatory repatriation of post-1986 undistributed foreign E&P through the year ended December 31, 2017. We had an estimated $195.1 million of undistributed foreign E&P subject to the deemed mandatory repatriation and recognized a provisional $22.2 million of income tax expense, payable over eight years. As of December 31, 2017, foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on the undistributed E&P of our foreign subsidiaries as we intend to permanently reinvest these foreign earnings in those businesses outside the U.S. However, if we were to repatriate such foreign E&P, the foreign withholding tax liability is estimated to be $10 million . We have calculated our best estimate of the impact of this provision in accordance with our understanding of the Tax Act and guidance available as of the date of this filing. Beginning in 2018, the Tax Act includes a new U.S. tax base erosion provision designed to tax the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”). The GILTI provisions require us to include in our U.S. income tax return foreign subsidiary earnings in excess of an allowable return on the foreign subsidiary’s tangible assets. We do not expect GILTI to be material in the future. We have not yet adopted an accounting policy for GILTI pursuant to the recent guidance under SAB 118. In accordance with SAB 118, we have recognized the provisional tax impacts related to deemed repatriated earnings and the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. The ultimate impact may differ from these provisional amounts, possibly materially, due to, among other things, additional analysis, changes in interpretations and assumptions we have made, additional regulatory guidance that may be issued, and actions we may take as a result of the Tax Act. Income from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31 was composed of the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) United States $ 347,680 $ 287,946 $ 331,622 Foreign 52,578 38,712 38,729 $ 400,258 $ 326,658 $ 370,351 Income tax (benefit) provision for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Current: United States $ 154,128 $ 113,629 $ 94,502 Foreign 12,187 12,084 9,270 State 4,934 16,150 13,207 Total current income taxes 171,249 141,863 116,979 Deferred: United States $ (314,389 ) $ (19,496 ) $ 15,918 Foreign 618 22,708 (878 ) State (4,067 ) 4,278 3,008 Total deferred income taxes (317,838 ) 7,490 18,048 Total income taxes $ (146,589 ) $ 149,353 $ 135,027 We made income tax payments of $170.2 million , $115.0 million , and $105.4 million in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, and received refunds of $3.4 million , $2.4 million , and $1.9 million , respectively. The income tax payments for 2017 include $34.2 million settlement payments to the IRS. The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate $ 140,090 $ 114,331 $ 129,623 State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits 8,216 13,279 10,542 Foreign jurisdiction differences (6,782 ) (2,557 ) (5,183 ) Permanent differences associated with divestitures 1,925 9,267 2,909 Changes in uncertain tax positions and audit settlements (105,821 ) 5,669 4,046 Foreign valuation allowance, net of federal income tax benefits 1,186 15,850 — Enactment of US Tax Reform (146,160 ) — — Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (18,521 ) — — Other (20,722 ) (6,486 ) (6,910 ) (Benefit from) Provision for income taxes $ (146,589 ) $ 149,353 $ 135,027 Total consolidated effective tax rate (36.6 )% 45.7 % 36.5 % The lower effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to the effects of the Tax Act discussed above, and the recent IRS audit settlement as well as the result of tax benefits recognized on the settlement of employee share-based awards from the adoption of new accounting guidance in the first quarter of 2017 (See Note 2 for further information). The higher effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 was a result of a valuation allowance recorded against foreign net deferred tax assets for which a future net benefit may not be realized, and non-deductible goodwill resulting from gains on divestitures. Deferred taxes are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates. The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 consisted of the following: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Inventories and cemetery property $ (222,431 ) $ (335,795 ) Property and equipment (109,631 ) (149,450 ) Intangibles (194,159 ) (294,251 ) Other (4,902 ) (6,980 ) Deferred tax liabilities (531,123 ) (786,476 ) Loss and tax credit carryforwards 170,979 157,795 Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts 155,679 223,174 Accrued liabilities 62,727 84,230 Deferred tax assets 389,385 465,199 Less: Valuation allowance (141,154 ) (132,500 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (282,892 ) $ (453,777 ) Deferred tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31 as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets $ 873 $ 861 Non-current deferred tax liabilities (283,765 ) (454,638 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (282,892 ) $ (453,777 ) The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 (in thousands): Federal, State, and Foreign Tax (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 191,680 Additions to tax positions related to the current year 3,235 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years (12,370 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 182,545 Reduction to tax positions related to prior years (4,219 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 178,326 Reductions to tax positions as a result of audit settlement (30,333 ) Reductions to tax positions related to prior years $ (68,538 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 79,455 Our total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rates were $79.5 million , $161.8 million , and $157.2 million as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. We include potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within our income tax provision account. We have accrued $11.1 million , $57.3 million , and $51.6 million for the payment of interest, net of tax benefits, and penalties as of December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. We recorded a decrease of interest and penalties of $46.2 million , and an increase of $5.7 million , and $4.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions or the uncertainty of deductions in the future, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. We file income tax returns, including tax returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. We consider the United States to be our most significant jurisdiction; however, all tax returns are subject to routine compliance review by the taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we file tax returns in the ordinary course of business. In March 2017, we received from the IRS Office of Appeals the fully executed Form 870-AD for the years 1999-2005, which effectively settled the issues under audit for those years. As a result of this resolution, we recognized a reduction in our unrecognized tax benefits of $143.0 million , of which $102.5 million was recognized as an income tax benefit for the matters that were effectively settled with an increase in our taxes payable of $40.5 million . In June 2017, we made $34.2 million in settlement payments and associated interest to the IRS. Tax years subsequent to 2005 remain open to review and adjustment by the IRS. Moreover, various state jurisdictions are auditing years 2000 through 2016. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly decrease over the next 12 months. However, since the years to which uncertain tax positions relate remain subject to review by the tax authorities, a current estimate of the range of decrease that may occur within the next 12 months cannot be made. Various subsidiaries have state and foreign loss carryforwards in the aggregate of $3.8 billion with expiration dates through 2032 . Such loss carryforwards will expire as follows: Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) 2018 $ — $ 108,312 $ — $ 108,312 2019 — 127,914 — 127,914 2020 — 176,591 — 176,591 2021 — 158,672 — 158,672 Thereafter — 3,232,606 7,151 3,239,757 Total $ — $ 3,804,095 $ 7,151 $ 3,811,246 In addition to the above loss carryforwards, we have $58.4 million of foreign losses that have an indefinite expiration. In assessing the usefulness of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During 2017, we recorded a net $3.2 million increase in state valuation allowance, due primarily to the reduction of federal benefit related to the new lower federal tax rate, partially offset by state net operating loss expirations. We also recorded a $4.8 million increase in foreign valuation allowance, due primarily to the effects of the federal tax rate reduction. The valuation allowances can be affected in future periods by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and changes in estimates of future taxable income. At December 31, 2017 , our loss and tax credit carryforward deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances by jurisdiction are as follows (presented net of federal benefit): Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) Loss and tax credit carryforwards $ — $ 150,031 $ 20,948 $ 170,979 Valuation allowance $ — $ 104,637 $ 36,517 $ 141,154

Debt Level 1 (Notes)

Debt Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt Debt as of December 31 was as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) 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 850,000 850,000 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 200,000 200,000 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 550,000 — Term Loan due December 2022 675,000 — Term Loan due March 2021 — 673,750 Bank Credit Facility due March 2021 — 350,000 Obligations under capital leases 197,232 208,758 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 6,036 3,753 Unamortized premiums (discounts) and other, net 7,456 8,313 Unamortized debt issuance costs (38,071 ) (32,984 ) Total debt 3,472,653 3,286,590 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (337,337 ) (89,974 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,135,316 $ 3,196,616 Current maturities of debt at December 31, 2017 include amounts due within one year on publicly traded notes, our term loan, and capital leases. The publicly traded notes are a $ 250.0 million 7.625% Senior notes due October 2018, which were redeemed on January 12, 2018. Our consolidated debt had a weighted average interest rate of 4.73% and 4.68% at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Approximately 75% and 63% of our total debt had a fixed interest rate at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of our debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums (discounts) and debt issuance costs (in thousands): 2018 $ 342,786 2019 64,665 2020 270,423 2021 216,731 2022 976,331 2023 and thereafter 1,632,332 Total debt maturities $ 3,503,268 Bank Credit Facility In December 2017, we entered into a new $1.7 billion bank credit agreement due December 2022 with a syndicate of banks. The $1.7 billion bank credit agreement comprises a $1.0 billion Bank Credit Facility and a $0.7 billion Term Loan, both due December 2022 , including a sublimit of $ 100 million for letters of credit. As of December 31, 2017 , we have no 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, 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. As of December 31, 2017 , we are in compliance with all covenants. We pay a quarterly fee on the unused commitment, which was 0.25% at December 31, 2017 . As of December 31, 2017 , we have $966.7 million in borrowing capacity under the facility. As of December 31, 2016, we had a $ 673.8 million Term Loan and $ 350 million Bank Credit Facility due March 2021 with a syndicate of financial institutions, including a sublimit of $ 100 million for letters of credit; which were replaced by the new bank credit agreement in December 2017. Debt Issuances and Additions During the year ended December 31, 2017, we borrowed $ 675.0 million on our Term Loan due December 2022, $ 562.5 million on our Bank Credit Facilities, and issued $ 550.0 million unsecured 4.625% Senior Notes Due December 2027 to make the 2017 debt payments described below, to fund acquisition activity, and for general corporate purposes. These transactions resulted in an additional $ 12.9 million of debt issuance costs. Debt Extinguishments and Reductions During the year ended December 31, 2017 , we made debt payments of $ 1.6 billion for scheduled and early payments including: • $ 647.5 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due March 2021; • $ 470.0 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility due March 2021; • $ 442.5 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility due December 2022; • $ 26.3 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due March 2021 as a scheduled payment; and • $0.2 million in other debt. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we made debt payments of $ 911.5 million for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $310.0 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due to July 2018; • $295.0 million in aggregate principal of our 7.0% Senior Notes due 2017; • $280.0 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility due July 2018; and • $26.3 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due March 2021. • $0.2 million in other debt. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $22.5 million recorded in Losses on early extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016. Additional Debt Disclosures At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had deposits of $3.7 million and $4.7 million , respectively, in restricted, interest-bearing accounts that were pledged as collateral for various credit instruments and commercial commitments. These deposits are included in Other current assets and Deferred charges and other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We had assets of approximately $1.2 million and $1.4 million pledged as collateral for the mortgage notes and other debt at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Cash interest payments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2017 $ 160,843 Payments in 2016 $ 156,950 Payments in 2015 $ 164,748 Expected cash interest payments for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2018 $ 160,076 Payments in 2019 144,948 Payments in 2020 143,879 Payments in 2021 133,972 Payments in 2022 92,235 Payments in 2023 and thereafter 264,398 Total expected cash interest payments $ 939,508 Subsequent Events In January 2018, we drew $ 175.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 to repay our $ 250.0 million 7.625% Senior notes due October 2018.

Credit Risk and Fair Value of F

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Text Block]	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 carrying values of receivables on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts approximate fair value due to the diverse number of individual contracts with varying terms. The fair value of our debt instruments at December 31 was as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ 259,563 $ 272,353 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 199,590 205,000 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 175,313 175,500 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 436,178 444,614 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 892,118 884,000 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 558,250 — 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 238,004 231,590 Term Loan due March 2021 — 673,750 Bank Credit Facility due March 2021 — 350,000 Term Loan due December 2022 675,000 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 6,036 3,753 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,440,052 $ 3,240,560 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 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. Credit Risk Exposure Our cash deposits, some of which exceed insured limits, are distributed among various market and national banks in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition, we regularly invest excess cash in financial instruments that are not insured, such as commercial paper that is offered by corporations with quality credit ratings and money market funds and Eurodollar time deposits that are offered by a variety of reputable financial institutions. We believe that the credit risk associated with such instruments is minimal. We grant credit to customers in the normal course of business. The credit risk associated with our funeral, cemetery, and preneed funeral and preneed cemetery receivables due from customers is generally considered minimal because of the diversification of the customers served. Furthermore, bad debts have not been significant relative to the volume of deferred revenue. Customer payments on preneed funeral or preneed cemetery contracts that are either placed into state-regulated trusts or used to pay premiums on life insurance contracts generally do not subject us to collection risk. Insurance-funded contracts are subject to supervision by state insurance departments and are protected in the majority of states by insurance guaranty acts.

Commitments and Contingencies L

Commitments and Contingencies Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Leases Our leases principally relate to funeral home facilities and transportation equipment. The majority of our lease arrangements contain options to (i) purchase the property at fair value on the exercise date, (ii) purchase the property for a value determined at the inception of the lease, or (iii) renew the lease for the fair rental value at the end of the primary lease term. Rental expense for operating leases was $30.5 million , $31.9 million , and $33.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 , future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating and capital leases exceeding one year were as follows: Operating Capital (In thousands) 2018 $ 13,683 $ 58,678 2019 10,889 30,528 2020 9,461 36,344 2021 8,404 32,690 2022 7,739 11,044 2023 and thereafter 59,473 27,948 Total $ 109,649 $ 197,232 Less: Interest on capital leases (30,694 ) Total principal payable on capital leases $ 166,538 Employment and Management, Consulting, and Non-Competition Agreements We have entered into employment and management, consulting, and non-competition agreements, generally for five to ten years, with certain officers and employees and former owners of businesses that we acquired. At December 31, 2017 , the maximum estimated future cash commitments under agreements with remaining commitment terms, and with original terms of more than one year, were as follows: Employment and Management Consulting Non-Competition Total (In thousands) 2018 $ 1,796 $ 412 $ 5,230 $ 7,438 2019 1,257 367 4,822 6,446 2020 609 258 3,594 4,461 2021 307 217 2,554 3,078 2022 51 146 1,935 2,132 2023 and thereafter — 255 3,977 4,232 Total $ 4,020 $ 1,655 $ 22,112 $ 27,787 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 December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we have self-insurance reserves of $78.2 million and $78.0 million , respectively. Litigation and Regulatory Matters We are a party to various litigation and regulatory matters, investigations, and proceedings. Some of the more frequent routine litigations incidental to our business are 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 matters 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 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, Vasquez, Romano, and Horton lawsuits 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. The claims have been sent to arbitration. In July 2017, the arbitrator entered an award rejecting the plantiffs' claims, ruling that they did not sue the correct party. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this lawsuit. Adrian Mercedes Vasquez, an individual and on behalf of others similarly situated, v. California Cemetery and Funeral Services, LLC, et al; Case No. BC58837; in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. This lawsuit was filed in July 2015 against SCI subsidiaries and purports to be brought on behalf of current and former non-exempt California employees of defendants during the four years preceding the filing of the complaint. The plaintiff alleges numerous causes of action for alleged wage and hour pay violations. The plaintiff seeks unpaid wages, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, interest, and injunctive relief. The claims have been ordered to arbitration and the arbitrator has determined that the claims will proceed as a bilateral proceeding. In addition, the plaintiff filed an unfair labor practice charge against defendants with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that by enforcing a mandatory arbitration provision, defendants allegedly violated the National Labor Relations Act. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this lawsuit. Nicole Romano, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. SCI Direct, Inc., et al; Case No. BC656654; in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles. This lawsuit was filed in April 2017 against an SCI subsidiary and purports to have been brought on behalf of persons who worked as independent sales representatives in the U.S. during the four years preceding the filing of the complaint. The plaintiff alleges numerous causes of action for alleged wage and hour pay violations, including misclassifying the independent sales representatives as independent contractors instead of employees. The plaintiff seeks unpaid wages, compulsory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, interest, and injunctive relief. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in the lawsuit. Felicia Horton, an individual and on behalf of other aggrieved employees v. SCI Direct, Inc., et al; Case No. 37-2016-00039356-CU-OE-CTL; in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Diego. This lawsuit was filed in November 2016 on behalf of the plaintiff who worked as an independent sales representative of our subsidiary in California. In addition, this lawsuit asserts claims under California Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”) provisions on behalf of other similarly situated California persons. The lawsuit alleges causes of action and seeks damages and relief similar to those in the Romano case described above. The attorneys in the Horton case have also filed additional lawsuits alleging individual and PAGA claims similar to those alleged in the Horton case. The additional lawsuits are styled Jandy Quismundo v. SCI Direct, Inc., et al; Case No. 37-2017-00031825-CU-OE-CTL; in the Superior Court of California for the County of San Diego, and Jaime Kallweit v. SCI Direct, Inc., et al; Case No. 37-2017-00037186-CU-OE-CTL; in the Superior Court for the State of California for the County of San Diego. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in the lawsuits. Claims Regarding the Acquisition of Stewart Enterprises . We are involved in the following lawsuit. 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 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 has continued against our subsidiary, Stewart Enterprises, and its former individual directors. However, in October 2016, the court entered a judgment dismissing all of plaintiffs’ claims. Plaintiffs have filed documents indicating that they are appealing the dismissal. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, for the payment of damages. Operational Claims. We are named a defendant in various lawsuits alleging operational claims, including but not limited to the Allard and Schaefer lawsuits described below. Linda Allard, on behalf of herself and all others similarly situated v. SCI Direct, Inc., Case No 16-1033; in the United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee. This case was filed in June 2016 as a class action under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the Act). Plaintiff alleges she received telemarketing telephone calls that were made with a prerecorded voice or made by an automatic telephone dialing system in violation of the Act. Plaintiff seeks actual and statutory damages, as well as attorney’s fees and costs. The parties reached a settlement of the lawsuit as reported in our Form 8-K filed on August 30, 2017. The settlement agreement is subject to court approval and notice to the class. The financial terms of the settlement call for SCI Direct to pay $15.0 million, of which $3.5 million will be paid by its insurer. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has met all obligations under the settlement agreement. Caroline Bernstein, on behalf of herself and Marla Urofsky on behalf of Rhea Schwartz, and both on behalf of all others similarly situated v. SCI Pennsylvania Funeral Services, Inc. and Service Corporation International , Case No. 2:17-cv-04960-GAM; in the United States District Court Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This case was filed in November 2017 as a purported national or alternatively as a Pennsylvania class action regarding our Forest Hills/Shalom Memorial Park in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania and our Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery in Trevose, Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs allege wrongful burial and sales practices. Plaintiffs seek compensatory, consequential and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, interest, and injunctive relief. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this matter. Unclaimed Property Audit. We are involved in the following matter. We have received notices from third party auditors representing unclaimed property departments of certain states regarding preneed funeral and cemetery contracts that were not funded by the purchase and assignment of the proceeds of insurance policies. The auditor claims that we are subject to the laws of those states concerning escheatment of unclaimed funds. The auditor seeks escheatment of funds from the portion of such contracts for which it claims that we will probably not be required to provide services or merchandise in the future. No actual audits have commenced at this time. We cannot quantify our ultimate liability, if any, in this matter. The ultimate outcome of the matters described above cannot be determined at this time. We intend to vigorously defend all of the above matters; 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.

Equity Level 1 (Notes)

Equity Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Equity (All shares reported in whole numbers) Share Authorization We are authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1 per share par value. No preferred shares were issued as of December 31, 2017 or 2016 . At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , 500,000,000 common shares of $1 par value were authorized. We had 191,935,647 and 195,403,644 shares issued and 186,614,747 and 189,405,244 outstanding at par at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Our components of Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gains and Losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 59,414 $ — $ 59,414 Activity in 2015 (53,250 ) — (53,250 ) Net unrealized losses associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes — (85,140 ) (85,140 ) Reclassification of net unrealized losses activity attributable to the Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, net of taxes — 85,140 85,140 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 6,164 $ — $ 6,164 Activity in 2016 10,328 — 10,328 Net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes 120,573 120,573 Reclassification of net unrealized gains activity attributable to the Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, net of taxes — (120,573 ) (120,573 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 16,492 $ — $ 16,492 Activity in 2017 25,451 — 25,451 Net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes — 243,677 243,677 Reclassification of net unrealized gains activity attributable to the Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, net of taxes — (243,677 ) (243,677 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 41,943 $ — $ 41,943 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 cumulative currency translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income. Share Repurchase Program 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 share repurchase program. In 2017 , we repurchased 6,210,606 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $199.6 million , which is an average cost per share of $32.14 . During 2016 , we repurchased 8,811,847 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $ 227.9 million , which is an average cost per share of $25.87 . During November 2016 , our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization to $400.0 million . After these repurchases and increase in authorization, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under the share repurchase program was $168.6 million at December 31, 2017 . Subsequent to December 31, 2017 , we repurchased 429,859 shares for $16.7 million at an average cost per share of $38.83 . In February 2018, our Board of Directors increased our repurchase authorization for up to $400.0 million . Cash Dividends On February 13, 2018 our Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.17 per common share payable on March 30, 2018 to stockholders of record as of March 15, 2018 .

Share-Based Compensation Level

Share-Based Compensation Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation Stock Benefit Plans We maintain benefit plans whereby shares of our common stock may be issued pursuant to the exercise of stock options or restricted stock granted to officers and key employees. Our Amended and Restated Incentive Plan reserves 44,000,000 shares of common stock for outstanding and future awards of stock options, restricted stock, and other share based awards to officers and key employees. In May 2017 , our shareholders approved the amended 2016 Equity Incentive Plan that reserves 13,404,404 shares of common stock for outstanding and future awards of stock options, restricted stock, and other awards to officers and key employees. On August 25, 2017 , we issued 340,510 deferred common stock equivalents, or units, pursuant to provisions regarding our 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. The 63,894 remaining shares left available under grant from the Director Fee Plan were merged into the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. Our benefit plans allow for options to be granted as either non-qualified or incentive stock options. The options historically have been granted annually, or upon hire, as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock on the date of the grant, as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The options are generally exercisable at a rate of 33 1 / 3 % each year unless alternative vesting methods are approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Outstanding options will expire, if not exercised or forfeited, within ten years from the date of grant. Restricted shares are generally expensed ratably over the period during which the restrictions lapse, which is typically 33 1 / 3 % each year. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , 10,125,235 and 12,171,075 shares, respectively, were reserved for future option and restricted share grants under our stock benefit plans. We utilize the Black-Scholes option valuation model for estimating the fair value of our stock options. This model allows the use of a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected holding period, and dividend yield. The expected volatility utilized in the valuation model is based on the historical volatility of our stock price. The dividend yield and expected holding period are based on historical experience and management’s estimate of future events. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve based on the expected life of the option in effect at the time of grant. The fair values of our stock options are calculated using the following weighted average assumptions, based on the methods described above for the years ended December 31: Assumptions 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield 2.0% 2.0% 1.8% Expected volatility 19.0% 19.7% 23.3% Risk-free interest rate 1.6% 1.0% 1.3% Expected holding period (years) 4.0 4.0 4.0 The following table summarizes certain information with respect to stock option and restricted share compensation as included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income $ 14,788 $ 14,056 $ 13,843 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income $ 5,416 $ 6,427 $ 5,068 Stock Options The following table sets forth stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 : (Shares reported in whole numbers) Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2016 10,775,136 $ 16.49 Granted 1,524,860 $ 29.25 Exercised (2,759,309 ) $ 12.18 Canceled (20,388 ) $ 24.59 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 9,520,299 $ 19.77 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 6,190,827 $ 16.64 The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and exercisable was $167.1 million and $128.1 million , respectively, at December 31, 2017 . Set forth below is certain information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2017 : (Shares reported in whole numbers) Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Number Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable at December 31, 2017 Weighted- Average Exercise Price $ 5.00 — 10.00 725,074 1.1 $ 9.09 725,074 $ 9.09 $10.01 — 15.00 938,630 2.1 $ 11.18 938,630 $ 11.18 $15.01 — 20.00 2,757,306 3.7 $ 16.56 2,757,306 $ 16.56 $20.01 — 25.00 3,580,379 5.6 $ 22.63 1,769,817 $ 22.75 $25.01 — 30.00 1,518,910 7.1 $ 29.25 — $ — $ 5.00 — 30.00 9,520,299 4.6 $ 19.77 6,190,827 $ 16.64 Other information pertaining to stock option activity during the years ended December 31 is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted $ 3.90 $ 4.01 $ 3.79 Total fair value of stock options vested (in thousands) $ 7,425 $ 7,690 $ 7,973 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in thousands) $ 56,946 $ 37,284 $ 52,513 For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , cash received from the exercise of stock options was $ 33.6 million , $ 17.7 million , and $ 31.8 million , respectively. We recognized compensation expense of $6.9 million , $7.6 million , and $7.9 million related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 , the unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options of $7.1 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. Restricted Shares Restricted share award activity was as follows: (Shares reported in whole numbers) Restricted Share Awards Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2016 500,744 $ 21.48 Granted 208,933 $ 29.28 Vested (265,733 ) $ 20.56 Forfeited and other (2,133 ) $ 25.04 Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2017 441,811 $ 25.70 The fair value of our restricted share awards, as determined on the grant date, is being amortized and charged to income (with an offsetting credit to Capital in excess of par value ) generally over the average period during which the restrictions lapse. At December 31, 2017 , unrecognized compensation expense of $6.3 million related to restricted share awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. We recognized compensation expense of $5.6 million , $5.6 million , and $5.9 million during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively, related to our restricted share awards.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Retirement Plans We currently have a supplemental retirement plan for certain current and former key employees (SERP), a supplemental retirement plan for officers and certain key employees (Senior SERP), a retirement plan for certain non-employee directors (Directors’ Plan), a Retirement Plan for Rose Hills ® Trustees, a Rose Hills ® Supplemental Retirement Plan, and a Stewart Supplemental Retirement Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). We also provide a 401(k) employee savings plan. All of our Plans have a measurement date of December 31 . The Plans are frozen; therefore, the participants do not earn incremental benefits from additional years of service, and we do not incur any additional service cost. Retirement benefits under the SERP are based on years of service and average monthly compensation, reduced by benefits under Social Security. The Senior SERP provides retirement benefits based on years of service and position. The Directors’ Plan provides for an annual benefit to directors following retirement, based on a vesting schedule. We recognize pension related gains and losses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations in the year such gains and losses are incurred. The components of the Plans’ net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 1,067 $ 1,179 $ 1,198 Recognized net actuarial losses (gains) 879 259 (1,327 ) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 1,946 $ 1,438 $ (129 ) The Plans’ funded status at December 31 was as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 30,078 $ 32,305 Interest cost 1,067 1,179 Actuarial gain 879 259 Benefits paid (3,343 ) (3,665 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 28,681 $ 30,078 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 3,343 3,665 Benefits paid, including expenses (3,343 ) (3,665 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (28,681 ) $ (30,078 ) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligations $ 28,681 $ 30,078 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 28,681 $ 30,078 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (3,265 ) $ (3,448 ) Accrued benefit costs - included in Other liabilities (25,416 ) (26,630 ) Total accrued benefit liability $ (28,681 ) $ (30,078 ) The retirement benefits under the Plans are unfunded obligations of the Company. We have purchased various life insurance policies on the participants in the Plans with the intent to use the proceeds or any cash value buildup from these policies to assist in meeting, at least to the extent of such assets, the Plans' funding requirements. The face value of these insurance policies at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $46.5 million and $47.5 million , respectively, and the cash surrender value was $36.4 million and $37.0 million , respectively. The outstanding loans against the policies are minimal and there are no restrictions in the policies regarding loans. The Plans’ weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net benefit cost are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 3.41 % 3.76 % 3.86 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic pension cost 3.86 % 3.96 % 2.47 % We base our discount rate used to compute future benefit obligations using an analysis of expected future benefit payments. The reasonableness of our discount rate is verified by comparing the rate to the rate earned on high-quality fixed income investments, such as the Moody’s Aa index, plus 50 basis points. The assumed rate of return on plan assets was not applicable as we pay plan benefits as they come due. As all Plans are curtailed, the assumed rate of compensation increase is zero . The following benefit payments are expected to be paid in future years related to our Plans (in thousands): 2018 $ 3,265 2019 3,192 2020 2,760 2021 2,447 2022 2,369 Years 2023 through 2027 9,379 Total expected benefit payments $ 23,412 We also have an employee savings plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for the exclusive benefit of our United States employees. Under the plan, participating employees may contribute a portion of their pretax and/or after-tax income in accordance with specified guidelines up to a maximum of 50 %. During 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we matched a percentage of the employee contributions through contributions of cash. For these years, our matching contribution was based upon the following: Years of Vesting Service Percentage of Deferred Compensation 0 — 5 years 75% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 6 — 10 years 100% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 11 or more years 125% of the first 6% of deferred compensation The amount of our matched contributions in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 was $33.2 million , $32.5 million , and $30.8 million , respectively.

Segment Reporting Level 1 (Note

Segment Reporting Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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 United States and Canada. We conduct both funeral and cemetery operations in the United States and Canada. Our reportable segment information is as follows: Reportable Segments Funeral Cemetery Corporate Consolidated (In thousands) 2017 Revenue from external customers $ 1,868,152 $ 1,226,879 $ — $ 3,095,031 Interest expense $ 3,986 $ 401 $ 164,738 $ 169,125 Depreciation and amortization $ 109,965 $ 32,815 $ 10,361 $ 153,141 Amortization of intangibles $ 17,871 $ 9,696 $ 83 $ 27,650 Operating profit $ 371,853 $ 350,336 $ — $ 722,189 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 68,102 $ — $ 68,102 Capital expenditures $ 83,241 $ 118,699 $ 12,561 $ 214,501 Total assets $ 5,393,205 $ 6,946,351 $ 524,947 $ 12,864,503 2016 Revenue from external customers $ 1,869,111 $ 1,162,026 $ — $ 3,031,137 Interest expense $ 3,906 $ 105 $ 158,082 $ 162,093 Depreciation and amortization $ 106,602 $ 31,081 $ 9,550 $ 147,233 Amortization of intangibles $ 20,444 $ 10,438 $ 74 $ 30,956 Operating profit $ 361,022 $ 315,412 $ — $ 676,434 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 66,745 $ — $ 66,745 Capital expenditures $ 68,666 $ 113,163 $ 11,617 $ 193,446 Total assets $ 5,158,700 $ 6,481,761 $ 397,688 $ 12,038,149 2015 Revenue from external customers $ 1,889,055 $ 1,096,986 $ — $ 2,986,041 Interest expense $ 4,230 $ 450 $ 168,217 $ 172,897 Depreciation and amortization $ 103,272 $ 29,448 $ 8,736 $ 141,456 Amortization of intangibles $ 22,638 $ 8,746 $ 75 $ 31,459 Operating profit $ 390,101 $ 284,488 $ — $ 674,589 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 62,407 $ — $ 62,407 Capital expenditures $ 53,422 $ 83,803 $ 13,761 $ 150,986 The following table reconciles operating profit from reportable segments shown above to our consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Operating profit from reportable segments $ 722,189 $ 676,434 $ 674,589 General and administrative expenses (154,423 ) (137,730 ) (130,813 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,015 (26,819 ) 6,522 Hurricane expense, net (5,584 ) — — Operating income 569,197 511,885 550,298 Interest expense (169,125 ) (162,093 ) (172,897 ) Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net (274 ) (22,503 ) (6,918 ) Other income (expense), net 460 (631 ) (132 ) Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 400,258 $ 326,658 $ 370,351 Our geographic area information was as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) 2017 Revenue from external customers $ 2,889,463 $ 205,568 $ 3,095,031 Interest expense $ 168,956 $ 169 $ 169,125 Depreciation and amortization $ 143,932 $ 9,209 $ 153,141 Amortization of intangibles $ 27,092 $ 558 $ 27,650 Amortization of cemetery property $ 61,307 $ 6,795 $ 68,102 Operating income $ 500,919 $ 68,278 $ 569,197 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 61 $ 6,954 $ 7,015 Long-lived assets $ 5,786,063 $ 286,135 $ 6,072,198 2016 Revenue from external customers $ 2,848,876 $ 182,261 $ 3,031,137 Interest expense (income) $ 162,341 $ (248 ) $ 162,093 Depreciation and amortization $ 138,560 $ 8,673 $ 147,233 Amortization of intangibles $ 30,427 $ 529 $ 30,956 Amortization of cemetery property $ 61,449 $ 5,296 $ 66,745 Operating income $ 460,387 $ 51,498 $ 511,885 (Losses) gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ (27,658 ) $ 839 $ (26,819 ) Long-lived assets $ 5,705,070 $ 266,053 $ 5,971,123 2015 Revenue from external customers $ 2,805,407 $ 180,634 $ 2,986,041 Interest expense $ 172,697 $ 200 $ 172,897 Depreciation and amortization $ 132,393 $ 9,063 $ 141,456 Amortization of intangibles $ 30,856 $ 603 $ 31,459 Amortization of cemetery property $ 58,429 $ 3,978 $ 62,407 Operating income $ 498,634 $ 51,664 $ 550,298 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 1,778 $ 4,744 $ 6,522

Supplementary Information Level

Supplementary Information Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block]	Supplementary Information The detail of certain balance sheet accounts is as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 260,281 $ 146,684 Commercial paper and temporary investments 69,758 48,302 $ 330,039 $ 194,986 Receivables, net: Notes receivable $ 1,605 $ 1,259 Atneed funeral receivables, net of allowances of $1,845 and $1,881, respectively 44,536 46,917 Atneed cemetery receivables, net of allowances of $245 and $1,514, respectively 16,556 17,765 Other 27,607 32,514 $ 90,304 $ 98,455 Other current assets: Income tax receivable $ 8,576 $ 3,609 Prepaid insurance 4,419 4,437 Restricted cash (1) 8,625 11,978 Other 13,955 14,500 $ 35,575 $ 34,524 Cemetery property: Undeveloped land $ 1,181,920 $ 1,184,710 Developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and cremation memorialization property 610,069 592,225 $ 1,791,989 $ 1,776,935 Property and equipment: Land $ 605,735 $ 595,096 Buildings and improvements 1,996,123 1,879,553 Operating equipment 557,278 549,879 Leasehold improvements 34,607 33,900 Capital leases 254,260 234,411 3,448,003 3,292,839 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,430,695 ) (1,328,262 ) Less: Accumulated amortization of capital leases (144,264 ) (136,990 ) $ 1,873,044 $ 1,827,587 Deferred charges and other assets: Intangible assets, net $ 374,099 $ 368,065 Restricted cash (1) 1,937 4,542 Deferred tax assets 873 861 Notes receivable, net of allowances of $10,946 and $11,334, respectively 9,624 9,598 Cash surrender value of insurance policies 139,494 119,819 Other 75,157 64,635 $ 601,184 $ 567,520 December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 173,685 $ 155,802 Accrued benefits 95,233 88,392 Accrued interest 30,415 27,991 Accrued property taxes 10,541 12,883 Self-insurance reserves 78,227 77,993 Bank overdrafts 27,243 20,927 Other accrued liabilities 73,828 55,948 $ 489,172 $ 439,936 Other liabilities: Accrued benefit costs $ 25,416 $ 26,630 Deferred compensation 120,782 105,013 Customer refund obligation reserve 51,767 52,068 Tax liability 111,000 235,625 Payable to perpetual care fund 83,015 77,148 Other 19,002 13,838 $ 410,982 $ 510,322 (1) Restricted cash in both periods primarily consists of proceeds from divestitures deposited into escrow accounts under IRS code section 1031 and collateralized obligations under certain insurance policies. Revenue and Costs and Expenses The detail of certain income statement accounts is as follows for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Property and merchandise revenue: Funeral $ 619,804 $ 611,440 $ 608,266 Cemetery 968,828 912,778 849,250 Total property and merchandise revenue 1,588,632 1,524,218 1,457,516 Services revenue: Funeral 1,129,510 1,126,703 1,146,205 Cemetery 227,155 218,825 217,240 Total services revenue 1,356,665 1,345,528 1,363,445 Other revenue 149,734 161,391 165,080 Total revenue $ 3,095,031 $ 3,031,137 $ 2,986,041 Property and merchandise costs and expenses: Funeral $ 282,048 $ 287,414 $ 290,663 Cemetery 512,677 488,997 457,613 Total cost of property and merchandise 794,725 776,411 748,276 Services costs and expenses: Funeral 621,102 627,156 624,310 Cemetery 108,102 106,534 105,038 Total cost of services 729,204 733,690 729,348 Overhead and other expenses 848,913 844,602 833,828 Total cost and expenses $ 2,372,842 $ 2,354,703 $ 2,311,452 Certain Non-Cash Investing and Financing Transactions Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net change in capital expenditure accrual $ 223 $ (1,435 ) $ 5,571 Options exercised by attestation $ — $ — $ 122 Shares repurchased $ — $ — $ (122 ) Non-cash acquisition of capital leases $ 54,087 $ 41,609 $ 55,941

Earnings Per Share Level 1 (Not

Earnings Per Share Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	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 stock that shared in our earnings. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted EPS for the three years ended December 31 is presented below: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Income from continuing operations — basic $ 546,663 $ 177,038 $ 234,162 After tax interest on convertible debt 52 43 50 Income from continuing operations — diluted $ 546,715 $ 177,081 $ 234,212 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax $ — $ — $ (390 ) Net income — basic $ 546,663 $ 177,038 $ 233,772 After tax interest on convertible debt 52 43 50 Net income — diluted $ 546,715 $ 177,081 $ 233,822 Weighted average shares: Weighted average shares — basic 187,630 193,086 200,356 Stock options 4,396 2,823 3,973 Restricted share units 99 12 — Convertible debt 121 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 192,246 196,042 204,450 Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Income from continuing operations per share: Basic $ 2.91 $ 0.92 $ 1.17 Diluted $ 2.84 $ 0.90 $ 1.14 Net income per share: Basic $ 2.91 $ 0.92 $ 1.17 Diluted $ 2.84 $ 0.90 $ 1.14 The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding stock options in certain periods in which the inclusion of such options would be antidilutive to the periods presented. Total options not currently included in the computation of dilutive EPS

Acquisition Level 1 (Notes)

Acquisition Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisitions We spent $76.2 million , $72.9 million , and $68.9 million for several smaller, tuck-in acquisitions for the three years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. These amounts include the use of $26.2 million , $3.7 million , and $27.7 million in 1031 exchange funds for the three years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Wilson Financial Group During the three years ended December 31, 2017, we spent a total of $8.6 million ( $4.6 million in 2017 , $1.9 million in 2016 , and $2.1 million in 2015 ) to acquire the remaining 46% of common stock of our consolidated subsidiary, Wilson Financial Group, Inc.

Divestiture Related Activities

Divestiture Related Activities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Divestiture-Related Activities [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]	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 (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, which consist of the following for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 29,053 $ 7,829 $ 13,363 Impairment losses (22,038 ) (34,648 ) (6,841 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 7,015 $ (26,819 ) $ 6,522 During 2016, we incurred $31.2 million of impairment charges related to the divestiture of certain funeral homes in Los Angeles, California.

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly financial data for 2017 and 2016 is as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 Revenue $ 777,710 $ 773,242 $ 731,346 $ 812,733 Costs and expenses $ (600,545 ) $ (589,797 ) $ (581,644 ) $ (600,856 ) Operating profit $ 177,165 $ 183,445 $ 149,702 $ 211,877 Operating income $ 139,596 $ 143,608 $ 109,056 $ 176,937 Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1) $ 98,526 $ 101,518 $ 66,578 $ 133,636 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes $ 76,223 $ (32,956 ) $ (10,437 ) $ 113,759 Net income $ 174,749 $ 68,562 $ 56,141 $ 247,395 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (47 ) $ (81 ) $ 23 $ (79 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 174,702 $ 68,481 $ 56,164 $ 247,316 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.93 $ 0.37 $ 0.30 $ 1.32 Diluted — EPS $ 0.91 $ 0.36 $ 0.29 $ 1.29 2016 Revenue $ 749,219 $ 751,398 $ 721,467 $ 809,053 Costs and expenses $ (586,296 ) $ (589,409 ) $ (580,722 ) $ (598,276 ) Operating profit $ 162,923 $ 161,989 $ 140,745 $ 210,777 Operating income $ 123,672 $ 94,498 $ 114,386 $ 179,329 Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1) $ 79,767 $ 32,639 $ 74,963 $ 139,289 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes $ (32,313 ) $ (16,746 ) $ (27,422 ) $ (72,872 ) Net income $ 47,454 $ 15,893 $ 47,541 $ 66,417 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (9 ) $ (273 ) $ 186 $ (171 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 47,445 $ 15,620 $ 47,727 $ 66,246 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.24 $ 0.08 $ 0.25 $ 0.35 Diluted — EPS $ 0.24 $ 0.08 $ 0.24 $ 0.34 (1) Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net , as described in Note 16. (2) Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Schedule II Valuation and Quali

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Account	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Three Years Ended December 31, 2017 Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses Charged (Credited) to Write-offs & Other Accounts Balance at End of Period Current Provision: Allowance For Doubtful Accounts: Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 3,395 $ 9,980 $ (11,285 ) $ 2,090 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 5,496 $ 10,776 $ (12,877 ) $ 3,395 Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ 8,546 $ 6,083 $ (9,133 ) $ 5,496 Due After One Year: Allowance For Doubtful Accounts: Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 11,334 $ — $ (388 ) $ 10,946 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 11,334 $ — $ — $ 11,334 Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ 11,259 $ — $ 75 $ 11,334 Preneed Receivables, Net Asset Allowance For Cancellation: Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 104,740 $ 1,105 $ 1,904 $ 107,749 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 105,773 $ 1,411 $ (2,444 ) $ 104,740 Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ 107,040 $ 5,016 $ (6,283 ) $ 105,773 Deferred Revenue Revenue Allowance For Cancellation: Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ (116,913 ) $ — $ (1,186 ) $ (118,099 ) Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ (121,548 ) $ — $ 4,635 $ (116,913 ) Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ (125,030 ) $ — $ 3,482 $ (121,548 ) Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 132,500 $ 8,035 $ 619 $ 141,154 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 126,654 $ 6,336 $ (490 ) $ 132,500 Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ 134,201 $ (5,988 ) $ (1,559 ) $ 126,654

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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. We have retained the specialized industry accounting principles when consolidating the trusts.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Our trade receivables primarily consist of amounts due for funeral services already performed. We provide various allowances and cancellation reserves for our preneed and atneed receivables and the related deferred revenue. These allowances are based on an analysis of historical trends of collection and cancellation activity. Atneed funeral and cemetery receivables are considered past due after 30 days. Collections are generally managed by the locations or third party agencies acting on behalf of the locations, until a receivable is 180 days delinquent at which time it is fully reserved and sent to a collection agency. These estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the economy, and demographic or competitive changes in our areas of operation.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories and Cemetery Property Funeral and cemetery merchandise are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Cemetery property is recorded at cost. Inventory costs and cemetery property are relieved using specific identification in performance of a contract.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, whereas renewals and major replacements that extend the assets useful lives are capitalized. Depreciation is recognized ratably over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Buildings are depreciated over a period ranging from seven to forty years, equipment is depreciated over a period from three to eight years, and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or ten years. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $153.1 million , $147.2 million , and $141.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. When property is sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheet; resulting gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period of sale or disposal.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Deprecated 2017-01-31)	Leases We have lease arrangements related to funeral service locations and transportation equipment that were primarily classified as capital leases at December 31, 2017 . Lease terms related to funeral service locations generally range from one to 40 years with options to renew at varying terms. Lease terms related to transportation equipment generally range from one to five years with options to renew at varying terms. We calculate operating lease expense ratably over the lease term. We consider reasonably assured renewal options and fixed escalation provisions in our calculation. For more information related to leases, see Note 8.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill The excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is tested annually during the fourth quarter for impairment by assessing the fair value of each of our reporting units. Our goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In order to perform our goodwill impairment test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. We determine fair value of each reporting unit using both a market and income approach. Our methodology considers discounted cash flows and multiples of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization). The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. We do not record an impairment of goodwill in instances where the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount. If the aggregate fair value is less than the related carrying amount for a reporting unit, we compare the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we used a 6.5% discount rate, growth rates ranging from 1.2% to 4.7% over a five-year period, plus a terminal value determined using the constant growth method in projecting our future cash flows. Fair value was calculated as the sum of the projected discounted cash flows of our reporting units over the next five years plus terminal value at the end of those five years. Our terminal value was calculated using a long-term growth rate of 2.5% and 2.9% for our funeral and cemetery reporting units, respectively. In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. No interim goodwill impairment reviews were required in 2017 or 2016 .
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Intangible Assets Our intangible assets include customer relationships, trademarks and tradenames, and other intangible assets primarily resulting from acquisitions. Our trademark and tradenames and certain other intangible assets are considered to have an indefinite life and are not subject to amortization. We test for impairment of intangible assets annually during the fourth quarter. Our intangible asset impairment tests involve estimates and management judgment. For trademark and tradenames, our test uses the relief from royalty method whereby we determine the fair value of the assets by discounting the cash flows that represent a savings over having to pay a royalty fee for use of the trademark and tradenames. The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we estimated that the pre-tax savings would range from 1.0% to 4.0% of the revenue associated with the trademark and tradenames, based primarily on our research of intellectual property valuation and licensing databases. We also assumed a terminal growth rate of 2.5% and 2.9% for our funeral and cemetery segments, respectively, and discounted the cash flows at a 6.7% discount rate based on the relative risk of these assets to our overall business. In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of intangible assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. No interim intangible impairment reviews were required in 2017 or 2016 . Certain of our intangible assets associated with prior acquisitions are relieved using specific identification in performance of a contract. We amortize all other finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to forty years.
Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Treasury Stock We make treasury stock purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions and normal trading restrictions. We account for the repurchase of our common stock under the par value method. We canceled 6.9 million , 7.9 million , and 8.0 million shares of common stock held in our treasury in 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. These retired treasury shares were changed to authorized but unissued status.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation All assets and liabilities of Canadian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect as of the end of the reporting period. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are included in Equity as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Equity and Consolidated Balance Sheet. The functional currency of SCI and its subsidiaries is the respective local currency. The transactional currency gains and losses that arise from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of our operations are recorded in Other income/(expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We do not have any investments in foreign operations considered to be in highly inflationary economies.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements We measure the available-for-sale securities held by our funeral merchandise and service, cemetery merchandise and service, and cemetery perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We utilize a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: • Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments. • 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 securities are classified as Level 2 investments. • The valuation of other investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. These securities are classified as Level 3 investments. An asset’s or liability’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. 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 discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements.
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Preneed Funeral and Cemetery Receivables We sell preneed contracts whereby the customer enters into arrangements for future merchandise and services prior to the time of need. As these contracts are entered into prior to the delivery of the related merchandise and services, the preneed funeral and cemetery receivables are offset by a comparable deferred revenue amount. These receivables have an interest component for which interest income is recorded when the interest amount is considered collectible and realizable, which typically coincides with cash payment. We do not accrue interest on financing receivables that are not paid in accordance with the contractual payment date given the nature of our merchandise and services, the nature of our contracts with customers, and the timing of the delivery of our services. We do not consider receivables to be past due until the merchandise or services are required to be delivered at which time the preneed receivable is paid or reclassified as a trade receivable with payment terms of less than 30 days. As the preneed funeral and cemetery receivables are offset by comparable deferred revenue amounts, we have no risk of loss related to these receivables. If a preneed contract is canceled prior to delivery, state or provincial law determines the amount of the refund owed to the customer, if any, including the amount of the attributed investment earnings. Upon cancellation, we receive the amount of principal deposited to the trust and previously undistributed net investment earnings and, where required, issue a refund to the customer. We retain excess funds, if any, and recognize the attributed investment earnings (net of any investment earnings payable to the customer) as revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In certain jurisdictions, we may be obligated to fund any shortfall if the amount deposited for the customer exceeds the funds in trust. Based on our historical experience, we have provided an allowance for cancellation of these receivables, which is recorded as a reduction in receivables with a corresponding offset to deferred revenue.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes We compute income taxes using the liability method. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. We have established a valuation allowance against a portion of our deferred tax assets. We could be required to further adjust that valuation allowance in the near term if market conditions change materially and future earnings are, or are projected to be, significantly different than our current estimates. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period. 2017 2016 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets $ 873 $ 861 Non-current deferred tax liabilities (283,765 ) (454,638 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (282,892 ) $ (453,777 ) Deferred taxes are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates. The provision or benefit for income taxes includes U.S. federal income taxes (determined on a consolidated return basis), foreign income taxes, and state income taxes. In addition to the above loss carryforwards, we have $58.4 million of foreign losses that have an indefinite expiration. In assessing the usefulness of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During 2017, we recorded a net $3.2 million increase in state valuation allowance, due primarily to the reduction of federal benefit related to the new lower federal tax rate, partially offset by state net operating loss expirations. We also recorded a $4.8 million increase in foreign valuation allowance, due primarily to the effects of the federal tax rate reduction. The valuation allowances can be affected in future periods by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and changes in estimates of future taxable income
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Plans’ weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net benefit cost are as follows: We currently have a supplemental retirement plan for certain current and former key employees (SERP), a supplemental retirement plan for officers and certain key employees (Senior SERP), a retirement plan for certain non-employee directors (Directors’ Plan), a Retirement Plan for Rose Hills ® Trustees, a Rose Hills ® Supplemental Retirement Plan, and a Stewart Supplemental Retirement Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). We also provide a 401(k) employee savings plan. All of our Plans have a measurement date of December 31 . The Plans are frozen; therefore, the participants do not earn incremental benefits from additional years of service, and we do not incur any additional service cost. Retirement benefits under the SERP are based on years of service and average monthly compensation, reduced by benefits under Social Security. The Senior SERP provides retirement benefits based on years of service and position. The Directors’ Plan provides for an annual benefit to directors following retirement, based on a vesting schedule.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We also have an employee savings plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for the exclusive benefit of our United States employees. Under the plan, participating employees may contribute a portion of their pretax and/or after-tax income in accordance with specified guidelines up to a maximum of 50 %. During 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we matched a percentage of the employee contributions through contributions of cash. For these years, our matching contribution was based upon the following: Years of Vesting Service Percentage of Deferred Compensation 0 — 5 years 75% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 6 — 10 years 100% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 11 or more years 125% of the first 6% of deferred compensation
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	We utilize the Black-Scholes option valuation model for estimating the fair value of our stock options.
Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block]	e include potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within our income tax provision account.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	o extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. This amendment replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the current standard with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2020, and we are still evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Leases In February 2016, the FASB amended "Leases" to increase transparency and comparability among organizations. Under the new standard, an entity will be required to recognize lease assets and liabilities on its balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. In addition, the new standard offers specific accounting guidance for a lessee, a lessor, and sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This new standard will be effective for us on January 1, 2019. We are still evaluating the impact of adoption on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Goodwill In January 2017, the FASB amended "Goodwill" to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. Amended guidance eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, impairment is defined as the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2020, and we are evaluating the impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows.
Funeral [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Funeral and Cemetery Operations
Cemetery [Member]
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Preneed Activities Level 3 (Tab

Preneed Activities Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Preneed receivables net and trust investments [Line Items]
Investment related activities [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deposits $ 371,234 $ 321,232 $ 313,244 Withdrawals $ 415,283 $ 350,379 $ 364,314 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 2,057,348 $ 1,462,900 $ 1,326,398 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 1,999,918 $ 1,393,728 $ 1,261,777 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities (1)(2) $ 256,413 $ 100,284 $ 100,477 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities (1) $ (76,963 ) $ (113,806 ) $ (79,203 )
Long-term receivable and investment components [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables $ 336,925 $ 312,556 Preneed cemetery receivables 1,118,146 1,038,592 Preneed receivables from customers 1,455,071 1,351,148 Unearned finance charge (45,515 ) (45,989 ) Allowance for cancellation (107,749 ) (104,740 ) Preneed receivables, net 1,301,807 1,200,419 Trust investments, at market 4,749,548 4,240,963 Assets associated with business held for sale (5,660 ) — Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 265,314 271,248 Trust investments 5,009,202 4,512,211 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,532,167 ) (1,407,465 ) Preneed trust investments 3,477,035 3,104,746 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165
Preneed Funeral Receivables, Net and Trust Investments [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464 $ 4,149,692 Net preneed contract sales 1,257,288 1,159,194 1,083,424 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,109,380 ) (1,030,703 ) (951,099 ) Deposits to trust 328,241 279,782 274,361 Acquisitions of businesses, net 8,153 1,477 5,804 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 384,512 145,511 (80,699 ) Maturities and distributed earnings (411,452 ) (337,912 ) (364,367 ) Change in cancellation allowance (528 ) 3,329 741 Effect of foreign currency and other 16,843 6,023 (39,393 ) Ending balance — Preneed receivables net, and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 48,805 $ 14 $ (117 ) $ 48,702 Canadian government 2 81,500 160 (1,089 ) 80,571 Corporate 2 13,540 327 (170 ) 13,697 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,279 16 (14 ) 3,281 Asset-backed 2 320 15 (10 ) 325 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 7,834 385 (139 ) 8,080 Common stock: United States 1 1,161,015 266,822 (24,739 ) 1,403,098 Canada 1 30,762 12,545 (522 ) 42,785 Other international 1 63,510 13,174 (2,834 ) 73,850 Mutual funds: Equity 1 613,934 59,100 (4,312 ) 668,722 Fixed income 1 1,230,196 11,897 (23,943 ) 1,218,150 Other 3 5,953 3,114 — 9,067 Trust investments, at fair value 3,260,648 367,569 (57,889 ) 3,570,328 Commingled funds Fixed income 454,242 235 (5,860 ) 448,617 Equity 214,000 12,826 — 226,826 Money market funds 287,435 — — 287,435 Private equity 166,860 51,631 (2,149 ) 216,342 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,122,537 64,692 (8,009 ) 1,179,220 Trust investments, at market $ 4,383,185 $ 432,261 $ (65,898 ) $ 4,749,548	December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 145,315 $ 884 $ (838 ) $ 145,361 Canadian government 2 79,141 409 (222 ) 79,328 Corporate 2 18,934 295 (227 ) 19,002 Residential mortgage-backed 2 333 1 (1 ) 333 Asset-backed 2 448 16 (31 ) 433 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 2,907 83 (156 ) 2,834 Common stock: United States 1 1,107,942 151,146 (35,542 ) 1,223,546 Canada 1 25,708 10,030 (455 ) 35,283 Other international 1 83,238 4,995 (10,632 ) 77,601 Mutual funds: Equity 1 688,120 19,962 (56,857 ) 651,225 Fixed income 1 875,615 6,203 (46,219 ) 835,599 Other 3 4,712 2,468 (17 ) 7,163 Trust investments, at fair value 3,032,413 196,492 (151,197 ) 3,077,708 Fixed income commingled funds 692,434 8,524 (12,234 ) 688,724 Money market funds 304,055 — — 304,055 Private equity 175,881 9,812 (15,217 ) 170,476 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,172,370 18,336 (27,451 ) 1,163,255 Trust investments, at market $ 4,204,783 $ 214,828 $ (178,648 ) $ 4,240,963
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The change in our market-based trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 $ 6,650 Net unrealized gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 912 463 152 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) — (212 ) — Purchases 1,945 89 1,360 Sales (953 ) (1,339 ) — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 (1) All unrealized gains recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred receipts held in trust . (2) All losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense) income, net to Deferred receipts held in trust.
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 $ 6,650 Net unrealized gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 912 463 152 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) — (212 ) — Purchases 1,945 89 1,360 Sales (953 ) (1,339 ) — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 $ 8,162
Preneed Activities Text Block	3. Preneed Activities Preneed receivables, net and trust investments The components of Preneed receivables, net and trust investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables $ 336,925 $ 312,556 Preneed cemetery receivables 1,118,146 1,038,592 Preneed receivables from customers 1,455,071 1,351,148 Unearned finance charge (45,515 ) (45,989 ) Allowance for cancellation (107,749 ) (104,740 ) Preneed receivables, net 1,301,807 1,200,419 Trust investments, at market 4,749,548 4,240,963 Assets associated with business held for sale (5,660 ) — Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 265,314 271,248 Trust investments 5,009,202 4,512,211 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,532,167 ) (1,407,465 ) Preneed trust investments 3,477,035 3,104,746 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with trusts for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deposits $ 371,234 $ 321,232 $ 313,244 Withdrawals $ 415,283 $ 350,379 $ 364,314 Purchases of available-for-sale securities $ 2,057,348 $ 1,462,900 $ 1,326,398 Sales of available-for-sale securities $ 1,999,918 $ 1,393,728 $ 1,261,777 Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities (1)(2) $ 256,413 $ 100,284 $ 100,477 Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities (1) $ (76,963 ) $ (113,806 ) $ (79,203 ) (1) All realized gains and losses are recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus (2) Given the positive performance of the financial markets in 2017 and a significant realignment of certain portions of our trust portfolio, we experienced a substantial increase in our realized gains during the year. The activity in Preneed receivables, net and trust investments for the years ended December 31 was as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464 $ 4,149,692 Net preneed contract sales 1,257,288 1,159,194 1,083,424 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,109,380 ) (1,030,703 ) (951,099 ) Deposits to trust 328,241 279,782 274,361 Acquisitions of businesses, net 8,153 1,477 5,804 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 384,512 145,511 (80,699 ) Maturities and distributed earnings (411,452 ) (337,912 ) (364,367 ) Change in cancellation allowance (528 ) 3,329 741 Effect of foreign currency and other 16,843 6,023 (39,393 ) Ending balance — Preneed receivables net, and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings. The cost and market values associated with trust investments recorded at market value at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in the trusts. Market value represents the value of the underlying securities held by the trusts. December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 48,805 $ 14 $ (117 ) $ 48,702 Canadian government 2 81,500 160 (1,089 ) 80,571 Corporate 2 13,540 327 (170 ) 13,697 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,279 16 (14 ) 3,281 Asset-backed 2 320 15 (10 ) 325 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 7,834 385 (139 ) 8,080 Common stock: United States 1 1,161,015 266,822 (24,739 ) 1,403,098 Canada 1 30,762 12,545 (522 ) 42,785 Other international 1 63,510 13,174 (2,834 ) 73,850 Mutual funds: Equity 1 613,934 59,100 (4,312 ) 668,722 Fixed income 1 1,230,196 11,897 (23,943 ) 1,218,150 Other 3 5,953 3,114 — 9,067 Trust investments, at fair value 3,260,648 367,569 (57,889 ) 3,570,328 Commingled funds Fixed income 454,242 235 (5,860 ) 448,617 Equity 214,000 12,826 — 226,826 Money market funds 287,435 — — 287,435 Private equity 166,860 51,631 (2,149 ) 216,342 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,122,537 64,692 (8,009 ) 1,179,220 Trust investments, at market $ 4,383,185 $ 432,261 $ (65,898 ) $ 4,749,548 December 31, 2016 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 145,315 $ 884 $ (838 ) $ 145,361 Canadian government 2 79,141 409 (222 ) 79,328 Corporate 2 18,934 295 (227 ) 19,002 Residential mortgage-backed 2 333 1 (1 ) 333 Asset-backed 2 448 16 (31 ) 433 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 2,907 83 (156 ) 2,834 Common stock: United States 1 1,107,942 151,146 (35,542 ) 1,223,546 Canada 1 25,708 10,030 (455 ) 35,283 Other international 1 83,238 4,995 (10,632 ) 77,601 Mutual funds: Equity 1 688,120 19,962 (56,857 ) 651,225 Fixed income 1 875,615 6,203 (46,219 ) 835,599 Other 3 4,712 2,468 (17 ) 7,163 Trust investments, at fair value 3,032,413 196,492 (151,197 ) 3,077,708 Fixed income commingled funds 692,434 8,524 (12,234 ) 688,724 Money market funds 304,055 — — 304,055 Private equity 175,881 9,812 (15,217 ) 170,476 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,172,370 18,336 (27,451 ) 1,163,255 Trust investments, at market $ 4,204,783 $ 214,828 $ (178,648 ) $ 4,240,963 As of December 31, 2017 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity and other investments was $129.4 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. The change in our market-based trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 $ 6,650 Net unrealized gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (1) 912 463 152 Net realized losses included in Other income (expense), net (2) — (212 ) — Purchases 1,945 89 1,360 Sales (953 ) (1,339 ) — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 (1) All unrealized gains recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income for our trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Accumulated other comprehensive income to Deferred receipts held in trust . (2) All losses recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments are attributable to our preneed customers and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense) income, net to Deferred receipts held in trust. Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2017 to 2040 . Maturities of fixed income securities at December 31, 2017 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 75,831 Due in one to five years 61,283 Due in five to ten years 9,101 Thereafter 361 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 146,576 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our preneed trust investments was $112.6 million , $94.4 million , and $98.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our cemetery perpetual care trust investments was $62.9 million , $67.6 million , and $59.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. We have determined that the unrealized losses in our 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 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 trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values, and the duration of unrealized losses for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , are shown in the following tables: December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 29,014 $ (115 ) $ 106 $ (2 ) $ 29,120 $ (117 ) Canadian government 20,947 (639 ) 6,370 (450 ) 27,317 (1,089 ) Corporate 2,423 (31 ) 4,453 (139 ) 6,876 (170 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,880 (12 ) 151 (2 ) 3,031 (14 ) Asset-backed — — 74 (10 ) 74 (10 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 1,106 (92 ) 248 (47 ) 1,354 (139 ) Common stock: United States 184,973 (20,561 ) 18,542 (4,178 ) 203,515 (24,739 ) Canada 1,307 (224 ) 1,314 (298 ) 2,621 (522 ) Other international 19,070 (2,499 ) 2,327 (335 ) 21,397 (2,834 ) Mutual funds: Equity 32,348 (1,193 ) 21,140 (3,119 ) 53,488 (4,312 ) Fixed income 225,766 (1,402 ) 294,980 (22,541 ) 520,746 (23,943 ) Trust investments, at fair value 519,834 (26,768 ) 349,705 (31,121 ) 869,539 (57,889 ) Commingled funds Fixed income 215,295 (988 ) 181,358 (4,872 ) 396,653 (5,860 ) Private equity — — 11,752 (2,149 ) 11,752 (2,149 ) Trust investments, at net asset value 215,295 (988 ) 193,110 (7,021 ) 408,405 (8,009 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 735,129 $ (27,756 ) $ 542,815 $ (38,142 ) $ 1,277,944 $ (65,898 ) December 31, 2016 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 41,409 $ (838 ) $ — $ — $ 41,409 $ (838 ) Canadian government 2,913 (31 ) 3,344 (191 ) 6,257 (222 ) Corporate 2,107 (22 ) 6,162 (205 ) 8,269 (227 ) Residential mortgage-backed 303 (1 ) — — 303 (1 ) Asset backed 28 (22 ) 156 (9 ) 184 (31 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 971 (53 ) 515 (103 ) 1,486 (156 ) Common stock: United States 271,433 (23,168 ) 50,923 (12,374 ) 322,356 (35,542 ) Canada 3,318 (383 ) 1,078 (72 ) 4,396 (455 ) Other international 19,274 (4,139 ) 24,525 (6,493 ) 43,799 (10,632 ) Mutual funds: Equity 234,714 (9,825 ) 276,504 (47,032 ) 511,218 (56,857 ) Fixed income 323,917 (5,941 ) 425,614 (40,278 ) 749,531 (46,219 ) Other 26 (2 ) 1,160 (15 ) 1,186 (17 ) Trust investments, at fair value 900,413 (44,425 ) 789,981 (106,772 ) 1,690,394 (151,197 ) Fixed income commingled funds 473,550 (11,714 ) 20,587 (520 ) 494,137 (12,234 ) Private equity 22,677 (750 ) 73,100 (14,467 ) 95,777 (15,217 ) Trust investments, at net asset value 496,227 (12,464 ) 93,687 (14,987 ) 589,914 (27,451 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,396,640 $ (56,889 ) $ 883,668 $ (121,759 ) $ 2,280,308 $ (178,648 ) Deferred revenue At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , Deferred revenue , net of allowance for cancellation, represents future revenue, including distributed trust investment earnings associated with unperformed trust-funded preneed contracts that are not held in trust accounts. Future revenue and net trust investment earnings that are held in trust accounts are included in Deferred receipts held in trust. The following table summarizes the activity in Deferred revenue for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue $ 1,731,417 $ 1,677,898 $ 1,602,545 Net preneed contract sales 900,037 847,848 794,527 Acquisitions (divestitures) of businesses, net 10,488 193 (538 ) Net investment earnings (losses) (1) 381,436 146,103 (80,014 ) Recognized deferred revenue (876,857 ) (823,319 ) (780,423 ) Change in cancellation allowance (165 ) 5,396 3,627 Change in deferred receipts held in trust (361,499 ) (124,923 ) 142,401 Effect of foreign currency and other 4,919 2,221 (4,227 ) Ending balance — Deferred revenue $ 1,789,776 $ 1,731,417 $ 1,677,898 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2017 to 2040 . Maturities of fixed income securities at December 31, 2017 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 75,831 Due in one to five years 61,283 Due in five to ten years 9,101 Thereafter 361 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 146,576
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 29,014 $ (115 ) $ 106 $ (2 ) $ 29,120 $ (117 ) Canadian government 20,947 (639 ) 6,370 (450 ) 27,317 (1,089 ) Corporate 2,423 (31 ) 4,453 (139 ) 6,876 (170 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,880 (12 ) 151 (2 ) 3,031 (14 ) Asset-backed — — 74 (10 ) 74 (10 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 1,106 (92 ) 248 (47 ) 1,354 (139 ) Common stock: United States 184,973 (20,561 ) 18,542 (4,178 ) 203,515 (24,739 ) Canada 1,307 (224 ) 1,314 (298 ) 2,621 (522 ) Other international 19,070 (2,499 ) 2,327 (335 ) 21,397 (2,834 ) Mutual funds: Equity 32,348 (1,193 ) 21,140 (3,119 ) 53,488 (4,312 ) Fixed income 225,766 (1,402 ) 294,980 (22,541 ) 520,746 (23,943 ) Trust investments, at fair value 519,834 (26,768 ) 349,705 (31,121 ) 869,539 (57,889 ) Commingled funds Fixed income 215,295 (988 ) 181,358 (4,872 ) 396,653 (5,860 ) Private equity — — 11,752 (2,149 ) 11,752 (2,149 ) Trust investments, at net asset value 215,295 (988 ) 193,110 (7,021 ) 408,405 (8,009 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 735,129 $ (27,756 ) $ 542,815 $ (38,142 ) $ 1,277,944 $ (65,898 )	Our trust investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values, and the duration of unrealized losses for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , are shown in the following tables: December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 29,014 $ (115 ) $ 106 $ (2 ) $ 29,120 $ (117 ) Canadian government 20,947 (639 ) 6,370 (450 ) 27,317 (1,089 ) Corporate 2,423 (31 ) 4,453 (139 ) 6,876 (170 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,880 (12 ) 151 (2 ) 3,031 (14 ) Asset-backed — — 74 (10 ) 74 (10 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 1,106 (92 ) 248 (47 ) 1,354 (139 ) Common stock: United States 184,973 (20,561 ) 18,542 (4,178 ) 203,515 (24,739 ) Canada 1,307 (224 ) 1,314 (298 ) 2,621 (522 ) Other international 19,070 (2,499 ) 2,327 (335 ) 21,397 (2,834 ) Mutual funds: Equity 32,348 (1,193 ) 21,140 (3,119 ) 53,488 (4,312 ) Fixed income 225,766 (1,402 ) 294,980 (22,541 ) 520,746 (23,943 ) Trust investments, at fair value 519,834 (26,768 ) 349,705 (31,121 ) 869,539 (57,889 ) Commingled funds Fixed income 215,295 (988 ) 181,358 (4,872 ) 396,653 (5,860 ) Private equity — — 11,752 (2,149 ) 11,752 (2,149 ) Trust investments, at net asset value 215,295 (988 ) 193,110 (7,021 ) 408,405 (8,009 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 735,129 $ (27,756 ) $ 542,815 $ (38,142 ) $ 1,277,944 $ (65,898 ) December 31, 2016 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 41,409 $ (838 ) $ — $ — $ 41,409 $ (838 ) Canadian government 2,913 (31 ) 3,344 (191 ) 6,257 (222 ) Corporate 2,107 (22 ) 6,162 (205 ) 8,269 (227 ) Residential mortgage-backed 303 (1 ) — — 303 (1 ) Asset backed 28 (22 ) 156 (9 ) 184 (31 ) Equity securities: Preferred stock 971 (53 ) 515 (103 ) 1,486 (156 ) Common stock: United States 271,433 (23,168 ) 50,923 (12,374 ) 322,356 (35,542 ) Canada 3,318 (383 ) 1,078 (72 ) 4,396 (455 ) Other international 19,274 (4,139 ) 24,525 (6,493 ) 43,799 (10,632 ) Mutual funds: Equity 234,714 (9,825 ) 276,504 (47,032 ) 511,218 (56,857 ) Fixed income 323,917 (5,941 ) 425,614 (40,278 ) 749,531 (46,219 ) Other 26 (2 ) 1,160 (15 ) 1,186 (17 ) Trust investments, at fair value 900,413 (44,425 ) 789,981 (106,772 ) 1,690,394 (151,197 ) Fixed income commingled funds 473,550 (11,714 ) 20,587 (520 ) 494,137 (12,234 ) Private equity 22,677 (750 ) 73,100 (14,467 ) 95,777 (15,217 ) Trust investments, at net asset value 496,227 (12,464 ) 93,687 (14,987 ) 589,914 (27,451 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 1,396,640 $ (56,889 ) $ 883,668 $ (121,759 ) $ 2,280,308 $ (178,648 )
Deferred Preneed Funeral Revenues [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity in Deferred revenue for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue $ 1,731,417 $ 1,677,898 $ 1,602,545 Net preneed contract sales 900,037 847,848 794,527 Acquisitions (divestitures) of businesses, net 10,488 193 (538 ) Net investment earnings (losses) (1) 381,436 146,103 (80,014 ) Recognized deferred revenue (876,857 ) (823,319 ) (780,423 ) Change in cancellation allowance (165 ) 5,396 3,627 Change in deferred receipts held in trust (361,499 ) (124,923 ) 142,401 Effect of foreign currency and other 4,919 2,221 (4,227 ) Ending balance — Deferred revenue $ 1,789,776 $ 1,731,417 $ 1,677,898 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for our funeral and cemetery reporting units are as follows: (in thousands): 2017 2016 Funeral Cemetery Total Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Balance as of January 1 $ 1,493,655 $ 305,426 $ 1,799,081 $ 1,490,502 $ 305,838 $ 1,796,340 Increase (decrease) in goodwill related to acquisitions 8,013 1,215 9,228 26,809 (151 ) 26,658 Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures (5,413 ) (224 ) (5,637 ) (26,554 ) (270 ) (26,824 ) Held for sale (3,082 ) (177 ) (3,259 ) — — — Effect of foreign currency 6,568 — 6,568 2,898 9 2,907 Activity 6,086 814 6,900 3,153 (412 ) 2,741 Balance as of December 31 $ 1,499,741 $ 306,240 $ 1,805,981 $ 1,493,655 $ 305,426 $ 1,799,081
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows: Useful Life Minimum Maximum 2017 2016 (Years) (In thousands) Amortizing intangibles: Covenants-not-to-compete 2 - 20 $ 214,628 $ 211,549 Customer relationships 10 - 20 129,516 146,876 Tradenames 5 - 5 9,150 9,150 Other 5 - 40 11,927 11,927 365,221 379,502 Less: accumulated amortization: Covenants-not-to-compete 192,296 186,430 Customer relationships 61,321 71,903 Tradenames 7,320 5,490 Other 4,830 4,238 265,767 268,061 Amortizing intangibles, net 99,454 111,441 Non-amortizing intangibles: Tradenames Indefinite 263,880 245,984 Other Indefinite 10,765 10,640 Non-amortizing intangibles 274,645 256,624 Intangible assets, net $ 374,099 $ 368,065
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	The following is estimated amortization expense, excluding certain intangibles for which we are unable to provide an estimate because they are amortized based on specific identification in the performance of a preneed contract, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 2018 $ 11,718 2019 9,100 2020 7,371 2021 6,613 2022 5,554 Total estimated amortization expense $ 40,356

Income Taxes Level 3 (Tables)

Income Taxes Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Income from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31 was composed of the following components: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) United States $ 347,680 $ 287,946 $ 331,622 Foreign 52,578 38,712 38,729 $ 400,258 $ 326,658 $ 370,351
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income tax (benefit) provision for the years ended December 31 consisted of the following: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Current: United States $ 154,128 $ 113,629 $ 94,502 Foreign 12,187 12,084 9,270 State 4,934 16,150 13,207 Total current income taxes 171,249 141,863 116,979 Deferred: United States $ (314,389 ) $ (19,496 ) $ 15,918 Foreign 618 22,708 (878 ) State (4,067 ) 4,278 3,008 Total deferred income taxes (317,838 ) 7,490 18,048 Total income taxes $ (146,589 ) $ 149,353 $ 135,027
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate $ 140,090 $ 114,331 $ 129,623 State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits 8,216 13,279 10,542 Foreign jurisdiction differences (6,782 ) (2,557 ) (5,183 ) Permanent differences associated with divestitures 1,925 9,267 2,909 Changes in uncertain tax positions and audit settlements (105,821 ) 5,669 4,046 Foreign valuation allowance, net of federal income tax benefits 1,186 15,850 — Enactment of US Tax Reform (146,160 ) — — Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (18,521 ) — — Other (20,722 ) (6,486 ) (6,910 ) (Benefit from) Provision for income taxes $ (146,589 ) $ 149,353 $ 135,027 Total consolidated effective tax rate (36.6 )% 45.7 % 36.5 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 consisted of the following: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Inventories and cemetery property $ (222,431 ) $ (335,795 ) Property and equipment (109,631 ) (149,450 ) Intangibles (194,159 ) (294,251 ) Other (4,902 ) (6,980 ) Deferred tax liabilities (531,123 ) (786,476 ) Loss and tax credit carryforwards 170,979 157,795 Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts 155,679 223,174 Accrued liabilities 62,727 84,230 Deferred tax assets 389,385 465,199 Less: Valuation allowance (141,154 ) (132,500 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (282,892 ) $ (453,777 )
Schedule of Deferred Taxes Classification [Table Text Block]	Deferred tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31 as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets $ 873 $ 861 Non-current deferred tax liabilities (283,765 ) (454,638 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (282,892 ) $ (453,777 )
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017 (in thousands): Federal, State, and Foreign Tax (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 191,680 Additions to tax positions related to the current year 3,235 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years (12,370 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 182,545 Reduction to tax positions related to prior years (4,219 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 178,326 Reductions to tax positions as a result of audit settlement (30,333 ) Reductions to tax positions related to prior years $ (68,538 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 79,455
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	Such loss carryforwards will expire as follows: Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) 2018 $ — $ 108,312 $ — $ 108,312 2019 — 127,914 — 127,914 2020 — 176,591 — 176,591 2021 — 158,672 — 158,672 Thereafter — 3,232,606 7,151 3,239,757 Total $ — $ 3,804,095 $ 7,151 $ 3,811,246
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2017 , our loss and tax credit carryforward deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances by jurisdiction are as follows (presented net of federal benefit): Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) Loss and tax credit carryforwards $ — $ 150,031 $ 20,948 $ 170,979 Valuation allowance $ — $ 104,637 $ 36,517 $ 141,154

Debt Level 3 (Tables)

Debt Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Debt as of December 31 was as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) 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 850,000 850,000 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 200,000 200,000 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 550,000 — Term Loan due December 2022 675,000 — Term Loan due March 2021 — 673,750 Bank Credit Facility due March 2021 — 350,000 Obligations under capital leases 197,232 208,758 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 6,036 3,753 Unamortized premiums (discounts) and other, net 7,456 8,313 Unamortized debt issuance costs (38,071 ) (32,984 ) Total debt 3,472,653 3,286,590 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (337,337 ) (89,974 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,135,316 $ 3,196,616
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of our debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums (discounts) and debt issuance costs (in thousands): 2018 $ 342,786 2019 64,665 2020 270,423 2021 216,731 2022 976,331 2023 and thereafter 1,632,332 Total debt maturities $ 3,503,268
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Cash interest payments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2017 $ 160,843 Payments in 2016 $ 156,950 Payments in 2015 $ 164,748 Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net change in capital expenditure accrual $ 223 $ (1,435 ) $ 5,571 Options exercised by attestation $ — $ — $ 122 Shares repurchased $ — $ — $ (122 ) Non-cash acquisition of capital leases $ 54,087 $ 41,609 $ 55,941
Schedule of future cash interest payments [Table Text Block]	ash interest payments for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2017 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2018 $ 160,076 Payments in 2019 144,948 Payments in 2020 143,879 Payments in 2021 133,972 Payments in 2022 92,235 Payments in 2023 and thereafter 264,398 Total expected cash interest payments $ 939,508

Credit Risk and Fair Value of32

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The fair value of our debt instruments at December 31 was as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ 259,563 $ 272,353 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 199,590 205,000 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 175,313 175,500 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 436,178 444,614 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 892,118 884,000 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 558,250 — 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 238,004 231,590 Term Loan due March 2021 — 673,750 Bank Credit Facility due March 2021 — 350,000 Term Loan due December 2022 675,000 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 6,036 3,753 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,440,052 $ 3,240,560

Commitments and Contingencies33

Commitments and Contingencies Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2017 , future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating and capital leases exceeding one year were as follows: Operating Capital (In thousands) 2018 $ 13,683 $ 58,678 2019 10,889 30,528 2020 9,461 36,344 2021 8,404 32,690 2022 7,739 11,044 2023 and thereafter 59,473 27,948 Total $ 109,649 $ 197,232 Less: Interest on capital leases (30,694 ) Total principal payable on capital leases $ 166,538
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2017 , the maximum estimated future cash commitments under agreements with remaining commitment terms, and with original terms of more than one year, were as follows: Employment and Management Consulting Non-Competition Total (In thousands) 2018 $ 1,796 $ 412 $ 5,230 $ 7,438 2019 1,257 367 4,822 6,446 2020 609 258 3,594 4,461 2021 307 217 2,554 3,078 2022 51 146 1,935 2,132 2023 and thereafter — 255 3,977 4,232 Total $ 4,020 $ 1,655 $ 22,112 $ 27,787

Equity Level 3 (Tables)

Equity Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	Our components of Accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Unrealized Gains and Losses Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 59,414 $ — $ 59,414 Activity in 2015 (53,250 ) — (53,250 ) Net unrealized losses associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes — (85,140 ) (85,140 ) Reclassification of net unrealized losses activity attributable to the Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, net of taxes — 85,140 85,140 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 6,164 $ — $ 6,164 Activity in 2016 10,328 — 10,328 Net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes 120,573 120,573 Reclassification of net unrealized gains activity attributable to the Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, net of taxes — (120,573 ) (120,573 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 16,492 $ — $ 16,492 Activity in 2017 25,451 — 25,451 Net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes — 243,677 243,677 Reclassification of net unrealized gains activity attributable to the Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts’ corpus, net of taxes — (243,677 ) (243,677 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 41,943 $ — $ 41,943

Share-Based Compensation Leve35

Share-Based Compensation Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair values of our stock options are calculated using the following weighted average assumptions, based on the methods described above for the years ended December 31: Assumptions 2017 2016 2015 Dividend yield 2.0% 2.0% 1.8% Expected volatility 19.0% 19.7% 23.3% Risk-free interest rate 1.6% 1.0% 1.3% Expected holding period (years) 4.0 4.0 4.0
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes certain information with respect to stock option and restricted share compensation as included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income $ 14,788 $ 14,056 $ 13,843 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income $ 5,416 $ 6,427 $ 5,068
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 : (Shares reported in whole numbers) Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2016 10,775,136 $ 16.49 Granted 1,524,860 $ 29.25 Exercised (2,759,309 ) $ 12.18 Canceled (20,388 ) $ 24.59 Outstanding at December 31, 2017 9,520,299 $ 19.77 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 6,190,827 $ 16.64
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block]	Set forth below is certain information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2017 : (Shares reported in whole numbers) Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Number Outstanding at December 31, 2017 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable at December 31, 2017 Weighted- Average Exercise Price $ 5.00 — 10.00 725,074 1.1 $ 9.09 725,074 $ 9.09 $10.01 — 15.00 938,630 2.1 $ 11.18 938,630 $ 11.18 $15.01 — 20.00 2,757,306 3.7 $ 16.56 2,757,306 $ 16.56 $20.01 — 25.00 3,580,379 5.6 $ 22.63 1,769,817 $ 22.75 $25.01 — 30.00 1,518,910 7.1 $ 29.25 — $ — $ 5.00 — 30.00 9,520,299 4.6 $ 19.77 6,190,827 $ 16.64
Other Information Pertaining to Stock Option Activity [Table Text Block]	Other information pertaining to stock option activity during the years ended December 31 is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted $ 3.90 $ 4.01 $ 3.79 Total fair value of stock options vested (in thousands) $ 7,425 $ 7,690 $ 7,973 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised (in thousands) $ 56,946 $ 37,284 $ 52,513
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted share award activity was as follows: (Shares reported in whole numbers) Restricted Share Awards Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2016 500,744 $ 21.48 Granted 208,933 $ 29.28 Vested (265,733 ) $ 20.56 Forfeited and other (2,133 ) $ 25.04 Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2017 441,811 $ 25.70
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted Share Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted share units at December 31, 2016 123,510 $ 25.72 Granted 95,780 $ 27.94 Vested (48,136 ) $ 25.86 Forfeited and other (4,124 ) $ 27.01 Nonvested restricted share units at December 31, 2017 167,030 $ 26.92

Retirement Plans Retirement Pla

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of the Plans’ net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 1,067 $ 1,179 $ 1,198 Recognized net actuarial losses (gains) 879 259 (1,327 ) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 1,946 $ 1,438 $ (129 )
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	The Plans’ funded status at December 31 was as follows: 2017 2016 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 30,078 $ 32,305 Interest cost 1,067 1,179 Actuarial gain 879 259 Benefits paid (3,343 ) (3,665 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 28,681 $ 30,078 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 3,343 3,665 Benefits paid, including expenses (3,343 ) (3,665 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (28,681 ) $ (30,078 ) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligations $ 28,681 $ 30,078 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 28,681 $ 30,078 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (3,265 ) $ (3,448 ) Accrued benefit costs - included in Other liabilities (25,416 ) (26,630 ) Total accrued benefit liability $ (28,681 ) $ (30,078 )
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	The Plans’ weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net benefit cost are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 3.41 % 3.76 % 3.86 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic pension cost 3.86 % 3.96 % 2.47 %
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The following benefit payments are expected to be paid in future years related to our Plans (in thousands): 2018 $ 3,265 2019 3,192 2020 2,760 2021 2,447 2022 2,369 Years 2023 through 2027 9,379 Total expected benefit payments $ 23,412

Segment Reporting Level 3 (Tabl

Segment Reporting Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Our reportable segment information is as follows: Reportable Segments Funeral Cemetery Corporate Consolidated (In thousands) 2017 Revenue from external customers $ 1,868,152 $ 1,226,879 $ — $ 3,095,031 Interest expense $ 3,986 $ 401 $ 164,738 $ 169,125 Depreciation and amortization $ 109,965 $ 32,815 $ 10,361 $ 153,141 Amortization of intangibles $ 17,871 $ 9,696 $ 83 $ 27,650 Operating profit $ 371,853 $ 350,336 $ — $ 722,189 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 68,102 $ — $ 68,102 Capital expenditures $ 83,241 $ 118,699 $ 12,561 $ 214,501 Total assets $ 5,393,205 $ 6,946,351 $ 524,947 $ 12,864,503 2016 Revenue from external customers $ 1,869,111 $ 1,162,026 $ — $ 3,031,137 Interest expense $ 3,906 $ 105 $ 158,082 $ 162,093 Depreciation and amortization $ 106,602 $ 31,081 $ 9,550 $ 147,233 Amortization of intangibles $ 20,444 $ 10,438 $ 74 $ 30,956 Operating profit $ 361,022 $ 315,412 $ — $ 676,434 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 66,745 $ — $ 66,745 Capital expenditures $ 68,666 $ 113,163 $ 11,617 $ 193,446 Total assets $ 5,158,700 $ 6,481,761 $ 397,688 $ 12,038,149 2015 Revenue from external customers $ 1,889,055 $ 1,096,986 $ — $ 2,986,041 Interest expense $ 4,230 $ 450 $ 168,217 $ 172,897 Depreciation and amortization $ 103,272 $ 29,448 $ 8,736 $ 141,456 Amortization of intangibles $ 22,638 $ 8,746 $ 75 $ 31,459 Operating profit $ 390,101 $ 284,488 $ — $ 674,589 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 62,407 $ — $ 62,407 Capital expenditures $ 53,422 $ 83,803 $ 13,761 $ 150,986
Schedule of Significant Reportable Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	The following table reconciles operating profit from reportable segments shown above to our consolidated income from continuing operations before income taxes: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Operating profit from reportable segments $ 722,189 $ 676,434 $ 674,589 General and administrative expenses (154,423 ) (137,730 ) (130,813 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,015 (26,819 ) 6,522 Hurricane expense, net (5,584 ) — — Operating income 569,197 511,885 550,298 Interest expense (169,125 ) (162,093 ) (172,897 ) Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net (274 ) (22,503 ) (6,918 ) Other income (expense), net 460 (631 ) (132 ) Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 400,258 $ 326,658 $ 370,351
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	Our geographic area information was as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) 2017 Revenue from external customers $ 2,889,463 $ 205,568 $ 3,095,031 Interest expense $ 168,956 $ 169 $ 169,125 Depreciation and amortization $ 143,932 $ 9,209 $ 153,141 Amortization of intangibles $ 27,092 $ 558 $ 27,650 Amortization of cemetery property $ 61,307 $ 6,795 $ 68,102 Operating income $ 500,919 $ 68,278 $ 569,197 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 61 $ 6,954 $ 7,015 Long-lived assets $ 5,786,063 $ 286,135 $ 6,072,198 2016 Revenue from external customers $ 2,848,876 $ 182,261 $ 3,031,137 Interest expense (income) $ 162,341 $ (248 ) $ 162,093 Depreciation and amortization $ 138,560 $ 8,673 $ 147,233 Amortization of intangibles $ 30,427 $ 529 $ 30,956 Amortization of cemetery property $ 61,449 $ 5,296 $ 66,745 Operating income $ 460,387 $ 51,498 $ 511,885 (Losses) gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ (27,658 ) $ 839 $ (26,819 ) Long-lived assets $ 5,705,070 $ 266,053 $ 5,971,123 2015 Revenue from external customers $ 2,805,407 $ 180,634 $ 2,986,041 Interest expense $ 172,697 $ 200 $ 172,897 Depreciation and amortization $ 132,393 $ 9,063 $ 141,456 Amortization of intangibles $ 30,856 $ 603 $ 31,459 Amortization of cemetery property $ 58,429 $ 3,978 $ 62,407 Operating income $ 498,634 $ 51,664 $ 550,298 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 1,778 $ 4,744 $ 6,522

Supplementary Information Lev38

Supplementary Information Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Balance Sheet, Supplemental Disclosures	The detail of certain balance sheet accounts is as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 260,281 $ 146,684 Commercial paper and temporary investments 69,758 48,302 $ 330,039 $ 194,986 Receivables, net: Notes receivable $ 1,605 $ 1,259 Atneed funeral receivables, net of allowances of $1,845 and $1,881, respectively 44,536 46,917 Atneed cemetery receivables, net of allowances of $245 and $1,514, respectively 16,556 17,765 Other 27,607 32,514 $ 90,304 $ 98,455 Other current assets: Income tax receivable $ 8,576 $ 3,609 Prepaid insurance 4,419 4,437 Restricted cash (1) 8,625 11,978 Other 13,955 14,500 $ 35,575 $ 34,524 Cemetery property: Undeveloped land $ 1,181,920 $ 1,184,710 Developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and cremation memorialization property 610,069 592,225 $ 1,791,989 $ 1,776,935 Property and equipment: Land $ 605,735 $ 595,096 Buildings and improvements 1,996,123 1,879,553 Operating equipment 557,278 549,879 Leasehold improvements 34,607 33,900 Capital leases 254,260 234,411 3,448,003 3,292,839 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,430,695 ) (1,328,262 ) Less: Accumulated amortization of capital leases (144,264 ) (136,990 ) $ 1,873,044 $ 1,827,587 Deferred charges and other assets: Intangible assets, net $ 374,099 $ 368,065 Restricted cash (1) 1,937 4,542 Deferred tax assets 873 861 Notes receivable, net of allowances of $10,946 and $11,334, respectively 9,624 9,598 Cash surrender value of insurance policies 139,494 119,819 Other 75,157 64,635 $ 601,184 $ 567,520 December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 173,685 $ 155,802 Accrued benefits 95,233 88,392 Accrued interest 30,415 27,991 Accrued property taxes 10,541 12,883 Self-insurance reserves 78,227 77,993 Bank overdrafts 27,243 20,927 Other accrued liabilities 73,828 55,948 $ 489,172 $ 439,936 Other liabilities: Accrued benefit costs $ 25,416 $ 26,630 Deferred compensation 120,782 105,013 Customer refund obligation reserve 51,767 52,068 Tax liability 111,000 235,625 Payable to perpetual care fund 83,015 77,148 Other 19,002 13,838 $ 410,982 $ 510,322
Schedule of Product Information [Table Text Block]	The detail of certain income statement accounts is as follows for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Property and merchandise revenue: Funeral $ 619,804 $ 611,440 $ 608,266 Cemetery 968,828 912,778 849,250 Total property and merchandise revenue 1,588,632 1,524,218 1,457,516 Services revenue: Funeral 1,129,510 1,126,703 1,146,205 Cemetery 227,155 218,825 217,240 Total services revenue 1,356,665 1,345,528 1,363,445 Other revenue 149,734 161,391 165,080 Total revenue $ 3,095,031 $ 3,031,137 $ 2,986,041 Property and merchandise costs and expenses: Funeral $ 282,048 $ 287,414 $ 290,663 Cemetery 512,677 488,997 457,613 Total cost of property and merchandise 794,725 776,411 748,276 Services costs and expenses: Funeral 621,102 627,156 624,310 Cemetery 108,102 106,534 105,038 Total cost of services 729,204 733,690 729,348 Overhead and other expenses 848,913 844,602 833,828 Total cost and expenses $ 2,372,842 $ 2,354,703 $ 2,311,452
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Cash interest payments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2017 $ 160,843 Payments in 2016 $ 156,950 Payments in 2015 $ 164,748 Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Net change in capital expenditure accrual $ 223 $ (1,435 ) $ 5,571 Options exercised by attestation $ — $ — $ 122 Shares repurchased $ — $ — $ (122 ) Non-cash acquisition of capital leases $ 54,087 $ 41,609 $ 55,941

Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tab

Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted EPS for the three years ended December 31 is presented below: 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Income from continuing operations — basic $ 546,663 $ 177,038 $ 234,162 After tax interest on convertible debt 52 43 50 Income from continuing operations — diluted $ 546,715 $ 177,081 $ 234,212 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax $ — $ — $ (390 ) Net income — basic $ 546,663 $ 177,038 $ 233,772 After tax interest on convertible debt 52 43 50 Net income — diluted $ 546,715 $ 177,081 $ 233,822 Weighted average shares: Weighted average shares — basic 187,630 193,086 200,356 Stock options 4,396 2,823 3,973 Restricted share units 99 12 — Convertible debt 121 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 192,246 196,042 204,450 Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Income from continuing operations per share: Basic $ 2.91 $ 0.92 $ 1.17 Diluted $ 2.84 $ 0.90 $ 1.14 Net income per share: Basic $ 2.91 $ 0.92 $ 1.17 Diluted $ 2.84 $ 0.90 $ 1.14
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Antidilutive options 911 982 3

Acquisition Level 3 (Tables)

Acquisition Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	.

Divestiture Related Activities

Divestiture Related Activities Divestiture Related Activities Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Divestiture-Related Activities [Abstract]
Gains (Losses) on Divestitures and Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	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 (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, which consist of the following for the years ended December 31 : 2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 29,053 $ 7,829 $ 13,363 Impairment losses (22,038 ) (34,648 ) (6,841 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 7,015 $ (26,819 ) $ 6,522
Schedule of Income from Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block]	2017 2016 2015 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 29,053 $ 7,829 $ 13,363 Impairment losses (22,038 ) (34,648 ) (6,841 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 7,015 $ (26,819 ) $ 6,522

Quarterly Financial Data Quarte

Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarterly financial data for 2017 and 2016 is as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 Revenue $ 777,710 $ 773,242 $ 731,346 $ 812,733 Costs and expenses $ (600,545 ) $ (589,797 ) $ (581,644 ) $ (600,856 ) Operating profit $ 177,165 $ 183,445 $ 149,702 $ 211,877 Operating income $ 139,596 $ 143,608 $ 109,056 $ 176,937 Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1) $ 98,526 $ 101,518 $ 66,578 $ 133,636 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes $ 76,223 $ (32,956 ) $ (10,437 ) $ 113,759 Net income $ 174,749 $ 68,562 $ 56,141 $ 247,395 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (47 ) $ (81 ) $ 23 $ (79 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 174,702 $ 68,481 $ 56,164 $ 247,316 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.93 $ 0.37 $ 0.30 $ 1.32 Diluted — EPS $ 0.91 $ 0.36 $ 0.29 $ 1.29 2016 Revenue $ 749,219 $ 751,398 $ 721,467 $ 809,053 Costs and expenses $ (586,296 ) $ (589,409 ) $ (580,722 ) $ (598,276 ) Operating profit $ 162,923 $ 161,989 $ 140,745 $ 210,777 Operating income $ 123,672 $ 94,498 $ 114,386 $ 179,329 Income from continuing operations before income taxes (1) $ 79,767 $ 32,639 $ 74,963 $ 139,289 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes $ (32,313 ) $ (16,746 ) $ (27,422 ) $ (72,872 ) Net income $ 47,454 $ 15,893 $ 47,541 $ 66,417 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (9 ) $ (273 ) $ 186 $ (171 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 47,445 $ 15,620 $ 47,727 $ 66,246 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.24 $ 0.08 $ 0.25 $ 0.35 Diluted — EPS $ 0.24 $ 0.08 $ 0.24 $ 0.34 (1) Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net , as described in Note 16. (2) Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Summary of Significant Accoun43

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment		$ 5,500
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate, Low	0.010
Amortization of cemetery property	$ 68,102	66,745	$ 62,407
Depreciation	$ 153,141	147,233	141,456
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate, Low End of the Range	1.20%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate, High End of the Range	4.70%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.50%
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate	0.040
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.70%
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ 28,900	$ 11,900	$ 9,600
Retirement of treasury shares	0	0	0
General Agency Revenue	$ 121,000	$ 135,800	$ 137,000
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income	18,600
Funeral [Member]
Amortization of cemetery property	0	0	0
Depreciation	$ 109,965	106,602	103,272
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	2.50%
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	2.50%
Cemetery [Member]
Amortization of cemetery property	$ 68,102	66,745	62,407
Depreciation	$ 32,815	$ 31,081	$ 29,448
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	2.90%
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	2.90%
Treasury Stock [Member]
Retirement of treasury shares	6,890	7,901	7,969
Minimum [Member]
Funeral home lease life	1 year
Transportation equipment lease life	1 year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P7Y
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P3Y
Maximum [Member]
Funeral home lease life	40 years
Transportation equipment lease life	5 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P40Y
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P8Y
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	P10Y
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	2 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	20 years

Preneed Activities Investment R

Preneed Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Deposits to trust	$ 371,234	$ 321,232	$ 313,244
Withdrawals	415,283	350,379	364,314
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	2,057,348	1,462,900	1,326,398
Sales of available-for-sale securities	1,999,918	1,393,728	1,261,777
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	256,413	100,284	100,477
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ (76,963)	$ (113,806)	$ (79,203)

Preneed Activities Long-term Re

Preneed Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Allowance for cancellation	$ (107,749)	$ (104,740)
Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments	4,778,842	4,305,165	$ 4,078,464	$ 4,149,692
PreneedReceivables	1,301,807	1,200,419
ReclassAssetsHeldForSale	(5,660)	0
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	(1,532,167)	(1,407,465)
Preneed trust investments	3,477,035	3,104,746
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	4,778,842	4,305,165
Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other [Line Items]	$ 265,314	$ 271,248

Preneed Activities Preneed Acti

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Receivables Net and Trust Invesments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	$ 4,749,548	$ 4,240,963
Investments	5,009,202	4,512,211
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent	1,455,071	1,351,148
Beginning balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	4,305,165	4,078,464	$ 4,149,692
Net preneed contract sales	1,257,288	1,159,194	1,083,424
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds	(1,109,380)	(1,030,703)	(951,099)
Deposits to trust	371,234	321,232	313,244
Deposits to trust excl ECF	328,241	279,782	274,361
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	8,153	1,477	5,804
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings	384,512	145,511	(80,699)
Maturities and distributed earnings	(411,452)	(337,912)	(364,367)
Change in cancellation allowance	(528)	3,329	741
Effect of foreign currency and other	16,843	6,023	(39,393)
Ending balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	4,778,842	4,305,165	$ 4,078,464
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(45,515)	(45,989)
Funeral [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent	336,925	312,556
Cemetery [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent	$ 1,118,146	$ 1,038,592

Preneed Activities Schedule of

Preneed Activities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 3,260,648
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	367,569
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(57,889)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	3,570,328
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 3,032,413
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		196,492
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(151,197)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		3,077,708
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	48,805	145,315
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	14	884
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(117)	(838)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	48,702	145,361
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	81,500	79,141
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	160	409
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,089)	(222)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	80,571	79,328
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	13,540	18,934
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	327	295
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(170)	(227)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	13,697	19,002
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,279	333
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	16	1
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(14)	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	3,281	333
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	320	448
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	15	16
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10)	(31)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	325	433
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Preferred Stock securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	7,834	2,907
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	385	83
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(139)	(156)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	8,080	2,834
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Common Stock Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,161,015	1,107,942
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	266,822	151,146
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(24,739)	(35,542)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,403,098	1,223,546
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Canada Common Stock Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	30,762	25,708
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	12,545	10,030
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(522)	(455)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	42,785	35,283
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Other International Common Stock Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	63,510	83,238
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	13,174	4,995
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,834)	(10,632)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	73,850	77,601
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	613,934	688,120
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	59,100	19,962
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(4,312)	(56,857)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	668,722	651,225
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,230,196	875,615
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	11,897	6,203
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(23,943)	(46,219)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,218,150	835,599
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,953	4,712
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	3,114	2,468
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(17)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	9,067	7,163
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,122,537
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	64,692
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(8,009)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,179,220
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Fixed inc [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	454,242	692,434
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	235	8,524
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(5,860)	(12,234)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	448,617	688,724
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Equity [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	214,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	12,826
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	226,826
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	287,435	304,055
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	287,435	304,055
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	166,860	175,881
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	51,631	9,812
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(2,149)	(15,217)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	216,342	170,476
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Reported At Net Asset Value [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		1,172,370
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		18,336
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(27,451)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		1,163,255
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,383,185	4,204,783
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	432,261	214,828
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(65,898)	(178,648)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$ 4,749,548	$ 4,240,963

Preneed Activities Level 3 Acti

Preneed Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - Other Investments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance	$ 7,163	$ 8,162	$ 6,650
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income(1)	912	463	152
Net realized losses included in Other income, net(2)	0	(212)	0
Purchases	1,945	89	1,360
Sales	953	1,339	0
Fair market value, ending balance	$ 9,067	$ 7,163	$ 8,162

Preneed Activities Investments

Preneed Activities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 75,831
Due in one to five years	61,283
Due in five to ten years	9,101
Thereafter	361
Total	$ 146,576

Preneed Activities Schedule o50

Preneed Activities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		$ 1,396,640
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		(56,889)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value		883,668
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		(121,759)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		2,280,308
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses		(178,648)
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$ 29,014	41,409
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(115)	(838)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	106	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(2)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	29,120	41,409
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(117)	(838)
Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	20,947	2,913
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(639)	(31)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	6,370	3,344
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(450)	(191)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	27,317	6,257
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(1,089)	(222)
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,423	2,107
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(31)	(22)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,453	6,162
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(139)	(205)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	6,876	8,269
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(170)	(227)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,880	303
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(12)	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	151	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(2)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,031	303
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(14)	(1)
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	28
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0	(22)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	74	156
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(10)	(9)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	74	184
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(10)	(31)
Preferred Stock securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,106	971
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(92)	(53)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	248	515
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(47)	(103)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,354	1,486
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(139)	(156)
US Common Stock Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	184,973	271,433
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(20,561)	(23,168)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	18,542	50,923
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(4,178)	(12,374)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	203,515	322,356
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(24,739)	(35,542)
Canada Common Stock Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	1,307	3,318
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(224)	(383)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	1,314	1,078
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(298)	(72)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	2,621	4,396
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(522)	(455)
Other International Common Stock Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	19,070	19,274
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(2,499)	(4,139)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,327	24,525
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(335)	(6,493)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	21,397	43,799
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(2,834)	(10,632)
Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	32,348	234,714
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(1,193)	(9,825)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	21,140	276,504
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(3,119)	(47,032)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	53,488	511,218
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(4,312)	(56,857)
Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	225,766	323,917
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(1,402)	(5,941)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	294,980	425,614
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(22,541)	(40,278)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	520,746	749,531
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(23,943)	(46,219)
Commingled funds - Fixed inc [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		473,550
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		(11,714)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value		20,587
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		(520)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		494,137
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses		(12,234)
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		22,677
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		(750)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value		73,100
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		(14,467)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		95,777
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses		(15,217)
Other Investments [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		26
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		(2)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value		1,160
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		(15)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		1,186
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses		(17)
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	519,834	900,413
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Loss	(26,768)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		(44,425)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	349,705	789,981
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Loss	(31,121)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		(106,772)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	869,539	1,690,394
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(57,889)	(151,197)
Reported At Net Asset Value [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		496,227
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		(12,464)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value		93,687
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		(14,987)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		589,914
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses		$ (27,451)
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Fixed inc [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	215,295
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(988)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	181,358
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(4,872)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	396,653
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(5,860)
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	11,752
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(2,149)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	11,752
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(2,149)
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Reported At Net Asset Value [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	215,295
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(988)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	193,110
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(7,021)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	408,405
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(8,009)
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	735,129
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(27,756)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	542,815
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(38,142)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	1,277,944
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	$ (65,898)

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac51

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 1,731,417	$ 1,677,898	$ 1,602,545
Net preneed contract sales	900,037	847,848	794,527
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	10,488	193	(538)
Net investment (losses) earnings	381,436	146,103	(80,014)
Recognized deferred preneed revenues	(876,857)	(823,319)	(780,423)
Change in cancellation allowance	(165)	5,396	3,627
Change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust	(361,499)	(124,923)	142,401
Effect of foreign currency and other	4,919	2,221	(4,227)
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 1,789,776	$ 1,731,417	$ 1,677,898

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac52

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 112.6	$ 94.4	$ 98.4
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, maximum	2,040
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, minimum	2,017
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 129.4
ECF Investment Earnings, Net	$ 62.9	$ 67.6	$ 59.6

Goodwill and Intangible Asset53

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,799,081	$ 1,796,340
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,799,081
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	9,228	26,658
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(5,637)	(26,824)
Effect of foreign currency and other	6,568	2,907
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	6,900	2,741
Goodwill, ending balance		1,799,081	$ 1,796,340
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,805,981	1,799,081
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	99,454	111,441
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Future Total	40,356
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	365,221	379,502
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	265,767	268,061
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	99,454	111,441
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	263,880	245,984
Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	10,765	10,640
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	274,645	256,624
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	374,099	368,065
Amortization of intangibles	27,650	30,956	31,459
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	11,718
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	9,100
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	7,371
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	6,613
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	5,554
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	600
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	214,628	211,549
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	192,296	186,430
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	129,516	146,876
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	61,321	71,903
Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	9,150	9,150
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	7,320	5,490
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	11,927	11,927
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	4,830	4,238
Funeral [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,493,655	1,490,502
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,493,655
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	8,013	26,809
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(5,413)	(26,554)
Effect of foreign currency and other	6,568	2,898
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	6,086	3,153
Goodwill, ending balance		1,493,655	1,490,502
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,499,741	1,493,655
Amortization of intangibles	17,871	20,444	22,638
Cemetery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	305,426	305,838
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	305,426
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	1,215	(151)
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(224)	(270)
Effect of foreign currency and other	0	9
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	814	(412)
Goodwill, ending balance		305,426	305,838
Goodwill, net, ending balance	306,240	305,426
Amortization of intangibles	$ 9,696	$ 10,438	$ 8,746
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	40 years
Maximum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	40 years

Income Taxes Income Taxes Detai

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 1 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

[1]

Sep. 30, 2017

[1]

Jun. 30, 2017

[1]

Mar. 31, 2017

[1]

Dec. 31, 2016

[1]

Sep. 30, 2016

[1]

Jun. 30, 2016

[1]

Mar. 31, 2016

[1]

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Dec. 31, 2015

Income Taxes [Abstract]

United States

$ 347,680

$ 287,946

$ 331,622

Foreign

52,578

38,712

38,729

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$ 133,636

$ 66,578

$ 101,518

$ 98,526

$ 139,289

$ 74,963

$ 32,639

$ 79,767

$ 400,258

$ 326,658

$ 370,351

[1]

Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, as described in Note 16.

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det55

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current: United States									$ 154,128	$ 113,629	$ 94,502
Current: Foreign									12,187	12,084	9,270
Current: State									4,934	16,150	13,207
Total current income taxes									171,249	141,863	116,979
Deferred: United States									(314,389)	(19,496)	15,918
Deferred: Foreign									618	22,708	(878)
Deferred: State									(4,067)	4,278	3,008
Provision for deferred income taxes									(317,838)	7,490	18,048
Provision for income taxes	$ 113,759	$ (10,437)	$ (32,956)	$ 76,223	$ (72,872)	$ (27,422)	$ (16,746)	$ (32,313)	(146,589)	149,353	135,027
Income Taxes Paid									170,200	115,000	105,400
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds									$ 3,400	$ 2,400	$ 1,900

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det56

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate									$ 140,090	$ 114,331	$ 129,623
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits									8,216	13,279	10,542
Foreign jurisdiction differences									(6,782)	(2,557)	(5,183)
Permanent differences associated with dispositions									1,925	9,267	2,909
Changes in uncertain tax positions									(105,821)	5,669	4,046
Foreign Valuation Allowance, Amount									1,186	15,850	0
Enactment of US Tax Reform									(146,160)	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation									(18,521)	0	0
Other									(20,722)	(6,486)	(6,910)
Provision for income taxes	$ 113,759	$ (10,437)	$ (32,956)	$ 76,223	$ (72,872)	$ (27,422)	$ (16,746)	$ (32,313)	$ (146,589)	$ 149,353	$ 135,027
Total effective tax rate									(36.60%)	45.70%	36.50%

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det57

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Inventories and cemetery property	$ (222,431)	$ (335,795)
Property and equipment	(109,631)	(149,450)
Intangibles	(194,159)	(294,251)
Other	(4,902)	(6,980)
Deferred tax liabilities	(531,123)	(786,476)
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	170,979	157,795
Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts	155,679	223,174
Accrued liabilities	62,727	84,230
Deferred tax assets	389,385	465,199
Less: Valuation allowance	(141,154)	(132,500)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (282,892)	$ (453,777)

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det58

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 5 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Non-current deferred tax assets	$ 873	$ 861
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	(283,765)	(454,638)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (282,892)	$ (453,777)

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det59

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 6 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 178,326	$ 182,545	$ 191,680
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years			(12,370)
Additions to tax positions related to the current year			3,235
Reductions to tax positions as a result of audit settlement	30,333
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years	(68,538)	(4,219)
Ending Balance	79,455	178,326	182,545
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	79,500	161,800	157,200
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	11,100	57,300	51,600
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	$ 46,200	$ 5,700	$ 4,000

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det60

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 7 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	$ 108,312
Year Two	127,914
Year Three	176,591
Year Four	158,672
Thereafter	3,239,757
Operating Loss Carryforwards	3,811,246
Loss Carry Forwards, Unexpiring	58,400
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	170,979	$ 157,795
Valuation allowance	141,154	$ 132,500
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	0
Year Two	0
Year Three	0
Year Four	0
Thereafter	0
Operating Loss Carryforwards	0
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	0
Valuation allowance	0
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	108,312
Year Two	127,914
Year Three	176,591
Year Four	158,672
Thereafter	3,232,606
Operating Loss Carryforwards	3,804,095
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	3,200
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	150,031
Valuation allowance	104,637
Foreign
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	0
Year Two	0
Year Three	0
Year Four	0
Thereafter	7,151
Operating Loss Carryforwards	7,151
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	20,948
Valuation allowance	$ 36,517

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det61

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details (Tax Reform) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%	35.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount		$ 22.2
Foreign Earnings Repatriated		195.1
Estimated Tax Reform Repatriation Liability		$ 10

Debt Level 4 (Details)

Debt Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations	$ 51,106	$ 33,119	$ 28,601
Senior Notes	550,000	0
Repayments of Debt	1,600,000	911,500
Repayments of Long-term Debt	468,973	36,414	160,220
Repayments of Other Debt	200
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	(274)	(22,503)	(6,918)
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent		0
Bank credit facility	1,000,000
Total debt	3,472,653	3,286,590
Current maturities of long-term debt	(337,337)	(89,974)
Less current maturities	337,337	89,974
Total long-term debt	$ 3,135,316	$ 3,196,616
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.73%	4.68%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	75.00%	63.00%
Next Twelve Months	$ 342,786
Year Two	64,665
Year Three	270,423
Year Four	216,731
Year Five	976,331
After Year Five	1,632,332
Long-term Debt, Gross	3,503,268
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	33,300			$ 100,000
Interest Paid	160,843	$ 156,950	$ 164,748
Payments in 2018	160,076
Payments in 2019	144,948
Payments in 2020	143,879
Payments in 2021	133,972
Payments in 2022	92,235
Payments in 2023 and thereafter	264,398
Cash Interest Payments Expected Payments Total	939,508
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(38,071)	(32,984)
Bank Credit Agreement	1,700,000
Term Loan, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	700,000
June 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	295,000
July 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	310,000
Bank credit facility	0	350,000
December 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent	675,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	280,000
Bank Credit Facility due March 2021 [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	470,000
Bank credit facility	0	350,000
Bank Credit Facility due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	442,500
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized pricing discounts and other	7,456	8,313
Unsecured Debt [Member] | October 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | November 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000	200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | November 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	150,000	150,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | January 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	425,000	425,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000	200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | May 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000	850,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Obligations under capital leases	197,232	208,758
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2047	$ 6,036	$ 3,753

Debt Debt, Textuals (Details)

Debt Debt, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 12, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.73%	4.68%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	75.00%	63.00%
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent		$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 1,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 33,300				$ 100,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	966,700
Principal payments on capital leases	51,106	33,119	$ 28,601
Repayments of Other Debt	200
Repayments of Debt	1,600,000	911,500
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	274	22,503	6,918
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	54,087	41,609	$ 55,941
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Finance Receivables Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	3,700	4,700
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position	1,200	1,400
Senior Notes	550,000	0
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	3,440,052	3,240,560
Bank Credit Agreement	1,700,000
Term Loan, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	700,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Net	12,900
Borrowings on Bank Credit Facility	562,500
July 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0	350,000
Repayments of Debt	310,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	280,000
June 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	295,000
March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent	0	673,750
Repayments of Debt	647,500
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	26,300
Bank Credit Facility due March 2021 [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0	350,000
Repayments of Debt	470,000
Bank Credit Facility due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	442,500
Unsecured Debt [Member] | October 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | May 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000	200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | November 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	150,000	150,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 200,000	$ 200,000
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings on Bank Credit Facility				$ 175,000

Credit Risk and Fair Value of64

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank credit facility	$ 1,000,000
Notes Payable	6,036	$ 3,753
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	3,440,052	3,240,560
May 2024 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	892,118	884,000
October 2018 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	259,563	272,353
November 2020 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	199,590	205,000
November 2021 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	175,313	175,500
January 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	436,178	444,614
April 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	238,004	231,590
July 2018 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank credit facility	0	350,000
Term Loan	0	673,750
March 2021 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Term Loan	675,000	0
December 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 558,250	$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies65

Commitments and Contingencies Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 30,500	$ 31,900	$ 33,300
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	13,683
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	10,889
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	9,461
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	8,404
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	7,739
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	59,473
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	109,649
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	58,678
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years	30,528
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years	36,344
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years	32,690
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years	11,044
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	27,948
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	197,232
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	(30,694)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments	166,538
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	7,438
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	6,446
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	4,461
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	3,078
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	2,132
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	4,232
Agreements, Future Payments Due	27,787
Self Insurance Reserve	78,200	$ 78,000
Employment Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	1,796
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	1,257
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	609
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	307
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	51
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	0
Agreements, Future Payments Due	4,020
Consulting Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	412
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	367
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	258
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	217
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	146
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	255
Agreements, Future Payments Due	1,655
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	5,230
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	4,822
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	3,594
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	2,554
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	1,935
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	3,977
Agreements, Future Payments Due	$ 22,112
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Management, consulting and non-compete agreement term	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Management, consulting and non-compete agreement term	10 years

Equity Level 4 (Details)

Equity Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	429,859	6,210,606	8,811,847
Common stock, par or stated value per share		$ 1	$ 1
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 1
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 41,943	$ 16,492
Other comprehensive income attributable to parent		25,462	$ 10,331	$ (53,283)
Balance at end of period		41,943	16,492
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 16,700	$ 199,600	$ 227,900
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 38.83	$ 32.14	$ 25.87
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 41,943	$ 16,492	$ 6,164	59,414
Other comprehensive income attributable to parent		25,451	10,328	(53,250)
Decrease in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes		0		0
Reclassification of net unrealized loss activity		0	0	0
Balance at end of period		41,943	16,492	6,164
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income attributable to parent		0	0	0
Decrease in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes		243,677,000	120,573,288	(85,140)
Reclassification of net unrealized loss activity		(243,677,000)	(120,573,288)	85,140
Balance at end of period		0	0	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 41,943	16,492	6,164	59,414
Other comprehensive income attributable to parent		25,451	10,328	(53,250)
Decrease in net unrealized gains associated with available-for-sale securities of the trusts, net of taxes		243,677,000	120,573,288	(85,140)
Reclassification of net unrealized loss activity		(243,677,000)	(120,573,288)	85,140
Balance at end of period		$ 41,943	$ 16,492	$ 6,164

Equity Textuals (Details)

Equity Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 13, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		$ 4,580	$ 1,961	$ 2,075
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		1,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized		500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued		191,935,647	195,403,644
Common stock, shares outstanding		186,614,747	189,405,244
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	429,859	6,210,606	8,811,847
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 16,700	$ 199,600	$ 227,900
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 38.83	$ 32.14	$ 25.87
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 400,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 168,600
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.17	$ 0.58	$ 0.51	$ 0.44
Payments of Dividends, Common Stock		$ 108,750	$ 98,418	$ 87,570

Share-Based Compensation Leve68

Share-Based Compensation Level 4 (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 14,788,000	$ 14,056,000	$ 13,843,000
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income	$ 5,416,000	$ 6,427,000	$ 5,068,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Exercised	0	0	(122,000)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				9,520,299
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 19.77
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				6,190,827
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 16.64
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 5
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 10
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				725,074
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 9.09
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				725,074
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 9.09
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 10.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 15
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				938,630
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 11.18
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				938,630
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 11.18
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 15.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 20
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				2,757,306
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 8 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 16.56
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				2,757,306
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 16.56
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 20.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 25
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				3,580,379
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 22.63
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				1,769,817
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 22.75
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				1,518,910
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 29.25
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 0
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	2.00%	2.00%	1.80%
Expected volatility	19.00%	19.70%	23.30%
Risk-free interest rate	1.60%	1.00%	1.30%
Expected holding period	4 years	4 years	4 years
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 6,900,000	$ 7,600,000	$ 7,900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period	10,775,136
Options outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 16.49
Granted	1,524,860
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 29.25
Exercised	(2,759,309)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 12.18
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	(20,388)
Cancelled, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 24.59
Options outstanding at end of period	9,520,299	10,775,136
Options outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 19.77	$ 16.49
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011	10,775,136	10,775,136		9,520,299
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 16.49	$ 16.49		$ 19.77
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number				6,190,827
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 16.64
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 5,600,000	$ 5,600,000	$ 5,900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	500,744
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 21.48
Granted	208,933
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 29.28	$ 22.28	$ 23
Vested	(265,733)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 20.56
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	441,811	500,744
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 25.70	$ 21.48
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 5,500,000	$ 5,700,000	$ 6,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(2,133)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 25.04
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	$ 4,500,000	3,200,000	$ 4,900,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 2,000,000	$ 800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	123,510
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 25.72
Granted	95,780
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 27.94	$ 25.72
Vested	(48,136)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 25.86
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	167,030	123,510
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 26.92	$ 25.72
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 1,200,000	$ 50,200
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(4,124)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 27.01
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	$ 600,000	$ 0

Share-Based Compensation Share-

Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Vesting rate	33.33%
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	10,125,235	12,171,075
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 167,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		$ 128,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 3.90	$ 4.01	$ 3.79
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 7,425	$ 7,690	$ 7,973
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	56,946	37,284	52,513
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	33,611	17,662	31,809
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 14,788	14,056	13,843
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Shares Issued	340,510
2016 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	13,404,404
Long Term Incentive 1996 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	44,000,000
Director Fee Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	63,894
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period	20,388
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 6,900	7,600	7,900
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 7,100
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 3 months 18 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 5,600	5,600	$ 5,900
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 6,300
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 2,000	$ 800
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 3,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 5
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	10
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	10.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	15
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	15.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	20
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	20.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 25

Retirement Plans Retirement P70

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculation, Description	0.5
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	$ 1,067	$ 1,179	$ 1,198
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	879	259	(1,327)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	1,946	1,438	(129)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	30,078	32,305
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	1,067	1,179	1,198
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	879	259
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	3,343	3,665
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	28,681	30,078	32,305
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	3,343	3,665
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(28,681)	(30,078)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	28,681	30,078
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Current	(3,265)	(3,448)
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent	(25,416)	(26,630)
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan	(28,681)	(30,078)
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Retirement Benefits Covered by Insurance Contract, Amount	46,500	47,500
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance, Retirement Plans	$ 36,400	$ 37,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	3.41%	3.76%	3.86%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.86%	3.96%	2.47%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	0.00%
Year One	$ 3,265
Year Two	3,192
Year Three	2,760
Year Four	2,447
Year Five	2,369
Years 2023 through 2027	9,379
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	33,200	$ 32,500	$ 30,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	$ 3,343	$ 3,665

Segment Reporting Level 4 (Deta

Segment Reporting Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers																	$ 3,095,031	$ 3,031,137	$ 2,986,041
Interest expense																	(169,125)	(162,093)	(172,897)
Depreciation and amortization																	153,141	147,233	141,456
Depreciation and amortization																	153,141	147,233	141,456
Amortization of intangibles																	27,650	30,956	31,459
Amortization of cemetery property																	68,102	66,745	62,407
Total assets	$ 12,864,503								$ 12,038,149								12,864,503	12,038,149
Capital expenditures																	214,501	193,446	150,986
Gross profits from reportable segments	211,877		$ 149,702		$ 183,445		$ 177,165		210,777		$ 140,745		$ 161,989		$ 162,923		722,189	676,434	674,589
General and administrative expenses																	(154,423)	(137,730)	(130,813)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																	7,015	(26,819)	6,522
Operating income	176,937		109,056		143,608		139,596		179,329		114,386		94,498		123,672		569,197	511,885	550,298
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net																	(274)	(22,503)	(6,918)
Other income (expense), net																	460	(631)	(132)
Income before income taxes	133,636	[1]	$ 66,578	[1]	$ 101,518	[1]	$ 98,526	[1]	139,289	[1]	$ 74,963	[1]	$ 32,639	[1]	$ 79,767	[1]	$ 400,258	$ 326,658	370,351
Long-lived assets																	6,072,198	5,971,123
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers																	$ 2,889,463	$ 2,848,876	2,805,407
Interest expense																	(168,956)	(162,341)	(172,697)
Depreciation and amortization																	143,932	138,560	132,393
Amortization of intangibles																	27,092	30,427	30,856
Amortization of cemetery property																	61,307	61,449	58,429
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																	61	(27,658)	1,778
Operating income																	$ 500,919	$ 460,387	498,634
Long-lived assets																	5,786,063	5,705,070
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers																	$ 205,568	$ 182,261	180,634
Interest expense																	(169)	(248)	(200)
Depreciation and amortization																	9,209	8,673	9,063
Amortization of intangibles																	558	529	603
Amortization of cemetery property																	6,795	5,296	3,978
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																	6,954	839	4,744
Operating income																	$ 68,278	$ 51,498	51,664
Long-lived assets																	286,135	266,053
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization																	$ 153,141
Amortization of intangibles																	27,650
Amortization of cemetery property																	68,102
Total assets	12,864,503																12,864,503
Capital expenditures																	214,501
Gross profits from reportable segments																	722,189
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers																	1,868,152	$ 1,869,111	1,889,055
Interest expense																	(3,986)	(3,906)	(4,230)
Depreciation and amortization																	109,965	106,602	103,272
Amortization of intangibles																	17,871	20,444	22,638
Amortization of cemetery property																	0	0	0
Total assets	5,393,205								5,158,700								5,393,205	5,158,700
Capital expenditures																	83,241	68,666	53,422
Gross profits from reportable segments																	371,853	361,022	390,101
Cemetery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers																	1,226,879	1,162,026	1,096,986
Interest expense																	(401)	(105)	(450)
Depreciation and amortization																	32,815	31,081	29,448
Amortization of intangibles																	9,696	10,438	8,746
Amortization of cemetery property																	68,102	66,745	62,407
Total assets	6,946,351								6,481,761								6,946,351	6,481,761
Capital expenditures																	118,699	113,163	83,803
Gross profits from reportable segments																	350,336	315,412	284,488
Corporate Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers																	0	0	0
Interest expense																	(164,738)	(158,082)	(168,217)
Depreciation and amortization																	10,361	9,550	8,736
Amortization of intangibles																	83	74	75
Amortization of cemetery property																	0	0	0
Total assets	$ 524,947								397,688								524,947	397,688
Capital expenditures																	12,561	11,617	13,761
Gross profits from reportable segments																	$ 0	0	0
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers																		3,031,137	2,986,041
Interest expense																		(162,093)	(172,897)
Depreciation and amortization																		147,233	141,456
Amortization of intangibles																		30,956	31,459
Amortization of cemetery property																		66,745	62,407
Total assets									$ 12,038,149									12,038,149
Capital expenditures																		193,446	150,986
Gross profits from reportable segments																		$ 676,434	$ 674,589
[1]	Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, as described in Note 16.

Supplementary Information Lev72

Supplementary Information Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$ 260,281	$ 146,684
Commercial paper and temporary investments	69,758	48,302
Cash and cash equivalents	330,039	194,986	$ 134,599	$ 177,335
Receivables, net:
Notes receivable	1,605	1,259
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	245	1,514
Other	27,607	32,514
Receivables, net	90,304	98,455
Other current assets:
Income tax receivable	8,576	3,609
Prepaid insurance	4,419	4,437
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	8,625	11,978
Other Assets, Current	13,955	14,500
Other	35,575	34,524
Cemetery Property, Undeveloped Land	1,181,920	1,184,710
Cemetery Property, Developed	610,069	592,225
Cemetery property, at cost	1,791,989	1,776,935
Land	605,735	595,096
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	1,996,123	1,879,553
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	557,278	549,879
Leasehold Improvements, Gross	34,607	33,900
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	254,260	234,411
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,448,003	3,292,839
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	(1,430,695)	(1,328,262)
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other, Accumulated Depreciation	(144,264)	(136,990)
Property and equipment, net	1,873,044	1,827,587
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	374,099	368,065
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	1,937	4,542
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	873	861
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	9,624	9,598
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Noncurrent	10,946	11,334
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	75,157	64,635
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	139,494	119,819
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Accounts payable	173,685	155,802
Accrued compensation	95,233	88,392
Interest Payable, Current	30,415	27,991
Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current	10,541	12,883
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	78,227	77,993
Bank Overdrafts	27,243	20,927
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	73,828	55,948
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	489,172	439,936
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent	25,416	26,630
Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent	120,782	105,013
Customer Funds	51,767	52,068
Tax liability	111,000	235,625
Payable to ECF	83,015	77,148
Other Assets, Noncurrent	19,002	13,838
Total merchandise revenues	1,588,632	1,524,218	1,457,516
Total services revenues	1,356,665	1,345,528	1,363,445
Other revenues	149,734	161,391	165,080
Total revenues	3,095,031	3,031,137	2,986,041
Total cost of merchandise	794,725	776,411	748,276
Total cost of services	729,204	733,690	729,348
Overhead and other expenses	848,913	844,602	833,828
Total costs and expenses	2,372,842	2,354,703	2,311,452
Deferred charges and other assets	601,184	567,520
Other liabilities	410,982	510,322
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	$ 223	$ 1,435	$ 5,571
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period	0	0	122
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	0	0	(122)
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	$ 54,087	$ 41,609	$ 55,941
Funeral [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	44,536	46,917
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	1,845	1,881
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Total merchandise revenues	619,804	611,440	608,266
Total services revenues	1,129,510	1,126,703	1,146,205
Total revenues	1,868,152	1,869,111	1,889,055
Total cost of merchandise	282,048	287,414	290,663
Total cost of services	621,102	627,156	624,310
Cemetery [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	16,556	17,765
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Total merchandise revenues	968,828	912,778	849,250
Total services revenues	227,155	218,825	217,240
Total revenues	1,226,879	1,162,026	1,096,986
Total cost of merchandise	512,677	488,997	457,613
Total cost of services	$ 108,102	$ 106,534	$ 105,038

Earnings Per Share Level 4 (Det

Earnings Per Share Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, basic																	$ 546,663	$ 177,038	$ 234,162
Income from continuing operations — diluted																	546,715	177,081	234,212
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 247,316		$ 56,164		$ 68,481		$ 174,702		$ 66,246		$ 47,727		$ 15,620		$ 47,445		546,663	177,038	233,772
After tax interest on convertible debt																	52	43	50
Income from discontinued operations, net																	0	0	(390)
Net income — diluted																	$ 546,715	$ 177,081	$ 233,822
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares — basic																	187,630	193,086	200,356
Convertible debt																	121	121	121
Weighted average shares — diluted																	192,246	196,042	204,450
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 1.32	[1]	$ 0.30	[1]	$ 0.37	[1]	$ 0.93	[1]	$ 0.35	[1]	$ 0.25	[1]	$ 0.08	[1]	$ 0.24	[1]	$ 2.91	$ 0.92	$ 1.17
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 1.29	[1]	$ 0.29	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 0.91	[1]	$ 0.34	[1]	$ 0.24	[1]	$ 0.08	[1]	$ 0.24	[1]	$ 2.84	0.90	1.14
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, per share, basic																		0.92	1.17
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders, per share, diluted																		$ 0.90	$ 1.14
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount																	911,000	982,000	3,000
Stock Options [Member]
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Share based compensation																	4,396	2,823	3,973
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Share based compensation																	99	12	0
[1]	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Acquisition Acquisition, Textua

Acquisition Acquisition, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisition Spend	$ 76.2	$ 72.9	$ 68.9
Payments for (Proceeds from) Delayed Tax Exempt Exchange	$ 26	$ 3.7	$ 27.7

Divestiture Related Activitie75

Divestiture Related Activities Divestitiure Related Activities Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
(Losses) gains on divestitures	$ 29,053	$ 7,829	$ 13,363
Impairment losses	(22,038)	(34,648)	(6,841)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net	7,015	(26,819)	6,522
Income from discontinued operations, net	$ 0	$ 0	$ (390)

Quarterly Financial Data Quar76

Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Sep. 30, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016		Mar. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 812,733		$ 731,346		$ 773,242		$ 777,710		$ 809,053		$ 721,467		$ 751,398		$ 749,219		$ 3,095,031	$ 3,031,137	$ 2,986,041
Costs and expenses	(600,856)		(581,644)		(589,797)		(600,545)		(598,276)		(580,722)		(589,409)		(586,296)		(2,372,842)	(2,354,703)	(2,311,452)
Gross profits	211,877		149,702		183,445		177,165		210,777		140,745		161,989		162,923		722,189	676,434	674,589
Operating income	176,937		109,056		143,608		139,596		179,329		114,386		94,498		123,672		569,197	511,885	550,298
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	133,636	[1]	66,578	[1]	101,518	[1]	98,526	[1]	139,289	[1]	74,963	[1]	32,639	[1]	79,767	[1]	400,258	326,658	370,351
Provision for income taxes	113,759		(10,437)		(32,956)		76,223		(72,872)		(27,422)		(16,746)		(32,313)		(146,589)	149,353	135,027
Net income from continuing operations																	546,847	177,305	235,324
Net loss from discontinued operations, net of tax																	0	0	(390)
Net income	247,395		56,141		68,562		174,749		66,417		47,541		15,893		47,454		546,847	177,305	234,934
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(79)		23		(81)		(47)		(171)		186		(273)		(9)		(184)	(267)	(1,162)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 247,316		$ 56,164		$ 68,481		$ 174,702		$ 66,246		$ 47,727		$ 15,620		$ 47,445		$ 546,663	$ 177,038	$ 233,772
Basic — EPS	$ 1.32	[2]	$ 0.30	[2]	$ 0.37	[2]	$ 0.93	[2]	$ 0.35	[2]	$ 0.25	[2]	$ 0.08	[2]	$ 0.24	[2]	$ 2.91	$ 0.92	$ 1.17
Earnings per share, diluted	$ 1.29	[2]	$ 0.29	[2]	$ 0.36	[2]	$ 0.91	[2]	$ 0.34	[2]	$ 0.24	[2]	$ 0.08	[2]	$ 0.24	[2]	$ 2.84	$ 0.90	$ 1.14
[1]	Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, as described in Note 16.
[2]	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Schedule II Valuation and Qua77

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Account Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Account Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Current [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	$ (3,395)	$ (5,496)	$ (8,546)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	9,980	10,776	6,083
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(11,285)	(12,877)	(9,133)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(2,090)	(3,395)	(5,496)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Noncurrent [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(11,334)	(11,334)	(11,259)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(388)	0	(75)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(10,946)	(11,334)	(11,334)
Asset Allowance for Cancellation, Preneed Funeral and Preneed Cemetery [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(104,740)	(105,773)	(107,040)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	1,105	1,411	5,016
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(1,904)	(2,444)	(6,283)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(107,749)	(104,740)	(105,773)
Revenue Allowance for Cancellation, Deferred Preneed Funeral and Cemetery [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(116,913)	(121,548)	(125,030)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(1,186)	(4,635)	(3,482)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(118,099)	(116,913)	(121,548)
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(132,500)	(126,654)	(134,201)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	8,035	6,336	5,988
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(619)	(490)	(1,559)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	$ (141,154)	$ (132,500)	$ (126,654)