Note 10. Income Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	35.00%		35.00%	35.00%
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$ 5,467		$ 15,906
Income Taxes Paid (Refunds), Net	(2,448)		(387)	550
IHC And NonLIfe Subsidiaries Excluding AMIC | Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards	24,418	[1]
Madison National Life Subsidiary | Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards	4,392	[2]
AMIC | Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards	263,985	[3]
AMICSubsidiariesMember
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	11,517		10,689
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	(3,062)		(1,661)
AMICSubsidiariesMember | Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount	$ (2,500)

[1] Which expire in varying amounts between 2029 and 2032.

[2] Which expire in 2033 and 2034.

[3] Which expire in varying amounts through 2028, a significant portion expires in 2020.