Note 10. 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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ (102)	$ 436	$ 554	$ 926
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	(41)	174	221	369
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	(61)	262	333	557
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	66	53	603	143
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	22	20	64	47
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member | Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	(190)	363	(113)	741
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	13	13	40	30
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	4	4	14	10
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	9	9	26	20
American Independence Corp Share Based Plans Total Member | Employee Stock Option
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 13	$ 13	$ 40	$ 30