Note 24. Quarterly Data (unaudited): Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
TOTAL REVENUES	$ 112,960	$ 111,502	$ 101,443	$ 102,156	$ 104,493	$ 103,659	$ 105,525	$ 104,319	$ 428,061	$ 417,996	$ 435,368
Net income (loss)	10,061	4,390	3,830	4,330	3,491	4,011	3,464	3,800	22,611	14,766	23,413
(Income) loss from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(1,771)	(472)	(299)	(408)	(266)	(457)	(424)	(616)	(2,950)	(1,763)	(1,676)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO IHC	$ 8,290	$ 3,918	$ 3,531	$ 3,922	$ 3,225	$ 3,554	$ 3,040	$ 3,184	$ 19,661	$ 13,003	$ 21,737
Basic income (loss) per common share	$ 0.46	$ 0.22	$ 0.20	$ 0.22	$ 0.18	$ 0.20	$ 0.17	$ 0.19	$ 1.09	$ 0.74	$ 1.29
Diluted income (loss) per common share	$ 0.46	$ 0.22	$ 0.20	$ 0.22	$ 0.18	$ 0.20	$ 0.17	$ 0.19	$ 1.09	$ 0.74	$ 1.29