Note 9. Share-based Compensation: Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 4	$ 120
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	1	48
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	3	72
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	66	13
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	19	13
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(81)	99
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Performance Shares
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		(5)
American Independence Corp Share Based Plans Total Member
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	12	8
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	4	3
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	8	5
American Independence Corp Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 12	$ 8