Service Corporation International (SCI) 10-K 20 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 15, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Service Corp International
Entity Central Index Key	89,089
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Shell Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		181,303,103
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 6,700,898,710

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 3,190,174	$ 3,095,031	$ 3,031,137
Costs and expenses	(2,429,852)	(2,372,252)	(2,354,287)
Operating profit	760,322	722,779	676,850
General and administrative expenses	(145,499)	(153,067)	(136,708)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net	15,933	7,015	(26,819)
Hurricane expense, net	(97)	5,584	0
Operating income	630,659	571,143	513,323
Interest expense	(181,556)	(169,125)	(162,093)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	(10,131)	(274)	(22,503)
Other income (expense), net	2,760	(1,486)	(2,069)
Income before income taxes	441,732	400,258	326,658
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes	5,826	146,589	(149,353)
Net income	447,558	546,847	177,305
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(350)	(184)	(267)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 447,208	$ 546,663	$ 177,038
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 2.45	$ 2.91	$ 0.92
Basic weighted average number of shares	182,447	187,630	193,086
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 2.39	$ 2.84	$ 0.90
Diluted weighted average number of shares	186,972	192,246	196,042
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.68	$ 0.58
Product [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,584,242	$ 1,525,747	$ 1,456,596
Costs and expenses	(811,574)	(794,725)	(776,411)
Service [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,374,380	1,356,665	1,345,528
Costs and expenses	(752,488)	(729,204)	(733,690)
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	231,552	212,619	229,013
Costs and expenses	$ (865,790)	$ (848,323)	$ (844,186)

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 447,558	$ 546,847	$ 177,305
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(28,478)	25,462	10,331
Total comprehensive income	419,080	572,309	187,636
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(191)	(195)	(270)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 418,889	$ 572,114	$ 187,366

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 198,850	$ 330,039
Receivables, net	73,825	90,304
Inventories	24,950	25,378
Other	33,607	35,575
Total current assets	331,232	481,296
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	4,271,392	4,778,842
Cemetery property	1,837,464	1,791,989
Property and equipment, net	1,977,364	1,873,044
Goodwill	1,863,842	1,805,981
Deferred charges and other assets	934,151	601,184
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	1,477,798	1,532,167
Total assets	12,693,243	12,864,503
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	479,768	489,172
Current maturities of long-term debt	69,896	337,337
Income taxes payable	5,936	2,470
Total current liabilities	555,600	828,979
Long-term debt	3,532,182	3,135,316
Deferred preneed revenue	1,418,814	1,789,776
Deferred tax liability	404,627	283,765
Other liabilities	297,302	410,982
Deferred receipts held in trust	3,371,738	3,475,430
Care trusts’ corpus	1,471,165	1,530,818
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Equity:
Common stock, $1 per share par value, 500,000,000 shares authorized, 184,720,582 and 191,935,647 shares issued, respectively, and 181,470,582 and 186,614,747 shares outstanding, respectively	181,471	186,615
Capital in excess of par value	972,710	970,468
Accumulated deficit	474,327	210,364
Accumulated other comprehensive income	13,395	41,943
Total common stockholders’ equity	1,641,903	1,409,390
Noncontrolling interests	(88)	47
Total equity	1,641,815	1,409,437
Total liabilities and equity	$ 12,693,243	$ 12,864,503

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par or stated value per share	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	184,720,582	191,935,647
Common stock, shares outstanding	181,470,582	186,614,747

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$ 447,558	$ 546,847	$ 177,305
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	10,131	274	22,503
Depreciation and amortization	153,650	153,141	147,233
Amortization of intangibles	26,195	27,650	30,956
Amortization of cemetery property	68,640	68,102	66,745
Amortization of loan costs	6,059	5,859	5,826
Provision for doubtful accounts	8,372	9,980	10,776
(Benefit from) provision for deferred income taxes	(41,479)	(317,838)	7,490
(Gains) losses on divestitures and impairment charges, net	(15,933)	(7,015)	26,819
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments	(2,636)	0	0
Share-based compensation	15,626	14,788	14,056
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	0	0	(12,685)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
Decrease (increase) in receivables	(8,052)	(9,740)	(14,198)
(Increase) decrease in other assets	4,814	(14,353)	22,771
(Decrease) increase in payables and other liabilities	(16,699)	81,763	47,888
Effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:
Increase in preneed receivables, net and trust investments	55,607	(63,994)	(73,394)
Increase in deferred revenue, net	(28,005)	31,182	34,775
Decrease in deferred receipts held in trust	19,290	(23,274)	(25,831)
Net cash provided by operating activities	615,830	503,372	489,035
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(235,545)	(214,501)	(193,446)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(194,824)	(76,171)	(72,859)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	37,309	52,381	51,813
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	14,525	(175)	0
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	2,900	0	0
Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities	(14,760)	(7,360)	(9,050)
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy	4,824	2,592	2,517
Net cash used in investing activities	(414,621)	(242,884)	(221,025)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	396,349	1,787,500	1,060,000
Debt issuance costs	0	(12,939)	(5,232)
Scheduled payments of debt	(34,134)	(468,973)	(36,414)
Early payments of debt	(259,590)	(1,117,512)	(895,634)
Principal payments on capital leases	(39,686)	(51,106)	(33,119)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	24,517	33,611	17,662
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	0	0	12,685
Purchase of Company common stock	(277,611)	(199,637)	(227,928)
Payments of dividends	(123,849)	(108,750)	(98,418)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	(4,580)	(1,961)
PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesIncludiing1031ExchangeFunds	62,800	76,200	72,900
Bank overdrafts and other	(15,177)	5,959	(1,095)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(329,181)	(136,427)	(209,454)
Effect of foreign currency	(5,045)	5,034	1,857
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(133,017)	129,095	60,413
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period	330,039
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period	198,850	330,039
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 207,584	$ 340,601	$ 211,506

Consolidated Statement of Equit

Consolidated Statement of Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Treasury Stock	Capital in Excess of Par Value	Accumulated Deficit(1)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 1,189,401	$ 200,859	$ (5,086)	$ 1,092,106	$ (109,351)	$ 6,164	$ 4,709
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	187,636	0	0	0	177,038	10,328	270
Dividends declared on common stock	(98,418)	0	0	(98,418)	0	0	0
Stock option exercises	17,662	2,108	0	15,554	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	241	(1)	(240)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	14,056		0
Purchase of Company common stock	(227,928)	0		14,056	0	0	0
Tax benefits related to stock-based awards	12,685	0	0	12,685	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(1,961)	0	(8,812)	(48,042)	(171,074)	0	0
Acquisition		0	0	364	0	0	(2,325)
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (120)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (120)
Retirement of treasury shares	0	(7,901)	(7,901)	0	0	0	0
Other	$ 2,234	$ 96	$ 0	$ 2,138	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2016	1,095,247	195,403	(5,998)	990,203	(103,387)	16,492	2,534
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	572,309	0	0	0	546,663	25,451	195
Dividends declared on common stock	(108,750)	0	0	(37,011)	(71,739)	0	0
Stock option exercises	33,611	2,759	0	30,852	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	209	(2)	(207)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	14,788	0	0	14,788	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	(199,637)	0	(6,211)	(32,253)	(161,173)	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(4,580)	0	0	(2,258)	0	0	(2,322)
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (360)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (360)
Retirement of treasury shares	0	(6,890)	(6,890)	0	0	0	0
Other	$ 6,809	$ 455	$ 0	$ 6,354	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2017	1,409,437	191,936	(5,321)	970,468	210,364	41,943	47
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	419,080	0	0	0	447,208	(28,319)	191
Dividends declared on common stock	(123,849)	0	0	0	(123,849)	0	0
Stock option exercises	24,517	1,802	0	22,715	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	178	0	(178)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	15,626	0	0	15,626	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	(277,611)	0	(7,348)	(38,404)	(231,859)	0	0
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (326)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 326
Retirement of treasury shares	0	(9,419)	(9,419)	0	0	0	0
Other	$ 2,709	$ 224	$ 0	$ 2,483	$ 2	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2018	1,641,815	184,721	(3,250)	972,710	474,327	13,395	(88)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 172,232	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 172,461	$ (229)	$ 0

Consolidated Statement of Equ_2

Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.51	$ 0.68	$ 0.58

Nature of Operations Level 1 (N

Nature of Operations Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	Nature of Operations We are North America’s largest provider of deathcare products and services, with a network of funeral service locations and cemeteries operating in the United States and Canada. Our funeral service and cemetery operations consist of funeral service locations, cemeteries, funeral service/cemetery combination locations, crematoria, and other related businesses, which enable us to serve a wide array of customer needs. We sell cemetery property and funeral and cemetery merchandise and services at the time of need and on a preneed basis. Funeral service locations provide all professional services relating to funerals and cremations, including the use of funeral facilities and motor vehicles, arranging and directing services, removal, preparation, embalming, cremations, memorialization, travel protection, and catering. Funeral merchandise, including burial caskets and related accessories, urns and other cremation receptacles, outer burial containers, flowers, online and video tributes, stationery products, casket and cremation memorialization products, and other ancillary merchandise, is sold at funeral service locations. Our cemeteries provide cemetery property interment rights, including developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, niches, and other cremation memorialization and interment options. Cemetery merchandise and services, including memorial markers and bases, outer burial containers, flowers and floral placement, other ancillary merchandise, graveside services, merchandise installation, and interments, are sold at our cemeteries.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Our financial statements also include the accounts of the merchandise and service trusts and cemetery perpetual care trusts in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary. We have retained the specialized industry accounting principles when consolidating the trusts. Our trusts are variable interest entities, for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. Although we consolidate the trusts, it does not change the legal relationships among the trusts, us, or our customers. The customers are the legal beneficiaries of these trusts; therefore, their interests in these trusts represent a liability to us. Reclassifications to Prior Period Financial Statements and Adjustments Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation with no effect on our previously reported results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows except as described below under " Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018 ". Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The components of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 198,850 $ 330,039 Restricted cash (1) : Included in Other current assets 7,007 8,625 Included in Deferred charges and other assets 1,727 1,937 Total restricted cash 8,734 10,562 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 207,584 $ 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. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Our trade receivables primarily consist of amounts due for funeral services already performed. We provide various allowances and cancellation reserves for our receivables. These allowances are based on an analysis of historical trends of collection and cancellation activity. Atneed receivables are considered past due after thirty days. Collections are generally managed by the locations or third party agencies acting on behalf of the locations, until a receivable is one hundred eighty days delinquent at which time it is fully reserved and sent to a collection agency. These estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the economy, and demographic or competitive changes in our areas of operation. Inventories and Cemetery Property Funeral and cemetery merchandise are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Cemetery property is recorded at cost. Inventory costs and cemetery property are relieved using specific identification in fulfillment of performance obligations on our contracts. Cemetery property amortization was $68.6 million , $68.1 million , and $66.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, whereas renewals and major replacements that extend the assets useful lives are capitalized. Depreciation is recognized ratably over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over a period ranging from ten to forty years, equipment is depreciated over a period from three to eight years, and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or ten years. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $153.7 million , $153.1 million , and $147.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2018, based on a review of our historical usage patterns for similar assets, we increased our estimate of the remaining useful life of certain building improvements and equipment by one to three years. For 2018 these changes in useful life, which were made prospectively, reduced depreciation expense by $4.3 million ( $0.02 per basic and diluted share). When property or equipment is sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheet; resulting gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period of sale or disposal. Leases We have lease arrangements related to real estate and office equipment for funeral service and cemetery locations that are classified as operating leases at December 31, 2018 . Lease terms related to real estate generally range from one to forty years with options to renew at varying terms. Lease terms related to office and transportation equipment generally range from one to eight years with options to renew at varying terms. Our capital leases primarily include transportation equipment that generally range from one to eight years. We calculate operating lease expense ratably over the lease term. We consider reasonably assured renewal options and fixed escalation provisions in our calculation. For more information related to leases, see Note 8. Goodwill The excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is tested annually during the fourth quarter for impairment by assessing the fair value of each of our reporting units. Our goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In order to perform our goodwill impairment test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. We determine fair value of each reporting unit using both a market and income approach. The income approach, which is a discounted cash flow method, uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. We do not record an impairment of goodwill in instances where the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount. If the aggregate fair value is less than the related carrying amount for a reporting unit, we compare the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we used a 6.75% discount rate, growth rates ranging from 2.5% to 5.4% over a seven-year period, plus a terminal value determined using the constant growth method in projecting our future cash flows. Fair value was calculated as the sum of the projected discounted cash flows of our reporting units over the next seven years plus terminal value at the end of those seven years. Our terminal value was calculated using a long-term growth rate of 1.0% and 2.4% for our funeral and cemetery reporting units, respectively. In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. No interim goodwill impairment reviews were required in 2018 or 2017 . For more information related to goodwill, see Note 4. Other Intangible Assets Our intangible assets include covenants-not-to-compete, customer relationships, trademarks and tradenames, and other intangible assets primarily resulting from acquisitions. Certain of our trademark and tradenames and other intangible assets are considered to have an indefinite life and are not subject to amortization. We test for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets annually during the fourth quarter. Our intangible asset impairment tests involve estimates and management judgment. For trademark and tradenames, our test uses the relief from royalty method whereby we determine the fair value of the assets by discounting the cash flows that represent a savings over having to pay a royalty fee for use of the trademark and tradenames. The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we estimated that the pre-tax savings would range from 2.0% to 5.0% of the revenue associated with the trademark and tradenames, based primarily on our research of intellectual property valuation and licensing databases. We also assumed a terminal growth rate of 1.0% and 2.4% for our funeral and cemetery segments, respectively, and discounted the cash flows at a 6.95% discount rate based on the relative risk of these assets to our overall business. In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of intangible assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. No interim intangible impairment reviews were required in 2018 or 2017 . Certain of our intangible assets associated with prior acquisitions are relieved using specific identification in fulfillment of performance obligations on our contracts. We amortize all other finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to eighty-nine years. For more information related to intangible assets, see Note 4. Fair Value Measurements We measure the available-for-sale securities held by our funeral merchandise and service, cemetery merchandise and service, and cemetery perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We utilize a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: • Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments. • Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, ratings, and tax-exempt status. These securities are classified as Level 2 investments. • The valuation of other investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. These securities are classified as Level 3 investments. An asset’s or liability’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fixed income commingled funds, money market funds, and private equity investments are measured at net asset value. Fixed income commingled funds and money market funds are redeemable for net asset value with two weeks' notice and immediately, respectively. Our private equity investments include several funds that invest in limited partnerships, distressed debt, real estate, and mezzanine financing. These investments can never be redeemed by the funds. Instead, due to the nature of the investments in this category, distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. We estimate that the underlying assets will be liquidated over the next two to ten years. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed quarterly by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. We assess our investments in fixed income instruments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Prior to our adoption of the new guidance on financial instruments discussed below in "Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018", we also assessed our investments in equity instruments for other-than temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges resulting from these assessments are recognized as investment losses in Other income (expense), net . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net, related to Deferred receipts held in trust, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we recorded a $28.9 million , and a $11.9 million , respectively, impairment charge for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to certain investments. Treasury Stock We make treasury stock purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions and normal trading restrictions. We account for the repurchase of our common stock under the par value method. We canceled 9.4 million , 6.9 million , and 7.9 million shares of common stock held in our treasury in 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. These retired treasury shares were changed to authorized but unissued status. Foreign Currency Translation All assets and liabilities of Canadian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect as of the end of the reporting period. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Equity and Consolidated Balance Sheet. The functional currency of SCI and its subsidiaries is the respective local currency. The transactional currency gains and losses that arise from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of our operations are recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We do not have any investments in foreign operations considered to be in highly inflationary economies. Funeral and Cemetery Operations Revenue is recognized when 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. 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 the third-party, 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. Additionally, 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. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in total consideration. 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. We do not accrue interest on preneed receivables if they are not paid in accordance with the contractual payment terms given the nature of our merchandise and services, the nature of our contracts with customers, and the timing of the delivery of our services. We do not consider preneed receivables to be past due until the merchandise or services are required to be delivered at which time the preneed receivable is paid or reclassified as a trade receivable with payment terms of less than thirty days. For unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts, our Consolidated Balance Sheet reflects the net contract liability, which represents the amount we have collected from customers, in Deferred revenue, net . 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. If a preneed contract is canceled prior to delivery, state or provincial law determines the amount of the refund owed to the customer, if any, including the amount of the attributed investment earnings. Upon cancellation, we receive the amount of principal deposited to the trust and previously undistributed net investment earnings and, where required, issue a refund to the customer. In addition, we are entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels a preneed contract. We recognized these retained funds, if any, and the attributed investment earnings (net of any investment earnings payable to the customer) as revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In certain jurisdictions, we may be obligated to fund any shortfall if the amount refundable to the customer exceeds the funds in trust. 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 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 total return 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 fulfillment of the performance obligation. Incremental direct selling costs are deferred and, as of December 31, 2018, we had $282.3 million of these costs in Deferred charges and other assets. These deferred costs are classified as long-term on our 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. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred. Insurance-funded preneed contracts 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. GA revenue recognized in 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 was $134.1 million , $121.0 million , and $135.8 million , respectively. We do not reflect the unfulfilled insurance-funded preneed contract amounts in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The policy amount of the insurance contract between the customer and the third-party insurance company generally equals the amount of the preneed contract. 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. Income Taxes We compute income taxes using the liability method. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. We have established a valuation allowance against a portion of our deferred tax assets. We could be required to further adjust that valuation allowance in the near term if market conditions change materially and future earnings are, or are projected to be, significantly different than our current estimates. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period. All deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowances are classified as non-current on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, requiring payment of a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, generally eliminating U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating a bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property, and imposing a limitation on deductibility of certain executive compensation. On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provided a measurement period of up to one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we have recognized the provisional tax impacts related to deemed repatriated earnings and the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. During 2018, we identified and recorded discrete adjustments to the provisional amounts allowed under SAB 118. The accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act was completed in the fourth quarter of 2018. For further information on the impacts of the Tax Act, see Note 5 in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Accounting Standards Adopted in 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 applying the modified retrospective approach 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 Notes 2, 3, and 12 of this Form 10-K. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, we reclassified $546.6 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 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 Consolidated Statement of Operations was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 As Reported Effect of New Guidance Without New Guidance (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 3,190,174 $ 1,142 $ 3,191,316 Costs and expenses (2,429,852 ) (15,491 ) (2,445,343 ) Operating profit (loss) 760,322 (14,349 ) 745,973 General and administrative expenses (145,499 ) — (145,499 ) Gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net 15,933 — 15,933 Hurricane recoveries, net (97 ) — (97 ) Operating income (loss) 630,659 (14,349 ) 616,310 Interest expense (181,556 ) — (181,556 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net (10,131 ) — (10,131 ) Other income, net 2,760 — 2,760 Income (loss) before income taxes 441,732 (14,349 ) 427,383 Benefit from income taxes 5,826 3,672 9,498 Net income (loss) 447,558 (10,677 ) 436,881 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (350 ) — (350 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 447,208 $ (10,677 ) $ 436,531 Earnings per share Basic $ 2.45 $ (0.06 ) $ 2.39 Diluted $ 2.39 $ (0.06 ) $ 2.33 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 Conso

Preneed Activities Level 1 (Not

Preneed Activities Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Preneed Activities Text Block	3. Preneed Activities Preneed receivables, net and trust investments The components of Preneed receivables, net and trust investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables (1) $ 107,612 $ 336,925 Preneed cemetery receivables (1) 883,432 1,118,146 Preneed receivables from customers 991,044 1,455,071 Unearned finance charge (44,981 ) (45,515 ) Allowance for cancellation (1) (48,380 ) (107,749 ) Preneed receivables, net 897,683 1,301,807 Trust investments, at market 4,585,720 4,749,548 Assets associated with business held for sale — (5,660 ) Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 265,787 265,314 Trust investments 4,851,507 5,009,202 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,477,798 ) (1,532,167 ) Preneed trust investments 3,373,709 3,477,035 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,271,392 $ 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: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deposits $ 393,523 $ 371,234 $ 321,232 Withdrawals $ 432,822 $ 415,283 $ 350,379 Purchases of securities $ 1,540,093 $ 2,057,348 $ 1,462,900 Sales of securities $ 1,564,968 $ 1,999,918 $ 1,393,728 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 305,595 $ 256,413 $ 100,284 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (77,996 ) $ (76,963 ) $ (113,806 ) (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 activity in Preneed receivables, net and trust investments was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464 Net preneed contract sales 1,325,134 1,257,288 1,159,194 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,185,717 ) (1,109,380 ) (1,030,703 ) Deposits to trust 347,601 328,241 279,782 Acquisitions of businesses, net 134,729 8,153 1,477 Net undistributed investment (losses) earnings (1) (191,611 ) 384,512 145,511 Maturities and distributed earnings (433,036 ) (411,452 ) (337,912 ) Change in cancellation allowance 62,131 (528 ) 3,329 Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (546,554 ) — — Effect of foreign currency and other (20,127 ) 16,843 6,023 Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,271,392 $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment (losses) earnings. The cost and market values associated with trust investments recorded at market value at December 31, 2018 and 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. December 31, 2018 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 49,187 $ 153 $ (448 ) $ 48,892 Canadian government 2 56,343 23 (1,797 ) 54,569 Corporate 2 19,869 13 (516 ) 19,366 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,611 10 (50 ) 3,571 Asset-backed 2 142 2 (11 ) 133 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 9,058 180 (412 ) 8,826 Common stock: United States 1 1,236,513 149,233 (138,141 ) 1,247,605 Canada 1 34,821 9,082 (3,026 ) 40,877 Other international 1 77,676 6,057 (10,275 ) 73,458 Mutual funds: Equity 1 760,887 7,104 (151,853 ) 616,138 Fixed income 1 1,180,325 800 (89,179 ) 1,091,946 Other 3 6,548 3,210 (3 ) 9,755 Trust investments, at fair value 3,434,980 175,867 (395,711 ) 3,215,136 Commingled funds Fixed income 419,206 2,419 (18,981 ) 402,644 Equity 205,789 19,567 (11,723 ) 213,633 Money market funds 466,429 — — 466,429 Private equity 215,618 72,897 (637 ) 287,878 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,307,042 94,883 (31,341 ) 1,370,584 Trust investments, at market $ 4,742,022 $ 270,750 $ (427,052 ) $ 4,585,720 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 48,805 $ 14 $ (117 ) $ 48,702 Canadian government 2 81,500 160 (1,089 ) 80,571 Corporate 2 13,540 327 (170 ) 13,697 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,279 16 (14 ) 3,281 Asset-backed 2 320 15 (10 ) 325 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 7,834 385 (139 ) 8,080 Common stock: United States 1 1,161,015 266,822 (24,739 ) 1,403,098 Canada 1 30,762 12,545 (522 ) 42,785 Other international 1 63,510 13,174 (2,834 ) 73,850 Mutual funds: Equity 1 613,934 59,100 (4,312 ) 668,722 Fixed income 1 1,230,196 11,897 (23,943 ) 1,218,150 Other 3 5,953 3,114 — 9,067 Trust investments, at fair value 3,260,648 367,569 (57,889 ) 3,570,328 Commingled funds Fixed income 454,242 235 (5,860 ) 448,617 Equity 214,000 12,826 — 226,826 Money market funds 287,435 — — 287,435 Private equity 166,860 51,631 (2,149 ) 216,342 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,122,537 64,692 (8,009 ) 1,179,220 Trust investments, at market $ 4,383,185 $ 432,261 $ (65,898 ) $ 4,749,548 As of December 31, 2018 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity investments was $113 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: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in Other income (expense), net (1) (697 ) 912 251 Purchases 66 1,945 89 Sales (26 ) (953 ) (1,339 ) Acquisitions, net 1,345 — — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 9,755 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 (1) All net realized and unrealized (losses) gains recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts' corpus. Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2019 to 2077 . Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2018 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 62,374 Due in one to five years 53,512 Due in five to ten years 9,698 Thereafter 947 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 126,531 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our preneed trust investments was $121.7 million , $112.6 million , and $94.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our cemetery perpetual care trust investments was $74.7 million , $62.9 million , and $67.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. We have determined that the unrealized losses in our fixed income trust investments are considered temporary in nature, as the unrealized losses were due to temporary fluctuations in interest rates. The investments are diversified across multiple industry segments using a balanced allocation strategy to minimize long-term risk. We believe that none of the securities are other-than-temporarily impaired based on our analysis of the investments. Our analysis included a review of the portfolio holdings and discussions with the individual money managers as to the credit ratings and the severity and duration of the unrealized losses. Our fixed income investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values, and the duration of unrealized losses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , are shown in the following tables: December 31, 2018 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 6,899 $ (226 ) $ 16,374 $ (222 ) $ 23,273 $ (448 ) Canadian government 2,254 (9 ) 25,330 (1,788 ) 27,584 (1,797 ) Corporate 11,579 (206 ) 6,563 (310 ) 18,142 (516 ) Residential mortgage-backed 351 (4 ) 3,010 (46 ) 3,361 (50 ) Asset-backed — — 79 (11 ) 79 (11 ) Total fixed income temporarily impaired securities $ 21,083 $ (445 ) $ 51,356 $ (2,377 ) $ 72,439 $ (2,822 ) December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 29,014 $ (115 ) $ 106 $ (2 ) $ 29,120 $ (117 ) Canadian government 20,947 (639 ) 6,370 (450 ) 27,317 (1,089 ) Corporate 2,423 (31 ) 4,453 (139 ) 6,876 (170 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,880 (12 ) 151 (2 ) 3,031 (14 ) Asset-backed — — 74 (10 ) 74 (10 ) Total fixed income temporarily impaired securities $ 55,264 $ (797 ) $ 11,154 $ (603 ) $ 66,418 $ (1,400 ) Deferred revenue, net At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , Deferred revenue , net represents future revenue, including distributed trust investment earnings associated with unperformed trust-funded preneed contracts that are not held in trust accounts. Future revenue and net trust investment earnings that are held in trust accounts are included in Deferred receipts held in trust. The components of Deferred revenue, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Deferred revenue $ 1,989,232 $ 1,789,776 Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts (1) (570,418 ) — Deferred revenue, net $ 1,418,814 $ 1,789,776 (1) Prior to adoption of "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018, amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts were included in Preneed receivables, net and trust investments . The following table summarizes the activity for our contract liabilities, which are reflected in Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,265,206 Cumulative effect of accounting changes 37,991 Net preneed contract sales 977,378 Acquisitions of businesses, net 159,560 Net investment losses (1) (195,051 ) Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (381,041 ) Recognized revenue from current period sales (572,428 ) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (546,554 ) Change in cancellation reserve 65,817 Effect of foreign currency and other (20,326 ) Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 4,790,552 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment losses. (2) Includes current year trust fund income through the date of performance. The following table summarizes the activity in Deferred revenue, net : Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net $ 1,731,417 $ 1,677,898 Net preneed contract sales 900,037 847,848 Acquisitions of businesses, net 10,488 193 Net investment earnings (1) 381,436 146,103 Recognized revenue (876,857 ) (823,319 ) Change in cancellation allowance (165 ) 5,396 Change in deferred receipts held in trust (361,499 ) (124,923 ) Effect of foreign currency and other 4,919 2,221 Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net $ 1,789,776 $ 1,731,417 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]	Goodwill and Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for our funeral and cemetery reporting units are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Funeral Cemetery Total Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Beginning balance-- Goodwill $ 1,499,741 $ 306,240 $ 1,805,981 $ 1,493,655 $ 305,426 $ 1,799,081 Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions 38,976 29,219 68,195 8,013 1,215 9,228 Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures (2,183 ) (24 ) (2,207 ) (8,495 ) (401 ) (8,896 ) Effect of foreign currency (8,127 ) — (8,127 ) 6,568 — 6,568 Activity 28,666 29,195 57,861 6,086 814 6,900 Ending balance-- Goodwill $ 1,528,407 $ 335,435 $ 1,863,842 $ 1,499,741 $ 306,240 $ 1,805,981 The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows: Useful Life Minimum Maximum 2018 2017 (Years) (In thousands) Amortizing intangibles: Covenants-not-to-compete 2 - 20 $ 215,424 $ 214,628 Customer relationships 10 - 20 158,347 129,516 Tradenames 5 - 89 16,150 9,150 Other 5 - 89 25,103 11,927 415,024 365,221 Less: accumulated amortization: Covenants-not-to-compete 195,536 192,296 Customer relationships 75,199 61,321 Tradenames 9,194 7,320 Other 5,504 4,830 285,433 265,767 Amortizing intangibles, net 129,591 99,454 Non-amortizing intangibles: Tradenames Indefinite 293,474 263,880 Other Indefinite 10,765 10,765 Non-amortizing intangibles 304,239 274,645 Intangible assets, net - included in Deferred charges and other assets $ 433,830 $ 374,099 As part of our annual recoverability testing process during 2018, we recognized $2.4 million of impairment on tradenames. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $26.2 million , $27.7 million , and $31.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. The following is estimated amortization expense, excluding certain intangibles for which we are unable to provide an estimate because they are amortized based on specific identification in the fulfillment of performance obligation on our preneed contracts, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 8,167 2020 7,076 2021 6,966 2022 5,801 2023 5,410 Total estimated amortization expense $ 33,420

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes The provision or benefit for income taxes includes U.S. federal income taxes (determined on a consolidated return basis), foreign income taxes, and state income taxes. O n December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("the Tax Act”). The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, requiring payment of a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, generally eliminating U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating a bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property, and imposing limitation on deductibility of certain executive compensation. The Tax Act reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. In accordance with SAB 118, we recognized a provisional $146.2 million net tax benefit related to deemed repatriated earnings and the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 . During 2018, we recognized a net $16.1 million discrete tax benefit for adjustments to the provisional tax amounts allowed under SAB 118. The accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2018 based on the regulatory guidance, interpretations, and data available as of December 31, 2018 . As of December 31, 2018 , foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on the estimated $221.7 million of undistributed E&P of our foreign subsidiaries as we intend to permanently reinvest these foreign E&P in those businesses outside the U.S. However, if we were to repatriate such foreign E&P, the foreign withholding tax liability is estimated to be $11.5 million . Beginning in 2018, the Tax Act includes a new U.S. tax base erosion provision designed to tax global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”). We made a policy election to account for GILTI as a period cost. However, the tax impacts of GILTI provisions are not material to our consolidated financial statements. Income before income taxes was composed of the following components: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) United States $ 399,123 $ 347,680 $ 287,946 Foreign 42,609 52,578 38,712 $ 441,732 $ 400,258 $ 326,658 Income tax (benefit) provision consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Current: United States $ 18,138 $ 154,128 $ 113,629 Foreign 10,541 12,187 12,084 State 6,974 4,934 16,150 Total current income taxes 35,653 171,249 141,863 Deferred: United States $ (48,565 ) $ (314,389 ) $ (19,496 ) Foreign 386 618 22,708 State 6,700 (4,067 ) 4,278 Total deferred income taxes (41,479 ) (317,838 ) 7,490 Total income taxes $ (5,826 ) $ (146,589 ) $ 149,353 We made income tax payments of $65.4 million , $170.2 million , and $115.0 million in 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively, and received refunds of $11.4 million , $3.4 million , and $2.4 million , respectively. The income tax payments for 2017 include $34.2 million in settlement payments to the IRS. The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate $ 92,764 $ 140,090 $ 114,331 State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits 10,146 8,216 13,279 Foreign jurisdiction differences 2,377 (6,782 ) (2,557 ) Permanent differences associated with divestitures 790 1,925 9,267 Changes in uncertain tax positions and audit settlements (88,687 ) (105,821 ) 5,669 Foreign valuation allowance, net of federal income tax benefits (431 ) 1,186 15,850 Enactment of U.S. Tax Act (16,105 ) (146,160 ) — Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (11,159 ) (18,521 ) — Other 4,479 (20,722 ) (6,486 ) (Benefit from) provision for income taxes $ (5,826 ) $ (146,589 ) $ 149,353 Total consolidated effective tax rate (1.3 )% (36.6 )% 45.7 % The effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was lower than the federal statutory tax rate of 21% primarily due to the reduction in uncertain tax positions as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitations. The lower effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to the effects of the Tax Act discussed above and the IRS audit settlement, as well as the result of tax benefits recognized on the settlement of employee share-based awards. The higher effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 was a result of a valuation allowance recorded against foreign net deferred tax assets for which a future net benefit may not be realized and non-deductible goodwill resulting from gains on divestitures. Deferred taxes are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates. The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Inventories and cemetery property $ (220,537 ) $ (222,431 ) Deferred incremental direct selling costs (73,696 ) — Property and equipment (122,281 ) (109,631 ) Intangibles (197,815 ) (194,159 ) Other — (4,902 ) Deferred tax liabilities (614,329 ) (531,123 ) Loss and tax credit carryforwards 153,688 170,979 Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts 113,970 155,679 Accrued liabilities 63,558 62,727 Other 90 — Deferred tax assets 331,306 389,385 Less: valuation allowance (120,931 ) (141,154 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (403,954 ) $ (282,892 ) Deferred tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets $ 673 $ 873 Non-current deferred tax liabilities (404,627 ) (283,765 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (403,954 ) $ (282,892 ) The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Federal, State, and Foreign Tax (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 182,545 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years (4,219 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 178,326 Reductions to tax positions as a result of audit settlement (30,333 ) Reductions to tax positions related to prior years (68,538 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 79,455 Additions to tax positions related to prior years 1,348 Reduction to tax positions due to expiration of statutes of limitations (79,455 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,348 Our total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rates were $1.4 million , $79.5 million , and $161.8 million as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. We include potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within our income tax provision account. We have accrued $0.5 million , $11.1 million , and $57.3 million for the payment of interest, net of tax benefits, and penalties as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. We recorded a decrease of interest and penalties of $10.6 million , $46.2 million and an increase of $5.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. To the extent interest and penalties are not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions or the uncertainty of deductions in the future, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision. We file income tax returns, including tax returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. We consider the United States to be our most significant jurisdiction; however, all tax returns are subject to routine compliance review by the taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we file tax returns in the ordinary course of business. In March 2017, we received from the IRS Office of Appeals the fully executed Form 870-AD for the years 1999-2005, which effectively settled the issues under audit for those years. As a result of this resolution, we recognized a reduction in our unrecognized tax benefits and associated interest of $143.0 million . In 2017, we made $34.2 million in settlement payments to the IRS and subsequently in 2018 received federal and state refunds totaling $5.6 million . The federal statutes of limitations have expired for all tax years prior to 2015 and we are not currently under audit by the IRS. Various state jurisdictions are auditing years 2009 through 2017. There are currently no federal or provincial audits in Canada; however, years subsequent to 2013 remain open and could be subject to examination. It is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change within the next twelve months. However, given the number of years that remain subject to examination and the number of matters being examined, an estimate of the range of the possible increase or decrease cannot be made. Various subsidiaries have state and foreign loss carryforwards in the aggregate of $2.7 billion with expiration dates through 2032 . Such loss carryforwards will expire as follows: Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) 2019 $ — $ 119,956 $ — $ 119,956 2020 — 174,507 — 174,507 2021 — 152,788 — 152,788 2022 — 80,831 — 80,831 Thereafter 3,652 2,152,860 11,329 2,167,841 Total $ 3,652 $ 2,680,942 $ 11,329 $ 2,695,923 In assessing the usefulness of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During 2018, we recorded a net $4.0 million decrease in our state valuation allowance due primarily to the implementation of the revenue recognition standard as well as statutory tax rate and legislative changes in various states. We also recorded a $16.2 million decrease in our foreign valuation allowance due primarily to dissolution of our Luxembourg subsidiary. The valuation allowances can be affected in future periods by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and changes in estimates of future taxable income. At December 31, 2018 , our loss and tax credit carryforward deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances by jurisdiction are as follows (presented net of federal benefit): Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) Loss and tax credit carryforwards $ 767 $ 146,275 $ 6,646 $ 153,688 Valuation allowance $ — $ 100,625 $ 20,306 $ 120,931

Debt Level 1 (Notes)

Debt Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt Debt was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 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 641,250 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 395,000 — Obligations under capital leases 211,952 197,232 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 4,076 6,036 Unamortized premiums and discounts, net 6,562 7,456 Unamortized debt issuance costs (31,762 ) (38,071 ) Total debt 3,602,078 3,472,653 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (69,896 ) (337,337 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,532,182 $ 3,135,316 Current maturities of debt at December 31, 2018 include amounts due under our term loan, mortgage notes and other debt, and capital leases within the next year as well as the portion of unamortized premiums and discounts and debt issuance costs expected to be recognized in the next twelve months. Our consolidated debt had a weighted average interest rate of 4.99% and 4.73% at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Approximately 66% and 75% of our total debt had a fixed interest rate at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of our debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2018 and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums and debt issuance costs (in thousands): 2019 $ 75,037 2020 281,186 2021 238,470 2022 1,379,873 2023 14,193 2024 and thereafter 1,638,519 Total debt maturities $ 3,627,278 Bank Credit Agreement 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 December 31, 2018 , we are in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We issued $32.9 million of letters of credit and pay a quarterly fee on the unused commitment, which was 0.25% at December 31, 2018 . As of December 31, 2018 , we have $572.1 million in borrowing capacity under the facility. As of December 31, 2017, we issued $33.3 million of letters of credit. Debt Issuances and Additions During the year ended December 31, 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 2022, 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 year ended December 31, 2017, we borrowed $ 675.0 million on our Term Loan due December 2022, $ 562.5 million on our Bank Credit Facilities, and issued $550.0 million unsecured 4.625% Senior Notes Due December 2027 to make the 2017 debt payments described below, to fund acquisition activity, and for general corporate purposes. These transactions resulted in an additional $ 12.9 million of debt issuance costs. Debt Extinguishments and Reductions During the year ended December 31, 2018 , we made aggregate debt payments of $293.7 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; • $33.8 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 Losses on early extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 . During the year ended December 31, 2017, we made debt payments of $ 1.6 billion for scheduled and early payments including: • $ 647.5 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due March 2021; • $ 470.0 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility due March 2021; • $ 442.5 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility due December 2022; • $ 26.3 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due March 2021 as a scheduled payment; and • $0.2 million in other debt. Additional Debt Disclosures At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we had deposits of $3.8 million and $3.7 million , respectively, in restricted, interest-bearing accounts that were pledged as collateral for various credit instruments and commercial commitments. These deposits are included in Other current assets and Deferred charges and other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We had assets of approximately $1.1 million and $1.2 million pledged as collateral for the mortgage notes and other debt at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Cash interest payments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2018 $ 179,865 Payments in 2017 $ 160,843 Payments in 2016 $ 156,950 Expected cash interest payments for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2018 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2019 $ 179,665 Payments in 2020 177,275 Payments in 2021 166,511 Payments in 2022 129,293 Payments in 2023 87,842 Payments in 2024 and thereafter 172,932 Total expected cash interest payments $ 913,518

Credit Risk and Fair Value of F

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Text Block]	Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Estimates The fair value estimates of the following financial instruments have been determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, and trade payables approximate the fair values of those instruments due to the short-term nature of the instruments. The carrying values of receivables on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts approximate fair value due to the diverse number of individual contracts with varying terms. The fair value of our debt instruments was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ — $ 259,563 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 198,930 199,590 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 160,800 175,313 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 428,188 436,178 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 851,275 892,118 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 517,077 558,250 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 214,940 238,004 Term Loan due December 2022 629,579 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 387,061 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 4,076 6,036 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,391,926 $ 3,440,052 The fair values of our long-term, fixed rate loans were estimated using market prices for those loans, and therefore they are classified within Level 2 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The Term Loan, Bank Credit Facility agreement, and the mortgage and other debt are classified within Level 3 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The fair values of these instruments have been estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements. An increase (decrease) in the inputs results in a directionally opposite change in the fair value of the instruments. Credit Risk Exposure Our cash deposits, some of which exceed insured limits, are distributed among various market and national banks in the jurisdictions in which we operate. In addition, we regularly invest excess cash in financial instruments that are not insured, such as commercial paper that is offered by corporations with quality credit ratings and money market funds and Eurodollar time deposits that are offered by a variety of reputable financial institutions. We believe that the credit risk associated with such instruments is minimal. We grant credit to customers in the normal course of business. The credit risk associated with our funeral, cemetery, and preneed funeral and preneed cemetery receivables due from customers is generally considered minimal because of the diversification of the customers served. Furthermore, bad debts have not been significant relative to the volume of deferred revenue. Customer payments on preneed funeral or preneed cemetery contracts that are either placed into state-regulated trusts or used to pay premiums on life insurance contracts generally do not subject us to collection risk. Insurance-funded contracts are subject to supervision by state insurance departments and are protected in the majority of states by insurance guaranty acts.

Commitments and Contingencies L

Commitments and Contingencies Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Leases Our leases principally relate to funeral service real estate and office, maintenance, and transportation equipment. The majority of our lease arrangements contain options to (i) purchase the property at fair value on the exercise date, (ii) purchase the property for a value determined at the inception of the lease, or (iii) renew the lease for the fair rental value at the end of the primary lease term. Rental expense for operating leases was $27.4 million , $30.5 million , and $31.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. As of December 31, 2018 , future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating and capital leases exceeding one year were as follows: Operating Capital (In thousands) 2019 $ 11,295 $ 46,998 2020 9,550 51,943 2021 8,251 57,881 2022 7,282 21,842 2023 5,397 15,587 2024 and thereafter 37,841 40,447 Total $ 79,616 $ 234,698 Less: Interest on capital leases (22,746 ) Total principal payable on capital leases $ 211,952 Employment and Management, Consulting, and Non-Competition Agreements We have entered into employment and management, consulting, and non-competition agreements, generally for five to ten years, with certain officers and employees and former owners of businesses that we acquired. At December 31, 2018 , the maximum estimated future cash commitments under agreements with remaining commitment terms, and with original terms of more than one year, were as follows: Employment and Management Consulting Non-Competition Total (In thousands) 2019 $ 1,823 $ 632 $ 5,671 $ 8,126 2020 1,116 517 4,365 5,998 2021 674 387 3,301 4,362 2022 332 307 2,683 3,322 2023 94 78 1,874 2,046 2024 and thereafter — 214 5,921 6,135 Total $ 4,039 $ 2,135 $ 23,815 $ 29,989 Insurance Loss Reserves We purchase comprehensive general liability, morticians and cemetery professional liability, automobile liability, and workers’ compensation insurance coverage structured with high deductibles. The high-deductible insurance program means we are primarily self-insured for claims and associated costs and losses covered by these policies. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we have self-insurance reserves of $80.1 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, except for those lawsuits where a settlement is referenced, 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. The parties reached a settlement of this lawsuit and the Doyle lawsuit referenced below in November 2018. The settlement agreement is subject to court approval. The financial terms of the settlement call for SCI Direct to pay a total of $2.5 million in relation to both the Romano and Doyle lawsuits. 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. The parties reached a settlement of this lawsuit and the Romano lawsuit referenced above in November 2018. The settlement agreement is subject to court approval. The financial terms of the settlement call for SCI Direct to pay a total of $2.5 million in relation to both the Romano and Doyle lawsuits. 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 our subsidiary improperly withdrew a total of $13.6 million from perpetual care trusts covering 24 of our 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 the withdrawal of these funds.

Equity Level 1 (Notes)

Equity Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	Equity (All shares reported in whole numbers) Share Authorization We are authorized to issue 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $1 per share par value. No preferred shares were issued as of December 31, 2018 or 2017 . At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , 500,000,000 common shares of $1 par value were authorized. We had 184,720,582 and 191,935,647 shares issued and 181,470,582 and 186,614,747 outstanding at par at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate. The U.S. dollar amount that arises from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income. Share Repurchase Program Subject to market conditions, normal trading restrictions, and limitations in our debt covenants, we may make purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions under our share repurchase program. In 2018 , we repurchased 7,347,838 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $277.6 million , which is an average cost per share of $37.78 . During 2017 , we repurchased 6,210,606 shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $ 199.6 million , which is an average cost per share of $32.14 . During February 2018 , our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization to $400.0 million . After these repurchases and increase in authorization, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under the share repurchase program was $192.5 million at December 31, 2018 . Subsequent to December 31, 2018 , we repurchased 193,395 shares for $7.9 million at an average cost per share of $40.70 .

Share-Based Compensation Level

Share-Based Compensation Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Share-Based Compensation Stock Benefit Plans We maintain benefit plans whereby shares of our common stock may be issued pursuant to the exercise of stock options or restricted stock granted to officers and key employees. Our Amended and Restated Incentive Plan reserves 44,000,000 shares of common stock for outstanding and future awards of stock options, restricted stock, and other share-based awards to officers and key employees. In May 2017, our shareholders approved the amended 2016 Equity Incentive Plan that reserves 13,404,404 shares of common stock for outstanding and future awards of stock options, restricted stock, and other awards to officers and key employees. On August 25, 2017, we issued 340,510 deferred common stock equivalents, or units, pursuant to provisions regarding our 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. The 63,894 remaining shares left available under grant from the Director Fee Plan were merged into the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. Our benefit plans allow for options to be granted as either non-qualified or incentive stock options. The options historically have been granted annually, or upon hire, as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The options are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock on the date of the grant, as approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The options are generally exercisable at a rate of 33 1 / 3 % each year unless alternative vesting methods are approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Outstanding options will expire, if not exercised or forfeited, within eight years from the date of grant. Restricted shares are generally expensed ratably over the period during which the restrictions lapse, which is typically 33 1 / 3 % each year. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , 8,287,804 and 10,125,235 shares, respectively, were reserved for future option and restricted share grants under our stock benefit plans. We utilize the Black-Scholes option valuation model for estimating the fair value of our stock options. This model allows the use of a range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected holding period, and dividend yield. The expected volatility utilized in the valuation model is based on the historical volatility of our stock price. The dividend yield and expected holding period are based on historical experience and management’s estimate of future events. The risk-free interest rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve based on the expected life of the option in effect at the time of grant. The fair values of our stock options are calculated using the following weighted average assumptions, based on the methods described above: Years Ended December 31, Assumptions 2018 2017 2016 Dividend yield 1.8% 2.0% 2.0% Expected volatility 18.5% 19.0% 19.7% Risk-free interest rate 2.4% 1.6% 1.0% Expected holding period (years) 4.0 4.0 4.0 The following table summarizes certain information with respect to stock option and restricted share compensation as included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income $ 15,626 $ 14,788 $ 14,056 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income $ 3,998 $ 5,416 $ 6,427 Stock Options The following table sets forth stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 9,520,299 $ 19.77 Granted 1,199,420 $ 37.50 Exercised (1,801,776 ) $ 13.61 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 8,917,943 $ 23.40 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 6,145,297 $ 19.81 The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and exercisable was $150.4 million and $125.7 million , respectively, at December 31, 2018 . Set forth below is certain information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Number Outstanding at December 31, 2018 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable at December 31, 2018 Weighted- Average Exercise Price $ 0.00 — 10.00 3,127 0.1 $ 9.09 3,127 $ 9.09 $10.01 — 20.00 2,878,785 2.4 $ 15.38 2,878,785 $ 15.38 $20.01 — 30.00 4,836,611 5.1 $ 24.68 3,263,385 $ 23.73 $30.01 — 40.00 1,199,420 7.1 $ 37.50 — $ — $0.00 — 40.00 8,917,943 4.5 $ 23.40 6,145,297 $ 19.81 Other information pertaining to stock options was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value): Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted $ 5.52 $ 3.90 $ 4.01 Total fair value of stock options vested $ 6,857 $ 7,425 $ 7,690 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 48,643 $ 56,946 $ 37,284 Cash received from the exercise of stock options $ 24,517 $ 33,611 $ 17,662 Recognized compensation expense $ 6,648 $ 6,909 $ 7,633 As of December 31, 2018 , the unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options of $7.1 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. Restricted Shares The fair value of our restricted share awards and units, as determined on the grant date, is being amortized and charged to income (with an offsetting credit to Capital in excess of par value ) generally over the average period during which the restrictions lapse. Restricted share award activity was as follows (shares reported in whole numbers): Restricted Share Awards Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2017 441,811 $ 25.70 Granted 177,944 $ 37.50 Vested (230,510 ) $ 24.74 Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2018 389,245 $ 31.67 Other information pertaining to restricted share awards was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value): Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Recognized compensation expense related to restricted share awards $ 6,063 $ 5,564 $ 5,640 Weighted-average grant date fair value for nonvested restricted stock granted $ 37.50 $ 29.28 $ 22.28 Total fair market value of restricted share awards vested $ 5,702 $ 5,463 $ 5,682 Aggregate intrinsic value of restricted share awards vested $ 3,578 $ 4,454 $ 3,214 At December 31, 2018 , unrecognized compensation expense of $6.9 million related to restricted share awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	Retirement Plans We currently have a supplemental retirement plan for certain current and former key employees (SERP), a supplemental retirement plan for officers and certain key employees (Senior SERP), a retirement plan for certain non-employee directors (Directors’ Plan), a Retirement Plan for Rose Hills ® Trustees, a Rose Hills ® Supplemental Retirement Plan, and a Stewart Supplemental Retirement Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). All of our Plans have a measurement date of December 31 . The Plans are frozen; therefore, the participants do not earn incremental benefits from additional years of service, and we do not incur any additional service cost. Retirement benefits under the SERP are based on years of service and average monthly compensation, reduced by benefits under Social Security. The Senior SERP provides retirement benefits based on years of service and position. The Directors’ Plan provides for an annual benefit to directors following retirement, based on a vesting schedule. We recognize pension related gains and losses in Other income (expense), net on our Consolidated Statement of Operations in the year such gains and losses are incurred. The components of the Plans’ net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 923 $ 1,067 $ 1,179 Recognized net actuarial (gains) losses (1,127 ) 879 259 Total net periodic benefit cost $ (204 ) $ 1,946 $ 1,438 The Plans’ funded status was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 28,681 $ 30,078 Interest cost 923 1,067 Actuarial (gain) loss (1,127 ) 879 Benefits paid (3,770 ) (3,343 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 24,707 $ 28,681 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 3,770 3,343 Benefits paid, including expenses (3,770 ) (3,343 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (24,707 ) $ (28,681 ) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligations $ 24,707 $ 28,681 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 24,707 $ 28,681 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (3,175 ) $ (3,265 ) Included in Other liabilities (21,532 ) (25,416 ) Total accrued benefit liability $ (24,707 ) $ (28,681 ) The retirement benefits under the Plans are unfunded obligations of the Company. We have purchased various life insurance policies on the participants in the Plans with the intent to use the proceeds or any cash value buildup from these policies to assist in meeting, at least to the extent of such assets, the Plans' funding requirements. The face value of these insurance policies at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $47.1 million and $46.5 million , respectively, and the cash surrender value was $37.2 million and $36.4 million , respectively. The outstanding loans against the policies are minimal and there are no restrictions in the policies regarding loans. The Plans’ weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 4.13 % 3.41 % 3.76 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost 3.26 % 3.86 % 3.96 % We base our discount rate used to compute future benefit obligations using an analysis of expected future benefit payments. The reasonableness of our discount rate is verified by comparing the rate to the rate earned on high-quality fixed income investments, such as the Moody’s Aa index, plus 50 basis points. The assumed rate of return on plan assets was not applicable as we pay plan benefits as they come due. As all Plans are frozen, the assumed rate of compensation increase is zero . The following benefit payments are expected to be paid in the next ten years related to our Plans (in thousands): 2019 $ 3,175 2020 2,728 2021 2,398 2022 2,319 2023 2,073 Years 2024 through 2028 8,622 Total expected benefit payments $ 21,315 We also have an employee savings plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for the exclusive benefit of our United States employees. Under the plan, participating employees may contribute a portion of their pretax and/or after-tax income in accordance with specified guidelines up to a maximum of 50 %. During 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , we matched a percentage of the employee contributions through contributions of cash. For these years, our matching contribution was based upon the following: Years of Vesting Service Percentage of Deferred Compensation 0 — 5 years 75% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 6 — 10 years 100% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 11 or more years 125% of the first 6% of deferred compensation The amount of our matched contributions in 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 was $36.8 million , $33.2 million , and $32.5 million , respectively.

Segment Reporting Level 1 (Note

Segment Reporting Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 was as follows and includes a reconciliation to operating profit to our consolidated income before income taxes. Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (1) 2016 (1) (In thousands) Revenue from customers: Funeral revenue: Atneed revenue $ 998,464 $ 1,011,214 $ 1,045,533 Matured preneed revenue 600,944 574,235 538,013 Core funeral revenue 1,599,408 1,585,449 1,583,546 Non-funeral home revenue 49,671 46,513 42,957 Recognized preneed revenue 125,144 117,352 111,640 Other revenue 123,769 118,838 130,968 Total funeral revenue 1,897,992 1,868,152 1,869,111 Cemetery revenue: Atneed revenue 323,162 319,899 307,826 Recognized preneed property revenue 572,955 538,314 515,854 Recognized preneed merchandise and services revenue 288,282 274,885 240,301 Core cemetery revenue 1,184,399 1,133,098 1,063,981 Other revenue 107,783 93,781 98,045 Total cemetery revenue 1,292,182 1,226,879 1,162,026 Total revenue from customers $ 3,190,174 $ 3,095,031 $ 3,031,137 Operating profit: Funeral operating profit $ 369,613 $ 371,853 $ 361,022 Cemetery operating profit 390,709 350,926 315,828 Operating profit from reportable segments 760,322 722,779 676,850 General and administrative expenses (145,499 ) (153,067 ) (136,708 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net 15,933 7,015 (26,819 ) Hurricane expenses, net (97 ) (5,584 ) — Operating income 630,659 571,143 513,323 Interest expense (181,556 ) (169,125 ) (162,093 ) Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net (10,131 ) (274 ) (22,503 ) Other income (expense), net 2,760 (1,486 ) (2,069 ) Income before income taxes $ 441,732 $ 400,258 $ 326,658 (1) The results for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have not been adjusted for the impact of our adoption of "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018. Other reportable segment information for the year ended December 31 was as follows: Reportable Segments Funeral Cemetery Corporate Consolidated (In thousands) 2018 Interest expense $ 3,634 $ 469 $ 177,453 $ 181,556 Depreciation and amortization $ 108,891 $ 33,183 $ 11,576 $ 153,650 Amortization of intangibles $ 17,515 $ 8,619 $ 61 $ 26,195 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 68,640 $ — $ 68,640 Capital expenditures $ 99,008 $ 125,131 $ 11,406 $ 235,545 Total assets $ 5,411,178 $ 6,913,132 $ 368,933 $ 12,693,243 2017 (1) Interest expense $ 3,986 $ 401 $ 164,738 $ 169,125 Depreciation and amortization $ 109,965 $ 32,815 $ 10,361 $ 153,141 Amortization of intangibles $ 17,871 $ 9,696 $ 83 $ 27,650 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 68,102 $ — $ 68,102 Capital expenditures $ 83,241 $ 118,699 $ 12,561 $ 214,501 Total assets $ 5,393,205 $ 6,946,351 $ 524,947 $ 12,864,503 2016 (1) Interest expense $ 3,906 $ 105 $ 158,082 $ 162,093 Depreciation and amortization $ 106,602 $ 31,081 $ 9,550 $ 147,233 Amortization of intangibles $ 20,444 $ 10,438 $ 74 $ 30,956 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 66,745 $ — $ 66,745 Capital expenditures $ 68,666 $ 113,163 $ 11,617 $ 193,446 (1) The results for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have not been adjusted for the impact of our adoption of "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018. Our geographic area information for the year ended December 31 was as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) 2018 Revenue from external customers $ 2,991,617 $ 198,557 $ 3,190,174 Interest expense $ 181,266 $ 290 $ 181,556 Depreciation and amortization $ 144,877 $ 8,773 $ 153,650 Amortization of intangibles $ 25,664 $ 531 $ 26,195 Amortization of cemetery property $ 63,709 $ 4,931 $ 68,640 Operating income $ 568,446 $ 62,213 $ 630,659 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 8,419 $ 7,514 $ 15,933 Long-lived assets $ 6,334,924 $ 277,897 $ 6,612,821 2017 (1) Revenue from external customers $ 2,889,463 $ 205,568 $ 3,095,031 Interest expense $ 168,956 $ 169 $ 169,125 Depreciation and amortization $ 143,932 $ 9,209 $ 153,141 Amortization of intangibles $ 27,092 $ 558 $ 27,650 Amortization of cemetery property $ 61,307 $ 6,795 $ 68,102 Operating income $ 502,865 $ 68,278 $ 571,143 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 61 $ 6,954 $ 7,015 Long-lived assets $ 5,786,063 $ 286,135 $ 6,072,198 2016 (1) Revenue from external customers $ 2,848,876 $ 182,261 $ 3,031,137 Interest expense (income) $ 162,341 $ (248 ) $ 162,093 Depreciation and amortization $ 138,560 $ 8,673 $ 147,233 Amortization of intangibles $ 30,427 $ 529 $ 30,956 Amortization of cemetery property $ 61,449 $ 5,296 $ 66,745 Operating income $ 461,825 $ 51,498 $ 513,323 (Losses) gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ (27,658 ) $ 839 $ (26,819 )

Supplementary Information Level

Supplementary Information Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Text Block]	Supplementary Information The detail of certain balance sheet accounts is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 177,338 $ 260,281 Commercial paper and temporary investments 21,512 69,758 $ 198,850 $ 330,039 Receivables, net: Notes receivable $ 1,781 $ 1,605 Atneed funeral receivables, net of allowances of $1,412 and $1,845, respectively 39,709 44,536 Atneed cemetery receivables, net of allowances of $166 and $245, respectively 15,277 16,556 Other 17,058 27,607 $ 73,825 $ 90,304 Other current assets: Income tax receivable $ 8,333 $ 8,576 Prepaid insurance 5,047 4,419 Restricted cash (1) 7,007 8,625 Other 13,220 13,955 $ 33,607 $ 35,575 Cemetery property: Undeveloped land $ 1,209,109 $ 1,181,920 Developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and cremation memorialization property 628,355 610,069 $ 1,837,464 $ 1,791,989 Property and equipment, net: Land $ 631,679 $ 605,735 Buildings and improvements 2,107,300 1,996,123 Operating equipment 609,658 557,278 Leasehold improvements 34,755 34,607 Capital leases 263,940 254,260 3,647,332 3,448,003 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,525,059 ) (1,430,695 ) Less: Accumulated amortization of capital leases (144,909 ) (144,264 ) $ 1,977,364 $ 1,873,044 Deferred charges and other assets: Intangible assets, net $ 433,830 $ 374,099 Restricted cash (1) 1,727 1,937 Deferred tax assets 673 873 Notes receivable, net of allowances of $10,814 and $10,946, respectively 8,651 9,624 Cash surrender value of insurance policies 145,981 139,494 Deferred incremental direct selling costs 282,283 — Other 61,006 75,157 $ 934,151 $ 601,184 Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 173,361 $ 173,685 Accrued benefits 90,303 95,233 Accrued interest 25,976 30,415 Accrued property taxes 18,512 10,541 Self-insurance reserves 80,114 78,227 Bank overdrafts 16,221 27,243 Other accrued liabilities 75,281 73,828 $ 479,768 $ 489,172 Other liabilities: Accrued benefit costs $ 21,532 $ 25,416 Deferred compensation 126,891 120,782 Customer refund obligation reserve 48,000 51,767 Tax liability 1,873 111,000 Payable to perpetual care trust 88,784 83,015 Other 10,222 19,002 $ 297,302 $ 410,982 (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. Certain Non-Cash Investing and Financing Transactions Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Net change in capital expenditure accrual $ (2,597 ) $ 223 $ (1,435 ) Non-cash acquisition of capital leases $ 58,664 $ 54,087 $ 41,609

Earnings Per Share Level 1 (Not

Earnings Per Share Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per common share (EPS) excludes dilution and is computed by dividing Net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other obligations to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that shared in our earnings. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted EPS is presented below: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income — basic $ 447,208 $ 546,663 $ 177,038 After tax interest on convertible debt — 52 43 Net income — diluted $ 447,208 $ 546,715 $ 177,081 Weighted average shares: Weighted average shares — basic 182,447 187,630 193,086 Stock options 4,339 4,396 2,823 Restricted share units 186 99 12 Convertible debt — 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 186,972 192,246 196,042 Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income per share: Basic $ 2.45 $ 2.91 $ 0.92 Diluted $ 2.39 $ 2.84 $ 0.90 The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding stock options in certain periods in which the inclusion of such options would be antidilutive to the periods presented. Total antidilutive options not currently included in the computation of dilutive EPS

Acquisition Level 1 (Notes)

Acquisition Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	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 merger 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): Other current assets $ 3,321 Cemetery property 28,683 Property and equipment, net 25,717 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments 102,534 Finite-lived intangible assets 42,799 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 18,000 Deferred charges and other assets 1,717 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments 52,747 Goodwill 46,080 Total assets acquired 321,598 Current liabilities 4,591 Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust 120,522 Deferred income taxes 11,730 Care trusts' corpus 52,747 Total liabilities assumed 189,590 Net assets acquired $ 132,008 The purchase accounting is preliminary as we have not finalized our assessment of the fair value as there has been insufficient time between the acquisition date and the issuance of these financial statements to complete our review and final determination of fair value. 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 $46.1 million in goodwill recognized, $26.6 million was allocated to our cemetery segment and $19.5 million was allocated to our funeral segment. $26.4 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 $ 19,775 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 $ 60,799 We incurred acquisition costs of $2.3 million , which are included in General and administrative expenses. The acquired businesses contributed revenue of $17.9 million and net income of $1.7 million for the period from June 8, 2018 through December 31, 2018 . The following unaudited pro forma summary presents financial information as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2017: 2018 2017 (In thousands) (unaudited) Revenue $ 32,434 $ 29,193 Net income $ 4,669 $ 2,531 Excluding the June 2018 acquisition described above, we spent $62.8 million , $76.2 million , and $72.9 million for several smaller, tuck-in acquisitions for the three years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. These amounts include the use of $5.9 million , $26.2 million , and $3.7 million in 1031 exchange funds for the three years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. Wilson Financial Group For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we spent $4.6 million and $1.9 million , respectively, to acquire the remaining 22% of common stock of our consolidated subsidiary, Wilson Financial Group, Inc. Divestiture-Related Activities As divestitures occur in the normal course of business, gains or losses on the sale of such locations are recognized in the income statement line item Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, which consist of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 20,340 $ 29,053 $ 7,829 Impairment losses (4,407 ) (22,038 ) (34,648 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 15,933 $ 7,015 $ (26,819 ) During 2016, we incurred $31.2 million million of impairment charges related to the divestiture of certain funeral homes in Los Angeles, California.

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly financial data for 2018 and 2017 is as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2018 Revenue $ 794,482 $ 796,092 $ 778,786 $ 820,814 Costs and expenses $ (598,720 ) $ (607,965 ) $ (612,616 ) $ (610,551 ) Operating profit $ 195,762 $ 188,127 $ 166,170 $ 210,263 Operating income $ 163,692 $ 161,954 $ 132,303 $ 172,710 Income before income taxes (1) $ 110,369 $ 119,315 $ 86,036 $ 126,012 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes $ (28,321 ) $ (16,034 ) $ (17,043 ) $ 67,224 Net income $ 82,048 $ 103,281 $ 68,993 $ 193,236 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (60 ) $ (42 ) $ (58 ) $ (190 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 81,988 $ 103,239 $ 68,935 $ 193,046 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.44 $ 0.57 $ 0.38 $ 1.07 Diluted — EPS $ 0.43 $ 0.55 $ 0.37 $ 1.04 2017 (3) Revenue $ 777,710 $ 773,242 $ 731,346 $ 812,733 Costs and expenses $ (600,471 ) $ (589,724 ) $ (581,570 ) $ (600,487 ) Operating profit $ 177,239 $ 183,518 $ 149,776 $ 212,246 Operating income $ 139,891 $ 143,902 $ 109,351 $ 177,999 Income before income taxes (1) $ 98,526 $ 101,518 $ 66,578 $ 133,636 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes $ 76,223 $ (32,956 ) $ (10,437 ) $ 113,759 Net income $ 174,749 $ 68,562 $ 56,141 $ 247,395 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (47 ) $ (81 ) $ 23 $ (79 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 174,702 $ 68,481 $ 56,164 $ 247,316 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.93 $ 0.37 $ 0.30 $ 1.32 Diluted — EPS $ 0.91 $ 0.36 $ 0.29 $ 1.29 (1) Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net , as described in Note 15. (2) Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year. (3) The results for the year ended December 31, 2017 have not been adjusted for the impact of our adoption of "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018.

Schedule II Valuation and Quali

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Account	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Three Years Ended December 31, 2018 Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses Charged (Credited) to Write-offs & Other Accounts Balance at End of Period Current Provision: Allowance For Doubtful Accounts: Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 2,090 $ 8,372 $ (8,884 ) $ 1,578 Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 3,395 $ 9,980 $ (11,285 ) $ 2,090 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 5,496 $ 10,776 $ (12,877 ) $ 3,395 Due After One Year: Allowance For Doubtful Accounts: Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 10,946 $ — $ (132 ) $ 10,814 Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 11,334 $ — $ (388 ) $ 10,946 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 11,334 $ — $ — $ 11,334 Preneed Receivables, Net Asset Allowance For Cancellation: Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 107,749 $ (69 ) $ (59,300 ) $ 48,380 Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 104,740 $ 1,105 $ 1,904 $ 107,749 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 105,773 $ 1,411 $ (2,444 ) $ 104,740 Deferred Revenue Revenue Allowance For Cancellation: (1) Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ (118,099 ) $ — $ 118,099 $ — Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ (116,913 ) $ — $ (1,186 ) $ (118,099 ) Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ (121,548 ) $ — $ 4,635 $ (116,913 ) Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 141,154 $ (20,219 ) $ (4 ) $ 120,931 Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 132,500 $ 8,035 $ 619 $ 141,154 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 126,654 $ 6,336 $ (490 ) $ 132,500 (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.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Our financial statements also include the accounts of the merchandise and service trusts and cemetery perpetual care trusts in which we have a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary. We have retained the specialized industry accounting principles when consolidating the trusts. Our trusts are variable interest entities, for which we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary as we absorb a majority of the losses and returns associated with these trusts. Although we consolidate the trusts, it does not change the legal relationships among the trusts, us, or our customers. The customers are the legal beneficiaries of these trusts; therefore, their interests in these trusts represent a liability to us
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Our trade receivables primarily consist of amounts due for funeral services already performed. We provide various allowances and cancellation reserves for our receivables. These allowances are based on an analysis of historical trends of collection and cancellation activity. Atneed receivables are considered past due after thirty days. Collections are generally managed by the locations or third party agencies acting on behalf of the locations, until a receivable is one hundred eighty days delinquent at which time it is fully reserved and sent to a collection agency. These estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the economy, and demographic or competitive changes in our areas of operation.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories and Cemetery Property Funeral and cemetery merchandise are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Cemetery property is recorded at cost. Inventory costs and cemetery property are relieved using specific identification in fulfillment of performance obligations on our contracts.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense, whereas renewals and major replacements that extend the assets useful lives are capitalized. Depreciation is recognized ratably over the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over a period ranging from ten to forty years, equipment is depreciated over a period from three to eight years, and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or ten years. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $153.7 million , $153.1 million , and $147.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. During the fourth quarter of 2018, based on a review of our historical usage patterns for similar assets, we increased our estimate of the remaining useful life of certain building improvements and equipment by one to three years. For 2018 these changes in useful life, which were made prospectively, reduced depreciation expense by $4.3 million ( $0.02 per basic and diluted share). When property or equipment is sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheet; resulting gains and losses are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period of sale or disposal.
Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Deprecated 2017-01-31)	Leases We have lease arrangements related to real estate and office equipment for funeral service and cemetery locations that are classified as operating leases at December 31, 2018 . Lease terms related to real estate generally range from one to forty years with options to renew at varying terms. Lease terms related to office and transportation equipment generally range from one to eight years with options to renew at varying terms. Our capital leases primarily include transportation equipment that generally range from one to eight years. We calculate operating lease expense ratably over the lease term. We consider reasonably assured renewal options and fixed escalation provisions in our calculation. For more information related to leases, see Note 8.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill The excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill is tested annually during the fourth quarter for impairment by assessing the fair value of each of our reporting units. Our goodwill impairment test involves estimates and management judgment. In order to perform our goodwill impairment test, we compare the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. We determine fair value of each reporting unit using both a market and income approach. The income approach, which is a discounted cash flow method, uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. We do not record an impairment of goodwill in instances where the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount. If the aggregate fair value is less than the related carrying amount for a reporting unit, we compare the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying amount of goodwill. If the carrying amount of reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we used a 6.75% discount rate, growth rates ranging from 2.5% to 5.4% over a seven-year period, plus a terminal value determined using the constant growth method in projecting our future cash flows. Fair value was calculated as the sum of the projected discounted cash flows of our reporting units over the next seven years plus terminal value at the end of those seven years. Our terminal value was calculated using a long-term growth rate of 1.0% and 2.4% for our funeral and cemetery reporting units, respectively. In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of goodwill whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. No interim goodwill impairment reviews were required in 2018 or 2017 .
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Other Intangible Assets Our intangible assets include covenants-not-to-compete, customer relationships, trademarks and tradenames, and other intangible assets primarily resulting from acquisitions. Certain of our trademark and tradenames and other intangible assets are considered to have an indefinite life and are not subject to amortization. We test for impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets annually during the fourth quarter. Our intangible asset impairment tests involve estimates and management judgment. For trademark and tradenames, our test uses the relief from royalty method whereby we determine the fair value of the assets by discounting the cash flows that represent a savings over having to pay a royalty fee for use of the trademark and tradenames. The discounted cash flow valuation uses projections of future cash flows and includes assumptions concerning future operating performance and economic conditions that may differ from actual future cash flows. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we estimated that the pre-tax savings would range from 2.0% to 5.0% of the revenue associated with the trademark and tradenames, based primarily on our research of intellectual property valuation and licensing databases. We also assumed a terminal growth rate of 1.0% and 2.4% for our funeral and cemetery segments, respectively, and discounted the cash flows at a 6.95% discount rate based on the relative risk of these assets to our overall business. In addition to our annual review, we assess the impairment of intangible assets whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be greater than the fair value. Factors that could trigger an interim impairment review include, but are not limited to, significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. No interim intangible impairment reviews were required in 2018 or 2017 . Certain of our intangible assets associated with prior acquisitions are relieved using specific identification in fulfillment of performance obligations on our contracts. We amortize all other finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from two to eighty-nine years.
Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Treasury Stock We make treasury stock purchases in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions subject to market conditions and normal trading restrictions. We account for the repurchase of our common stock under the par value method. We canceled 9.4 million , 6.9 million , and 7.9 million shares of common stock held in our treasury in 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. These retired treasury shares were changed to authorized but unissued status.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation All assets and liabilities of Canadian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect as of the end of the reporting period. Revenue and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the reporting period. The resulting translation adjustments are included as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statement of Equity and Consolidated Balance Sheet. The functional currency of SCI and its subsidiaries is the respective local currency. The transactional currency gains and losses that arise from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currencies of our operations are recorded in Other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We do not have any investments in foreign operations considered to be in highly inflationary economies.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements We measure the available-for-sale securities held by our funeral merchandise and service, cemetery merchandise and service, and cemetery perpetual care trusts at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. We utilize a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows: • Where quoted prices are available in an active market, securities held by the trusts are classified as Level 1 investments. • Where quoted market prices are not available for the specific security, fair values are estimated by using either quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or an income approach fair value model with observable inputs that include a combination of interest rates, yield curves, credit risks, prepayment speeds, ratings, and tax-exempt status. These securities are classified as Level 2 investments. • The valuation of other investments requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, inherent lack of liquidity, and the long-term nature of such assets. These securities are classified as Level 3 investments. An asset’s or liability’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fixed income commingled funds, money market funds, and private equity investments are measured at net asset value. Fixed income commingled funds and money market funds are redeemable for net asset value with two weeks' notice and immediately, respectively. Our private equity investments include several funds that invest in limited partnerships, distressed debt, real estate, and mezzanine financing. These investments can never be redeemed by the funds. Instead, due to the nature of the investments in this category, distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the funds. We estimate that the underlying assets will be liquidated over the next two to ten years. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Trust Services department, which reports to our Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, valuations are reviewed quarterly by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors. We assess our investments in fixed income instruments for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Prior to our adoption of the new guidance on financial instruments discussed below in "Accounting Standards Adopted in 2018", we also assessed our investments in equity instruments for other-than temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Impairment charges resulting from these assessments are recognized as investment losses in Other income (expense), net . These investment losses, if any, are offset by the corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net, related to Deferred receipts held in trust, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we recorded a $28.9 million , and a $11.9 million , respectively, impairment charge for other-than-temporary declines in fair value related to certain investments. The fair values of our long-term, fixed rate loans were estimated using market prices for those loans, and therefore they are classified within Level 2 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The Term Loan, Bank Credit Facility agreement, and the mortgage and other debt are classified within Level 3 of the fair value measurements hierarchy. The fair values of these instruments have been estimated using discounted cash flow analysis based on our incremental borrowing rate for similar borrowing arrangements.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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. 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 the third-party, 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. Additionally, 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. Earnings on these trust funds, which are specifically identifiable for each performance obligation, are also included in total consideration. 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. We do not accrue interest on preneed receivables if they are not paid in accordance with the contractual payment terms given the nature of our merchandise and services, the nature of our contracts with customers, and the timing of the delivery of our services. We do not consider preneed receivables to be past due until the merchandise or services are required to be delivered at which time the preneed receivable is paid or reclassified as a trade receivable with payment terms of less than thirty days. For unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts, our Consolidated Balance Sheet reflects the net contract liability, which represents the amount we have collected from customers, in Deferred revenue, net . 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. If a preneed contract is canceled prior to delivery, state or provincial law determines the amount of the refund owed to the customer, if any, including the amount of the attributed investment earnings. Upon cancellation, we receive the amount of principal deposited to the trust and previously undistributed net investment earnings and, where required, issue a refund to the customer. In addition, we are entitled to retain, in certain jurisdictions, a portion of collected customer payments when a customer cancels a preneed contract. We recognized these retained funds, if any, and the attributed investment earnings (net of any investment earnings payable to the customer) as revenue in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. In certain jurisdictions, we may be obligated to fund any shortfall if the amount refundable to the customer exceeds the funds in trust. 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 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 total return 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 fulfillment of the performance obligation. Incremental direct selling costs are deferred and, as of December 31, 2018, we had $282.3 million of these costs in Deferred charges and other assets. These deferred costs are classified as long-term on our 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. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred.
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Insurance-funded preneed contracts 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. GA revenue recognized in 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 was $134.1 million , $121.0 million , and $135.8 million , respectively. We do not reflect the unfulfilled insurance-funded preneed contract amounts in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The policy amount of the insurance contract between the customer and the third-party insurance company generally equals the amount of the preneed contract. 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.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes We compute income taxes using the liability method. Our ability to realize the benefit of our deferred tax assets requires us to achieve certain future earnings levels. We have established a valuation allowance against a portion of our deferred tax assets. We could be required to further adjust that valuation allowance in the near term if market conditions change materially and future earnings are, or are projected to be, significantly different than our current estimates. An increase in the valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period. All deferred tax assets and liabilities, along with any related valuation allowances are classified as non-current on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Act. The Tax Act made broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code by, among other things, reducing the federal corporate income tax rate, requiring payment of a one-time transition tax on unrepatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, generally eliminating U.S. federal income taxes on dividends from foreign subsidiaries, creating a new limitation on deductible interest expense, creating a bonus depreciation that will allow for full expensing on qualified property, and imposing a limitation on deductibility of certain executive compensation. On December 22, 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provided a measurement period of up to one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the Tax Act. In accordance with SAB 118, we have recognized the provisional tax impacts related to deemed repatriated earnings and the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and included these amounts in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017. During 2018, we identified and recorded discrete adjustments to the provisional amounts allowed under SAB 118. The accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act was completed in the fourth quarter of 2018. For further information on the impacts of the Tax Act, see Note 5 in Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Deferred taxes are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates. In assessing the usefulness of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. During 2018, we recorded a net $4.0 million decrease in our state valuation allowance due primarily to the implementation of the revenue recognition standard as well as statutory tax rate and legislative changes in various states. We also recorded a $16.2 million decrease in our foreign valuation allowance due primarily to dissolution of our Luxembourg subsidiary. The valuation allowances can be affected in future periods by changes to tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and changes in estimates of future taxable income The provision or benefit for income taxes includes U.S. federal income taxes (determined on a consolidated return basis), foreign income taxes, and state income taxes.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	The Plans’ weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost are as follows: We currently have a supplemental retirement plan for certain current and former key employees (SERP), a supplemental retirement plan for officers and certain key employees (Senior SERP), a retirement plan for certain non-employee directors (Directors’ Plan), a Retirement Plan for Rose Hills ® Trustees, a Rose Hills ® Supplemental Retirement Plan, and a Stewart Supplemental Retirement Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). All of our Plans have a measurement date of December 31 . The Plans are frozen; therefore, the participants do not earn incremental benefits from additional years of service, and we do not incur any additional service cost. Retirement benefits under the SERP are based on years of service and average monthly compensation, reduced by benefits under Social Security. The Senior SERP provides retirement benefits based on years of service and position. The Directors’ Plan provides for an annual benefit to directors following retirement, based on a vesting schedule.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]	We also have an employee savings plan that qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for the exclusive benefit of our United States employees. Under the plan, participating employees may contribute a portion of their pretax and/or after-tax income in accordance with specified guidelines up to a maximum of 50 %. During 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , we matched a percentage of the employee contributions through contributions of cash. For these years, our matching contribution was based upon the following: Years of Vesting Service Percentage of Deferred Compensation 0 — 5 years 75% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 6 — 10 years 100% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 11 or more years 125% of the first 6% of deferred compensation
Funeral and Cemetery cash flow [Policy Text Block]	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.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	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 applying the modified retrospective approach 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 Notes 2, 3, and 12 of this Form 10-K. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, we reclassified $546.6 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 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.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 twelve months ended December 31, 2018 . We made the appropriate disclosure changes in Note 3 of this Form 10-K.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	We utilize the Black-Scholes option valuation model for estimating the fair value of our stock options.
Income Tax Uncertainties, Policy [Policy Text Block]	e include potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within our income tax provision account.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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 applying the modified retrospective approach 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 Notes 2, 3, and 12 of this Form 10-K. 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 Consolidated Balance Sheet. Accordingly, we reclassified $546.6 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 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 Consolidated Statement of Operations was as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 As Reported Effect of New Guidance Without New Guidance (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 3,190,174 $ 1,142 $ 3,191,316 Costs and expenses (2,429,852 ) (15,491 ) (2,445,343 ) Operating profit (loss) 760,322 (14,349 ) 745,973 General and administrative expenses (145,499 ) — (145,499 ) Gain on divestitures and impairment charges, net 15,933 — 15,933 Hurricane recoveries, net (97 ) — (97 ) Operating income (loss) 630,659 (14,349 ) 616,310 Interest expense (181,556 ) — (181,556 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net (10,131 ) — (10,131 ) Other income, net 2,760 — 2,760 Income (loss) before income taxes 441,732 (14,349 ) 427,383 Benefit from income taxes 5,826 3,672 9,498 Net income (loss) 447,558 (10,677 ) 436,881 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (350 ) — (350 ) Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders $ 447,208 $ (10,677 ) $ 436,531 Earnings per share Basic $ 2.45 $ (0.06 ) $ 2.39 Diluted $ 2.39 $ (0.06 ) $ 2.33 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 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 As Previously Reported Effect of New Guidance As Recast (In thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 502,340 $ 1,032 $ 503,372 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (214,501 ) — (214,501 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (49,988 ) (26,183 ) (76,171 ) Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment 28,429 23,952 52,381 Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies — (7,360 ) (7,360 ) Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies — 2,592 2,592 Other 175 — 175 Net cash used in investing activities (235,885 ) (6,999 ) (242,884 ) Net cash used in financing activities (136,427 ) — (136,427 ) Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 5,025 9 5,034 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 135,053 (5,958 ) 129,095 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 $ 330,039 $ 10,562 $ 340,601 Year Ended December 31, 2016 As Previously Reported Effect of New Guidance As Recast (In thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 463,595 $ 25,440 $ 489,035 Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (193,446 ) — (193,446 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (69,146 ) (3,713 ) (72,859 ) Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment 41,310 10,503 51,813 Payments for Company-owned life insurance policies — (9,050 ) (9,050 ) Proceeds from Company-owned life insurance policies — 2,517 2,517 Other 5,150 (5,150 ) — Net cash used in investing activities (216,132 ) (4,893 ) (221,025 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 1,060,000 — 1,060,000 Debt issuance costs (5,232 ) — (5,232 ) Scheduled payments of debt (36,414 ) — (36,414 ) Early payments of debt (875,110 ) (20,524 ) (895,634 ) Principal payments on capital leases (33,119 ) — (33,119 ) Proceeds from exercise of stock options 17,662 — 17,662 Excess tax benefits from share-based awards 12,685 — 12,685 Purchase of Company common stock (227,928 ) — (227,928 ) Payments of dividends (98,418 ) — (98,418 ) Purchase of noncontrolling interest (1,961 ) — (1,961 ) Bank overdrafts and other (1,095 ) — (1,095 ) Net cash used in financing activities (188,930 ) (20,524 ) (209,454 ) Effect of foreign currency on cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 1,854 3 1,857 Net increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 60,387 26 60,413 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 134,599 16,494 151,093 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $ 194,986 $ 16,520 $ 211,506 Retirement Plans In March 2017, the FASB amended "Retirement Plans" to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost by requiring the classification of interest costs and actuarial gains and losses separately from operating income on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. We 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 twelve months ended December 31, 2017 we reclassified $0.6 million and $1.4 million from Costs and expenses and General and administrative expenses , respectively, to Other income (expense), net . For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 , we reclassified $0.4 million and $1.0 million 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 twelve months ended December 31, 2018 . We made the appropriate disclosure changes in Note 3 of this Form 10-K. 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 and November 2018, 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, July 2018, and December 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 the new guidance on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition method. 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 are implementing 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 have tested 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 and implementing 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 will recognize a right-of-use asset and liability related to substantially all operating lease arrangements. We are completing our valuation of the right-of-use asset and lease liability based on the present value of the lease payments. 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. We do not believe that adoption will have a material impact to our consolidated results of operations or cash flows. Goodwill In January 2017, the FASB amended "Goodwill" to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The amended guidance eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, impairment is defined as the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, up to the total amount of goodwill. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2020, and is not expected to have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. 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 post-implementation stages are expensed. Any capitalized costs are amortized 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 Level 3 (Tab

Preneed Activities Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Investment related activities [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deposits $ 393,523 $ 371,234 $ 321,232 Withdrawals $ 432,822 $ 415,283 $ 350,379 Purchases of securities $ 1,540,093 $ 2,057,348 $ 1,462,900 Sales of securities $ 1,564,968 $ 1,999,918 $ 1,393,728 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 305,595 $ 256,413 $ 100,284 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (77,996 ) $ (76,963 ) $ (113,806 )
Long-term receivable and investment components [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables (1) $ 107,612 $ 336,925 Preneed cemetery receivables (1) 883,432 1,118,146 Preneed receivables from customers 991,044 1,455,071 Unearned finance charge (44,981 ) (45,515 ) Allowance for cancellation (1) (48,380 ) (107,749 ) Preneed receivables, net 897,683 1,301,807 Trust investments, at market 4,585,720 4,749,548 Assets associated with business held for sale — (5,660 ) Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 265,787 265,314 Trust investments 4,851,507 5,009,202 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,477,798 ) (1,532,167 ) Preneed trust investments 3,373,709 3,477,035 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,271,392 $ 4,778,842
Preneed Funeral Receivables, Net and Trust Investments [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464 Net preneed contract sales 1,325,134 1,257,288 1,159,194 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,185,717 ) (1,109,380 ) (1,030,703 ) Deposits to trust 347,601 328,241 279,782 Acquisitions of businesses, net 134,729 8,153 1,477 Net undistributed investment (losses) earnings (1) (191,611 ) 384,512 145,511 Maturities and distributed earnings (433,036 ) (411,452 ) (337,912 ) Change in cancellation allowance 62,131 (528 ) 3,329 Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (546,554 ) — — Effect of foreign currency and other (20,127 ) 16,843 6,023 Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,271,392 $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment (losses) earnings.
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2018 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 49,187 $ 153 $ (448 ) $ 48,892 Canadian government 2 56,343 23 (1,797 ) 54,569 Corporate 2 19,869 13 (516 ) 19,366 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,611 10 (50 ) 3,571 Asset-backed 2 142 2 (11 ) 133 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 9,058 180 (412 ) 8,826 Common stock: United States 1 1,236,513 149,233 (138,141 ) 1,247,605 Canada 1 34,821 9,082 (3,026 ) 40,877 Other international 1 77,676 6,057 (10,275 ) 73,458 Mutual funds: Equity 1 760,887 7,104 (151,853 ) 616,138 Fixed income 1 1,180,325 800 (89,179 ) 1,091,946 Other 3 6,548 3,210 (3 ) 9,755 Trust investments, at fair value 3,434,980 175,867 (395,711 ) 3,215,136 Commingled funds Fixed income 419,206 2,419 (18,981 ) 402,644 Equity 205,789 19,567 (11,723 ) 213,633 Money market funds 466,429 — — 466,429 Private equity 215,618 72,897 (637 ) 287,878 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,307,042 94,883 (31,341 ) 1,370,584 Trust investments, at market $ 4,742,022 $ 270,750 $ (427,052 ) $ 4,585,720	December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 48,805 $ 14 $ (117 ) $ 48,702 Canadian government 2 81,500 160 (1,089 ) 80,571 Corporate 2 13,540 327 (170 ) 13,697 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,279 16 (14 ) 3,281 Asset-backed 2 320 15 (10 ) 325 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 7,834 385 (139 ) 8,080 Common stock: United States 1 1,161,015 266,822 (24,739 ) 1,403,098 Canada 1 30,762 12,545 (522 ) 42,785 Other international 1 63,510 13,174 (2,834 ) 73,850 Mutual funds: Equity 1 613,934 59,100 (4,312 ) 668,722 Fixed income 1 1,230,196 11,897 (23,943 ) 1,218,150 Other 3 5,953 3,114 — 9,067 Trust investments, at fair value 3,260,648 367,569 (57,889 ) 3,570,328 Commingled funds Fixed income 454,242 235 (5,860 ) 448,617 Equity 214,000 12,826 — 226,826 Money market funds 287,435 — — 287,435 Private equity 166,860 51,631 (2,149 ) 216,342 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,122,537 64,692 (8,009 ) 1,179,220 Trust investments, at market $ 4,383,185 $ 432,261 $ (65,898 ) $ 4,749,548
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The change in our market-based trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in Other income (expense), net (1) (697 ) 912 251 Purchases 66 1,945 89 Sales (26 ) (953 ) (1,339 ) Acquisitions, net 1,345 — — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 9,755 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 (1) All net realized and unrealized (losses) gains recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts' corpus.
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in Other income (expense), net (1) (697 ) 912 251 Purchases 66 1,945 89 Sales (26 ) (953 ) (1,339 ) Acquisitions, net 1,345 — — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 9,755 $ 9,067 $ 7,163
Preneed Activities Text Block	3. Preneed Activities Preneed receivables, net and trust investments The components of Preneed receivables, net and trust investments in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Preneed funeral receivables (1) $ 107,612 $ 336,925 Preneed cemetery receivables (1) 883,432 1,118,146 Preneed receivables from customers 991,044 1,455,071 Unearned finance charge (44,981 ) (45,515 ) Allowance for cancellation (1) (48,380 ) (107,749 ) Preneed receivables, net 897,683 1,301,807 Trust investments, at market 4,585,720 4,749,548 Assets associated with business held for sale — (5,660 ) Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 265,787 265,314 Trust investments 4,851,507 5,009,202 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,477,798 ) (1,532,167 ) Preneed trust investments 3,373,709 3,477,035 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,271,392 $ 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: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Deposits $ 393,523 $ 371,234 $ 321,232 Withdrawals $ 432,822 $ 415,283 $ 350,379 Purchases of securities $ 1,540,093 $ 2,057,348 $ 1,462,900 Sales of securities $ 1,564,968 $ 1,999,918 $ 1,393,728 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 305,595 $ 256,413 $ 100,284 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (77,996 ) $ (76,963 ) $ (113,806 ) (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 activity in Preneed receivables, net and trust investments was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 $ 4,078,464 Net preneed contract sales 1,325,134 1,257,288 1,159,194 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,185,717 ) (1,109,380 ) (1,030,703 ) Deposits to trust 347,601 328,241 279,782 Acquisitions of businesses, net 134,729 8,153 1,477 Net undistributed investment (losses) earnings (1) (191,611 ) 384,512 145,511 Maturities and distributed earnings (433,036 ) (411,452 ) (337,912 ) Change in cancellation allowance 62,131 (528 ) 3,329 Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (546,554 ) — — Effect of foreign currency and other (20,127 ) 16,843 6,023 Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,271,392 $ 4,778,842 $ 4,305,165 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment (losses) earnings. The cost and market values associated with trust investments recorded at market value at December 31, 2018 and 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. December 31, 2018 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 49,187 $ 153 $ (448 ) $ 48,892 Canadian government 2 56,343 23 (1,797 ) 54,569 Corporate 2 19,869 13 (516 ) 19,366 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,611 10 (50 ) 3,571 Asset-backed 2 142 2 (11 ) 133 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 9,058 180 (412 ) 8,826 Common stock: United States 1 1,236,513 149,233 (138,141 ) 1,247,605 Canada 1 34,821 9,082 (3,026 ) 40,877 Other international 1 77,676 6,057 (10,275 ) 73,458 Mutual funds: Equity 1 760,887 7,104 (151,853 ) 616,138 Fixed income 1 1,180,325 800 (89,179 ) 1,091,946 Other 3 6,548 3,210 (3 ) 9,755 Trust investments, at fair value 3,434,980 175,867 (395,711 ) 3,215,136 Commingled funds Fixed income 419,206 2,419 (18,981 ) 402,644 Equity 205,789 19,567 (11,723 ) 213,633 Money market funds 466,429 — — 466,429 Private equity 215,618 72,897 (637 ) 287,878 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,307,042 94,883 (31,341 ) 1,370,584 Trust investments, at market $ 4,742,022 $ 270,750 $ (427,052 ) $ 4,585,720 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 48,805 $ 14 $ (117 ) $ 48,702 Canadian government 2 81,500 160 (1,089 ) 80,571 Corporate 2 13,540 327 (170 ) 13,697 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,279 16 (14 ) 3,281 Asset-backed 2 320 15 (10 ) 325 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 7,834 385 (139 ) 8,080 Common stock: United States 1 1,161,015 266,822 (24,739 ) 1,403,098 Canada 1 30,762 12,545 (522 ) 42,785 Other international 1 63,510 13,174 (2,834 ) 73,850 Mutual funds: Equity 1 613,934 59,100 (4,312 ) 668,722 Fixed income 1 1,230,196 11,897 (23,943 ) 1,218,150 Other 3 5,953 3,114 — 9,067 Trust investments, at fair value 3,260,648 367,569 (57,889 ) 3,570,328 Commingled funds Fixed income 454,242 235 (5,860 ) 448,617 Equity 214,000 12,826 — 226,826 Money market funds 287,435 — — 287,435 Private equity 166,860 51,631 (2,149 ) 216,342 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,122,537 64,692 (8,009 ) 1,179,220 Trust investments, at market $ 4,383,185 $ 432,261 $ (65,898 ) $ 4,749,548 As of December 31, 2018 , our unfunded commitment for our private equity investments was $113 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: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 $ 8,162 Net realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in Other income (expense), net (1) (697 ) 912 251 Purchases 66 1,945 89 Sales (26 ) (953 ) (1,339 ) Acquisitions, net 1,345 — — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 9,755 $ 9,067 $ 7,163 (1) All net realized and unrealized (losses) gains recognized in Other income (expense), net for our trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income (expense), net to Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts' corpus. Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2019 to 2077 . Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2018 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 62,374 Due in one to five years 53,512 Due in five to ten years 9,698 Thereafter 947 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 126,531 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our preneed trust investments was $121.7 million , $112.6 million , and $94.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our cemetery perpetual care trust investments was $74.7 million , $62.9 million , and $67.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively. We have determined that the unrealized losses in our fixed income trust investments are considered temporary in nature, as the unrealized losses were due to temporary fluctuations in interest rates. The investments are diversified across multiple industry segments using a balanced allocation strategy to minimize long-term risk. We believe that none of the securities are other-than-temporarily impaired based on our analysis of the investments. Our analysis included a review of the portfolio holdings and discussions with the individual money managers as to the credit ratings and the severity and duration of the unrealized losses. Our fixed income investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values, and the duration of unrealized losses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , are shown in the following tables: December 31, 2018 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 6,899 $ (226 ) $ 16,374 $ (222 ) $ 23,273 $ (448 ) Canadian government 2,254 (9 ) 25,330 (1,788 ) 27,584 (1,797 ) Corporate 11,579 (206 ) 6,563 (310 ) 18,142 (516 ) Residential mortgage-backed 351 (4 ) 3,010 (46 ) 3,361 (50 ) Asset-backed — — 79 (11 ) 79 (11 ) Total fixed income temporarily impaired securities $ 21,083 $ (445 ) $ 51,356 $ (2,377 ) $ 72,439 $ (2,822 ) December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 29,014 $ (115 ) $ 106 $ (2 ) $ 29,120 $ (117 ) Canadian government 20,947 (639 ) 6,370 (450 ) 27,317 (1,089 ) Corporate 2,423 (31 ) 4,453 (139 ) 6,876 (170 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,880 (12 ) 151 (2 ) 3,031 (14 ) Asset-backed — — 74 (10 ) 74 (10 ) Total fixed income temporarily impaired securities $ 55,264 $ (797 ) $ 11,154 $ (603 ) $ 66,418 $ (1,400 ) Deferred revenue, net At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , Deferred revenue , net represents future revenue, including distributed trust investment earnings associated with unperformed trust-funded preneed contracts that are not held in trust accounts. Future revenue and net trust investment earnings that are held in trust accounts are included in Deferred receipts held in trust. The components of Deferred revenue, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Deferred revenue $ 1,989,232 $ 1,789,776 Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts (1) (570,418 ) — Deferred revenue, net $ 1,418,814 $ 1,789,776 (1) Prior to adoption of "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018, amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts were included in Preneed receivables, net and trust investments . The following table summarizes the activity for our contract liabilities, which are reflected in Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,265,206 Cumulative effect of accounting changes 37,991 Net preneed contract sales 977,378 Acquisitions of businesses, net 159,560 Net investment losses (1) (195,051 ) Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (381,041 ) Recognized revenue from current period sales (572,428 ) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (546,554 ) Change in cancellation reserve 65,817 Effect of foreign currency and other (20,326 ) Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 4,790,552 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment losses. (2) Includes current year trust fund income through the date of performance. The following table summarizes the activity in Deferred revenue, net : Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net $ 1,731,417 $ 1,677,898 Net preneed contract sales 900,037 847,848 Acquisitions of businesses, net 10,488 193 Net investment earnings (1) 381,436 146,103 Recognized revenue (876,857 ) (823,319 ) Change in cancellation allowance (165 ) 5,396 Change in deferred receipts held in trust (361,499 ) (124,923 ) Effect of foreign currency and other 4,919 2,221 Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net $ 1,789,776 $ 1,731,417 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2019 to 2077 . Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2018 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 62,374 Due in one to five years 53,512 Due in five to ten years 9,698 Thereafter 947 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 126,531
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2018 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 6,899 $ (226 ) $ 16,374 $ (222 ) $ 23,273 $ (448 ) Canadian government 2,254 (9 ) 25,330 (1,788 ) 27,584 (1,797 ) Corporate 11,579 (206 ) 6,563 (310 ) 18,142 (516 ) Residential mortgage-backed 351 (4 ) 3,010 (46 ) 3,361 (50 ) Asset-backed — — 79 (11 ) 79 (11 ) Total fixed income temporarily impaired securities $ 21,083 $ (445 ) $ 51,356 $ (2,377 ) $ 72,439 $ (2,822 )	Our fixed income investment unrealized losses, their associated fair values, and the duration of unrealized losses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , are shown in the following tables: December 31, 2018 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 6,899 $ (226 ) $ 16,374 $ (222 ) $ 23,273 $ (448 ) Canadian government 2,254 (9 ) 25,330 (1,788 ) 27,584 (1,797 ) Corporate 11,579 (206 ) 6,563 (310 ) 18,142 (516 ) Residential mortgage-backed 351 (4 ) 3,010 (46 ) 3,361 (50 ) Asset-backed — — 79 (11 ) 79 (11 ) Total fixed income temporarily impaired securities $ 21,083 $ (445 ) $ 51,356 $ (2,377 ) $ 72,439 $ (2,822 ) December 31, 2017 In Loss Position Less Than 12 Months In Loss Position Greater Than 12 Months Total Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury $ 29,014 $ (115 ) $ 106 $ (2 ) $ 29,120 $ (117 ) Canadian government 20,947 (639 ) 6,370 (450 ) 27,317 (1,089 ) Corporate 2,423 (31 ) 4,453 (139 ) 6,876 (170 ) Residential mortgage-backed 2,880 (12 ) 151 (2 ) 3,031 (14 ) Asset-backed — — 74 (10 ) 74 (10 ) Total fixed income temporarily impaired securities $ 55,264 $ (797 ) $ 11,154 $ (603 ) $ 66,418 $ (1,400 )
Deferred Preneed Funeral Revenues [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity for our contract liabilities, which are reflected in Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust for the year ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,265,206 Cumulative effect of accounting changes 37,991 Net preneed contract sales 977,378 Acquisitions of businesses, net 159,560 Net investment losses (1) (195,051 ) Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (381,041 ) Recognized revenue from current period sales (572,428 ) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (546,554 ) Change in cancellation reserve 65,817 Effect of foreign currency and other (20,326 ) Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 4,790,552 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment losses.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill for our funeral and cemetery reporting units are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Funeral Cemetery Total Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Beginning balance-- Goodwill $ 1,499,741 $ 306,240 $ 1,805,981 $ 1,493,655 $ 305,426 $ 1,799,081 Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions 38,976 29,219 68,195 8,013 1,215 9,228 Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures (2,183 ) (24 ) (2,207 ) (8,495 ) (401 ) (8,896 ) Effect of foreign currency (8,127 ) — (8,127 ) 6,568 — 6,568 Activity 28,666 29,195 57,861 6,086 814 6,900 Ending balance-- Goodwill $ 1,528,407 $ 335,435 $ 1,863,842 $ 1,499,741 $ 306,240 $ 1,805,981
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows: Useful Life Minimum Maximum 2018 2017 (Years) (In thousands) Amortizing intangibles: Covenants-not-to-compete 2 - 20 $ 215,424 $ 214,628 Customer relationships 10 - 20 158,347 129,516 Tradenames 5 - 89 16,150 9,150 Other 5 - 89 25,103 11,927 415,024 365,221 Less: accumulated amortization: Covenants-not-to-compete 195,536 192,296 Customer relationships 75,199 61,321 Tradenames 9,194 7,320 Other 5,504 4,830 285,433 265,767 Amortizing intangibles, net 129,591 99,454 Non-amortizing intangibles: Tradenames Indefinite 293,474 263,880 Other Indefinite 10,765 10,765 Non-amortizing intangibles 304,239 274,645 Intangible assets, net - included in Deferred charges and other assets $ 433,830 $ 374,099
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	The following is estimated amortization expense, excluding certain intangibles for which we are unable to provide an estimate because they are amortized based on specific identification in the fulfillment of performance obligation on our preneed contracts, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2018 (in thousands): 2019 $ 8,167 2020 7,076 2021 6,966 2022 5,801 2023 5,410 Total estimated amortization expense $ 33,420

Income Taxes Level 3 (Tables)

Income Taxes Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Income before income taxes was composed of the following components: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) United States $ 399,123 $ 347,680 $ 287,946 Foreign 42,609 52,578 38,712 $ 441,732 $ 400,258 $ 326,658
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income tax (benefit) provision consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Current: United States $ 18,138 $ 154,128 $ 113,629 Foreign 10,541 12,187 12,084 State 6,974 4,934 16,150 Total current income taxes 35,653 171,249 141,863 Deferred: United States $ (48,565 ) $ (314,389 ) $ (19,496 ) Foreign 386 618 22,708 State 6,700 (4,067 ) 4,278 Total deferred income taxes (41,479 ) (317,838 ) 7,490 Total income taxes $ (5,826 ) $ (146,589 ) $ 149,353
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate $ 92,764 $ 140,090 $ 114,331 State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits 10,146 8,216 13,279 Foreign jurisdiction differences 2,377 (6,782 ) (2,557 ) Permanent differences associated with divestitures 790 1,925 9,267 Changes in uncertain tax positions and audit settlements (88,687 ) (105,821 ) 5,669 Foreign valuation allowance, net of federal income tax benefits (431 ) 1,186 15,850 Enactment of U.S. Tax Act (16,105 ) (146,160 ) — Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (11,159 ) (18,521 ) — Other 4,479 (20,722 ) (6,486 ) (Benefit from) provision for income taxes $ (5,826 ) $ (146,589 ) $ 149,353 Total consolidated effective tax rate (1.3 )% (36.6 )% 45.7 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Inventories and cemetery property $ (220,537 ) $ (222,431 ) Deferred incremental direct selling costs (73,696 ) — Property and equipment (122,281 ) (109,631 ) Intangibles (197,815 ) (194,159 ) Other — (4,902 ) Deferred tax liabilities (614,329 ) (531,123 ) Loss and tax credit carryforwards 153,688 170,979 Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts 113,970 155,679 Accrued liabilities 63,558 62,727 Other 90 — Deferred tax assets 331,306 389,385 Less: valuation allowance (120,931 ) (141,154 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (403,954 ) $ (282,892 )
Schedule of Deferred Taxes Classification [Table Text Block]	Deferred tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets $ 673 $ 873 Non-current deferred tax liabilities (404,627 ) (283,765 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (403,954 ) $ (282,892 )
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Federal, State, and Foreign Tax (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 182,545 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years (4,219 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 178,326 Reductions to tax positions as a result of audit settlement (30,333 ) Reductions to tax positions related to prior years (68,538 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 79,455 Additions to tax positions related to prior years 1,348 Reduction to tax positions due to expiration of statutes of limitations (79,455 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,348
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	Such loss carryforwards will expire as follows: Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) 2019 $ — $ 119,956 $ — $ 119,956 2020 — 174,507 — 174,507 2021 — 152,788 — 152,788 2022 — 80,831 — 80,831 Thereafter 3,652 2,152,860 11,329 2,167,841 Total $ 3,652 $ 2,680,942 $ 11,329 $ 2,695,923
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2018 , our loss and tax credit carryforward deferred tax assets and related valuation allowances by jurisdiction are as follows (presented net of federal benefit): Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) Loss and tax credit carryforwards $ 767 $ 146,275 $ 6,646 $ 153,688 Valuation allowance $ — $ 100,625 $ 20,306 $ 120,931

Debt Level 3 (Tables)

Debt Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	Debt was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 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 641,250 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 395,000 — Obligations under capital leases 211,952 197,232 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 4,076 6,036 Unamortized premiums and discounts, net 6,562 7,456 Unamortized debt issuance costs (31,762 ) (38,071 ) Total debt 3,602,078 3,472,653 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (69,896 ) (337,337 ) Total long-term debt $ 3,532,182 $ 3,135,316
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of our debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2018 and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums and debt issuance costs (in thousands): 2019 $ 75,037 2020 281,186 2021 238,470 2022 1,379,873 2023 14,193 2024 and thereafter 1,638,519 Total debt maturities $ 3,627,278
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Cash interest payments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2018 $ 179,865 Payments in 2017 $ 160,843 Payments in 2016 $ 156,950 Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Net change in capital expenditure accrual $ (2,597 ) $ 223 $ (1,435 ) Non-cash acquisition of capital leases $ 58,664 $ 54,087 $ 41,609
Schedule of future cash interest payments [Table Text Block]	ash interest payments for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2018 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2019 $ 179,665 Payments in 2020 177,275 Payments in 2021 166,511 Payments in 2022 129,293 Payments in 2023 87,842 Payments in 2024 and thereafter 172,932 Total expected cash interest payments $ 913,518

Credit Risk and Fair Value of_2

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The fair value of our debt instruments was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) 7.625% Senior Notes due October 2018 $ — $ 259,563 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020 198,930 199,590 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 160,800 175,313 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022 428,188 436,178 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 851,275 892,118 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 517,077 558,250 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 214,940 238,004 Term Loan due December 2022 629,579 675,000 Bank Credit Facility due December 2022 387,061 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 4,076 6,036 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,391,926 $ 3,440,052

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	As of December 31, 2018 , future minimum lease payments for non-cancelable operating and capital leases exceeding one year were as follows: Operating Capital (In thousands) 2019 $ 11,295 $ 46,998 2020 9,550 51,943 2021 8,251 57,881 2022 7,282 21,842 2023 5,397 15,587 2024 and thereafter 37,841 40,447 Total $ 79,616 $ 234,698 Less: Interest on capital leases (22,746 ) Total principal payable on capital leases $ 211,952
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2018 , the maximum estimated future cash commitments under agreements with remaining commitment terms, and with original terms of more than one year, were as follows: Employment and Management Consulting Non-Competition Total (In thousands) 2019 $ 1,823 $ 632 $ 5,671 $ 8,126 2020 1,116 517 4,365 5,998 2021 674 387 3,301 4,362 2022 332 307 2,683 3,322 2023 94 78 1,874 2,046 2024 and thereafter — 214 5,921 6,135 Total $ 4,039 $ 2,135 $ 23,815 $ 29,989

Share-Based Compensation Leve_2

Share-Based Compensation Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The fair values of our stock options are calculated using the following weighted average assumptions, based on the methods described above: Years Ended December 31, Assumptions 2018 2017 2016 Dividend yield 1.8% 2.0% 2.0% Expected volatility 18.5% 19.0% 19.7% Risk-free interest rate 2.4% 1.6% 1.0% Expected holding period (years) 4.0 4.0 4.0
Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes certain information with respect to stock option and restricted share compensation as included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income $ 15,626 $ 14,788 $ 14,056 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income $ 3,998 $ 5,416 $ 6,427
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Weighted-Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 9,520,299 $ 19.77 Granted 1,199,420 $ 37.50 Exercised (1,801,776 ) $ 13.61 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 8,917,943 $ 23.40 Exercisable at December 31, 2018 6,145,297 $ 19.81
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding and Exercisable [Table Text Block]	Set forth below is certain information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Number Outstanding at December 31, 2018 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years) Weighted- Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable at December 31, 2018 Weighted- Average Exercise Price $ 0.00 — 10.00 3,127 0.1 $ 9.09 3,127 $ 9.09 $10.01 — 20.00 2,878,785 2.4 $ 15.38 2,878,785 $ 15.38 $20.01 — 30.00 4,836,611 5.1 $ 24.68 3,263,385 $ 23.73 $30.01 — 40.00 1,199,420 7.1 $ 37.50 — $ — $0.00 — 40.00 8,917,943 4.5 $ 23.40 6,145,297 $ 19.81
Other Information Pertaining to Stock Option Activity [Table Text Block]	Other information pertaining to stock options was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value): Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted $ 5.52 $ 3.90 $ 4.01 Total fair value of stock options vested $ 6,857 $ 7,425 $ 7,690 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 48,643 $ 56,946 $ 37,284 Cash received from the exercise of stock options $ 24,517 $ 33,611 $ 17,662 Recognized compensation expense $ 6,648 $ 6,909 $ 7,633
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted share award activity was as follows (shares reported in whole numbers): Restricted Share Awards Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2017 441,811 $ 25.70 Granted 177,944 $ 37.50 Vested (230,510 ) $ 24.74 Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2018 389,245 $ 31.67
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted Share Units Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested restricted share units at December 31, 2017 167,030 $ 26.92 Granted 84,604 $ 35.89 Vested (72,437 ) $ 26.86 Forfeited and other (3,896 ) $ 31.63 Nonvested restricted share units at December 31, 2018 175,301 $ 31.17

Retirement Plans Retirement Pla

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]	The components of the Plans’ net periodic benefit cost were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 923 $ 1,067 $ 1,179 Recognized net actuarial (gains) losses (1,127 ) 879 259 Total net periodic benefit cost $ (204 ) $ 1,946 $ 1,438
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	The Plans’ funded status was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 28,681 $ 30,078 Interest cost 923 1,067 Actuarial (gain) loss (1,127 ) 879 Benefits paid (3,770 ) (3,343 ) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 24,707 $ 28,681 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 3,770 3,343 Benefits paid, including expenses (3,770 ) (3,343 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (24,707 ) $ (28,681 ) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligations $ 24,707 $ 28,681 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 24,707 $ 28,681 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (3,175 ) $ (3,265 ) Included in Other liabilities (21,532 ) (25,416 ) Total accrued benefit liability $ (24,707 ) $ (28,681 )
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	The Plans’ weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 4.13 % 3.41 % 3.76 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost 3.26 % 3.86 % 3.96 %
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The following benefit payments are expected to be paid in the next ten years related to our Plans (in thousands): 2019 $ 3,175 2020 2,728 2021 2,398 2022 2,319 2023 2,073 Years 2024 through 2028 8,622 Total expected benefit payments $ 21,315

Segment Reporting Level 3 (Tabl

Segment Reporting Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	Other reportable segment information for the year ended December 31 was as follows: Reportable Segments Funeral Cemetery Corporate Consolidated (In thousands) 2018 Interest expense $ 3,634 $ 469 $ 177,453 $ 181,556 Depreciation and amortization $ 108,891 $ 33,183 $ 11,576 $ 153,650 Amortization of intangibles $ 17,515 $ 8,619 $ 61 $ 26,195 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 68,640 $ — $ 68,640 Capital expenditures $ 99,008 $ 125,131 $ 11,406 $ 235,545 Total assets $ 5,411,178 $ 6,913,132 $ 368,933 $ 12,693,243 2017 (1) Interest expense $ 3,986 $ 401 $ 164,738 $ 169,125 Depreciation and amortization $ 109,965 $ 32,815 $ 10,361 $ 153,141 Amortization of intangibles $ 17,871 $ 9,696 $ 83 $ 27,650 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 68,102 $ — $ 68,102 Capital expenditures $ 83,241 $ 118,699 $ 12,561 $ 214,501 Total assets $ 5,393,205 $ 6,946,351 $ 524,947 $ 12,864,503 2016 (1) Interest expense $ 3,906 $ 105 $ 158,082 $ 162,093 Depreciation and amortization $ 106,602 $ 31,081 $ 9,550 $ 147,233 Amortization of intangibles $ 20,444 $ 10,438 $ 74 $ 30,956 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 66,745 $ — $ 66,745 Capital expenditures $ 68,666 $ 113,163 $ 11,617 $ 193,446
Schedule of Significant Reportable Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (1) 2016 (1) (In thousands) Revenue from customers: Funeral revenue: Atneed revenue $ 998,464 $ 1,011,214 $ 1,045,533 Matured preneed revenue 600,944 574,235 538,013 Core funeral revenue 1,599,408 1,585,449 1,583,546 Non-funeral home revenue 49,671 46,513 42,957 Recognized preneed revenue 125,144 117,352 111,640 Other revenue 123,769 118,838 130,968 Total funeral revenue 1,897,992 1,868,152 1,869,111 Cemetery revenue: Atneed revenue 323,162 319,899 307,826 Recognized preneed property revenue 572,955 538,314 515,854 Recognized preneed merchandise and services revenue 288,282 274,885 240,301 Core cemetery revenue 1,184,399 1,133,098 1,063,981 Other revenue 107,783 93,781 98,045 Total cemetery revenue 1,292,182 1,226,879 1,162,026 Total revenue from customers $ 3,190,174 $ 3,095,031 $ 3,031,137 Operating profit: Funeral operating profit $ 369,613 $ 371,853 $ 361,022 Cemetery operating profit 390,709 350,926 315,828 Operating profit from reportable segments 760,322 722,779 676,850 General and administrative expenses (145,499 ) (153,067 ) (136,708 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net 15,933 7,015 (26,819 ) Hurricane expenses, net (97 ) (5,584 ) — Operating income 630,659 571,143 513,323 Interest expense (181,556 ) (169,125 ) (162,093 ) Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net (10,131 ) (274 ) (22,503 ) Other income (expense), net 2,760 (1,486 ) (2,069 ) Income before income taxes $ 441,732 $ 400,258 $ 326,658
Schedule of Disclosure on Geographic Areas, Long-Lived Assets in Individual Foreign Countries by Country [Table Text Block]	Our geographic area information for the year ended December 31 was as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) 2018 Revenue from external customers $ 2,991,617 $ 198,557 $ 3,190,174 Interest expense $ 181,266 $ 290 $ 181,556 Depreciation and amortization $ 144,877 $ 8,773 $ 153,650 Amortization of intangibles $ 25,664 $ 531 $ 26,195 Amortization of cemetery property $ 63,709 $ 4,931 $ 68,640 Operating income $ 568,446 $ 62,213 $ 630,659 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 8,419 $ 7,514 $ 15,933 Long-lived assets $ 6,334,924 $ 277,897 $ 6,612,821 2017 (1) Revenue from external customers $ 2,889,463 $ 205,568 $ 3,095,031 Interest expense $ 168,956 $ 169 $ 169,125 Depreciation and amortization $ 143,932 $ 9,209 $ 153,141 Amortization of intangibles $ 27,092 $ 558 $ 27,650 Amortization of cemetery property $ 61,307 $ 6,795 $ 68,102 Operating income $ 502,865 $ 68,278 $ 571,143 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 61 $ 6,954 $ 7,015 Long-lived assets $ 5,786,063 $ 286,135 $ 6,072,198 2016 (1) Revenue from external customers $ 2,848,876 $ 182,261 $ 3,031,137 Interest expense (income) $ 162,341 $ (248 ) $ 162,093 Depreciation and amortization $ 138,560 $ 8,673 $ 147,233 Amortization of intangibles $ 30,427 $ 529 $ 30,956 Amortization of cemetery property $ 61,449 $ 5,296 $ 66,745 Operating income $ 461,825 $ 51,498 $ 513,323 (Losses) gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ (27,658 ) $ 839 $ (26,819 )

Supplementary Information Lev_2

Supplementary Information Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Balance Sheet, Supplemental Disclosures	The detail of certain balance sheet accounts is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 177,338 $ 260,281 Commercial paper and temporary investments 21,512 69,758 $ 198,850 $ 330,039 Receivables, net: Notes receivable $ 1,781 $ 1,605 Atneed funeral receivables, net of allowances of $1,412 and $1,845, respectively 39,709 44,536 Atneed cemetery receivables, net of allowances of $166 and $245, respectively 15,277 16,556 Other 17,058 27,607 $ 73,825 $ 90,304 Other current assets: Income tax receivable $ 8,333 $ 8,576 Prepaid insurance 5,047 4,419 Restricted cash (1) 7,007 8,625 Other 13,220 13,955 $ 33,607 $ 35,575 Cemetery property: Undeveloped land $ 1,209,109 $ 1,181,920 Developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and cremation memorialization property 628,355 610,069 $ 1,837,464 $ 1,791,989 Property and equipment, net: Land $ 631,679 $ 605,735 Buildings and improvements 2,107,300 1,996,123 Operating equipment 609,658 557,278 Leasehold improvements 34,755 34,607 Capital leases 263,940 254,260 3,647,332 3,448,003 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,525,059 ) (1,430,695 ) Less: Accumulated amortization of capital leases (144,909 ) (144,264 ) $ 1,977,364 $ 1,873,044 Deferred charges and other assets: Intangible assets, net $ 433,830 $ 374,099 Restricted cash (1) 1,727 1,937 Deferred tax assets 673 873 Notes receivable, net of allowances of $10,814 and $10,946, respectively 8,651 9,624 Cash surrender value of insurance policies 145,981 139,494 Deferred incremental direct selling costs 282,283 — Other 61,006 75,157 $ 934,151 $ 601,184 Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 (In thousands) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 173,361 $ 173,685 Accrued benefits 90,303 95,233 Accrued interest 25,976 30,415 Accrued property taxes 18,512 10,541 Self-insurance reserves 80,114 78,227 Bank overdrafts 16,221 27,243 Other accrued liabilities 75,281 73,828 $ 479,768 $ 489,172 Other liabilities: Accrued benefit costs $ 21,532 $ 25,416 Deferred compensation 126,891 120,782 Customer refund obligation reserve 48,000 51,767 Tax liability 1,873 111,000 Payable to perpetual care trust 88,784 83,015 Other 10,222 19,002 $ 297,302 $ 410,982
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	Cash interest payments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2018 $ 179,865 Payments in 2017 $ 160,843 Payments in 2016 $ 156,950 Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Net change in capital expenditure accrual $ (2,597 ) $ 223 $ (1,435 ) Non-cash acquisition of capital leases $ 58,664 $ 54,087 $ 41,609

Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tab

Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted EPS is presented below: Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income — basic $ 447,208 $ 546,663 $ 177,038 After tax interest on convertible debt — 52 43 Net income — diluted $ 447,208 $ 546,715 $ 177,081 Weighted average shares: Weighted average shares — basic 182,447 187,630 193,086 Stock options 4,339 4,396 2,823 Restricted share units 186 99 12 Convertible debt — 121 121 Weighted average shares — diluted 186,972 192,246 196,042 Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income per share: Basic $ 2.45 $ 2.91 $ 0.92 Diluted $ 2.39 $ 2.84 $ 0.90
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Antidilutive options 1,035 911 982

Acquisition Level 3 (Tables)

Acquisition Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	2018 2017 (In thousands) (unaudited) Revenue $ 32,434 $ 29,193 Net income $ 4,669 $ 2,531
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 $ 19,775 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 $ 60,799
Gains (Losses) on Divestitures and Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 20,340 $ 29,053 $ 7,829 Impairment losses (4,407 ) (22,038 ) (34,648 ) Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 15,933 $ 7,015 $ (26,819 )

Quarterly Financial Data Quarte

Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarterly financial data for 2018 and 2017 is as follows: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2018 Revenue $ 794,482 $ 796,092 $ 778,786 $ 820,814 Costs and expenses $ (598,720 ) $ (607,965 ) $ (612,616 ) $ (610,551 ) Operating profit $ 195,762 $ 188,127 $ 166,170 $ 210,263 Operating income $ 163,692 $ 161,954 $ 132,303 $ 172,710 Income before income taxes (1) $ 110,369 $ 119,315 $ 86,036 $ 126,012 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes $ (28,321 ) $ (16,034 ) $ (17,043 ) $ 67,224 Net income $ 82,048 $ 103,281 $ 68,993 $ 193,236 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (60 ) $ (42 ) $ (58 ) $ (190 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 81,988 $ 103,239 $ 68,935 $ 193,046 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.44 $ 0.57 $ 0.38 $ 1.07 Diluted — EPS $ 0.43 $ 0.55 $ 0.37 $ 1.04 2017 (3) Revenue $ 777,710 $ 773,242 $ 731,346 $ 812,733 Costs and expenses $ (600,471 ) $ (589,724 ) $ (581,570 ) $ (600,487 ) Operating profit $ 177,239 $ 183,518 $ 149,776 $ 212,246 Operating income $ 139,891 $ 143,902 $ 109,351 $ 177,999 Income before income taxes (1) $ 98,526 $ 101,518 $ 66,578 $ 133,636 Benefit from (provision for) income taxes $ 76,223 $ (32,956 ) $ (10,437 ) $ 113,759 Net income $ 174,749 $ 68,562 $ 56,141 $ 247,395 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (47 ) $ (81 ) $ 23 $ (79 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 174,702 $ 68,481 $ 56,164 $ 247,316 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.93 $ 0.37 $ 0.30 $ 1.32 Diluted — EPS $ 0.91 $ 0.36 $ 0.29 $ 1.29 (1) Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net , as described in Note 15. (2) Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year. (3) The results for the year ended December 31, 2017 have not been adjusted for the impact of our adoption of "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" on January 1, 2018.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate, Low		0.020
Amortization of cemetery property		$ 68,640	$ 68,102	$ 66,745
Depreciation		$ 153,650	153,141	$ 147,233
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate, Low End of the Range		2.50%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate, High End of the Range		5.40%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		6.80%
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate		0.050
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		7.00%
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ 11,900		$ 28,900
Retirement of treasury shares		0	0	0
General Agency Revenue	$ 135,800	$ 134,100	$ 121,000
Deferred incremental selling costs		282,283	0
Impact From Change in Depreciable Lives		$ 4,300
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Basic Earnings Per Share		$ 0.02
Funeral [Member]
Amortization of cemetery property		$ 0	0	$ 0
Depreciation		$ 108,891	109,965	106,602
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate		1.00%
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate		1.00%
Cemetery [Member]
Amortization of cemetery property		$ 68,640	68,102	66,745
Depreciation		$ 33,183	$ 32,815	$ 31,081
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate		2.40%
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate		2.40%
Treasury Stock [Member]
Retirement of treasury shares		9,419	6,890	7,901
Minimum [Member]
Funeral home lease life		1 year
Transportation equipment lease life		1 year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life		2 years
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		P10Y
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		P3Y
Maximum [Member]
Funeral home lease life		40 years
Transportation equipment lease life		8 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life		89 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		P40Y
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		P8Y
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives		P10Y
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life		2 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life		20 years

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Restricted cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Restricted Cash [Abstract]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	$ 1,727	$ 1,937
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	8,734	10,562
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	207,584	340,601	$ 211,506	$ 151,093
Restricted Cash, Current	7,007	8,625
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 198,850	$ 330,039

Summary of Significant Accoun_5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 820,814		$ 778,786		$ 796,092		$ 794,482		$ 812,733		$ 731,346		$ 773,242		$ 777,710		$ 17,900	$ 3,190,174	$ 3,095,031	$ 3,031,137
Operating profit	210,263		166,170		188,127		195,762		212,246		149,776		183,518		177,239			760,322	722,779	676,850
Costs and expenses	(610,551)		(612,616)		(607,965)		(598,720)		(600,487)		(581,570)		(589,724)		(600,471)			(2,429,852)	(2,372,252)	(2,354,287)
General and administrative expenses																		(145,499)	(153,067)	(136,708)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																		15,933	7,015	(26,819)
Hurricane expense, net																		(97)	5,584	0
Operating income	172,710		132,303		161,954		163,692		177,999		109,351		143,902		139,891			630,659	571,143	513,323
Interest expense																		(181,556)	(169,125)	(162,093)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net																		10,131	274	22,503
Nonoperating Income (Expense)																		2,760	(1,486)	(2,069)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	126,012	[1]	86,036	[1]	119,315	[1]	110,369	[1]	133,636	[1]	66,578	[1]	101,518	[1]	98,526	[1]		441,732	400,258	326,658
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(67,224)		17,043		16,034		28,321		(113,759)		10,437		32,956		(76,223)			5,826	146,589	(149,353)
Net income	193,236		68,993		103,281		82,048		247,395		56,141		68,562		174,749		$ 1,700	447,558	546,847	177,305
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(190)		(58)		(42)		(60)		(79)		23		(81)		(47)			(350)	(184)	(267)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 193,046		$ 68,935		$ 103,239		$ 81,988		$ 247,316		$ 56,164		$ 68,481		$ 174,702			$ 447,208	$ 546,663	$ 177,038
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 1.07	[2]	$ 0.38	[2]	$ 0.57	[2]	$ 0.44	[2]	$ 1.32	[2]	$ 0.30	[2]	$ 0.37	[2]	$ 0.93	[2]		$ 2.45	$ 2.91	$ 0.92
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 1.04	[2]	$ 0.37	[2]	$ 0.55	[2]	$ 0.43	[2]	$ 1.29	[2]	$ 0.29	[2]	$ 0.36	[2]	$ 0.91	[2]		$ 2.39	$ 2.84	$ 0.90
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations																		$ (546,554)	$ 0	$ 0
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue																		1,142
Operating profit																		(14,349)
Costs and expenses																		(15,491)
General and administrative expenses																		0
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																		0
Hurricane expense, net																		0
Operating income																		(14,349)
Interest expense																		0
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net																		0
Nonoperating Income (Expense)																		0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest																		(14,349)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)																		3,672
Net income																		(10,677)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests																		0
Net income attributable to common stockholders																		$ (10,677)
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic																		$ (58.52)
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted																		$ (57.10)
Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue																		$ 3,191,316
Operating profit																		745,973
Costs and expenses																		(2,445,343)
General and administrative expenses																		(145,499)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																		15,933
Hurricane expense, net																		(97)
Operating income																		616,310
Interest expense																		(181,556)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net																		10,131
Nonoperating Income (Expense)																		2,760
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest																		427,383
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)																		9,498
Net income																		436,881
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests																		(350)
Net income attributable to common stockholders																		$ 436,531
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic																		$ 2,392.65
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted																		$ 2,334.74
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
Retirement Plan [Member]
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Costs and expenses																			(600)	(400)
General and administrative expenses																			$ (1,400)	$ (1,000)
[1]	Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, as described in Note 15.
[2]	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Summary of Significant Accoun_6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 615,830	$ 503,372	$ 489,035
Capital expenditures	(235,545)	(214,501)	(193,446)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(194,824)	(76,171)	(72,859)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	37,309	52,381	51,813
Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities	(14,760)	(7,360)	(9,050)
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy	4,824	2,592	2,517
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	(14,525)	175	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(414,621)	(242,884)	(221,025)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	396,349	1,787,500	1,060,000
Debt issuance costs	0	(12,939)	(5,232)
Scheduled payments of debt	(34,134)	(468,973)	(36,414)
Early Repayment of Senior Debt			(895,634)
Principal payments on capital leases	(39,686)	(51,106)	(33,119)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	24,517	33,611	17,662
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards	0	0	12,685
Purchase of Company common stock	(277,611)	(199,637)	(227,928)
Payments of dividends	(123,849)	(108,750)	(98,418)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	(4,580)	(1,961)
Bank overdrafts and other	(15,177)	5,959	(1,095)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(329,181)	(136,427)	(209,454)
Effect of foreign currency	(5,045)	5,034	1,857
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(133,017)	129,095	60,413
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 207,584	340,601	211,506	$ 151,093
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle, Early Adoption [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,032	25,440
Capital expenditures		0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(26,183)	(3,713)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment		23,952	10,503
Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities		(7,360)	(9,050)
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy		2,592	2,517
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities		0	5,150
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities		(6,999)	(4,893)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			0
Debt issuance costs			0
Scheduled payments of debt			0
Early Repayment of Senior Debt			(20,524)
Principal payments on capital leases			0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			0
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards			0
Purchase of Company common stock			0
Payments of dividends			0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest			0
Bank overdrafts and other			0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		0	(20,524)
Effect of foreign currency		9	3
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(5,958)	26
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents		10,562	16,520	16,494
Previous Accounting Guidance [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		502,340	463,595
Capital expenditures		(214,501)	(193,446)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(49,988)	(69,146)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment		28,429	41,310
Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities		0	0
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy		0	0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities		175	(5,150)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities		(235,885)	(216,132)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt			1,060,000
Debt issuance costs			(5,232)
Scheduled payments of debt			(36,414)
Early Repayment of Senior Debt			(875,110)
Principal payments on capital leases			(33,119)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options			17,662
Excess tax benefits from share-based awards			12,685
Purchase of Company common stock			(227,928)
Payments of dividends			(98,418)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest			(1,961)
Bank overdrafts and other			(1,095)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		(136,427)	(188,930)
Effect of foreign currency		5,025	1,854
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		135,053	60,387
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents		$ 330,039	$ 194,986	$ 134,599

Preneed Activities Investment R

Preneed Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Deposits to trust	$ 321,232	$ 393,523	$ 371,234
Withdrawals	350,379	432,822	415,283
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	1,462,900	1,540,093	2,057,348
Sales of available-for-sale securities	1,393,728	1,564,968	1,999,918
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	100,284	305,595	256,413
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ (113,806)	$ (77,996)	$ (76,963)

Preneed Activities Preneed Acti

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Preneed Receivables and Trust Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Preneed Receivables and Trust Investments [Abstract]
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	$ 4,271,392	$ 4,778,842	$ 4,305,165	$ 4,078,464
Net Preneed Contract Sales	1,325,134	1,257,288	1,159,194
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds	(1,185,717)	(1,109,380)	(1,030,703)
Deposits To Trust Receivable Impact	347,601	328,241	279,782
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	134,729	8,153	1,477
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings	(191,611)	384,512	145,511
Maturities and Distributed Earnings	(433,036)	(411,452)	(337,912)
Change in cancellation allowance	62,131	(528)	3,329
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	(546,554)	0	0
Effect of foreign currency and other	$ (20,127)	$ 16,843	$ 6,023

Preneed Activities Long-term Re

Preneed Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Allowance for cancellation	$ (48,380)	$ (107,749)
Preneed funeral receivables, net and trust investments	4,271,392	4,778,842	$ 4,305,165	$ 4,078,464
PreneedReceivables	897,683	1,301,807
ReclassAssetsHeldForSale	0	(5,660)
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	(1,477,798)	(1,532,167)
Preneed trust investments	3,373,709	3,477,035
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	4,271,392	4,778,842
Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other [Line Items]	$ 265,787	$ 265,314

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_2

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Receivables Net and Trust Invesments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value		$ 4,585,720	$ 4,749,548
Investments		4,851,507	5,009,202
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent		991,044	1,455,071
Beginning balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	$ 4,078,464	4,778,842	4,305,165	$ 4,078,464
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds		(1,185,717)	(1,109,380)	(1,030,703)
Deposits to trust	$ 321,232	393,523	371,234
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net		134,729	8,153	1,477
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings		(191,611)	384,512	145,511
Maturities and distributed earnings		(433,036)	(411,452)	(337,912)
Change in cancellation allowance		62,131	(528)	3,329
Effect of foreign currency and other		(20,127)	16,843	6,023
Ending balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments		4,271,392	4,778,842	$ 4,305,165
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables		(44,981)	(45,515)
Funeral [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent		107,612	336,925
Cemetery [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent		$ 883,432	$ 1,118,146

Preneed Activities Schedule of

Preneed Activities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 3,434,980
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	175,867
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(395,711)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	3,215,136
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 3,260,648
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		367,569
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(57,889)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		3,570,328
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	49,187	48,805
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	153	14
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(448)	(117)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	48,892	48,702
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	56,343	81,500
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	23	160
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,797)	(1,089)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	54,569	80,571
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	19,869	13,540
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	13	327
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(516)	(170)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	19,366	13,697
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,611	3,279
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	10	16
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(50)	(14)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	3,571	3,281
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	142	320
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2	15
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(11)	(10)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	133	325
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Preferred Stock securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	9,058	7,834
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	180	385
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(412)	(139)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	8,826	8,080
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Common Stock Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,236,513	1,161,015
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	149,233	266,822
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(138,141)	(24,739)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,247,605	1,403,098
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Canada Common Stock Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	34,821	30,762
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	9,082	12,545
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,026)	(522)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	40,877	42,785
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Other International Common Stock Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	77,676	63,510
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	6,057	13,174
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,275)	(2,834)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	73,458	73,850
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	760,887	613,934
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	7,104	59,100
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(151,853)	(4,312)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	616,138	668,722
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,180,325	1,230,196
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	800	11,897
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(89,179)	(23,943)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,091,946	1,218,150
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other Investments [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,548	5,953
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	3,210	3,114
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(3)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	9,755	9,067
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,307,042
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	94,883
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(31,341)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,370,584
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Fixed inc [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	419,206	454,242
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,419	235
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(18,981)	(5,860)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	402,644	448,617
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Equity [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	205,789	214,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	19,567	12,826
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(11,723)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	213,633	226,826
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	466,429	287,435
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	466,429	287,435
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	215,618	166,860
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	72,897	51,631
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(637)	(2,149)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	287,878	216,342
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Reported At Net Asset Value [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		1,122,537
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		64,692
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(8,009)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		1,179,220
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	4,742,022	4,383,185
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	270,750	432,261
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(427,052)	(65,898)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$ 4,585,720	$ 4,749,548

Preneed Activities Level 3 Acti

Preneed Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Sales	$ 2,900	$ 0	$ 0
Acquisition Related Investments Fair value of Level 3	1,345	0	0
Other Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance	9,067	7,163	8,162
Net realized losses included in Other income, net(2)	(697)	912	251
Purchases	66	1,945	89
Sales	26	953	1,339
Fair market value, ending balance	$ 9,755	$ 9,067	$ 7,163

Preneed Activities Investments

Preneed Activities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 62,374
Due in one to five years	53,512
Due in five to ten years	9,698
Thereafter	947
Total	$ 126,531

Preneed Activities Schedule o_2

Preneed Activities Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value		$ 55,264
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses		(797)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value		11,154
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses		(603)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value		66,418
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses		(1,400)
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	$ 6,899	29,014
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(226)	(115)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	16,374	106
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(222)	(2)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	23,273	29,120
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(448)	(117)
Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	2,254	20,947
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(9)	(639)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	25,330	6,370
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(1,788)	(450)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	27,584	27,317
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(1,797)	(1,089)
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	11,579	2,423
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(206)	(31)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	6,563	4,453
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(310)	(139)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	18,142	6,876
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(516)	(170)
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	351	2,880
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(4)	(12)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	3,010	151
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(46)	(2)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	3,361	3,031
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(50)	(14)
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	79	74
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(11)	(10)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	79	74
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	(11)	$ (10)
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Schedule of unrealized loss on investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Fair Value	21,083
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Aggregate Losses	(445)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Fair Value	51,356
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(2,377)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	72,439
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	$ (2,822)

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_3

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Deferred Revenue Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, Gross	$ 1,989,232	$ 1,789,776
Amounts Due for Unfulfilled Performance Obligations	(570,418)	0
Deferred Revenue	$ 1,418,814	$ 1,789,776

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_4

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 1,789,776	$ 1,731,417	$ 1,677,898
Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust	4,790,552	5,265,206
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets	37,991
Net preneed contract sales	977,378	900,037	847,848
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	159,560	10,488	193
Net investment (losses) earnings	(195,051)	381,436	146,103
Recognized deferred preneed revenues		(876,857)	(823,319)
Recognized Revenue From Backlog	(381,041)
Recognized Revenue From Current Period	(572,428)
Change in cancellation allowance	65,817	(165)	5,396
Change in deferred preneed funeral receipts held in trust		(361,499)	(124,923)
Effect of foreign currency and other	$ (20,326)	4,919	2,221
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net		$ 1,789,776	$ 1,731,417

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_5

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 121.7	$ 112.6	$ 94.4
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, maximum	2,077
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, minimum	2,019
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 113
ECF Investment Earnings, Net	$ 74.7	$ 62.9	$ 67.6

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,805,981	$ 1,799,081
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,805,981
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	68,195	9,228
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(2,207)	(8,896)
Effect of foreign currency and other	(8,127)	6,568
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	57,861	6,900
Goodwill, ending balance		1,805,981	$ 1,799,081
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,863,842	1,805,981
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	2,400
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	129,591	99,454
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Future Total	33,420
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	415,024	365,221
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	285,433	265,767
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	129,591	99,454
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	293,474	263,880
Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	10,765	10,765
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	304,239	274,645
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	433,830	374,099
Amortization of intangibles	26,195	27,650	30,956
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	8,167
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	7,076
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	6,966
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	5,801
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	5,410
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	2,400
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	215,424	214,628
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	195,536	192,296
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	158,347	129,516
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	75,199	61,321
Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	16,150	9,150
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	9,194	7,320
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	25,103	11,927
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	5,504	4,830
Funeral [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,499,741	1,493,655
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,499,741
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	38,976	8,013
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(2,183)	(8,495)
Effect of foreign currency and other	(8,127)	6,568
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	28,666	6,086
Goodwill, ending balance		1,499,741	1,493,655
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,528,407	1,499,741
Amortization of intangibles	17,515	17,871	20,444
Cemetery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	306,240	305,426
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	306,240
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	29,219	1,215
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(24)	(401)
Effect of foreign currency and other	0	0
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	29,195	814
Goodwill, ending balance		306,240	305,426
Goodwill, net, ending balance	335,435	306,240
Amortization of intangibles	$ 8,619	$ 9,696	$ 10,438
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	89 years

Income Taxes Income Taxes Detai

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

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

[1]

Sep. 30, 2018

[1]

Jun. 30, 2018

[1]

Mar. 31, 2018

[1]

Dec. 31, 2017

[1]

Sep. 30, 2017

[1]

Jun. 30, 2017

[1]

Mar. 31, 2017

[1]

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Income Taxes [Abstract]

United States

$ 399,123

$ 347,680

$ 287,946

Foreign

42,609

52,578

38,712

Income before income taxes

$ 126,012

$ 86,036

$ 119,315

$ 110,369

$ 133,636

$ 66,578

$ 101,518

$ 98,526

$ 441,732

$ 400,258

$ 326,658

[1]

Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, as described in Note 15.

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_2

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current: United States									$ 18,138	$ 154,128	$ 113,629
Current: Foreign									10,541	12,187	12,084
Current: State									6,974	4,934	16,150
Total current income taxes									35,653	171,249	141,863
Deferred: United States									(48,565)	(314,389)	(19,496)
Deferred: Foreign									386	618	22,708
Deferred: State									6,700	(4,067)	4,278
Provision for deferred income taxes									(41,479)	(317,838)	7,490
Provision for income taxes	$ 67,224	$ (17,043)	$ (16,034)	$ (28,321)	$ 113,759	$ (10,437)	$ (32,956)	$ 76,223	(5,826)	(146,589)	149,353
Income Taxes Paid									65,400	170,200	115,000
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds									$ 11,400	$ 3,400	$ 2,400

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_3

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate									$ 92,764	$ 140,090	$ 114,331
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits									10,146	8,216	13,279
Foreign jurisdiction differences									2,377	(6,782)	(2,557)
Permanent differences associated with dispositions									790	1,925	9,267
Changes in uncertain tax positions									(88,687)	(105,821)	5,669
Foreign Valuation Allowance, Amount									(431)	1,186	15,850
Enactment of US Tax Reform									(16,105)	(146,160)	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation									(11,159)	(18,521)	0
Other									4,479	(20,722)	(6,486)
Provision for income taxes	$ 67,224	$ (17,043)	$ (16,034)	$ (28,321)	$ 113,759	$ (10,437)	$ (32,956)	$ 76,223	$ (5,826)	$ (146,589)	$ 149,353
Total effective tax rate									(1.30%)	(36.60%)	45.70%

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_4

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Inventories and cemetery property	$ (220,537)	$ (222,431)
Deferred tax liabilities selling cost	(73,696)	0
Property and equipment	(122,281)	(109,631)
Intangibles	(197,815)	(194,159)
Other	0	(4,902)
Deferred tax liabilities	(614,329)	(531,123)
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	153,688	170,979
Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts	113,970	155,679
Accrued liabilities	63,558	62,727
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	90	0
Deferred tax assets	331,306	389,385
Less: Valuation allowance	(120,931)	(141,154)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (403,954)	$ (282,892)

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_5

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 5 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Non-current deferred tax assets	$ 673	$ 873
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	(404,627)	(283,765)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (403,954)	$ (282,892)

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_6

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 6 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 182,545	$ 79,455	$ 178,326	$ 182,545
Reductions to tax positions related to the current year		(79,455)
Additions to tax positions related to prior years		1,348
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years		(16,100)
Reductions to tax positions as a result of audit settlement			(30,333)
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years	$ (4,219)		(68,538)
Ending Balance		1,348	79,455	178,326
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions		16,100
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate		1,400	79,500	161,800
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued		500	11,100	57,300
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense		10,600	46,200	$ 5,700
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions			143,000
Tax Settlement Payment			$ 34,200
Income Tax Examination, Liability (Refund) Adjustment from Settlement with Taxing Authority		$ 5,600

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_7

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 7 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	$ 119,956
Year Two	174,507
Year Three	152,788
Year Four	80,831
Thereafter	2,167,841
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,695,923
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	153,688	$ 170,979
Valuation allowance	120,931	$ 141,154
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	0
Year Two	0
Year Three	0
Year Four	0
Thereafter	3,652
Operating Loss Carryforwards	3,652
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	767
Valuation allowance	0
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	119,956
Year Two	174,507
Year Three	152,788
Year Four	80,831
Thereafter	2,152,860
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,680,942
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	4,000
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	146,275
Valuation allowance	100,625
Foreign
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	0
Year Two	0
Year Three	0
Year Four	0
Thereafter	11,329
Operating Loss Carryforwards	11,329
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	16,200
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	6,646
Valuation allowance	$ 20,306

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_8

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details (Tax Reform) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount	$ 11.5
Estimated Tax Reform Repatriation Liability	$ 221.7	$ 146.2

Debt Level 4 (Details)

Debt Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payments on capital leases			$ 39,686	$ 51,106	$ 33,119
Repayments of Debt			300,000	1,600,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt			34,134	468,973	36,414
Repayments of Other Debt			300	200
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net			(10,131)	(274)	(22,503)
Total debt			3,602,078	3,472,653
Current maturities of long-term debt			(69,896)	(337,337)
Less current maturities			69,896	337,337
Total long-term debt			$ 3,532,182	$ 3,135,316
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate			4.99%	4.73%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate			66.00%	75.00%
Next Twelve Months			$ 75,037
Year Two			281,186
Year Three			238,470
Year Four			1,379,873
Year Five			14,193
After Year Five			1,638,519
Long-term Debt, Gross			3,627,278
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			32,900	$ 33,300
Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities			179,865	160,843	$ 156,950
Payments in 2019			179,665
Payments in 2020			177,275
Payments in 2021			166,511
Payments in 2022			129,293
Payments in 2023			87,842
Payments in 2024 and thereafter			172,932
Cash Interest Payments Expected Payments Total			913,518
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense			(31,762)	(38,071)
Term Loan, Maximum Borrowing Capacity			675,000
Bank credit facility			395,000	0
October 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$ 250,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt			9,600
Bank Credit Facility due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net	$ 10,000	$ 185,000
Repayments of Debt			442,500
Term Loan December 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Long-term Debt			33,800
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent			641,250	675,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized pricing discounts and other			6,562	7,456
Unsecured Debt [Member] | October 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes			0	250,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | November 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes			200,000	200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | November 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes			150,000	150,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | January 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes			425,000	425,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes			200,000	200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | May 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes			850,000	850,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | December 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes			550,000	550,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Obligations under capital leases			211,952	197,232
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2047			$ 4,076	$ 6,036

Debt Debt, Textuals (Details)

Debt Debt, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate		4.99%	4.73%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate		66.00%	75.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding		$ 395,000	$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.25%
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 32,900	33,300
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity		572,100
Principal payments on capital leases		39,686	51,106	$ 33,119
Repayments of Other Debt		300	200
Repayments of Debt		300,000	1,600,000
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net		10,131	274	22,503
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred		58,664	54,087	41,609
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Finance Receivables Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value		3,800	3,700
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position		1,100	1,200
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		3,391,926	3,440,052
Bank Credit Agreement		562,500
Term Loan, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		675,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Net		12,900
Repayments of Long-term Debt		34,134	468,973	$ 36,414
October 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$ 250,000
Bank Credit Agreement	$ 175,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt		9,600
March 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		647,500
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment		26,300
Bank Credit Facility due March 2021 [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		470,000
Bank Credit Facility due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		442,500
Bank Credit Agreement					$ 25,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | October 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes		0	250,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | May 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes		200,000	200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | November 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes		150,000	150,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes		200,000	200,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | December 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes		$ 550,000	$ 550,000

Credit Risk and Fair Value of_3

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank credit facility	$ 395,000	$ 0
Notes Payable	4,076	6,036
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	3,391,926	3,440,052
Term Loan	629,579	675,000
Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure	387,061	0
May 2024 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	851,275	892,118
October 2018 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	259,563
November 2020 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	198,930	199,590
November 2021 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	160,800	175,313
January 2022 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	428,188	436,178
April 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	214,940	238,004
December 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 517,077	$ 558,250

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 27,400	$ 30,500	$ 31,900
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	11,295
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	9,550
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	8,251
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	7,282
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	5,397
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	37,841
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	79,616
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	46,998
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years	51,943
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years	57,881
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years	21,842
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years	15,587
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	40,447
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	234,698
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments	(22,746)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments	211,952
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	8,126
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	5,998
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	4,362
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	3,322
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	2,046
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	6,135
Agreements, Future Payments Due	29,989
Self Insurance Reserve	80,100	$ 78,200
Payments for Legal Settlements	2,500
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	13,600
Employment Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	1,823
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	1,116
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	674
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	332
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	94
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	0
Agreements, Future Payments Due	4,039
Consulting Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	632
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	517
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	387
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	307
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	78
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	214
Agreements, Future Payments Due	2,135
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	5,671
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	4,365
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	3,301
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	2,683
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	1,874
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	5,921
Agreements, Future Payments Due	$ 23,815
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Management, consulting and non-compete agreement term	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Management, consulting and non-compete agreement term	10 years

Equity Textuals (Details)

Equity Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 19, 2019	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Purchase of noncontrolling interest			$ 0	$ 4,580	$ 1,961
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized			1,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share			$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized			500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, par or stated value per share			$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares, issued			184,720,582	191,935,647
Common stock, shares outstanding			181,470,582	186,614,747
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			7,347,838	6,210,606
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method			$ 277,600	$ 199,600
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share			$ 37.78	$ 32.14
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount			$ 400,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount			$ 192,500
Dividends declared per share		$ 0.51	$ 0.68	$ 0.58
Payments of Dividends, Common Stock			$ 123,849	$ 108,750	$ 98,418
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired				22.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	193,395
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 7,900
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 40.70

Share-Based Compensation Leve_3

Share-Based Compensation Level 4 (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 15,626,000	$ 14,788,000	$ 14,056,000
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income	$ 3,998,000	$ 5,416,000	$ 6,427,000
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 10
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				3,127
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 9.09
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				3,127
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 9.09
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 10.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 20
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				2,878,785
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 5 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 15.38
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				2,878,785
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 15.38
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 20
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 30
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				4,836,611
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 1 month 12 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 24.68
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				3,263,385
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 23.73
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 30
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				1,199,420
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 37.50
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 0
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options				8,917,943
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 6 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 23.40
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options				6,145,297
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 19.81
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	1.80%	2.00%	2.00%
Expected volatility	18.50%	19.00%	19.70%
Risk-free interest rate	2.40%	1.60%	1.00%
Expected holding period	4 years	4 years	4 years
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 6,648,000	$ 6,909,000	$ 7,633,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period	9,520,299
Options outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 19.77
Granted	1,199,420
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 37.50
Exercised	(1,801,776)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 13.61
Options outstanding at end of period	8,917,943	9,520,299
Options outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 23.40	$ 19.77
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011	9,520,299	9,520,299		8,917,943
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 19.77	$ 19.77		$ 23.40
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number				6,145,297
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 19.81
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 6,063,000	$ 5,564,000	$ 5,640,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	441,811
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 25.70
Granted	177,944
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 37.50	$ 29.28	$ 22.28
Vested	(230,510)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 24.74
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	389,245	441,811
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 31.67	$ 25.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 5,702,000	$ 5,463,000	$ 5,682,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	3,578,000	4,454,000	3,214,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 2,862,000	$ 2,052,000	$ 820,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	167,030
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 26.92
Granted	84,604
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 35.89	$ 27.94	$ 25.72
Vested	(72,437)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 26.86
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	175,301	167,030
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 31.17	$ 26.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 1,946,000	$ 1,238,700	$ 50,200
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(3,896)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 31.63
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	$ 970,000	$ 558,000	$ 5,000

Share-Based Compensation Share-

Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Vesting rate	33.33%
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	8,287,804	10,125,235
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 150,400
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		$ 125,700
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 5.52	$ 3.90	$ 4.01
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 6,857	$ 7,425	$ 7,690
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	48,643	56,946	37,284
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	24,517	33,611	17,662
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 15,626	$ 14,788	14,056
2016 Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	13,404,404
Long Term Incentive 1996 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	44,000,000
Director Fee Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		340,510
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance		64,000
Stock Options [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 6,648	$ 6,909	7,633
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 7,100
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 3 months 18 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 6,063	5,564	5,640
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 6,900
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 2,862	$ 2,052	$ 820
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 3,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	$ 0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	10
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	10.01
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	20
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	20
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	30
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	30
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	40
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit	0
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit	$ 40

Retirement Plans Retirement P_2

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculation, Description	0.5
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	$ 923	$ 1,067	$ 1,179
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	(1,127)	879	259
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	(204)	1,946	1,438
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	28,681	30,078
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	923	1,067	1,179
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	(1,127)	879
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	3,770	3,343
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	24,707	28,681	30,078
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer	3,770	3,343
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(24,707)	(28,681)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	24,707	28,681
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Current	(3,175)	(3,265)
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent	(21,532)	(25,416)
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan	(24,707)	(28,681)
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Retirement Benefits Covered by Insurance Contract, Amount	47,100	46,500
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance, Retirement Plans	$ 37,200	$ 36,400
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.13%	3.41%	3.76%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	3.26%	3.86%	3.96%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	0.00%
Year One	$ 3,175
Year Two	2,728
Year Three	2,398
Year Four	2,319
Year Five	2,073
Years 2024 through 2028	8,622
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	36,800	$ 33,200	$ 32,500
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	$ 3,770	$ 3,343

Segment Reporting Level 4 (Deta

Segment Reporting Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 820,814		$ 778,786		$ 796,092		$ 794,482		$ 812,733		$ 731,346		$ 773,242		$ 777,710		$ 17,900	$ 3,190,174	$ 3,095,031	$ 3,031,137
Interest expense																		(181,556)	(169,125)	(162,093)
Depreciation and amortization																		153,650	153,141	147,233
Depreciation and amortization																		153,650	153,141	147,233
Amortization of intangibles																		26,195	27,650	30,956
Amortization of cemetery property																		68,640	68,102	66,745
Total assets	12,693,243								12,864,503								12,693,243	12,693,243	12,864,503
Capital expenditures																		235,545	214,501	193,446
Gross profits from reportable segments	210,263		166,170		188,127		195,762		212,246		149,776		183,518		177,239			760,322	722,779	676,850
General and administrative expenses																		(145,499)	(153,067)	(136,708)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																		15,933	7,015	(26,819)
Unusual or Infrequent Item, or Both, Net of Insurance Proceeds																		97	(5,584)	0
Operating income	172,710		132,303		161,954		163,692		177,999		109,351		143,902		139,891			630,659	571,143	513,323
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net																		(10,131)	(274)	(22,503)
Other income (expense), net																		2,760	(1,486)	(2,069)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	126,012	[1]	$ 86,036	[1]	$ 119,315	[1]	$ 110,369	[1]	133,636	[1]	$ 66,578	[1]	$ 101,518	[1]	$ 98,526	[1]		$ 441,732	$ 400,258	326,658
Long-lived assets																		6,612,821	6,072,198
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		$ 2,991,617	$ 2,889,463	2,848,876
Interest expense																		(181,266)	(168,956)	(162,341)
Depreciation and amortization																		144,877	143,932	138,560
Amortization of intangibles																		25,664	27,092	30,427
Amortization of cemetery property																		63,709	61,307	61,449
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																		8,419	61	(27,658)
Operating income																		$ 568,446	$ 502,865	461,825
Long-lived assets																		6,334,924	5,786,063
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		$ 198,557	$ 205,568	182,261
Interest expense																		(290)	(169)	(248)
Depreciation and amortization																		8,773	9,209	8,673
Amortization of intangibles																		531	558	529
Amortization of cemetery property																		4,931	6,795	5,296
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net																		7,514	6,954	839
Operating income																		$ 62,213	$ 68,278	51,498
Long-lived assets																		277,897	286,135
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		$ 1,897,992	$ 1,868,152	1,869,111
Interest expense																		(3,634)	(3,986)	(3,906)
Depreciation and amortization																		108,891	109,965	106,602
Amortization of intangibles																		17,515	17,871	20,444
Amortization of cemetery property																		0	0	0
Total assets	5,411,178								5,393,205								5,411,178	5,411,178	5,393,205
Capital expenditures																		99,008	83,241	68,666
Gross profits from reportable segments																		369,613	371,853	361,022
Cemetery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		1,292,182	1,226,879	1,162,026
Interest expense																		(469)	(401)	(105)
Depreciation and amortization																		33,183	32,815	31,081
Amortization of intangibles																		8,619	9,696	10,438
Amortization of cemetery property																		68,640	68,102	66,745
Total assets	6,913,132								6,946,351								6,913,132	6,913,132	6,946,351
Capital expenditures																		125,131	118,699	113,163
Gross profits from reportable segments																		390,709	350,926	315,828
Corporate Elimination [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense																		(177,453)	(164,738)	(158,082)
Depreciation and amortization																		11,576	10,361	9,550
Amortization of intangibles																		61	83	74
Amortization of cemetery property																		0	0	0
Total assets	368,933								524,947								368,933	368,933	524,947
Capital expenditures																		11,406	12,561	11,617
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense																			(169,125)	(162,093)
Depreciation and amortization																		153,650	153,141	147,233
Amortization of intangibles																		26,195	27,650	30,956
Amortization of cemetery property																		68,640	68,102	66,745
Total assets	$ 12,693,243								$ 12,864,503								$ 12,693,243	12,693,243	12,864,503
Capital expenditures																		235,545	214,501	193,446
Funeral Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		998,464	1,011,214	1,045,533
Funeral Matured Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		600,944	574,235	538,013
Funeral Core Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		1,599,408	1,585,449	1,583,546
Non-funeral Home Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		49,671	46,513	42,957
Funeral Recognized Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		125,144	117,352	111,640
Funeral Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		123,769	118,838	130,968
Cemetery Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		323,162	319,899	307,826
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Property Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		572,955	538,314	515,854
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Merchandise And Service Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		288,282	274,885	240,301
Cemetery Core Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		1,184,399	1,133,098	1,063,981
Cemetery Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																		$ 107,783	$ 93,781	$ 98,045
[1]	Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, as described in Note 15.

Supplementary Information Lev_3

Supplementary Information Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$ 177,338	$ 260,281
Commercial paper and temporary investments	21,512	69,758
Cash and cash equivalents	198,850	330,039
Receivables, net:
Notes receivable	1,781	1,605
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	166	245
Other	17,058	27,607
Receivables, net	73,825	90,304
Other current assets:
Income tax receivable	8,333	8,576
Prepaid insurance	5,047	4,419
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	7,007	8,625
Other Assets, Current	13,220	13,955
Other	33,607	35,575
Cemetery Property, Undeveloped Land	1,209,109	1,181,920
Cemetery Property, Developed	628,355	610,069
Cemetery property, at cost	1,837,464	1,791,989
Land	631,679	605,735
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	2,107,300	1,996,123
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	609,658	557,278
Leasehold Improvements, Gross	34,755	34,607
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	263,940	254,260
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,647,332	3,448,003
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	(1,525,059)	(1,430,695)
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other, Accumulated Depreciation	(144,909)	(144,264)
Property and equipment, net	1,977,364	1,873,044
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	433,830	374,099
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	1,727	1,937
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent	673	873
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	8,651	9,624
Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Noncurrent	10,814	10,946
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	61,006	75,157
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	145,981	139,494
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Accounts payable	173,361	173,685
Accrued compensation	90,303	95,233
Interest Payable, Current	25,976	30,415
Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current	18,512	10,541
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	80,114	78,227
Bank Overdrafts	16,221	27,243
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	75,281	73,828
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	479,768	489,172
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent	21,532	25,416
Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent	126,891	120,782
Customer Funds	48,000	51,767
Tax liability	1,873	111,000
Payable to ECF	88,784	83,015
Other Assets, Noncurrent	10,222	19,002
Deferred charges and other assets	934,151	601,184
Other liabilities	297,302	410,982
Deferred incremental selling costs	282,283	0
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	2,597	223	$ 1,435
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred	58,664	54,087	$ 41,609
Funeral [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	39,709	44,536
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	1,412	1,845
Cemetery [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current	$ 15,277	$ 16,556

Earnings Per Share Level 4 (Det

Earnings Per Share Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 193,046		$ 68,935		$ 103,239		$ 81,988		$ 247,316		$ 56,164		$ 68,481		$ 174,702		$ 447,208	$ 546,663	$ 177,038
After tax interest on convertible debt																	0	52	43
Net income — diluted																	$ 447,208	$ 546,715	$ 177,081
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares — basic																	182,447	187,630	193,086
Convertible debt																	0	121	121
Weighted average shares — diluted																	186,972	192,246	196,042
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 1.07	[1]	$ 0.38	[1]	$ 0.57	[1]	$ 0.44	[1]	$ 1.32	[1]	$ 0.30	[1]	$ 0.37	[1]	$ 0.93	[1]	$ 2.45	$ 2.91	$ 0.92
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 1.04	[1]	$ 0.37	[1]	$ 0.55	[1]	$ 0.43	[1]	$ 1.29	[1]	$ 0.29	[1]	$ 0.36	[1]	$ 0.91	[1]	$ 2.39	$ 2.84	$ 0.90
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount																	1,035,000	911,000	982,000
Stock Options [Member]
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Share based compensation																	4,339	4,396	2,823
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Share based compensation																	186	99	12
[1]	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Acquisition Acquisition, Textua

Acquisition Acquisition, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								7 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions [Abstract]
(Losses) gains on divestitures											$ 20,340	$ 29,053	$ 7,829
Impairment losses											(4,407)	(22,038)	(34,648)
Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net											15,933	7,015	(26,819)
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 46,080								$ 46,080		46,080
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	26,400								26,400		26,400
Acquisition Spend										$ 82,200	62,800	76,200	72,900
Large acquisition debt acquired										$ 49,800
Preneed Contracts Receivables Fair Value, net	3,800								3,800		3,800
Preneed Contracts Receivables Fair Value	4,300								4,300		4,300
Uncollected preneed contract receivables	500								500		500
Revenue	820,814	$ 778,786	$ 796,092	$ 794,482	$ 812,733	$ 731,346	$ 773,242	$ 777,710	17,900		3,190,174	3,095,031	3,031,137
Net Income	193,236	$ 68,993	$ 103,281	$ 82,048	$ 247,395	$ 56,141	$ 68,562	$ 174,749	1,700		447,558	546,847	177,305
Payments for (Proceeds from) Delayed Tax Exempt Exchange											6,000	$ 26,200	3,700
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired					22.00%							22.00%
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs	2,300								2,300		2,300
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets	3,321								3,321		3,321
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Cemetery property	28,683								28,683		28,683
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	25,717								25,717		25,717
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Preneed Funeral And Cemetery Receivables And Trust Investments	102,534								102,534		102,534
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	42,799								42,799		42,799
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	18,000								18,000		18,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets	1,717								1,717		1,717
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Cemetery Perpetual Care Trusts	52,747								52,747		52,747
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	321,598								321,598		321,598
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	4,591								4,591		4,591
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Deferred Preneed Funeral And Cemetery Revenues And Deferred Receipts Held In Trusts	120,522								120,522		120,522
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent	11,730								11,730		11,730
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Care Trust Corpus	52,747								52,747		52,747
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	189,590								189,590		189,590
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net	132,008								132,008		132,008
Purchase of noncontrolling interest											0	$ (4,580)	(1,961)
Asset Impairment Charges													31,200
Cemetery [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	26,600								26,600		26,600
Revenue											1,292,182	1,226,879	1,162,026
Funeral [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net	$ 19,500								$ 19,500		19,500
Revenue											$ 1,897,992	$ 1,868,152	$ 1,869,111

Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue

Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue and Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 32,434	$ 29,193
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ 4,669	$ 2,531

Acquisitions Acquisitions Intan

Acquisitions Acquisitions Intangible Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 60,799
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	18,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Acquired	19,775
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Acquired	13,176
Above Market Leases [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Acquired	2,848
Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 7,000
Minimum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Current Year Acquisition [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	10 years
Minimum [Member] | Current Year Acquisition [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years
Minimum [Member] | Current Year Acquisition [Member] | Above Market Leases [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years
Minimum [Member] | Current Year Acquisition [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Current Year Acquisition [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	20 years
Maximum [Member] | Current Year Acquisition [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Current Year Acquisition [Member] | Above Market Leases [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Current Year Acquisition [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years

Quarterly Financial Data Quar_2

Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 820,814		$ 778,786		$ 796,092		$ 794,482		$ 812,733		$ 731,346		$ 773,242		$ 777,710		$ 17,900	$ 3,190,174	$ 3,095,031	$ 3,031,137
Costs and expenses	(610,551)		(612,616)		(607,965)		(598,720)		(600,487)		(581,570)		(589,724)		(600,471)			(2,429,852)	(2,372,252)	(2,354,287)
Gross profits	210,263		166,170		188,127		195,762		212,246		149,776		183,518		177,239			760,322	722,779	676,850
Operating income	172,710		132,303		161,954		163,692		177,999		109,351		143,902		139,891			630,659	571,143	513,323
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	126,012	[1]	86,036	[1]	119,315	[1]	110,369	[1]	133,636	[1]	66,578	[1]	101,518	[1]	98,526	[1]		441,732	400,258	326,658
Provision for income taxes	67,224		(17,043)		(16,034)		(28,321)		113,759		(10,437)		(32,956)		76,223			(5,826)	(146,589)	149,353
Net income	193,236		68,993		103,281		82,048		247,395		56,141		68,562		174,749		$ 1,700	447,558	546,847	177,305
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(190)		(58)		(42)		(60)		(79)		23		(81)		(47)			(350)	(184)	(267)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 193,046		$ 68,935		$ 103,239		$ 81,988		$ 247,316		$ 56,164		$ 68,481		$ 174,702			$ 447,208	$ 546,663	$ 177,038
Basic — EPS	$ 1.07	[2]	$ 0.38	[2]	$ 0.57	[2]	$ 0.44	[2]	$ 1.32	[2]	$ 0.30	[2]	$ 0.37	[2]	$ 0.93	[2]		$ 2.45	$ 2.91	$ 0.92
Earnings per share, diluted	$ 1.04	[2]	$ 0.37	[2]	$ 0.55	[2]	$ 0.43	[2]	$ 1.29	[2]	$ 0.29	[2]	$ 0.36	[2]	$ 0.91	[2]		$ 2.39	$ 2.84	$ 0.90
[1]	Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net, as described in Note 15.
[2]	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Schedule II Valuation and Qua_2

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Account Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Account Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Asset Allowance for Cancellation, Preneed Funeral and Preneed Cemetery [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	$ (107,749)	$ (104,740)	$ (105,773)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	(69)	(1,105)	(1,411)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	59,300	1,904	2,444
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(48,380)	(107,749)	(104,740)
Revenue Allowance for Cancellation, Deferred Preneed Funeral and Cemetery [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(118,099)	(116,913)	(121,548)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	118,099	1,186	4,635
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	0	(118,099)	(116,913)
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(141,154)	(132,500)	(126,654)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	(20,219)	(8,035)	(6,336)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	4	619	490
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(120,931)	(141,154)	(132,500)
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Notes Receivable [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(2,090)	(3,395)	(5,496)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	(8,372)	(9,980)	(10,776)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	8,884	11,285	12,877
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(1,578)	(2,090)	(3,395)
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Noncurrent Notes [Domain]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(10,946)	(11,334)	(11,334)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	132	388	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	$ (10,814)	$ (10,946)	$ (11,334)