Service Corporation International (SCI) 10-Q 30 Oct 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 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	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		180,951,466
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false

Unaudited Condensed Consolidate

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 778,786	$ 731,346	$ 2,369,360	$ 2,282,298
Costs and expenses:	(612,616)	(581,570)	$ (1,819,301)	(1,771,765)
Document Period End Date			Sep. 30, 2018
Operating profit	166,170	149,776	$ 550,059	510,533
General and administrative expenses	(41,070)	(38,992)	(106,990)	(121,644)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net	(7,970)	143	(15,317)	(5,545)
Hurricane Expenses, Net of Insurance Proceeds	(767)	(1,290)	(437)	(1,290)
Operating income	132,303	109,351	457,949	393,144
Interest expense	(46,419)	(42,754)	(134,514)	(125,473)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0	0	(10,131)	0
Other income (expense), net	152	(19)	2,416	(1,049)
Income before income taxes	86,036	66,578	315,720	266,622
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(17,043)	(10,437)	(61,398)	32,830
Net Income	68,993	56,141	254,322	299,452
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(58)	23	(160)	(105)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 68,935	$ 56,164	$ 254,162	$ 299,347
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 0.38	$ 0.30	$ 1.39	$ 1.59
Basic weighted average number of shares	180,858	187,435	182,859	187,761
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 0.37	$ 0.29	$ 1.36	$ 1.56
Diluted weighted average number of shares	185,460	192,243	187,517	192,417
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.17	$ 0.15	$ 0.51	$ 0.43
Product [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 392,410	$ 363,934	$ 1,158,224	$ 1,116,551
Costs and expenses:	(203,349)	(189,818)	(600,997)	(588,370)
Service [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenues	323,246	319,810	1,035,794	1,012,631
Costs and expenses:	(188,893)	(179,924)	(568,034)	(546,978)
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenues	63,130	47,602	175,342	153,116
Costs and expenses:	$ (220,374)	$ (211,828)	$ (650,270)	$ (636,417)

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_2

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 68,993	$ 56,141	$ 254,322	$ 299,452
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,951	16,580	(9,550)	30,185
Total comprehensive income	74,944	72,721	244,772	329,637
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(59)	14	(157)	(121)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 74,885	$ 72,735	$ 244,615	$ 329,516

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_3

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 158,301	$ 330,039
Receivables, net	84,018	90,304
Inventories	26,061	25,378
Other	32,107	35,575
Total current assets	300,487	481,296
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	4,568,470	4,778,842
Cemetery property	1,835,761	1,791,989
Property and equipment, net	1,960,329	1,873,044
Goodwill	1,854,167	1,805,981
Deferred charges and other assets	954,478	601,184
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	1,596,542	1,532,167
Total assets	13,070,234	12,864,503
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	482,357	489,172
Current maturities of long-term debt	68,806	337,337
Income taxes payable	3,726	2,470
Total current liabilities	554,889	828,979
Long-term debt	3,542,314	3,135,316
Deferred revenue, net	1,431,181	1,789,776
Deferred tax liability	372,929	283,765
Other liabilities	402,593	410,982
Deferred receipts held in trust	3,687,394	3,475,430
Care trusts’ corpus	1,589,948	1,530,818
Commitments and contingencies (Note 14)
Equity:
Common stock, $1 per share par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 193,556,602 and 191,935,647 shares issued, respectively, and 180,933,966 and 186,614,747 shares outstanding, respectively	180,934	186,615
Capital in excess of par value	962,041	970,468
Retained earnings	313,720	210,364
Accumulated other comprehensive income	32,167	41,943
Total common stockholders’ equity	1,488,862	1,409,390
Noncontrolling interests	124	47
Total equity	1,488,986	1,409,437
Total liabilities and equity	$ 13,070,234	$ 12,864,503

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_4

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 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	193,556,602	191,935,647
Common stock, shares outstanding	184,011,668	186,614,747

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_5

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 254,322	$ 299,452
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	117,496	113,641
Amortization of intangibles	20,170	20,923
Amortization of cemetery property	47,509	46,533
Amortization of loan costs	4,531	4,344
Provision for doubtful accounts	6,522	6,846
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes	25,491	(148,465)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	(15,317)	(5,545)
Gain on sale of investments	(2,636)	0
Share-based compensation	11,740	10,719
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(964)	12,568
Increase in other assets	(19,251)	(15,814)
(Decrease) increase in payables and other liabilities	(2,879)	66,455
Effect of preneed production and maturities:
Increase in preneed receivables, net and trust investments	(37,387)	(58,631)
Increase in deferred revenue, net	43,329	37,438
Decrease in deferred receipts held in trust	(10,541)	(981)
Net cash provided by operating activities	452,266	389,483
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(165,943)	(141,652)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(187,616)	(75,818)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	29,890	32,588
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	2,900
Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies	(14,283)	(6,189)
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	(346,767)	(188,305)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	395,000	120,000
Scheduled payments of debt	(25,601)	(26,376)
Early payments of debt	(259,590)	0
Principal payments on capital leases	29,771	40,509
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	18,481	30,672
Purchase of Company common stock	(275,726)	(148,818)
Payments of dividends	(93,002)	(80,711)
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	0	4,580
Bank overdrafts and other	(8,842)	2,790
Net cash used in financing activities	(279,051)	(147,532)
Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(1,111)	9,463
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(174,663)	63,109
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	340,601	$ 211,506
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	$ 165,938

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_6

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity Statement - 9 months ended Sep. 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	244,772	0	0	0	254,162	(9,547)	157
Dividends declared on common stock	93,002	0	0	0	(93,002)	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	11,740	0	0	11,740	0	0	0
Stock option exercises	(18,481)	(1,340)	0	(17,141)	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	178	0	178	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	(275,726)	0	(7,302)	(38,159)	(230,265)	0	0
Noncontrolling interest payments	80	0	0	0	0	0	80
Other	1,132	103	0	1,029	0	0	0
Balance at end of period at Sep. 30, 2018	1,488,986	$ 193,557	$ (12,623)	$ 962,041	313,720	32,167	$ 124
Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 172,232				$ 172,461	$ (229)

Unaudited Condensed Consolida_7

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.17	$ 0.15	$ 0.51	$ 0.43

Nature of Operations (Notes)

Nature of Operations (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 merchandise or services is transferred to the customer. Our performance obligations include the delivery of funeral and cemetery merchandise and services and cemetery property interment rights. Control transfers when merchandise is delivered or services are performed. For cemetery property interment rights, control transfers to the customer when the property is developed and the interment right has been sold and can no longer be marketed or sold to another customer. Sales taxes collected are recognized on a net basis in our consolidated financial statements. On our atneed contracts, we generally deliver the merchandise and perform the services at the time of need. Personalized marker merchandise and marker installation services sold on atneed contracts are recognized when control is transferred to the customer, generally when the marker is delivered and installed in the cemetery, which occurs on the same day. We also 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 control of the merchandise or the services is transferred to the customer, which is upon delivery of the merchandise or as services are performed, generally at the time of need. On certain preneed contracts, we sell memorialization merchandise, which consists of urns and urn-related products, that we deliver to the customer at the time of sale. Revenue is recognized at the time of delivery when control of the memorialization merchandise is transferred. For personalized marker merchandise sold on a preneed contract, we will: • purchase the merchandise from vendors, • personalize such merchandise in accordance with the customer's specific written instructions, • either store the merchandise at a third-party bonded storage facility or install the merchandise, based on the customer's instructions, and • transfer title to the customer. We recognize revenue and record the cost of sales when control is transferred for the merchandise, which occurs upon delivery to the third-party storage facility or installation of the merchandise at the cemetery. There is no general right of return for delivered items. We also sell travel protection as an agent of a third party. Travel protection is a service that provides shipment of remains to the servicing funeral home or cemetery of choice if the purchaser passes away outside of a certain radius of their residence, without any additional expense to the family. We do not provide travel protection services and we are not primarily obligated to provide such services under these arrangements. Therefore, we record revenues, net of amounts due to these parties, at the time of sale. Total consideration received for price-guaranteed preneed and for atneed 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 by us to maintain the cemetery. This portion of the proceeds is not recognized as revenue. Investment earnings from these trusts are distributed to us regularly and recognized in current cemetery revenue. These distributions are intended to defray cemetery maintenance costs incurred by us for our owned cemetery properties, which are expensed as incurred. The principal of such perpetual care trust funds generally cannot be withdrawn; however, in lieu of the distribution of realized income, certain states allow a unitrust distribution which 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 September 30, 2018 , we had $281.7 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. Such amounts are recognized based upon specific identification when the related performance obligations are delivered. 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 policyholder has made a revocable commitment to assign the proceeds from the policy to us at the time of need. 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 158,301 $ 330,039 Restricted cash (1) : Included in Other current assets 5,692 8,625 Included in Deferred charges and other assets 1,945 1,937 Total restricted cash 7,637 10,562 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 165,938 $ 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 of 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 $544.8 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 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 $ 778,786 $ 106 $ 778,892 $ 2,369,360 $ 1,124 $ 2,370,484 Costs and expenses (612,616 ) (253 ) (612,869 ) (1,819,301 ) (14,205 ) (1,833,506 ) Operating profit (loss) 166,170 (147 ) 166,023 550,059 (13,081 ) 536,978 General and administrative expenses (41,070 ) (41,070 ) (106,990 ) — (106,990 ) Gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,970 — 7,970 15,317 — 15,317 Hurricane recoveries, net (767 ) — (767 ) (437 ) — (437 ) Operating income (loss) 132,303 (147 ) 132,156 457,949 (13,081 ) 444,868 Interest expense (46,419 ) (46,419 ) (134,514 ) — (134,514 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net — — — (10,131 ) — (10,131 ) Other income, net 152 — 152 2,416 — 2,416 Income (loss) before income taxes 86,036 (147 ) 85,889 315,720 (13,081 ) 302,639 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes (17,043 ) 42 (17,001 ) (61,398 ) 2,538 (58,860 ) Net income (loss) 68,993 (105 ) 68,888 254,322 (10,543 ) 243,779 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (58 ) — (58 ) (160 ) — (160 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 68,935 $ (105 ) $ 68,830 $ 254,162 $ (10,543 ) $ 243,619 Earnings per share (1) Basic $ 0.38 $ — $ 0.38 $ 1.39 $ (0.06 ) $ 1.33 Diluted $ 0.37 $ — $ 0.37 $ 1.36 $ (0.06 ) $ 1.30 (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 nine months ended September 30, 2017 as follows: As Previously Reported Effect of New Guidance As Recast (in thousands) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 389,614 $ (131 ) $ 389,483 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (141,652 ) — (141,652 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (49,635 ) (26,183 ) (75,818 ) Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment 12,547 20,041 32,588 Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies — (6,189 ) (6,189 ) Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies — 2,591 2,591 Other 175 — 175 Net cash used in investing activities (178,565 ) (9,740 ) (188,305 ) Net cash used in financing activities (147,532 ) — (147,532 ) Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 9,453 10 9,463 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 72,970 (9,861 ) 63,109 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 $ 267,956 $ 6,659 274,615 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 third quarter of 2017 , we reclassified $74 thousand and $221 thousand from Costs and expenses and General and administrative expenses , respectively, to Other income (expense), net . For the first nine months of 2017 we reclassified $221 thousand and $663 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, and cash flows as of and for the three and nine months ended September 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 right of use 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. We will adopt ASU 2016-02 “Leases” on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method, with a cumulative effect adjustment to opening Retained earnings recorded as of that date. The modified retrospective transition method includes a number of optional practical expedients and accounting policy elections. 1) We will elect a Package of Practical Expedients to not reassess: • whether a contract is or contains a lease (as an accounting policy election, we will not reassess whether arrangements grandfathered under EITF 01-8 are or contain leases), • lease classification, or • initial direct costs. 2) We will not elect a practical expedient to use hindsight when determining lease term. 3) We will elect the short-term lease recognition exemption. 4) The remaining practical expedients do not apply or are not expected to have a material impact. We have established a team to implement the standard update. The implementation team reports findings and progress of the project to management on a frequent basis. We have begun implementation of a new enterprise-wide lease management system in the form of a pre-configured software as a service cloud-based application to support the adoption and ongoing lease requirements under the new guidance. This system serves as a lease database to manage our lease inventory centrally and ensure completeness of lease inventory. The system also produces accounting entries and financial reporting disclosures accurately under the new guidance and provides lease activity business intelligence reporting. We are currently testing the new system to ensure it produces the data to prepare the required accounting entries and disclosures under the new guidance upon adoption and on an ongoing basis. We are evaluating additional changes to our processes and internal controls to facilitate adoption on January 1, 2019 and to meet the standard’s on-going reporting and disclosure requirements. Our current operating lease portfolio is primarily composed of real estate and equipment. Upon adoption of this standard, we expect to recognize a right-of-use asset and liability related to substantially all operating lease arrangements. We are developing our estimate of the right-of-use asset and lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments. Based on our current lease portfolio, we expect the adoption of the new standard to significantly impact our consolidated financial position due to the recognition of the right-of-use asset and liability for our operating leases. However, the ultimate impact of adoption will depend on the lease portfolio as of the adoption date. 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. Fair Value Measurements In August 2018, the FASB amended "Fair Value Measurements" to modify the disclosure requirements. The amendment removes requirements to disclose (1) the amount of and reasons for transfers between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, (2) our policy for timing of transfers between levels, and (3) the valuation processes used in level 3 measurements. It clarifies that, for investments measured at net asset value, disclosure of liquidation timing is only required if the investee has communicated the timing either to us or publicly. It also clarifies that the narrative disclosure of the effect of changes in level 3 inputs should be based on changes that could occur at the reporting date. The amendment adds a requirement to disclose the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used in level 3 measurements. The guidance is effective for us with our quarterly filing for the period ended March 31, 2020 and is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Retirement Plans In August 2018, the FASB amended "Retirement Plans" to modify the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. For us, the amendment requires the disclosure of the weighted average interest crediting rate used for cash balance plans and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. It removes the requirement to disclose the approximate amount of future benefits covered by insurance contracts. The guidance is effective for us with our annual filing for the year ended December 31, 2020 and is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Internal Use Software In August 2018, the FASB amended "Internal Use Software" to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement for software-as-a-service that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing those costs in a hosting arrangement that includes a software license. Costs for implementation activities in the application development stage are capitalized, depending on the nature of the costs, while costs incurred during the preliminary project and postimplementation stages are expensed. Any capitalized costs are expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. Cash payments for the implementation costs, whether capitalized or not, are presented as operating outflows as that is consistent with the presentation of the fees in the hosting arrangement.The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2020, and we are still assessing the impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows.

Preneed Activities (Notes)

Preneed Activities (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables (1) $ 117,730 $ 336,925 Preneed cemetery receivables (1) 856,637 1,118,146 Preneed receivables from customers (1) 974,367 1,455,071 Unearned finance charge (46,273 ) (45,515 ) Allowance for cancellation (1) (48,667 ) (107,749 ) Preneed receivables, net $ 879,427 $ 1,301,807 Trust investments, at market $ 5,023,407 $ 4,749,548 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 262,178 259,654 Trust investments 5,285,585 5,009,202 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,596,542 ) (1,532,167 ) Preneed trust investments $ 3,689,043 $ 3,477,035 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,568,470 $ 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Deposits $ 96,539 $ 86,028 $ 296,651 $ 277,286 Withdrawals $ 97,525 $ 99,872 $ 318,818 $ 297,595 Purchases of securities $ 265,125 $ 886,732 $ 1,273,683 $ 1,792,190 Sales of securities $ 295,983 $ 509,675 $ 1,331,981 $ 1,742,860 Realized gains (1) $ 70,095 $ 79,971 $ 216,241 $ 185,897 Realized losses (1) $ (20,358 ) $ (17,707 ) $ (50,210 ) $ (62,657 ) (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 September 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. September 30, 2018 Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 49,924 $ 14 $ (621 ) $ 49,317 Canadian government 2 59,507 36 (1,738 ) 57,805 Corporate 2 24,962 67 (336 ) 24,693 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,809 10 (91 ) 3,728 Asset-backed 2 142 2 (10 ) 134 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 10,080 891 (186 ) 10,785 Common stock: United States 1 1,208,054 295,891 (42,913 ) 1,461,032 Canada 1 36,162 11,804 (1,425 ) 46,541 Other international 1 75,039 10,707 (4,613 ) 81,133 Mutual funds: Equity 1 728,307 45,012 (12,089 ) 761,230 Fixed income 1 1,231,818 3,492 (46,257 ) 1,189,053 Other 3 14,726 4,228 — 18,954 Trust investments, at fair value 3,442,530 372,154 (110,279 ) 3,704,405 Commingled funds Fixed income 427,226 2,462 (17,359 ) 412,329 Equity 206,040 40,558 (2 ) 246,596 Money market funds 380,743 — — 380,743 Private equity 212,462 68,388 (1,516 ) 279,334 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,226,471 111,408 (18,877 ) 1,319,002 Trust investments, at market $ 4,669,001 $ 483,562 $ (129,156 ) $ 5,023,407 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 September 30, 2018 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity and other investments was $96.3 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 20,194 $ 7,924 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Other income (expense), net (1) 1,020 (116 ) 750 694 Purchases 36 1,881 43 1,909 Sales (9 ) (854 ) (9 ) (931 ) Acquisitions (2,287 ) — 9,103 — Fair value, ending balance $ 18,954 $ 8,835 $ 18,954 $ 8,835 (1) All net unrealized gains (losses) 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 September 30, 2018 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 64,152 Due in one to five years 59,940 Due in five to ten years 10,290 Thereafter 1,295 $ 135,677 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments was $50.2 million and $ 39.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to these trust investments was $147.3 million and $122.6 million for the nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, are shown in the following tables: September 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 $ 25,192 $ (576 ) $ 3,119 $ (45 ) $ 28,311 $ (621 ) Canadian government — — 26,469 (1,738 ) 26,469 (1,738 ) Corporate 9,332 (65 ) 6,089 (271 ) 15,421 (336 ) Residential mortgage-backed 3,378 (89 ) 100 (2 ) 3,478 (91 ) Asset-backed — — 99 (10 ) 99 (10 ) Total temporarily fixed income impaired securities $ 37,902 $ (730 ) $ 35,876 $ (2,066 ) $ 73,778 $ (2,796 ) 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 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 19.8% and 15.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was primarily the result of lower tax benefits recognized on the settlement of employee share-based awards. Our effective tax rate was an expense of 19.4% and a benefit of 12.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The higher effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2018 , the total amount of our unrecognized tax benefits was $80.8 million and the year-to-date total amount of our accrued interest was $13.2 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure	Debt Debt as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: September 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 649,688 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 395,000 — Obligations under capital leases 212,126 197,232 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 5,749 6,036 Unamortized premiums, net 6,789 7,456 Unamortized debt issuance costs (33,232 ) (38,071 ) Total debt 3,611,120 3,472,653 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (68,806 ) (337,337 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,542,314 $ 3,135,316 Current maturities of debt at September 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 4.93% and 4.73% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Approximately 66% and 75% of our total debt had a fixed interest rate at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , we paid $113.1 million and $101.7 million in cash interest, respectively. Bank Credit Agreement As of September 30, 2018 , we have $395.0 million of outstanding borrowings under our Bank Credit Facility due December 2022; $649.7 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 September 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 September 30, 2018 . As of September 30, 2018 , we have $571.7 million in borrowing capacity under the Bank Credit Facility. Debt Issuances and Additions During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we drew $395.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility as follows: • $175.0 million to fund the redemption of our 7.625% Senior notes due October 2018 in January 2018. • $10.0 million to make required payments on our Term Loan due December 2022 in March 2018. • $185.0 million to fund acquisition activity, to make required payments on our Term Loan due December 2027 and for general corporate purposes in June 2018. • $25.0 million to fund acquisition activity and for general corporate purposes in September 2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we drew $ 120.0 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we made aggregate debt payments of $285.2 million for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $250.0 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; • $25.3 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due December 2022; and • $0.3 million in other debt. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $ 10.1 million recorded in Loss on early extinguishment of debt in our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we made aggregate principal debt payments of $26.4 million , including $26.3 million for scheduled payments towards our Term Loan.

Credit Risk and Fair Value of F

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ — $ 259,563 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 200,000 199,590 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 166,200 175,313 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 430,911 436,178 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 867,000 892,118 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 225,500 238,004 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 528,000 558,250 Term Loan due December 2022 649,688 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 395,000 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 5,749 6,036 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,468,048 $ 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 , we repurchased 7,301,736 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $275.7 million , which is an average cost per share of $37.76 . After these repurchases, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under our share repurchase program was approximately $194.4 million at September 30, 2018 .

Segment Reporting (Notes)

Segment Reporting (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 (1) 2018 2017 (1) (In thousands) Revenue from customers: Funeral revenue: Atneed revenue $ 236,021 $ 236,166 $ 753,378 $ 757,096 Matured preneed revenue 138,754 135,219 450,081 425,281 Core funeral revenue 374,775 371,385 1,203,459 1,182,377 Non-funeral home revenue 11,534 10,783 37,249 34,804 Recognized preneed revenue 32,129 26,630 98,508 88,883 Other revenue 32,518 28,731 94,753 89,103 Total funeral revenue 450,956 437,529 1,433,969 1,395,167 Cemetery revenue: Atneed revenue 76,983 76,079 240,967 238,196 Recognized preneed property revenue 151,269 129,611 403,375 378,546 Recognized preneed merchandise and services revenue 68,967 69,255 210,460 206,376 Core cemetery revenue 297,219 274,945 854,802 823,118 Other revenue 30,611 18,872 80,589 64,013 Total cemetery revenue 327,830 293,817 935,391 887,131 Total revenue from customers $ 778,786 $ 731,346 $ 2,369,360 $ 2,282,298 Operating profit: Funeral operating profit $ 68,145 $ 70,118 $ 279,021 $ 274,802 Cemetery operating profit 98,025 79,658 271,038 235,731 Operating profit from reportable segments 166,170 149,776 550,059 510,533 General and administrative expenses (41,070 ) (38,992 ) (106,990 ) (121,644 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,970 (143 ) 15,317 5,545 Hurricane expenses, net (767 ) (1,290 ) (437 ) (1,290 ) Operating income 132,303 109,351 457,949 393,144 Interest expense (46,419 ) (42,754 ) (134,514 ) (125,473 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net — — (10,131 ) — Other income (expense), net 152 (19 ) 2,416 (1,049 ) Income before income taxes $ 86,036 $ 66,578 $ 315,720 $ 266,622 (1) The results for the three and nine months ended September 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 September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2018 $ 731,147 $ 47,639 $ 778,786 2017 (1) $ 685,186 $ 46,160 $ 731,346 Nine Months Ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2018 $ 2,225,705 $ 143,655 $ 2,369,360 2017 (1) $ 2,140,796 $ 141,502 $ 2,282,298

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , we have self-insurance reserves of $76.6 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, Fredeen, Romano, Doyle, Horton, Quismundo, and Kallweit 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, civil penalties, 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. Lisa Fredeen, an aggrieved employee and on behalf of other aggrieved employees v. California Cemetery and Funeral Services, LLC, et al ; Case No. BC706930; in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles. This lawsuit was filed on May 18, 2018, by the same law firm that filed the Vasquez case described above against SCI subsidiaries, asserting claims for violations of the California Labor Code and PAGA, based on alleged facts similar to those alleged in the Vasquez suit. The plaintiff seeks civil penalties, interest and attorneys’ fees. 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 SCI subsidiaries 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, against an SCI subsidiary, 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, against SCI subsidiaries, 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 an additional lawsuit, against SCI subsidiaries, 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. Other Potential Contingencies In October of 2018, we received a letter from the Illinois Office of the Comptroller claiming that we improperly withdrew a total of $13.6 million from perpetual care trusts covering 24 of its cemeteries in Illinois. We believe these withdrawals were entirely proper for the ongoing care of those cemeteries under Illinois law. We intend to vigorously defend its withdrawal of those funds.

Earnings Per Share (Notes)

Earnings Per Share (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income: Net income — basic $ 68,935 $ 56,164 $ 254,162 $ 299,347 After tax interest on convertible debt 15 13 45 38 Net income — diluted $ 68,950 $ 56,177 $ 254,207 $ 299,385 Weighted average shares (denominator): Weighted average shares — basic 180,858 187,435 182,859 187,761 Stock options 4,284 4,575 4,364 4,448 Restricted stock units 197 112 173 87 Convertible debt 121 121 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 185,460 192,243 187,517 192,417 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.38 $ 0.30 $ 1.39 $ 1.59 Diluted $ 0.37 $ 0.29 $ 1.36 $ 1.56 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) (In thousands) Anti-dilutive options 831 — 980 878

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Re

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Related Activities (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 primary reasons for the acquisition and the principal factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill in this acquisition were: • the acquisition enhances our network footprint, enabling us to serve a number of new, complementary areas and • the acquisition of the preneed backlog of deferred revenues enhances our long-term stability. The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition (in thousands): (in thousands) Other current assets $ 2,881 Cemetery property 28,683 Property and equipment, net 25,717 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments 102,720 Finite-lived intangible assets 47,017 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 18,000 Deferred charges and other assets 1,717 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments 53,027 Goodwill 27,416 Total assets acquired 307,178 Current liabilities 4,205 Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust 112,874 Deferred income taxes 5,064 Care trusts' corpus 53,027 Total liabilities assumed 175,170 Net assets acquired $ 132,008 The purchase accounting adjustments are 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. Included in preneed receivables, net and trust investments are receivables under preneed contracts with a fair value of $3.8 million . The gross amount due under the contracts is $4.3 million , of which $0.5 million is not expected to be collected. Goodwill, land, and certain identifiable intangible assets recorded in the acquisition are not subject to amortization; however, the goodwill and intangible assets will be tested periodically for impairment. Of the $27.4 million in goodwill recognized, $15.3 million was allocated to our cemetery segment and $12.1 million was allocated to our funeral segment. Additionally, $15.7 million of this goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The identified intangible assets comprise the following: Useful life Minimum Maximum Fair Value (Years) (In thousands) Other preneed customer relationships 10 20 $ 23,993 Selling and management agreements 89 89 13,176 Operating leases 89 89 2,848 Tradenames 89 89 7,000 Tradenames Indefinite 18,000 Total intangible assets $ 65,017 We incurred acquisition costs of $2.2 million , which are included in General and administrative expenses. The acquired businesses contributed revenue of $10.4 million and net income of $1.1 million for the period from June 8, 2018 through September 30, 2018. Proforma summary results for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2018 have not been provided as it is impracticable to do so given the extent of integration activities to date. 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 (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, which consist of the following: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Gains (losses) on divestitures, net $ 8,058 $ (62 ) $ 16,199 $ 22,611 Impairment losses (88 ) (81 ) (882 ) (17,066 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 7,970 $ (143 ) $ 15,317 $ 5,545

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 of 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 $544.8 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 nine months ended September 30, 2018 are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 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 $ 778,786 $ 106 $ 778,892 $ 2,369,360 $ 1,124 $ 2,370,484 Costs and expenses (612,616 ) (253 ) (612,869 ) (1,819,301 ) (14,205 ) (1,833,506 ) Operating profit (loss) 166,170 (147 ) 166,023 550,059 (13,081 ) 536,978 General and administrative expenses (41,070 ) (41,070 ) (106,990 ) — (106,990 ) Gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,970 — 7,970 15,317 — 15,317 Hurricane recoveries, net (767 ) — (767 ) (437 ) — (437 ) Operating income (loss) 132,303 (147 ) 132,156 457,949 (13,081 ) 444,868 Interest expense (46,419 ) (46,419 ) (134,514 ) — (134,514 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net — — — (10,131 ) — (10,131 ) Other income, net 152 — 152 2,416 — 2,416 Income (loss) before income taxes 86,036 (147 ) 85,889 315,720 (13,081 ) 302,639 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes (17,043 ) 42 (17,001 ) (61,398 ) 2,538 (58,860 ) Net income (loss) 68,993 (105 ) 68,888 254,322 (10,543 ) 243,779 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (58 ) — (58 ) (160 ) — (160 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 68,935 $ (105 ) $ 68,830 $ 254,162 $ (10,543 ) $ 243,619 Earnings per share (1) Basic $ 0.38 $ — $ 0.38 $ 1.39 $ (0.06 ) $ 1.33 Diluted $ 0.37 $ — $ 0.37 $ 1.36 $ (0.06 ) $ 1.30 (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 nine months ended September 30, 2017 as follows: As Previously Reported Effect of New Guidance As Recast (in thousands) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 389,614 $ (131 ) $ 389,483 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (141,652 ) — (141,652 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (49,635 ) (26,183 ) (75,818 ) Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment 12,547 20,041 32,588 Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies — (6,189 ) (6,189 ) Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies — 2,591 2,591 Other 175 — 175 Net cash used in investing activities (178,565 ) (9,740 ) (188,305 ) Net cash used in financing activities (147,532 ) — (147,532 ) Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 9,453 10 9,463 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 72,970 (9,861 ) 63,109 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 $ 267,956 $ 6,659 274,615 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 third quarter of 2017 , we reclassified $74 thousand and $221 thousand from Costs and expenses and General and administrative expenses , respectively, to Other income (expense), net . For the first nine months of 2017 we reclassified $221 thousand and $663 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, and cash flows as of and for the three and nine months ended September 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 right of use 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. We will adopt ASU 2016-02 “Leases” on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method, with a cumulative effect adjustment to opening Retained earnings recorded as of that date. The modified retrospective transition method includes a number of optional practical expedients and accounting policy elections. 1) We will elect a Package of Practical Expedients to not reassess: • whether a contract is or contains a lease (as an accounting policy election, we will not reassess whether arrangements grandfathered under EITF 01-8 are or contain leases), • lease classification, or • initial direct costs. 2) We will not elect a practical expedient to use hindsight when determining lease term. 3) We will elect the short-term lease recognition exemption. 4) The remaining practical expedients do not apply or are not expected to have a material impact. We have established a team to implement the standard update. The implementation team reports findings and progress of the project to management on a frequent basis. We have begun implementation of a new enterprise-wide lease management system in the form of a pre-configured software as a service cloud-based application to support the adoption and ongoing lease requirements under the new guidance. This system serves as a lease database to manage our lease inventory centrally and ensure completeness of lease inventory. The system also produces accounting entries and financial reporting disclosures accurately under the new guidance and provides lease activity business intelligence reporting. We are currently testing the new system to ensure it produces the data to prepare the required accounting entries and disclosures under the new guidance upon adoption and on an ongoing basis. We are evaluating additional changes to our processes and internal controls to facilitate adoption on January 1, 2019 and to meet the standard’s on-going reporting and disclosure requirements. Our current operating lease portfolio is primarily composed of real estate and equipment. Upon adoption of this standard, we expect to recognize a right-of-use asset and liability related to substantially all operating lease arrangements. We are developing our estimate of the right-of-use asset and lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments. Based on our current lease portfolio, we expect the adoption of the new standard to significantly impact our consolidated financial position due to the recognition of the right-of-use asset and liability for our operating leases. However, the ultimate impact of adoption will depend on the lease portfolio as of the adoption date. 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. Fair Value Measurements In August 2018, the FASB amended "Fair Value Measurements" to modify the disclosure requirements. The amendment removes requirements to disclose (1) the amount of and reasons for transfers between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy, (2) our policy for timing of transfers between levels, and (3) the valuation processes used in level 3 measurements. It clarifies that, for investments measured at net asset value, disclosure of liquidation timing is only required if the investee has communicated the timing either to us or publicly. It also clarifies that the narrative disclosure of the effect of changes in level 3 inputs should be based on changes that could occur at the reporting date. The amendment adds a requirement to disclose the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used in level 3 measurements. The guidance is effective for us with our quarterly filing for the period ended March 31, 2020 and is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Retirement Plans In August 2018, the FASB amended "Retirement Plans" to modify the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. For us, the amendment requires the disclosure of the weighted average interest crediting rate used for cash balance plans and an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period. It removes the requirement to disclose the approximate amount of future benefits covered by insurance contracts. The guidance is effective for us with our annual filing for the year ended December 31, 2020 and is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Internal Use Software In August 2018, the FASB amended "Internal Use Software" to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement for software-as-a-service that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing those costs in a hosting arrangement that includes a software license. Costs for implementation activities in the application development stage are capitalized, depending on the nature of the costs, while costs incurred during the preliminary project and postimplementation stages are expensed. Any capitalized costs are expensed over the term of the hosting arrangement. Cash payments for the implementation costs, whether capitalized or not, are presented as operating outflows as that is consistent with the presentation of the fees in the hosting arrangement.The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2020, and we are still assessing the impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 158,301 $ 330,039 Restricted cash (1) : Included in Other current assets 5,692 8,625 Included in Deferred charges and other assets 1,945 1,937 Total restricted cash 7,637 10,562 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 165,938 $ 340,601
Cumulative Effect Revenue Table Text Block [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Nine Months Ended September 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 $ 778,786 $ 106 $ 778,892 $ 2,369,360 $ 1,124 $ 2,370,484 Costs and expenses (612,616 ) (253 ) (612,869 ) (1,819,301 ) (14,205 ) (1,833,506 ) Operating profit (loss) 166,170 (147 ) 166,023 550,059 (13,081 ) 536,978 General and administrative expenses (41,070 ) (41,070 ) (106,990 ) — (106,990 ) Gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,970 — 7,970 15,317 — 15,317 Hurricane recoveries, net (767 ) — (767 ) (437 ) — (437 ) Operating income (loss) 132,303 (147 ) 132,156 457,949 (13,081 ) 444,868 Interest expense (46,419 ) (46,419 ) (134,514 ) — (134,514 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net — — — (10,131 ) — (10,131 ) Other income, net 152 — 152 2,416 — 2,416 Income (loss) before income taxes 86,036 (147 ) 85,889 315,720 (13,081 ) 302,639 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes (17,043 ) 42 (17,001 ) (61,398 ) 2,538 (58,860 ) Net income (loss) 68,993 (105 ) 68,888 254,322 (10,543 ) 243,779 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (58 ) — (58 ) (160 ) — (160 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 68,935 $ (105 ) $ 68,830 $ 254,162 $ (10,543 ) $ 243,619 Earnings per share (1) Basic $ 0.38 $ — $ 0.38 $ 1.39 $ (0.06 ) $ 1.33 Diluted $ 0.37 $ — $ 0.37 $ 1.36 $ (0.06 ) $ 1.30
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 $ 389,614 $ (131 ) $ 389,483 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (141,652 ) — (141,652 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (49,635 ) (26,183 ) (75,818 ) Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment 12,547 20,041 32,588 Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies — (6,189 ) (6,189 ) Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies — 2,591 2,591 Other 175 — 175 Net cash used in investing activities (178,565 ) (9,740 ) (188,305 ) Net cash used in financing activities (147,532 ) — (147,532 ) Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 9,453 10 9,463 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 72,970 (9,861 ) 63,109 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 $ 267,956 $ 6,659 274,615

Preneed Activities (Tables)

Preneed Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Long-term receivable and investment components	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables (1) $ 117,730 $ 336,925 Preneed cemetery receivables (1) 856,637 1,118,146 Preneed receivables from customers (1) 974,367 1,455,071 Unearned finance charge (46,273 ) (45,515 ) Allowance for cancellation (1) (48,667 ) (107,749 ) Preneed receivables, net $ 879,427 $ 1,301,807 Trust investments, at market $ 5,023,407 $ 4,749,548 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 262,178 259,654 Trust investments 5,285,585 5,009,202 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,596,542 ) (1,532,167 ) Preneed trust investments $ 3,689,043 $ 3,477,035 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,568,470 $ 4,778,842
Investment related activities	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Deposits $ 96,539 $ 86,028 $ 296,651 $ 277,286 Withdrawals $ 97,525 $ 99,872 $ 318,818 $ 297,595 Purchases of securities $ 265,125 $ 886,732 $ 1,273,683 $ 1,792,190 Sales of securities $ 295,983 $ 509,675 $ 1,331,981 $ 1,742,860 Realized gains (1) $ 70,095 $ 79,971 $ 216,241 $ 185,897 Realized losses (1) $ (20,358 ) $ (17,707 ) $ (50,210 ) $ (62,657 )
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation	September 30, 2018 Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 49,924 $ 14 $ (621 ) $ 49,317 Canadian government 2 59,507 36 (1,738 ) 57,805 Corporate 2 24,962 67 (336 ) 24,693 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,809 10 (91 ) 3,728 Asset-backed 2 142 2 (10 ) 134 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 10,080 891 (186 ) 10,785 Common stock: United States 1 1,208,054 295,891 (42,913 ) 1,461,032 Canada 1 36,162 11,804 (1,425 ) 46,541 Other international 1 75,039 10,707 (4,613 ) 81,133 Mutual funds: Equity 1 728,307 45,012 (12,089 ) 761,230 Fixed income 1 1,231,818 3,492 (46,257 ) 1,189,053 Other 3 14,726 4,228 — 18,954 Trust investments, at fair value 3,442,530 372,154 (110,279 ) 3,704,405 Commingled funds Fixed income 427,226 2,462 (17,359 ) 412,329 Equity 206,040 40,558 (2 ) 246,596 Money market funds 380,743 — — 380,743 Private equity 212,462 68,388 (1,516 ) 279,334 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,226,471 111,408 (18,877 ) 1,319,002 Trust investments, at market $ 4,669,001 $ 483,562 $ (129,156 ) $ 5,023,407 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 $ 64,152 Due in one to five years 59,940 Due in five to ten years 10,290 Thereafter 1,295 $ 135,677
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance $ 20,194 $ 7,924 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 Net unrealized gains (losses) included in Other income (expense), net (1) 1,020 (116 ) 750 694 Purchases 36 1,881 43 1,909 Sales (9 ) (854 ) (9 ) (931 ) Acquisitions (2,287 ) — 9,103 — Fair value, ending balance $ 18,954 $ 8,835 $ 18,954 $ 8,835
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	September 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 $ 25,192 $ (576 ) $ 3,119 $ (45 ) $ 28,311 $ (621 ) Canadian government — — 26,469 (1,738 ) 26,469 (1,738 ) Corporate 9,332 (65 ) 6,089 (271 ) 15,421 (336 ) Residential mortgage-backed 3,378 (89 ) 100 (2 ) 3,478 (91 ) Asset-backed — — 99 (10 ) 99 (10 ) Total temporarily fixed income impaired securities $ 37,902 $ (730 ) $ 35,876 $ (2,066 ) $ 73,778 $ (2,796 ) 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt	Debt as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: September 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 649,688 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 395,000 — Obligations under capital leases 212,126 197,232 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 5,749 6,036 Unamortized premiums, net 6,789 7,456 Unamortized debt issuance costs (33,232 ) (38,071 ) Total debt 3,611,120 3,472,653 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (68,806 ) (337,337 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,542,314 $ 3,135,316

Credit Risk and Fair Value of_2

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure	The fair value of our debt instruments at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ — $ 259,563 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 200,000 199,590 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 166,200 175,313 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 430,911 436,178 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 867,000 892,118 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 225,500 238,004 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 528,000 558,250 Term Loan due December 2022 649,688 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 395,000 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 5,749 6,036 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,468,048 $ 3,440,052

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 (1) 2018 2017 (1) (In thousands) Revenue from customers: Funeral revenue: Atneed revenue $ 236,021 $ 236,166 $ 753,378 $ 757,096 Matured preneed revenue 138,754 135,219 450,081 425,281 Core funeral revenue 374,775 371,385 1,203,459 1,182,377 Non-funeral home revenue 11,534 10,783 37,249 34,804 Recognized preneed revenue 32,129 26,630 98,508 88,883 Other revenue 32,518 28,731 94,753 89,103 Total funeral revenue 450,956 437,529 1,433,969 1,395,167 Cemetery revenue: Atneed revenue 76,983 76,079 240,967 238,196 Recognized preneed property revenue 151,269 129,611 403,375 378,546 Recognized preneed merchandise and services revenue 68,967 69,255 210,460 206,376 Core cemetery revenue 297,219 274,945 854,802 823,118 Other revenue 30,611 18,872 80,589 64,013 Total cemetery revenue 327,830 293,817 935,391 887,131 Total revenue from customers $ 778,786 $ 731,346 $ 2,369,360 $ 2,282,298 Operating profit: Funeral operating profit $ 68,145 $ 70,118 $ 279,021 $ 274,802 Cemetery operating profit 98,025 79,658 271,038 235,731 Operating profit from reportable segments 166,170 149,776 550,059 510,533 General and administrative expenses (41,070 ) (38,992 ) (106,990 ) (121,644 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,970 (143 ) 15,317 5,545 Hurricane expenses, net (767 ) (1,290 ) (437 ) (1,290 ) Operating income 132,303 109,351 457,949 393,144 Interest expense (46,419 ) (42,754 ) (134,514 ) (125,473 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net — — (10,131 ) — Other income (expense), net 152 (19 ) 2,416 (1,049 ) Income before income taxes $ 86,036 $ 66,578 $ 315,720 $ 266,622
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	Our geographic area information is as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) Three Months Ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2018 $ 731,147 $ 47,639 $ 778,786 2017 (1) $ 685,186 $ 46,160 $ 731,346 Nine Months Ended September 30, Revenue from external customers: 2018 $ 2,225,705 $ 143,655 $ 2,369,360 2017 (1) $ 2,140,796 $ 141,502 $ 2,282,298

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income: Net income — basic $ 68,935 $ 56,164 $ 254,162 $ 299,347 After tax interest on convertible debt 15 13 45 38 Net income — diluted $ 68,950 $ 56,177 $ 254,207 $ 299,385 Weighted average shares (denominator): Weighted average shares — basic 180,858 187,435 182,859 187,761 Stock options 4,284 4,575 4,364 4,448 Restricted stock units 197 112 173 87 Convertible debt 121 121 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 185,460 192,243 187,517 192,417 Net income per share: Basic $ 0.38 $ 0.30 $ 1.39 $ 1.59 Diluted $ 0.37 $ 0.29 $ 1.36 $ 1.56
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) (In thousands) Anti-dilutive options 831 — 980 878

Acquisitions and Divestiture-_2

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Related Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Divestiture-Related Activities [Abstract]
Gains (Losses) on Divestitures and Impairment Charges	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 (In thousands) Gains (losses) on divestitures, net $ 8,058 $ (62 ) $ 16,199 $ 22,611 Impairment losses (88 ) (81 ) (882 ) (17,066 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 7,970 $ (143 ) $ 15,317 $ 5,545
Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Acquired as Part of Business Combination [Table Text Block]	Useful life Minimum Maximum Fair Value (Years) (In thousands) Other preneed customer relationships 10 20 $ 23,993 Selling and management agreements 89 89 13,176 Operating leases 89 89 2,848 Tradenames 89 89 7,000 Tradenames Indefinite 18,000 Total intangible assets $ 65,017
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Table Text Block]	(in thousands) Other current assets $ 2,881 Cemetery property 28,683 Property and equipment, net 25,717 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments 102,720 Finite-lived intangible assets 47,017 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 18,000 Deferred charges and other assets 1,717 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments 53,027 Goodwill 27,416 Total assets acquired 307,178 Current liabilities 4,205 Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust 112,874 Deferred income taxes 5,064 Care trusts' corpus 53,027 Total liabilities assumed 175,170 Net assets acquired $ 132,008

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	$ (544,780)		$ (567,911)	$ 0
Deferred Costs			281,700
Pension Cost (Reversal of Cost)		$ 74		221
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost)		$ 221		$ 663
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 Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue Recognition Impact (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 778,786	$ 731,346	$ 10,400	$ 2,369,360	$ 2,282,298
Costs and expenses:	(612,616)	(581,570)		(1,819,301)	(1,771,765)
Gross Profit	166,170	149,776		550,059	510,533
General and administrative expenses	(41,070)	(38,992)		(106,990)	(121,644)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	7,970	(143)		15,317	5,545
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both, Net of Insurance Proceeds	(767)	(1,290)		(437)	(1,290)
Operating income	132,303	109,351		457,949	393,144
Interest expense	(46,419)	(42,754)		(134,514)	(125,473)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0	0		(10,131)	0
Other income (expense), net	152	(19)		2,416	(1,049)
Income before income taxes	86,036	66,578		315,720	266,622
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(17,043)	(10,437)		(61,398)	32,830
Net income	68,993	56,141	$ 1,100	254,322	299,452
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(58)	23		(160)	(105)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 68,935	$ 56,164		$ 254,162	$ 299,347
Basic	$ 0.38	$ 0.30		$ 1.39	$ 1.59
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 0.37	$ 0.29		$ 1.36	$ 1.56
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 106			$ 1,124
Costs and expenses:	(253)			(14,205)
Gross Profit	(147)			(13,081)
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	(147)			(13,081)
Interest expense				0
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0			0
Other income (expense), net	0			0
Income before income taxes	(147)			(13,081)
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	42			2,538
Net income	(105)			(10,543)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0			0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ (105)			$ (10,543)
Basic	$ (0.58)			$ (57.66)
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ (0.57)			$ (56.22)
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 778,892			$ 2,370,484
Costs and expenses:	(612,869)			(1,833,506)
Gross Profit	166,023			536,978
General and administrative expenses	(41,070)			(106,990)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	7,970			15,317
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both, Net of Insurance Proceeds	(767)			(437)
Operating income	132,156			444,868
Interest expense	(46,419)			(134,514)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0			(10,131)
Other income (expense), net	152			2,416
Income before income taxes	85,889			302,639
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(17,001)			(58,860)
Net income	68,888			243,779
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(58)			(160)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 68,830			$ 243,619
Basic	$ 380.57			$ 1,332.28
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 371.13			$ 1,299.18

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosure (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 158,301	$ 330,039	$ 274,615
Current restricted cash	5,692	8,625
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	1,945	1,937
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	7,637	10,562
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 165,938	$ 340,601	$ 274,615	$ 211,506

Summary of Significant Accoun_7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Cash Flow Accounting Guidance Recast (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 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	$ 452,266	$ 389,483
Capital expenditures	(165,943)	(141,652)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(187,616)	(75,818)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	29,890	32,588
Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies	(14,283)	(6,189)
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	(346,767)	(188,305)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(279,051)	(147,532)
Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(1,111)	9,463
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		63,109
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	165,938		$ 340,601	$ 274,615	$ 211,506
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 158,301		$ 330,039	274,615
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		(131)
Capital expenditures		0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(26,183)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment		20,041
Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies		(6,189)
Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies		2,591
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities		0
Net cash used in investing activities		(9,740)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		0
Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		10
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(9,861)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents					16,520
Cash and cash equivalents				6,659
Previous Accounting Guidance [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities		389,614
Capital expenditures		(141,652)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(49,635)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment		12,547
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		(178,565)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		(147,532)
Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		9,453
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		$ 72,970
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents					$ 194,986
Cash and cash equivalents				$ 267,956

Preneed Activities Investment R

Preneed Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Document Period End Date			Sep. 30, 2018
Deposits	$ 96,539	$ 86,028	$ 296,651	$ 277,286
Withdrawals	97,525	99,872	318,818	297,595
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	265,125	886,732	1,273,683	1,792,190
Sales of available-for-sale securities	295,983	509,675	1,331,981	1,742,860
Realized gains on investments	70,095	79,971	216,241	185,897
Realized losses on investments	(20,358)	(17,707)	(50,210)	(62,657)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Investment related activities [Line Items]
Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments	$ 9	$ 854	$ 9	$ 931

Preneed Activities Long-term Re

Preneed Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Unearned finance charges	$ (46,273)	$ (45,515)
Allowance for cancellation	(48,667)	(107,749)
Trust investments, at market	5,023,407	4,749,548
Insurance-backed fixed income securities	262,178	259,654
Trust investments	5,285,585	5,009,202
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	(1,596,542)	(1,532,167)
Preneed trust investments	3,689,043	3,477,035
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	4,568,470	4,778,842
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Preneed Receivables	879,427	1,301,807
Receivables from customers	974,367	1,455,071
Funeral
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Receivables from customers	117,730	336,925
Cemetery
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Receivables from customers	$ 856,637	$ 1,118,146

Preneed Activities Schedule of

Preneed Activities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Amortized Cost Basis	$ 3,442,530	$ 3,260,648
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	372,154	367,569
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(110,279)	(57,889)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	3,704,405	3,570,328
Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	1,226,471	1,122,537
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	111,408	64,692
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(18,877)	(8,009)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,319,002	1,179,220
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	4,669,001	4,383,185
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	483,562	432,261
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(129,156)	(65,898)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	5,023,407	4,749,548
Fixed Income Commingled funds [Member] | Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	427,226	454,242
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,462	235
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(17,359)	(5,860)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	412,329	448,617
Commingled funds - Equity [Member] | Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	206,040	214,000
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	40,558	12,826
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(2)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	246,596	226,826
Private Equity Funds | Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	212,462	166,860
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	68,388	51,631
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1,516)	(2,149)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	279,334	216,342
Money Market Funds [Member] | Reported at net asset value
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	380,743	287,435
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	380,743	287,435
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	49,924	48,805
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	14	14
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(621)	(117)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	49,317	48,702
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Government Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	59,507	81,500
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	36	160
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1,738)	(1,089)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	57,805	80,571
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	24,962	13,540
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	67	327
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(336)	(170)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	24,693	13,697
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	3,809	3,279
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	10	16
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(91)	(14)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	3,728	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	(10)	(10)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	134	325
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Preferred Stock Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	10,080	7,834
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	891	385
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(186)	(139)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	10,785	8,080
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | US Common Stock Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	1,208,054	1,161,015
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	295,891	266,822
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(42,913)	(24,739)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,461,032	1,403,098
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Canada Common Stock Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	36,162	30,762
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	11,804	12,545
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(1,425)	(522)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	46,541	42,785
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Other International Common Stock Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	75,039	63,510
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	10,707	13,174
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(4,613)	(2,834)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	81,133	73,850
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Funds
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	728,307	613,934
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	45,012	59,100
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(12,089)	(4,312)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	761,230	668,722
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fixed Income Funds
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	1,231,818	1,230,196
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	3,492	11,897
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	(46,257)	(23,943)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,189,053	1,218,150
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Other Investments
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Amortized Cost Basis	14,726	5,953
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	4,228	3,114
Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$ 18,954	$ 9,067

Preneed Activities Level 3 Acti

Preneed Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 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	$ (2,287)	$ 0	$ 9,103	$ 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance	20,194	7,924	9,067	7,163
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,020	(116)	750	694
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	36	1,881	43	1,909
Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments	9	854	9	931
Fair market value, ending balance	$ 18,954	$ 8,835	$ 18,954	$ 8,835

Preneed Activities Investments

Preneed Activities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, within One Year, Fair Value	$ 64,152
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	59,940
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	10,290
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after 10 Years, Fair Value	1,295
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Total, Fair Value	$ 135,677

Preneed Activities Schedule o_2

Preneed Activities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	$ 37,902	$ 55,264
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(730)	(797)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	35,876	11,154
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(2,066)	(603)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	73,778	66,418
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (2,796)	(1,400)
Document Period End Date	Sep. 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	$ 25,192	29,014
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(576)	(115)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	3,119	106
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(45)	(2)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	28,311	29,120
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(621)	(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	0	20,947
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	(639)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	26,469	6,370
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(1,738)	(450)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	26,469	27,317
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(1,738)	(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	9,332	2,423
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(65)	(31)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	6,089	4,453
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(271)	(139)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	15,421	6,876
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(336)	(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	3,378	2,880
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(89)	(12)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	100	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	3,478	3,031
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	(91)	(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	99	74
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	(10)	(10)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	99	74
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ (10)	$ (10)

Preneed Activities Preneed Acti

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Unfunded Commitments	$ 96.3		$ 96.3
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 50.2	$ 39.1	$ 147.3	$ 122.6

Preneed Activities Deferred Pre

Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues (Details) [Abstract]
Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust		$ 5,118,575		$ 5,265,206
Accounting Changes [Text Block]		37,991
Net Preneed Deferred Sales		$ 745,566
Deferred Revenue Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net		159,194
Deferred Investment Earnings, Net		102,119
Recognized deferred preneed revenues		(297,407)
Recognized deferred revenues, current period sales		(403,477)
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	$ (544,780)	(567,911)	$ 0
Deferred Revenue Change in Cancellation Allowance		62,120
Effect of foreign currency and other on deferred revenue		$ (7,957)

Preneed Activities Deferred Rev

Preneed Activities Deferred Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, Gross		$ 1,999,092		$ 1,789,776
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	$ (544,780)	(567,911)	$ 0
Deferred Revenue		$ 1,431,181		$ 1,789,776

Income Taxes Narrative (Details

Income Taxes Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	19.80%	15.70%	19.40%	12.30%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 80.8		$ 80.8
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	13.2		13.2
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	$ 16.3		$ 16.3

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt				$ 285,200	$ 26,400
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$ 33,300			33,300
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	25,000			395,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(33,232)			(33,232)		$ (38,071)
Total debt	3,611,120			3,611,120		3,472,653
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	(68,806)			(68,806)		(337,337)
Total long-term debt	3,542,314			3,542,314		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				25,300
Term Loan	649,688			649,688		675,000
Bank Credit Facility	395,000			395,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount						0
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net		$ 185,000	$ 10,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt				300
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net					$ 120,000
Unsecured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized pricing discounts and other	6,789			6,789		7,456
Unsecured Debt | October 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0			0		250,000
Unsecured Debt | November 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000			200,000		200,000
Unsecured Debt | November 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	150,000			150,000		150,000
Unsecured Debt | January 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	425,000			425,000		425,000
Unsecured Debt | May 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000			850,000		850,000
Unsecured Debt | April 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	200,000			200,000		200,000
Unsecured Debt | December 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	550,000			550,000		550,000
Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Obligations under capital leases	212,126			212,126		197,232
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes and other debt	$ 5,749			$ 5,749		$ 6,036

Debt Narratives (Details)

Debt Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Document Period End Date					Sep. 30, 2018
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.93%				4.93%		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					$ 113,100	$ 101,700
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	571,700				$ 571,700
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	25,000				395,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt					25,601	26,376
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	0			$ 0	(10,131)	0
Repayments of Debt					285,200	26,400
Repayments of Long-term Capital Lease Obligations					29,771	40,509
December 2,022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank Credit Facility	395,000				395,000
Term Loan	649,688				649,688		$ 675,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount							0
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net		$ 185,000	$ 10,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt					9,600
Repayments of Debt					25,300
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net						$ 120,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt					26,300
Repayments of Debt					300
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 of_3

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fair value of debt instruments	$ 3,468,048	$ 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	200,000	199,590
November 2,021
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	166,200	175,313
January 2,022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	430,911	436,178
May 2,024
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	867,000	892,118
April 2,027
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	225,500	238,004
December 2,027
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	528,000	558,250
December 2,022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	395,000	0
Bank Credit Facility	395,000
Term Loan [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	649,688	675,000
Mortgages [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 5,749	$ 6,036

Equity Narratives (Details)

Equity Narratives (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Equity [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount	$ 194.4
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share | $ / shares	$ 37.76
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 275.7
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired | shares	7,301,736

Segment Reporting (Details)

Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus				2,018
Revenue from External Customers	$ 778,786	$ 731,346	$ 10,400	$ 2,369,360	$ 2,282,298
Gross Profit	166,170	149,776		550,059	510,533
General and administrative expenses	(41,070)	(38,992)		(106,990)	(121,644)
Losses (gains) on divestitures and impairment charges, net	7,970	(143)		15,317	5,545
Hurricane Expenses, Net of Insurance Proceeds	(767)	(1,290)		(437)	(1,290)
Operating income	132,303	109,351		457,949	393,144
Interest expense	(46,419)	(42,754)		(134,514)	(125,473)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net	0	0		(10,131)	0
Other income (expense), net	152	(19)		2,416	(1,049)
Income before income taxes	86,036	66,578		315,720	266,622
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	731,147	685,186		2,225,705	2,140,796
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	47,639	46,160		143,655	141,502
Funeral Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	236,021	236,166		753,378	757,096
Funeral Matured Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	138,754	135,219		450,081	425,281
Funeral Core Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	374,775	371,385		1,203,459	1,182,377
Non-funeral Home Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross Profit	11,534	10,783		37,249	34,804
Funeral Recognized Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross Profit	32,129	26,630		98,508	88,883
Funeral Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	32,518	28,731		94,753	89,103
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	450,956	437,529		1,433,969	1,395,167
Gross Profit	68,145	70,118		279,021	274,802
Cemetery Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	76,983	76,079		240,967	238,196
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Property Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	151,269	129,611		403,375	378,546
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Merchandise And Service Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	68,967	69,255		210,460	206,376
Cemetery Core Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	297,219	274,945		854,802	823,118
Cemetery Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	30,611	18,872		80,589	64,013
Cemetery
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue from External Customers	327,830	293,817		935,391	887,131
Gross Profit	$ 98,025	$ 79,658		$ 271,038	$ 235,731

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Oct. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Self Insurance Reserve		$ 76.6	$ 78.2
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Stores	24
Subsequent Event Potential Contingency	$ 13.6

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Document Period End Date			Sep. 30, 2018
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 68,935	$ 56,164	$ 254,162	$ 299,347
After tax interest on convertible debt	15	13	45	38
Net income — diluted	$ 68,950	$ 56,177	$ 254,207	$ 299,385
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares — basic	(180,858)	(187,435)	(182,859)	(187,761)
Convertible debt	121	121	121	121
Weighted average shares — diluted	185,460	192,243	187,517	192,417
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 0.38	$ 0.30	$ 1.39	$ 1.59
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 0.37	$ 0.29	$ 1.36	$ 1.56
Equity Option [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Stock options	4,284	4,575	4,364	4,448
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Stock options	197	112	173	87
Equity Option [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	831	0	980	878

Acquisitions and Divestiture-_3

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Related Activities (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus				2,018
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs	$ 2,200		$ 2,200	$ 2,200
Preneed Contracts Receivables Fair Value	4,300		4,300	4,300
Preneed Contracts Receivables Fair Value, net	3,800		3,800	3,800
Uncollected preneed contract receivables	500		500	500
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	27,416		27,416	27,416
Revenues	778,786	$ 731,346	10,400	2,369,360	$ 2,282,298
Net income	68,993	56,141	$ 1,100	254,322	299,452
Gains (losses) on divestitures, net	8,058	(62)		16,199	22,611
Impairment losses	(88)	(81)		882	17,066
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	$ 7,970	(143)		$ 15,317	5,545
Number of States in which Entity Operates	4		4	4
Large acquisition cash spend				$ 82,200
Large acquisition debt acquired				49,800
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	$ 15,700		$ 15,700	15,700
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Businesses Acquired	15
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 12,100		12,100	12,100
Revenues	$ 450,956	437,529		1,433,969	1,395,167
Cemetery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Businesses Acquired	7
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 15,300		$ 15,300	15,300
Revenues	$ 327,830	$ 293,817		$ 935,391	$ 887,131

Acquisitions and Divestiture-_4

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Related Activities Acq-Balance Sheet (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets	$ 2,881
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Cemetery property	28,683
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	25,717
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Preneed Funeral And Cemetery Receivables And Trust Investments	102,720
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	47,017
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	18,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets	1,717
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts	53,027
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	27,416
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	307,178
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	4,205
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Preneed Funeral And Cemetery Revenues And Deferred Receipts Held In Trusts	112,874
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent	5,064
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Care Trust Corpus	53,027
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	175,170
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 132,008

Acquisitions and Divestiture-_5

Acquisitions and Divestiture-Related Activities Schedule Of Finite And Indefinte Lived Intangible Assets Acquired As Part Of Business Comination Table (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 18,000
Intangible Assets Acquired	65,017
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	23,993
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	13,176
Lease Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	2,848
Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 7,000
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	89 years
Minimum [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	89 years
Minimum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Lease Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	89 years