Note 10. Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Income Tax Benefit Release Of Previously Recorded Liabilities Related To Subsidiary Tax Planning Strategy				$ 2,319
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%		35.00%	35.00%
Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax Portion Attributable To Parent1	(12,189)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income	(4,738)		7,451
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	46,270		47,344
Income Taxes Paid (Refunds), Net	(387)		550	(3,626)
AMICSubsidiariesMember
Deferred Income Tax Benefit Release Of Previously Recorded Liabilities Related To Subsidiary Tax Planning Strategy				2,319
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	10,689		12,173
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	(1,661)		(6,093)
AMICSubsidiariesMember | Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount			(5,900)
AMICSubsidiariesMember | Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards	265,851	[1]
IHCExcludingAMICMember
Operating Loss Carryforwards	30,594	[2]
Capital Tax Loss Carryforwards	6,226	[3]
Madison National Life Subsidiaries Member
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 10,081	[4]

[1] Which expire in varying amounts between 2018 and 2028, a significant portion expires in 2020.

[2] Which expire in varying amounts between 2028 and 2032.

[3] Expiring in 2014, 2015 and 2019.

[4] Which expire in 2033 and 2034.