Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Impairment Loss, Annual Amount	$ 2,275	$ 2,275	$ 0
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital		0	5,246
Equity Method Investments	12,308	12,308	15,385
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments		(2,111)	1,846
Other Investments | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure
Equity Method Investments	2,874	2,874	3,993
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	2,874	2,874
Ebix Health Exchange Member | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party		7,779	10,306
Ebix Health Exchange Member | Other Assets
Due from Related Parties	1,842	1,842	1,859
Ebix Health Exchange Member | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Due to Related Parties	910	910	1,139
Ebix Health Exchange Holdings Member
Equity Method Investments	$ 6,425	6,425	8,188
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments		$ (1,763)	$ 629