Service Corporation International (SCI) 10-K 16 Feb 21 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page (Details)

Cover Page (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Entity File Number	1-6402-1
Entity Registrant Name	SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	TX
Entity Tax Identification Number	74-1488375
Entity Address, Address Line One	1929 Allen Parkway
Entity Address, City or Town	Houston
Entity Address, State or Province	TX
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	77019
City Area Code	(713)
Local Phone Number	522-5141
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock ($1 par value)
Trading Symbol	SCI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float		$ 6,690,262,567
Audited Annual Financial Statements	true

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 12, 2021
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
Entity Central Index Key	0000089089
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Shell Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		169,426,435
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 3,511,509	$ 3,230,785	$ 3,190,174
Costs of revenue	(2,534,682)	(2,470,205)	(2,429,852)
Gross profits	976,827	760,580	760,322
Corporate general and administrative expenses	(141,066)	(126,886)	(145,596)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	7,009	32,919	15,933
Operating income	842,770	666,613	630,659
Interest expense	(163,063)	(185,843)	(181,556)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	(18,428)	(16,637)	(10,131)
Other income, net	781	299	2,760
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	662,060	464,432	441,732
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes	(145,923)	(94,661)	5,826
Net income	516,137	369,771	447,558
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(230)	(175)	(350)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 515,907	$ 369,596	$ 447,208
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 2.92	$ 2.03	$ 2.45
Basic weighted average number of shares	176,709	182,246	182,447
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 2.88	$ 1.99	$ 2.39
Diluted weighted average number of shares	178,990	185,523	186,972
Product [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,772,778	$ 1,610,158	$ 1,584,242
Costs of revenue	(867,215)	(829,158)	(811,574)
Service [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,513,420	1,379,001	1,374,380
Costs of revenue	(749,695)	(769,119)	(752,488)
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	225,311	241,626	231,552
Costs of revenue	$ (917,772)	$ (871,928)	$ (865,790)

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 516,137	$ 369,771	$ 447,558
Foreign currency translation adjustments	9,507	16,470	(28,478)
Total comprehensive income	525,644	386,241	419,080
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(235)	(176)	(191)
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 525,409	$ 386,065	$ 418,889

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 230,857	$ 186,276
Receivables, net	92,939	81,671
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	6,031	2,262
Inventories	23,929	25,118
Other	28,427	80,488
Total current assets	376,152	373,553
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	5,345,720	4,789,562
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	(6,902)	(8,374)
Cemetery property	1,879,340	1,873,602
Property and equipment, net	2,133,664	2,065,433
Goodwill	1,880,007	1,864,223
Deferred charges and other assets	1,080,053	1,029,908
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	1,820,489	1,681,149
Total assets	14,515,425	13,677,430
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	575,948	478,545
Current maturities of long-term debt	228,352	69,821
Income taxes payable	11,634	8,353
Total current liabilities	815,934	556,719
Long-term debt	3,514,182	3,513,530
Deferred preneed revenue	1,488,909	1,467,103
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent	437,308	421,482
Other liabilities	420,039	378,074
Deferred receipts held in trust	4,272,382	3,839,376
Care trusts’ corpus	1,814,050	1,677,891
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Equity:
Common Stock, Value, Outstanding	170,717	181,185
Capital in excess of par value	981,934	1,010,361
Accumulated deficit	560,731	601,903
Accumulated other comprehensive income	39,366	29,864
Total common stockholders’ equity	1,752,748	1,823,313
Noncontrolling interests	(127)	(58)
Total equity	$ 1,752,621	$ 1,823,255
Common stock, par or stated value per share	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	174,792,272	185,100,789
Common stock, shares outstanding	170,717,236	181,184,963
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,515,425	$ 13,677,430

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par or stated value per share	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	174,792,272	185,100,789
Common stock, shares outstanding	170,717,236	181,184,963

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$ 516,137	$ 369,771	$ 447,558
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	18,428	16,637	10,131
Depreciation and amortization	155,299	151,000	153,650
Amortization of intangibles	22,444	25,649	26,195
Amortization of cemetery property	80,403	70,330	68,640
Amortization of loan costs	5,483	5,681	6,059
Provision for expected credit losses	13,558	9,146	8,372
Provision for (benefits from) deferred income taxes	7,884	23,030	(41,479)
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	(7,009)	(32,919)	(15,933)
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments	0	0	(2,636)
Share-based compensation	14,103	15,029	15,626
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets	(35,739)	(23,018)	(4,814)
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities	122,478	1,788	(16,699)
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables	(14,518)	(12,711)	8,052
Effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:
Increase in preneed receivables, net and trust investments	(158,797)	(16,144)	(55,607)
Increase in deferred revenue, net	(61,807)	(67,792)	(28,005)
Increase (decrease) in deferred receipts held in trust	(2,390)	42,306	19,290
Net cash provided by operating activities	804,351	628,755	615,830
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(222,211)	(239,957)	(235,545)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	(64,164)	(55,644)	(176,252)
Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions	(52,079)	(51,373)	(18,572)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	21,916	77,074	37,309
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	0	0	2,900
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	0	0	(14,525)
Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities	(5,352)	(9,026)	(14,760)
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy	3,519	415	4,824
Net cash used in investing activities	(318,371)	(278,511)	(414,621)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,585,000	1,149,263	396,349
Debt issuance costs	(14,503)	(15,539)	0
Scheduled payments of debt	(34,489)	(25,471)	(34,134)
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	(1,371,856)	(1,164,978)	(259,590)
Principal payments on finance leases	(43,598)	(42,627)	(39,686)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	26,671	40,922	24,517
Purchase of Company common stock	(516,870)	(129,589)	(277,611)
Payments of dividends	(137,392)	(131,402)	(123,849)
PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesIncludiing1031ExchangeFunds	116,200	107,000
Bank overdrafts and other	14,259	328	(15,177)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(492,778)	(319,093)	(329,181)
Effect of foreign currency	2,788	3,885	(5,045)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(4,010)	35,036	(133,017)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	238,610	242,620	207,584
Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,900

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 Other Comprehensive Income	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest	Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]	Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]Common Stock	Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]Treasury Stock	Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]Capital in Excess of Par Value	Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]	Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,409,437	$ 191,936	$ (5,321)	$ 970,468	$ 41,943	$ 210,364	$ 47
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)								$ 172,232	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (229)	$ 172,461	$ 0
Comprehensive income	419,080	0	0	0	(28,319)	447,208	191
Dividends	(123,849)	0	0	0	0	(123,849)
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	0	231,859	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	$ 0	$ 2	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2018	1,641,815	184,721	(3,250)	972,710	13,395	474,327	(88)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	386,241	0	0	0	16,469	369,596	176
Dividends	(131,402)	0	0	0	0	(131,402)
Stock option exercises	40,922	2,394	0	38,528	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	126	0	(126)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	15,029	0	0	15,029	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	129,589	0	2,909	16,062	0	110,618	0
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (146)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (146)
Retirement of treasury shares	0	(2,243)	(2,243)	0	0	0	0
Other	$ 385	$ 103	$ 0	$ 282	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2019	1,823,255	185,101	(3,916)	1,010,361	29,864	601,903	(58)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)								$ 16,989	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 16,989	$ 0
Comprehensive income	525,644	0	0	0	9,502	515,907	235
Dividends	(137,392)	0	0	0	0	(137,392)
Stock option exercises	26,671	1,361	0	25,310	0	0	0
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0	170	0	(170)	0	0	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	14,103	0	0	14,103	0	0	0
Purchase of Company common stock	516,870	0	12,043	68,151	0	436,676	0
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (304)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 304
Retirement of treasury shares	0	(11,884)	(11,884)	0	0	0	0
Other	$ 525	$ 44	$ 0	$ 481	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 1,752,621	$ 174,792	$ (4,075)	$ 981,934	$ 39,366	$ 560,731	$ (127)

Supplementary Information Level

Supplementary Information Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 192,398 $ 149,981 Commercial paper and temporary investments 38,459 36,295 $ 230,857 $ 186,276 Other current assets: Income tax receivable $ 3,725 $ 5,905 Prepaid insurance 4,598 4,451 Restricted cash 5,573 54,293 Other 14,531 15,839 $ 28,427 $ 80,488 Cemetery property: Undeveloped land $ 1,240,387 $ 1,233,363 Developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and cremation memorialization property 638,953 640,239 $ 1,879,340 $ 1,873,602 Property and equipment, net: Land $ 678,421 $ 642,168 Buildings and improvements 2,295,113 2,221,758 Operating equipment 597,110 499,700 Leasehold improvements 40,691 40,879 Finance leases 318,634 350,626 3,929,969 3,755,131 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,623,815) (1,518,610) Less: Accumulated amortization of finance leases (172,490) (171,088) $ 2,133,664 $ 2,065,433 Deferred charges and other assets: Intangible assets, net $ 441,389 $ 431,167 Restricted cash 2,180 2,051 Deferred tax assets 535 665 Notes receivable, net of allowances of $5,957 and $8,374, respectively 6,432 6,623 Cash surrender value of insurance policies 202,120 176,126 Deferred incremental direct selling costs 311,710 293,125 Operating leases 54,764 58,101 Other 60,923 62,050 $ 1,080,053 $ 1,029,908 Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 186,401 $ 174,494 Accrued benefits 147,366 99,396 Accrued interest 20,468 15,390 Accrued property taxes 14,394 16,402 Self-insurance reserves 92,760 84,290 Bank overdrafts 32,352 16,694 Operating leases 8,584 8,538 Other accrued liabilities 73,623 63,341 $ 575,948 $ 478,545 Other liabilities: Accrued benefit costs $ 22,203 $ 22,253 Deferred compensation 174,721 152,119 Customer refund obligation reserve 45,780 46,958 Tax liability 2,104 2,004 Payable to perpetual care trust 96,828 93,053 Operating leases 48,656 52,091 Other 29,747 9,596 $ 420,039 $ 378,074

Supplementary Information Lev_2

Supplementary Information Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Balance Sheet, Supplemental Disclosures	The detail of certain balance sheet accounts is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 192,398 $ 149,981 Commercial paper and temporary investments 38,459 36,295 $ 230,857 $ 186,276 Other current assets: Income tax receivable $ 3,725 $ 5,905 Prepaid insurance 4,598 4,451 Restricted cash 5,573 54,293 Other 14,531 15,839 $ 28,427 $ 80,488 Cemetery property: Undeveloped land $ 1,240,387 $ 1,233,363 Developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and cremation memorialization property 638,953 640,239 $ 1,879,340 $ 1,873,602 Property and equipment, net: Land $ 678,421 $ 642,168 Buildings and improvements 2,295,113 2,221,758 Operating equipment 597,110 499,700 Leasehold improvements 40,691 40,879 Finance leases 318,634 350,626 3,929,969 3,755,131 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,623,815) (1,518,610) Less: Accumulated amortization of finance leases (172,490) (171,088) $ 2,133,664 $ 2,065,433 Deferred charges and other assets: Intangible assets, net $ 441,389 $ 431,167 Restricted cash 2,180 2,051 Deferred tax assets 535 665 Notes receivable, net of allowances of $5,957 and $8,374, respectively 6,432 6,623 Cash surrender value of insurance policies 202,120 176,126 Deferred incremental direct selling costs 311,710 293,125 Operating leases 54,764 58,101 Other 60,923 62,050 $ 1,080,053 $ 1,029,908 Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 186,401 $ 174,494 Accrued benefits 147,366 99,396 Accrued interest 20,468 15,390 Accrued property taxes 14,394 16,402 Self-insurance reserves 92,760 84,290 Bank overdrafts 32,352 16,694 Operating leases 8,584 8,538 Other accrued liabilities 73,623 63,341 $ 575,948 $ 478,545 Other liabilities: Accrued benefit costs $ 22,203 $ 22,253 Deferred compensation 174,721 152,119 Customer refund obligation reserve 45,780 46,958 Tax liability 2,104 2,004 Payable to perpetual care trust 96,828 93,053 Operating leases 48,656 52,091 Other 29,747 9,596 $ 420,039 $ 378,074
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 2020 $ 152,524 Payments in 2019 $ 190,672 Payments in 2018 $ 179,865

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities		$ 804,351	$ 628,755	$ 615,830
Capital expenditures		(222,211)	(239,957)	(235,545)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment		21,916	77,074	37,309
Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities		(5,352)	(9,026)	(14,760)
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy		3,519	415	4,824
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities		0	0	14,525
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities		(318,371)	(278,511)	(414,621)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		1,585,000	1,149,263	396,349
Debt issuance costs		(14,503)	(15,539)	0
Scheduled payments of debt		(34,489)	(25,471)	(34,134)
Principal payments on finance leases		(43,598)	(42,627)	(39,686)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		26,671	40,922	24,517
Purchase of Company common stock		(516,870)	(129,589)	(277,611)
Payments of dividends		(137,392)	(131,402)	(123,849)
Bank overdrafts and other		14,259	328	(15,177)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities		(492,778)	(319,093)	(329,181)
Effect of foreign currency		2,788	3,885	(5,045)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash		(4,010)	35,036	(133,017)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 242,620	238,610	$ 242,620	$ 207,584	$ 340,601
Impact From Change in Depreciable Lives	$ 4,300	$ 12,100

Preneed Activities Preneed Acti

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Receivables Net and Trust Invesments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	$ 1,123,155	$ 1,038,944
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(33,986)	(50,570)
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	5,851,188	5,258,319
Investments	6,096,244	5,523,479
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	1,089,169	988,374
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	19,204	14,757
Beginning balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	4,789,562	4,271,392
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds	(1,279,295)	(1,280,468)
Deposits to trust	429,307	421,460
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	19,299	11,751
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings	407,770	489,577
Maturities and distributed earnings	(430,608)	(442,507)
Change in cancellation allowance	(4,468)	(2,006)
Effect of foreign currency and other	4,115	6,697
Ending balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	5,345,720	4,789,562
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	41,142
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Current Fiscal Year	486,509
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Fiscal Year before Latest Fiscal Year	270,119
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Two Years before Latest Fiscal Year	162,969
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Three Years before Latest Fiscal Year	94,265
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Four Years before Latest Fiscal Year	43,896
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Five or More Years before Latest Fiscal Year	31,411
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	78,281
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Not Past Due	1,010,888
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	7,739
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	9
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	3,270
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	13
Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	31,881
Financing Receivables 30 to 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	23,324
Financing Receivables 91 to 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	6,766
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	16,310
Funeral [Member]
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	143,896	130,971
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(14,018)	(16,328)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	129,878	114,643
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	10,940	8,057
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	(1,452)
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Current Fiscal Year	60,249
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Fiscal Year before Latest Fiscal Year	37,497
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Two Years before Latest Fiscal Year	13,276
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Three Years before Latest Fiscal Year	6,353
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Four Years before Latest Fiscal Year	3,039
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Five or More Years before Latest Fiscal Year	9,464
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	22,950
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Not Past Due	106,928
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	5,652
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	9
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	2,750
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	10
Funeral [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	3,593
Funeral [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 to 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	2,503
Funeral [Member] | Financing Receivables 91 to 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	1,533
Funeral [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	15,321
Cemetery [Member]
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	979,259	907,973
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(19,968)	(34,242)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	959,291	873,731
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	8,264	$ 6,700
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	(39,690)
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Current Fiscal Year	426,260
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Fiscal Year before Latest Fiscal Year	232,622
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Two Years before Latest Fiscal Year	149,693
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Three Years before Latest Fiscal Year	87,912
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Four Years before Latest Fiscal Year	40,857
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Five or More Years before Latest Fiscal Year	21,947
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	55,331
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Not Past Due	903,960
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	2,087
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	0
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	520
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	3
Cemetery [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	28,288
Cemetery [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 to 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	20,821
Cemetery [Member] | Financing Receivables 91 to 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	5,233
Cemetery [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Past Due	$ 989

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_2

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust	$ 5,761,291	$ 5,306,479	$ 4,790,552	$ 5,265,206
Net preneed contract sales	1,089,060	984,575	977,378
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	19,664	(12,741)	159,560
Net investment (losses) earnings	402,048	484,577	(195,051)
Change in deferred revenue for unfulfilled performance obligations	(55,087)	(10,223)	(546,554)
Recognized Revenue From Backlog	(412,127)	(368,908)	(381,041)
Recognized Revenue From Current Period	(598,768)	(573,804)	(572,428)
Change in cancellation allowance	1,070	1,066	65,817
Effect of foreign currency and other	8,952	11,385	(20,326)
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net	$ 26,394	0	0
Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust		0	37,991
Ending balance — Deferred preneed funeral revenues, net		$ 26,394	$ 0

Supplementary Information Lev_3

Supplementary Information Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$ 192,398	$ 149,981
Commercial paper and temporary investments	38,459	36,295
Cash and cash equivalents	230,857	186,276
Receivables, net:
Receivables, net	92,939	81,671
Other current assets:
Income tax receivable	3,725	5,905
Prepaid insurance	4,598	4,451
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	5,573	54,293
Other Assets, Current	14,531	15,839
Other	28,427	80,488
Cemetery Property, Undeveloped Land	1,240,387	1,233,363
Cemetery Property, Developed	638,953	640,239
Cemetery property, at cost	1,879,340	1,873,602
Land	678,421	642,168
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	2,295,113	2,221,758
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	597,110	499,700
Leasehold Improvements, Gross	40,691	40,879
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	318,634	350,626
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	3,929,969	3,755,131
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	(1,623,815)	(1,518,610)
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other, Accumulated Depreciation	(172,490)	(171,088)
Property and equipment, net	2,133,664	2,065,433
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	441,389	431,167
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	2,180	2,051
Non-current deferred tax assets	535	665
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	6,432	6,623
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	6,902	8,374
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	54,764	58,101
Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent	60,923	62,050
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	202,120	176,126
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Other Liabilities	29,747	9,596
Accounts payable	186,401	174,494
Accrued compensation	147,366	99,396
Interest Payable, Current	20,468	15,390
Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current	14,394	16,402
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	92,760	84,290
Bank Overdrafts	32,352	16,694
Other liabilities	420,039	378,074
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	8,584	8,538
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	73,623	63,341
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	575,948	478,545
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent	22,203	22,253
Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent	174,721	152,119
Tax liability	2,104	2,004
Payable to ECF	96,828	93,053
Deferred charges and other assets	1,080,053	1,029,908
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	48,656	52,091
Deferred incremental selling costs	311,710	293,125
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid		4,435
Change in Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not Yet Paid	(6,417)		$ (2,597)
Customer Refund Liability, Noncurrent	45,780	46,958
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	$ (437,308)	$ (421,482)

Nature of Operations Level 1 (N

Nature of Operations Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations [Text Block]	Nature of Operations

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 consolidated 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. 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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 230,857 $ 186,276 Restricted cash (1) : Included in Other current assets 5,573 54,293 Included in Deferred charges and other assets 2,180 2,051 Total restricted cash 7,753 56,344 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 238,610 $ 242,620 (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. Receivables, net The components of Receivables, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows: December 31, 2020 Atneed Funeral Atneed Cemetery Miscellaneous Current Portion of Notes Total (In thousands) Receivables $ 56,745 $ 22,559 $ 18,545 $ 1,121 $ 98,970 Reserve for credit losses (3,752) (1,933) 144 (490) (6,031) Receivables, net $ 52,993 $ 20,626 $ 18,689 $ 631 $ 92,939 December 31, 2019 Atneed Funeral Atneed Cemetery Miscellaneous Current Portion of Notes Total (In thousands) Receivables $ 41,370 $ 20,855 $ 19,943 $ 1,765 $ 83,933 Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,899) (363) — — (2,262) Receivables, net $ 39,471 $ 20,492 $ 19,943 $ 1,765 $ 81,671 Additionally, included in Deferred charges and other assets, net were notes receivable, net and long-term miscellaneous receivables, net as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Notes receivable $ 12,389 $ 14,997 Reserve for credit losses (5,957) — Allowance for doubtful accounts — (8,374) Notes receivable, net $ 6,432 $ 6,623 Long-term miscellaneous receivables $ 6,515 $ 7,287 Reserve for credit losses (945) — Long-term miscellaneous receivables, net $ 5,570 $ 7,287 Our atneed trade receivables primarily consist of amounts due for funeral and cemetery services already performed. We provide reserves for credit losses for our receivables. These reserves are based on an analysis of historical trends of collection activity adjusted for current conditions and forecasts. These estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the economy and demographic or competitive changes in our areas of operation. During 2020, we increased our reserve for credit losses on trade and miscellaneous receivables as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19). Cemetery preneed receivables are collateralized by cemetery property to the extent of the fair value of the property. Prior to adoption of the guidance on credit losses for financial instruments on January 1, 2020, we provided allowances for doubtful accounts on our receivables based on an analysis of historical trends of collection activity. Payment on atneed contracts is generally due at the time the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. We also have preneed receivables, as disclosed in Note 3, for which 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. Generally, receivables are considered past due after thirty days. We do not consider preneed funeral receivables to be past due until the contract converts into an atneed contract at which time the preneed receivable is paid or reclassified as a trade receivable with payment terms of less than 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 trade receivables are fully reserved. The following table summarizes the activity in our reserve for credit losses by portfolio segment, excluding preneed receivables which are presented in Note 3, for the year ended December 31, 2020: January 1, 2020 Provision for Expected Credit Losses Acquisitions Write Recoveries Effect of Foreign Currency December 31, 2020 (In thousands) Trade receivables: Funeral $ (2,690) $ (4,639) $ 2 $ 4,984 $ (1,701) $ 292 $ (3,752) Cemetery (1,424) (1,489) — 1,028 (50) 2 (1,933) Total reserve for credit losses on trade receivables $ (4,114) $ (6,128) $ 2 $ 6,012 $ (1,751) $ 294 $ (5,685) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ (203) $ 372 — $ — $ — $ (25) $ 144 Long-term (715) (230) — — — — (945) Total reserve for credit losses on miscellaneous receivables $ (918) $ 142 — $ — $ — $ (25) $ (801) Notes receivable $ (9,031) $ 167 — $ 2,417 $ — $ — $ (6,447) At December 31, 2020, the amortized cost basis of our miscellaneous and notes receivables by year of origination was as follows: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Revolving Line of Credit Total (In thousands) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ 17,506 $ 584 $ 330 $ 106 $ 18 $ 1 $ — $ 18,545 Long-term 2,408 2,412 1,174 441 75 5 $ — $ 6,515 Total miscellaneous receivables $ 19,914 $ 2,996 $ 1,504 $ 547 $ 93 $ 6 $ — $ 25,060 Notes receivable $ — $ — $ 197 $ — $ — $ 5,870 $ 7,443 $ 13,510 At December 31, 2020, the payment status of our miscellaneous and notes receivables was as follows: Past Due <30 Days 30-90 Days 90-180 Days >180 Days Total Current Total (In thousands) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ — $ 71 $ 40 $ — $ 111 $ 18,434 $ 18,545 Long-term — — — — — 6,515 6,515 Total miscellaneous receivables $ — $ 71 $ 40 $ — $ 111 $ 24,949 $ 25,060 Notes receivable $ 2 $ 3 $ 1 $ 1,116 $ 1,122 $ 12,388 $ 13,510 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 $80.4 million, $70.3 million, and $68.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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 useful lives of the assets 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 years to forty years, equipment is depreciated over a period from three years to twelve years, and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or twelve years. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $155.3 million, $151.0 million, and $153.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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. These changes in useful life, which were made prospectively, reduced depreciation expense by $12.1 million ($0.07 per basic and diluted share) in 2019 and $4.3 million ($0.02 per basic and diluted share) in 2018. 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 operating and finance leases. Our operating leases primarily include funeral service real estate and office equipment for funeral service locations, cemetery locations, and administrative offices. Our finance leases primarily include transportation equipment but also include real estate and office equipment. Lease terms related to real estate generally range from one year to forty years with options to renew at varying terms. Lease terms related to office and transportation equipment generally range from one year to nine years with options to renew at varying terms. We determine whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement based on the unique facts and circumstances present. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Leases with a term greater than one year are recognized on the balance sheet as ROU assets and lease liabilities. We have elected not to recognize on the balance sheet leases with terms of one year or less. Lease liabilities and their corresponding ROU assets are recorded at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. For transportation equipment, we use the rate implicit in each lease to calculate the present value. For real estate and non-transportation equipment leases, the interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable. Therefore, we use the appropriate collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments for real estate and non-transportation equipment leases. Certain adjustments to the ROU asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received. For a lessee, the discount rate for the lease is defined as the rate implicit in the lease unless that rate cannot be readily determined. In that case, the lessee is required to use its incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term with an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. We use the rate implicit in each lease for vehicles and other transportation equipment, which represents 66% of our total lease liability as of December 31, 2020 and which are substantially all finance leases. For leases of real estate and non-transportation equipment, which are primarily operating leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate since the rate implicit in these leases cannot be readily determined. To calculate the incremental borrowing rate, we utilize the yield-to-worst of our publicly traded debt securities, adjusted for the appropriate duration on a secured basis. As an accounting policy election, we include reasonably certain renewal periods when determining the rate to use as the incremental borrowing rate for each lease. We calculate operating lease expense ratably over the lease term. We consider reasonably assured renewal options and fixed escalation provisions in our calculation. Generally, our leases do not include options to terminate the lease prior to the contractual lease expiration date, but future renewal periods are generally cancelable. The majority of our contractually available renewal periods for leases of buildings and land are considered reasonably certain of being exercised. This determination is made by our real estate team based on facts and circumstances surrounding each property. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. 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. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are generally limited by the expected lease term. Certain of our lease agreements include variable rental payments based on a percentage of sales over base contractual levels and others include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We generally do not have sublease arrangements, sale-leaseback arrangements, or leveraged leases. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For leases commencing before January 1, 2019, we have elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components on certain equipment leases, such as copiers where the cost-per-copy maintenance charges are included in the lease charge. On these leases, we have elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single component. For leases commencing on or after January 1, 2019, we account for the maintenance charges (non-lease components) separately from the lease components. 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 carrying amount exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the amount of goodwill in the reporting unit. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we used a 6.75% discount rate, revenue growth rates ranging from 1.0% to 3.5% over a seven-year period, plus a terminal value determined using the constant growth method in projecting our future cash flows. Our terminal value was calculated using a long-term revenue growth rate of 1.0% and 2.4% for our funeral and cemetery reporting units, respectively. Additionally, we used a ratio of expenses to revenue ranging from 71.3% to 79.9% and growth rates for other assumptions in our model ranging from 1.0% to 3.5%. 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. 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 2020 or 2019. 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 trademarks 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 trademarks 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% (4.6% weighted average using carrying value) of the revenue associated with the trademarks 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 (1.5% weighted average using carrying value), 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. During the first quarter of 2020, we performed an impairment assessment on certain of our tradenames as a result of local market conditions where these businesses reside. We recorded a $3.0 million impairment charge for certain of these tradenames during the first quarter of 2020. In determining the fair value of the tradenames, we used 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 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 first quarter of 2020 test, we estimated that the pre-tax savings would range from 2.0% to 5.0% (4.8% weighted average using carrying value) of the revenue associated with the trademarks 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 tradenames (1.4% weighted average using carrying value), respectively, and discounted the cash flows at a 6.95% discount rate based on the relative risk of these assets to the overall business. No interim intangible impairment reviews were required in 2019. Certain of our intangible assets associated with prior acquisitions are relieved using specific identification in fulfillment of performance obligations on our contracts with customers. We amortize all other finite-lived intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, which range from two years to eighty-nine years. For more information related to intangible assets, see Note 4 . Fair Value Measurements We measure the 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. 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. 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 11.9 million, 2.2 million, and 9.4 million shares of our common stock held in our treasury in 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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, 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. Fixed income securities held by these trust funds are classified as trading securities. 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 recognize 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. Fixed income securities held by these trust funds are classified as trading securities. 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 prin

Preneed Activities Level 1 (Not

Preneed Activities Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Preneed receivables, net $ 1,069,965 $ 947,232 Trust investments, at fair value 5,851,188 5,258,319 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 245,056 265,160 Trust investments 6,096,244 5,523,479 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,820,489) (1,681,149) Preneed trust investments 4,275,755 3,842,330 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,345,720 $ 4,789,562 Preneed receivables, net comprised the following: December 31, 2020 Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables $ 143,896 $ 979,259 $ 1,123,155 Unearned finance charges (14,018) $ (19,968) $ (33,986) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 129,878 $ 959,291 $ 1,089,169 Reserve for credit losses (10,940) $ (8,264) $ (19,204) Preneed receivables, net $ 118,938 $ 951,027 $ 1,069,965 December 31, 2019 Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables $ 130,971 $ 907,973 $ 1,038,944 Unearned finance charges (16,328) (34,242) (50,570) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost 114,643 873,731 988,374 Allowance for cancellation (1,452) (39,690) (41,142) Preneed receivables, net $ 113,191 $ 834,041 $ 947,232 At December 31, 2020, the amortized cost basis of our preneed receivables by year of origination was as follows: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost: Funeral $ 60,249 $ 37,497 $ 13,276 $ 6,353 $ 3,039 $ 9,464 $ 129,878 Cemetery 426,260 232,622 149,693 87,912 40,857 21,947 959,291 Total preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 486,509 $ 270,119 $ 162,969 $ 94,265 $ 43,896 $ 31,411 $ 1,089,169 At December 31, 2020, the payment status of our preneed receivables was as follows: Past Due <30 Days 30-90 Days 90-180 Days >180 Days Total Current Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost: Funeral $ 3,593 $ 2,503 $ 1,533 $ 15,321 $ 22,950 $ 106,928 $ 129,878 Cemetery 28,288 20,821 5,233 989 55,331 903,960 959,291 Total preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 31,881 $ 23,324 $ 6,766 $ 16,310 $ 78,281 $ 1,010,888 $ 1,089,169 The following table summarizes the activity for the reserve for credit losses on preneed receivables for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. January 1, 2020 Provision for Expected Credit Losses Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net Write Offs Effect of Foreign Currency December 31, 2020 (In thousands) Funeral $ (8,057) $ (5,652) $ 9 $ 2,750 $ 10 $ (10,940) Cemetery (6,700) (2,087) — 520 3 (8,264) Total reserve for credit losses on preneed receivables $ (14,757) $ (7,739) $ 9 $ 3,270 $ 13 $ (19,204) The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with our trusts: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Deposits $ 429,307 $ 421,460 $ 393,523 Withdrawals $ 424,986 $ 435,344 $ 432,822 Purchases of securities $ 2,147,935 $ 1,596,698 $ 1,540,093 Sales of securities $ 1,994,684 $ 1,495,733 $ 1,564,968 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 418,851 $ 241,661 $ 305,595 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (262,974) $ (121,272) $ (77,996) (1) All realized gains and losses are recognized in Other income, net for our trust investments and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income, 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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,789,562 $ 4,271,392 $ 4,778,842 Cumulative effect of accounting changes 26,394 — — Net preneed contract sales 1,494,557 1,372,705 1,325,134 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,279,295) (1,280,468) (1,185,717) Deposits to trust 373,663 372,644 347,601 Acquisitions of businesses, net 19,299 11,751 134,729 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 407,770 489,577 (191,611) Maturities and distributed earnings (430,608) (442,507) (433,036) Change in cancellation allowance (4,468) (2,006) 62,131 Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (55,269) (10,223) (546,554) Effect of foreign currency and other 4,115 6,697 (20,127) Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,345,720 $ 4,789,562 $ 4,271,392 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings (losses). The cost and fair values associated with trust investments recorded at fair value at December 31, 2020 and 2019 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, 2020 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 44,907 $ 1,566 $ (272) $ 46,201 Canadian government 2 30,210 51 (157) 30,104 Corporate 2 1,669 14 (8) 1,675 Residential mortgage-backed 2 2,438 131 — 2,569 Asset-backed 2 174 3 (5) 172 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 358 — (24) 334 Common stock: United States 1 1,500,125 503,757 (54,748) 1,949,134 Canada 1 35,016 10,915 (1,823) 44,108 Other international 1 110,775 39,837 (1,831) 148,781 Mutual funds: Equity 1 821,406 95,155 (10,437) 906,124 Fixed income 1 1,022,409 35,872 (19,298) 1,038,983 Other 3 188 2 — 190 Trust investments, at fair value 3,569,675 687,303 (88,603) 4,168,375 Commingled funds Fixed income 657,219 37,474 (173) 694,520 Equity 283,329 97,704 — 381,033 Money market funds 330,745 — — 330,745 Private equity 217,953 68,846 (10,284) 276,515 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,489,246 204,024 (10,457) 1,682,813 Trust investments, at market $ 5,058,921 $ 891,327 $ (99,060) $ 5,851,188 As of December 31, 2020, our unfunded commitment for our private equity investments was $228.0 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. December 31, 2019 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 49,728 $ 752 $ (130) $ 50,350 Canadian government 2 41,093 76 (850) 40,319 Corporate 2 9,694 28 (172) 9,550 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,210 59 (1) 3,268 Asset-backed 2 129 3 (4) 128 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 6,338 804 (115) 7,027 Common stock: United States 1 1,349,828 303,766 (36,507) 1,617,087 Canada 1 43,866 12,369 (2,075) 54,160 Other international 1 95,257 18,227 (522) 112,962 Mutual funds: Equity 1 746,581 31,511 (54,020) 724,072 Fixed income 1 1,247,930 16,424 (32,587) 1,231,767 Other 3 7,034 1,184 — 8,218 Trust investments, at fair value 3,600,688 385,203 (126,983) 3,858,908 Commingled funds Fixed income 444,744 5,077 (1,731) 448,090 Equity 249,980 47,631 — 297,611 Money market funds 397,461 — — 397,461 Private equity 176,388 80,283 (422) 256,249 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,268,573 132,991 (2,153) 1,399,411 Trust investments, at market $ 4,869,261 $ 518,194 $ (129,136) $ 5,258,319 The change in our market-based trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 8,218 $ 9,755 $ 9,067 Net realized and unrealized (losses) included in Other income, net (1) (1,215) (761) (697) Purchases — 1,006 66 Sales (2) (1,782) (26) Acquisitions, net — — 1,345 Transfers (6,811) — — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 190 $ 8,218 $ 9,755 (1) All net realized and unrealized (losses) recognized in Other income, net for our trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income, net to Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts' corpus. Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2021 to 2040. Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2020 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 47,203 Due in one to five years 25,067 Due in five to ten years 8,311 Thereafter 140 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 80,721 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our preneed trust investments was $129.1 million, $119.0 million, and $121.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our cemetery perpetual care trust investments was $77.8 million, $77.5 million, and $74.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Deferred revenue, net At December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Deferred revenue $ 2,127,878 $ 2,046,000 Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts (638,969) (578,897) Deferred revenue, net $ 1,488,909 $ 1,467,103 The following table summarizes the activity for our contract liabilities, which are reflected in Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust : Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,306,479 $ 4,790,552 $ 5,265,206 Cumulative effect of accounting changes — — 37,991 Net preneed contract sales 1,089,060 984,575 977,378 (Dispositions) acquisitions of businesses, net 19,664 (12,741) 159,560 Net investment gains (losses) (1) 402,048 484,577 (195,051) Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (412,127) (368,908) (381,041) Recognized revenue from current period sales (598,768) (573,804) (572,428) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (55,087) (10,223) (546,554) Change in cancellation reserve 1,070 1,066 65,817 Effect of foreign currency and other 8,952 11,385 (20,326) Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,761,291 $ 5,306,479 $ 4,790,552 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment gains (losses). (2) Includes current year trust fund income through the date of performance.

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, 2020 2019 Funeral Cemetery Total Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Beginning balance — Goodwill $ 1,535,278 $ 328,945 $ 1,864,223 $ 1,528,407 $ 335,435 $ 1,863,842 Increase (decrease) in goodwill related to acquisitions (1) 14,796 — 14,796 7,458 (6,003) 1,455 Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures (1,175) — (1,175) (5,003) (487) (5,490) Effect of foreign currency 2,163 — 2,163 4,416 — 4,416 Total activity 15,784 — 15,784 6,871 (6,490) 381 Ending balance — Goodwill $ 1,551,062 $ 328,945 $ 1,880,007 $ 1,535,278 $ 328,945 $ 1,864,223 (1) Also includes adjustments within the remeasurement period related to acquisitions. The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows: Useful Life Minimum Maximum 2020 2019 (Years) (In thousands) Amortizing intangibles: Covenants-not-to-compete 2 - 20 $ 219,493 $ 216,646 Customer relationships 10 - 20 150,365 149,479 Tradenames 5 - 89 7,000 7,000 Other 5 - 89 26,927 26,927 403,785 400,052 Less: accumulated amortization: Covenants-not-to-compete 201,427 198,610 Customer relationships 90,022 83,047 Tradenames 202 123 Other 8,807 8,067 300,458 289,847 Amortizing intangibles, net 103,327 110,205 Non-amortizing intangibles: Tradenames Indefinite 327,297 310,197 Other Indefinite 10,765 10,765 Non-amortizing intangibles 338,062 320,962 Intangible assets, net — included in Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 441,389 $ 431,167 As part of our recoverability testing process during 2020, we recognized $3.1 million of impairment on tradenames. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $22.4 million, $25.6 million, and $26.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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 obligations on our preneed contracts, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2020 (in thousands): 2021 $ 7,297 2022 6,133 2023 5,741 2024 5,596 2025 5,465 Total estimated amortization expense $ 30,232

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. Income before income taxes was composed of the following components: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) United States $ 633,608 $ 441,579 $ 399,123 Foreign 28,452 22,853 42,609 $ 662,060 $ 464,432 $ 441,732 Income tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Current: United States $ 106,632 $ 51,664 $ 18,138 Foreign 7,968 7,059 10,541 State 23,439 12,908 6,974 Total current income taxes 138,039 71,631 35,653 Deferred: United States $ 6,339 $ 12,973 $ (48,565) Foreign (64) (571) 386 State 1,609 10,628 6,700 Total deferred income taxes 7,884 23,030 (41,479) Total income taxes $ 145,923 $ 94,661 $ (5,826) We made income tax payments of $138.0 million, $70.6 million, and $65.4 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, and received refunds of $5.2 million, $4.7 million, and $11.4 million, respectively. The differences between the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate and our effective tax rate were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate $ 139,031 $ 97,531 $ 92,764 State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits 20,711 20,081 10,146 Foreign jurisdiction differences 2,496 1,646 2,377 Permanent differences associated with divestitures 73 1,288 790 Changes in uncertain tax positions and audit settlements 100 (9,842) (88,687) Foreign valuation allowance, net of federal income tax benefits (566) $ 43 $ (431) Enactment of U.S. Tax Act — — (16,105) Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (9,093) (13,868) (11,159) Other (6,829) (2,218) 4,479 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes $ 145,923 $ 94,661 $ (5,826) Total consolidated effective tax rate 22.0 % 20.4 % (1.3) % The lower effective tax rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 was primarily due to the reduction in uncertain tax positions as a result of the expiration of statutes of limitation. 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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Inventories and cemetery property $ (208,707) $ (212,498) Deferred incremental direct selling costs (81,301) (76,692) Property and equipment (161,293) (139,548) Intangibles (201,361) (199,906) Other (2,424) (1,893) Deferred tax liabilities (655,086) (630,537) Loss and tax credit carryforwards 134,912 143,391 Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts 117,748 113,171 Accrued liabilities 73,743 67,489 Deferred tax assets 326,403 324,051 Less: valuation allowance (108,090) (114,331) Net deferred income tax liability $ (436,773) $ (420,817) Deferred tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets - included in Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 535 $ 665 Non-current deferred tax liabilities - included in Deferred tax liability (437,308) (421,482) Net deferred income tax liability $ (436,773) $ (420,817) As of December 31, 2020, foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on the estimated $298.1 million of undistributed earnings and profits (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 $14.3 million. The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 (in thousands): Federal, State, and Foreign Tax (In thousands) 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 limitation (79,455) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,348 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 1,348 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 1,348 Our total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rates were $1.4 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. We include potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within our income tax provision account. We have accrued $0.7 million, $0.6 million, and $0.5 million for the payment of interest, net of tax benefits, and penalties as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We recorded an increase of interest and penalties of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and a decrease of $10.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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. The federal statutes of limitations have expired for all tax years prior to 2017, and we are not currently under audit by the IRS. Various state jurisdictions are auditing years 2013 through 2018. There are currently no federal or provincial audits in Canada; however, years subsequent to 2015 remain open and could be subject to examination. We believe that it is reasonably possible that the recorded amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease by $1.4 million within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various state tax matters. Various subsidiaries have federal, state, and foreign loss carryforwards in the aggregate of $2.5 billion with expiration dates through 2040. Such loss carryforwards will expire as follows: Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) 2021 $ — $ 159,554 $ — $ 159,554 2022 — 77,737 — 77,737 2023 — 226,906 151 227,057 2024 — 172,593 578 173,171 Thereafter 135 1,832,849 11,702 1,844,686 Total $ 135 $ 2,469,639 $ 12,431 $ 2,482,205 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 2020, we recorded a net $5.9 million decrease in our state valuation allowance and a net $0.3 million decrease in our foreign valuation allowance resulting primarily from increased activity in various states and Puerto Rico. 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, 2020, 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 $ 28 $ 128,024 $ 6,860 $ 134,912 Valuation allowance $ — $ 88,056 $ 20,034 $ 108,090

Debt Level 1 (Notes)

Debt Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt The components of Debt are: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 — 850,000 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 152,710 153,465 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 550,000 550,000 5.125% Senior Notes due June 2029 750,000 750,000 3.375% Senior Notes due August 2030 850,000 — Term Loan due May 2024 601,250 633,750 Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 525,000 295,000 Obligations under finance leases 148,864 185,252 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 51,766 45,104 Unamortized premiums and discounts, net (317) 5,634 Unamortized debt issuance costs (36,739) (34,854) Total debt $ 3,742,534 $ 3,583,351 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (228,352) (69,821) Total long-term debt $ 3,514,182 $ 3,513,530 Current maturities of debt at December 31, 2020 include amounts due under our term loan, certain senior notes, mortgage notes and other debt, and finance 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 3.62% and 4.72% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Approximately 66% and 69% of our total debt had a fixed interest rate at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of our debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2020 and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums and debt issuance costs (in thousands): 2021 $ 228,355 2022 60,752 2023 70,152 2024 1,038,963 2025 38,823 2026 and thereafter 2,305,489 Total debt maturities $ 3,742,534 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, 2020, we are in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We issued $34.0 million of letters of credit and pay a quarterly fee on the unused commitment, which was 0.15% at December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we have $441.0 million in borrowing capacity under the facility. As of December 31, 2019, we issued $34.0 million of letters of credit. Debt Issuances and Additions During the year ended December 31, 2020, we issued or added $1.6 billion of debt including: • $850.0 million unsecured 3.375% Senior Notes due August 2030; and • $735.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility due May 2024. Newly issued debt was used to pay off our Bank Credit Facility due May 2024, to redeem our 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024, and for general corporate purposes. These transactions resulted in additional debt issuance costs of $14.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we issued or added $1.1 billion of debt including: • $750.0 million unsecured 5.125% Senior Notes due June 2029; • $55.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility due December 2022; • $295.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility due May 2024; and • $49.3 million in additional proceeds from certain members of the syndicate of banks in our Bank Credit Facility. Newly issued debt was used to pay off our Bank Credit Facility due December 2022, to redeem our 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022, to redeem our 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020, to fund acquisition activity, and for general corporate purposes. These transactions resulted in additional debt issuance costs of $15.5 million. Debt Extinguishments and Reductions During the year ended December 31, 2020, we made aggregate debt payments of $1.4 billion for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $505.0 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility due May 2024; • $32.5 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due May 2024; • $0.8 million in aggregate principal of 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 repurchased on the open market; • $850.0 million in aggregate principal of 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024; • $16.1 million of premiums paid on early extinguishment; and • $2.0 million in other debt. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $18.4 million recorded in Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we made aggregate debt payments of $1.2 billion for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $450.0 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility due December 2022; • $8.5 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due December 2022; • $32.1 million in aggregate principal payments to other members of our Term Loan due December 2022; • $16.3 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due May 2024; • $425.0 million in aggregate principal of 5.375% Senior Notes due January 2022; • $200.0 million in aggregate principal of 4.5% Senior Notes due November 2020; • $46.5 million in aggregate principal of 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027; • $11.5 million of premiums paid on early extinguishment; and • $0.3 million in other debt. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $16.6 million recorded in Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. Additional Debt Disclosures At December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had deposits of $2.0 million and $2.7 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, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We had assets of approximately $1.2 million and $0.6 million pledged as collateral for the mortgage notes and other debt at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Cash interest payments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2020 $ 152,524 Payments in 2019 $ 190,672 Payments in 2018 $ 179,865 Expected cash interest payments for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2020 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2021 $ 135,299 Payments in 2022 123,677 Payments in 2023 122,791 Payments in 2024 112,518 Payments in 2025 105,164 Payments in 2026 and thereafter 331,096 Total expected cash interest payments $ 930,545

Credit Risk and Fair Value of F

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 $ 159,000 $ 165,375 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 — 879,606 7.5% Notes due April 2027 185,639 188,381 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 590,700 577,500 5.125% Senior Notes due June 2029 840,368 798,525 3.375% Senior Notes due August 2030 883,099 — Term Loan due May 2024 601,250 633,750 Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 525,000 295,000 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 51,659 45,104 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,836,715 $ 3,583,241 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.

Leases (Notes)

Leases (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block]	LeasesOur leases principally relate to office, maintenance, and transportation equipment and funeral service real estate. 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. Future lease payments for non-cancelable operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: Operating Finance Total (In thousands) 2021 $ 10,836 $ 51,126 $ 61,962 2022 9,649 32,018 41,667 2023 7,222 24,504 31,726 2024 6,122 28,242 34,364 2025 5,177 9,711 14,888 2026 and thereafter 37,502 19,082 56,584 Total lease payments $ 76,508 $ 164,683 $ 241,191 Less: Interest (19,268) (15,819) (35,087) Present value of lease liabilities $ 57,240 $ 148,864 $ 206,104 The components of lease cost were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Amortization of leased assets $ 41,938 $ 42,147 Interest on lease liabilities 5,955 6,882 Total finance lease cost 47,893 49,029 Operating lease cost 12,196 12,502 Variable lease cost 29 1,089 Total lease cost $ 60,118 $ 62,620 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases were as follows: Lease Type Balance Sheet Classification December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Operating lease right-of-use assets (1) Deferred charges and other assets $ 54,764 $ 58,101 Finance lease right-of-use assets (1) Property and equipment, net 146,144 179,538 Total right-of-use assets (1) $ 200,908 $ 237,639 Operating Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 8,584 $ 8,538 Finance Current maturities of long-term debt 47,109 39,428 Total current lease liabilities 55,693 47,966 Operating Other liabilities 48,656 52,091 Finance Long-term debt 101,755 145,824 Total non-current lease liabilities 150,411 197,915 Total lease liabilities $ 206,104 $ 245,881 (1) Right-of-use assets are presented net of accumulated amortization. The weighted-average life remaining and discount rates of our leases were as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Operating Finance Operating Finance Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) 12.2 4.8 12.4 4.9 Weighted-average discount rate 4.3% 3.3% 4.6% 3.5% Supplemental cash flow information related to leases were as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 12,190 $ 12,568 Operating cash flows for finance leases 5,446 7,472 Financing cash flows for finance leases 43,598 42,627 Total cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 61,234 $ 62,667 New finance leases 23,523 43,823 Finance lease renewals and extensions — 4,410 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities $ 23,523 $ 48,233 New operating leases 4,684 2,883 Operating lease renewals and extensions 4,128 8,042 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $ 8,812 $ 10,925 The right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities shown above exclude the following activities: In 2020, we acquired funeral home buildings and land that were previously leased. Right-of-use assets were reduced $2.7 million as a result of these acquisitions. In 2019, we recorded modifications of $5.7 million that reduced right-of-use assets and lease liabilities through remeasurement and reassessment of certain leases. We have 64 operating leases where we are the lessor and the non-cancelable term is greater than one year, resulting in $3.6 million and $2.5 million in lease income for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. We determine whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement based on the terms of the arrangement. We lease retail space, office space and land, and we are party to cellular agreements and land easements. The underlying assets of these lease agreements are buildings and land. We generally do not have sales-type leases, direct financing leases, or lease receivables. Certain of our agreements include variable rental income based on a percentage of sales over base contractual levels. Renewal options that can be cancelled by the lessees are not included in our disclosure of future lease income, which includes only the non-cancelable terms and fixed escalation provisions. Certain lease arrangements contain options to purchase the property at fair value at the conclusion of the lease term. Non lease components are excluded from rental income disclosures. Future undiscounted lease income from operating leases as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands): 2021 $ 4,466 2022 4,053 2023 3,345 2024 2,929 2025 2,631 2026 and thereafter 21,956 Total expected cash receipts $ 39,380

Commitments and Contingencies L

Commitments and Contingencies Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Employment and Management, Consulting, and Non-Competition Agreements We have entered into employment and management, consulting, and non-competition agreements, generally for five years to ten years, with certain officers and associates and former owners of businesses that we acquired. At December 31, 2020, 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) 2021 $ 1,941 $ 716 $ 4,532 $ 7,189 2022 1,017 562 3,582 5,161 2023 585 255 2,656 3,496 2024 299 138 2,148 2,585 2025 148 132 1,885 2,165 2026 and thereafter 49 129 3,722 3,900 Total $ 4,039 $ 1,932 $ 18,525 $ 24,496 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, 2020 and 2019, we have self-insurance reserves of $92.8 million and $84.3 million, respectively. Litigation and Regulatory Matters

Equity Level 1 (Notes)

Equity Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 or 2019. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, 500,000,000 common shares of $1 par value were authorized. We had 174,792,272 and 185,100,789 shares issued and 170,717,236 and 181,184,963 outstanding at par at December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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 2020, we repurchased 12,043,347 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $516.9 million, which is an average cost per share of $42.92. During 2019, we repurchased 2,908,850 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $129.6 million, which is an average cost per share of $44.55. During August 2020, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization to $500.0 million. After these repurchases and the increase in authorization, the remaining dollar value of shares authorized to be purchased under the share repurchase program was $231.0 million at December 31, 2020.

Share-Based Compensation Level

Share-Based Compensation Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Arrangement [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 associates. Our Amended and Restated Incentive Plan ("the 1996 Plan") reserved 44,000,000 shares of our common stock for outstanding and future awards of stock options, restricted stock, and other share-based awards to officers and key associates. In May 2017, our shareholders approved the amended 2016 Equity Incentive Plan ("the 2016 Plan"), which reserved 13,404,404 shares of common stock for outstanding and future awards of stock options, restricted stock, and other awards to officers and key associates. 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, 2020 and 2019, 5,873,329 and 7,148,871 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 2020 2019 2018 Dividend yield 1.7% 1.7% 1.8% Expected volatility 18.0% 19.8% 18.5% Risk-free interest rate 1.4% 2.5% 2.4% Expected holding period (years) 3.7 4.0 4.0 The following table summarizes certain information with respect to stock option and restricted share compensation included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income $ 14,103 $ 15,029 $ 15,626 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income $ 3,417 $ 3,842 $ 3,998 Stock Options The following table sets forth stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Weighted-Average Outstanding at December 31, 2019 7,309,446 $ 27.53 Granted 963,940 $ 50.82 Exercised (1,361,321) $ 19.59 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 6,912,065 $ 32.34 Exercisable at December 31, 2020 5,101,243 $ 27.46 The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and exercisable was $117.5 million and $110.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020. Set forth below is certain information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2020 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Number Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted- Number Weighted- $15.00 — 25.00 2,581,498 2.4 $ 21.70 2,581,498 $ 21.70 $25.01 — 35.00 1,419,762 4.1 $ 29.25 1,419,762 $ 29.25 $35.01 — 45.00 1,946,865 5.5 $ 39.54 1,099,983 $ 38.68 $45.01 — 55.00 963,940 7.1 $ 50.82 — $ — $0.00 — 55.00 6,912,065 4.3 $ 32.34 5,101,243 $ 27.46 Other information pertaining to stock options was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value): Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted $ 6.44 $ 6.86 $ 5.52 Total fair value of stock options vested $ 5,535 $ 7,250 $ 6,857 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 41,995 $ 65,023 $ 48,643 Cash received from the exercise of stock options $ 26,671 $ 40,922 $ 24,517 Recognized compensation expense $ 5,668 $ 6,314 $ 6,648 As of December 31, 2020, the unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options of $6.7 million is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 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 (share awards reported in whole numbers): Restricted Weighted-Average Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2019 288,065 $ 38.09 Granted 113,872 $ 50.82 Vested (158,408) $ 35.82 Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2020 243,529 $ 45.52 Other information pertaining to restricted share awards was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value): Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Recognized compensation expense related to restricted share awards $ 5,568 $ 6,000 $ 6,063 Weighted-average grant date fair value for nonvested restricted stock granted $ 50.82 $ 42.73 $ 37.50 Total fair market value of restricted share awards vested $ 5,674 $ 6,718 $ 5,702 Aggregate intrinsic value of restricted share awards vested $ 2,100 $ 3,724 $ 3,578

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 698 $ 956 $ 923 Recognized net actuarial losses (gains) 1,641 2,886 (1,127) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 2,339 $ 3,842 $ (204) The Plans’ funded status were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 24,961 $ 24,707 Interest cost 698 956 Actuarial loss 1,641 2,886 Benefits paid (2,665) (3,588) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 2,665 3,588 Benefits paid, including expenses (2,665) (3,588) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (24,635) $ (24,961) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligations $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (2,432) $ (2,708) Included in Other liabilities (22,203) (22,253) Total accrued benefit (liability) $ (24,635) $ (24,961) 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, 2020 and 2019 was $48.8 million and $47.7 million, respectively, and the cash surrender value was $39.1 million and $38.0 million, respectively. The outstan ding 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, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 2.06 % 2.95 % 4.13 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost 2.98 % 4.15 % 3.26 % 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): 2021 $ 2,458 2022 2,357 2023 2,116 2024 1,922 2025 1,823 Years 2026 through 2030 7,986 Total expected benefit payments $ 18,662 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 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $39.8 million, $39.7 million, and $36.8 million, respectively.

Segment Reporting Level 1 (Note

Segment Reporting Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 information, including disaggregated revenue, was as follows and includes a reconciliation of gross profit to our consolidated income before income taxes. Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Revenue from customers: Funeral revenue: Atneed revenue $ 1,092,016 $ 996,643 $ 998,464 Matured preneed revenue 662,675 605,237 600,944 Core funeral revenue 1,754,691 1,601,880 1,599,408 Non-funeral home revenue 61,198 52,211 49,671 Recognized preneed revenue 124,645 139,525 125,144 Other revenue 111,767 130,286 123,769 Total funeral revenue 2,052,301 1,923,902 1,897,992 Cemetery revenue: Atneed revenue 386,850 326,230 323,162 Recognized preneed property revenue 659,950 581,724 572,955 Recognized preneed merchandise and services revenue 298,864 287,589 288,282 Core cemetery revenue 1,345,664 1,195,543 1,184,399 Other revenue 113,544 111,340 107,783 Total cemetery revenue 1,459,208 1,306,883 1,292,182 Total revenue from customers $ 3,511,509 $ 3,230,785 $ 3,190,174 Gross profit: Funeral gross profit $ 494,602 $ 372,638 $ 369,613 Cemetery gross profit 482,225 387,942 390,709 Gross profit from reportable segments 976,827 760,580 760,322 Corporate general and administrative expenses (141,066) (126,886) (145,596) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,009 32,919 15,933 Operating income 842,770 666,613 630,659 Interest expense (163,063) (185,843) (181,556) Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net (18,428) (16,637) (10,131) Other income, net 781 299 2,760 Income before income taxes $ 662,060 $ 464,432 $ 441,732 Other reportable segment information for the year ended December 31 were as follows: Reportable Segments Funeral Cemetery Corporate Consolidated (In thousands) 2020 Interest expense $ 3,896 $ 514 $ 158,653 $ 163,063 Depreciation and amortization $ 107,770 $ 34,693 $ 12,836 $ 155,299 Amortization of intangibles $ 13,593 $ 8,841 $ 10 $ 22,444 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 80,403 $ — $ 80,403 Capital expenditures $ 86,902 $ 132,443 $ 2,866 $ 222,211 Total assets $ 6,030,764 $ 8,042,339 $ 442,322 $ 14,515,425 2019 Interest expense $ 4,026 $ 659 $ 181,158 $ 185,843 Depreciation and amortization $ 106,982 $ 33,323 $ 10,695 $ 151,000 Amortization of intangibles $ 15,343 $ 10,297 $ 9 $ 25,649 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 70,330 $ — $ 70,330 Capital expenditures $ 112,090 $ 125,365 $ 2,502 $ 239,957 Total assets $ 5,821,408 $ 7,483,713 $ 372,309 $ 13,677,430 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 Our geographic area information for the year ended December 31 were as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) 2020 Revenue from external customers $ 3,328,381 $ 183,128 $ 3,511,509 Interest expense $ 162,804 $ 259 $ 163,063 Depreciation and amortization $ 146,378 $ 8,921 $ 155,299 Amortization of intangibles $ 22,132 $ 312 $ 22,444 Amortization of cemetery property $ 76,275 $ 4,128 $ 80,403 Operating income $ 795,461 $ 47,309 $ 842,770 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 6,935 $ 74 $ 7,009 Long-lived assets $ 6,633,470 $ 339,594 $ 6,973,064 2019 Revenue from external customers $ 3,052,101 $ 178,684 $ 3,230,785 Interest expense $ 185,512 $ 331 $ 185,843 Depreciation and amortization $ 142,550 $ 8,450 $ 151,000 Amortization of intangibles $ 25,079 $ 570 $ 25,649 Amortization of cemetery property $ 66,552 $ 3,778 $ 70,330 Operating income $ 628,204 $ 38,409 $ 666,613 Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 33,200 $ (281) $ 32,919 Long-lived assets $ 6,531,705 $ 301,461 $ 6,833,166 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

Earnings Per Share Level 1 (Not

Earnings Per Share Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income — basic and diluted 515,907 369,596 447,208 Weighted average shares: Weighted average shares — basic 176,709 182,246 182,447 Stock options 2,234 3,223 4,339 Restricted share units 47 54 186 Weighted average shares — diluted 178,990 185,523 186,972 Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income per share: Basic $ 2.92 $ 2.03 $ 2.45 Diluted $ 2.88 $ 1.99 $ 2.39

Acquisition Level 1 (Notes)

Acquisition Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. Included in our results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 is revenue of $17.9 million and net income of $1.7 million for the period from the acquisition date (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, 2018: 2018 (In thousands) (unaudited) Revenue $ 32,434 Net income $ 4,669 Excluding the June 2018 acquisition described above, we spent $116.2 million, $107.0 million, and $62.8 million for real estate, funeral service locations, and cemeteries for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. These amounts include the use of $55.1 million, $13.6 million, and $5.9 million in 1031 exchange funds for the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. 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 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations line item Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net , which consist of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 11,962 $ 41,835 $ 20,340 Impairment losses (4,953) (8,916) (4,407) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 7,009 $ 32,919 $ 15,933

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly financial data for 2020 and 2019 is as follows: First Second Third Fourth (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2020 Revenue $ 802,965 $ 820,035 $ 918,241 $ 970,268 Costs of revenue $ (623,921) $ (601,268) $ (654,585) $ (654,908) Gross profit $ 179,044 $ 218,767 $ 263,656 $ 315,360 Operating income $ 151,776 $ 182,335 $ 223,213 $ 285,446 Income before income taxes (1) $ 106,039 $ 141,723 $ 164,843 $ 249,455 Provision for income taxes $ (24,038) $ (36,170) $ (37,351) $ (48,364) Net income $ 82,001 $ 105,553 $ 127,492 $ 201,091 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (60) $ (45) $ (77) $ (48) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 81,941 $ 105,508 $ 127,415 $ 201,043 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.45 $ 0.59 $ 0.72 $ 1.17 Diluted — EPS $ 0.45 $ 0.59 $ 0.72 $ 1.15 2019 Revenue $ 798,212 $ 812,572 $ 769,241 $ 850,760 Costs of revenue $ (606,378) $ (621,426) $ (609,509) $ (632,892) Gross profit $ 191,834 $ 191,146 $ 159,732 $ 217,868 Operating income $ 146,978 $ 150,105 $ 128,585 $ 240,945 Income before income taxes (1) $ 100,308 $ 96,083 $ 72,869 $ 195,172 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes $ (21,095) $ (23,570) $ (1,997) $ (47,999) Net income $ 79,213 $ 72,513 $ 70,872 $ 147,173 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 110 $ (184) $ (80) $ (21) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 79,323 $ 72,329 $ 70,792 $ 147,152 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.44 $ 0.40 $ 0.39 $ 0.81 Diluted — EPS $ 0.43 $ 0.39 $ 0.38 $ 0.79 (1) Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, ne t, as described in Note 16 . (2) Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Schedule II Valuation and Quali

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Account	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]	Description Balance at Charged Charged Balance at (in thousands) Current provision: Reserve for credit losses: Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ — $ 5,756 $ 275 $ 6,031 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts: Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 2,230 $ — $ (2,230) $ — Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 1,578 $ 9,146 $ (8,494) $ 2,230 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 2,090 $ 8,372 $ (8,884) $ 1,578 Due After One Year: Reserve for credit losses: Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ — $ 88 $ 6,814 $ 6,902 Allowance For Doubtful Accounts: Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 8,374 $ — $ (8,374) $ — Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 10,814 $ — $ (2,440) $ 8,374 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 10,946 $ — $ (132) $ 10,814 Preneed Receivables, Net Reserve for credit losses: Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ — $ 7,739 $ 11,465 $ 19,204 Asset Allowance For Cancellation: Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 55,340 $ — $ (55,340) $ — Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 48,380 $ 1,617 $ 5,343 $ 55,340 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 107,749 $ (69) $ (59,300) $ 48,380 Deferred Revenue Revenue Allowance For Cancellation: (1) Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ — $ — $ — $ — Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ — $ — $ — $ — Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ (118,099) $ — $ 118,099 $ — Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2020 $ 114,331 $ (6,492) $ 251 $ 108,090 Year Ended December 31, 2019 $ 120,931 $ (6,604) $ 4 $ 114,331 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 141,154 $ (20,219) $ (4) $ 120,931 (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_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications to Prior Period Financial Statements and AdjustmentsCertain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period financial statement presentation with no effect on our previously reported results of operations, consolidated financial position, or cash flows.
Use of Estimates, Policy [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.
Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]	Receivables, net The components of Receivables, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows: December 31, 2020 Atneed Funeral Atneed Cemetery Miscellaneous Current Portion of Notes Total (In thousands) Receivables $ 56,745 $ 22,559 $ 18,545 $ 1,121 $ 98,970 Reserve for credit losses (3,752) (1,933) 144 (490) (6,031) Receivables, net $ 52,993 $ 20,626 $ 18,689 $ 631 $ 92,939 December 31, 2019 Atneed Funeral Atneed Cemetery Miscellaneous Current Portion of Notes Total (In thousands) Receivables $ 41,370 $ 20,855 $ 19,943 $ 1,765 $ 83,933 Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,899) (363) — — (2,262) Receivables, net $ 39,471 $ 20,492 $ 19,943 $ 1,765 $ 81,671 Additionally, included in Deferred charges and other assets, net were notes receivable, net and long-term miscellaneous receivables, net as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Notes receivable $ 12,389 $ 14,997 Reserve for credit losses (5,957) — Allowance for doubtful accounts — (8,374) Notes receivable, net $ 6,432 $ 6,623 Long-term miscellaneous receivables $ 6,515 $ 7,287 Reserve for credit losses (945) — Long-term miscellaneous receivables, net $ 5,570 $ 7,287 Our atneed trade receivables primarily consist of amounts due for funeral and cemetery services already performed. We provide reserves for credit losses for our receivables. These reserves are based on an analysis of historical trends of collection activity adjusted for current conditions and forecasts. These estimates are impacted by a number of factors, including changes in the economy and demographic or competitive changes in our areas of operation. During 2020, we increased our reserve for credit losses on trade and miscellaneous receivables as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID-19). Cemetery preneed receivables are collateralized by cemetery property to the extent of the fair value of the property. Prior to adoption of the guidance on credit losses for financial instruments on January 1, 2020, we provided allowances for doubtful accounts on our receivables based on an analysis of historical trends of collection activity. Payment on atneed contracts is generally due at the time the merchandise is delivered or the services are performed. We also have preneed receivables, as disclosed in Note 3, for which 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. Generally, receivables are considered past due after thirty days. We do not consider preneed funeral receivables to be past due until the contract converts into an atneed contract at which time the preneed receivable is paid or reclassified as a trade receivable with payment terms of less than 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 trade receivables are fully reserved. The following table summarizes the activity in our reserve for credit losses by portfolio segment, excluding preneed receivables which are presented in Note 3, for the year ended December 31, 2020: January 1, 2020 Provision for Expected Credit Losses Acquisitions Write Recoveries Effect of Foreign Currency December 31, 2020 (In thousands) Trade receivables: Funeral $ (2,690) $ (4,639) $ 2 $ 4,984 $ (1,701) $ 292 $ (3,752) Cemetery (1,424) (1,489) — 1,028 (50) 2 (1,933) Total reserve for credit losses on trade receivables $ (4,114) $ (6,128) $ 2 $ 6,012 $ (1,751) $ 294 $ (5,685) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ (203) $ 372 — $ — $ — $ (25) $ 144 Long-term (715) (230) — — — — (945) Total reserve for credit losses on miscellaneous receivables $ (918) $ 142 — $ — $ — $ (25) $ (801) Notes receivable $ (9,031) $ 167 — $ 2,417 $ — $ — $ (6,447) At December 31, 2020, the amortized cost basis of our miscellaneous and notes receivables by year of origination was as follows: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Revolving Line of Credit Total (In thousands) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ 17,506 $ 584 $ 330 $ 106 $ 18 $ 1 $ — $ 18,545 Long-term 2,408 2,412 1,174 441 75 5 $ — $ 6,515 Total miscellaneous receivables $ 19,914 $ 2,996 $ 1,504 $ 547 $ 93 $ 6 $ — $ 25,060 Notes receivable $ — $ — $ 197 $ — $ — $ 5,870 $ 7,443 $ 13,510 At December 31, 2020, the payment status of our miscellaneous and notes receivables was as follows: Past Due <30 Days 30-90 Days 90-180 Days >180 Days Total Current Total (In thousands) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ — $ 71 $ 40 $ — $ 111 $ 18,434 $ 18,545 Long-term — — — — — 6,515 6,515 Total miscellaneous receivables $ — $ 71 $ 40 $ — $ 111 $ 24,949 $ 25,060 Notes receivable $ 2 $ 3 $ 1 $ 1,116 $ 1,122 $ 12,388 $ 13,510
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories and Cemetery PropertyFuneral 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 $80.4 million, $70.3 million, and $68.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
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 useful lives of the assets 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 years to forty years, equipment is depreciated over a period from three years to twelve years, and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or twelve years. Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment was $155.3 million, $151.0 million, and $153.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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. These changes in useful life, which were made prospectively, reduced depreciation expense by $12.1 million ($0.07 per basic and diluted share) in 2019 and $4.3 million ($0.02 per basic and diluted share) in 2018. 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 operating and finance leases. Our operating leases primarily include funeral service real estate and office equipment for funeral service locations, cemetery locations, and administrative offices. Our finance leases primarily include transportation equipment but also include real estate and office equipment. Lease terms related to real estate generally range from one year to forty years with options to renew at varying terms. Lease terms related to office and transportation equipment generally range from one year to nine years with options to renew at varying terms. We determine whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at the inception of the arrangement based on the unique facts and circumstances present. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Leases with a term greater than one year are recognized on the balance sheet as ROU assets and lease liabilities. We have elected not to recognize on the balance sheet leases with terms of one year or less. Lease liabilities and their corresponding ROU assets are recorded at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the expected lease term. For transportation equipment, we use the rate implicit in each lease to calculate the present value. For real estate and non-transportation equipment leases, the interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable. Therefore, we use the appropriate collateralized incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments for real estate and non-transportation equipment leases. Certain adjustments to the ROU asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received. For a lessee, the discount rate for the lease is defined as the rate implicit in the lease unless that rate cannot be readily determined. In that case, the lessee is required to use its incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term with an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. We use the rate implicit in each lease for vehicles and other transportation equipment, which represents 66% of our total lease liability as of December 31, 2020 and which are substantially all finance leases. For leases of real estate and non-transportation equipment, which are primarily operating leases, we use our incremental borrowing rate since the rate implicit in these leases cannot be readily determined. To calculate the incremental borrowing rate, we utilize the yield-to-worst of our publicly traded debt securities, adjusted for the appropriate duration on a secured basis. As an accounting policy election, we include reasonably certain renewal periods when determining the rate to use as the incremental borrowing rate for each lease. We calculate operating lease expense ratably over the lease term. We consider reasonably assured renewal options and fixed escalation provisions in our calculation. Generally, our leases do not include options to terminate the lease prior to the contractual lease expiration date, but future renewal periods are generally cancelable. The majority of our contractually available renewal periods for leases of buildings and land are considered reasonably certain of being exercised. This determination is made by our real estate team based on facts and circumstances surrounding each property. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet. 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. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are generally limited by the expected lease term. Certain of our lease agreements include variable rental payments based on a percentage of sales over base contractual levels and others include rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We generally do not have sublease arrangements, sale-leaseback arrangements, or leveraged leases. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately. For leases commencing before January 1, 2019, we have elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components on certain equipment leases, such as copiers where the cost-per-copy maintenance charges are included in the lease charge. On these leases, we have elected to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single component. For leases commencing on or after January 1, 2019, we account for the maintenance charges (non-lease components) separately from the lease components. 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 carrying amount exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit, an impairment is recognized in an amount equal to the excess, up to the amount of goodwill in the reporting unit. For our most recent annual impairment test performed in the fourth quarter, we used a 6.75% discount rate, revenue growth rates ranging from 1.0% to 3.5% over a seven-year period, plus a terminal value determined using the constant growth method in projecting our future cash flows. Our terminal value was calculated using a long-term revenue growth rate of 1.0% and 2.4% for our funeral and cemetery reporting units, respectively. Additionally, we used a ratio of expenses to revenue ranging from 71.3% to 79.9% and growth rates for other assumptions in our model ranging from 1.0% to 3.5%. 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.
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 trademarks 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 trademarks 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% (4.6% weighted average using carrying value) of the revenue associated with the trademarks 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 (1.5% weighted average using carrying value), 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. During the first quarter of 2020, we performed an impairment assessment on certain of our tradenames as a result of local market conditions where these businesses reside. We recorded a $3.0 million impairment charge for certain of these tradenames during the first quarter of 2020. In determining the fair value of the tradenames, we used 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 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 first quarter of 2020 test, we estimated that the pre-tax savings would range from 2.0% to 5.0% (4.8% weighted average using carrying value) of the revenue associated with the trademarks 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 tradenames (1.4% weighted average using carrying value), respectively, and discounted the cash flows at a 6.95% discount rate based on the relative risk of these assets to the overall business. No interim intangible impairment reviews were required in 2019.
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 11.9 million, 2.2 million, and 9.4 million shares of our common stock held in our treasury in 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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, net
Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Fair Value Measurements We measure the 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. 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.
Revenue [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. Fixed income securities held by these trust funds are classified as trading securities. 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 recognize 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. Fixed income securities held by these trust funds are classified as trading securities. 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 until fulfillment of the performance obligations. 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. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 we recognized $199.6 million, $174.7 million, and $180.1 million, respectively, of incremental selling costs. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred.
Financing Receivable [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 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $124.5 million, $139.7 million, and $134.1 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.
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 2020, 2019, and 2018, we matched a percentage of the employee contributions through contributions of cash. For these years, our matching contribution was based upon the following: Years of Vesting Service Percentage of Deferred Compensation 0 — 5 years 75% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 6 — 10 years 100% of the first 6% of deferred compensation 11 or more years 125% of the first 6% of deferred compensation
Share-based Payment Arrangement [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 2020 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses In June 2016, the FASB issued "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses" 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. During November 2018 and April 2019, the FASB made amendments to the new standard that clarified guidance on several matters, including accrued interest, recoveries, and various codification improvements. The new standard, as amended, replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the previous 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. We adopted the new guidance as of January 1, 2020, applying a modified retrospective approach to credit loss reserves on our atneed, preneed, miscellaneous, and notes receivable and a prospective approach for credit loss reserves on our fixed income investments. As a result of the adoption, we recorded a $17.0 million increase to Retained earnings , which comprises a $26.4 million and a $5.8 million increase in Preneed receivables, net and trust investments and Deferred tax liability, respectively, and a $2.7 million and a $0.9 million decrease to Receivables, net and Deferred charges and other assets, net, respectively. The increase in Preneed receivables, net and trust investments is primarily the result of reducing the reserve for receivables that are collateralized by cemetery property down to the amount at which the amortized cost basis of the receivable exceeds the fair value of the property less costs to resell. 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 of the reporting unit. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020 and it had no 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 related to fair value. 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 related to the 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 the significant unobservable inputs used in level 3 measurements. We adopted the new standard as of January 1, 2020 and it had no impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Compensation - Retirement Benefits In August 2018, the FASB amended "Compensation - Retirement Benefits" to modify the disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. 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. We have made the required disclosure changes in this Form 10-K. Adoption had no impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows.

Compensation Related Costs, Ret

Compensation Related Costs, Retirement Benefits (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block]	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, 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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 698 $ 956 $ 923 Recognized net actuarial losses (gains) 1,641 2,886 (1,127) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 2,339 $ 3,842 $ (204) The Plans’ funded status were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 24,961 $ 24,707 Interest cost 698 956 Actuarial loss 1,641 2,886 Benefits paid (2,665) (3,588) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 2,665 3,588 Benefits paid, including expenses (2,665) (3,588) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (24,635) $ (24,961) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligations $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (2,432) $ (2,708) Included in Other liabilities (22,203) (22,253) Total accrued benefit (liability) $ (24,635) $ (24,961) 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, 2020 and 2019 was $48.8 million and $47.7 million, respectively, and the cash surrender value was $39.1 million and $38.0 million, respectively. The outstan ding 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, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 2.06 % 2.95 % 4.13 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost 2.98 % 4.15 % 3.26 % 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): 2021 $ 2,458 2022 2,357 2023 2,116 2024 1,922 2025 1,823 Years 2026 through 2030 7,986 Total expected benefit payments $ 18,662 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 2020, 2019, and 2018, 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 2020, 2019, and 2018 was $39.8 million, $39.7 million, and $36.8 million, respectively.

Preneed Activities Level 3 (Tab

Preneed Activities Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Investment related activities [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Deposits $ 429,307 $ 421,460 $ 393,523 Withdrawals $ 424,986 $ 435,344 $ 432,822 Purchases of securities $ 2,147,935 $ 1,596,698 $ 1,540,093 Sales of securities $ 1,994,684 $ 1,495,733 $ 1,564,968 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 418,851 $ 241,661 $ 305,595 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (262,974) $ (121,272) $ (77,996)
Long-term receivable and investment components [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Preneed receivables, net $ 1,069,965 $ 947,232 Trust investments, at fair value 5,851,188 5,258,319 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 245,056 265,160 Trust investments 6,096,244 5,523,479 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,820,489) (1,681,149) Preneed trust investments 4,275,755 3,842,330 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,345,720 $ 4,789,562
Preneed Funeral Receivables, Net and Trust Investments [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,789,562 $ 4,271,392 $ 4,778,842 Cumulative effect of accounting changes 26,394 — — Net preneed contract sales 1,494,557 1,372,705 1,325,134 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,279,295) (1,280,468) (1,185,717) Deposits to trust 373,663 372,644 347,601 Acquisitions of businesses, net 19,299 11,751 134,729 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 407,770 489,577 (191,611) Maturities and distributed earnings (430,608) (442,507) (433,036) Change in cancellation allowance (4,468) (2,006) 62,131 Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (55,269) (10,223) (546,554) Effect of foreign currency and other 4,115 6,697 (20,127) Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,345,720 $ 4,789,562 $ 4,271,392 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings (losses).
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2020 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 44,907 $ 1,566 $ (272) $ 46,201 Canadian government 2 30,210 51 (157) 30,104 Corporate 2 1,669 14 (8) 1,675 Residential mortgage-backed 2 2,438 131 — 2,569 Asset-backed 2 174 3 (5) 172 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 358 — (24) 334 Common stock: United States 1 1,500,125 503,757 (54,748) 1,949,134 Canada 1 35,016 10,915 (1,823) 44,108 Other international 1 110,775 39,837 (1,831) 148,781 Mutual funds: Equity 1 821,406 95,155 (10,437) 906,124 Fixed income 1 1,022,409 35,872 (19,298) 1,038,983 Other 3 188 2 — 190 Trust investments, at fair value 3,569,675 687,303 (88,603) 4,168,375 Commingled funds Fixed income 657,219 37,474 (173) 694,520 Equity 283,329 97,704 — 381,033 Money market funds 330,745 — — 330,745 Private equity 217,953 68,846 (10,284) 276,515 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,489,246 204,024 (10,457) 1,682,813 Trust investments, at market $ 5,058,921 $ 891,327 $ (99,060) $ 5,851,188	December 31, 2019 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 49,728 $ 752 $ (130) $ 50,350 Canadian government 2 41,093 76 (850) 40,319 Corporate 2 9,694 28 (172) 9,550 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,210 59 (1) 3,268 Asset-backed 2 129 3 (4) 128 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 6,338 804 (115) 7,027 Common stock: United States 1 1,349,828 303,766 (36,507) 1,617,087 Canada 1 43,866 12,369 (2,075) 54,160 Other international 1 95,257 18,227 (522) 112,962 Mutual funds: Equity 1 746,581 31,511 (54,020) 724,072 Fixed income 1 1,247,930 16,424 (32,587) 1,231,767 Other 3 7,034 1,184 — 8,218 Trust investments, at fair value 3,600,688 385,203 (126,983) 3,858,908 Commingled funds Fixed income 444,744 5,077 (1,731) 448,090 Equity 249,980 47,631 — 297,611 Money market funds 397,461 — — 397,461 Private equity 176,388 80,283 (422) 256,249 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,268,573 132,991 (2,153) 1,399,411 Trust investments, at market $ 4,869,261 $ 518,194 $ (129,136) $ 5,258,319
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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 8,218 $ 9,755 $ 9,067 Net realized and unrealized (losses) included in Other income, net (1) (1,215) (761) (697) Purchases — 1,006 66 Sales (2) (1,782) (26) Acquisitions, net — — 1,345 Transfers (6,811) — — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 190 $ 8,218 $ 9,755 (1) All net realized and unrealized (losses) recognized in Other income, net for our trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income, net
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 8,218 $ 9,755 $ 9,067 Net realized and unrealized (losses) included in Other income, net (1) (1,215) (761) (697) Purchases — 1,006 66 Sales (2) (1,782) (26) Acquisitions, net — — 1,345 Transfers (6,811) — — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 190 $ 8,218 $ 9,755
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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Preneed receivables, net $ 1,069,965 $ 947,232 Trust investments, at fair value 5,851,188 5,258,319 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 245,056 265,160 Trust investments 6,096,244 5,523,479 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,820,489) (1,681,149) Preneed trust investments 4,275,755 3,842,330 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,345,720 $ 4,789,562 Preneed receivables, net comprised the following: December 31, 2020 Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables $ 143,896 $ 979,259 $ 1,123,155 Unearned finance charges (14,018) $ (19,968) $ (33,986) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 129,878 $ 959,291 $ 1,089,169 Reserve for credit losses (10,940) $ (8,264) $ (19,204) Preneed receivables, net $ 118,938 $ 951,027 $ 1,069,965 December 31, 2019 Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables $ 130,971 $ 907,973 $ 1,038,944 Unearned finance charges (16,328) (34,242) (50,570) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost 114,643 873,731 988,374 Allowance for cancellation (1,452) (39,690) (41,142) Preneed receivables, net $ 113,191 $ 834,041 $ 947,232 At December 31, 2020, the amortized cost basis of our preneed receivables by year of origination was as follows: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost: Funeral $ 60,249 $ 37,497 $ 13,276 $ 6,353 $ 3,039 $ 9,464 $ 129,878 Cemetery 426,260 232,622 149,693 87,912 40,857 21,947 959,291 Total preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 486,509 $ 270,119 $ 162,969 $ 94,265 $ 43,896 $ 31,411 $ 1,089,169 At December 31, 2020, the payment status of our preneed receivables was as follows: Past Due <30 Days 30-90 Days 90-180 Days >180 Days Total Current Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost: Funeral $ 3,593 $ 2,503 $ 1,533 $ 15,321 $ 22,950 $ 106,928 $ 129,878 Cemetery 28,288 20,821 5,233 989 55,331 903,960 959,291 Total preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 31,881 $ 23,324 $ 6,766 $ 16,310 $ 78,281 $ 1,010,888 $ 1,089,169 The following table summarizes the activity for the reserve for credit losses on preneed receivables for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. January 1, 2020 Provision for Expected Credit Losses Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net Write Offs Effect of Foreign Currency December 31, 2020 (In thousands) Funeral $ (8,057) $ (5,652) $ 9 $ 2,750 $ 10 $ (10,940) Cemetery (6,700) (2,087) — 520 3 (8,264) Total reserve for credit losses on preneed receivables $ (14,757) $ (7,739) $ 9 $ 3,270 $ 13 $ (19,204) The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with our trusts: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Deposits $ 429,307 $ 421,460 $ 393,523 Withdrawals $ 424,986 $ 435,344 $ 432,822 Purchases of securities $ 2,147,935 $ 1,596,698 $ 1,540,093 Sales of securities $ 1,994,684 $ 1,495,733 $ 1,564,968 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 418,851 $ 241,661 $ 305,595 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (262,974) $ (121,272) $ (77,996) (1) All realized gains and losses are recognized in Other income, net for our trust investments and are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income, 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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 4,789,562 $ 4,271,392 $ 4,778,842 Cumulative effect of accounting changes 26,394 — — Net preneed contract sales 1,494,557 1,372,705 1,325,134 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,279,295) (1,280,468) (1,185,717) Deposits to trust 373,663 372,644 347,601 Acquisitions of businesses, net 19,299 11,751 134,729 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 407,770 489,577 (191,611) Maturities and distributed earnings (430,608) (442,507) (433,036) Change in cancellation allowance (4,468) (2,006) 62,131 Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (55,269) (10,223) (546,554) Effect of foreign currency and other 4,115 6,697 (20,127) Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,345,720 $ 4,789,562 $ 4,271,392 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings (losses). The cost and fair values associated with trust investments recorded at fair value at December 31, 2020 and 2019 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, 2020 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 44,907 $ 1,566 $ (272) $ 46,201 Canadian government 2 30,210 51 (157) 30,104 Corporate 2 1,669 14 (8) 1,675 Residential mortgage-backed 2 2,438 131 — 2,569 Asset-backed 2 174 3 (5) 172 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 358 — (24) 334 Common stock: United States 1 1,500,125 503,757 (54,748) 1,949,134 Canada 1 35,016 10,915 (1,823) 44,108 Other international 1 110,775 39,837 (1,831) 148,781 Mutual funds: Equity 1 821,406 95,155 (10,437) 906,124 Fixed income 1 1,022,409 35,872 (19,298) 1,038,983 Other 3 188 2 — 190 Trust investments, at fair value 3,569,675 687,303 (88,603) 4,168,375 Commingled funds Fixed income 657,219 37,474 (173) 694,520 Equity 283,329 97,704 — 381,033 Money market funds 330,745 — — 330,745 Private equity 217,953 68,846 (10,284) 276,515 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,489,246 204,024 (10,457) 1,682,813 Trust investments, at market $ 5,058,921 $ 891,327 $ (99,060) $ 5,851,188 As of December 31, 2020, our unfunded commitment for our private equity investments was $228.0 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. December 31, 2019 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 49,728 $ 752 $ (130) $ 50,350 Canadian government 2 41,093 76 (850) 40,319 Corporate 2 9,694 28 (172) 9,550 Residential mortgage-backed 2 3,210 59 (1) 3,268 Asset-backed 2 129 3 (4) 128 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 6,338 804 (115) 7,027 Common stock: United States 1 1,349,828 303,766 (36,507) 1,617,087 Canada 1 43,866 12,369 (2,075) 54,160 Other international 1 95,257 18,227 (522) 112,962 Mutual funds: Equity 1 746,581 31,511 (54,020) 724,072 Fixed income 1 1,247,930 16,424 (32,587) 1,231,767 Other 3 7,034 1,184 — 8,218 Trust investments, at fair value 3,600,688 385,203 (126,983) 3,858,908 Commingled funds Fixed income 444,744 5,077 (1,731) 448,090 Equity 249,980 47,631 — 297,611 Money market funds 397,461 — — 397,461 Private equity 176,388 80,283 (422) 256,249 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,268,573 132,991 (2,153) 1,399,411 Trust investments, at market $ 4,869,261 $ 518,194 $ (129,136) $ 5,258,319 The change in our market-based trust investments with significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Fair value, beginning balance at January 1 $ 8,218 $ 9,755 $ 9,067 Net realized and unrealized (losses) included in Other income, net (1) (1,215) (761) (697) Purchases — 1,006 66 Sales (2) (1,782) (26) Acquisitions, net — — 1,345 Transfers (6,811) — — Fair value, ending balance at December 31 $ 190 $ 8,218 $ 9,755 (1) All net realized and unrealized (losses) recognized in Other income, net for our trust investments are offset by a corresponding reclassification in Other income, net to Deferred receipts held in trust and Care trusts' corpus. Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2021 to 2040. Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2020 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 47,203 Due in one to five years 25,067 Due in five to ten years 8,311 Thereafter 140 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 80,721 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our preneed trust investments was $129.1 million, $119.0 million, and $121.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our cemetery perpetual care trust investments was $77.8 million, $77.5 million, and $74.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Deferred revenue, net At December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Deferred revenue $ 2,127,878 $ 2,046,000 Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts (638,969) (578,897) Deferred revenue, net $ 1,488,909 $ 1,467,103 The following table summarizes the activity for our contract liabilities, which are reflected in Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust : Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,306,479 $ 4,790,552 $ 5,265,206 Cumulative effect of accounting changes — — 37,991 Net preneed contract sales 1,089,060 984,575 977,378 (Dispositions) acquisitions of businesses, net 19,664 (12,741) 159,560 Net investment gains (losses) (1) 402,048 484,577 (195,051) Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (412,127) (368,908) (381,041) Recognized revenue from current period sales (598,768) (573,804) (572,428) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (55,087) (10,223) (546,554) Change in cancellation reserve 1,070 1,066 65,817 Effect of foreign currency and other 8,952 11,385 (20,326) Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,761,291 $ 5,306,479 $ 4,790,552 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment gains (losses). (2) Includes current year trust fund income through the date of performance.
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2021 to 2040. Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2020 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 47,203 Due in one to five years 25,067 Due in five to ten years 8,311 Thereafter 140 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 80,721
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 : Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,306,479 $ 4,790,552 $ 5,265,206 Cumulative effect of accounting changes — — 37,991 Net preneed contract sales 1,089,060 984,575 977,378 (Dispositions) acquisitions of businesses, net 19,664 (12,741) 159,560 Net investment gains (losses) (1) 402,048 484,577 (195,051) Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (412,127) (368,908) (381,041) Recognized revenue from current period sales (598,768) (573,804) (572,428) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (55,087) (10,223) (546,554) Change in cancellation reserve 1,070 1,066 65,817 Effect of foreign currency and other 8,952 11,385 (20,326) Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,761,291 $ 5,306,479 $ 4,790,552 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment gains (losses).

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 Funeral Cemetery Total Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Beginning balance — Goodwill $ 1,535,278 $ 328,945 $ 1,864,223 $ 1,528,407 $ 335,435 $ 1,863,842 Increase (decrease) in goodwill related to acquisitions (1) 14,796 — 14,796 7,458 (6,003) 1,455 Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures (1,175) — (1,175) (5,003) (487) (5,490) Effect of foreign currency 2,163 — 2,163 4,416 — 4,416 Total activity 15,784 — 15,784 6,871 (6,490) 381 Ending balance — Goodwill $ 1,551,062 $ 328,945 $ 1,880,007 $ 1,535,278 $ 328,945 $ 1,864,223
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows: Useful Life Minimum Maximum 2020 2019 (Years) (In thousands) Amortizing intangibles: Covenants-not-to-compete 2 - 20 $ 219,493 $ 216,646 Customer relationships 10 - 20 150,365 149,479 Tradenames 5 - 89 7,000 7,000 Other 5 - 89 26,927 26,927 403,785 400,052 Less: accumulated amortization: Covenants-not-to-compete 201,427 198,610 Customer relationships 90,022 83,047 Tradenames 202 123 Other 8,807 8,067 300,458 289,847 Amortizing intangibles, net 103,327 110,205 Non-amortizing intangibles: Tradenames Indefinite 327,297 310,197 Other Indefinite 10,765 10,765 Non-amortizing intangibles 338,062 320,962 Intangible assets, net — included in Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 441,389 $ 431,167
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 obligations on our preneed contracts, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2020 (in thousands): 2021 $ 7,297 2022 6,133 2023 5,741 2024 5,596 2025 5,465 Total estimated amortization expense $ 30,232

Income Taxes Level 3 (Tables)

Income Taxes Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) United States $ 633,608 $ 441,579 $ 399,123 Foreign 28,452 22,853 42,609 $ 662,060 $ 464,432 $ 441,732
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Current: United States $ 106,632 $ 51,664 $ 18,138 Foreign 7,968 7,059 10,541 State 23,439 12,908 6,974 Total current income taxes 138,039 71,631 35,653 Deferred: United States $ 6,339 $ 12,973 $ (48,565) Foreign (64) (571) 386 State 1,609 10,628 6,700 Total deferred income taxes 7,884 23,030 (41,479) Total income taxes $ 145,923 $ 94,661 $ (5,826)
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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate $ 139,031 $ 97,531 $ 92,764 State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits 20,711 20,081 10,146 Foreign jurisdiction differences 2,496 1,646 2,377 Permanent differences associated with divestitures 73 1,288 790 Changes in uncertain tax positions and audit settlements 100 (9,842) (88,687) Foreign valuation allowance, net of federal income tax benefits (566) $ 43 $ (431) Enactment of U.S. Tax Act — — (16,105) Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (9,093) (13,868) (11,159) Other (6,829) (2,218) 4,479 Provision for (benefit from) income taxes $ 145,923 $ 94,661 $ (5,826) Total consolidated effective tax rate 22.0 % 20.4 % (1.3) %
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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Inventories and cemetery property $ (208,707) $ (212,498) Deferred incremental direct selling costs (81,301) (76,692) Property and equipment (161,293) (139,548) Intangibles (201,361) (199,906) Other (2,424) (1,893) Deferred tax liabilities (655,086) (630,537) Loss and tax credit carryforwards 134,912 143,391 Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts 117,748 113,171 Accrued liabilities 73,743 67,489 Deferred tax assets 326,403 324,051 Less: valuation allowance (108,090) (114,331) Net deferred income tax liability $ (436,773) $ (420,817)
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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets - included in Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 535 $ 665 Non-current deferred tax liabilities - included in Deferred tax liability (437,308) (421,482) Net deferred income tax liability $ (436,773) $ (420,817)
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020 (in thousands): Federal, State, and Foreign Tax (In thousands) 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 limitation (79,455) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,348 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 1,348 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 1,348
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	Such loss carryforwards will expire as follows: Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) 2021 $ — $ 159,554 $ — $ 159,554 2022 — 77,737 — 77,737 2023 — 226,906 151 227,057 2024 — 172,593 578 173,171 Thereafter 135 1,832,849 11,702 1,844,686 Total $ 135 $ 2,469,639 $ 12,431 $ 2,482,205
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2020, 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 $ 28 $ 128,024 $ 6,860 $ 134,912 Valuation allowance $ — $ 88,056 $ 20,034 $ 108,090

Debt Level 3 (Tables)

Debt Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The components of Debt are: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 $ 150,000 $ 150,000 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 — 850,000 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 152,710 153,465 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 550,000 550,000 5.125% Senior Notes due June 2029 750,000 750,000 3.375% Senior Notes due August 2030 850,000 — Term Loan due May 2024 601,250 633,750 Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 525,000 295,000 Obligations under finance leases 148,864 185,252 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 51,766 45,104 Unamortized premiums and discounts, net (317) 5,634 Unamortized debt issuance costs (36,739) (34,854) Total debt $ 3,742,534 $ 3,583,351 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (228,352) (69,821) Total long-term debt $ 3,514,182 $ 3,513,530
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, 2020 and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums and debt issuance costs (in thousands): 2021 $ 228,355 2022 60,752 2023 70,152 2024 1,038,963 2025 38,823 2026 and thereafter 2,305,489 Total debt maturities $ 3,742,534
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 2020 $ 152,524 Payments in 2019 $ 190,672 Payments in 2018 $ 179,865
Schedule of future cash interest payments [Table Text Block]	ash interest payments for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2020 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2021 $ 135,299 Payments in 2022 123,677 Payments in 2023 122,791 Payments in 2024 112,518 Payments in 2025 105,164 Payments in 2026 and thereafter 331,096 Total expected cash interest payments $ 930,545

Credit Risk and Fair Value of_2

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 (In thousands) 8.0% Senior Notes due November 2021 $ 159,000 $ 165,375 5.375% Senior Notes due May 2024 — 879,606 7.5% Notes due April 2027 185,639 188,381 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 590,700 577,500 5.125% Senior Notes due June 2029 840,368 798,525 3.375% Senior Notes due August 2030 883,099 — Term Loan due May 2024 601,250 633,750 Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 525,000 295,000 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 51,659 45,104 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 3,836,715 $ 3,583,241

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Future undiscounted lease income from operating leases as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (in thousands): 2021 $ 4,466 2022 4,053 2023 3,345 2024 2,929 2025 2,631 2026 and thereafter 21,956 Total expected cash receipts $ 39,380
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block]	Future lease payments for non-cancelable operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: Operating Finance Total (In thousands) 2021 $ 10,836 $ 51,126 $ 61,962 2022 9,649 32,018 41,667 2023 7,222 24,504 31,726 2024 6,122 28,242 34,364 2025 5,177 9,711 14,888 2026 and thereafter 37,502 19,082 56,584 Total lease payments $ 76,508 $ 164,683 $ 241,191 Less: Interest (19,268) (15,819) (35,087) Present value of lease liabilities $ 57,240 $ 148,864 $ 206,104
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases were as follows: Lease Type Balance Sheet Classification December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (In thousands) Operating lease right-of-use assets (1) Deferred charges and other assets $ 54,764 $ 58,101 Finance lease right-of-use assets (1) Property and equipment, net 146,144 179,538 Total right-of-use assets (1) $ 200,908 $ 237,639 Operating Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 8,584 $ 8,538 Finance Current maturities of long-term debt 47,109 39,428 Total current lease liabilities 55,693 47,966 Operating Other liabilities 48,656 52,091 Finance Long-term debt 101,755 145,824 Total non-current lease liabilities 150,411 197,915 Total lease liabilities $ 206,104 $ 245,881
Supplemental Information related to Leases [Table Text Block]	The weighted-average life remaining and discount rates of our leases were as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Operating Finance Operating Finance Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) 12.2 4.8 12.4 4.9 Weighted-average discount rate 4.3% 3.3% 4.6% 3.5%
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 155,299	$ 151,000	$ 153,650
Land	678,421	642,168
Lessor [Member]
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Depreciation	500	$ 200	$ 200
Land	25,000
Investment Building and Building Improvements	25,300
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Owned, Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,200

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2020, 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) 2021 $ 1,941 $ 716 $ 4,532 $ 7,189 2022 1,017 562 3,582 5,161 2023 585 255 2,656 3,496 2024 299 138 2,148 2,585 2025 148 132 1,885 2,165 2026 and thereafter 49 129 3,722 3,900 Total $ 4,039 $ 1,932 $ 18,525 $ 24,496

Share-Based Compensation Leve_2

Share-Based Compensation Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [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 2020 2019 2018 Dividend yield 1.7% 1.7% 1.8% Expected volatility 18.0% 19.8% 18.5% Risk-free interest rate 1.4% 2.5% 2.4% Expected holding period (years) 3.7 4.0 4.0
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes certain information with respect to stock option and restricted share compensation included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income $ 14,103 $ 15,029 $ 15,626 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income $ 3,417 $ 3,842 $ 3,998
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Weighted-Average Outstanding at December 31, 2019 7,309,446 $ 27.53 Granted 963,940 $ 50.82 Exercised (1,361,321) $ 19.59 Outstanding at December 31, 2020 6,912,065 $ 32.34 Exercisable at December 31, 2020 5,101,243 $ 27.46
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, 2020 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Number Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted- Number Weighted- $15.00 — 25.00 2,581,498 2.4 $ 21.70 2,581,498 $ 21.70 $25.01 — 35.00 1,419,762 4.1 $ 29.25 1,419,762 $ 29.25 $35.01 — 45.00 1,946,865 5.5 $ 39.54 1,099,983 $ 38.68 $45.01 — 55.00 963,940 7.1 $ 50.82 — $ — $0.00 — 55.00 6,912,065 4.3 $ 32.34 5,101,243 $ 27.46
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, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted $ 6.44 $ 6.86 $ 5.52 Total fair value of stock options vested $ 5,535 $ 7,250 $ 6,857 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 41,995 $ 65,023 $ 48,643 Cash received from the exercise of stock options $ 26,671 $ 40,922 $ 24,517 Recognized compensation expense $ 5,668 $ 6,314 $ 6,648
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted share award activity was as follows (share awards reported in whole numbers): Restricted Weighted-Average Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2019 288,065 $ 38.09 Granted 113,872 $ 50.82 Vested (158,408) $ 35.82 Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2020 243,529 $ 45.52
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted Weighted-Average Nonvested restricted share units at December 31, 2019 151,452 $ 36.79 Granted 67,151 $ 48.89 Vested (78,453) $ 34.69 Forfeited and other (4,842) $ 41.70 Nonvested restricted share units at December 31, 2020 135,308 $ 43.83

Retirement Plans Retirement Pla

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 698 $ 956 $ 923 Recognized net actuarial losses (gains) 1,641 2,886 (1,127) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 2,339 $ 3,842 $ (204)
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	The Plans’ funded status were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 24,961 $ 24,707 Interest cost 698 956 Actuarial loss 1,641 2,886 Benefits paid (2,665) (3,588) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 2,665 3,588 Benefits paid, including expenses (2,665) (3,588) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (24,635) $ (24,961) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligations $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 24,635 $ 24,961 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (2,432) $ (2,708) Included in Other liabilities (22,203) (22,253) Total accrued benefit (liability) $ (24,635) $ (24,961)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [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, 2020 2019 2018 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 2.06 % 2.95 % 4.13 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost 2.98 % 4.15 % 3.26 %
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): 2021 $ 2,458 2022 2,357 2023 2,116 2024 1,922 2025 1,823 Years 2026 through 2030 7,986 Total expected benefit payments $ 18,662

Segment Reporting Level 3 (Tabl

Segment Reporting Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 were as follows: Reportable Segments Funeral Cemetery Corporate Consolidated (In thousands) 2020 Interest expense $ 3,896 $ 514 $ 158,653 $ 163,063 Depreciation and amortization $ 107,770 $ 34,693 $ 12,836 $ 155,299 Amortization of intangibles $ 13,593 $ 8,841 $ 10 $ 22,444 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 80,403 $ — $ 80,403 Capital expenditures $ 86,902 $ 132,443 $ 2,866 $ 222,211 Total assets $ 6,030,764 $ 8,042,339 $ 442,322 $ 14,515,425 2019 Interest expense $ 4,026 $ 659 $ 181,158 $ 185,843 Depreciation and amortization $ 106,982 $ 33,323 $ 10,695 $ 151,000 Amortization of intangibles $ 15,343 $ 10,297 $ 9 $ 25,649 Amortization of cemetery property $ — $ 70,330 $ — $ 70,330 Capital expenditures $ 112,090 $ 125,365 $ 2,502 $ 239,957 Total assets $ 5,821,408 $ 7,483,713 $ 372,309 $ 13,677,430 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
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Revenue from customers: Funeral revenue: Atneed revenue $ 1,092,016 $ 996,643 $ 998,464 Matured preneed revenue 662,675 605,237 600,944 Core funeral revenue 1,754,691 1,601,880 1,599,408 Non-funeral home revenue 61,198 52,211 49,671 Recognized preneed revenue 124,645 139,525 125,144 Other revenue 111,767 130,286 123,769 Total funeral revenue 2,052,301 1,923,902 1,897,992 Cemetery revenue: Atneed revenue 386,850 326,230 323,162 Recognized preneed property revenue 659,950 581,724 572,955 Recognized preneed merchandise and services revenue 298,864 287,589 288,282 Core cemetery revenue 1,345,664 1,195,543 1,184,399 Other revenue 113,544 111,340 107,783 Total cemetery revenue 1,459,208 1,306,883 1,292,182 Total revenue from customers $ 3,511,509 $ 3,230,785 $ 3,190,174 Gross profit: Funeral gross profit $ 494,602 $ 372,638 $ 369,613 Cemetery gross profit 482,225 387,942 390,709 Gross profit from reportable segments 976,827 760,580 760,322 Corporate general and administrative expenses (141,066) (126,886) (145,596) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net 7,009 32,919 15,933 Operating income 842,770 666,613 630,659 Interest expense (163,063) (185,843) (181,556) Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net (18,428) (16,637) (10,131) Other income, net 781 299 2,760 Income before income taxes $ 662,060 $ 464,432 $ 441,732
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 were as follows: United States Canada Total (In thousands) 2020 Revenue from external customers $ 3,328,381 $ 183,128 $ 3,511,509 Interest expense $ 162,804 $ 259 $ 163,063 Depreciation and amortization $ 146,378 $ 8,921 $ 155,299 Amortization of intangibles $ 22,132 $ 312 $ 22,444 Amortization of cemetery property $ 76,275 $ 4,128 $ 80,403 Operating income $ 795,461 $ 47,309 $ 842,770 Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 6,935 $ 74 $ 7,009 Long-lived assets $ 6,633,470 $ 339,594 $ 6,973,064 2019 Revenue from external customers $ 3,052,101 $ 178,684 $ 3,230,785 Interest expense $ 185,512 $ 331 $ 185,843 Depreciation and amortization $ 142,550 $ 8,450 $ 151,000 Amortization of intangibles $ 25,079 $ 570 $ 25,649 Amortization of cemetery property $ 66,552 $ 3,778 $ 70,330 Operating income $ 628,204 $ 38,409 $ 666,613 Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 33,200 $ (281) $ 32,919 Long-lived assets $ 6,531,705 $ 301,461 $ 6,833,166 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

Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tab

Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income — basic and diluted 515,907 369,596 447,208 Weighted average shares: Weighted average shares — basic 176,709 182,246 182,447 Stock options 2,234 3,223 4,339 Restricted share units 47 54 186 Weighted average shares — diluted 178,990 185,523 186,972 Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income per share: Basic $ 2.92 $ 2.03 $ 2.45 Diluted $ 2.88 $ 1.99 $ 2.39
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Antidilutive options 1,614 678 1,035

Acquisition Level 3 (Tables)

Acquisition Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Divestitures and Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 11,962 $ 41,835 $ 20,340 Impairment losses (4,953) (8,916) (4,407) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 7,009 $ 32,919 $ 15,933

Quarterly Financial Data Quarte

Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarterly financial data for 2020 and 2019 is as follows: First Second Third Fourth (In thousands, except per share amounts) 2020 Revenue $ 802,965 $ 820,035 $ 918,241 $ 970,268 Costs of revenue $ (623,921) $ (601,268) $ (654,585) $ (654,908) Gross profit $ 179,044 $ 218,767 $ 263,656 $ 315,360 Operating income $ 151,776 $ 182,335 $ 223,213 $ 285,446 Income before income taxes (1) $ 106,039 $ 141,723 $ 164,843 $ 249,455 Provision for income taxes $ (24,038) $ (36,170) $ (37,351) $ (48,364) Net income $ 82,001 $ 105,553 $ 127,492 $ 201,091 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests $ (60) $ (45) $ (77) $ (48) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 81,941 $ 105,508 $ 127,415 $ 201,043 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.45 $ 0.59 $ 0.72 $ 1.17 Diluted — EPS $ 0.45 $ 0.59 $ 0.72 $ 1.15 2019 Revenue $ 798,212 $ 812,572 $ 769,241 $ 850,760 Costs of revenue $ (606,378) $ (621,426) $ (609,509) $ (632,892) Gross profit $ 191,834 $ 191,146 $ 159,732 $ 217,868 Operating income $ 146,978 $ 150,105 $ 128,585 $ 240,945 Income before income taxes (1) $ 100,308 $ 96,083 $ 72,869 $ 195,172 (Provision for) benefit from income taxes $ (21,095) $ (23,570) $ (1,997) $ (47,999) Net income $ 79,213 $ 72,513 $ 70,872 $ 147,173 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 110 $ (184) $ (80) $ (21) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 79,323 $ 72,329 $ 70,792 $ 147,152 Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (2) : Basic — EPS $ 0.44 $ 0.40 $ 0.39 $ 0.81 Diluted — EPS $ 0.43 $ 0.39 $ 0.38 $ 0.79 (1) Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, ne t, as described in Note 16 . (2) Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Sep. 30, 2020	[1]	Jun. 30, 2020	[1]	Mar. 31, 2020	[1]	Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019	[1]	Jun. 30, 2019	[1]	Mar. 31, 2019	[1]	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 7,753								$ 56,344								$ 7,753	$ 56,344
Restricted Cash, Current	$ 5,573								$ 54,293								$ 5,573	54,293
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate, Low	0.020																0.020
Amortization of cemetery property																	$ 80,403	70,330	$ 68,640
Depreciation																	$ 155,299	$ 151,000	$ 153,650
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 1.17	[1]	$ 0.72		$ 0.59		$ 0.45		$ 0.81	[1]	$ 0.39		$ 0.40		$ 0.44		$ 2.92	$ 2.03	$ 2.45
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate, Low End of the Range	1.00%																1.00%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate, High End of the Range	3.50%																3.50%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.75%																6.75%
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate	0.050																0.050
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.95%																6.95%
Retirement of treasury shares																	0	0	0
Deferred incremental selling costs	$ 311,710								$ 293,125								$ 311,710	$ 293,125
Impact From Change in Depreciable Lives									4,300								$ 12,100
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Expense to Revenue Ratio, Low end range	71.30%																71.30%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Expense to Revenue Ratio, High end range	79.90%																79.90%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate Other, Low end range	1.00%																1.00%
GoodwillReportingUnitFairValueInputsGrowthRateOtherHighendrange	3.50%																3.50%
Other Assets, Current	$ 28,427								80,488								$ 28,427	80,488
Other Liabilities	29,747								9,596								$ 29,747	9,596
Document Period End Date																	Dec. 31, 2020
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	98,970								83,933								$ 98,970	83,933
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(6,031)								(2,262)								(6,031)	(2,262)
Receivables, net	92,939								81,671								92,939	81,671
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	(6,902)								(8,374)								(6,902)	(8,374)
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	$ 6,432								$ 6,623								6,432	$ 6,623
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																	$ 13
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 1.15	[1]	$ 0.72		$ 0.59		$ 0.45		$ 0.79	[1]	$ 0.38		$ 0.39		$ 0.43		$ 2.88	$ 1.99	$ 2.39
Amortization of intangibles																	$ 22,444	$ 25,649	$ 26,195
Change in Accounting Principle, Other [Member]
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic									$ 0.02								$ 0.07
Funeral [Member]
Amortization of cemetery property																	$ 0	0	0
Depreciation																	$ 107,770	106,982	108,891
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	1.00%																1.00%
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	1.00%																1.00%
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																	$ 10
Amortization of intangibles																	13,593	15,343	17,515
Cemetery [Member]
Amortization of cemetery property																	80,403	70,330	68,640
Depreciation																	$ 34,693	33,323	33,183
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	2.40%																2.40%
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	2.40%																2.40%
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																	$ 3
Amortization of intangibles																	$ 8,841	$ 10,297	$ 8,619
Treasury Stock [Member]
Retirement of treasury shares																	11,884	2,243	9,419
Minimum [Member]
Funeral home lease life																	one year
Transportation equipment lease life																	one year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life																	2 years
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives																	ten years
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives																	three years
Maximum [Member]
Funeral home lease life																	forty years
Transportation equipment lease life																	nine years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life																	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives																	forty years
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives																	twelve years
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives																	twelve years
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 5,685								$ 4,114								$ 5,685	$ 4,114
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)																		6,128
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery																		1,751
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net																		2
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																		294
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff																		6,012
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] | Funeral [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	56,745								41,370								56,745	41,370
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(3,752)								(1,899)								(3,752)	(1,899)
Receivables, net	52,993								39,471								52,993	39,471
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	3,752								2,690								3,752	2,690
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)																		4,639
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery																		1,701
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net																		2
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																		292
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff																		4,984
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] | Cemetery [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	22,559								20,855								22,559	20,855
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(1,933)								(363)								(1,933)	(363)
Receivables, net	20,626								20,492								20,626	20,492
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	1,933								1,424								1,933	1,424
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)																		1,489
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery																		50
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																		2
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff																		1,028
Notes Receivable [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	1,121								1,765								1,121	1,765
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(490)								0								(490)	0
Receivables, net	631								1,765								631	1,765
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	13,510																13,510
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	6,447								9,031								6,447	9,031
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)																		(167)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff																		2,417
Financing Receivable, Past Due	1,122																1,122
Financing Receivable, Not Past Due	12,388																12,388
Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	0																0
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	0																0
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	197																197
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	0																0
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	0																0
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	5,870																5,870
Financing Receivable, Revolving	7,443																7,443
Notes Receivable [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	2																2
Notes Receivable [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	3																3
Notes Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables 90 To 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	1																1
Notes Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	1,116																1,116
Notes Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	12,389								14,997								12,389	14,997
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	(5,957)																(5,957)
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	6,432								6,623								6,432	6,623
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	18,545								19,943								18,545	19,943
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(144)								0								(144)	0
Receivables, net	18,689								19,943								18,689	19,943
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	25,060																25,060
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	801								918								801	918
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)																		(142)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																		(25)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff																		0
Financing Receivable, Past Due	111																111
Financing Receivable, Not Past Due	24,949																24,949
Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	19,914																19,914
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	2,996																2,996
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	1,504																1,504
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	547																547
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	93																93
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	6																6
Financing Receivable, Revolving	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	71																71
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables 90 To 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	40																40
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	6,515								7,287								6,515	7,287
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	(945)																(945)
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	5,570								7,287								5,570	7,287
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	945								715								945	715
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)																		230
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff																		0
Financing Receivable, Past Due	0																0
Financing Receivable, Not Past Due	6,515																6,515
Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	2,408																2,408
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	2,412																2,412
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	1,174																1,174
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	441																441
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	75																75
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	5																5
Financing Receivable, Revolving	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member] | Financing Receivables 90 To 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	18,545																18,545
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(144)								$ 203								(144)	203
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)																		(372)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net																		0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation																		(25)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff																		0
Financing Receivable, Past Due	111																111
Financing Receivable, Not Past Due	18,434																18,434
Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	17,506																17,506
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	584																584
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	330																330
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	106																106
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	18																18
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	1																1
Financing Receivable, Revolving	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	0																0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	71																71
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member] | Financing Receivables 90 To 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	40																40
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Past Due	$ 0																$ 0
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
Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member]
Incremental Selling Costs																	$ 199,600	$ 174,700
[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.

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																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 970,268		$ 918,241		$ 820,035		$ 802,965		$ 850,760		$ 769,241		$ 812,572		$ 798,212		$ 3,511,509	$ 3,230,785	$ 3,190,174
Gross profit	315,360		263,656		218,767		179,044		217,868		159,732		191,146		191,834		976,827	760,580	760,322
Costs of revenue	(654,908)		(654,585)		(601,268)		(623,921)		(632,892)		(609,509)		(621,426)		(606,378)		(2,534,682)	(2,470,205)	(2,429,852)
Corporate general and administrative expenses																	(141,066)	(126,886)	(145,596)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net																	7,009	32,919	15,933
Operating income	285,446		223,213		182,335		151,776		240,945		128,585		150,105		146,978		842,770	666,613	630,659
Interest expense																	(163,063)	(185,843)	(181,556)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net																	(18,428)	(16,637)	(10,131)
Nonoperating Income (Expense)																	781	299	2,760
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	249,455	[1]	164,843	[1]	141,723	[1]	106,039	[1]	195,172	[1]	72,869	[1]	96,083	[1]	100,308	[1]	662,060	464,432	441,732
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(48,364)		(37,351)		(36,170)		(24,038)		(47,999)		(1,997)		(23,570)		(21,095)		(145,923)	(94,661)	5,826
Net income	201,091		127,492		105,553		82,001		147,173		70,872		72,513		79,213		516,137	369,771	447,558
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(48)		(77)		(45)		(60)		(21)		(80)		(184)		110		(230)	(175)	(350)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 201,043		$ 127,415		$ 105,508		$ 81,941		$ 147,152		$ 70,792		$ 72,329		$ 79,323		$ 515,907	$ 369,596	$ 447,208
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 1.17	[2]	$ 0.72	[2]	$ 0.59	[2]	$ 0.45	[2]	$ 0.81	[2]	$ 0.39	[2]	$ 0.40	[2]	$ 0.44	[2]	$ 2.92	$ 2.03	$ 2.45
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 1.15	[2]	$ 0.72	[2]	$ 0.59	[2]	$ 0.45	[2]	$ 0.79	[2]	$ 0.38	[2]	$ 0.39	[2]	$ 0.43	[2]	$ 2.88	$ 1.99	$ 2.39
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations																	$ (55,269)	$ (10,223)	$ (546,554)
[1]	Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, ne t, as described in Note 16 .
[2]	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Preneed Activities Investment R

Preneed Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Deposits to trust	$ 393,523	$ 429,307	$ 421,460
Withdrawals	432,822	424,986	435,344
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	1,540,093	2,147,935	1,596,698
Sales of available-for-sale securities	1,564,968	1,994,684	1,495,733
Realized gains from sales of available-for-sale securities	305,595	418,851	241,661
Realized losses from sales of available-for-sale securities	$ (77,996)	$ (262,974)	$ (121,272)

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_3

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Preneed Receivables and Trust Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Preneed Receivables and Trust Investments [Abstract]
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	$ 5,345,720	$ 4,789,562	$ 4,271,392	$ 4,778,842
Net Preneed Contract Sales	1,494,557	1,372,705	1,325,134
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds	(1,279,295)	(1,280,468)	(1,185,717)
Deposits To Trust Receivable Impact	373,663	372,644	347,601
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	19,299	11,751	134,729
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings	407,770	489,577	(191,611)
Maturities and Distributed Earnings	(430,608)	(442,507)	(433,036)
Change in cancellation allowance	(4,468)	(2,006)	62,131
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	(55,269)	(10,223)	(546,554)
Effect of foreign currency and other	$ 4,115	$ 6,697	$ (20,127)

Preneed Activities Long-term Re

Preneed Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Allowance for cancellation	$ (19,204)	$ (14,757)
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	5,345,720	4,789,562	$ 4,271,392	$ 4,778,842
PreneedReceivables	1,069,965	947,232
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	(1,820,489)	(1,681,149)
Preneed trust investments	4,275,755	3,842,330
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	5,345,720	4,789,562
Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other [Line Items]	245,056	265,160
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	1,123,155	1,038,944
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(33,986)	(50,570)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	1,089,169	988,374
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	41,142
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	13
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	9
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	3,270
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(7,739)
Funeral [Member]
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Allowance for cancellation	(10,940)	(8,057)
PreneedReceivables	118,938	113,191
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	143,896	130,971
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(14,018)	(16,328)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	129,878	114,643
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	(1,452)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	10
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	9
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	2,750
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(5,652)
Cemetery [Member]
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Allowance for cancellation	(8,264)	(6,700)
PreneedReceivables	951,027	834,041
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	979,259	907,973
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(19,968)	(34,242)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	959,291	$ 873,731
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	(39,690)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	3
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	0
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	520
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ (2,087)

Preneed Activities Schedule of

Preneed Activities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 3,569,675
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	687,303
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(88,603)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	4,168,375
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		$ 3,600,688
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		385,203
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(126,983)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		3,858,908
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	44,907	49,728
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,566	752
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(272)	(130)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	46,201	50,350
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	30,210	41,093
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	51	76
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(157)	(850)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	30,104	40,319
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,669	9,694
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	14	28
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(8)	(172)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,675	9,550
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	2,438	3,210
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	131	59
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(1)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	2,569	3,268
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	174	129
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	3	3
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(5)	(4)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	172	128
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Preferred Stock securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	358	6,338
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	804
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(24)	(115)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	334	7,027
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	1,500,125	1,349,828
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	503,757	303,766
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(54,748)	(36,507)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,949,134	1,617,087
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	35,016	43,866
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	10,915	12,369
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,823)	(2,075)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	44,108	54,160
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	110,775	95,257
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	39,837	18,227
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,831)	(522)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	148,781	112,962
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	821,406	746,581
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	95,155	31,511
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,437)	(54,020)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	906,124	724,072
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,022,409	1,247,930
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	35,872	16,424
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(19,298)	(32,587)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,038,983	1,231,767
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Other Investments [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	188	7,034
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	2	1,184
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	190	8,218
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,489,246
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	204,024
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,457)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	1,682,813
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Fixed inc [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	657,219	444,744
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	37,474	5,077
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(173)	(1,731)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	694,520	448,090
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Equity [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	283,329	249,980
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	97,704	47,631
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	381,033	297,611
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	330,745	397,461
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	330,745	397,461
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	217,953	176,388
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	68,846	80,283
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(10,284)	(422)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	276,515	256,249
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Reported At Net Asset Value [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis		1,268,573
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains		132,991
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(2,153)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		1,399,411
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,058,921	4,869,261
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	891,327	518,194
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(99,060)	(129,136)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	$ 5,851,188	$ 5,258,319

Preneed Activities Level 3 Acti

Preneed Activities Level 3 Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Sales	$ 0	$ 0	$ (2,900)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfer, Net	(6,811)	0	0
Other Investments [Member]
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair market value, beginning balance	8,218	9,755	9,067
Net realized losses included in Other income, net(2)	(1,215)	(761)	(697)
Purchases	0	1,006	66
Sales	(2)	(1,782)	(26)
AcquisitionRelatedInvestmentsFairvalueofLevel3	0	0	1,345
Fair market value, ending balance	$ 190	$ 8,218	$ 9,755

Preneed Activities Investments

Preneed Activities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 47,203
Due in one to five years	25,067
Due in five to ten years	8,311
Thereafter	140
Total	$ 80,721

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_4

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Deferred Revenue Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, Gross	$ 2,127,878	$ 2,046,000
Amounts Due for Unfulfilled Performance Obligations	(638,969)	578,897
Deferred Revenue	$ 1,488,909	$ 1,467,103

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_5

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 129.1	$ 119	$ 121.7
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, maximum	2040
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, minimum	2021
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 228
ECF Investment Earnings, Net	$ 77.8	$ 77.5	$ 74.7

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,864,223	$ 1,863,842
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,864,223
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	14,796	1,455
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(1,175)	(5,490)
Effect of foreign currency and other	2,163	4,416
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	15,784	381
Goodwill, ending balance		1,864,223	$ 1,863,842
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,880,007	1,864,223
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	3,100
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	103,327	110,205
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Future Total	30,232
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	403,785	400,052
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	300,458	289,847
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	103,327	110,205
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	327,297	310,197
Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	10,765	10,765
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	338,062	320,962
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	441,389	431,167
Amortization of intangibles	22,444	25,649	26,195
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	7,297
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	6,133
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	5,741
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	5,596
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	5,465
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Indefinite-lived (Excluding Goodwill)	3,100
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	219,493	216,646
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	201,427	198,610
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	150,365	149,479
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	90,022	83,047
Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	7,000	7,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	202	123
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	26,927	26,927
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	8,807	8,067
Funeral [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,535,278	1,528,407
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,535,278
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	14,796	7,458
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(1,175)	(5,003)
Effect of foreign currency and other	2,163	4,416
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	15,784	6,871
Goodwill, ending balance		1,535,278	1,528,407
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,551,062	1,535,278
Amortization of intangibles	13,593	15,343	17,515
Cemetery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	328,945	335,435
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	328,945
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	0	(6,003)
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	0	(487)
Effect of foreign currency and other	0	0
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	0	(6,490)
Goodwill, ending balance		328,945	335,435
Goodwill, net, ending balance	328,945	328,945
Amortization of intangibles	$ 8,841	$ 10,297	$ 8,619
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, 2020

[1]

Sep. 30, 2020

[1]

Jun. 30, 2020

[1]

Mar. 31, 2020

[1]

Dec. 31, 2019

[1]

Sep. 30, 2019

[1]

Jun. 30, 2019

[1]

Mar. 31, 2019

[1]

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Income Taxes [Abstract]

United States

$ 633,608

$ 441,579

$ 399,123

Foreign

28,452

22,853

42,609

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

$ 249,455

$ 164,843

$ 141,723

$ 106,039

$ 195,172

$ 72,869

$ 96,083

$ 100,308

$ 662,060

$ 464,432

$ 441,732

[1]

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

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_2

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current: United States									$ 106,632	$ 51,664	$ 18,138
Current: Foreign									7,968	7,059	10,541
Current: State									23,439	12,908	6,974
Total current income taxes									138,039	71,631	35,653
Deferred: United States									6,339	12,973	(48,565)
Deferred: Foreign									(64)	(571)	386
Deferred: State									1,609	10,628	6,700
Provision for deferred income taxes									7,884	23,030	(41,479)
Provision for income taxes	$ 48,364	$ 37,351	$ 36,170	$ 24,038	$ 47,999	$ 1,997	$ 23,570	$ 21,095	145,923	94,661	(5,826)
Income Taxes Paid									138,000	70,600	65,400
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds									$ 5,200	$ 4,700	$ 11,400

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_3

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate									$ 139,031	$ 97,531	$ 92,764
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits									20,711	20,081	10,146
Foreign jurisdiction differences									2,496	1,646	2,377
Permanent differences associated with dispositions									73	1,288	790
Changes in uncertain tax positions									100	(9,842)	(88,687)
Foreign Valuation Allowance, Amount									(566)	43	(431)
Enactment of US Tax Reform									0	0	(16,105)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation									(9,093)	(13,868)	(11,159)
Other									(6,829)	(2,218)	4,479
Provision for income taxes	$ 48,364	$ 37,351	$ 36,170	$ 24,038	$ 47,999	$ 1,997	$ 23,570	$ 21,095	$ 145,923	$ 94,661	$ (5,826)
Total effective tax rate									22.00%	20.40%	(1.30%)

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_4

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Inventories and cemetery property	$ (208,707)	$ (212,498)
Deferred tax liabilities selling cost	(81,301)	76,692
Property and equipment	(161,293)	(139,548)
Intangibles	(201,361)	(199,906)
Other	(2,424)	(1,893)
Deferred tax liabilities	(655,086)	(630,537)
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	134,912	143,391
Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts	117,748	113,171
Accrued liabilities	73,743	67,489
Deferred tax assets	326,403	324,051
Less: Valuation allowance	(108,090)	(114,331)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (436,773)	$ (420,817)

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_5

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 5 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (436,773)	$ (420,817)
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	(437,308)	(421,482)
Non-current deferred tax assets	$ 535	$ 665

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_6

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 6 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ (1,348)	$ (1,348)	$ (79,455)
Reductions to tax positions related to the current year	0
Additions to tax positions related to prior years	0		1,348
Reductions to tax positions as a result of audit settlement			(79,455)
Reductions to tax positions related to prior years		0
Ending Balance	(1,348)	(1,348)	(1,348)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate		1,400
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	700	$ 600	500
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	$ 100		$ 10,600

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_7

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 7 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	$ 159,554
Year Two	77,737
Year Three	227,057
Year Four	173,171
Thereafter	1,844,686
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,482,205
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	134,912	$ 143,391
Valuation allowance	108,090	$ 114,331
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	0
Year Two	0
Year Three	0
Year Four	0
Thereafter	135
Operating Loss Carryforwards	135
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	28
Valuation allowance	0
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	159,554
Year Two	77,737
Year Three	226,906
Year Four	172,593
Thereafter	1,832,849
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,469,639
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	5,900
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	128,024
Valuation allowance	88,056
Foreign
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	0
Year Two	0
Year Three	151
Year Four	578
Thereafter	11,702
Operating Loss Carryforwards	12,431
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	6,860
Valuation allowance	$ 20,034

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_8

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details (Tax Reform) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Income Tax [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount	$ 14.3
Estimated Tax Reform Repatriation Liability	$ 298.1

Debt Level 4 (Details)

Debt Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal payments on capital leases	$ 43,598	$ 42,627	$ 39,686
Repayments of Debt	1,200,000	1,400,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt	34,489	25,471	34,134
Repayments of Other Debt	2,000	300
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	18,428	16,637	10,131
Obligations under capital leases	148,864	185,252
Other Notes Payable	51,766	45,104
Total debt	3,742,534	3,583,351
Current maturities of long-term debt	(228,352)	(69,821)
Less current maturities	228,352	69,821
Total long-term debt	$ 3,514,182	$ 3,513,530
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.62%	4.72%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	66.00%	69.00%
Next Twelve Months	$ 228,355
Year Two	60,752
Year Three	70,152
Year Four	1,038,963
Year Five	38,823
After Year Five	2,305,489
Long-term Debt, Gross	3,742,534
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	34,000	$ 34,000
Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities	152,524	190,672	$ 179,865
Payments in 2021	135,299
Payments in 2022	123,677
Payments in 2023	122,791
Payments in 2024	112,518
Payments in 2025	105,164
Payments in 2026 and thereafter	331,096
Cash Interest Payments Expected Payments Total	930,545
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(36,739)	(34,854)
Bank credit facility	525,000	295,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	1,600,000	1,100,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit	505,000
Redemption Premium	16,100	11,500
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Finance Receivables Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	2,000	2,700
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position	1,200	600
Repayments of Lines of Credit	505,000
Redemption Premium	16,100	11,500
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Finance Receivables Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	2,000	2,700
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position	1,200	600
November 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	200,000
January 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	425,000
April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	800	46,500
May 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	850,000
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent	601,250
Bank credit facility	525,000	295,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	32,500	16,300
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	32,500	16,300
Bank Credit Facility due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Lines of Credit	450,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit	450,000
Term Loan December 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Other Debt	32,100
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent		633,750
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	8,500
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	8,500
June 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt		750,000
August 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	850,000
Unsecured Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized pricing discounts and other	(317)	5,634
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	152,710	153,465
Unsecured Debt [Member] | May 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	850,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | December 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	550,000	550,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | June 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	750,000	750,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | August 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 850,000	$ 0

Debt Debt, Textuals (Details)

Debt Debt, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.62%	4.72%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	66.00%	69.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 525,000	$ 295,000
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	34,000	34,000
Principal payments on capital leases	43,598	42,627	$ 39,686
Repayments of Other Debt	2,000	300
Repayments of Debt	1,200,000	1,400,000
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	18,428	16,637	10,131
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Finance Receivables Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value	2,000	2,700
Pledged Assets, Other, Not Separately Reported on Statement of Financial Position	1,200	600
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	3,836,715	3,583,241
Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements, Net	14,500
Repayments of Long-term Debt	34,489	25,471	$ 34,134
Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net		49,300
Redemption Premium	16,100	11,500
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	1,600,000	1,100,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit	$ 505,000
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
May 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$ 200,000
April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	800	46,500
Bank Credit Facility due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Lines of Credit	450,000
Term Loan December 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent		633,750
Repayments of Other Debt	32,100
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	8,500
January 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	425,000
May 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent	601,250
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	525,000	295,000
Repayments of Debt	850,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	32,500	16,300
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	735,000	295,000
August 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	850,000
June 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt		750,000
December 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit		55,000
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	152,710	153,465
Unsecured Debt [Member] | December 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	550,000	550,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | May 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	850,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | August 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000	0
Unsecured Debt [Member] | June 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 750,000	$ 750,000

Credit Risk and Fair Value of_3

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank credit facility	$ 525,000	$ 295,000
Notes Payable	51,659	45,104
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	3,836,715	3,583,241
Term Loan	601,250	633,750
May 2024 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	0	879,606
Bank credit facility	525,000	295,000
November 2021 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	159,000	165,375
April 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	185,639	188,381
December 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	590,700	577,500
June 2029 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	840,368	798,525
August 2030 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 883,099	$ 0

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Finance Leases New		$ 23,523	$ 43,823
Rnewals and Extensions, Finance Leases		0	4,410
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability		23,523	48,233
Operating Lease, New		4,684	2,883
Renewals and Extensions, Operating Leases		4,128	8,042
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability		8,812	10,925
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	$ 51,126	51,126
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	32,018	32,018
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	24,504	24,504
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	28,242	28,242
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	9,711	9,711
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	19,082	19,082
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due	148,864	148,864
Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability		15,819
Finance Lease, Liability	164,683	164,683
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	10,836	10,836
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	9,649	9,649
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	7,222	7,222
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	6,122	6,122
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	5,177	5,177
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	37,502	37,502
Operating Lease, Expense		19,268
Operating Lease, Liability	76,508	76,508
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	57,240	57,240
Lease LIability Payments Due Next Twelve Months		61,962
Lease Liability Payments Due Year Two	41,667	41,667
Lease Liability Payments Due Year Three	31,726	31,726
Lease Liability Payments Due Year Four	34,364	34,364
Lease Liability Payments Due Year Five	14,888	14,888
Lease Liability Payments Due After Year Five	56,584	56,584
Lease Interest Expense		35,087
Lease Liability	241,191	241,191
Lease Liability Payments Due	206,104	206,104
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	54,764	54,764	58,101
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	146,144	146,144	179,538
Leases Right of Use Asset	200,908	200,908	237,639
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	8,584	8,584	8,538
Finance Lease, Liability, Current	47,109	47,109	39,428
Leases Total Current Liability	55,693	55,693	47,966
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	48,656	48,656	52,091
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	101,755	101,755	145,824
Leases Total NonCurrent Liability	150,411	150,411	197,915
Leases, Total Liability	$ 206,104	206,104	245,881
Finance Lease Payments Cash Outflow		5,446	7,472
Finance Lease liability renewals		2,700
Lease remeasurement		$ 5,700
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units	64	64
Operating Lease, Lease Income	$ 2,500	$ 3,600
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization		41,938	42,147
Finance Lease, Interest Expense		5,955	6,882
Finance Lease Cost		47,893	49,029
Operating Lease, Cost		12,196	12,502
Variable Lease, Cost		29	1,089
Lease, Cost		$ 60,118	$ 62,620
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.30%	4.30%	4.60%
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	3.30%	3.30%	3.50%
Operating Lease, Payments		$ 12,190	$ 12,568
Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability		15,819
Finance Lease, Principal Payments		43,598	42,627
Total Lease Payments		61,234	$ 62,667
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Next Twelve Months	$ 4,466	4,466
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years	4,053	4,053
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years	3,345	3,345
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years	2,929	2,929
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years	2,631	2,631
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter	21,956	21,956
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received	$ 39,380	$ 39,380

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	$ 7,189
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	5,161
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	3,496
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	2,585
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	2,165
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	3,900
Agreements, Future Payments Due	24,496
Self Insurance Reserve	92,800	$ 84,300
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	13,600
Employment Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	1,941
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	1,017
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	585
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	299
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	148
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	49
Agreements, Future Payments Due	4,039
Consulting Agreement [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	716
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	562
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	255
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	138
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	132
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	129
Agreements, Future Payments Due	1,932
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in One Year	4,532
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Two Years	3,582
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Three Years	2,656
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Four Years	2,148
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Five Years	1,885
Agreements, Future Payments, Due in Six Years and Thereafter	3,722
Agreements, Future Payments Due	$ 18,525
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Management, consulting and non-compete agreement term	five years
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Management, consulting and non-compete agreement term	ten years

Equity Textuals (Details)

Equity Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 16, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized		1,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share		$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized		500,000,000
Common stock, par or stated value per share		$ 1
Common stock, shares, issued		174,792,272	185,100,789
Common stock, shares outstanding		170,717,236	181,184,963
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		12,043,347	2,908,850
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method		$ 516,900	$ 129,600
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share		$ 42.92	$ 44.55
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 500,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		231,000
Payments of Dividends, Common Stock		$ 137,392	$ 131,402	$ 123,849
Subsequent Event [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	802,146
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 40,700
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 50.74

Share-Based Compensation Leve_3

Share-Based Compensation Level 4 (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 14,103,000	$ 15,029,000	$ 15,626,000
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income	$ 3,417,000	$ 3,842,000	$ 3,998,000
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding				2,581,498
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 21.70
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable				2,581,498
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 21.70
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 2 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding				1,419,762
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 29.25
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable				1,419,762
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 29.25
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding				1,946,865
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 39.54
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable				1,099,983
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 38.68
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding				963,940
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 50.82
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable				0
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, 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 Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding				6,912,065
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance				$ 32.34
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable				5,101,243
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 27.46
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	1.70%	1.70%	1.80%
Risk-free interest rate	1.40%	2.50%	2.40%
Expected holding period		4 years	4 years
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 5,668,000	$ 6,314,000	$ 6,648,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period	7,309,446
Options outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 27.53
Granted	963,940
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 50.82
Exercised	(1,361,321)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 19.59
Options outstanding at end of period	6,912,065	7,309,446
Options outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 32.34	$ 27.53
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011	6,912,065	7,309,446		6,912,065
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 32.34	$ 27.53		$ 32.34
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number				5,101,243
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 27.46
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Expected volatility	18.00%	19.80%	18.50%
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 5,568,000	$ 6,000,000	$ 6,063,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	288,065
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 38.09
Granted	113,872
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 50.82	$ 42.73	$ 37.50
Vested	(158,408)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 35.82
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	243,529	288,065
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 45.52	$ 38.09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 5,674,000	$ 6,718,000	$ 5,702,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	$ 2,100,000	3,724,000	3,578,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
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	$ 2,867,000	$ 2,715,000	$ 2,862,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	151,452
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 36.79
Granted	67,151
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 48.89	$ 40.91	$ 35.89
Vested	(78,453)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 34.69
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	135,308	151,452
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 43.83	$ 36.79
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 2,722,000	$ 2,827,000	$ 1,946,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(4,842)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 41.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	$ 1,004,000	1,432,000	970,000
Performance Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.11%
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 8,600,000	$ 6,100,000	$ 3,500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted	112,762	125,546	161,864
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 40.70
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 49.10	$ 40.70
Expected volatility	38.00%
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 6 months

Share-Based Compensation Share-

Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	5,873,329	7,148,871
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 117,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		$ 110,400
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 6.44	$ 6.86	$ 5.52
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 5,535	$ 7,250	$ 6,857
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	41,995	65,023	48,643
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	26,671	40,922	24,517
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense	$ 14,103	$ 15,029	15,626
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
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense	$ 5,668	$ 6,314	6,648
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 6,700
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense	$ 5,568	6,000	6,063
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 6,600
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense	$ 2,867	2,715	2,862
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	3,400
Performance Options [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense	$ 8,600	$ 6,100	$ 3,500
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	514,381

Retirement Plans Retirement P_2

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	$ 698	$ 956	$ 923
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)	1,641	2,886	(1,127)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	2,339	3,842	(204)
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	24,961	24,707
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost	698	956	923
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	1,641	2,886
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	2,665	3,588
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	24,635	24,961	24,707
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	2,665	3,588
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(24,635)	(24,961)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	24,635	24,961
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Current	(2,432)	(2,708)
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent	(22,203)	(22,253)
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan	(24,635)	(24,961)
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Retirement Benefits Covered by Insurance Contract, Amount	48,800	47,700
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance, Retirement Plans	$ 39,100	$ 38,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	2.06%	2.95%	4.13%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	2.98%	4.15%	3.26%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	50.00%
Year One	$ 2,458
Year Two	2,357
Year Three	2,116
Year Four	1,922
Year Five	1,823
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Benefit Payments	18,662
Years 2026 through 2030	7,986
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	39,800	$ 39,700	$ 36,800
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	$ 2,665	$ 3,588
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50.00%

Segment Reporting Level 4 (Deta

Segment Reporting Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	$ 2,180								$ 2,051								$ 2,180	$ 2,051
Revenues	970,268		$ 918,241		$ 820,035		$ 802,965		850,760		$ 769,241		$ 812,572		$ 798,212		3,511,509	3,230,785	$ 3,190,174
Interest expense																	163,063	185,843	181,556
Depreciation and amortization																	155,299	151,000	153,650
Depreciation and amortization																	155,299	151,000	153,650
Amortization of intangibles																	22,444	25,649	26,195
Amortization of cemetery property																	80,403	70,330	68,640
Total assets	14,515,425								13,677,430								14,515,425	13,677,430
Capital expenditures																	222,211	239,957	235,545
Gross profits from reportable segments	315,360		263,656		218,767		179,044		217,868		159,732		191,146		191,834		976,827	760,580	760,322
Corporate general and administrative expenses																	(141,066)	(126,886)	(145,596)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net																	7,009	32,919	15,933
Operating income	285,446		223,213		182,335		151,776		240,945		128,585		150,105		146,978		842,770	666,613	630,659
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net																	(18,428)	(16,637)	(10,131)
Other income, net																	781	299	2,760
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	249,455	[1]	$ 164,843	[1]	$ 141,723	[1]	$ 106,039	[1]	195,172	[1]	$ 72,869	[1]	$ 96,083	[1]	$ 100,308	[1]	662,060	464,432	441,732
Long lived assets	6,973,064								6,833,166								6,973,064	6,833,166
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	3,328,381	3,052,101	2,991,617
Interest expense																	162,804	185,512	181,266
Depreciation and amortization																	146,378	142,550	144,877
Amortization of intangibles																	22,132	25,079	25,664
Amortization of cemetery property																	76,275	66,552	63,709
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net																	6,935	33,200	8,419
Operating income																	795,461	628,204	568,446
Long lived assets	6,633,470								6,531,705								6,633,470	6,531,705
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	183,128	178,684	198,557
Interest expense																	259	331	290
Depreciation and amortization																	8,921	8,450	8,773
Amortization of intangibles																	312	570	531
Amortization of cemetery property																	4,128	3,778	4,931
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net																	74	(281)	7,514
Operating income																	47,309	38,409	62,213
Long lived assets	339,594								301,461								339,594	301,461
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	2,052,301	1,923,902	1,897,992
Interest expense																	3,896	4,026	3,634
Depreciation and amortization																	107,770	106,982	108,891
Amortization of intangibles																	13,593	15,343	17,515
Amortization of cemetery property																	0	0	0
Total assets	6,030,764								5,821,408								6,030,764	5,821,408
Capital expenditures																	86,902	112,090	99,008
Gross profits from reportable segments																	494,602	372,638	369,613
Cemetery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	1,459,208	1,306,883	1,292,182
Interest expense																	514	659	469
Depreciation and amortization																	34,693	33,323	33,183
Amortization of intangibles																	8,841	10,297	8,619
Amortization of cemetery property																	80,403	70,330	68,640
Total assets	8,042,339								7,483,713								8,042,339	7,483,713
Capital expenditures																	132,443	125,365	125,131
Gross profits from reportable segments																	482,225	387,942	390,709
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense																	158,653	181,158	177,453
Depreciation and amortization																	12,836	10,695	11,576
Amortization of intangibles																	10	9	61
Amortization of cemetery property																	0	0	0
Total assets	$ 442,322								$ 372,309								442,322	372,309
Capital expenditures																	2,866	2,502	11,406
Funeral Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	1,092,016	996,643	998,464
Funeral Matured Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	662,675	605,237	600,944
Funeral Core Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	1,754,691	1,601,880	1,599,408
Non-funeral Home Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	61,198	52,211	49,671
Funeral Recognized Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	124,645	139,525	125,144
Funeral Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	111,767	130,286	123,769
Cemetery Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	386,850	326,230	323,162
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Property Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	659,950	581,724	572,955
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Merchandise And Service Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	298,864	287,589	288,282
Cemetery Core Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	1,345,664	1,195,543	1,184,399
Cemetery Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues																	$ 113,544	$ 111,340	$ 107,783
[1]	Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, ne t, as described in Note 16 .

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, 2020		Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 201,043		$ 127,415		$ 105,508		$ 81,941		$ 147,152		$ 70,792		$ 72,329		$ 79,323		$ 515,907	$ 369,596	$ 447,208
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares — basic																	176,709	182,246	182,447
Weighted average shares — diluted																	178,990	185,523	186,972
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 1.17	[1]	$ 0.72	[1]	$ 0.59	[1]	$ 0.45	[1]	$ 0.81	[1]	$ 0.39	[1]	$ 0.40	[1]	$ 0.44	[1]	$ 2.92	$ 2.03	$ 2.45
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 1.15	[1]	$ 0.72	[1]	$ 0.59	[1]	$ 0.45	[1]	$ 0.79	[1]	$ 0.38	[1]	$ 0.39	[1]	$ 0.43	[1]	$ 2.88	$ 1.99	$ 2.39
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount																	1,614,000	678,000	1,035,000
Stock Options [Member]
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Share based compensation																	2,234	3,223	4,339
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Share based compensation																	47	54	186
[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, Textuals (Details)

Acquisition, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Acquisitions [Abstract]
(Losses) gains on divestitures										$ 11,962	$ 41,835	$ 20,340
Impairment losses										(4,953)	(8,916)	(4,407)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net										7,009	32,919	15,933
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 970,268	$ 918,241	$ 820,035	$ 802,965	$ 850,760	$ 769,241	$ 812,572	$ 798,212		3,511,509	3,230,785	3,190,174
Net Income	$ 201,091	$ 127,492	$ 105,553	$ 82,001	$ 147,173	$ 70,872	$ 72,513	$ 79,213		516,137	369,771	447,558
Acquisition Spend									$ 82,200	116,200	107,000
Large Acquisition Debt Acquired									$ 49,800
Payments for (Proceeds from) Delayed Tax Exempt Exchange										55,100	13,600	5,900
Cemetery [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Revenue										1,459,208	1,306,883	1,292,182
Funeral [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Revenue										$ 2,052,301	1,923,902	$ 1,897,992
Current Year Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Revenue											17,900
Net Income											$ 1,700

Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue

Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue and Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue	$ 32,434
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss)	$ 4,669

Acquisitions Acquisitions Intan

Acquisitions Acquisitions Intangible Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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
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

Quarterly Financial Data Quar_2

Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Data Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020		Sep. 30, 2020		Jun. 30, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020		Dec. 31, 2019		Sep. 30, 2019		Jun. 30, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 970,268		$ 918,241		$ 820,035		$ 802,965		$ 850,760		$ 769,241		$ 812,572		$ 798,212		$ 3,511,509	$ 3,230,785	$ 3,190,174
Costs of revenue	(654,908)		(654,585)		(601,268)		(623,921)		(632,892)		(609,509)		(621,426)		(606,378)		(2,534,682)	(2,470,205)	(2,429,852)
Gross profits	315,360		263,656		218,767		179,044		217,868		159,732		191,146		191,834		976,827	760,580	760,322
Operating income	285,446		223,213		182,335		151,776		240,945		128,585		150,105		146,978		842,770	666,613	630,659
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	249,455	[1]	164,843	[1]	141,723	[1]	106,039	[1]	195,172	[1]	72,869	[1]	96,083	[1]	100,308	[1]	662,060	464,432	441,732
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(48,364)		(37,351)		(36,170)		(24,038)		(47,999)		(1,997)		(23,570)		(21,095)		(145,923)	(94,661)	5,826
Net income	201,091		127,492		105,553		82,001		147,173		70,872		72,513		79,213		516,137	369,771	447,558
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(48)		(77)		(45)		(60)		(21)		(80)		(184)		110		(230)	(175)	(350)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 201,043		$ 127,415		$ 105,508		$ 81,941		$ 147,152		$ 70,792		$ 72,329		$ 79,323		$ 515,907	$ 369,596	$ 447,208
Basic — EPS	$ 1.17	[2]	$ 0.72	[2]	$ 0.59	[2]	$ 0.45	[2]	$ 0.81	[2]	$ 0.39	[2]	$ 0.40	[2]	$ 0.44	[2]	$ 2.92	$ 2.03	$ 2.45
Earnings per share, diluted	$ 1.15	[2]	$ 0.72	[2]	$ 0.59	[2]	$ 0.45	[2]	$ 0.79	[2]	$ 0.38	[2]	$ 0.39	[2]	$ 0.43	[2]	$ 2.88	$ 1.99	$ 2.39
[1]	Includes Gains (losses) on divestitures and impairment charges, ne t, as described in Note 16 .
[2]	Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of the quarters’ net income per share may not equal the total computed for the year.

Schedule II Valuation and 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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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	$ (55,340)	$ (48,380)	$ (107,749)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	0	1,617	(69)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	55,340	5,343	59,300
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	0	(55,340)	(48,380)
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	0	0	(118,099)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	0	0	118,099
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	0	0	0
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	(114,331)	(120,931)	(141,154)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	(6,492)	(6,604)	(20,219)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	251	4	(4)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(108,090)	(114,331)	(120,931)
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	(2,230)	(1,578)	(2,090)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	0	9,146	8,372
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	2,230	8,494	8,884
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	0	(2,230)	(1,578)
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	5,756
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	275
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(6,031)	0
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Noncurrent Notes [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	(8,374)	(10,814)	(10,946)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	8,374	2,440	132
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	0	(8,374)	$ (10,814)
Asset Allowance for Cancellation, Preneed Funeral and Cemetery [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	7,739
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	11,465
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(19,204)	0
Aset Allowance ofr Cancellation, Notes Receivable [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	88
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(6,814)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	$ (6,902)	$ 0