INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income (loss)	$ 22,611	$ 14,766	$ 23,413
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax	7,196	7,740	7,981
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, net of tax	79	(297)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	7,275	7,443	7,981
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	29,886	22,209	31,394
(Income) loss from noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(2,950)	(1,763)	(1,676)
Net unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(118)	(343)	(244)
Other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(118)	(343)	(244)
Comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax, attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,068)	(2,106)	(1,920)
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, attributable to IHC	$ 26,818	$ 20,103	$ 29,474