Service Corporation International (SCI) 10-Q 31 Jul 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jul. 30, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
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-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		180,359,265

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations [Abstract]
Document Period End Date			Jun. 30, 2018
Revenues	$ 796,092	$ 773,242	$ 1,590,574	$ 1,550,952
Costs and expenses	(607,965)	(589,724)	(1,206,685)	(1,190,195)
Operating profit	188,127	183,518	383,889	360,757
General and administrative expenses	(31,136)	(40,369)	(65,920)	(82,652)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	(6,865)	(753)	(7,347)	(5,688)
Hurricane Expenses, Net of Insurance Proceeds	(1,902)	0	330	0
Operating income	161,954	143,902	325,646	283,793
Interest expense	(44,519)	(42,083)	(88,095)	(82,719)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0	0	(10,131)	0
Other income (expense), net	1,880	(301)	2,264	(1,030)
Income before income taxes	119,315	101,518	229,684	200,044
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(16,034)	(32,956)	(44,355)	43,267
Net Income	103,281	68,562	185,329	243,311
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(42)	(81)	(102)	(128)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 103,239	$ 68,481	$ 185,227	$ 243,183
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 0.57	$ 0.37	$ 1.01	$ 1.29
Basic weighted average number of shares	182,637	187,597	183,877	187,927
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 0.55	$ 0.36	$ 0.98	$ 1.26
Diluted weighted average number of shares	187,188	192,138	188,547	192,511
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.170	$ 0.15	$ 0.34	$ 0.28

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 103,281	$ 68,562	$ 185,329	$ 243,311
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,909)	10,441	(15,501)	13,605
Total comprehensive income	97,372	79,003	169,828	256,916
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(41)	(88)	(98)	(135)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 97,331	$ 78,915	$ 169,730	$ 256,781

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 164,460	$ 330,039
Receivables, net	92,494	90,304
Inventories	26,095	25,378
Other	25,894	35,575
Total current assets	308,943	481,296
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	4,454,346	4,778,842
Cemetery property	1,826,448	1,791,989
Property and equipment, net	1,915,408	1,873,044
Goodwill	1,850,972	1,805,981
Deferred charges and other assets	941,261	601,184
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	1,562,659	1,532,167
Total assets	12,860,037	12,864,503
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	443,153	489,172
Current maturities of long-term debt	95,623	337,337
Income taxes payable	15,107	2,470
Total current liabilities	553,883	828,979
Long-term debt	3,493,669	3,135,316
Deferred revenue, net	1,426,757	1,789,776
Deferred tax liability	367,036	283,765
Other liabilities	390,574	410,982
Deferred receipts held in trust	3,594,222	3,475,430
Care trusts’ corpus	1,557,499	1,530,818
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Equity:
Common stock, $1 per share par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 192,625,361 and 191,935,647 shares issued, respectively, and 181,237,989 and 186,614,747 shares outstanding, respectively	181,238	186,615
Capital in excess of par value	954,128	970,468
Retained earnings	314,669	210,364
Accumulated other comprehensive income	26,217	41,943
Total common stockholders’ equity	1,476,252	1,409,390
Noncontrolling interests	145	47
Total equity	1,476,397	1,409,437
Total liabilities and equity	$ 12,860,037	$ 12,864,503

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	192,428,122	191,935,647
Common stock, shares outstanding	184,011,668	186,614,747

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat6

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 185,329	$ 243,311
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	(10,131)	0
Depreciation and amortization	78,069	75,455
Amortization of intangibles	13,645	14,051
Amortization of cemetery property	29,813	30,596
Amortization of loan costs	3,017	2,881
Provision for doubtful accounts	4,494	4,544
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes	22,011	(153,112)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	(7,347)	(5,688)
Gain on sale of investments	(2,636)	0
Share-based compensation	7,544	7,645
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
Decrease in receivables	965	20,441
Increase in other assets	(10,635)	(7,815)
(Decrease) increase in payables and other liabilities	(37,817)	14,815
Effect of preneed production and maturities:
Increase in preneed receivables, net and trust investments	(23,494)	(64,860)
Increase in deferred revenue, net	56,342	36,345
(Decrease) increase in deferred receipts held in trust	(14,055)	3,880
Net cash provided by operating activities	315,376	222,489
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(102,890)	(85,324)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(167,622)	(46,373)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	18,305	25,329
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	2,900
Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies	(11,733)	(3,180)
Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies	2,810	2,591
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	14,525	(175)
Net cash used in investing activities	(272,755)	(106,782)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	370,000	110,000
Scheduled payments of debt	(8,631)	(17,570)
Early payments of debt	(259,590)	0
Principal payments on capital leases	19,270	30,419
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	7,302	20,601
Purchase of Company common stock	(228,866)	(120,064)
Payments of dividends	(62,241)	(52,529)
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	0	4,580
Bank overdrafts and other	(8,820)	(2,065)
Net cash used in financing activities	(210,116)	(96,626)
Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,133)	4,072
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(169,628)	23,153
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	340,601	$ 211,506
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 170,973

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat7

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity Statement - 6 months ended Jun. 30, 2018 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,409,437	$ 191,936	$ (5,321)	$ 970,468	$ 210,364	$ 41,943	$ 47
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	169,828	0	0	0	185,227	(15,497)	98
Dividends declared on common stock	62,241	0	0	0	(62,241)	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	7,544	0	0	7,544	0	0	0
Stock option exercises	(7,302)	(411)	0	(6,891)	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	178	0	178	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	(228,866)	0	(6,066)	(31,658)	(191,142)	0	0
Other	1,161	100	0	1,061	0	0	0
Balance at end of period at Jun. 30, 2018	1,476,397	$ 192,625	$ (11,387)	$ 954,128	314,669	26,217	$ 145
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 172,232				$ 172,461	$ (229)

Unaudited Condensed Consolidat8

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.170	$ 0.15	$ 0.34	$ 0.28

Nature of Operations (Notes)

Nature of Operations (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
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 (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Our financial statements also include the accounts of the merchandise and service trusts and cemetery perpetual care trusts in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary. Our interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments, which management considers necessary for a fair statement of our results for these periods. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner consistent with the accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , unless otherwise disclosed herein, and should be read in conjunction therewith. The accompanying year-end Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year period. Reclassifications 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 except as described below under "Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018" . Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. Funeral and Cemetery Operations Revenue is recognized when control of the performance obligation is transferred to the customer. Our performance obligations include funeral and cemetery merchandise and services and cemetery property internment rights. Control transfers when merchandise is delivered or services are performed. For cemetery property interment rights, control transfers to the customer when construction is complete and the property is available for use. Once the property is constructed, the customer has obtained substantially all of the remaining benefits of the property. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis in our condensed 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. There is no general right of return for delivered items. Total consideration received for price guaranteed preneed contracts with customers represents the stated amount of the contract excluding any amounts collected on behalf of third-parties, such as sales taxes. The total consideration received for contracts with customers is allocated to each performance obligation based on relative selling price. Relative selling prices are determined by either the amount we sell the performance obligation for on a stand-alone basis or our best estimate of the amount we would sell it for based on an adjusted market assessment approach that is consistent with our historical pricing practices. Payment on atneed contracts is generally due at the time the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. For preneed contracts, payment generally occurs prior to our fulfillment of the performance obligations. Our preneed contracts may also have extended payment terms with associated financing charges. 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, net into Deferred receipts held in trust . Amounts are withdrawn from the merchandise and service trusts when we fulfill the performance obligations. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in total consideration. We defer these investment earnings related to the 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, 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. However, some states allow a total return distribution that may contain elements of income, capital appreciation, and principal. Costs related to delivery or performance of merchandise and services are charged to expense when merchandise is delivered or services are performed. Costs related to property interment rights include the property and construction costs specifically identified by each project. Property and construction costs are charged to expense when the revenue is recognized by specific identification in the performance of a contract. Incremental direct selling costs are deferred and recognized when the associated performance obligation is fulfilled based on specific identification in the fulfillment of a contract. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred. As of June 30, 2018 , we had $281.2 million in deferred incremental direct selling costs included in Deferred charges and other assets. These deferred costs are classified as long-term on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet because we do not control the timing of the delivery of the merchandise or performance of the services as they are generally provided at the time of need. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , we recognized $6.7 million and $14.0 million , respectively, from deferred incremental direct selling costs. Insurance-funded preneed contracts Not included in our Condensed 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, we may sell 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 preneed purchaser and third-party insurance provider is completed. All selling costs incurred pursuant to the sale of insurance-funded preneed contracts are expensed as incurred. We do not reflect the unfulfilled insurance-funded preneed contract amounts in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The proceeds of the life insurance policies or annuity contracts will be reflected in funeral revenue as we perform these funerals. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash The components of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 164,460 $ 330,039 Restricted cash (1) : Included in Other current assets 4,575 8,625 Included in Deferred charges and other assets 1,938 1,937 Total restricted cash 6,513 10,562 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 170,973 $ 340,601 (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. Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018 Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", which replaced 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 also resulted in enhanced revenue-related disclosures, including any significant judgments and changes in judgments. Additionally, the new standard requires the deferral of incremental direct selling costs to the period in which the related revenue is recognized. 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 direct selling costs will be deferred and recognized by specific identification to the delivery of the underlying goods and services. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach applied to all contracts that were not completed at adoption based on the contract terms in existence at adoption. As a result of the adoption, we recorded a $172.2 million increase to Retained earnings , which comprises a $268.0 million increase to Deferred charges and other assets partially offset by a $38.0 million increase to Deferred revenue, net and a $57.8 million increase to Deferred tax liability .We made the enhanced revenue-related disclosures in Footnotes 2, 3, and 8 of this Form 10-Q. Additionally, the amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts are required to be presented with Deferred revenue, net, instead of as Preneed receivables, net and trust investments on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, we reclassified $551.1 million of these amounts from Preneed receivables, net and trust investments to Deferred revenue, net . As a result of this reclassification, we eliminated our previous cancellation reserve on these performance obligations. 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 unaudited Condensed 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 at the time of need. The impact of adopting the new guidance on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 As Reported Effect of New Guidance Without New Guidance As Reported Effect of New Guidance Without New Guidance (in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 796,092 $ 461 $ 796,553 $ 1,590,574 $ 1,018 $ 1,591,592 Costs and expenses (607,965 ) (6,685 ) (614,650 ) (1,206,685 ) (13,952 ) (1,220,637 ) Operating profit (loss) 188,127 (6,224 ) 181,903 383,889 (12,934 ) 370,955 General and administrative expenses (31,136 ) (31,136 ) (65,920 ) — (65,920 ) Gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net 6,865 — 6,865 7,347 — 7,347 Hurricane recoveries, net (1,902 ) — (1,902 ) 330 — 330 Operating income (loss) 161,954 (6,224 ) 155,730 325,646 (12,934 ) 312,712 Interest expense (44,519 ) (44,519 ) (88,095 ) — (88,095 ) Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, net — — — (10,131 ) — (10,131 ) Other income, net 1,880 — 1,880 2,264 — 2,264 Income (loss) before income taxes 119,315 (6,224 ) 113,091 229,684 (12,934 ) 216,750 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes (16,034 ) 772 (15,262 ) (44,355 ) 2,496 (41,859 ) Net income (loss) 103,281 (5,452 ) 97,829 185,329 (10,438 ) 174,891 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (42 ) — (42 ) (102 ) — (102 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 103,239 $ (5,452 ) $ 97,787 $ 185,227 $ (10,438 ) $ 174,789 Earnings per share (1) Basic $ 0.57 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.54 $ 1.01 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.95 Diluted $ 0.55 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.52 $ 0.98 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.93 (1) Net income per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the first two columns' earnings per share may not equal the Without New Guidance column. 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 reflects changes in restricted cash in addition to cash and cash equivalents. Amended guidance includes clarification on debt prepayments and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration in business combinations, proceeds from insurance claims, and premium payments on Company-owned life insurance. We adopted the new guidance retrospectively on January 1, 2018. As a result, we have recast our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as follows: As Previously Reported Effect of New Guidance As Recast (in thousands) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 224,223 $ (1,734 ) $ 222,489 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (85,324 ) — (85,324 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (24,044 ) (22,329 ) (46,373 ) Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment 7,431 17,898 25,329 Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies — (3,180 ) (3,180 ) Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies — 2,591 2,591 Other 175 — 175 Net cash used in investing activities (101,762 ) (5,020 ) (106,782 ) Net cash used in financing activities (96,626 ) — (96,626 ) Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 4,068 4 4,072 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 29,903 (6,750 ) 23,153 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 194,986 16,520 211,506 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 224,889 $ 9,770 234,659 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 unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and applied the practical expedient of reclassifying the amounts disclosed as "total net periodic benefit cost" in Note 11 to our December 31, 2017 Form 10-K from Operating income to Other income (expense), net . For the second quarter of 2017 , we reclassified $73 thousand and $221 thousand from Costs and expenses and General and administrative expenses , respectively, to Other income (expense), net . For the first six months of 2017 we reclassified $147 thousand and $442 thousand from Costs and expenses and General and administrative expenses , respectively, to Other income (expense), net . Financial Instruments In January 2016 and February 2018, 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. For us, 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 amendment also changes the required disclosures associated with equity instruments as a result of the change in presentation. 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 as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 . We made the appropriate disclosure changes in Footnote 3 of this Form 10-Q. 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. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018, which did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB amended "Financial Instruments" to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on debt instruments and other commitments to 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 support 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, January 2018, and July 2018, 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 in the process of reviewing our existing leases, have selected a software solution, and are assessing process changes as a result of the new guidance. 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. The 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 is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows.

Preneed Activities (Notes)

Preneed Activities (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Preneed Activities	3. Preneed Activities Preneed receivables, net and trust investments The components of Preneed receivables, net and trust investments in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables (1) $ 115,406 $ 336,925 Preneed cemetery receivables (1) 839,960 1,118,146 Preneed receivables from customers (1) 955,366 1,455,071 Unearned finance charge (48,608 ) (45,515 ) Allowance for cancellation (1) (47,902 ) (107,749 ) Preneed receivables, net $ 858,856 $ 1,301,807 Trust investments, at market $ 4,896,475 $ 4,749,548 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 261,674 259,654 Trust investments 5,158,149 5,009,202 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,562,659 ) (1,532,167 ) Preneed trust investments $ 3,595,490 $ 3,477,035 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,454,346 $ 4,778,842 (1) Upon adoption of "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018, we reclassified amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts as a reduction in Deferred revenue, net. As a result of this reclassification, we eliminated the allowance for cancellation on these performance obligations. The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with our trusts: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Deposits $ 106,843 $ 106,771 $ 200,112 $ 191,258 Withdrawals $ 114,524 $ 104,641 $ 221,293 $ 197,723 Purchases of securities $ 407,859 $ 387,415 $ 1,007,748 $ 904,571 Sales of securities $ 419,357 $ 738,302 $ 1,035,357 $ 1,227,167 Realized gains (1) $ 87,840 $ 53,493 $ 146,146 $ 105,926 Realized losses (1) $ (17,552 ) $ (18,137 ) $ (29,852 ) $ (44,950 ) (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. The costs and values associated with trust investments recorded at fair value at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are detailed below. Cost reflects the investment (net of redemptions) of control holders in the trusts. Fair value represents the value of the underlying securities held by the trusts. June 30, 2018 Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 53,781 $ 20 $ (569 ) $ 53,232 Canadian government 2 59,109 46 (1,531 ) 57,624 Corporate 2 31,206 255 (329 ) 31,132 Residential mortgage-backed 2 5,213 10 (80 ) 5,143 Asset-backed 2 142 2 (11 ) 133 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 11,519 620 (163 ) 11,976 Common stock: United States 1 1,273,864 236,873 (46,573 ) 1,464,164 Canada 1 31,679 10,887 (973 ) 41,593 Other international 1 83,763 13,044 (3,270 ) 93,537 Mutual funds: Equity 1 709,776 40,605 (12,764 ) 737,617 Fixed income 1 1,175,308 3,647 (45,546 ) 1,133,409 Other 3 16,995 3,200 (1 ) 20,194 Trust investments, at fair value 3,452,355 309,209 (111,810 ) 3,649,754 Commingled funds Fixed income 417,179 23 (16,390 ) 400,812 Equity 225,264 15,694 (238 ) 240,720 Money market funds 331,228 — — 331,228 Private equity 210,305 65,420 (1,764 ) 273,961 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,183,976 81,137 (18,392 ) 1,246,721 Trust investments, at market $ 4,636,331 $ 390,346 $ (130,202 ) $ 4,896,475 December 31, 2017 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 As of June 30, 2018 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity and other investments was $112 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: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 8,533 $ 7,313 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 Net unrealized gain included in Other income (expense), net (1) 264 660 (270 ) 810 Purchases 7 28 7 28 Sales — (77 ) — (77 ) Acquisitions 11,390 — 11,390 — Fair value, ending balance $ 20,194 $ 7,924 $ 20,194 $ 7,924 (1) All net unrealized (losses) gains recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts' corpus . Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2018 to 2077 . Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at June 30, 2018 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 65,392 Due in one to five years 64,107 Due in five to ten years 15,209 Thereafter 2,556 $ 147,264 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments was $52.2 million and $ 45.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments was $97.1 million and $83.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. We have determined that the unrealized losses in our fixed income investments are considered temporary in nature, as the unrealized losses were due to temporary fluctuations in interest rates. 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 credit ratings and the severity and duration of the unrealized losses. Our fixed income investment unrealized losses, their associated values, and the duration of unrealized losses as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, are shown in the following tables: June 30, 2018 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Value Unrealized Losses Value Unrealized Losses Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 25,245 $ (530 ) $ 2,382 $ (39 ) $ 27,627 $ (569 ) Canadian government 9,693 (481 ) 16,233 (1,050 ) 25,926 (1,531 ) Corporate 4,541 (60 ) 5,944 (269 ) 10,485 (329 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,868 (78 ) 99 (2 ) 2,967 (80 ) Asset-backed — — 78 (11 ) 78 (11 ) Total temporarily fixed income impaired securities $ 42,347 $ (1,149 ) $ 24,736 $ (1,371 ) $ 67,083 $ (2,520 ) December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Value Unrealized Losses Value Unrealized Losses 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 ) Total temporarily impaired fixed income securities $ 55,264 $ (797 ) $ 11,154 $ (603 ) $ 66,418 $ (1,400 )

Income Taxes (Notes)

Income Taxes (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure	Income Taxes On December 22, 2017, the U.S. federal government enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“the Tax Act”) which significantly revised U.S. corporate income tax law by, among other things, reducing the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and implementing a modified territorial tax system that includes a one-time transition tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. Due to the complexities involved in accounting for the Tax Act, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) 118 which requires that we include in our financial statements the reasonable estimate of the impact of the Tax Act on earnings to the extent such reasonable estimate has been determined. SAB 118 allows us to report provisional amounts within a measurement period up to one year due to the complexities inherent in adopting the changes. We consider both the recognition of the transition tax and the remeasurement of deferred taxes incomplete. We adjusted our provisional amounts during the six months ended June 30, 2018 by $16.3 million due to the remeasurement of deferred taxes resulting from a change in estimate related to the finalization of the 2017 tax return. Additionally, new guidance from regulators, interpretation of the law, and refinement of our estimates from ongoing analysis of data and tax positions may change the provisional amounts recorded. Any changes in the provisional amount recorded will be reflected in income tax expense in the period identified. Income tax expense during interim periods is based on our estimated annual effective income tax rate plus any discrete items, which are recorded in the period in which they occur. Discrete items include, among others, such events as changes in estimates due to the finalization of tax returns, tax audit settlements, expiration of statutes of limitation, and increases or decreases in valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. Our effective tax rate was 13.4% and 32.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 is primarily due to the decrease in the U.S. federal income tax rate and remeasurement of deferred taxes as a result of a change in estimate in the finalization of the 2017 tax returns. Our effective tax rate was an expense of 19.3% and a benefit of 21.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The higher effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily due to the effects of the 2017 IRS audit settlement, partially offset by the decrease in the U.S. federal income tax rate and remeasurement of deferred taxes as a result of the change in estimate in the finalization of the 2017 tax return. Unrecognized Tax Benefits As of June 30, 2018 , the total amount of our unrecognized tax benefits was $79.5 million and the year -to-date total amount of our accrued interest was $11.9 million . 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. Tax years subsequent to 2005 remain open to review and adjustment by the IRS. In addition, we are under audit by various state jurisdictions for years 2009 through 2017 . There are currently no federal or provincial audits in Canada. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly decrease over the next 12 months as certain tax positions will be released as a result of Statutes closing. 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.

Debt (Notes)

Debt (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure	Debt Debt as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ — $ 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 550,000 550,000 Term Loan due December 2022 666,563 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 370,000 — Obligations under capital leases 199,554 197,232 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 5,845 6,036 Unamortized premiums, net 7,014 7,456 Unamortized debt issuance costs (34,684 ) (38,071 ) Total debt 3,589,292 3,472,653 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (95,623 ) (337,337 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,493,669 $ 3,135,316 Current maturities of debt at June 30, 2018 include amounts due under our Term Loan, mortgage notes and other debt, and capital leases within the next year. Our consolidated debt had a weighted average interest rate of 4.88% and 4.73% at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Approximately 66% and 75% of our total debt had a fixed interest rate at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 , we paid $89.1 million and $79.9 million in cash interest, respectively. Bank Credit Agreement As of June 30, 2018 , we have $370.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Bank Credit Facility due December 2022; $666.6 million of outstanding borrowings under our Term Loan due December 2022; and issued $33.3 million of letters of credit. The bank credit agreement provides us with flexibility for working capital, if needed, and is guaranteed by a majority of our domestic subsidiaries. The subsidiary guaranty is a guaranty of payment of the outstanding amount of the total lending commitment, including letters of credit. The bank credit agreement contains certain financial covenants, including a minimum interest coverage ratio, a maximum leverage ratio, and certain dividend and share repurchase restrictions. As of June 30, 2018 , we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We pay a quarterly fee on the unused commitment, which was 0.25% at June 30, 2018 . As of June 30, 2018 , we have $596.7 million in borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Facility. Debt Issuances and Additions In January 2018, we drew $175.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility to fund the redemption of our 7.625% Senior notes due October 2018. In March 2018, we drew $10.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility to make required payments on our Term Loan due December 2022. In June 2018, we drew $185.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility to fund acquisition activity, to make required payments on our Term Loan due December 2027 and for general corporate purposes. During the six months ended June 30, 2017 , we drew $ 110.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility to make required payments on our Term Loan, to fund our IRS settlement payments, and for general corporate purposes. Debt Extinguishments and Reductions During the six months ended June 30, 2018 , we made aggregate debt payments of $268.2 million for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $250 million in aggregate principal of our 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018; • $9.6 million in call premium for redemption of the 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018; • $8.4 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due December 2022; and • $0.2 million in other debt. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $ 10.1 million recorded in Losses on early extinguishment of debt in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018 . During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we made aggregate principal debt payments of $17.6 million , including $17.5 million for scheduled payments towards our Term Loan.

Credit Risk and Fair Value of F

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Estimates The fair value estimates of the following financial instruments have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables approximate the fair values of those instruments due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The fair value of receivables on preneed contracts are impracticable to estimate because of the lack of a trading market and the diverse number of individual contracts with varying terms. The fair value of our debt instruments at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ — $ 259,563 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 199,842 199,590 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 165,300 175,313 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 428,612 436,178 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 867,178 892,118 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 222,222 238,004 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 518,562 558,250 Term Loan due December 2022 666,563 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 370,000 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 5,845 6,036 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,444,124 $ 3,440,052 The fair value of our long-term, fixed-rate loans were estimated using market prices for those loans, and therefore are classified within Level 2 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The Term Loan, Bank Credit Facility agreement, and the mortgage notes and other debt are classified within Level 3 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The fair value of these instruments was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements. An increase (decrease) in the inputs results in a directionally opposite change in the fair value of the instruments.

Equity (Notes)

Equity (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure	Equity Share Repurchases Subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions, and limitations in our debt covenants, we may make purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions under our stock repurchase program. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 , we repurchased 6,066,472 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $228.9 million , which is an average cost per share of $37.73 . After these repurchases, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under our share repurchase program was approximately $241.3 million at June 30, 2018 .

Segment Reporting (Notes)

Segment Reporting (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Segment Reporting Our operations are both product-based and geographically-based, and the reportable operating segments presented below include our funeral and cemetery operations. Our geographic areas include the United States and Canada, where we conduct both funeral and cemetery operations. Our reportable segment, including disaggregated revenue, information is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 (1) 2018 2017 (1) (In thousands) Revenue from customers: Funeral revenue: Atneed revenue $ 242,951 $ 249,097 $ 517,357 $ 520,930 Matured preneed revenue 146,021 138,265 311,327 290,062 Core funeral revenue 388,972 387,362 828,684 810,992 Non-funeral home revenue 11,922 11,747 25,715 24,021 Recognized preneed revenue 33,919 30,197 66,379 62,253 Other revenue 33,835 29,568 62,235 60,372 Total funeral revenue 468,648 458,874 983,013 957,638 Cemetery revenue: Atneed revenue 80,940 80,543 163,984 162,117 Recognized preneed property revenue 143,166 134,910 252,106 248,935 Recognized preneed merchandise and services revenue 73,130 73,255 141,493 137,121 Core cemetery revenue 297,236 288,708 557,583 548,173 Other revenue 30,208 25,660 49,978 45,141 Total cemetery revenue 327,444 314,368 607,561 593,314 Total revenue from customers $ 796,092 $ 773,242 $ 1,590,574 $ 1,550,952 Operating profit: Funeral operating profit $ 90,421 $ 92,077 $ 210,876 $ 204,684 Cemetery operating profit 97,706 91,441 173,013 156,073 Operating profit from reportable segments 188,127 183,518 383,889 360,757 General and administrative expenses (31,136 ) (40,369 ) (65,920 ) (82,652 ) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net 6,865 753 7,347 5,688 Hurricane (expenses) recoveries, net (1,902 ) — 330 — Operating income 161,954 143,902 325,646 283,793 Interest expense (44,519 ) (42,083 ) (88,095 ) (82,719 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net — — (10,131 ) — Other income (expense), net 1,880 (301 ) 2,264 (1,030 ) Income before income taxes $ 119,315 $ 101,518 $ 229,684 $ 200,044 (1) The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 have not been adjusted for the impact of our adoption of "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018. Our geographic area information is as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, Revenue from external customers: 2018 $ 750,445 $ 45,647 $ 796,092 2017 (1) $ 728,370 $ 44,872 $ 773,242 Six Months Ended June 30, Revenue from external customers: 2018 $ 1,494,558 $ 96,016 $ 1,590,574 2017 (1) $ 1,455,610 $ 95,342 $ 1,550,952

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	Commitments and Contingencies Insurance Loss Reserves We purchase comprehensive general liability, morticians’ and cemetery professional liability, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation insurance coverage, all of which are 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 June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we have self-insurance reserves of $76.5 million and $78.2 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, Doyle, and Horton lawsuits described below. Given the nature of these lawsuits, we are unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or ranges of loss, if any. 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. In addition, this lawsuit also asserts claims under the California Private Attorney General Act (“PAGA”) provisions on behalf of other similarly situated California persons. 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 plaintiffs' claims, ruling that they did not sue the correct party. Plaintiffs continue to assert claims under PAGA that are not subject to arbitration. 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 the defendants' current and former non-exempt California employees 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. 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. In addition, this lawsuit also asserts claims under PAGA provisions on behalf of other similarly situated California persons. 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. James Doyle, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. SCI Direct, Inc., et al ; Case No. 2:18-cv-05859 in the United States District Court Central District of California, removed from Case No. BC705666; in the Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles. This lawsuit was filed in May 2018 by the same attorneys who filed the Romano case described above and alleges causes of action and seeks damages and relief similar to those in the Romano case. 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 PAGA 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. Claims Regarding 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, Louisiana. 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 appealed the dismissal. Given the nature of this lawsuit, we are unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or ranges of loss, if any. Operational Claims . We are named a defendant in various lawsuits alleging operational claims, including but not limited to the Bernstein lawsuit described below. 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. Given the nature of this lawsuit, we are unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or ranges of loss, if any. Unclaimed Property Audit . We are involved in the following matter. We received notices from a third party auditor 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. Given the nature of this lawsuit, we are unable to reasonably estimate the possible loss or ranges of loss, if any. 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.

Earnings Per Share (Notes)

Earnings Per Share (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	10. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per common share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing Net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common shares that then shared in our earnings. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations is presented below: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income: Net income — basic $ 103,239 $ 68,481 $ 185,227 $ 243,183 After tax interest on convertible debt 15 13 30 25 Net income — diluted $ 103,254 $ 68,494 $ 185,257 $ 243,208 Weighted average shares (denominator): Weighted average shares — basic 182,637 187,597 183,877 187,927 Stock options 4,265 4,333 4,391 4,389 Restricted stock units 165 87 158 74 Convertible debt 121 121 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 187,188 192,138 188,547 192,511 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.57 $ 0.37 $ 1.01 $ 1.29 Diluted $ 0.55 $ 0.36 $ 0.98 $ 1.26 The computation of diluted EPS excludes outstanding stock options in certain periods in which the inclusion of such options would be anti-dilutive in the periods presented. Total options not included in the computation of dilutive EPS are as follows (in shares): Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) (In thousands) Antidilutive options 1,155 1,523 868 1,212

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Re

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Related Activities (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Divestiture-Related Activities [Abstract]
Acquisition Divestiture Related Activity	Divestiture-Related Activities Acquisitions In June 2018, we acquired fifteen funeral homes and seven cemeteries in four states (the “acquired businesses”) for $82.2 million in cash. Additionally, we paid $49.8 million of the acquired businesses existing debt in conjunction with the closing of the acquisition. The purchase accounting is preliminary as we have not finalized our assessment of the fair value as there has been insufficient time between the acquisition date and the issuance of these financial statements to complete our review and final determination of fair value. Divestiture-Related Activities As divestitures occur in the normal course of business, gains or losses on the sale of such assets are recognized in the income statement line item Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net, which consist of the following: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 6,865 $ 5,922 $ 8,141 $ 22,673 Impairment losses — (5,169 ) (794 ) (16,985 ) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 6,865 $ 753 $ 7,347 $ 5,688

Supplementary Information (Note

Supplementary Information (Notes)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block]	12. Supplementary Information The detail of certain balance sheet accounts as presented in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet is as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Receivables, net: Notes receivable $ 9,232 $ 1,605 Atneed funeral receivables, net of allowances of $1,561 and $1,845, respectively 36,547 44,536 Atneed cemetery receivables, net of allowances of $211 and $245, respectively 16,153 16,556 Other 30,562 27,607 Total receivables, net $ 92,494 $ 90,304 Revenue and Costs and Expenses The detail of certain income statement accounts as presented in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Revenue: Property and merchandise revenue $ 397,600 $ 386,089 $ 765,814 $ 752,617 Service revenue 334,449 331,925 712,548 692,821 Other revenue 64,043 55,228 112,212 105,514 Total revenue 796,092 773,242 1,590,574 1,550,952 Costs and expenses: Cost of property and merchandise 209,925 202,911 397,648 398,552 Cost of service 188,293 181,192 379,141 367,054 Overhead and other expenses 209,747 205,621 429,896 424,589 Total cost and expenses $ 607,965 $ 589,724 $ 1,206,685 $ 1,190,195

Summary of Significant Accoun21

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy	The fair value of our long-term, fixed-rate loans were estimated using market prices for those loans, and therefore are classified within Level 2 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The Term Loan, Bank Credit Facility agreement, and the mortgage notes and other debt are classified within Level 3 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The fair value of these instruments was estimated using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements.
Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Our financial statements also include the accounts of the merchandise and service trusts and cemetery perpetual care trusts in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary. Our interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments, which management considers necessary for a fair statement of our results for these periods. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in a manner consistent with the accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , unless otherwise disclosed herein, and should be read in conjunction therewith. The accompanying year-end Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year period.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 . These estimates and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018 Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the FASB issued "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", which replaced 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 also resulted in enhanced revenue-related disclosures, including any significant judgments and changes in judgments. Additionally, the new standard requires the deferral of incremental direct selling costs to the period in which the related revenue is recognized. 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 direct selling costs will be deferred and recognized by specific identification to the delivery of the underlying goods and services. We adopted the standard as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach applied to all contracts that were not completed at adoption based on the contract terms in existence at adoption. As a result of the adoption, we recorded a $172.2 million increase to Retained earnings , which comprises a $268.0 million increase to Deferred charges and other assets partially offset by a $38.0 million increase to Deferred revenue, net and a $57.8 million increase to Deferred tax liability .We made the enhanced revenue-related disclosures in Footnotes 2, 3, and 8 of this Form 10-Q. Additionally, the amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts are required to be presented with Deferred revenue, net, instead of as Preneed receivables, net and trust investments on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, we reclassified $551.1 million of these amounts from Preneed receivables, net and trust investments to Deferred revenue, net . As a result of this reclassification, we eliminated our previous cancellation reserve on these performance obligations. 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 unaudited Condensed 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 at the time of need. The impact of adopting the new guidance on our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 As Reported Effect of New Guidance Without New Guidance As Reported Effect of New Guidance Without New Guidance (in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 796,092 $ 461 $ 796,553 $ 1,590,574 $ 1,018 $ 1,591,592 Costs and expenses (607,965 ) (6,685 ) (614,650 ) (1,206,685 ) (13,952 ) (1,220,637 ) Operating profit (loss) 188,127 (6,224 ) 181,903 383,889 (12,934 ) 370,955 General and administrative expenses (31,136 ) (31,136 ) (65,920 ) — (65,920 ) Gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net 6,865 — 6,865 7,347 — 7,347 Hurricane recoveries, net (1,902 ) — (1,902 ) 330 — 330 Operating income (loss) 161,954 (6,224 ) 155,730 325,646 (12,934 ) 312,712 Interest expense (44,519 ) (44,519 ) (88,095 ) — (88,095 ) Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, net — — — (10,131 ) — (10,131 ) Other income, net 1,880 — 1,880 2,264 — 2,264 Income (loss) before income taxes 119,315 (6,224 ) 113,091 229,684 (12,934 ) 216,750 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes (16,034 ) 772 (15,262 ) (44,355 ) 2,496 (41,859 ) Net income (loss) 103,281 (5,452 ) 97,829 185,329 (10,438 ) 174,891 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (42 ) — (42 ) (102 ) — (102 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 103,239 $ (5,452 ) $ 97,787 $ 185,227 $ (10,438 ) $ 174,789 Earnings per share (1) Basic $ 0.57 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.54 $ 1.01 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.95 Diluted $ 0.55 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.52 $ 0.98 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.93 (1) Net income per share is computed independently for each of the columns presented. Therefore, the sum of the first two columns' earnings per share may not equal the Without New Guidance column. 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 reflects changes in restricted cash in addition to cash and cash equivalents. Amended guidance includes clarification on debt prepayments and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration in business combinations, proceeds from insurance claims, and premium payments on Company-owned life insurance. We adopted the new guidance retrospectively on January 1, 2018. As a result, we have recast our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017 as follows: As Previously Reported Effect of New Guidance As Recast (in thousands) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 224,223 $ (1,734 ) $ 222,489 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (85,324 ) — (85,324 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (24,044 ) (22,329 ) (46,373 ) Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment 7,431 17,898 25,329 Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies — (3,180 ) (3,180 ) Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies — 2,591 2,591 Other 175 — 175 Net cash used in investing activities (101,762 ) (5,020 ) (106,782 ) Net cash used in financing activities (96,626 ) — (96,626 ) Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 4,068 4 4,072 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 29,903 (6,750 ) 23,153 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 194,986 16,520 211,506 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 224,889 $ 9,770 234,659 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 unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and applied the practical expedient of reclassifying the amounts disclosed as "total net periodic benefit cost" in Note 11 to our December 31, 2017 Form 10-K from Operating income to Other income (expense), net . For the second quarter of 2017 , we reclassified $73 thousand and $221 thousand from Costs and expenses and General and administrative expenses , respectively, to Other income (expense), net . For the first six months of 2017 we reclassified $147 thousand and $442 thousand from Costs and expenses and General and administrative expenses , respectively, to Other income (expense), net . Financial Instruments In January 2016 and February 2018, 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. For us, 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 amendment also changes the required disclosures associated with equity instruments as a result of the change in presentation. 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 as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 . We made the appropriate disclosure changes in Footnote 3 of this Form 10-Q. 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. We adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018, which did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Financial Instruments In June 2016, the FASB amended "Financial Instruments" to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on debt instruments and other commitments to 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 support 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, January 2018, and July 2018, 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 in the process of reviewing our existing leases, have selected a software solution, and are assessing process changes as a result of the new guidance. 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. The 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 is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accoun22

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 164,460 $ 330,039 Restricted cash (1) : Included in Other current assets 4,575 8,625 Included in Deferred charges and other assets 1,938 1,937 Total restricted cash 6,513 10,562 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 170,973 $ 340,601 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Revenue: Property and merchandise revenue $ 397,600 $ 386,089 $ 765,814 $ 752,617 Service revenue 334,449 331,925 712,548 692,821 Other revenue 64,043 55,228 112,212 105,514 Total revenue 796,092 773,242 1,590,574 1,550,952 Costs and expenses: Cost of property and merchandise 209,925 202,911 397,648 398,552 Cost of service 188,293 181,192 379,141 367,054 Overhead and other expenses 209,747 205,621 429,896 424,589 Total cost and expenses $ 607,965 $ 589,724 $ 1,206,685 $ 1,190,195
Cumulative Effect Revenue Table Text Block [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 As Reported Effect of New Guidance Without New Guidance As Reported Effect of New Guidance Without New Guidance (in thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 796,092 $ 461 $ 796,553 $ 1,590,574 $ 1,018 $ 1,591,592 Costs and expenses (607,965 ) (6,685 ) (614,650 ) (1,206,685 ) (13,952 ) (1,220,637 ) Operating profit (loss) 188,127 (6,224 ) 181,903 383,889 (12,934 ) 370,955 General and administrative expenses (31,136 ) (31,136 ) (65,920 ) — (65,920 ) Gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net 6,865 — 6,865 7,347 — 7,347 Hurricane recoveries, net (1,902 ) — (1,902 ) 330 — 330 Operating income (loss) 161,954 (6,224 ) 155,730 325,646 (12,934 ) 312,712 Interest expense (44,519 ) (44,519 ) (88,095 ) — (88,095 ) Gain (loss) on early extinguishment of debt, net — — — (10,131 ) — (10,131 ) Other income, net 1,880 — 1,880 2,264 — 2,264 Income (loss) before income taxes 119,315 (6,224 ) 113,091 229,684 (12,934 ) 216,750 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes (16,034 ) 772 (15,262 ) (44,355 ) 2,496 (41,859 ) Net income (loss) 103,281 (5,452 ) 97,829 185,329 (10,438 ) 174,891 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (42 ) — (42 ) (102 ) — (102 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 103,239 $ (5,452 ) $ 97,787 $ 185,227 $ (10,438 ) $ 174,789 Earnings per share (1) Basic $ 0.57 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.54 $ 1.01 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.95 Diluted $ 0.55 $ (0.03 ) $ 0.52 $ 0.98 $ (0.06 ) $ 0.93
Recast Cash Flow Table Text Block [Table Text Block]	As Previously Reported Effect of New Guidance As Recast (in thousands) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 224,223 $ (1,734 ) $ 222,489 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (85,324 ) — (85,324 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (24,044 ) (22,329 ) (46,373 ) Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment 7,431 17,898 25,329 Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies — (3,180 ) (3,180 ) Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies — 2,591 2,591 Other 175 — 175 Net cash used in investing activities (101,762 ) (5,020 ) (106,782 ) Net cash used in financing activities (96,626 ) — (96,626 ) Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 4,068 4 4,072 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 29,903 (6,750 ) 23,153 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 194,986 16,520 211,506 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 224,889 $ 9,770 234,659

Preneed Activities (Tables)

Preneed Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Long-term receivable and investment components	June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables (1) $ 115,406 $ 336,925 Preneed cemetery receivables (1) 839,960 1,118,146 Preneed receivables from customers (1) 955,366 1,455,071 Unearned finance charge (48,608 ) (45,515 ) Allowance for cancellation (1) (47,902 ) (107,749 ) Preneed receivables, net $ 858,856 $ 1,301,807 Trust investments, at market $ 4,896,475 $ 4,749,548 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 261,674 259,654 Trust investments 5,158,149 5,009,202 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,562,659 ) (1,532,167 ) Preneed trust investments $ 3,595,490 $ 3,477,035 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,454,346 $ 4,778,842
Investment related activities	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Deposits $ 106,843 $ 106,771 $ 200,112 $ 191,258 Withdrawals $ 114,524 $ 104,641 $ 221,293 $ 197,723 Purchases of securities $ 407,859 $ 387,415 $ 1,007,748 $ 904,571 Sales of securities $ 419,357 $ 738,302 $ 1,035,357 $ 1,227,167 Realized gains (1) $ 87,840 $ 53,493 $ 146,146 $ 105,926 Realized losses (1) $ (17,552 ) $ (18,137 ) $ (29,852 ) $ (44,950 )
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	June 30, 2018 Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 53,781 $ 20 $ (569 ) $ 53,232 Canadian government 2 59,109 46 (1,531 ) 57,624 Corporate 2 31,206 255 (329 ) 31,132 Residential mortgage-backed 2 5,213 10 (80 ) 5,143 Asset-backed 2 142 2 (11 ) 133 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 11,519 620 (163 ) 11,976 Common stock: United States 1 1,273,864 236,873 (46,573 ) 1,464,164 Canada 1 31,679 10,887 (973 ) 41,593 Other international 1 83,763 13,044 (3,270 ) 93,537 Mutual funds: Equity 1 709,776 40,605 (12,764 ) 737,617 Fixed income 1 1,175,308 3,647 (45,546 ) 1,133,409 Other 3 16,995 3,200 (1 ) 20,194 Trust investments, at fair value 3,452,355 309,209 (111,810 ) 3,649,754 Commingled funds Fixed income 417,179 23 (16,390 ) 400,812 Equity 225,264 15,694 (238 ) 240,720 Money market funds 331,228 — — 331,228 Private equity 210,305 65,420 (1,764 ) 273,961 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,183,976 81,137 (18,392 ) 1,246,721 Trust investments, at market $ 4,636,331 $ 390,346 $ (130,202 ) $ 4,896,475 December 31, 2017 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
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 65,392 Due in one to five years 64,107 Due in five to ten years 15,209 Thereafter 2,556 $ 147,264
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 8,533 $ 7,313 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 Net unrealized gain included in Other income (expense), net (1) 264 660 (270 ) 810 Purchases 7 28 7 28 Sales — (77 ) — (77 ) Acquisitions 11,390 — 11,390 — Fair value, ending balance $ 20,194 $ 7,924 $ 20,194 $ 7,924
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	June 30, 2018 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Value Unrealized Losses Value Unrealized Losses Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 25,245 $ (530 ) $ 2,382 $ (39 ) $ 27,627 $ (569 ) Canadian government 9,693 (481 ) 16,233 (1,050 ) 25,926 (1,531 ) Corporate 4,541 (60 ) 5,944 (269 ) 10,485 (329 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,868 (78 ) 99 (2 ) 2,967 (80 ) Asset-backed — — 78 (11 ) 78 (11 ) Total temporarily fixed income impaired securities $ 42,347 $ (1,149 ) $ 24,736 $ (1,371 ) $ 67,083 $ (2,520 ) December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Value Unrealized Losses Value Unrealized Losses 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 ) Total temporarily impaired fixed income securities $ 55,264 $ (797 ) $ 11,154 $ (603 ) $ 66,418 $ (1,400 )

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Debt as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ — $ 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 550,000 550,000 Term Loan due December 2022 666,563 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 370,000 — Obligations under capital leases 199,554 197,232 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 5,845 6,036 Unamortized premiums, net 7,014 7,456 Unamortized debt issuance costs (34,684 ) (38,071 ) Total debt 3,589,292 3,472,653 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (95,623 ) (337,337 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,493,669 $ 3,135,316

Credit Risk and Fair Value of25

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure	The fair value of our debt instruments at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ — $ 259,563 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 199,842 199,590 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 165,300 175,313 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 428,612 436,178 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 867,178 892,118 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 222,222 238,004 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 518,562 558,250 Term Loan due December 2022 666,563 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 370,000 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 5,845 6,036 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,444,124 $ 3,440,052

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Our reportable segment, including disaggregated revenue, information is as follows: Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 (1) 2018 2017 (1) (In thousands) Revenue from customers: Funeral revenue: Atneed revenue $ 242,951 $ 249,097 $ 517,357 $ 520,930 Matured preneed revenue 146,021 138,265 311,327 290,062 Core funeral revenue 388,972 387,362 828,684 810,992 Non-funeral home revenue 11,922 11,747 25,715 24,021 Recognized preneed revenue 33,919 30,197 66,379 62,253 Other revenue 33,835 29,568 62,235 60,372 Total funeral revenue 468,648 458,874 983,013 957,638 Cemetery revenue: Atneed revenue 80,940 80,543 163,984 162,117 Recognized preneed property revenue 143,166 134,910 252,106 248,935 Recognized preneed merchandise and services revenue 73,130 73,255 141,493 137,121 Core cemetery revenue 297,236 288,708 557,583 548,173 Other revenue 30,208 25,660 49,978 45,141 Total cemetery revenue 327,444 314,368 607,561 593,314 Total revenue from customers $ 796,092 $ 773,242 $ 1,590,574 $ 1,550,952 Operating profit: Funeral operating profit $ 90,421 $ 92,077 $ 210,876 $ 204,684 Cemetery operating profit 97,706 91,441 173,013 156,073 Operating profit from reportable segments 188,127 183,518 383,889 360,757 General and administrative expenses (31,136 ) (40,369 ) (65,920 ) (82,652 ) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net 6,865 753 7,347 5,688 Hurricane (expenses) recoveries, net (1,902 ) — 330 — Operating income 161,954 143,902 325,646 283,793 Interest expense (44,519 ) (42,083 ) (88,095 ) (82,719 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net — — (10,131 ) — Other income (expense), net 1,880 (301 ) 2,264 (1,030 ) Income before income taxes $ 119,315 $ 101,518 $ 229,684 $ 200,044
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	Our geographic area information is as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, Revenue from external customers: 2018 $ 750,445 $ 45,647 $ 796,092 2017 (1) $ 728,370 $ 44,872 $ 773,242 Six Months Ended June 30, Revenue from external customers: 2018 $ 1,494,558 $ 96,016 $ 1,590,574 2017 (1) $ 1,455,610 $ 95,342 $ 1,550,952

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income: Net income — basic $ 103,239 $ 68,481 $ 185,227 $ 243,183 After tax interest on convertible debt 15 13 30 25 Net income — diluted $ 103,254 $ 68,494 $ 185,257 $ 243,208 Weighted average shares (denominator): Weighted average shares — basic 182,637 187,597 183,877 187,927 Stock options 4,265 4,333 4,391 4,389 Restricted stock units 165 87 158 74 Convertible debt 121 121 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 187,188 192,138 188,547 192,511 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.57 $ 0.37 $ 1.01 $ 1.29 Diluted $ 0.55 $ 0.36 $ 0.98 $ 1.26
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) (In thousands) Antidilutive options 1,155 1,523 868 1,212

Acquisitions and Divestiture-29

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Related Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Divestiture-Related Activities [Abstract]
Gains (Losses) on Divestitures and Impairment Charges	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 6,865 $ 5,922 $ 8,141 $ 22,673 Impairment losses — (5,169 ) (794 ) (16,985 ) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 6,865 $ 753 $ 7,347 $ 5,688

Supplementary Information (Tabl

Supplementary Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Balance Sheet, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Receivables, net: Notes receivable $ 9,232 $ 1,605 Atneed funeral receivables, net of allowances of $1,561 and $1,845, respectively 36,547 44,536 Atneed cemetery receivables, net of allowances of $211 and $245, respectively 16,153 16,556 Other 30,562 27,607 Total receivables, net $ 92,494 $ 90,304
Schedule of Product Information [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Revenue: Property and merchandise revenue $ 397,600 $ 386,089 $ 765,814 $ 752,617 Service revenue 334,449 331,925 712,548 692,821 Other revenue 64,043 55,228 112,212 105,514 Total revenue 796,092 773,242 1,590,574 1,550,952 Costs and expenses: Cost of property and merchandise 209,925 202,911 397,648 398,552 Cost of service 188,293 181,192 379,141 367,054 Overhead and other expenses 209,747 205,621 429,896 424,589 Total cost and expenses $ 607,965 $ 589,724 $ 1,206,685 $ 1,190,195
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 164,460 $ 330,039 Restricted cash (1) : Included in Other current assets 4,575 8,625 Included in Deferred charges and other assets 1,938 1,937 Total restricted cash 6,513 10,562 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 170,973 $ 340,601 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30, June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Revenue: Property and merchandise revenue $ 397,600 $ 386,089 $ 765,814 $ 752,617 Service revenue 334,449 331,925 712,548 692,821 Other revenue 64,043 55,228 112,212 105,514 Total revenue 796,092 773,242 1,590,574 1,550,952 Costs and expenses: Cost of property and merchandise 209,925 202,911 397,648 398,552 Cost of service 188,293 181,192 379,141 367,054 Overhead and other expenses 209,747 205,621 429,896 424,589 Total cost and expenses $ 607,965 $ 589,724 $ 1,206,685 $ 1,190,195

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations		$ (551,092)		$ (574,737)	$ 0
Deferred Costs	$ 281,200			281,200
Recognized Deferred Sales Costs	$ 6,700			14,000
Pension Cost (Reversal of Cost)			$ 73		147
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost)			$ 221		$ 442
Retained Earnings [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax				172,200
Deferred Charges And Other Assets [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income				268,000
Deferred Revenue [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income				38,000
Deferred Tax Liability [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income				$ 57,800

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 796,092	$ 773,242	$ 1,590,574	$ 1,550,952
Costs and expenses	(607,965)	(589,724)	(1,206,685)	(1,190,195)
Gross Profit	188,127	183,518	383,889	360,757
General and administrative expenses	(31,136)	(40,369)	(65,920)	(82,652)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	6,865	753	7,347	5,688
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both, Net of Insurance Proceeds	(1,902)	0	330	0
Operating income	161,954	143,902	325,646	283,793
Interest expense	(44,519)	(42,083)	(88,095)	(82,719)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0	0	(10,131)	0
Other income (expense), net	1,880	(301)	2,264	(1,030)
Income before income taxes	119,315	101,518	229,684	200,044
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(16,034)	(32,956)	(44,355)	43,267
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	103,281	68,562	185,329	243,311
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(42)	(81)	(102)	(128)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 103,239	$ 68,481	$ 185,227	$ 243,183
Basic	$ 0.57	$ 0.37	$ 1.01	$ 1.29
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 0.55	$ 0.36	$ 0.98	$ 1.26
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 461		$ 1,018
Costs and expenses	(6,685)		(13,952)
Gross Profit	(6,224)		(12,934)
General and administrative expenses			0
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	0		0
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both, Net of Insurance Proceeds	0		0
Operating income	(6,224)		(12,934)
Interest expense			0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0		0
Other income (expense), net	0		0
Income before income taxes	(6,224)		(12,934)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	772		2,496
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(5,452)		(10,438)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0		0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ (5,452)		$ (10,438)
Basic	$ (29.85)		$ (56.77)
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ (29.13)		$ (55.36)
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 796,553		$ 1,591,592
Costs and expenses	(614,650)		(1,220,637)
Gross Profit	181,903		370,955
General and administrative expenses	(31,136)		(65,920)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	6,865		7,347
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both, Net of Insurance Proceeds	(1,902)		330
Operating income	155,730		312,712
Interest expense	(44,519)		(88,095)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0		(10,131)
Other income (expense), net	1,880		2,264
Income before income taxes	113,091		216,750
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(15,262)		(41,859)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	97,829		174,891
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(42)		(102)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 97,787		$ 174,789
Basic	$ 535.42		$ 950.58
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 522.40		$ 927.03

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 164,460	$ 330,039	$ 234,659
Current restricted cash	4,575	8,625
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	1,938	1,937
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	6,513	10,562
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 170,973	$ 340,601	$ 234,659	$ 211,506

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash Flow Accounting Guidance Recast (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	$ 315,376	$ 222,489
Capital expenditures	(102,890)	(85,324)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(167,622)	(46,373)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	18,305	25,329
Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies	(11,733)	(3,180)
Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies	2,810	2,591
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	(14,525)	175
Net cash used in investing activities	(272,755)	(106,782)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(210,116)	(96,626)
Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(2,133)	4,072
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		23,153
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	170,973		$ 340,601	$ 234,659	$ 211,506
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 164,460		$ 330,039	234,659
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		(1,734)
Capital expenditures		0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(22,329)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment		17,898
Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies		(3,180)
Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies		2,591
Net cash used in investing activities		(5,020)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		0
Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		4
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(6,750)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents					16,520
Cash and cash equivalents				9,770
Previous Accounting Guidance [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		224,223
Capital expenditures		(85,324)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(24,044)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment		7,431
Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies		0
Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies		0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities		175
Net cash used in investing activities		(101,762)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		(96,626)
Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		4,068
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		$ 29,903
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents					$ 194,986
Cash and cash equivalents				$ 224,889

Preneed Activities Investment R

Preneed Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Document Period End Date			Jun. 30, 2018
Deposits	$ 106,843	$ 106,771	$ 200,112	$ 191,258
Withdrawals	114,524	104,641	221,293	197,723
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	407,859	387,415	1,007,748	904,571
Sales of available-for-sale securities	419,357	738,302	1,035,357	1,227,167
Realized gains on investments	87,840	53,493	146,146	105,926
Realized losses on investments	(17,552)	(18,137)	(29,852)	(44,950)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments	$ 0	$ 77	$ 0	$ 77

Preneed Activities Long-term Re

Preneed Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Unearned finance charges	$ (48,608)	$ (45,515)
Allowance for cancellation	(47,902)	(107,749)
Trust investments, at market	4,896,475	4,749,548
Insurance-backed fixed income securities	261,674	259,654
Trust investments	5,158,149	5,009,202
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	(1,562,659)	(1,532,167)
Preneed trust investments	3,595,490	3,477,035
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	4,454,346	4,778,842
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Preneed Receivables	858,856	1,301,807
Receivables from customers	955,366	1,455,071
Funeral
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Receivables from customers	115,406	336,925
Cemetery
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Receivables from customers	$ 839,960	$ 1,118,146

Preneed Activities Schedule of

Preneed Activities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Amortized Cost Basis	$ 3,452,355	$ 3,260,648
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	309,209	367,569
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(111,810)	(57,889)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	3,649,754	3,570,328
Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	1,183,976	1,122,537
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	81,137	64,692
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(18,392)	(8,009)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,246,721	1,179,220
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	4,636,331	4,383,185
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	390,346	432,261
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(130,202)	(65,898)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	4,896,475	4,749,548
Fixed Income Commingled funds [Member] | Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	417,179	454,242
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	23	235
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(16,390)	(5,860)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	400,812	448,617
Commingled funds - Equity [Member] | Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	225,264	214,000
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	15,694	12,826
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(238)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	240,720	226,826
Private Equity Funds | Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	210,305	166,860
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	65,420	51,631
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1,764)	(2,149)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	273,961	216,342
Money Market Funds [Member] | Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	331,228	287,435
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	331,228	287,435
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	53,781	48,805
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	20	14
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(569)	(117)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	53,232	48,702
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Government Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	59,109	81,500
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	46	160
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1,531)	(1,089)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	57,624	80,571
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	31,206	13,540
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	255	327
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(329)	(170)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	31,132	13,697
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	5,213	3,279
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	10	16
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(80)	(14)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	5,143	3,281
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Asset-backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	142	320
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2	15
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(11)	(10)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	133	325
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Preferred Stock Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	11,519	7,834
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	620	385
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(163)	(139)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	11,976	8,080
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | US Common Stock Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	1,273,864	1,161,015
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	236,873	266,822
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(46,573)	(24,739)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,464,164	1,403,098
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Canada Common Stock Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	31,679	30,762
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	10,887	12,545
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(973)	(522)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	41,593	42,785
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Other International Common Stock Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	83,763	63,510
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	13,044	13,174
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(3,270)	(2,834)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	93,537	73,850
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Funds
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	709,776	613,934
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	40,605	59,100
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(12,764)	(4,312)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	737,617	668,722
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fixed Income Funds
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	1,175,308	1,230,196
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	3,647	11,897
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(45,546)	(23,943)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,133,409	1,218,150
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other Investments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	16,995	5,953
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	3,200	3,114
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$ 20,194	$ 9,067

Preneed Activities Level 3 Acti

Preneed Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus			2,018
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Acquisition Related Investments Fair value of Level 3	$ 11,390	$ 0	$ 11,390	$ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance	8,533	7,313	9,067	7,163
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	264	660	(270)	810
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	7	28	7	28
Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments	0	77	0	77
Fair market value, ending balance	$ 20,194	$ 7,924	$ 20,194	$ 7,924

Preneed Activities Investments

Preneed Activities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	$ 65,392
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	64,107
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	15,209
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after 10 Years, Fair Value	2,556
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Total, Fair Value	$ 147,264

Preneed Activities Schedule o40

Preneed Activities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 42,347	$ 55,264
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(1,149)	(797)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	24,736	11,154
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1,371)	(603)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	67,083	66,418
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (2,520)	(1,400)
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
US Treasury Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 25,245	29,014
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(530)	(115)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	2,382	106
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(39)	(2)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	27,627	29,120
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(569)	(117)
Foreign Government Debt Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	9,693	20,947
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(481)	(639)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	16,233	6,370
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1,050)	(450)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	25,926	27,317
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(1,531)	(1,089)
Corporate Debt Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	4,541	2,423
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(60)	(31)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	5,944	4,453
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(269)	(139)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	10,485	6,876
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(329)	(170)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	2,868	2,880
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(78)	(12)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	99	151
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(2)	(2)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	2,967	3,031
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(80)	(14)
Asset-backed Securities
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	78	74
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(11)	(10)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	78	74
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (11)	$ (10)

Preneed Activities Preneed Acti

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Unfunded Commitments	$ 112
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 52.2	$ 45.2

Preneed Activities Deferred Pre

Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues (Details) [Abstract]
Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust		$ 5,020,979		$ 5,265,206
Accounting Changes [Text Block]		37,991
Net Preneed Deferred Sales		$ 505,146
Deferred Revenue Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net		148,048
Deferred Investment Earnings, Net		20,720
Recognized deferred preneed revenues		(212,195)
Recognized deferred revenues, current period sales		(242,438)
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	$ (551,092)	(574,737)	$ 0
Deferred Revenue Change in Cancellation Allowance		62,147
Effect of foreign currency and other on deferred revenue		$ (12,554)

Preneed Activities Deferred Rev

Preneed Activities Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, Gross		$ 2,001,494		$ 1,789,776
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	$ (551,092)	(574,737)	$ 0
Deferred Revenue		$ 1,426,757		$ 1,789,776

Income Taxes Narrative (Details

Income Taxes Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	13.40%	32.50%	19.30%	21.60%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 79.5		$ 79.5
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	$ 11.9		$ 11.9

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$ 268,200	$ 17,600
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	33,300
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(34,684)		$ (38,071)
Total debt	3,589,292		3,472,653
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(95,623)		(337,337)
Total long-term debt	3,493,669		3,135,316
October 2,018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	175,000
December 2,022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	8,400
Term Loan	666,563		675,000
Bank Credit Facility	370,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount			0
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	185,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	200
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	10,000	$ 110,000
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized pricing discounts and other	7,014		7,456
Unsecured Debt | October 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0		250,000
Unsecured Debt | November 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000		200,000
Unsecured Debt | November 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	150,000		150,000
Unsecured Debt | January 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	425,000		425,000
Unsecured Debt | May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000		850,000
Unsecured Debt | April 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000		200,000
Unsecured Debt | December 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	550,000		550,000
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Obligations under capital leases	199,554		197,232
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes and other debt	$ 5,845		$ 6,036

Debt Narratives (Details)

Debt Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Document Period End Date			Jun. 30, 2018
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.88%		4.88%		4.73%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	66.00%		66.00%		75.00%
Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities			$ 89,100	$ 79,900
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 33,300		$ 33,300
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage			0.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	596,700		$ 596,700
Repayments of Long-term Debt			8,631	17,570
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	0	$ 0	(10,131)	0
Repayments of Debt			268,200	17,600
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations			19,270	30,419
December 2,022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank Credit Facility	370,000		370,000
Term Loan	666,563		666,563		$ 675,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount					0
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net			185,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt			9,600
Repayments of Debt			8,400
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net			10,000	$ 110,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt			17,500
Repayments of Debt			200
October 2,018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net			175,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt			250,000
Unsecured Debt | May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000		850,000		850,000
Unsecured Debt | October 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 0		$ 0		$ 250,000

Credit Risk and Fair Value of47

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fair value of debt instruments	$ 3,444,124	$ 3,440,052
October 2,018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	259,563
November 2,020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	199,842	199,590
November 2,021
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	165,300	175,313
January 2,022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	428,612	436,178
May 2,024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	867,178	892,118
April 2,027
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	222,222	238,004
December 2,027
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	518,562	558,250
December 2,022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	370,000	0
Bank Credit Facility	370,000
Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	666,563	675,000
Mortgages [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 5,845	$ 6,036

Equity Narratives (Details)

Equity Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Jul. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		6,066,472
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method		$ 228.9
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share		$ 37.73
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 241.3
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	869,229
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 32.2
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 37.03
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 209.1

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	$ 796,092	$ 773,242	$ 1,590,574	$ 1,550,952
Gross Profit	188,127	183,518	383,889	360,757
General and administrative expenses	(31,136)	(40,369)	(65,920)	(82,652)
Losses (gains) on divestitures and impairment charges, net	6,865	753	7,347	5,688
Hurricane Expenses, Net of Insurance Proceeds	(1,902)	0	330	0
Operating income	161,954	143,902	325,646	283,793
Interest expense	(44,519)	(42,083)	(88,095)	(82,719)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0	0	(10,131)	0
Other income (expense), net	1,880	(301)	2,264	(1,030)
Income before income taxes	119,315	101,518	229,684	200,044
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	750,445	728,370	1,494,558	1,455,610
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	45,647	44,872	96,016	95,342
Funeral Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	242,951	249,097	517,357	520,930
Funeral Matured Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	146,021	138,265	311,327	290,062
Funeral Core Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	388,972	387,362	828,684	810,992
Non-funeral Home Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross Profit	11,922	11,747	25,715	24,021
Funeral Recognized Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross Profit	33,919	30,197	66,379	62,253
Funeral Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	33,835	29,568	62,235	60,372
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	468,648	458,874	983,013	957,638
Gross Profit	90,421	92,077	210,876	204,684
Cemetery Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	80,940	80,543	163,984	162,117
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Property Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	143,166	134,910	252,106	248,935
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Merchandise And Service Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	73,130	73,255	141,493	137,121
Cemetery Core Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	297,236	288,708	557,583	548,173
Cemetery Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	30,208	25,660	49,978	45,141
Cemetery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	327,444	314,368	607,561	593,314
Gross Profit	$ 97,706	$ 91,441	$ 173,013	$ 156,073

Commitments and Contingencies50

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Self Insurance Reserve	$ 76.5	$ 78.2

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Document Period End Date			Jun. 30, 2018
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 103,239	$ 68,481	$ 185,227	$ 243,183
After tax interest on convertible debt	15	13	30	25
Net income — diluted	$ 103,254	$ 68,494	$ 185,257	$ 243,208
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares — basic	(182,637)	(187,597)	(183,877)	(187,927)
Convertible debt	121	121	121	121
Weighted average shares — diluted	187,188	192,138	188,547	192,511
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 0.57	$ 0.37	$ 1.01	$ 1.29
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 0.55	$ 0.36	$ 0.98	$ 1.26
Equity Option [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Stock options	4,265	4,333	4,391	4,389
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Stock options	165	87	158	74
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,155	1,523	868	1,212

Acquisitions and Divestiture-52

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Related Activities (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gains on divestitures, net	$ 6,865	$ 5,922	$ 8,141	$ 22,673
Impairment losses	0	(5,169)	794	16,985
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	$ 6,865	$ 753	$ 7,347	$ 5,688
Number of States in which Entity Operates	4		4
Large acquisition cash spend			$ 82,200
Large acquisition debt acquired			$ 49,800
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Businesses Acquired	15
Cemetery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Businesses Acquired	7

Supplementary Information (Deta

Supplementary Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Notes receivable	$ 9,232		$ 9,232		$ 1,605
Other Receivables, Net, Current	30,562		30,562		27,607
Receivables, net	92,494		92,494		90,304
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	796,092	$ 773,242	1,590,574	$ 1,550,952
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Costs and Expenses	607,965	589,724	1,206,685	1,190,195
Product [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	397,600	386,089	765,814	752,617
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Costs and Expenses	209,925	202,911	397,648	398,552
Service [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	334,449	331,925	712,548	692,821
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Costs and Expenses	188,293	181,192	379,141	367,054
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	64,043	55,228	112,212	105,514
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Costs and Expenses	209,747	205,621	429,896	424,589
Funeral [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	36,547		36,547		44,536
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	1,561		1,561		1,845
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	468,648	458,874	983,013	957,638
Cemetery [Member]
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	16,153		16,153		16,556
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	211		211		$ 245
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 327,444	$ 314,368	$ 607,561	$ 593,314