Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only: Condensed Balance Sheet (Parent Company Only) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 24,229		$ 23,945		$ 18,227	$ 11,426
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	542,287		719,602
Trading securities	7,125		7,016
Other investments	25,123		35,134
Goodwill	50,318		50,318
Other assets	78,712		86,382
TOTAL ASSETS	1,269,035		1,262,308
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	71,889		71,495
Junior subordinated debt securities	38,146		38,146
TOTAL LIABILITIES	990,729		959,461
Preferred stock		[1]		[1]
Common Stock	18,524	[2],[3]	18,462	[2],[4]
Paid-in capital	126,239		126,589
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,472)		15,013		7,853	633
Treasury stock, at cost	(8,169)	[5]	(4,533)	[6]
Retained earnings	142,669		130,153
TOTAL IHC STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	268,791		285,684
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	9,515		17,163
TOTAL EQUITY	278,306		302,847		276,144	260,274
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	1,269,035		1,262,308
Parent Company
Cash and cash equivalents	61		589		3,098	601
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale	2,406		5,667
Trading securities	944
Other investments	1,146		1,146
Equity Method Investments	356,378		365,235
Income Taxes Receivable	13,347		17,356
Goodwill	228		228
Other assets	69		426
TOTAL ASSETS	374,579		390,647
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities	6,403		6,692
Due to Affiliate	45,000		36,155
Taxes Payable	6,096		6,807
Junior subordinated debt securities	38,146		38,146
Dividends Payable	628
TOTAL LIABILITIES	96,273		87,800
Common Stock	18,524		18,462
Paid-in capital	126,239		126,589
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,472)		15,013
Treasury stock, at cost	(8,169)		(4,533)
Retained earnings	142,669		130,153
TOTAL IHC STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	268,791		285,684
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS IN SUBSIDIARIES	9,515		17,163
TOTAL EQUITY	278,306		302,847
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 374,579		$ 390,647

[1] None issued.

[2] $1.00 par value.

[3] 23,000,000 shares authorized, 18,523,733 shares issued and 17,660,390 shares outstanding.

[4] 23,000,000 shares authorized, 18,461,992 shares issued and 17,932,954 shares outstanding.

[5] 863,343 treasury shares

[6] 529,038 treasury shares