Service Corporation International (SCI) 10-K 13 Feb 24 2023 FY Annual report Financial data

Audit Information

Audit Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Auditor [Line Items]
Auditor Firm ID	238
Auditor Name	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Location	Houston, Texas

Cover Page (Details)

Cover Page (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Jun. 30, 2023
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2023
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		$ 9,648,975,829
Audited Annual Financial Statements	true
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag]	false

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Feb. 13, 2024
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, 2023
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Shell Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		146,036,839
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, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 4,099,778	$ 4,108,661	$ 4,143,143
Costs of revenue	(3,007,971)	(2,954,059)	(2,820,068)
Gains on divestitures, net	12,543	10,923	28,573
Gross profits	1,091,807	1,154,602	1,323,075
Corporate general and administrative expenses	(157,368)	(237,248)	(157,568)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	9,816	9,962	25,169
Operating income	944,255	927,316	1,190,676
Interest expense	(239,447)	(172,109)	(150,610)
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	(1,114)	(1,225)	(5,226)
Other income, net	4,912	1,646	10,660
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	708,606	755,628	1,045,500
Provision for income taxes	(170,945)	(189,594)	(242,248)
Net income	537,661	566,034	803,252
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(344)	(696)	(313)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 537,317	$ 565,338	$ 802,939
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 3.57	$ 3.58	$ 4.79
Basic weighted average number of shares	150,565	157,713	167,542
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 3.53	$ 3.53	$ 4.72
Diluted weighted average number of shares	152,351	160,131	170,114
Product [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,124,600	$ 2,136,593	$ 2,139,795
Costs of revenue	(1,075,041)	(1,041,287)	(1,007,261)
Service [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	1,683,417	1,707,099	1,730,860
Costs of revenue	(912,346)	(883,020)	(833,183)
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue	291,761	264,969	272,488
Costs of revenue	$ (1,020,584)	$ (1,029,752)	$ (979,624)

Consolidated Statement of Compr

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 537,661	$ 566,034	$ 803,252
Foreign currency translation adjustments	8,353	(23,681)	846
Total comprehensive income	546,014	542,353	804,098
Total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	344	691	311
Total comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	545,670	541,662	803,787
Comprehensive income	546,014	542,353	804,098
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 8,353	$ (23,681)	$ 846

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 221,557	$ 191,938
Receivables, net	97,939	96,681
Inventories	33,597	31,740
Income tax receivable	122,183	7,021
Other	23,010	32,466
Total current assets	498,286	359,846
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	6,191,912	5,577,499
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	(2,345)	(3,602)
Cemetery property	2,020,846	1,939,816
Property and equipment, net	2,480,099	2,350,549
Goodwill	1,977,186	1,945,588
Deferred charges and other assets	1,247,830	1,190,426
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	1,939,241	1,702,313
Total assets	16,355,400	15,066,037
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	685,699	707,488
Current maturities of long-term debt	63,341	90,661
Income taxes payable	60	1,131
Total current liabilities	749,100	799,280
Long-term debt	4,649,155	4,251,083
Deferred preneed revenue	1,703,509	1,624,028
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent	638,106	445,040
Other liabilities	464,935	411,376
Deferred receipts held in trust	4,670,884	4,163,520
Care trusts’ corpus	1,938,238	1,698,287
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Equity:
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	1,541,473	1,673,423
Common Stock, Value, Outstanding	146,323	153,940
Capital in excess of par value	937,596	958,329
Accumulated deficit	432,454	544,384
Accumulated other comprehensive income	24,891	16,538
Total common stockholders’ equity	1,541,264	1,673,191
Noncontrolling interests	209	232
Total equity	$ 1,541,473	$ 1,673,423
Common stock, par or stated value per share	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000
Common stock, shares, issued	148,297,042	156,088,438
Common stock, shares outstanding	146,323,340	153,940,365
Total liabilities and equity	$ 16,355,400	$ 15,066,037
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ (4,382)	$ (6,186)

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
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	148,297,042	156,088,438
Common stock, shares outstanding	146,323,340	153,940,365

Consolidated Statement of Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net income	$ 537,661	$ 566,034	$ 803,252
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	1,114	1,225	5,226
Depreciation and amortization	191,272	175,330	159,306
Amortization of intangibles	18,736	18,355	20,002
Amortization of cemetery property	101,234	94,123	98,162
Amortization of loan costs	6,871	6,851	6,367
Provision for expected credit losses	11,245	16,700	11,362
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes	191,516	3,471	(5,837)
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	(9,816)	(9,962)	(25,169)
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Investments	0	1,169	0
Share-based compensation	15,423	14,709	14,168
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets	(131,581)	(8,206)	(54,883)
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities	(9,676)	37,029	53,747
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts and Other Receivables	(3,810)	4,151	(20,215)
Effect of preneed funeral production and maturities:
Increase in preneed receivables, net and trust investments	(178,642)	(309,055)	(308,061)
Increase in deferred revenue, net	157,656	195,358	119,730
Increase in deferred receipts held in trust	(30,160)	20,781	43,451
Net cash provided by operating activities	869,043	825,725	920,608
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(361,793)	(369,709)	(303,660)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	(72,535)	(102,558)	(121,382)
Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions	(56,409)	(17,127)	(26,604)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	25,888	42,093	40,696
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	(6,598)	1,330	0
Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities	(8,058)	(1,910)	(3,982)
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy	10,119	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(469,386)	(447,881)	(414,932)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	957,433	484,000	975,000
Debt issuance costs	(7,471)	(525)	(13,640)
Scheduled payments of debt	(22,230)	(36,288)	(36,158)
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt	(580,973)	(65,591)	(699,837)
Finance Lease, Principal Payments	34,482	35,542	34,617
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	24,181	27,814	39,354
Purchase of Company common stock	(544,844)	(660,850)	(554,313)
Payments of dividends	(167,983)	(160,035)	(146,919)
Bank overdrafts and other	(4,773)	(980)	5,510
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(381,142)	(447,997)	(465,620)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations	1,722	(3,878)	(111)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	20,237	(74,031)	39,945
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 224,761	$ 204,524	$ 278,555

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
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 1,752,621
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	804,098
Dividends	(146,919)
Stock option exercises	39,677
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	0
Employee share-based compensation earned	14,168
Purchase of Company common stock	554,636
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (180)
Retirement of treasury shares	0
Other	$ 620
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2021	1,909,449	$ 166,822	$ (3,708)	$ 979,096	$ 40,214	$ 727,021	$ 4
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	542,353
Dividends	(160,035)
Stock option exercises	14,709
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	28,094
Employee share-based compensation earned	0
Purchase of Company common stock	661,130
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (463)
Retirement of treasury shares	0
Other	$ 446
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2022	1,673,423	156,089	(2,149)	958,329	16,538	544,384	232
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	546,014
Dividends	(167,983)
Stock option exercises	15,423
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures	24,181
Employee share-based compensation earned	0
Purchase of Company common stock	549,568
Noncontrolling interest payments	$ (367)
Retirement of treasury shares	0
Other	$ 350
Balance at end of period at Dec. 31, 2023	$ 1,541,473	$ 148,298	$ (1,975)	$ 937,596	$ 24,891	$ 432,454	$ 209

Consolidated Statement of Equ_2

Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared per share	$ 1.12	$ 1.02	$ 0.88

Supplementary Information Level

Supplementary Information Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Information [Text Block]	Supplementary Information The detail of certain balance sheet accounts is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 151,608 $ 147,408 Commercial paper and temporary investments 69,949 44,530 $ 221,557 $ 191,938 Other current assets: Prepaid insurance 5,182 5,035 Prepaid expenses 13,355 13,001 Restricted cash 370 10,379 Other 4,103 4,051 $ 23,010 $ 32,466 Cemetery property: Undeveloped land $ 1,328,358 $ 1,304,514 Developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and cremation memorialization property 692,488 635,302 $ 2,020,846 $ 1,939,816 Property and equipment, net: Land $ 761,092 $ 711,672 Buildings and improvements 2,685,867 2,581,695 Operating equipment 816,602 702,028 Leasehold improvements 46,254 44,044 Finance leases 339,395 332,301 4,649,210 4,371,740 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,957,141) (1,804,703) Less: Accumulated amortization of finance leases (211,970) (216,488) $ 2,480,099 $ 2,350,549 Deferred charges and other assets: Intangible assets, net $ 485,109 $ 481,010 Restricted cash 2,834 2,207 Deferred tax assets 7,320 5,910 Notes receivable, net of reserves of $1,797 and $2,546, respectively 8,497 6,821 Cash surrender value of insurance policies 220,587 199,516 Deferred incremental direct selling costs 406,181 384,108 Operating leases 50,973 49,741 Other 66,329 61,113 $ 1,247,830 $ 1,190,426 Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 203,352 $ 177,970 Accrued benefits 169,164 198,260 Accrued interest 25,632 23,602 Accrued property taxes 13,891 15,151 Self-insurance reserves 103,297 99,252 Legal reserves 63,595 76,866 Bank overdrafts 36,562 39,695 Operating leases 7,782 7,083 Other accrued liabilities 62,424 69,609 $ 685,699 $ 707,488 Other liabilities: Accrued benefit costs $ 13,539 $ 13,670 Deferred compensation 201,287 174,035 Customer refund obligation reserve 37,729 37,805 Tax liability 2,318 2,208 Payable to perpetual care trust 148,198 127,662 Operating leases 46,050 45,314 Other 15,814 10,682 $ 464,935 $ 411,376

Supplementary Information Lev_2

Supplementary Information Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Supplementary Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Balance Sheet, Supplemental Disclosures	The detail of certain balance sheet accounts is as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash $ 151,608 $ 147,408 Commercial paper and temporary investments 69,949 44,530 $ 221,557 $ 191,938 Other current assets: Prepaid insurance 5,182 5,035 Prepaid expenses 13,355 13,001 Restricted cash 370 10,379 Other 4,103 4,051 $ 23,010 $ 32,466 Cemetery property: Undeveloped land $ 1,328,358 $ 1,304,514 Developed lots, lawn crypts, mausoleum spaces, cremation niches, and cremation memorialization property 692,488 635,302 $ 2,020,846 $ 1,939,816 Property and equipment, net: Land $ 761,092 $ 711,672 Buildings and improvements 2,685,867 2,581,695 Operating equipment 816,602 702,028 Leasehold improvements 46,254 44,044 Finance leases 339,395 332,301 4,649,210 4,371,740 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1,957,141) (1,804,703) Less: Accumulated amortization of finance leases (211,970) (216,488) $ 2,480,099 $ 2,350,549 Deferred charges and other assets: Intangible assets, net $ 485,109 $ 481,010 Restricted cash 2,834 2,207 Deferred tax assets 7,320 5,910 Notes receivable, net of reserves of $1,797 and $2,546, respectively 8,497 6,821 Cash surrender value of insurance policies 220,587 199,516 Deferred incremental direct selling costs 406,181 384,108 Operating leases 50,973 49,741 Other 66,329 61,113 $ 1,247,830 $ 1,190,426 Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: Accounts payable $ 203,352 $ 177,970 Accrued benefits 169,164 198,260 Accrued interest 25,632 23,602 Accrued property taxes 13,891 15,151 Self-insurance reserves 103,297 99,252 Legal reserves 63,595 76,866 Bank overdrafts 36,562 39,695 Operating leases 7,782 7,083 Other accrued liabilities 62,424 69,609 $ 685,699 $ 707,488 Other liabilities: Accrued benefit costs $ 13,539 $ 13,670 Deferred compensation 201,287 174,035 Customer refund obligation reserve 37,729 37,805 Tax liability 2,318 2,208 Payable to perpetual care trust 148,198 127,662 Operating leases 46,050 45,314 Other 15,814 10,682 $ 464,935 $ 411,376 Certain Non-Cash Investing and Financing Transactions Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Net change in capital expenditure accrual $ 9,171 $ 3,817 $ 3,201 Options exercised by attestation $ — $ 280 $ 323 Shares repurchased $ — $ (280) $ (323) Excise tax accrual on shares repurchased $ 4,724 $ — $ —
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 2023 $ 230,551 Payments in 2022 $ 164,222 Payments in 2021 $ 142,145

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 869,043	$ 825,725	$ 920,608
Capital expenditures	(361,793)	(369,709)	(303,660)
Proceeds from divestitures and sales of property and equipment	25,888	42,093	40,696
Payment to Acquire Life Insurance Policy, Investing Activities	(8,058)	(1,910)	(3,982)
Proceeds from Life Insurance Policy	10,119	0	0
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities	6,598	(1,330)	0
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(469,386)	(447,881)	(414,932)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	957,433	484,000	975,000
Debt issuance costs	(7,471)	(525)	(13,640)
Scheduled payments of debt	(22,230)	(36,288)	(36,158)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	24,181	27,814	39,354
Purchase of Company common stock	(544,844)	(660,850)	(554,313)
Payments of dividends	(167,983)	(160,035)	(146,919)
Bank overdrafts and other	(4,773)	(980)	5,510
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(381,142)	(447,997)	(465,620)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	20,237	(74,031)	39,945
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 224,761	$ 204,524	$ 278,555	$ 238,610

Preneed Activities Preneed Acti

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Receivables Net and Trust Invesments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	$ 1,562,318	$ 1,447,412
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(15,910)	(17,889)
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value	6,394,796	5,663,163
Investments	6,617,220	5,877,603
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	1,546,408	1,429,523
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	32,475	27,314
Beginning balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	5,577,499	6,015,323
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds	(1,699,683)	(1,639,291)
Deposits to trust	590,257	534,586
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	3,394	15,860
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings	527,264	(611,057)
Maturities and distributed earnings	(591,834)	(500,216)
Change in cancellation allowance	(5,160)	(6,609)
Effect of foreign currency and other	(14,973)	(19,874)
Ending balance — Preneed funeral receivables and trust investments	6,191,912	5,577,499
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables		27,314
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Current Fiscal Year	623,118
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Fiscal Year before Latest Fiscal Year	443,432
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Two Years before Latest Fiscal Year	261,657
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Three Years before Latest Fiscal Year	131,738
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Four Years before Latest Fiscal Year	49,296
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Five or More Years before Latest Fiscal Year	37,167
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	7,991
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	15
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	2,823
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	(8)
Total Preneed receivables, Past Due	168,535
Preneed Receivable, Not Past Due	1,377,873
Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	66,399
Financing Receivables 30 to 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	54,920
Financing Receivables 91 to 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	17,070
Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	30,146
Funeral [Member]
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	190,514	180,108
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(10,100)	(11,129)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	180,414	168,979
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	17,026	14,438
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	(14,438)
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Current Fiscal Year	76,517
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Fiscal Year before Latest Fiscal Year	47,537
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Two Years before Latest Fiscal Year	24,827
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Three Years before Latest Fiscal Year	11,242
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Four Years before Latest Fiscal Year	6,683
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Five or More Years before Latest Fiscal Year	13,608
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	4,761
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	0
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	2,175
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	(2)
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	6,086
Total Preneed receivables, Past Due	40,431
Preneed Receivable, Not Past Due	139,983
Funeral [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 to 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	5,147
Funeral [Member] | Financing Receivables 91 to 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	2,513
Funeral [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	26,685
Cemetery [Member]
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	1,371,804	1,267,304
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(5,810)	(6,760)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	1,365,994	1,260,544
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	15,449	$ 12,876
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	(12,876)
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Current Fiscal Year	546,601
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated in Fiscal Year before Latest Fiscal Year	395,895
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Two Years before Latest Fiscal Year	236,830
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Three Years before Latest Fiscal Year	120,496
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Four Years before Latest Fiscal Year	42,613
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Originated Five or More Years before Latest Fiscal Year	23,559
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	3,230
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	15
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	648
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	(6)
Total Preneed receivables, Past Due	128,104
Preneed Receivable, Not Past Due	1,237,890
Cemetery [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	60,313
Cemetery [Member] | Financing Receivables 30 to 90 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	49,773
Cemetery [Member] | Financing Receivables 91 to 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	14,557
Cemetery [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent, Nonaccrual	$ 3,461

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_2

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Deferred Preneed Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Deferred Preneed Revenues [Roll Forward]
Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust	$ 6,374,393	$ 5,787,548	$ 6,299,241	$ 5,761,291
Net preneed contract sales	1,451,833	1,448,371	1,314,001
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	5,961	10,824	4,707
Net investment (losses) earnings	527,894	(618,760)	443,088
Change in deferred revenue for unfulfilled performance obligations	(93,473)	(123,337)	(87,207)
Recognized Revenue From Backlog	(554,839)	(498,242)	(471,160)
Recognized Revenue From Current Period	(730,436)	(726,584)	(669,025)
Change in cancellation allowance	87	8,351	(459)
Effect of foreign currency and other	$ (20,182)	$ (12,316)	$ 4,005

Supplementary Information Lev_3

Supplementary Information Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$ 151,608	$ 147,408
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	69,949	44,530
Cash and cash equivalents	221,557	191,938
Receivables, net:
Receivables, net	97,939	96,681
Other current assets:
Income tax receivable	122,183	7,021
Prepaid insurance	5,182	5,035
Prepaid Expense	13,355	13,001
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current	370	10,379
Other Assets, Current	4,103	4,051
Other	23,010	32,466
Cemetery Property, Undeveloped Land	1,328,358	1,304,514
Cemetery Property, Developed	692,488	635,302
Cemetery property, at cost	2,020,846	1,939,816
Land	761,092	711,672
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	2,685,867	2,581,695
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	816,602	702,028
Leasehold Improvements, Gross	46,254	44,044
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability	339,395	332,301
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	4,649,210	4,371,740
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	(1,957,141)	(1,804,703)
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Accumulated Amortization	211,970	216,488
Property and equipment, net	2,480,099	2,350,549
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	485,109	481,010
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	2,834	2,207
Non-current deferred tax assets	7,320	5,910
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	8,497	6,821
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	2,345	3,602
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	50,973	49,741
Other Assets, Miscellaneous, Noncurrent	66,329	61,113
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	220,587	199,516
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:
Accounts payable	203,352	177,970
Accrued compensation	169,164	198,260
Interest Payable, Current	25,632	23,602
Accrual for Taxes Other than Income Taxes, Current	13,891	15,151
Self Insurance Reserve, Current	103,297	99,252
Estimated Litigation Liability	63,595	76,866
Bank Overdrafts	36,562	39,695
Other liabilities	464,935	411,376
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	7,782	7,083
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	62,424	69,609
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	685,699	707,488
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent	13,539	13,670
Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent	201,287	174,035
Tax liability	2,318	2,208
Payable to ECF	148,198	127,662
Deferred charges and other assets	1,247,830	1,190,426
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	46,050	45,314
Other liabilities	15,814	10,682
Deferred incremental selling costs	406,181	384,108
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid		3,817
Change in Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not Yet Paid	9,171		$ 3,201
Options exercised by attestation	0	(280)	(323)
Shares repurchased for Options exercised by Attestation	(4,724)	280	$ 323
Customer Refund Liability, Noncurrent	37,729	37,805
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	$ 638,106	$ 445,040

Nature of Operations Level 1 (N

Nature of Operations Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023
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. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period disclosure presentation with no effect on our consolidated net income 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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Cash and cash equivalents $ 221,557 $ 191,938 Restricted cash (1) : Included in Other current assets 370 10,379 Included in Deferred charges and other assets 2,834 2,207 Total restricted cash 3,204 12,586 Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 224,761 $ 204,524 (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, 2023 Atneed Funeral Atneed Cemetery Miscellaneous Current Portion of Notes Total (In thousands) Receivables $ 35,572 $ 19,277 $ 47,297 $ 175 $ 102,321 Reserve for credit losses (1,784) (2,118) (343) (137) (4,382) Receivables, net $ 33,788 $ 17,159 $ 46,954 $ 38 $ 97,939 December 31, 2022 Atneed Funeral Atneed Cemetery Miscellaneous Current Portion of Notes Total (In thousands) Receivables $ 44,417 $ 19,781 $ 38,483 $ 186 $ 102,867 Reserve for credit losses (3,627) (2,076) (344) (139) (6,186) Receivables, net $ 40,790 $ 17,705 $ 38,139 $ 47 $ 96,681 Additionally, included in Deferred charges and other assets, net were notes receivable, net and long-term miscellaneous receivables, net as follows: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Notes receivable $ 10,294 $ 9,367 Reserve for credit losses (1,797) (2,546) Notes receivable, net $ 8,497 $ 6,821 Long-term miscellaneous receivables $ 7,888 $ 7,993 Reserve for credit losses (548) (1,056) Long-term miscellaneous receivables, net $ 7,340 $ 6,937 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. Cemetery preneed receivables are collateralized by cemetery property to the extent of the fair value of the property. 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 our in house collection 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, 2023: December 31, 2022 Provision for Expected Credit Losses (Acquisitions) Write Recoveries Effect of Foreign Currency December 31, 2023 (In thousands) Trade receivables: Funeral $ (3,627) $ (2,626) $ — $ 6,280 $ (1,893) $ 82 $ (1,784) Cemetery (2,076) (1,139) — 1,467 (371) 1 (2,118) Total reserve for credit losses on trade receivables $ (5,703) $ (3,765) $ — $ 7,747 $ (2,264) $ 83 $ (3,902) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ (344) $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (343) Long-term (1,056) 508 — — — — (548) Total reserve for credit losses on miscellaneous receivables $ (1,400) $ 509 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (891) Notes receivable $ (2,685) $ 2 $ — $ 1,281 $ — $ (532) $ (1,934) At December 31, 2023, the amortized cost basis of our miscellaneous and notes receivables by year of origination was as follows: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Line of Credit Total (In thousands) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ 44,897 $ 1,681 $ 427 $ 207 $ 83 $ 2 $ — $ 47,297 Long-term 3,607 2,255 1,351 313 353 9 — 7,888 Total miscellaneous receivables $ 48,504 $ 3,936 $ 1,778 $ 520 $ 436 $ 11 $ — $ 55,185 Notes receivable $ — $ — $ — $ 11 $ — $ 4,603 $ 5,855 $ 10,469 At December 31, 2023, 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 $ — $ 19 $ 249 $ 1,244 $ 1,512 $ 45,785 $ 47,297 Long-term — — — — — 7,888 7,888 Total miscellaneous receivables $ — $ 19 $ 249 $ 1,244 $ 1,512 $ 53,673 $ 55,185 Notes receivable $ — $ 117 $ — $ 1,116 $ 1,233 $ 9,236 $ 10,469 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 $101.2 million, $94.1 million, and $98.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 forty years three years twelve years twelve years 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 represen ts 59% of our total lease liability as of December 31, 2023 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 3.0% 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 2.8% for our funeral and cemetery reporting units, respectively. Additionally, we used a ratio of expenses to revenue ranging from 70.0% to 80.0% and growth rates for other assumptions in our model ranging from 2.0% to 3.0%. 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. 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% (4.2% 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 2.8% 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. 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 five 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. 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 8.9 million, 11.9 million, and 9.8 million shares of our common stock held in our treasury in 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 these 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, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we recognized $247.4 million, $263.9 million, and $259.9 million, respectively, of incremental selling costs. All other selling costs are expensed as incurred. The components of Cost of revenue in our Consolidated Statement of Operations are: • Cost of property and merchandise , which includes cemetery property amortization, the direct cost of merchandise, labor-related costs for merchandise handling and delivery, cemetery maintenance expenses and depreciation, and selling costs; • Cost of services , which includes the direct cost of providing the services (including labor-related costs), cemetery maintenance expenses and depreciation, vehicle operating costs and depreciation, and selling costs; and • Overhead and other expenses , which includes labor-related costs, facility expenses and depreciation, and other general and administrative expenses incurred in our funeral and cemetery operations. Corporate general and administrative expenses include labor-related costs, corporate asset depreciation and amortization, public company costs, and other general and administrative expenses incurred by our corporate functions. 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 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $185.6 million, $164.3 million, and $157.4 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

Preneed Activities Level 1 (Not

Preneed Activities Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Preneed receivables, net $ 1,513,933 $ 1,402,209 Trust investments, at fair value 6,394,796 5,663,163 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 222,424 214,440 Trust investments 6,617,220 5,877,603 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,939,241) (1,702,313) Preneed trust investments 4,677,979 4,175,290 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 6,191,912 $ 5,577,499 Preneed receivables, net comprised the following: December 31, 2023 Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables $ 190,514 $ 1,371,804 $ 1,562,318 Unearned finance charges (10,100) (5,810) (15,910) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 180,414 $ 1,365,994 $ 1,546,408 Reserve for credit losses (17,026) (15,449) (32,475) Preneed receivables, net $ 163,388 $ 1,350,545 $ 1,513,933 December 31, 2022 Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables $ 180,108 $ 1,267,304 $ 1,447,412 Unearned finance charges (11,129) (6,760) (17,889) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 168,979 $ 1,260,544 $ 1,429,523 Reserve for credit losses (14,438) (12,876) (27,314) Preneed receivables, net $ 154,541 $ 1,247,668 $ 1,402,209 At December 31, 2023, the amortized cost basis of our preneed receivables by year of origination was as follows: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost: Funeral $ 76,517 $ 47,537 $ 24,827 $ 11,242 $ 6,683 $ 13,608 $ 180,414 Cemetery 546,601 395,895 236,830 120,496 42,613 23,559 1,365,994 Total preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 623,118 $ 443,432 $ 261,657 $ 131,738 $ 49,296 $ 37,167 $ 1,546,408 At December 31, 2023, 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 $ 6,086 $ 5,147 $ 2,513 $ 26,685 $ 40,431 $ 139,983 $ 180,414 Cemetery 60,313 49,773 14,557 3,461 128,104 1,237,890 1,365,994 Total preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 66,399 $ 54,920 $ 17,070 $ 30,146 $ 168,535 $ 1,377,873 $ 1,546,408 The following table summarizes the activity for the reserve for credit losses on preneed receivables for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. December 31, 2022 Provision for Expected Credit Losses (Acquisitions) Divestitures, Net Write Offs Effect of Foreign Currency December 31, 2023 (In thousands) Funeral $ (14,438) $ (4,761) $ — $ 2,175 $ (2) $ (17,026) Cemetery (12,876) (3,230) 15 648 (6) (15,449) Total reserve for credit losses on preneed receivables $ (27,314) $ (7,991) $ 15 $ 2,823 $ (8) $ (32,475) The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with our trusts: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Deposits $ 590,257 $ 534,586 $ 519,023 Withdrawals $ 591,591 $ 507,872 $ 477,443 Purchases of securities $ 2,070,313 $ 1,647,032 $ 1,823,267 Sales of securities $ 2,038,517 $ 1,518,779 $ 1,744,618 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 281,168 $ 332,738 $ 584,863 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (227,075) $ (201,173) $ (91,715) (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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,577,499 $ 6,015,323 $ 5,345,720 Net preneed contract sales 1,973,012 1,978,266 1,870,972 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,699,683) (1,639,291) (1,550,735) Deposits to trust 515,866 468,482 452,554 Acquisitions of businesses, net 3,394 15,860 4,912 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 527,264 (611,057) 448,469 Maturities and distributed earnings (591,834) (500,216) (464,247) Change in cancellation allowance (5,160) (6,609) (1,523) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (93,473) (123,385) (87,207) Effect of foreign currency and other (14,973) (19,874) (3,592) Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 6,191,912 $ 5,577,499 $ 6,015,323 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings. The cost and fair values associated with trust investments recorded at fair value at December 31, 2023 and 2022 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, 2023 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 45,645 $ 145 $ (1,376) $ 44,414 Canadian government 2 31,896 — — 31,896 Corporate 2 10,642 138 (17) 10,763 Residential mortgage-backed 2 5,452 29 (104) 5,377 Asset-backed 2 291 — (51) 240 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 417 — (97) 320 Common stock: United States 1 1,744,919 478,226 (78,630) 2,144,515 Canada 1 42,721 20,251 (676) 62,296 Other international 1 108,106 19,580 (11,088) 116,598 Mutual funds: Equity 1 876,620 118,476 (9,540) 985,556 Fixed income 1 998,767 5,727 (109,231) 895,263 Trust investments, at fair value 3,865,476 642,572 (210,810) 4,297,238 Commingled funds Fixed income 827,600 2,432 (63,021) 767,011 Equity 337,500 71,819 (642) 408,677 Money market funds 346,672 — — 346,672 Alternative investments 412,482 169,825 (7,109) 575,198 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,924,254 244,076 (70,772) 2,097,558 Trust investments, at market $ 5,789,730 $ 886,648 $ (281,582) $ 6,394,796 As of December 31, 2023, our unfunded commitment for our private equity investments was $322.6 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. December 31, 2022 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 45,084 $ 22 $ (2,033) $ 43,073 Canadian government 2 30,200 — — 30,200 Corporate 2 175 — (18) 157 Residential mortgage-backed 2 1,420 — (101) 1,319 Asset-backed 2 294 — (52) 242 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 4,144 — (2,340) 1,804 Common stock: United States 1 1,707,240 283,423 (208,523) 1,782,140 Canada 1 47,821 11,765 (11,117) 48,469 Other international 1 123,440 10,561 (19,009) 114,992 Mutual funds: Equity 1 917,686 64,895 (112,374) 870,207 Fixed income 1 1,135,815 1,231 (166,286) 970,760 Trust investments, at fair value 4,013,319 371,897 (521,853) 3,863,363 Commingled funds Fixed income 730,940 2 (89,246) 641,696 Equity 309,893 40,820 (3,846) 346,867 Money market funds 325,562 — — 325,562 Alternative investments 307,275 179,491 (1,091) 485,675 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,673,670 220,313 (94,183) 1,799,800 Trust investments, at market $ 5,686,989 $ 592,210 $ (616,036) $ 5,663,163 Our alternative investments include funds invested in limited partnerships with interests in private equity, private market real estate, energy and natural resources, infrastructure, transportation, and private debt including both distressed debt 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. The funds' managers have not communicated the timing of any liquidations. Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2024 to 2040. Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2023 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 55,207 Due in one to five years 30,265 Due in five to ten years 7,132 Thereafter 86 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 92,690 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our preneed trust investments was $158.2 million, $143.8 million, and $179.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our cemetery perpetual care trust investments was $86.6 million, $85.1 million, and $96.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Deferred Revenue, Net 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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Deferred revenue $ 2,649,397 $ 2,472,693 Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts (945,888) (848,665) Deferred revenue, net $ 1,703,509 $ 1,624,028 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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,787,548 $ 6,299,241 $ 5,761,291 Net preneed contract sales 1,451,833 1,448,371 1,314,001 Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net 5,961 10,824 4,707 Net investment gains (losses) (1) 527,894 (618,760) 443,088 Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (554,839) (498,242) (471,160) Recognized revenue from current period sales (730,436) (726,584) (669,025) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (93,473) (123,337) (87,207) Change in cancellation reserve 87 8,351 (459) Effect of foreign currency and other (20,182) (12,316) 4,005 Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 6,374,393 $ 5,787,548 $ 6,299,241 (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, 2021
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, 2023 2022 Funeral Cemetery Total Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Beginning balance — Goodwill $ 1,603,600 $ 341,988 $ 1,945,588 $ 1,584,175 $ 330,907 $ 1,915,082 Increase in goodwill related to 13,994 17,053 31,047 26,143 11,081 37,224 Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures (1) (1,502) (225) (1,727) — — — Effect of foreign currency 2,278 — 2,278 (6,718) — (6,718) Total activity 14,770 16,828 31,598 19,425 11,081 30,506 Ending balance — Goodwill $ 1,618,370 $ 358,816 $ 1,977,186 $ 1,603,600 $ 341,988 $ 1,945,588 (1) Also includes reductions for businesses held for sale. The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows: Useful Life Minimum Maximum 2023 2022 (Years) (In thousands) Amortizing intangibles: Covenants-not-to-compete 5 - 15 $ 222,930 $ 222,461 Customer relationships 10 - 20 137,130 155,767 Tradenames 5 - 89 7,000 7,000 Other 5 - 89 26,927 26,927 393,987 412,155 Less accumulated amortization: Covenants-not-to-compete 207,301 205,450 Customer relationships 88,929 101,954 Tradenames 437 359 Other 11,025 10,285 307,692 318,048 Amortizing intangibles, net 86,295 94,107 Non-amortizing intangibles: Tradenames Indefinite 388,049 376,138 Other Indefinite 10,765 10,765 Non-amortizing intangibles 398,814 386,903 Intangible assets, net — included in Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 485,109 $ 481,010 As part of our recoverability testing process during 2023, we reported $2.6 million of impairment on tradenames. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $18.7 million, $18.4 million, and $20.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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, 2023 (in thousands): 2024 $ 6,478 2025 6,347 2026 4,771 2027 2,738 2028 2,146 Total estimated amortization expense $ 22,480

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)

Income Taxes Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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. We actively participate in tax credit equity investments for projects eligible to receive renewable energy credits. These investments, accounted for under the equity method, are recorded in Deferred charges and other assets, net of reserves on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Upon realization, tax credits associated with these investments are recognized as a reduction of tax expense. This reduction is offset by amortization of the investment in proportion to the tax benefits received during the period under the proportional amortization method. During 2023, we recognized investment tax credits totaling $11.6 million and amortized the equity investment by $11.5 million to reflect the realization of these benefits. This amortization is reflected within the Provision for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Income before income taxes was composed of the following components: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) United States $ 664,745 $ 703,131 $ 994,632 Foreign 43,861 52,497 50,868 Total income before income taxes $ 708,606 $ 755,628 $ 1,045,500 Income tax provision consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Current: United States $ (30,832) $ 139,132 $ 194,545 Foreign 14,989 14,486 14,088 State (4,728) 32,505 39,452 Total current income taxes (20,571) 186,123 248,085 Deferred: United States $ 155,677 $ (59) $ (3,543) Foreign (1,999) 780 (5,492) State 37,838 2,750 3,198 Total deferred income taxes 191,516 3,471 (5,837) Total income taxes $ 170,945 $ 189,594 $ 242,248 We made income tax payments of $85.5 million, $183.7 million, and $270.2 million in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, and received refunds of $1.7 million, $4.2 million, and $4.7 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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate $ 148,807 $ 158,682 $ 219,555 State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits 27,041 28,817 35,045 Foreign jurisdiction differences 3,756 3,976 3,041 Permanent differences associated with divestitures 47 200 400 Changes in uncertain tax positions and audit settlements 110 53 51 Foreign valuation allowance, net of federal income tax benefits — — (4,155) Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (8,406) (8,918) (12,476) Other (410) 6,784 787 Provision for income taxes $ 170,945 $ 189,594 $ 242,248 Total consolidated effective tax rate 24.1 % 25.1 % 23.2 % The 2023 consolidated effective tax rate was 24.1%, compared to 25.1% in 2022. The lower effective tax rate in 2023 was primarily due to non-taxable gains on the cash surrender value of certain life insurance policies. 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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Inventories and cemetery property $ (196,887) $ (201,795) Deferred incremental direct selling costs (104,686) (99,377) Property and equipment (177,411) (181,029) Intangibles (207,727) (204,010) Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts (80,178) — Other (5,746) (5,313) Deferred tax liabilities (772,635) (691,524) Loss and tax credit carryforwards 127,796 137,785 Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts — 153,479 Accrued liabilities 122,887 80,069 Deferred tax assets 250,683 371,333 Less: valuation allowance (108,834) (118,939) Net deferred income tax liability $ (630,786) $ (439,130) Deferred tax assets and deferred income tax liabilities are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets - included in Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 7,320 $ 5,910 Non-current deferred tax liabilities - included in Deferred tax liability (638,106) (445,040) Net deferred income tax liability $ (630,786) $ (439,130) As of December 31, 2023, foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on the estimated $247.6 million of undistributed earnings and profits (E&P) of our foreign subsidiaries as we intend to permanently reinvest these foreign E&P in the respective businesses outside the U.S. However, if we were to repatriate such foreign E&P, the foreign withholding tax liability is estimated to be $12.8 million. Additionally, if we were to repatriate E&P in excess of our previously taxed income under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, such excess repatriation may cause us to incur an additional U.S. federal income tax of approximately $7.7 million related to our hybrid debt structure between Canada and the United States that was eliminated in 2022. The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 (in thousands): Federal, State, and Foreign Tax (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 1,348 Reduction to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 1,348 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 1,348 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 1,348 Our total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rates were $1.3 million as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. We include potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within our income tax provision account. We have accrued $1.0 million, $0.9 million, and $0.8 million for the payment of interest, net of tax benefits, and penalties as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. We recorded an increase of interest and penalties of $0.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, 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 2020, and we are not currently under audit by the IRS. However, pursuant to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the statute of limitations on the transition tax for the 2017 tax year does not expire until 2024. Various state jurisdictions are auditing years 2013 through 2021. There are currently no federal or provincial audits in Canada; however, years subsequent to 2017 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 $1.3 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 2041. Such loss carryforwards will expire as follows: Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) 2024 $ — $ 160,355 $ 346 $ 160,701 2025 — 321,190 471 321,661 2026 — 368,207 957 369,164 2027 — 189,465 1,798 191,263 Thereafter — 1,423,484 3,824 1,427,308 Total loss carryforwards $ — $ 2,462,701 $ 7,396 $ 2,470,097 In addition to the above loss carryforwards, we have $2.2 million of foreign alternative minimum tax credits that can be carried forward indefinitely. 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 future 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 2023, we recorded a net $10.1 million decrease in our valuation allowance primarily driven by utilization and expiration of state net operating losses, along with legislative changes in certain states. 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, 2023, 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 $ — $ 122,796 $ 5,000 $ 127,796 Valuation allowance $ — $ 94,135 $ 14,699 $ 108,834

Debt Level 1 (Notes)

Debt Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt The components of Debt are: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) 7.500% Senior Notes due April 2027 $ 137,424 $ 138,274 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 850,000 850,000 4.000% Senior Notes due May 2031 800,000 800,000 Term Loan due May 2024 — 536,250 Term Loan due January 2028 658,125 — Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 — 570,000 Bank Credit Facility due January 2028 790,000 — Obligations under finance leases 132,039 120,837 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 80,696 66,248 Unamortized debt issuance costs (35,788) (39,865) Total debt $ 4,712,496 $ 4,341,744 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (63,341) (90,661) Total long-term debt $ 4,649,155 $ 4,251,083 Current maturities of debt at December 31, 2023 include amounts due under our term loan, mortgage notes and other debt, and finance leases within the next year as well as the portion of unamortized debt issuance costs expected to be recognized in the next twelve months. Approximately 69% and 72% of our total debt had a fixed interest rate at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The components of our weighted average interest rate are as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 Fixed Debt 4.35 % 4.32 % Floating Debt 7.44 % 2.95 % Total Debt 5.29 % 4.00 % The following table summarizes the aggregate maturities of our debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2023 and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums and debt issuance costs (in thousands): 2024 $ 63,341 2025 75,158 2026 52,500 2027 748,287 2028 1,349,969 2029 and thereafter 2,423,241 Total debt maturities $ 4,712,496 Bank Credit Agreement In January 2023, we amended our $1.650 billion credit agreement due May 2024 to enter into a new $2.175 billion bank credit agreement due January 2028 with a syndicate of banks. The $2.175 billion bank credit agreement comprises a $1.5 billion Bank Credit Facility, including a sublimit of $100.0 million for letters of credit and a $675.0 million Term Loan, both due January 2028. As a result of the new agreement, at closing, there was a net $138.8 million increase in our outstanding Term Loan balance and a $155.0 million decrease in our outstanding Bank Credit Facility balance. 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 a maximum leverage ratio financial covenant and certain dividend and share repurchase restrictions. As of December 31, 2023, we are in compliance with all of our debt covenants. At December 31, 2023, we issued $39.1 million of letters of credit and pay a quarterly fee on the unused commitment, which was 0.20%. As of December 31, 2023, we have $670.9 million in borrowing capacity under the facility. As of December 31, 2022, we issued $33.5 million of letters of credit. Subsequent to December 31, 2023, we decreased our outstanding borrowings by $40.0 million to $750.0 million under our Bank Credit Facility due January 2028. Debt Issuances and Additions During the year ended December 31, 2023, we issued or added $957.4 million of debt including: • $284.1 million in proceeds from certain banks in our Term Loan; • $600.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility due January 2028; • $44.3 million in proceeds from certain banks in our Bank Credit Facility; • $10.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility due May 2024; and • $19.0 million in other debt. Net proceeds from newly issued debt during the year ended December 31, 2023 were used to pay down our Bank Credit Facility due May 2024, our Term Loan due May 2024, and for general corporate purposes. These transactions resulted in additional debt issuance costs of $7.5 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we drew $465.0 million on our Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 and issued $19.0 million in other debt primarily for general corporate purposes. Debt Extinguishments and Reductions During the year ended December 31, 2023, we made aggregate debt payments of $603.2 million for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $235.0 million in aggregate principal of our Bank Credit Facility due January 2028; • $199.3 million in aggregate principal payments to certain banks in our Bank Credit Facility due May 2024; • $145.3 million in aggregate principal payments to certain banks in our Term Loan due May 2024; • $16.9 million in aggregate principal of our Term Loan due January 2028; • $0.9 million in aggregate principal of our 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 repurchased in the open market; • $0.5 million of premiums paid on early extinguishment; and • $5.3 million in other debt. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $1.1 million recorded in Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we made aggregate debt payments of $101.9 million for scheduled and early extinguishment payments including: • $50.0 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; • $14.4 million in aggregate principal of 7.5% Senior Notes due April 2027 repurchased on the open market; • $1.2 million of premiums paid on early extinguishment; and • $3.8 million in other debt. Certain of the above transactions resulted in the recognition of a loss of $1.2 million recorded in Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additional Debt Disclosures At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had deposits of $0.7 million and $0.5 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 $75.3 million and $59.8 million pledged as collateral for the mortgage notes and other debt at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Cash interest payments for the three years ended December 31 were as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2023 $ 230,551 Payments in 2022 $ 164,222 Payments in 2021 $ 142,145 Expected cash interest payments on our existing long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2023 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2024 $ 250,870 Payments in 2025 249,148 Payments in 2026 247,603 Payments in 2027 237,673 Payments in 2028 104,679 Payments in 2029 and thereafter 145,087 Total expected cash interest payments $ 1,235,060

Credit Risk and Fair Value of F

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) 7.500% Notes due April 2027 $ 142,749 $ 141,499 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 532,125 513,909 5.125% Senior Notes due June 2029 732,173 709,125 3.375% Senior Notes due August 2030 739,500 702,202 4.000% Senior Notes due May 2031 711,336 685,680 Term Loan due May 2024 — 536,250 Term Loan due January 2028 658,125 — Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 — 570,000 Bank Credit Facility due January 2028 790,000 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 79,426 63,168 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 4,385,434 $ 3,921,833 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, the revolving 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, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block]	Leases Our 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, 2023 were as follows: Operating Finance Total (In thousands) 2024 $ 9,953 $ 49,166 $ 59,119 2025 9,044 29,161 38,205 2026 7,695 22,284 29,979 2027 6,680 14,835 21,515 2028 5,534 8,928 14,462 2029 and thereafter 31,419 28,982 60,401 Total lease payments $ 70,325 $ 153,356 $ 223,681 Less: Interest (16,493) (21,317) (37,810) Present value of lease liabilities $ 53,832 $ 132,039 $ 185,871 The components of lease cost were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Amortization of leased assets $ 34,212 $ 35,321 $ 37,569 Interest on lease liabilities 4,795 3,990 4,642 Total finance lease cost 39,007 39,311 42,211 Operating lease cost 10,531 11,021 11,586 Variable lease cost 872 437 178 Total lease cost $ 50,410 $ 50,769 $ 53,975 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: Lease Type Balance Sheet Classification December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Operating lease right-of-use assets (1) Deferred charges and other assets $ 50,973 $ 49,741 Finance lease right-of-use assets (1) Property and equipment, net 127,425 115,813 Total right-of-use assets (1) $ 178,398 $ 165,554 Operating Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 7,782 $ 7,083 Finance Current maturities of long-term debt 44,109 42,469 Total current lease liabilities 51,891 49,552 Operating Other liabilities 46,050 45,314 Finance Long-term debt 87,930 78,368 Total non-current lease liabilities 133,980 123,682 Total lease liabilities $ 185,871 $ 173,234 (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, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating Finance Operating Finance Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) 11.1 5.2 11.8 4.5 Weighted-average discount rate 4.4% 4.6% 4.0% 3.3% Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 10,473 $ 10,994 $ 11,693 Operating cash flows for finance leases 5,191 3,838 4,207 Financing cash flows for finance leases 34,482 35,542 34,617 Total cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 50,146 $ 50,374 $ 50,517 New finance leases 57,962 21,148 21,097 Finance lease renewals and extensions 829 (264) 1,095 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities $ 58,791 $ 20,884 $ 22,192 New operating leases 6,534 2,704 3,268 Operating lease renewals and extensions 2,985 2,324 4,554 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $ 9,519 $ 5,028 $ 7,822 We have 80 operating leases where we are the lessor and the non-cancelable term is greater than one year, resulting in $4.0 million and $ 4.3 million Future undiscounted lease income from operating leases where we are the lessor were as follows as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands): 2024 $ 3,967 2025 3,297 2026 2,512 2027 2,043 2028 1,682 2029 and thereafter 11,793 Total expected cash receipts $ 25,294 We own certain land, buildings, and improvements for the sole purpose of generating lease income. Property is recorded at cost, and 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. For these properties, we recorded depreciation expense of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $0.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. As of December 31, 2023, our Consolidated Balance Sheet includes Land of $33.9 million, and Buildings and improvements of $12.6 million, net of $2.3 million accumulated depreciation, related to these properties.

Commitments and Contingencies L

Commitments and Contingencies Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies 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, 2023 and 2022, we have self-insurance reserves of $103.3 million and $99.3 million, respectively.

Equity Level 1 (Notes)

Equity Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 or 2022. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, 500,000,000 common shares of $1 par value were authorized. We had 148,297,042 and 156,088,438 shares issued and 146,323,340 and 153,940,365 outstanding at par at December 31, 2023 and 2022, 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 2023, we repurchased 8,700,767 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $549.6 million, which is an average cost per share of $63.17. In 2022, we repurchased 10,356,250 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $661.1 million, which is an average cost per share of $63.84. Additionally, in November 2023, our Board of Directors increased our share repurchase authorization to $600.0 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 $525.0 million at December 31, 2023.

Share-Based Compensation Level

Share-Based Compensation Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 and 2022, 3,470,575 and 4,090,978 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 2023 2022 2021 Dividend yield 1.6% 1.5% 1.8% Expected volatility 25.4% 23.9% 23.5% Risk-free interest rate 4.0% 1.8% 0.4% Expected holding period (years) 4.5 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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income $ 15,423 $ 14,709 $ 14,168 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income $ 3,822 $ 3,877 $ 3,537 Stock Options The following table sets forth stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Weighted-Average Outstanding at December 31, 2022 5,461,105 $ 40.47 Granted 371,700 $ 70.34 Exercised (926,610) $ 26.10 Outstanding at December 31, 2023 4,906,195 $ 45.44 Exercisable at December 31, 2023 3,989,812 $ 41.68 The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and exercisable was $113.6 million and $106.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023. Set forth below is certain information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2023 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Number Outstanding at December 31, 2023 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted- Number Exercisable at December 31, 2023 Weighted- $0.00 — 25.00 55,320 0.1 $ 22.28 55,320 $ 22.28 $25.01 — 35.00 894,450 1.1 $ 29.25 894,450 $ 29.25 $35.01 — 45.00 1,519,695 2.6 $ 39.65 1,519,695 $ 39.65 $45.01 — 55.00 1,506,810 4.6 $ 50.31 1,308,944 $ 50.42 $55.01 — 65.00 558,220 6.1 $ 59.76 211,403 $ 59.76 $65.01 — 75.00 371,700 7.1 $ 70.34 — $ — $0.00 — 75.00 4,906,195 3.6 $ 45.44 3,989,812 $ 41.68 Other information pertaining to stock options was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted $ 16.86 $ 11.02 $ 7.50 Total fair value of stock options vested $ 6,059 $ 5,538 $ 5,708 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 37,115 $ 42,700 $ 59,180 Cash received from the exercise of stock options $ 24,181 $ 27,814 $ 39,354 Recognized compensation expense $ 5,929 $ 5,738 $ 5,514 As of December 31, 2023, the unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options of $6.8 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, 2022 212,115 $ 54.66 Granted 89,484 $ 70.34 Vested (114,826) $ 53.38 Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2023 186,773 $ 62.95 Other information pertaining to restricted share awards was as follows (in thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value): Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Recognized compensation expense related to restricted share awards $ 6,128 $ 5,739 $ 5,647 Weighted-average grant date fair value for nonvested restricted stock granted $ 70.34 $ 59.76 $ 49.59 Total fair market value of restricted share awards vested $ 6,130 $ 5,639 $ 5,496 Aggregate intrinsic value of restricted share awards vested $ 1,715 $ 2,552 $ 3,513 At December 31, 2023, unrecognized compensation expense of $7.0 million related to restricted share awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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), and a Stewart Supplemental Retirement Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). All of our Plans are unfunded and 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. 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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 797 $ 535 $ 482 Recognized net actuarial (gains) losses 654 (3,254) (353) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 1,451 $ (2,719) $ 129 The Plans’ funded status were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,906 $ 22,381 Interest cost 797 535 Actuarial gain 654 (3,254) Benefits paid (1) (1,994) (3,756) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 1,994 3,756 Benefits paid, including expenses (1) (1,994) (3,756) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (15,363) $ (15,906) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligation $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (1,824) $ (2,236) Included in Other liabilities (13,539) (13,670) Total accrued liability $ (15,363) $ (15,906) ( 1) In 2022, we terminated our Directors' Plan and amended Senior SERP to terminate the participation of all our active employees and paid out, in a discounted lump sum, all benefits to the participants or their heirs in the amount of $1.5 million. 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, 2023 and 2022 was $30.5 million and $49.8 million, respectively, and the cash surrender value was $22.7 million and $40.7 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, 2023 2022 2021 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 4.94 % 5.34 % 2.52 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost 5.34 % 2.52 % 2.42 % We determine 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 over the next ten years related to our Plans (in thousands): 2024 $ 1,695 2025 1,603 2026 1,562 2027 1,492 2028 1,417 Years 2029 through 2033 5,968 Total expected benefit payments $ 13,737 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 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $52.8 million, $49.6 million, and $46.0 million, respectively.

Earnings Per Share Level 1 (Not

Earnings Per Share Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income — basic and diluted $ 537,317 $ 565,338 $ 802,939 Weighted average shares: Weighted average shares — basic 150,565 157,713 167,542 Stock options 1,726 2,343 2,501 Restricted share units 60 75 71 Weighted average shares — diluted 152,351 160,131 170,114 Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income per share: Basic $ 3.57 $ 3.58 $ 4.79 Diluted $ 3.53 $ 3.53 $ 4.72

Acquisition Level 1 (Notes)

Acquisition Level 1 (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	Acquisitions In 2023, we acquired 17 funeral homes and 2 cemeteries for $72.5 million in cash and $56.4 million for real estate transactions. This amount includes the use of $24.0 million in IRS Section 1031 exchange funds. This compares to $102.6 million and $121.4 million, net of cash acquired, for several business acquisitions, and $17.1 million and $26.6 million, net of cash acquired, for several real estate acquisitions for years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The 2022 acquisitions include ten funeral homes and three cemeteries in California as part of two acquisitions (the "2022 California Businesses") for $71.2 million in cash. This amount includes the use of $13.2 million in IRS Section 1031 exchange funds. The primary reasons for the acquisitions and the principal factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill in these acquisitions were: • the acquisitions enhance our network footprint, enabling us to serve a number of new, complementary areas; and • the acquisitions of the preneed backlog of deferred revenues enhance our long-term stability. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands): Other current assets $ 241 Cemetery property 9,815 Property and equipment, net 19,109 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments 6,539 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 14,257 Deferred charges and other assets 158 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments 6,461 Goodwill 36,234 Total assets acquired 92,814 Current liabilities 439 Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust 12,599 Care trusts' corpus 6,461 Other liabilities 2,095 Total liabilities assumed 21,594 Net assets acquired $ 71,220 Goodwill, land, and certain identifiable intangible assets recorded in the acquisitions are not subject to amortization; however, the goodwill and intangible assets will be tested periodically for impairment. Of the $36.2 million in goodwill recognized, all of which is deductible for tax purposes, $17.3 million was allocated to our cemetery segment and $18.9 million was allocated to our funeral segment. The identified intangible assets are indefinite lived tradenames with a fair value of $14.3 million. We incurred acquisition costs of $0.2 million, which is included in G eneral and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2022. The 2022 California Businesses contributed revenue of $1.9 million and net income of $0.5 million from acquisition through December 31, 2022. The 2021 acquisitions include twenty-one funeral homes and one cemetery in two states as part of two acquisitions (the "Ohio and California Businesses") for $94.8 million in cash. This amount includes the use of $6.1 million in IRS Section 1031 exchange funds. The primary reasons for the acquisitions and the principal factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill in these acquisitions were: • the acquisitions enhance our network footprint, enabling us to serve a number of new, complementary areas; and • the acquisitions of the preneed backlog of deferred revenues enhance our long-term stability. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisitions (in thousands): Other current assets $ 140 Cemetery property 2,918 Property and equipment, net 36,768 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments 7,732 Finite-lived intangible assets 3,900 Indefinite-lived intangible assets 24,734 Deferred charges and other assets 128 Cemetery perpetual care trust investments 1,484 Goodwill 29,683 Total assets acquired 107,487 Current liabilities 660 Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust 7,204 Care trusts' corpus 1,484 Other liabilities 3,336 Total liabilities assumed 12,684 Net assets acquired $ 94,803 Goodwill, land, and certain identifiable intangible assets recorded in the acquisitions are not subject to amortization; however, the goodwill and intangible assets will be tested periodically for impairment. Of the $29.7 million in goodwill recognized, all of which is deductible for tax purposes, $1.5 million was allocated to our cemetery segment and $28.2 million was allocated to our funeral segment. The identified intangible assets comprise the following: Useful Life Fair Value (Years) (In thousands) Preneed customer relationships to insurance claims 10 $ 3,900 Tradenames Indefinite 24,734 Total intangible assets $ 28,634 We incurred acquisition costs of $0.3 million, which is included in Corporate general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Ohio and California Businesses contributed revenue of $1.1 million and net income of $0.3 million from acquisition through December 31, 2021. 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 Consolidated Statement of Operations line item Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net , which consist of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 12,543 $ 10,923 $ 28,573 Impairment losses (2,727) (961) (3,404) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 9,816 $ 9,962 $ 25,169

Schedule II Valuation and Quali

Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Account	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 $ 6,186 $ 3,764 $ (5,568) $ 4,382 Year Ended December 31, 2022 $ 6,338 $ 6,579 $ (6,731) $ 6,186 Year Ended December 31, 2021 $ 6,031 $ 6,393 $ (6,086) $ 6,338 Due After One Year: Reserve for credit losses: Year Ended December 31, 2023 $ 3,602 $ (510) $ (747) $ 2,345 Year Ended December 31, 2022 $ 4,577 $ (125) $ (850) $ 3,602 Year Ended December 31, 2021 $ 6,902 $ (117) $ (2,208) $ 4,577 Preneed Receivables, Net: Reserve for credit losses: Year Ended December 31, 2023 $ 27,314 $ 7,991 $ (2,830) $ 32,475 Year Ended December 31, 2022 $ 20,727 $ 10,246 $ (3,659) $ 27,314 Year Ended December 31, 2021 $ 19,204 $ 5,086 $ (3,563) $ 20,727 Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2023 $ 118,939 $ (10,105) $ — $ 108,834 Year Ended December 31, 2022 $ 120,739 $ (1,800) $ — $ 118,939 Year Ended December 31, 2021 $ 108,090 $ 12,649 $ — $ 120,739

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Level 2 (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Service Corporation International (SCI) and all subsidiaries in which we hold a controlling financial interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Our 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. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period disclosure presentation with no effect on our consolidated net income 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, 2023 Atneed Funeral Atneed Cemetery Miscellaneous Current Portion of Notes Total (In thousands) Receivables $ 35,572 $ 19,277 $ 47,297 $ 175 $ 102,321 Reserve for credit losses (1,784) (2,118) (343) (137) (4,382) Receivables, net $ 33,788 $ 17,159 $ 46,954 $ 38 $ 97,939 December 31, 2022 Atneed Funeral Atneed Cemetery Miscellaneous Current Portion of Notes Total (In thousands) Receivables $ 44,417 $ 19,781 $ 38,483 $ 186 $ 102,867 Reserve for credit losses (3,627) (2,076) (344) (139) (6,186) Receivables, net $ 40,790 $ 17,705 $ 38,139 $ 47 $ 96,681 Additionally, included in Deferred charges and other assets, net were notes receivable, net and long-term miscellaneous receivables, net as follows: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Notes receivable $ 10,294 $ 9,367 Reserve for credit losses (1,797) (2,546) Notes receivable, net $ 8,497 $ 6,821 Long-term miscellaneous receivables $ 7,888 $ 7,993 Reserve for credit losses (548) (1,056) Long-term miscellaneous receivables, net $ 7,340 $ 6,937 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. Cemetery preneed receivables are collateralized by cemetery property to the extent of the fair value of the property. 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 our in house collection 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, 2023: December 31, 2022 Provision for Expected Credit Losses (Acquisitions) Write Recoveries Effect of Foreign Currency December 31, 2023 (In thousands) Trade receivables: Funeral $ (3,627) $ (2,626) $ — $ 6,280 $ (1,893) $ 82 $ (1,784) Cemetery (2,076) (1,139) — 1,467 (371) 1 (2,118) Total reserve for credit losses on trade receivables $ (5,703) $ (3,765) $ — $ 7,747 $ (2,264) $ 83 $ (3,902) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ (344) $ 1 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (343) Long-term (1,056) 508 — — — — (548) Total reserve for credit losses on miscellaneous receivables $ (1,400) $ 509 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (891) Notes receivable $ (2,685) $ 2 $ — $ 1,281 $ — $ (532) $ (1,934) At December 31, 2023, the amortized cost basis of our miscellaneous and notes receivables by year of origination was as follows: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Line of Credit Total (In thousands) Miscellaneous receivables: Current $ 44,897 $ 1,681 $ 427 $ 207 $ 83 $ 2 $ — $ 47,297 Long-term 3,607 2,255 1,351 313 353 9 — 7,888 Total miscellaneous receivables $ 48,504 $ 3,936 $ 1,778 $ 520 $ 436 $ 11 $ — $ 55,185 Notes receivable $ — $ — $ — $ 11 $ — $ 4,603 $ 5,855 $ 10,469 At December 31, 2023, 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 $ — $ 19 $ 249 $ 1,244 $ 1,512 $ 45,785 $ 47,297 Long-term — — — — — 7,888 7,888 Total miscellaneous receivables $ — $ 19 $ 249 $ 1,244 $ 1,512 $ 53,673 $ 55,185 Notes receivable $ — $ 117 $ — $ 1,116 $ 1,233 $ 9,236 $ 10,469
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventories and Cemetery Property Funeral and cemetery merchandise are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. Cemetery property is recorded at cost. Inventory costs and cemetery property are relieved using specific identification in fulfillment of performance obligations on our contracts. Cemetery property amortization was $101.2 million, $94.1 million, and $98.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 forty years three years twelve years twelve years
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 represen ts 59% of our total lease liability as of December 31, 2023 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 3.0% 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 2.8% for our funeral and cemetery reporting units, respectively. Additionally, we used a ratio of expenses to revenue ranging from 70.0% to 80.0% and growth rates for other assumptions in our model ranging from 2.0% to 3.0%. 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. For more information related to goodwill, see Note 4
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% (4.2% 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 2.8% 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. 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 five years to eighty-nine years. For more information related to intangible assets, see Note 4
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 8.9 million, 11.9 million, and 9.8 million shares of our common stock held in our treasury in 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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. 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 these 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, 2023, 2022, and 2021, we recognized $247.4 million, $263.9 million, and $259.9 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 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $185.6 million, $164.3 million, and $157.4 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. Accounting Standards Adopted in 2023 Financial Instruments In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended guidance to require public companies to disclose the vintage year of receivable write-offs during the reporting period. We adopted the amended guidance in 2023 with no impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. As receivable write-offs in the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 were immaterial, we have not included the vintage year disclosure in this filing. We will add the vintage year disclosure in future filings for periods in which receivable write-offs are material, if any. Investments In March 2023, the FASB amended guidance for equity investments made primarily for the purpose of receiving income tax credits and other income tax benefits. The amended guidance expands the option to use the proportional amortization method from investments in low-income-housing tax credit structures to all tax credit structures that meet certain requirements. The proportional amortization method results in the cost of the investment being amortized in proportion to the income tax credits and other income tax benefits received. The investment amortization and the income tax credits are presented net in the statement of operations as a component of income tax expense. The new guidance is effective as of January 1, 2024 with early adoption permitted. We early adopted the guidance effective January 1, 2023.
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 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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]	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Fair Value Measurements In June 2022, the FASB amended guidance to clarify that the fair value of investments in equity instruments with contractual sale restrictions should not be discounted as a result of the contractual restrictions. Additionally, the new guidance mandated disclosure of the fair value of any such securities, a description of the nature and duration of the restrictions, and circumstances that could cause a lapse in the restrictions. The new guidance is effective for us beginning with valuations that occur after January 1, 2024 and is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Leases In March 2023, the FASB amended guidance on determining the useful life of leasehold improvements associated with a lease between related parties under common control. The amended guidance requires that the leasehold improvements be amortized over the useful life of the improvements to the common control group as a whole. The new guidance is effective for us on January 1, 2024 and is not expected to have any impact on our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial position, and cash flows. Segments In November 2023, the FASB amended the reportable segment guidance by requiring disclosures of significant reportable segment expenses that are regularly provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of a segment's profit or loss. This new guidance also requires disclosure of the title and position of the individual identified as the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of a segment’s profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 with early adoption permitted. Adoption should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Upon adoption, we will include the additional disclosures in our financial statements and related notes. Income Tax In December 2023, the FASB amended guidance that requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as additional information on income taxes paid. The new guidance is effective on a prospective basis for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and early adoption is also permitted. Upon adoption, we will include the additional disclosures in our financial statements and related notes.

Compensation Related Costs, Ret

Compensation Related Costs, Retirement Benefits (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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), and a Stewart Supplemental Retirement Plan (collectively, the “Plans”). All of our Plans are unfunded and 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. 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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 797 $ 535 $ 482 Recognized net actuarial (gains) losses 654 (3,254) (353) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 1,451 $ (2,719) $ 129 The Plans’ funded status were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,906 $ 22,381 Interest cost 797 535 Actuarial gain 654 (3,254) Benefits paid (1) (1,994) (3,756) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 1,994 3,756 Benefits paid, including expenses (1) (1,994) (3,756) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (15,363) $ (15,906) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligation $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (1,824) $ (2,236) Included in Other liabilities (13,539) (13,670) Total accrued liability $ (15,363) $ (15,906) ( 1) In 2022, we terminated our Directors' Plan and amended Senior SERP to terminate the participation of all our active employees and paid out, in a discounted lump sum, all benefits to the participants or their heirs in the amount of $1.5 million. 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, 2023 and 2022 was $30.5 million and $49.8 million, respectively, and the cash surrender value was $22.7 million and $40.7 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, 2023 2022 2021 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 4.94 % 5.34 % 2.52 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost 5.34 % 2.52 % 2.42 % We determine 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 over the next ten years related to our Plans (in thousands): 2024 $ 1,695 2025 1,603 2026 1,562 2027 1,492 2028 1,417 Years 2029 through 2033 5,968 Total expected benefit payments $ 13,737 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 2023, 2022, and 2021, 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 2023, 2022, and 2021 was $52.8 million, $49.6 million, and $46.0 million, respectively.

Preneed Activities Level 3 (Tab

Preneed Activities Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Investment related activities [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Deposits $ 590,257 $ 534,586 $ 519,023 Withdrawals $ 591,591 $ 507,872 $ 477,443 Purchases of securities $ 2,070,313 $ 1,647,032 $ 1,823,267 Sales of securities $ 2,038,517 $ 1,518,779 $ 1,744,618 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 281,168 $ 332,738 $ 584,863 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (227,075) $ (201,173) $ (91,715)
Long-term receivable and investment components [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Preneed receivables, net $ 1,513,933 $ 1,402,209 Trust investments, at fair value 6,394,796 5,663,163 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 222,424 214,440 Trust investments 6,617,220 5,877,603 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,939,241) (1,702,313) Preneed trust investments 4,677,979 4,175,290 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 6,191,912 $ 5,577,499
Preneed Funeral Receivables, Net and Trust Investments [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,577,499 $ 6,015,323 $ 5,345,720 Net preneed contract sales 1,973,012 1,978,266 1,870,972 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,699,683) (1,639,291) (1,550,735) Deposits to trust 515,866 468,482 452,554 Acquisitions of businesses, net 3,394 15,860 4,912 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 527,264 (611,057) 448,469 Maturities and distributed earnings (591,834) (500,216) (464,247) Change in cancellation allowance (5,160) (6,609) (1,523) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (93,473) (123,385) (87,207) Effect of foreign currency and other (14,973) (19,874) (3,592) Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 6,191,912 $ 5,577,499 $ 6,015,323 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings.
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	December 31, 2023 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 45,645 $ 145 $ (1,376) $ 44,414 Canadian government 2 31,896 — — 31,896 Corporate 2 10,642 138 (17) 10,763 Residential mortgage-backed 2 5,452 29 (104) 5,377 Asset-backed 2 291 — (51) 240 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 417 — (97) 320 Common stock: United States 1 1,744,919 478,226 (78,630) 2,144,515 Canada 1 42,721 20,251 (676) 62,296 Other international 1 108,106 19,580 (11,088) 116,598 Mutual funds: Equity 1 876,620 118,476 (9,540) 985,556 Fixed income 1 998,767 5,727 (109,231) 895,263 Trust investments, at fair value 3,865,476 642,572 (210,810) 4,297,238 Commingled funds Fixed income 827,600 2,432 (63,021) 767,011 Equity 337,500 71,819 (642) 408,677 Money market funds 346,672 — — 346,672 Alternative investments 412,482 169,825 (7,109) 575,198 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,924,254 244,076 (70,772) 2,097,558 Trust investments, at market $ 5,789,730 $ 886,648 $ (281,582) $ 6,394,796	December 31, 2022 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 45,084 $ 22 $ (2,033) $ 43,073 Canadian government 2 30,200 — — 30,200 Corporate 2 175 — (18) 157 Residential mortgage-backed 2 1,420 — (101) 1,319 Asset-backed 2 294 — (52) 242 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 4,144 — (2,340) 1,804 Common stock: United States 1 1,707,240 283,423 (208,523) 1,782,140 Canada 1 47,821 11,765 (11,117) 48,469 Other international 1 123,440 10,561 (19,009) 114,992 Mutual funds: Equity 1 917,686 64,895 (112,374) 870,207 Fixed income 1 1,135,815 1,231 (166,286) 970,760 Trust investments, at fair value 4,013,319 371,897 (521,853) 3,863,363 Commingled funds Fixed income 730,940 2 (89,246) 641,696 Equity 309,893 40,820 (3,846) 346,867 Money market funds 325,562 — — 325,562 Alternative investments 307,275 179,491 (1,091) 485,675 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,673,670 220,313 (94,183) 1,799,800 Trust investments, at market $ 5,686,989 $ 592,210 $ (616,036) $ 5,663,163
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Our alternative investments include funds invested in limited partnerships with interests in private equity, private market real estate, energy and natural resources, infrastructure, transportation, and private debt including both distressed debt 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. The funds' managers have not communicated the timing of any liquidations.
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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Preneed receivables, net $ 1,513,933 $ 1,402,209 Trust investments, at fair value 6,394,796 5,663,163 Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other 222,424 214,440 Trust investments 6,617,220 5,877,603 Less: Cemetery perpetual care trust investments (1,939,241) (1,702,313) Preneed trust investments 4,677,979 4,175,290 Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 6,191,912 $ 5,577,499 Preneed receivables, net comprised the following: December 31, 2023 Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables $ 190,514 $ 1,371,804 $ 1,562,318 Unearned finance charges (10,100) (5,810) (15,910) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 180,414 $ 1,365,994 $ 1,546,408 Reserve for credit losses (17,026) (15,449) (32,475) Preneed receivables, net $ 163,388 $ 1,350,545 $ 1,513,933 December 31, 2022 Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables $ 180,108 $ 1,267,304 $ 1,447,412 Unearned finance charges (11,129) (6,760) (17,889) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 168,979 $ 1,260,544 $ 1,429,523 Reserve for credit losses (14,438) (12,876) (27,314) Preneed receivables, net $ 154,541 $ 1,247,668 $ 1,402,209 At December 31, 2023, the amortized cost basis of our preneed receivables by year of origination was as follows: 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Total (In thousands) Preneed receivables, at amortized cost: Funeral $ 76,517 $ 47,537 $ 24,827 $ 11,242 $ 6,683 $ 13,608 $ 180,414 Cemetery 546,601 395,895 236,830 120,496 42,613 23,559 1,365,994 Total preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 623,118 $ 443,432 $ 261,657 $ 131,738 $ 49,296 $ 37,167 $ 1,546,408 At December 31, 2023, 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 $ 6,086 $ 5,147 $ 2,513 $ 26,685 $ 40,431 $ 139,983 $ 180,414 Cemetery 60,313 49,773 14,557 3,461 128,104 1,237,890 1,365,994 Total preneed receivables, at amortized cost $ 66,399 $ 54,920 $ 17,070 $ 30,146 $ 168,535 $ 1,377,873 $ 1,546,408 The following table summarizes the activity for the reserve for credit losses on preneed receivables for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. December 31, 2022 Provision for Expected Credit Losses (Acquisitions) Divestitures, Net Write Offs Effect of Foreign Currency December 31, 2023 (In thousands) Funeral $ (14,438) $ (4,761) $ — $ 2,175 $ (2) $ (17,026) Cemetery (12,876) (3,230) 15 648 (6) (15,449) Total reserve for credit losses on preneed receivables $ (27,314) $ (7,991) $ 15 $ 2,823 $ (8) $ (32,475) The table below sets forth certain investment-related activities associated with our trusts: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Deposits $ 590,257 $ 534,586 $ 519,023 Withdrawals $ 591,591 $ 507,872 $ 477,443 Purchases of securities $ 2,070,313 $ 1,647,032 $ 1,823,267 Sales of securities $ 2,038,517 $ 1,518,779 $ 1,744,618 Realized gains from sales of securities (1) $ 281,168 $ 332,738 $ 584,863 Realized losses from sales of securities (1) $ (227,075) $ (201,173) $ (91,715) (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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Beginning balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 5,577,499 $ 6,015,323 $ 5,345,720 Net preneed contract sales 1,973,012 1,978,266 1,870,972 Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds (1,699,683) (1,639,291) (1,550,735) Deposits to trust 515,866 468,482 452,554 Acquisitions of businesses, net 3,394 15,860 4,912 Net undistributed investment earnings (losses) (1) 527,264 (611,057) 448,469 Maturities and distributed earnings (591,834) (500,216) (464,247) Change in cancellation allowance (5,160) (6,609) (1,523) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (93,473) (123,385) (87,207) Effect of foreign currency and other (14,973) (19,874) (3,592) Ending balance - Preneed receivables, net and trust investments $ 6,191,912 $ 5,577,499 $ 6,015,323 (1) Includes both realized and unrealized investment earnings. The cost and fair values associated with trust investments recorded at fair value at December 31, 2023 and 2022 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, 2023 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 45,645 $ 145 $ (1,376) $ 44,414 Canadian government 2 31,896 — — 31,896 Corporate 2 10,642 138 (17) 10,763 Residential mortgage-backed 2 5,452 29 (104) 5,377 Asset-backed 2 291 — (51) 240 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 417 — (97) 320 Common stock: United States 1 1,744,919 478,226 (78,630) 2,144,515 Canada 1 42,721 20,251 (676) 62,296 Other international 1 108,106 19,580 (11,088) 116,598 Mutual funds: Equity 1 876,620 118,476 (9,540) 985,556 Fixed income 1 998,767 5,727 (109,231) 895,263 Trust investments, at fair value 3,865,476 642,572 (210,810) 4,297,238 Commingled funds Fixed income 827,600 2,432 (63,021) 767,011 Equity 337,500 71,819 (642) 408,677 Money market funds 346,672 — — 346,672 Alternative investments 412,482 169,825 (7,109) 575,198 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,924,254 244,076 (70,772) 2,097,558 Trust investments, at market $ 5,789,730 $ 886,648 $ (281,582) $ 6,394,796 As of December 31, 2023, our unfunded commitment for our private equity investments was $322.6 million which, if called, would be funded by the assets of the trusts. December 31, 2022 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cost Unrealized Unrealized Value (In thousands) Fixed income securities: U.S. Treasury 2 $ 45,084 $ 22 $ (2,033) $ 43,073 Canadian government 2 30,200 — — 30,200 Corporate 2 175 — (18) 157 Residential mortgage-backed 2 1,420 — (101) 1,319 Asset-backed 2 294 — (52) 242 Equity securities: Preferred stock 2 4,144 — (2,340) 1,804 Common stock: United States 1 1,707,240 283,423 (208,523) 1,782,140 Canada 1 47,821 11,765 (11,117) 48,469 Other international 1 123,440 10,561 (19,009) 114,992 Mutual funds: Equity 1 917,686 64,895 (112,374) 870,207 Fixed income 1 1,135,815 1,231 (166,286) 970,760 Trust investments, at fair value 4,013,319 371,897 (521,853) 3,863,363 Commingled funds Fixed income 730,940 2 (89,246) 641,696 Equity 309,893 40,820 (3,846) 346,867 Money market funds 325,562 — — 325,562 Alternative investments 307,275 179,491 (1,091) 485,675 Trust investments, at net asset value 1,673,670 220,313 (94,183) 1,799,800 Trust investments, at market $ 5,686,989 $ 592,210 $ (616,036) $ 5,663,163 Our alternative investments include funds invested in limited partnerships with interests in private equity, private market real estate, energy and natural resources, infrastructure, transportation, and private debt including both distressed debt 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. The funds' managers have not communicated the timing of any liquidations. Maturity dates of our fixed income securities range from 2024 to 2040. Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2023 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 55,207 Due in one to five years 30,265 Due in five to ten years 7,132 Thereafter 86 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 92,690 Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our preneed trust investments was $158.2 million, $143.8 million, and $179.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Recognized trust fund income (realized and unrealized) related to our cemetery perpetual care trust investments was $86.6 million, $85.1 million, and $96.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. Deferred Revenue, Net 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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Deferred revenue $ 2,649,397 $ 2,472,693 Amounts due from customers for unfulfilled performance obligations on cancelable preneed contracts (945,888) (848,665) Deferred revenue, net $ 1,703,509 $ 1,624,028 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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,787,548 $ 6,299,241 $ 5,761,291 Net preneed contract sales 1,451,833 1,448,371 1,314,001 Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net 5,961 10,824 4,707 Net investment gains (losses) (1) 527,894 (618,760) 443,088 Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (554,839) (498,242) (471,160) Recognized revenue from current period sales (730,436) (726,584) (669,025) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (93,473) (123,337) (87,207) Change in cancellation reserve 87 8,351 (459) Effect of foreign currency and other (20,182) (12,316) 4,005 Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 6,374,393 $ 5,787,548 $ 6,299,241 (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 2024 to 2040. Maturities of fixed income securities (excluding mutual funds) at December 31, 2023 are estimated as follows: Fair Value (In thousands) Due in one year or less $ 55,207 Due in one to five years 30,265 Due in five to ten years 7,132 Thereafter 86 Total estimated maturities of fixed income securities $ 92,690
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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Beginning balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 5,787,548 $ 6,299,241 $ 5,761,291 Net preneed contract sales 1,451,833 1,448,371 1,314,001 Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net 5,961 10,824 4,707 Net investment gains (losses) (1) 527,894 (618,760) 443,088 Recognized revenue from backlog (2) (554,839) (498,242) (471,160) Recognized revenue from current period sales (730,436) (726,584) (669,025) Change in amounts due on unfulfilled performance obligations (93,473) (123,337) (87,207) Change in cancellation reserve 87 8,351 (459) Effect of foreign currency and other (20,182) (12,316) 4,005 Ending balance — Deferred revenue, net and Deferred receipts held in trust $ 6,374,393 $ 5,787,548 $ 6,299,241 (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, 2023
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, 2023 2022 Funeral Cemetery Total Funeral Cemetery Total (In thousands) Beginning balance — Goodwill $ 1,603,600 $ 341,988 $ 1,945,588 $ 1,584,175 $ 330,907 $ 1,915,082 Increase in goodwill related to 13,994 17,053 31,047 26,143 11,081 37,224 Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures (1) (1,502) (225) (1,727) — — — Effect of foreign currency 2,278 — 2,278 (6,718) — (6,718) Total activity 14,770 16,828 31,598 19,425 11,081 30,506 Ending balance — Goodwill $ 1,618,370 $ 358,816 $ 1,977,186 $ 1,603,600 $ 341,988 $ 1,945,588
Schedule of Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The components of intangible assets at December 31 were as follows: Useful Life Minimum Maximum 2023 2022 (Years) (In thousands) Amortizing intangibles: Covenants-not-to-compete 5 - 15 $ 222,930 $ 222,461 Customer relationships 10 - 20 137,130 155,767 Tradenames 5 - 89 7,000 7,000 Other 5 - 89 26,927 26,927 393,987 412,155 Less accumulated amortization: Covenants-not-to-compete 207,301 205,450 Customer relationships 88,929 101,954 Tradenames 437 359 Other 11,025 10,285 307,692 318,048 Amortizing intangibles, net 86,295 94,107 Non-amortizing intangibles: Tradenames Indefinite 388,049 376,138 Other Indefinite 10,765 10,765 Non-amortizing intangibles 398,814 386,903 Intangible assets, net — included in Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 485,109 $ 481,010
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, 2023 (in thousands): 2024 $ 6,478 2025 6,347 2026 4,771 2027 2,738 2028 2,146 Total estimated amortization expense $ 22,480

Income Taxes Level 3 (Tables)

Income Taxes Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) United States $ 664,745 $ 703,131 $ 994,632 Foreign 43,861 52,497 50,868 Total income before income taxes $ 708,606 $ 755,628 $ 1,045,500
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Income tax provision consisted of the following: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Current: United States $ (30,832) $ 139,132 $ 194,545 Foreign 14,989 14,486 14,088 State (4,728) 32,505 39,452 Total current income taxes (20,571) 186,123 248,085 Deferred: United States $ 155,677 $ (59) $ (3,543) Foreign (1,999) 780 (5,492) State 37,838 2,750 3,198 Total deferred income taxes 191,516 3,471 (5,837) Total income taxes $ 170,945 $ 189,594 $ 242,248
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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate $ 148,807 $ 158,682 $ 219,555 State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits 27,041 28,817 35,045 Foreign jurisdiction differences 3,756 3,976 3,041 Permanent differences associated with divestitures 47 200 400 Changes in uncertain tax positions and audit settlements 110 53 51 Foreign valuation allowance, net of federal income tax benefits — — (4,155) Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation (8,406) (8,918) (12,476) Other (410) 6,784 787 Provision for income taxes $ 170,945 $ 189,594 $ 242,248 Total consolidated effective tax rate 24.1 % 25.1 % 23.2 %
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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Inventories and cemetery property $ (196,887) $ (201,795) Deferred incremental direct selling costs (104,686) (99,377) Property and equipment (177,411) (181,029) Intangibles (207,727) (204,010) Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts (80,178) — Other (5,746) (5,313) Deferred tax liabilities (772,635) (691,524) Loss and tax credit carryforwards 127,796 137,785 Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts — 153,479 Accrued liabilities 122,887 80,069 Deferred tax assets 250,683 371,333 Less: valuation allowance (108,834) (118,939) Net deferred income tax liability $ (630,786) $ (439,130)
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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Non-current deferred tax assets - included in Deferred charges and other assets, net $ 7,320 $ 5,910 Non-current deferred tax liabilities - included in Deferred tax liability (638,106) (445,040) Net deferred income tax liability $ (630,786) $ (439,130)
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 (in thousands): Federal, State, and Foreign Tax (In thousands) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 1,348 Reduction to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2021 $ 1,348 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 1,348 Reductions to tax positions related to prior years — Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 1,348
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table Text Block]	Such loss carryforwards will expire as follows: Federal State Foreign Total (In thousands) 2024 $ — $ 160,355 $ 346 $ 160,701 2025 — 321,190 471 321,661 2026 — 368,207 957 369,164 2027 — 189,465 1,798 191,263 Thereafter — 1,423,484 3,824 1,427,308 Total loss carryforwards $ — $ 2,462,701 $ 7,396 $ 2,470,097 In addition to the above loss carryforwards, we have $2.2 million of foreign alternative minimum tax credits that can be carried forward indefinitely.
Summary of Valuation Allowance [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2023, 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 $ — $ 122,796 $ 5,000 $ 127,796 Valuation allowance $ — $ 94,135 $ 14,699 $ 108,834

Debt Level 3 (Tables)

Debt Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	The components of Debt are: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) 7.500% Senior Notes due April 2027 $ 137,424 $ 138,274 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 850,000 850,000 4.000% Senior Notes due May 2031 800,000 800,000 Term Loan due May 2024 — 536,250 Term Loan due January 2028 658,125 — Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 — 570,000 Bank Credit Facility due January 2028 790,000 — Obligations under finance leases 132,039 120,837 Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 80,696 66,248 Unamortized debt issuance costs (35,788) (39,865) Total debt $ 4,712,496 $ 4,341,744 Less: Current maturities of long-term debt (63,341) (90,661) Total long-term debt $ 4,649,155 $ 4,251,083
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, 2023 and thereafter, excluding unamortized premiums and debt issuance costs (in thousands): 2024 $ 63,341 2025 75,158 2026 52,500 2027 748,287 2028 1,349,969 2029 and thereafter 2,423,241 Total debt maturities $ 4,712,496
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 2023 $ 230,551 Payments in 2022 $ 164,222 Payments in 2021 $ 142,145
Schedule of future cash interest payments [Table Text Block]	ash interest payments on our existing long-term debt for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2023 and thereafter are as follows (in thousands): Payments in 2024 $ 250,870 Payments in 2025 249,148 Payments in 2026 247,603 Payments in 2027 237,673 Payments in 2028 104,679 Payments in 2029 and thereafter 145,087 Total expected cash interest payments $ 1,235,060

Credit Risk and Fair Value of_2

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 2022 (In thousands) 7.500% Notes due April 2027 $ 142,749 $ 141,499 4.625% Senior Notes due December 2027 532,125 513,909 5.125% Senior Notes due June 2029 732,173 709,125 3.375% Senior Notes due August 2030 739,500 702,202 4.000% Senior Notes due May 2031 711,336 685,680 Term Loan due May 2024 — 536,250 Term Loan due January 2028 658,125 — Bank Credit Facility due May 2024 — 570,000 Bank Credit Facility due January 2028 790,000 — Mortgage notes and other debt, maturities through 2050 79,426 63,168 Total fair value of debt instruments $ 4,385,434 $ 3,921,833

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block]	Future undiscounted lease income from operating leases where we are the lessor were as follows as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands): 2024 $ 3,967 2025 3,297 2026 2,512 2027 2,043 2028 1,682 2029 and thereafter 11,793 Total expected cash receipts $ 25,294
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Amortization of leased assets $ 34,212 $ 35,321 $ 37,569 Interest on lease liabilities 4,795 3,990 4,642 Total finance lease cost 39,007 39,311 42,211 Operating lease cost 10,531 11,021 11,586 Variable lease cost 872 437 178 Total lease cost $ 50,410 $ 50,769 $ 53,975
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block]	Future lease payments for non-cancelable operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2023 were as follows: Operating Finance Total (In thousands) 2024 $ 9,953 $ 49,166 $ 59,119 2025 9,044 29,161 38,205 2026 7,695 22,284 29,979 2027 6,680 14,835 21,515 2028 5,534 8,928 14,462 2029 and thereafter 31,419 28,982 60,401 Total lease payments $ 70,325 $ 153,356 $ 223,681 Less: Interest (16,493) (21,317) (37,810) Present value of lease liabilities $ 53,832 $ 132,039 $ 185,871
Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: Lease Type Balance Sheet Classification December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (In thousands) Operating lease right-of-use assets (1) Deferred charges and other assets $ 50,973 $ 49,741 Finance lease right-of-use assets (1) Property and equipment, net 127,425 115,813 Total right-of-use assets (1) $ 178,398 $ 165,554 Operating Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 7,782 $ 7,083 Finance Current maturities of long-term debt 44,109 42,469 Total current lease liabilities 51,891 49,552 Operating Other liabilities 46,050 45,314 Finance Long-term debt 87,930 78,368 Total non-current lease liabilities 133,980 123,682 Total lease liabilities $ 185,871 $ 173,234
Supplemental Information related to Leases [Table Text Block]	The weighted-average life remaining and discount rates of our leases were as follows: December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating Finance Operating Finance Weighted-average remaining lease term (years) 11.1 5.2 11.8 4.5 Weighted-average discount rate 4.4% 4.6% 4.0% 3.3% Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Cash paid for amounts in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 10,473 $ 10,994 $ 11,693 Operating cash flows for finance leases 5,191 3,838 4,207 Financing cash flows for finance leases 34,482 35,542 34,617 Total cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities $ 50,146 $ 50,374 $ 50,517 New finance leases 57,962 21,148 21,097 Finance lease renewals and extensions 829 (264) 1,095 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease liabilities $ 58,791 $ 20,884 $ 22,192 New operating leases 6,534 2,704 3,268 Operating lease renewals and extensions 2,985 2,324 4,554 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $ 9,519 $ 5,028 $ 7,822
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 191,272	$ 175,330	$ 159,306
Land	761,092	$ 711,672
Lessor [Member]
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Depreciation	400		$ 700
Land	33,900
Investment Building and Building Improvements	12,600
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Owned, Accumulated Depreciation	$ 2,300

Share-Based Compensation Leve_2

Share-Based Compensation Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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 2023 2022 2021 Dividend yield 1.6% 1.5% 1.8% Expected volatility 25.4% 23.9% 23.5% Risk-free interest rate 4.0% 1.8% 0.4% Expected holding period (years) 4.5 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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income $ 15,423 $ 14,709 $ 14,168 Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income $ 3,822 $ 3,877 $ 3,537
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Weighted-Average Outstanding at December 31, 2022 5,461,105 $ 40.47 Granted 371,700 $ 70.34 Exercised (926,610) $ 26.10 Outstanding at December 31, 2023 4,906,195 $ 45.44 Exercisable at December 31, 2023 3,989,812 $ 41.68
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, 2023 (shares reported in whole numbers): Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Price Number Outstanding at December 31, 2023 Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted- Number Exercisable at December 31, 2023 Weighted- $0.00 — 25.00 55,320 0.1 $ 22.28 55,320 $ 22.28 $25.01 — 35.00 894,450 1.1 $ 29.25 894,450 $ 29.25 $35.01 — 45.00 1,519,695 2.6 $ 39.65 1,519,695 $ 39.65 $45.01 — 55.00 1,506,810 4.6 $ 50.31 1,308,944 $ 50.42 $55.01 — 65.00 558,220 6.1 $ 59.76 211,403 $ 59.76 $65.01 — 75.00 371,700 7.1 $ 70.34 — $ — $0.00 — 75.00 4,906,195 3.6 $ 45.44 3,989,812 $ 41.68
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, 2023 2022 2021 Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted $ 16.86 $ 11.02 $ 7.50 Total fair value of stock options vested $ 6,059 $ 5,538 $ 5,708 Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 37,115 $ 42,700 $ 59,180 Cash received from the exercise of stock options $ 24,181 $ 27,814 $ 39,354 Recognized compensation expense $ 5,929 $ 5,738 $ 5,514
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, 2022 212,115 $ 54.66 Granted 89,484 $ 70.34 Vested (114,826) $ 53.38 Nonvested restricted share awards at December 31, 2023 186,773 $ 62.95
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted Weighted-Average Nonvested restricted share units at December 31, 2022 118,936 $ 54.31 Granted 52,162 $ 70.34 Vested (61,390) $ 52.47 Nonvested restricted share units at December 31, 2023 109,708 $ 62.96

Retirement Plans Retirement Pla

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation $ 797 $ 535 $ 482 Recognized net actuarial (gains) losses 654 (3,254) (353) Total net periodic benefit cost $ 1,451 $ (2,719) $ 129
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]	The Plans’ funded status were as follows: Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 (In thousands) Change in Benefit Obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 15,906 $ 22,381 Interest cost 797 535 Actuarial gain 654 (3,254) Benefits paid (1) (1,994) (3,756) Benefit obligation at end of year $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Change in Plan Assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ — $ — Employer contributions 1,994 3,756 Benefits paid, including expenses (1) (1,994) (3,756) Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ — $ — Funded status of plan $ (15,363) $ (15,906) Funding Summary: Projected benefit obligation $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Accumulated benefit obligation $ 15,363 $ 15,906 Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: Included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ (1,824) $ (2,236) Included in Other liabilities (13,539) (13,670) Total accrued liability $ (15,363) $ (15,906)
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, 2023 2022 2021 Weighted-average discount rate used to determine obligations 4.94 % 5.34 % 2.52 % Weighted-average discount rate used to determine net periodic benefit cost 5.34 % 2.52 % 2.42 %
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]	The following benefit payments are expected to be paid over the next ten years related to our Plans (in thousands): 2024 $ 1,695 2025 1,603 2026 1,562 2027 1,492 2028 1,417 Years 2029 through 2033 5,968 Total expected benefit payments $ 13,737

Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tab

Earnings Per Share Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
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, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income — basic and diluted $ 537,317 $ 565,338 $ 802,939 Weighted average shares: Weighted average shares — basic 150,565 157,713 167,542 Stock options 1,726 2,343 2,501 Restricted share units 60 75 71 Weighted average shares — diluted 152,351 160,131 170,114 Amounts attributable to common stockholders: Net income per share: Basic $ 3.57 $ 3.58 $ 4.79 Diluted $ 3.53 $ 3.53 $ 4.72
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Antidilutive options 845 490 —

Acquisition Level 3 (Tables)

Acquisition Level 3 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) on Divestitures and Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	Years Ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 (In thousands) Gains on divestitures, net $ 12,543 $ 10,923 $ 28,573 Impairment losses (2,727) (961) (3,404) Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net $ 9,816 $ 9,962 $ 25,169

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	$ 3,204	$ 12,586
Restricted Cash, Current	$ 370	10,379
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate, Low	0.042
Amortization of cemetery property	$ 101,234	94,123	$ 98,162
Depreciation	$ 191,272	$ 175,330	$ 159,306
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 3.57	$ 3.58	$ 4.79
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate, Low End of the Range	1%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate, High End of the Range	3%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.75%
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate	0.050
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	0.015
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	6.95%
Retirement of treasury shares	0	0	0
Deferred incremental selling costs	$ 406,181	$ 384,108
Incremental Selling Costs	$ 247,400	263,900	$ 259,900
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Expense to Revenue Ratio, Low end range	70%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Expense to Revenue Ratio, High end range	80%
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Growth Rate Other, Low end range	2%
GoodwillReportingUnitFairValueInputsGrowthRateOtherHighendrange	3%
Other Assets, Current	$ 23,010	32,466
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2023
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	$ 102,321	102,867
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(4,382)	(6,186)
Receivables, net	97,939	96,681
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	(2,345)	(3,602)
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	8,497	$ 6,821
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	$ (8)
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 3.53	$ 3.53	$ 4.72
Amortization of intangibles	$ 18,736	$ 18,355	$ 20,002
Life Insurance General Agency Commissions	185,600	164,300	157,400
Estimated Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits with the next 12 months	$ 1,300
Intangible Fair Value Inputs, Royalty Savings Rate, Low	0.020
Estimated Excess Repatriation Federal Income Tax	$ 7,700
Funeral [Member]
Amortization of cemetery property	0	0	0
Depreciation	$ 133,544	123,165	111,687
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	1%
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	$ (2)
Amortization of intangibles	$ 12,025	11,735	12,980
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	1%
Cemetery [Member]
Amortization of cemetery property	$ 101,234	94,123	98,162
Depreciation	$ 46,713	41,502	37,373
Goodwill Reporting Unit Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	2.80%
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	$ (6)
Amortization of intangibles	$ 6,706	6,620	$ 7,016
Intangibles Fair Value Inputs, Terminal Growth Rate	2.80%
Minimum [Member]
Funeral home lease life	1 year
Transportation equipment lease life	1 year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives
Minimum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives
Maximum [Member]
Funeral home lease life	40 years
Transportation equipment lease life	9 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years
Maximum [Member] | Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives
Maximum [Member] | Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives
Maximum [Member] | Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 3,902	5,703
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	3,765
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery	2,264
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net	0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	83
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	7,747
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] | Funeral [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	35,572	44,417
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(1,784)	(3,627)
Receivables, net	33,788	40,790
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	1,784	3,627
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	2,626
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery	1,893
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net	0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	82
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	6,280
Trade Accounts Receivable [Member] | Cemetery [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	19,277	19,781
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(2,118)	(2,076)
Receivables, net	17,159	17,705
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	2,118	2,076
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	1,139
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery	371
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Acquisitions (Divestitures), Net	0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	1
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	1,467
Notes Receivable [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	175	186
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(137)	(139)
Receivables, net	38	47
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	10,469
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	1,934	2,685
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(2)
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	(532)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	1,281
Financing Receivable, Not Past Due	9,236
Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	0
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	0
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	0
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	11
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	0
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	4,603
Financing Receivable, Revolving	5,855
Total Notes Receivable, Past Due	1,233
Notes Receivable [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	0
Notes Receivable [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	117
Notes Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables 90 To 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	0
Notes Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	1,116
Notes Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	10,294	9,367
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	(1,797)	(2,546)
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	8,497	6,821
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member]
Receivables, net:
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	47,297	38,483
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	(343)	(344)
Receivables, net	46,954	38,139
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	55,185
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	891	1,400
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(509)
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, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	48,504
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	3,936
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	1,778
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	520
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	436
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	11
Financing Receivable, Revolving	0
Total Miscellaneous Receivables	1,512
Miscellaneous Receivables, Not Past Due	53,673
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	19
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables 90 To 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	249
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	1,244
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	7,888	7,993
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	(548)	(1,056)
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	7,340	6,937
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	548	1,056
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(508)
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, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	3,607
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	2,255
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	1,351
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	313
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	353
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	9
Financing Receivable, Revolving	0
Total Miscellaneous Receivables	0
Miscellaneous Receivables, Not Past Due	7,888
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member] | Financing Receivables 90 To 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Long Term [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	47,297
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	343	$ 344
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(1)
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, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year	44,897
Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year	1,681
Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year	427
Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year	207
Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year	83
Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Five Years before Current Fiscal Year	2
Financing Receivable, Revolving	0
Total Miscellaneous Receivables	1,512
Miscellaneous Receivables, Not Past Due	45,785
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member] | Financial Asset, 1 to 29 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	0
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member] | Maturity 30 to 90 Days [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	19
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member] | Financing Receivables 90 To 180 Days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	249
Miscellaneous Accounts Receivable [Member] | Current [Member] | Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater Than 180 days Past Due [Member]
Receivables, net:
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Excluding Accrued Interest	$ 1,244
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	5 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	15 years

Preneed Activities Investment R

Preneed Activities Investment Related Activities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Deposits to trust	$ 519,023	$ 590,257	$ 534,586
Withdrawals	477,443	591,591	507,872
Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,823,267	2,070,313	1,647,032
Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,744,618	2,038,517	1,518,779
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain	584,863	281,168	332,738
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain (Loss)	$ 91,715	$ 227,075	$ 201,173

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_3

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Preneed Receivables and Trust Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Preneed Receivables and Trust Investments [Abstract]
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	$ 6,191,912	$ 5,577,499	$ 6,015,323	$ 5,345,720
Net Preneed Contract Sales	1,973,012	1,978,266	1,870,972
Cash receipts from customers, net of refunds	(1,699,683)	(1,639,291)	(1,550,735)
Deposits To Trust Receivable Impact	515,866	468,482	452,554
Acquisitions (dispositions) of businesses, net	3,394	15,860	4,912
Net undistributed investments (losses) earnings	527,264	(611,057)	448,469
Maturities and Distributed Earnings	(591,834)	(500,216)	(464,247)
Change in cancellation allowance	(5,160)	(6,609)	(1,523)
Change in amounts due for unfulfilled performance obligations	(93,473)	(123,385)	(87,207)
Effect of foreign currency and other	$ (14,973)	$ (19,874)	$ (3,592)

Preneed Activities Long-term Re

Preneed Activities Long-term Receivable and Investment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Allowance for cancellation	$ (32,475)	$ (27,314)
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	6,191,912	5,577,499	$ 6,015,323	$ 5,345,720
PreneedReceivables	1,513,933	1,402,209
Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	(1,939,241)	(1,702,313)
Preneed trust investments	4,677,979	4,175,290
Preneed receivables, net and trust investments, excluding allowance for cancellation	6,191,912	5,577,499
Insurance-backed fixed income securities and other [Line Items]	222,424	214,440
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	1,562,318	1,447,412
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(15,910)	(17,889)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	1,546,408	1,429,523
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables		(27,314)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	(8)
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	15
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	2,823
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(7,991)
Funeral [Member]
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Allowance for cancellation	(17,026)	(14,438)
PreneedReceivables	163,388	154,541
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	190,514	180,108
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(10,100)	(11,129)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	180,414	168,979
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	14,438
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	(2)
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	0
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	2,175
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	(4,761)
Cemetery [Member]
Long-term receivable and investment components [Line Items]
Allowance for cancellation	(15,449)	(12,876)
PreneedReceivables	1,350,545	1,247,668
Preneed Accounts Receivable Gross	1,371,804	1,267,304
Deferred Discounts, Finance Charges and Interest Included in Receivables	(5,810)	(6,760)
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	1,365,994	$ 1,260,544
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables	12,876
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	(6)
Financing Receivable, Purchased with Credit Deterioration, Allowance for Credit Loss at Acquisition Date	15
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	648
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	$ (3,230)

Preneed Activities Schedule of

Preneed Activities Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	$ (210,810)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	4,297,238
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	642,572
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	3,865,476
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		$ (521,853)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		3,863,363
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		371,897
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost		4,013,319
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,376)	(2,033)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	44,414	43,073
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	145	22
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	45,645	45,084
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	31,896	30,200
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	31,896	30,200
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(17)	(18)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	10,763	157
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	138	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	10,642	175
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(104)	(101)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	5,377	1,319
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	29	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	5,452	1,420
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(51)	(52)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	240	242
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	291	294
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Preferred Stock securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(97)	(2,340)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	320	1,804
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	417	4,144
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | US Common Stock Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(78,630)	(208,523)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	2,144,515	1,782,140
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	478,226	283,423
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	1,744,919	1,707,240
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Canada Common Stock Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(676)	(11,117)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	62,296	48,469
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	20,251	11,765
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	42,721	47,821
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Other International Common Stock Securities [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(11,088)	(19,009)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	116,598	114,992
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	19,580	10,561
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	108,106	123,440
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(9,540)	(112,374)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	985,556	870,207
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	118,476	64,895
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	876,620	917,686
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fixed Income Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(109,231)	(166,286)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	895,263	970,760
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	5,727	1,231
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	998,767	1,135,815
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(70,772)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	2,097,558
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	244,076
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	1,924,254
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Fixed inc [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(63,021)	(89,246)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	767,011	641,696
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2,432	2
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	827,600	730,940
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Commingled funds - Equity [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(642)	(3,846)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	408,677	346,867
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	71,819	40,820
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	337,500	309,893
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	346,672	325,562
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	346,672	325,562
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(7,109)	(1,091)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	575,198	485,675
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	169,825	179,491
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	412,482	307,275
Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Reported At Net Asset Value [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses		(94,183)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value		1,799,800
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax		220,313
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost		1,673,670
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Unrealized Losses	(281,582)	(616,036)
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value	6,394,796	5,663,163
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	886,648	592,210
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	$ 5,789,730	$ 5,686,989

Preneed Activities Investments

Preneed Activities Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 55,207
Due in one to five years	30,265
Due in five to ten years	7,132
Thereafter	86
Total	$ 92,690

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_4

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities Deferred Revenue Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred Revenue [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, Gross	$ 2,649,397	$ 2,472,693
Amounts Due for Unfulfilled Performance Obligations	(945,888)	848,665
Deferred Revenue	$ 1,703,509	$ 1,624,028

Preneed Activities Preneed Ac_5

Preneed Activities Preneed Activities, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Preneed Activities [Abstract]
Investment Earnings, Net	$ 158.2	$ 143.8	$ 179.7
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, maximum	2040
Available-for-sale securities, estimated maturity date, minimum	2024
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Unfunded Commitments	$ 322.6
ECF Investment Earnings, Net	$ 86.6	$ 85.1	$ 96.1

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,945,588	$ 1,915,082
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,945,588
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	31,047	37,224
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(1,727)	0
Effect of foreign currency and other	2,278	(6,718)
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	31,598	30,506
Goodwill, ending balance		1,945,588	$ 1,915,082
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,977,186	1,945,588
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	86,295	94,107
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Future Total	22,480
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	393,987	412,155
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	307,692	318,048
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	86,295	94,107
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	388,049	376,138
Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets	10,765	10,765
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	398,814	386,903
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	485,109	481,010
Amortization of intangibles	18,736	18,355	20,002
Future Amortization Expense, Year One	6,478
Future Amortization Expense, Year Two	6,347
Future Amortization Expense, Year Three	4,771
Future Amortization Expense, Year Four	2,738
Future Amortization Expense, Year Five	2,146
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	222,930	222,461
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	207,301	205,450
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	137,130	155,767
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	88,929	101,954
Trade Names [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	7,000	7,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	437	359
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	26,927	26,927
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	11,025	10,285
Funeral [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,603,600	1,584,175
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	1,603,600
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	13,994	26,143
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(1,502)	0
Effect of foreign currency and other	2,278	(6,718)
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	14,770	19,425
Goodwill, ending balance		1,603,600	1,584,175
Goodwill, net, ending balance	1,618,370	1,603,600
Amortization of intangibles	12,025	11,735	12,980
Cemetery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance	341,988	330,907
Goodwill, net, beginning balance	341,988
Increase in goodwill related to acquisitions	17,053	11,081
Reduction of goodwill related to divestitures	(225)	0
Effect of foreign currency and other	0	0
Goodwill, Period Increase (Decrease)	16,828	11,081
Goodwill, ending balance		341,988	330,907
Goodwill, net, ending balance	358,816	341,988
Amortization of intangibles	$ 6,706	$ 6,620	$ 7,016
Minimum [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5 years
Minimum [Member] | Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	5 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	15 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
United States	$ 664,745	$ 703,131	$ 994,632
Foreign	43,861	52,497	50,868
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	708,606	$ 755,628	$ 1,045,500
Investment Tax Credit	11,600
Amortization Method Qualified Affordable Housing Project Investments, Amortization	$ 11,500

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_2

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current: United States	$ (30,832)	$ 139,132	$ 194,545
Current: Foreign	14,989	14,486	14,088
Current: State	(4,728)	32,505	39,452
Total current income taxes	(20,571)	186,123	248,085
Deferred: United States	155,677	(59)	(3,543)
Deferred: Foreign	(1,999)	780	(5,492)
Deferred: State	37,838	2,750	3,198
Provision for deferred income taxes	191,516	3,471	(5,837)
Provision for income taxes	170,945	189,594	242,248
Income Taxes Paid	85,500	183,700	270,200
Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds	$ 1,700	$ 4,200	$ 4,700

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_3

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed tax provision at the applicable federal statutory income tax rate	$ 148,807	$ 158,682	$ 219,555
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefits	27,041	28,817	35,045
Foreign jurisdiction differences	3,756	3,976	3,041
Permanent differences associated with dispositions	47	200	400
Changes in uncertain tax positions	110	53	51
Foreign Valuation Allowance, Amount	0	0	(4,155)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(8,406)	(8,918)	(12,476)
Other	(410)	6,784	787
Provision for income taxes	$ 170,945	$ 189,594	$ 242,248
Total effective tax rate	24.10%	25.10%	23.20%

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_4

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Inventories and cemetery property	$ (196,887)	$ (201,795)
Deferred tax liabilities selling cost	(104,686)	99,377
Property and equipment	(177,411)	(181,029)
Intangibles	(207,727)	(204,010)
Other	(5,746)	(5,313)
Deferred tax liabilities	(772,635)	(691,524)
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	127,796	137,785
Deferred revenue on preneed funeral and cemetery contracts	(80,178)	(153,479)
Accrued liabilities	122,887	80,069
Deferred tax assets	250,683	371,333
Less: Valuation allowance	(108,834)	(118,939)
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (630,786)	$ (439,130)

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_5

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 5 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Net deferred income tax liability	$ (630,786)	$ (439,130)
Non-current deferred tax liabilities	(638,106)	(445,040)
Non-current deferred tax assets	$ 7,320	$ 5,910

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_6

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 6 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ (1,348)	$ (1,348)	$ (1,348)
Reductions to tax positions related to the current year	0
Additions to tax positions related to prior years	0
Reductions to tax positions as a result of audit settlement			0
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	1,300
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	1,000	$ 900	$ 800
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense	$ 100

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_7

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details 7 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	$ 160,701
Year Two	321,661
Year Three	369,164
Year Four	191,263
Thereafter	1,427,308
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,470,097
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	127,796	$ 137,785
Valuation allowance	108,834	$ 118,939
Federal
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	0
Year Two	0
Year Three	0
Year Four	0
Thereafter	0
Operating Loss Carryforwards	0
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	0
Valuation allowance	0
State
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	160,355
Year Two	321,190
Year Three	368,207
Year Four	189,465
Thereafter	1,423,484
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,462,701
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	10,100
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	122,796
Valuation allowance	94,135
Foreign
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Year One	346
Year Two	471
Year Three	957
Year Four	1,798
Thereafter	3,824
Operating Loss Carryforwards	7,396
Loss and tax credit carry-forwards	5,000
Valuation allowance	$ 14,699

Income Taxes Income Taxes Det_8

Income Taxes Income Taxes Details (Tax Reform) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Income Tax [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount	$ 12.8
Estimated Tax Reform Repatriation Liability	$ 247.6

Debt Level 4 (Details)

Debt Level 4 (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Feb. 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	$ 603,200,000	$ 101,900,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt	22,230,000	36,288,000	$ 36,158,000
Repayments of Other Debt	5,300,000	3,800,000
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	(1,114,000)	(1,225,000)	(5,226,000)
Other Notes Payable	80,696,000	66,248,000
Total debt	4,712,496,000	4,341,744,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	(63,341,000)	(90,661,000)
Less current maturities	63,341,000	90,661,000
Total long-term debt	$ 4,649,155,000	$ 4,251,083,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.29%	4%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	69%	72%
Next Twelve Months	$ 63,341,000
Year Two	75,158,000
Year Three	52,500,000
Year Four	748,287,000
Year Five	1,349,969,000
After Year Five	2,423,241,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	4,712,496,000
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 33,500,000		$ 39,100,000
Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities	230,551,000	164,222,000	$ 142,145,000
Payments in 2024	250,870,000
Payments in 2025	249,148,000
Payments in 2026	247,603,000
Payments in 2027	237,673,000
Payments in 2028	104,679,000
Payments in 2029 and thereafter	145,087,000
Cash Interest Payments Expected Payments Total	1,235,060,000
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ (35,788,000)	$ (39,865,000)
Finance Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Long-term debt	Long-term debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 957,400,000	$ 19,000,000
Redemption Premium	$ 500,000	1,200,000
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Finance Receivables Pledged as Collateral, at Fair Value
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	200,000%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 670,900,000
April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		14,400,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt	900,000
May 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		50,000,000
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent	0	536,250,000
Bank credit facility	0	570,000,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	10,000,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit	199,300,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	145,300,000	32,500,000
Bank Credit Facility due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	44,300,000
January 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt	16,900,000
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent	658,125,000	0		675,000,000
Bank credit facility	790,000,000	0		$ 1,500,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	284,100,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit	235,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	137,424,000	138,274,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | December 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	550,000,000	550,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | June 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	750,000,000	750,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | August 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000,000	850,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | May 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 800,000,000	$ 800,000,000

Debt Debt, Textuals (Details)

Debt Debt, Textuals (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Feb. 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.29%	4%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	200,000%
Letters of Credit, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		$ 33,500,000		$ 39,100,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 670,900,000
Repayments of Other Debt	5,300,000	3,800,000
Repayments of Debt	603,200,000	101,900,000
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	(1,114,000)	(1,225,000)	$ (5,226,000)
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	4,385,434,000	3,921,833,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt	22,230,000	36,288,000	$ 36,158,000
Redemption Premium	500,000	1,200,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	$ 957,400,000	19,000,000
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2023
Asset Pledged as Collateral	$ (75,300,000)	(59,800,000)
Deposit Pledged as Collateral	$ 700,000	$ 500,000
Fixed Debt Weighted Average Rate	4.35%	4.32%
Floating Debt Weighted Average Rate	7.44%	2.95%
April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Debt		$ 14,400,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt	$ 900,000
Bank Credit Facility due March 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	44,300,000
May 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent	0	536,250,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	0	570,000,000
Repayments of Debt		50,000,000
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment	145,300,000	32,500,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	10,000,000
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	600,000,000	465,000,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit	199,300,000
Other Notes Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	19,000,000
January 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes Payable to Bank, Noncurrent	658,125,000	0		675,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	790,000,000	0		$ 1,500,000
Repayments of Debt	16,900,000
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt	284,100,000
Repayments of Lines of Credit	235,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | April 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	137,424,000	138,274,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | December 2027 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	550,000,000	550,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | August 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	850,000,000	850,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | June 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	750,000,000	750,000,000
Unsecured Debt [Member] | May 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Notes	$ 800,000,000	$ 800,000,000

Credit Risk and Fair Value of_3

Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Feb. 15, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes Payable	$ 79,426		$ 63,168
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	4,385,434		3,921,833
Term Loan	0		536,250
May 2024 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank credit facility	0		570,000
April 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	142,749		141,499
December 2027 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	532,125		513,909
June 2029 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	732,173		709,125
August 2030 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	739,500		702,202
May 2031
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Senior Notes	711,336		685,680
January 2028
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Bank credit facility	790,000	$ 1,500	0
Term Loan	$ 658,125		$ 0

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Leases [Abstract]
Finance Leases New		$ 57,962	$ 21,148	$ 21,097
Rnewals and Extensions, Finance Leases		829	(264)	1,095
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability		58,791	20,884	22,192
Operating Lease, New		6,534	2,704	3,268
Renewals and Extensions, Operating Leases		2,985	2,324	4,554
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability		9,519	5,028	7,822
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	$ 49,166	49,166
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	29,161	29,161
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	22,284	22,284
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	14,835	14,835
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	8,928	8,928
Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	28,982	28,982
Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due	153,356	153,356
Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability		21,317
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract]
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months	9,953	9,953
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two	9,044	9,044
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three	7,695	7,695
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four	6,680	6,680
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five	5,534	5,534
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five	31,419	31,419
Operating Lease, Expense		16,493
Operating Lease, Liability	70,325	70,325
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due	53,832	53,832
Lease LIability Payments Due Next Twelve Months		59,119
Lease Liability Payments Due Year Two	38,205	38,205
Lease Liability Payments Due Year Three	29,979	29,979
Lease Liability Payments Due Year Four	21,515	21,515
Lease Liability Payments Due Year Five	14,462	14,462
Lease Liability Payments Due After Year Five	60,401	60,401
Lease Interest Expense		37,810
Lease Liability	223,681	223,681
Lease Liability Payments Due	185,871	185,871
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset	50,973	50,973	49,741
Finance lease right-of-use assets	127,425	127,425	115,813
Leases Right of Use Asset	178,398	178,398	165,554
Operating Lease, Liability, Current	7,782	7,782	7,083
Finance Lease - Current Maturities of Long Term Debt	44,109	44,109	42,469
Leases Total Current Liability	51,891	51,891	49,552
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	46,050	46,050	45,314
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent	87,930	87,930	78,368
Leases Total NonCurrent Liability	133,980	133,980	123,682
Leases, Total Liability	$ 185,871	185,871	173,234
Finance Lease Payments Cash Outflow		$ 5,191	3,838	4,207
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units	80	80
Operating Lease, Lease Income	$ 4,000
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization		$ 34,212	35,321	37,569
Finance Lease, Interest Expense		4,795	3,990	4,642
Finance Lease Cost		39,007	39,311	42,211
Operating Lease, Cost		10,531	11,021	11,586
Variable Lease, Cost		872	437	178
Lease, Cost		$ 50,410	$ 50,769	53,975
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.40%	4.40%	4%
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent	4.60%	4.60%	3.30%
Operating Lease, Payments		$ 10,473	$ 10,994	11,693
Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability		21,317
Finance Lease, Principal Payments		34,482	35,542	34,617
Total Lease Payments		50,146	$ 50,374	$ 50,517
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Next Twelve Months	$ 3,967	3,967
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years	3,297	3,297
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years	2,512	2,512
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years	2,043	2,043
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years	1,682	1,682
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter	11,793	11,793
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received	$ 25,294	$ 25,294
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	11 years 1 month 6 days	11 years 1 month 6 days	11 years 9 months 18 days
Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	5 years 2 months 12 days	5 years 2 months 12 days	4 years 6 months
Finance Lease, Liability, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Long-term debt	Long-term debt	Long-term debt
Operating Lease, Lease Income, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]			Revenues

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Self Insurance Reserve	$ 103.3	$ 99.3

Equity Textuals (Details)

Equity Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 09, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Common stock, shares authorized		500,000,000
Common stock, par or stated value per share		$ 1
Common stock, shares, issued		148,297,042	156,088,438
Common stock, shares outstanding		146,323,340	153,940,365
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share		$ 63.17	$ 63.84
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount		$ 600,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount		$ 525,000
Dividends declared per share		$ 1.12	$ 1.02	$ 0.88
Payments of Dividends, Common Stock		$ 167,983	$ 160,035	$ 146,919
Subsequent Event [Member]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	310,581
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Par Value Method	$ 20,900
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share	$ 67.39

Share-Based Compensation Leve_3

Share-Based Compensation Level 4 (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected holding period	4 years 6 months	4 years
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 15,423,000	$ 14,709,000	$ 14,168,000
Income tax benefit related to share-based compensation included in net income	$ 3,822,000	$ 3,877,000	$ 3,537,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	4,906,195
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 45.44
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	3,989,812
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 41.68
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 7,300,000
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	55,320
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 22.28
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	55,320
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 22.28
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	894,450
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 29.25
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	894,450
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	1,519,695
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 39.65
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	1,519,695
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 39.65
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	1,506,810
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 50.31
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	1,308,944
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 50.42
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	558,220
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 59.76
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	211,403
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 59.76
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 6
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	371,700
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 1 month 6 days
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 70.34
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 Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield	1.60%	1.50%	1.80%
Risk-free interest rate	4%	1.80%	0.40%
Expected holding period			4 years
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 5,929,000	$ 5,738,000	$ 5,514,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period	5,461,105
Options outstanding at beginning of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 40.47
Granted	371,700
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 70.34
Exercised	(926,610)
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 26.10
Options outstanding at end of period	4,906,195	5,461,105
Options outstanding at end of period, weighted average exercise price	$ 45.44	$ 40.47
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011	4,906,195	5,461,105
Options exercisable at December 31, 2011, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 45.44	$ 40.47
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	3,989,812
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 41.68
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Expected volatility	25.40%	23.90%	23.50%
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 6,800,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 6,128,000	$ 5,739,000	$ 5,647,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	212,115
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 54.66
Granted	89,484
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 70.34	$ 59.76	$ 49.59
Vested	(114,826)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 53.38
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	186,773	212,115
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 62.95	$ 54.66
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 6,130,000	$ 5,639,000	$ 5,496,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	$ 1,715,000	2,552,000	3,513,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 7,000,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 3,366,000	$ 3,232,000	$ 3,007,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period	118,936
Nonvested restricted shares at beginning of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 54.31
Granted	52,162
Granted, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 70.34	$ 59.76	$ 49.59
Vested	(61,390)
Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 52.47
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period	109,708	118,936
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 62.96	$ 54.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 3,221,000	$ 3,143,000	$ 2,883,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested	1,000,000	1,447,000	1,911,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 4,000,000
Performance Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	4.53%
Total pretax employee share-based compensation expense included in net income	$ 11,800,000	$ 14,600,000	$ 19,500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Granted	88,084	99,923	111,449
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	$ 62.30
Nonvested restricted shares at end of period, weighted average grant date fair value	$ 68.45	$ 62.30
Expected volatility	26.20%
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 7 months 6 days

Share-Based Compensation Share-

Share-Based Compensation Share-Based Compensation, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	3,470,575	4,090,978
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 113,600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		$ 106,800
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 16.86	$ 11.02	$ 7.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 6,059	$ 5,538	$ 5,708
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	37,115	42,700	59,180
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	24,181	27,814	39,354
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense	15,423	14,709	14,168
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	7,300
PerformanceUnitsCashPaid	$ 10,900	$ 16,800
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 45.44
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	3,989,812
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 41.68
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	4,906,195
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	$ 5,929	$ 5,738	5,514
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 6,800
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	$ 6,128	5,739	5,647
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 7,000
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 Payment Arrangement, Expense	$ 3,366	3,232	3,007
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	4,000
Performance Options [Member]
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense	$ 11,800	$ 14,600	$ 19,500
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 7 months 6 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	308,976
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 1 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 22.28
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	55,320
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 22.28
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	55,320
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 2 [Member]
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	894,450
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 29.25
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	894,450
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 3 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 39.65
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	1,519,695
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 39.65
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	1,519,695
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 4 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 50.31
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	1,308,944
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 50.42
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	1,506,810
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 5 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 59.76
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Exercisable	211,403
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 59.76
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	558,220
Stock Option Plan Exercise Range 6
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance	$ 70.34
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
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Exercise Price Range, Shares Outstanding	371,700

Retirement Plans Retirement P_2

Retirement Plans Retirement Plans Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Recognized net actuarial (gains) losses	$ 654	$ (3,254)	$ (353)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	1,451	(2,719)	129
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	15,906	22,381
Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Net (Gains) Losses	654	(3,254)
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	1,994	3,756
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	15,363	15,906	22,381
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	1,994	3,756
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount	0	0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	(15,363)	(15,906)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation	15,363	15,906
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Current	(1,824)	(2,236)
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent	(13,539)	(13,670)
Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan	(15,363)	(15,906)
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Retirement Benefits Covered by Insurance Contract, Amount	30,500	49,800
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance, Retirement Plans	$ 22,700	$ 40,700
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate	4.94%	5.34%	2.52%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate	5.34%	2.52%	2.42%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase	50%
Year One	$ 1,695
Year Two	1,603
Year Three	1,562
Year Four	1,492
Year Five	1,417
Defined Benefit Plan Expected Benefit Payments	13,737
Years 2029 through 2033	5,968
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost	52,800	$ 49,600	$ 46,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid	$ 1,994	3,756
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent	50%
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	$ 797	$ 535	$ 482

Segment Reporting Level 4 (Deta

Segment Reporting Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent	$ 2,834	$ 2,207
Revenues	4,099,778	4,108,661	$ 4,143,143
Interest expense	239,447	172,109	150,610
Depreciation and amortization	191,272	175,330	159,306
Amortization of intangibles	18,736	18,355	20,002
Amortization of cemetery property	101,234	94,123	98,162
Total assets	16,355,400	15,066,037
Capital expenditures	361,793	369,709	303,660
Gross profits from reportable segments	1,091,807	1,154,602	1,323,075
Corporate general and administrative expenses	(157,368)	(237,248)	(157,568)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	9,816	9,962	25,169
Operating income	944,255	927,316	1,190,676
Losses on early extinguishment of debt, net	(1,114)	(1,225)	(5,226)
Other income, net	4,912	1,646	10,660
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	708,606	755,628	1,045,500
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	3,881,333	3,876,689	3,918,777
Interest expense	239,103	171,912	150,385
Depreciation and amortization	180,093	165,004	149,351
Amortization of intangibles	18,495	18,080	19,721
Amortization of cemetery property	97,471	89,545	92,128
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	8,512	7,220	19,837
Operating income	887,110	856,277	1,120,154
Long lived assets	7,386,819	7,094,859
CANADA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	218,445	231,972	224,366
Interest expense	344	197	225
Depreciation and amortization	11,179	10,326	9,955
Amortization of intangibles	241	275	281
Amortization of cemetery property	3,763	4,578	6,034
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	1,304	2,742	5,332
Operating income	57,145	71,039	70,522
Long lived assets	339,142	331,520
Funeral [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	2,092	1,734	2,864
Depreciation and amortization	133,544	123,165	111,687
Amortization of intangibles	12,025	11,735	12,980
Amortization of cemetery property	0	0	0
Total assets	6,573,950	6,236,270
Capital expenditures	125,922	153,224	139,420
Gross profits from reportable segments	497,106	545,693	639,775
Cemetery [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	764	493	681
Depreciation and amortization	46,713	41,502	37,373
Amortization of intangibles	6,706	6,620	7,016
Amortization of cemetery property	101,234	94,123	98,162
Total assets	9,168,173	8,404,900
Capital expenditures	212,406	196,371	148,737
Gross profits from reportable segments	594,701	608,909	683,300
Corporate and Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest expense	236,591	169,882	147,065
Depreciation and amortization	11,015	10,663	10,246
Amortization of intangibles	5	0	6
Amortization of cemetery property	0	0	0
Total assets	613,277	424,867
Capital expenditures	23,465	20,114	15,503
Funeral Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	1,185,413	1,242,269	1,268,111
Funeral Matured Preneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	715,298	705,273	700,473
Non-funeral Home Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	85,904	76,311	74,099
Funeral Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	181,646	161,696	161,233
Cemetery Atneed Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	433,925	448,143	477,950
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Property Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	874,724	868,740	846,528
Non-funeral home preneed sales revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	134,770	146,496	139,260
Cemetery Recognized Preneed Merchandise And Service Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	365,018	338,463	343,899
Cemetery Other Revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 123,080	$ 121,270	$ 131,590

Earnings Per Share Level 4 (Det

Earnings Per Share Level 4 (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 537,317	$ 565,338	$ 802,939
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Weighted average shares — basic	150,565	157,713	167,542
Weighted average shares — diluted	152,351	160,131	170,114
Net income attributable to common stockholders, basic	$ 3.57	$ 3.58	$ 4.79
Net income attributable to common stockholders, diluted	$ 3.53	$ 3.53	$ 4.72
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	845	490	0
Stock Options [Member]
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Share based compensation	1,726	2,343	2,501
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Weighted average shares (denominator):
Share based compensation	60	75	71

Acquisition, Textuals (Details)

Acquisition, Textuals (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Impairment losses	$ (2,727)	$ (961)	$ (3,404)
Gains on divestitures and impairment charges, net	9,816	9,962	25,169
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Revenue	4,099,778	4,108,661	4,143,143
Net Income	537,661	566,034	803,252
Business Combination, Goodwill	36,200	29,700
Business Combinations, Preneed customer relationships to insurance claims, Fair Value	3,900
Business Combinations, Tradenames, Fair Value	24,734
Business Combinations, Total intangible assets, Fair Value	28,634
1031 Exchange Funds for Business Combinations	13,200	6,100
Payments to Acquire Businesses Including 1031 Exchange Funds	71,200	94,800
Payments for (Proceeds from) Deposits on Real Estate Acquisitions	56,409	17,127	26,604
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	(72,535)	(102,558)	$ (121,382)
Cemetery [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Business Combination, Goodwill, Cemetery	17,300	1,500
Funeral [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Business Combination, Goodwill, Funeral	18,900	28,200
Current Year Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination Segment Allocation [Line Items]
Revenue	1,900	1,100
Net Income	500	300
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other	241	140
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Cemetery property	9,815	2,918
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	19,109	36,768
Business Combination, Preneed receivables, net and trust investments	6,539	7,732
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	14,257	3,900
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	158	24,734
Business Combination, Deferred charges and other assets	6,461	128
Business Combination, Cemetery perpetual care trust investments	36,234	1,484
Business Combination, Goodwill	92,814	29,683
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	439	107,487
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	12,599	660
Business Combination, Deferred revenue and deferred receipts held in trust	6,461	7,204
Business Combination, Care trusts' corpus	2,095	1,484
Business Combination, Other liabilities	21,594	3,336
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	$ 71,220	12,684
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net		94,803
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum	10 years
Acquisition Costs for Business Combination	$ 200	300
Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Cemetery property	9,815	2,918
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	19,109	36,768
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	14,257	3,900
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	158	24,734
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets	439	107,487
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities	12,599	660
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities	$ 71,220	$ 12,684

Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue

Acquisitions Pro Forma Revenue and Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Business Combination, Goodwill	$ 36,200	$ 29,700

Acquisitions Acquisitions Intan

Acquisitions Acquisitions Intangible Assets (Details)	Dec. 31, 2023
Current Year Acquisition [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	10 years
Minimum [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	5 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	5 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	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life	89 years

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, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Beginning Balance		$ (120,739)	$ (108,090)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance			(120,739)
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	$ (118,939)	(120,739)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	10,105	(1,800)	12,649
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	0	0	0
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(108,834)	(118,939)	(120,739)
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	(6,186)	(6,338)	(6,031)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	(3,764)	(6,579)	(6,393)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(5,568)	6,731	6,086
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(4,382)	(6,186)	(6,338)
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	(27,314)	(20,727)	(19,204)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	(7,991)	(10,246)	(5,086)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(2,830)	3,659	3,563
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	(32,475)	(27,314)	(20,727)
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	(3,602)	(4,577)	(6,902)
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Cost and Expense	(510)	125	117
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts	(747)	850	2,208
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Ending Balance	$ (2,345)	$ (3,602)	$ (4,577)