INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, taxes	$ 1,985	$ 1,987	$ 4,351	$ 4,313
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recorded in other comprehensive income (loss), taxes	0	(111)	(41)	(111)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, taxes	$ 50	$ 235	$ 47	$ 235