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		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 652	$ 370	$ 656	$ 491
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	260	148	262	196
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	392	222	394	295
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	471	77	537	90
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	23	14	42	27
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	158	279	77	379
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	16	9	27	17
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	5	3	10	6
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	11	6	17	11
American Independence Corp Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 16	$ 9	$ 27	$ 17