INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, taxes	$ 2,066	$ 2,383	$ 2,366	$ 2,326
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), taxes	(41)		(41)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, taxes	$ 11		$ (3)