Note 12. Share-based Compensation: Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] (Policies) (Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	In June 2006, the stockholders approved the Independence Holding Company 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan"). Under the terms of the 2006 Plan, option exercise prices are more than or equal to the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant; option terms range from five to ten years; and vesting periods are generally three years for employee options. The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. In addition to stock options, the Company has also granted restricted stock units, share appreciation rights (“SARs”) and share-based performance awards under the 2006 Plan. Restricted share units are valued at the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant and have a three year vesting period. Compensation costs for options and restricted share units are recognized over the stated vesting periods on a straight-line basis. Exercise prices of SARs are more than or equal to the quoted market price of IHC shares at the date of the grant and have three year vesting periods. The fair value of SARs is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model at the grant date and each subsequent reporting period until settlement. Compensation cost is based on the proportionate amount of the requisite service that has been rendered to date. Once fully vested, changes in fair value of the SARs continue to be recognized as compensation expense in the period of the change until settlement. Compensation costs for share-based performance awards are recognized and accrued as performance conditions are met, based on the current share price. IHC discontinued these award programs in 2013.

Note 12. Share-based Compensation: Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] (Policies) (Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy

In June 2006, the stockholders approved the Independence Holding Company 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan"). Under the terms of the 2006 Plan, option exercise prices are more than or equal to the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant; option terms range from five to ten years; and vesting periods are generally three years for employee options. The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. In addition to stock options, the Company has also granted restricted stock units, share appreciation rights (“SARs”) and share-based performance awards under the 2006 Plan. Restricted share units are valued at the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant and have a three year vesting period. Compensation costs for options and restricted share units are recognized over the stated vesting periods on a straight-line basis. Exercise prices of SARs are more than or equal to the quoted market price of IHC shares at the date of the grant and have three year vesting periods. The fair value of SARs is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model at the grant date and each subsequent reporting period until settlement. Compensation cost is based on the proportionate amount of the requisite service that has been rendered to date. Once fully vested, changes in fair value of the SARs continue to be recognized as compensation expense in the period of the change until settlement. Compensation costs for share-based performance awards are recognized and accrued as performance conditions are met, based on the current share price. IHC discontinued these award programs in 2013.