Note 10. Share-based Compensation: Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
American Independence Corp Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
American Independence Corp Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
American Independence Corp Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
American Independence Corp Share Based Plans Total Member | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years