Independence Holding (IHC) 10-Q 8 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 02, 2018
Details
Registrant Name	INDEPENDENCE HOLDING COMPANY
Registrant CIK	701,869
SEC Form	10-Q
Period End date	Sep. 30, 2018
Fiscal Year End	--12-31
Trading Symbol	ihc
Tax Identification Number (TIN)	581,407,235
Number of common stock shares outstanding		14,795,106
Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Current with reporting	Yes
Small Business	true
Emerging Growth Company	false
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Incorporation, State Country Name	Delaware
Entity Address, Address Line One	96 CUMMINGS POINT ROAD
Entity Address, City or Town	STAMFORD
Entity Address, State or Province	CONNECTICUT
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	6,902
City Area Code	203
Local Phone Number	358-8000
Entity Listing, Par Value Per Share	$ 1

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments
Short-term Investments	$ 1,047	$ 50
Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell	18,025	10,269
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	432,950	441,912
Equity Securities, FV-NI	5,528	6,120
Other Investments	17,511	18,547
Investments	475,061	476,898
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	25,620	26,465
Premiums Receivable, Net	29,100	21,950
Reinsurance Recoverables, Including Reinsurance Premium Paid	371,540	380,593
Goodwill	50,697	50,697
Other Assets	83,928	84,020
Assets	1,035,946	1,040,623
Liabilities
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	158,168	168,683
Liability for Future Policy Benefits	209,588	214,766
Deposit Contracts, Liabilities	141,685	143,537
Unearned Premiums	9,452	6,666
Policyholder Funds	10,900	10,402
Reinsurance Payable	4,855	3,808
Other Liabilities	53,752	56,453
Liabilities	588,400	604,315
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Carrying Amount	2,146	2,065
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	1,035,946	1,040,623
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Stock, Value, Issued	0	0
Common Stock, Value, Issued	18,625	18,625
Paid-in capital	125,279	124,538
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(11,963)	(4,598)
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,825,786 and 3,735,173 shares	66,918	63,404
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	377,848	356,383
TOTAL IHC STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	442,871	431,544
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,529	2,699
TOTAL EQUITY	$ 445,400	$ 434,243

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - Parenthetical - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Details
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 1	$ 1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	23,000,000	23,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	18,625,458	18,625,458
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	14,799,672	14,890,285
Treasury Stock, Shares	3,825,786	3,735,173

Condensed Consolidated Income S

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues
Premiums Earned, Net	$ 81,757	$ 75,639	$ 238,583	$ 210,507
Net Investment Income	3,611	4,403	10,214	12,414
Insurance Commissions and Fees	4,397	2,634	14,193	11,556
Other Income	153	361	472	2,365
Gain (Loss) on Investments	17	715	(335)	987
Revenues	89,935	83,752	263,127	237,829
Operating Expenses
Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net	36,011	33,536	105,619	103,071
Selling, General and Administrative Expense	41,021	42,337	126,057	115,404
Benefits, Losses and Expenses	77,032	75,873	231,676	218,475
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	12,903	7,879	31,451	19,354
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	2,860	2,666	7,518	(5,175)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	10,043	5,213	23,933	24,529
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	59	(32)	99	4
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	49	16	181	29
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	$ 9,935	$ 5,229	$ 23,653	$ 24,496
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 0.67	$ 0.35	$ 1.60	$ 1.53
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	14,795	14,965	14,808	15,999
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.66	$ 0.34	$ 1.57	$ 1.50
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	15,109	15,274	15,104	16,287

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Details
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 10,043	$ 5,213	$ 23,933	$ 24,529
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, before Tax	(925)	250	(8,908)	7,219
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Tax	(199)	90	(1,893)	2,599
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Securities, Available-for-sale, Adjustment, after Tax	(726)	160	(7,015)	4,620
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(726)	160	(7,015)	4,620
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	9,317	5,373	16,918	29,149
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	108	(16)	280	33
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	108	(16)	280	33
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	$ 9,209	$ 5,389	$ 16,638	$ 29,116

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	AOCI Attributable to Parent	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Parent	Noncontrolling Interest
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 434,243	$ 18,625	$ 124,538	$ (4,598)	$ (63,404)	$ 356,383	$ 431,544	$ 2,699
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	23,752					23,653	23,653	99
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(7,015)			(7,015)			(7,015)	0
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	(3,817)				(3,817)		(3,817)	0
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	(2,222)					(2,222)	(2,222)	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(172)						0	(172)
Sharebased Compensation Effect On Stockholders Equity	1,044		741		303		1,044	0
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	445,400	18,625	125,279	(11,963)	(66,918)	377,848	442,871	2,529
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(726)
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	445,400	$ 18,625	$ 125,279	(11,963)	$ (66,918)	377,848	442,871	2,529
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ (413)			$ (350)		$ 34	$ (316)	$ (97)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - Parenthetical	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / shares
Details
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.15

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY (USED BY) OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ 23,933	$ 24,529
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	20,638	20,206
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect	(1,786)	8,731
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net change in cash from
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Amortization Expense	681	269
Gain (Loss) on Investments, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments	(335)	987
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	(976)	1,412
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	1,953	1,379
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	3,535	1,853
Other Noncash Income (Expense)	(4,808)	(4,852)
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital
Increase (Decrease) in Insurance Liabilities	(12,181)	(83,750)
Increase (Decrease) in Premiums Receivable	7,150	(10,218)
Increase (Decrease) in Reinsurance Recoverable	(9,053)	(57,094)
Change in Claim Fund Balances	294	8,463
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable	1,031	(8,604)
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net	6,630	(6,302)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Payments for (Proceeds from) Short-term Investments	999	(6,849)
Proceeds from (Payments for) Securities Purchased under Agreements to Resell	(7,756)	8,365
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity	698	0
Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	55,338	158,062
Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	21,992	16,841
Payments to Acquire Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	79,374	145,444
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	0	12,323
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital	0	5,246
Payments to Acquire Other Investments	0	602
Other investing activities	3,709	565
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(13,810)	36,429
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock	3,943	44,290
Net Change Annuities and Investment Certificates	(1,033)	(1,359)
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock	3,710	1,927
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities	72	(328)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(8,614)	(47,904)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Beginning Balance	32,197	23,718
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Ending Balance	$ 30,411	$ 32,449

Organization, Consolidation, Ba

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies	Note 1. Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies (A) Business and Organization (B) Basis of Presentation The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of IHC and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect: (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and (ii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. IHC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods have been included. The condensed consolidated results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year. (C) Reclassifications Certain amounts in prior year’s consolidated financial statements and Notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation primarily as a result of new accounting principles adopted in the current year. impairment assessment of equity securities without readily determinable fair values and requires changes in disclosure requirements. The amendments in this guidance were applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment of $340,000 credit to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) will be applied prospectively to equity investments that existed as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet or IHC’s stockholders’ equity. In May 2014, the FASB issued revenue recognition guidance for entities that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards such as insurance contracts or lease contracts. The amendment provides specific steps that an entity should apply in order to achieve its main objective which is recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue sources are excluded from the scope of the standard. For those revenue sources within the scope of the standard (included in the Fee income line of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income), there were no material changes in the timing or measurement of revenues. The amendments in this guidance were applied retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment on January 1, 2018, and as such, the Company recorded $552,000 of contract assets and $1,094,000 of deferred revenues, which are included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in other assets and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities. The overall net impact on retained earnings was a charge of $306,000, after the effects of taxes and noncontrolling interests. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to improve existing measurements, presentation and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts issued by insurance entities. The amendments in this guidance requires an entity to (1) review and update assumptions used to measure cash flows at least annually as well as update the discount rate assumption at each reporting date; (2) measure market risk benefits associated with deposit contracts at fair value; (3) disclose liability rollforwards and information about significant inputs, judgements assumptions, and methods used in measurement. Additionally, it simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other balances on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon adoption, the amendments in this guidance should be applied to contracts in-force as of the beginning of the earliest period presented with a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Management is evaluating the requirements and potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements regarding fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Certain amendments should be applied prospectively for the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption while other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon the effective date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2018, the FASB issued guidance to simplify several aspects of accounting for nonemployee share-based compensation. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance requiring premium amortization on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date to more closely align the amortization period with expectations incorporated in market pricing of the underlying securities. The amendments in this guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those periods. Additional disclosures are required in the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 in the goodwill impairment test. Instead, under the amendments in this guidance, an entity should perform its annual or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for annual, or any interim, goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. An allowance for credit losses will be deducted from the amortized cost basis to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected with changes in the allowance recorded in earnings. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than the currently applied U.S. GAAP method of taking a permanent impairment of the security, which would be limited to the amount by which fair value is below the amortized cost. Certain existing requirements used to evaluate credit losses have been removed. For public entities that are SEC filers, the amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The amendments in this guidance should be applied through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Management is evaluating the requirements and potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases, including operating leases, on the statement of financial position. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In July 2018, the FASB issued additional guidance that allows entities the option to either recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption or to use a modified retrospective approach. The Company is in the process of analyzing its lease portfolio. This process includes the evaluation of policies, processes and internal controls that will be required to comply with this new guidance. The Company plans to elect the practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carryforward the historical lease classification. In addition, the Company plans to select the new transition method and apply the new lease requirements in the period of adoption without adjustment to the financial statements for periods prior to adoption. The Company expects the adoption of this new standard to result in an increase on its consolidated balance sheet for right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

Earnings Per Share _Text Block_

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Earnings Per Share	Note 2. Income Per Common Share Diluted income per share was computed using the treasury stock method and includes incremental common shares, primarily from the dilutive effect of share-based payment awards, amounting to 314,000 and 296,000 shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and 309,000 and 288,000 shares for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Cash and Cash Equivalents Discl

Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure	Note 3. Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash September 30, 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 25,620 $ 26,565 Restricted cash included in other assets 4,791 5,884 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 30,411 $ 32,449 Restricted cash includes insurance premiums collected from insureds that are pending remittance to insurance carriers and/or payment of insurance claims and commissions to third party administrators. These amounts are required to be set aside by contractual agreements with the insurance carriers and are included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Investments in Debt and Marketa

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure	Note 4. Investment Securities The cost (amortized cost with respect to certain fixed maturities), gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of fixed maturities available-for-sale are as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands): September 30, 2018 GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE FIXED MATURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE: Corporate securities $ 200,252 $ 537 $ (6,882) $ 193,907 CMOs – residential (1) 6,266 2 (388) 5,880 U.S. Government obligations 48,857 - (730) 48,127 Agency MBS – residential (2) 6 - - 6 GSEs (3) 9,566 - (347) 9,219 States and political subdivisions 173,109 129 (7,186) 166,052 Foreign government obligations 4,081 - (119) 3,962 Redeemable preferred stocks 5,970 - (173) 5,797 Total fixed maturities $ 448,107 $ 668 $ (15,825) $ 432,950 December 31, 2017 GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE FIXED MATURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE: Corporate securities $ 148,996 $ 298 $ (2,847) $ 146,447 CMOs - residential (1) 6,857 - (180) 6,677 U.S. Government obligations 85,510 - (396) 85,114 Agency MBS - residential (2) 14 - - 14 GSEs (3) 9,887 - (205) 9,682 States and political subdivisions 182,664 598 (3,619) 179,643 Foreign government obligations 4,227 13 (90) 4,150 Redeemable preferred stocks 10,006 179 - 10,185 Total fixed maturities $ 448,161 $ 1,088 $ (7,337) $ 441,912 (1) (2) (3) The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturities available-for-sale at September 30, 2018, by contractual maturity, are shown below (in thousands). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. AMORTIZED FAIR COST VALUE Due in one year or less $ 27,898 $ 27,734 Due after one year through five years 174,430 170,503 Due after five years through ten years 138,042 132,762 Due after ten years 91,899 86,846 Fixed maturities with no single maturity date 15,838 15,105 $ 448,107 $ 432,950 The following tables summarize, for all fixed maturities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those securities that have continuously been in an unrealized loss position for the periods indicated (in thousands): September 30, 2018 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses Corporate securities $ 98,623 $ 2,949 $ 88,261 $ 3,933 $ 186,884 $ 6,882 CMOs - residential 859 57 5,106 331 5,965 388 U.S. Government obligations 39,740 328 8,388 402 48,128 730 GSEs - - 9,318 347 9,318 347 States and political subdivisions 59,619 1,753 99,307 5,433 158,926 7,186 Foreign government obligations 1,145 12 2,816 107 3,961 119 Redeemable preferred stocks 5,797 173 - - 5,797 173 Fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position $ 205,783 $ 5,272 $ 213,196 $ 10,553 $ 418,979 $ 15,825 Number of fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position 99 96 195 December 31, 2017 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses Corporate securities $ 85,642 $ 1,250 $ 44,640 $ 1,597 $ 130,282 $ 2,847 CMOs - residential 1,381 45 5,237 135 6,618 180 U.S. Government obligations 75,811 198 9,302 198 85,113 396 GSEs - - 9,669 205 9,669 205 States and political subdivisions 83,682 1,348 66,617 2,271 150,299 3,619 Foreign government obligations 2,959 90 - - 2,959 90 Fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position $ 249,475 $ 2,931 $ 135,465 $ 4,406 $ 384,940 $ 7,337 Number of fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position 60 76 136 Substantially all of the unrealized losses on fixed maturities available-for-sale at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 relate to investment grade securities and are attributable to changes in market interest rates. Because the Company does not intend to sell, nor is it more likely than not that the Company will have to sell such investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2018 Net investment gains (losses) are as follows for periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Realized gains (losses): Fixed maturities available-for-sale $ (247) $ 719 $ (442) $ 1,062 Equity securities (2) - (7) - Total realized gains (losses) on debt and equity securities (249) 719 (449) 1,062 Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities 266 (4) 114 (76) Gains (losses) on debt and equity securities 17 715 (335) 986 Gains (losses) on other investments - - - 1 Net investment gains (losses) $ 17 $ 715 $ (335) $ 987 For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company realized gross gains of $130,000 and $449,000, respectively, and gross losses of $377,000 and $891,000, respectively, from sales, maturities and prepayments of fixed maturities available-for-sale. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the company realized gross gains of $780,000 and $2,119,000, respectively, and gross losses of $61,000 and $1,057,000, respectively, from sales, maturities and prepayments of fixed maturities available for sale. Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Evaluations We recognize other-than-temporary impairment losses in earnings in the period that we determine: 1) we intend to sell the security; 2) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or 3) the security has a credit loss. Any non-credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). See Note 1F(iv) to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the factors considered by management in its regular review to identify and recognize other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturities available-for-sale. The Company did not recognize any other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturities available-for-sale securities in the first nine months of 2018 or 2017.

Fair Value Disclosures _Text Bl

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Fair Value Disclosures	Note 5. Fair Value Disclosures For all financial and non-financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company utilizes valuation techniques based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market expectations. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 The following section describes the valuation methodologies we use to measure different assets at fair value. Fixed maturities available-for-sale: Fixed maturities available-for-sale included in Level 2 are comprised of our portfolio of government securities, agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate fixed income securities, foreign government obligations, collateralized mortgage obligations, municipals and GSEs that were priced with observable market inputs. Level 3 debt securities consist of municipal tax credit strips. The valuation method used to determine the fair value of municipal tax credit strips is the present value of the remaining future tax credits (at the original issue discount rate) as presented in the redemption tables in the Municipal Prospectuses. This original issue discount is accreted into income on a constant yield basis over the term of the debt instrument. Further, we retain independent pricing vendors to assist in valuing certain instruments. Equity securities: The following tables present our financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the periods indicated (in thousands): September 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total FINANCIAL ASSETS: Fixed maturities available-for-sale: Corporate securities $ - $ 193,907 $ - $ 193,907 CMOs - residential - 5,880 - 5,880 US Government obligations - 48,127 - 48,127 Agency MBS - residential - 6 - 6 GSEs - 9,219 - 9,219 States and political subdivisions - 164,300 1,752 166,052 Foreign government obligations - 3,962 - 3,962 Redeemable preferred stocks 5,797 - - 5,797 Total fixed maturities 5,797 425,401 1,752 432,950 Equity securities: Common stocks 2,691 - - 2,691 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 2,837 - - 2,837 Total equity securities 5,528 - - 5,528 Total Financial Assets $ 11,325 $ 425,401 $ 1,752 $ 438,478 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total FINANCIAL ASSETS: Fixed maturities available-for-sale: Corporate securities $ - $ 146,447 $ - $ 146,447 CMOs - residential - 6,677 - 6,677 US Government obligations - 85,114 - 85,114 Agency MBS - residential - 14 - 14 GSEs - 9,682 - 9,682 States and political subdivisions - 177,767 1,876 179,643 Foreign government obligations - 4,150 - 4,150 Redeemable preferred stocks 10,185 - - 10,185 Total fixed maturities 10,185 429,851 1,876 441,912 Equity securities: Common stocks 2,490 - - 2,490 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 3,630 - - 3,630 Total equity securities 6,120 - - 6,120 Total Financial Assets $ 16,305 $ 429,851 $ 1,876 $ 448,032 It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers of assets and liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of a reporting period. The Company does not transfer out of Level 3 and into Level 2 until such time as observable inputs become available and reliable or the range of available independent prices narrow. The Company did not transfer any securities between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 in either 2018 or 2017. The following table presents the changes in fair value of our Level 3 financial assets for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 States and Total States and Total Political Level 3 Political Level 3 Subdivisions Assets Subdivisions Assets Beginning balance $ 1,794 $ 1,794 $ 1,956 $ 1,956 Increases (decreases) recognized in earnings: Net investment gains - - - - Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss): Net unrealized gains (losses) (8) (8) (8) (8) Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities (34) (34) (31) (31) Sales - - - - Balance at end of period $ 1,752 $ 1,752 $ 1,917 $ 1,917 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 States and Total States and Total Political Level 3 Political Level 3 Subdivisions Assets Subdivisions Assets Beginning balance $ 1,876 $ 1,876 $ 2,033 $ 2,033 Increases (decreases) recognized in earnings: Net investment gains - - - - Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss): Net unrealized gains (losses) (23) (23) (26) (26) Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities (101) (101) (90) (90) Sales - - - - Balance at end of period $ 1,752 $ 1,752 $ 1,917 $ 1,917 The following table provides carrying values, fair values and classification in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments, that are not carried at fair value but are subject to fair value disclosure requirements, for the periods indicated (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 1 Level 2 Fair Fair Carrying Fair Fair Carrying Value Value Value Value Value Value FINANCIAL ASSETS: Short-term investments $ 1,047 $ - $ 1,047 $ 50 $ - $ 50 FINANCIAL LIABILITIES: Funds on deposit $ - $ 141,813 $ 141,685 $ - $ 143,702 $ 143,537 The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the financial instruments that are not carried at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements: Short-term Investments Investments with original maturities of 91 days to one year are considered short-term investments and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Funds on Deposit The Company has two types of funds on deposit. The first type is credited with a current market interest rate, resulting in a fair value which approximates the carrying amount. The second type carries fixed interest rates which are higher than current market interest rates. The fair value of these deposits was estimated by discounting the payments using current market interest rates. The Company's universal life policies are also credited with current market interest rates, resulting in a fair value which approximates the carrying amount. Both types of funds on deposit are included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Variable Interest Entity Disclo

Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Variable Interest Entity Disclosure	Note 6. Other Investments, Including Variable Interest Entities Included in other investments is our investment in Ebix Health Exchange which administers various lines of health insurance for IHC’s insurance subsidiaries. The carrying value of the Company’s equity investment in Ebix Health Exchange is $6,973,000 and $8,188,000 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company recorded $(445,000) and $(1,216,000), respectively, of equity income (loss) from its investment for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $(19,000) and $228,000, respectively, of equity income (loss) for the same periods ended September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets include $1,886,000 and $1,859,000, respectively, of notes and other amounts receivable from Ebix Health Exchange and include $1,086,000 and $1,139,000, respectively, of administrative fees and other expenses payable to Ebix Health Exchange, which are included in other assets and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities, respectively. The Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income include administrative fee expenses to Ebix Health Exchange which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses of $1,796,000 and $6,269,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $2,613,000 and $8,017,000, respectively, for the same periods of 2017. Variable Interest Entities The Company has a minority interest in certain limited partnerships that we have determined to be Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”). The aforementioned VIEs are not required to be consolidated in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as we are not the primary beneficiary since we do not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance. The Company will periodically reassess whether we are the primary beneficiary in any of these investments. The reassessment process will consider whether we have acquired the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE through changes in governing documents or other circumstances. Our maximum loss exposure is limited to our combined $4,131,000 carrying value in these equity investments which is included in other investments in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure	Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The gross carrying amounts of these other intangible assets are as follows for the periods indicated (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Gross Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Finite-lived Intangible Assets: Agent and broker relationships $ 17,253 $ 13,096 $ 17,253 $ 12,140 Domain 1,000 200 1,000 125 Software systems 780 169 780 76 Total finite-lived $ 19,033 $ 13,465 $ 19,033 $ 12,341 September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets: Insurance licenses $ 7,977 $ 7,977 Total indefinite-lived $ 7,977 $ 7,977

Income Tax Disclosure _Text Blo

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Income Tax Disclosure	Note 8. Income Taxes The provisions for income taxes shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income were computed by applying the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the reporting periods. In 2017, President Trump signed tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the U.S. tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the Federal corporate income tax rate to 21%. As a result of IHC’s June 30 fiscal tax year, the Tax Act subjects IHC to a blended tax rate of 28% for its fiscal tax year ended June 30, 2018. Other differences between the Federal statutory income tax rate and the Company’s effective income tax rate are principally from the dividends received deduction and tax exempt interest income, state and local income taxes, and compensation related tax provisions.

Liability for Future Policy Ben

Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure	Note 9. Policy Benefits and Claims Policy benefits and claims is the liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses. It is comprised of unpaid claims and estimated IBNR reserves. Summarized below are the changes in the total liability for policy benefits and claims for the periods indicated (in thousands). Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 168,683 $ 219,113 Less: reinsurance recoverable 42,136 88,853 Net balance at beginning of year 126,547 130,260 Amount incurred, related to: Current year 127,544 114,795 Prior years (19,152) (9,236) Total incurred 108,392 105,559 Amount paid, related to: Current year 65,380 52,822 Prior years 49,916 56,452 Total paid 115,296 109,274 Net balance at end of period 119,643 126,545 Plus: reinsurance recoverable 38,525 43,002 Balance at end of period $ 158,168 $ 169,547 Since unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses are estimates, actual losses incurred may be more or less than the Company’s previously developed estimates and is referred to as either unfavorable or favorable development, respectively. The overall net favorable development of $19,152,000 in 2018 related to prior years consists of favorable developments of $9,729,000 in the Specialty Health reserves, $7,862,000 in the group disability reserves, $1,346,000 in the other individual life, annuities and other reserves, and $215,000 in Medical Stop-Loss reserves. Specialty Health had net favorable development primarily from: (i) the release of reserves due to emerging favorable experience on hospital indemnity plan business written in 2017 on increased sales volume of this product; (ii) short-term medical business as inventory levels decreased during 2018 and paid claim activity was below the levels anticipated; and, (iii) favorable development in other lines of Specialty Health business. Group disability had net favorable development primarily as a result of a lower number of expected claims and greater number of expected terminations in our LTD business. The overall net favorable development of $9,236,000 in 2017 related to prior years primarily consists of favorable developments of $2,420,000 in the Medical Stop-Loss reserves, $5,406,000 in the group disability reserves, and $2,714,000 in the other individual life, annuities and other reserves, partially offset by an unfavorable development of $1,304,000 in Specialty Health reserves. Included in the preceding rollforward of the Company’s liability for policy benefits and claims are the policy benefits and claims activity associated with the Company’s health insurance lines. These are embedded within the Specialty Health segment. The table below summarizes the components of the change in the liability for policy benefits and claims that are specific to health insurance claims for the periods indicated (in thousands). Specialty Health Segment Health Insurance Claims Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 32,904 $ 27,183 Less: reinsurance recoverable 762 1,179 Net balance at beginning of year 32,142 26,004 Amount incurred, related to: Current year 37,099 40,836 Prior years (8,266) 1,144 Total incurred 28,833 41,980 Amount paid, related to: Current year 14,880 13,528 Prior years 19,507 23,797 Total paid 34,387 37,325 Net balance at end of period 26,588 30,659 Plus: reinsurance recoverable 865 814 Balance at end of period $ 27,453 $ 31,473 The liability for the IBNR plus expected development on reported claims associated with the Company’s health insurance claims is $27,453,000 at September 30, 2018.

Stockholders' Equity Note Discl

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure	Note 10. Stockholders’ Equity Treasury Stock In 2018, the Company repurchased 129,521 shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $3,817,000. In 2018 all shares were purchased in the open market. In 2017, the Company repurchased 2,211,629 shares of its common stock for an aggregate cost of $44,442,000. Of that amount, 703,000 shares were repurchased in private transactions for an aggregate cost of $13,975,000, 1,385,118 shares were repurchased for an aggregate cost of $27,702,000 pursuant to the terms of a tender offer; and the remaining shares were repurchased in the open market. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) includes the after-tax net unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available-for-sale, including the subsequent increases and decreases in fair value of available-for-sale securities previously impaired and the non-credit related component of other-than-temporary impairments of fixed maturities. In 2018, investment securities available-for-sale consist of only fixed maturities. Prior to January 1, 2018, the Company classified certain equity securities as available-for-sale. Changes to the fair value of those equity securities classified as available-for-sale were recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) for the corresponding periods in 2017 and prior. Upon the adoption of new accounting guidance on January 1, 2018, the Company: (i) recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to reclassify the existing amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income on that date for equity securities previously classified as available-for-sale, to retained earnings; and (ii) recorded the subsequent changes in the fair value of those equity securities in net income. Changes in the balances of accumulated other comprehensive loss, shown net of taxes, for the periods indicated are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ (11,237) $ (2,504) $ (4,598) $ (6,964) Cumulative-effect of new accounting principles - - (350) - Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (922) 627 (7,364) 5,305 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI 196 (467) 349 (685) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (726) 160 (7,015) 4,620 Ending balance $ (11,963) $ (2,344) $ (11,963) $ (2,344) Presented below are the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings for each of the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities reclassified during the period to the following income statement line items: Net investment gains (losses) $ (247) $ 719 $ (442) $ 1,062 Income (loss) before income tax (247) 719 (442) 1,062 Tax effect (51) 252 (93) 377 Net income (loss) $ (196) $ 467 $ (349) $ 685

Compensation and Employee Benef

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	Note 11. Share-Based Compensation Under the terms of IHC’s share-based compensation plans: (i) the exercise price of an option may not be less than the fair market value of an IHC share on the grant date, and the terms of an option may not exceed 10 years from the grant date; and (ii) the exercise price of a SAR may not be less than the fair market value of an IHC share on the grant date and SAR terms may not exceed 10 years from the date of grant. The fair value of an option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. In general, the vesting period for an option grant is 3 years. Restricted share units are valued at the quoted market price of the shares at the date of grant and generally vest over 3 years. Compensation costs for options and restricted share units are recognized over the stated vesting periods on a straight-line basis. The fair value of a SAR is calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model at the grant date and each subsequent reporting period until settlement. Compensation cost is based on the proportionate amount of the requisite service that has been rendered to date. Once fully vested, changes in the fair value of a SAR continue to be recognized as compensation expense in the period of the change until settlement. The Company accounts for forfeitures of share-based compensation awards in the period that they occur. At September 30, 2018, there were 846,300 shares available for future stock-based compensation grants under IHC’s stock incentive plans. The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, applicable to the IHC plans, by award type for each of the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 IHC’s Share-based Compensation Plan: Stock options $ 189 $ 36 $ 558 $ 106 Restricted stock units 39 23 129 81 SARs 93 305 218 359 Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax 321 364 905 546 Tax benefits 86 145 281 218 Share-based compensation expense, net $ 235 $ 219 $ 624 $ 328 Stock Options The IHC’s stock option activity during 2018 was as follows: Shares Weighted- Average Under Option Exercise Price December 31, 2017 692,380 $ 16.62 Granted 13,000 31.30 Exercised (36,433) 9.79 September 30, 2018 668,947 $ 17.28 2018 2017 Weighted-average risk-free interest rate 2.64% 1.71% Expected annual dividend rate per share 0.95% 0.79% Expected volatility factor of the Company's common stock 35.80% 37.57% Weighted-average expected term of options 4.5 years 4.5 years In 2018, IHC received $357,000 in cash from the exercise of stock options with an aggregate intrinsic value of $886,000 and recognized $165,000 of tax benefits. In 2017, IHC received no cash from the exercise of stock options, as option exercises were net settled in IHC shares. As part of the net-share settlements in 2017, cash outflows to satisfy employees’ income tax withholding obligations amounted to $303,000. Stock options exercised in 2017 had an aggregate intrinsic value of $621,000 and IHC realized $180,000 of tax benefits. The following table summarizes information regarding IHC’s outstanding and exercisable options: September 30, 2018 Outstanding Exercisable Number of options 668,947 363,612 Weighted average exercise price per share $ 17.28 $ 10.99 Aggregate intrinsic value for all options (in thousands) $ 12,458 $ 9,057 Weighted average contractual term remaining 2.2 years 0.8 years At September 30, 2018, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to IHC’s non-vested stock options was $1,473,000 and it is expected to be recognized as compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. Restricted Stock No. Of Weighted-Average Non-vested Grant-Date Shares Fair Value December 31, 2017 18,975 $ 22.91 Vested (2,475) 11.78 September 30, 2018 16,500 $ 24.58 unit awards was $269,000 and is expected to be recognized as compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. SARs IHC had 64,900 SAR awards outstanding at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 with corresponding liabilities of $240,000 and $22,000 for those periods, respectively, that are included in Other Liabilities in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclos

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Note 12. Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information Net cash payments for income taxes were $1,169,000 and $292,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Commitments and Contingencies D

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	Note 13. Contingencies A third party administrator with whom we formerly did business (“Plaintiff” or “TPA”)) filed a Complaint dated May 17, 2017 in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division, naming IHC, Madison National Life, Standard Security Life, and IHC Carrier Solutions, Inc. (collectively referred to as “Defendants”). “Plaintiff” and “Defendants” are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”. The Complaint concerns agreements entered into by Standard Security Life and Madison National Life with Plaintiff, as well as other allegations made by Plaintiff against Defendants. The Complaint seeks injunctive relief and damages in an amount exceeding $50,000,000, profit share payments allegedly owed to Plaintiff under the agreements totaling at least $3,082,000 through 2014, plus additional amounts for 2015 and 2016, and exemplary and punitive damages as allowed by law and fees and costs. Defendants believe these claims to be without merit. Defendants moved to Compel Arbitration and Dismiss or Stay the original Complaint. Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint on August 18, 2017. Defendants filed a Motion to Compel Arbitration or Stay the Amended Complaint. The Parties agreed to enter into an Order staying the action filed in Texas. The Parties’ disputed claims have moved in part to arbitration. Standard Security Life and Madison National Life will strongly pursue their claims and vigorously oppose the counterclaims asserted by the TPA. The arbitration will likely conclude in the first half of 2019.

Segment Reporting Disclosure _T

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Notes
Segment Reporting Disclosure	Note 14. Segment Reporting The Insurance Group principally engages in the life and health insurance business. Interest expense, taxes, and general expenses associated with parent company activities are included in Corporate. Identifiable assets by segment are those assets that are utilized in each segment and are allocated based upon the mean reserves and liabilities of each such segment. Corporate assets are composed principally of cash equivalents, resale agreements, fixed maturities, equity securities, partnership interests and certain other investments. Effective January 1, 2018, Standard Security Life began selling a new rider (“Paid Family Leave” or “PFL”) as part of our New York short-term disability (“DBL”) policies. Information by business segment is presented below for the periods indicated (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues: Specialty Health $ 53,108 $ 55,502 $ 152,959 $ 152,292 Group disability, life, DBL and PFL 35,599 26,112 107,280 78,985 Individual life, annuities and other (A) 520 455 1,432 1,494 Medical Stop-Loss (A) 13 576 36 2,549 Corporate 678 392 1,755 1,522 89,918 83,037 263,462 236,842 Net investment gains (losses) 17 715 (335) 987 Total revenues $ 89,935 $ 83,752 $ 263,127 $ 237,829 Income before income taxes Specialty Health (B) $ 10,595 $ 5,238 $ 23,319 $ 9,412 Group disability, life, DBL and PFL 4,267 5,144 14,912 12,777 Individual life, annuities and other (A) (C) (63) (385) (357) (532) Medical Stop-Loss (A) (64) (538) 100 2,752 Corporate (1,849) (2,295) (6,188) (6,042) 12,886 7,164 31,786 18,367 Net investment gains (losses) 17 715 (335) 987 Income before income taxes $ 12,903 $ 7,879 $ 31,451 $ 19,354 (A) (B) (C)

Organization, Consolidation, _2

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]: Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Policies
Basis of Accounting, Policy	The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of IHC and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect: (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and (ii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. IHC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) that are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods have been included. The condensed consolidated results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year.

Organization, Consolidation, _3

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]: Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Policies
Reclassification, Policy	Certain amounts in prior year’s consolidated financial statements and Notes thereto have been reclassified to conform to the 2018 presentation primarily as a result of new accounting principles adopted in the current year.

Organization, Consolidation, _4

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]: Revenue Recognition, Policy (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Policies
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Fee income includes fees and commissions for various sales, marketing and administrative services provided by our marketing and administrative companies. Revenue is recognized as these services are performed. For these administrative service and other contracts, we have no material contract assets or contract liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2018. Revenue recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods, and revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to unfulfilled contractual performance obligations and contracts with variable consideration, is not material.

Organization, Consolidation, _5

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]: New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Policies
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy	In January 2016, the FASB issued guidance that eliminates the requirement to classify equity securities with readily determinable fair values as trading or available-for-sale. The guidance requires equity securities, other than those that result in consolidation or are accounted for under the equity method (including other ownership interests, such as partnerships, unincorporated joint ventures, and limited liability companies), to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income, simplifies the impairment assessment of equity securities without readily determinable fair values and requires changes in disclosure requirements. The amendments in this guidance were applied by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment of $340,000 credit to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) will be applied prospectively to equity investments that existed as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet or IHC’s stockholders’ equity. In May 2014, the FASB issued revenue recognition guidance for entities that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards such as insurance contracts or lease contracts. The amendment provides specific steps that an entity should apply in order to achieve its main objective which is recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue sources are excluded from the scope of the standard. For those revenue sources within the scope of the standard (included in the Fee income line of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income), there were no material changes in the timing or measurement of revenues. The amendments in this guidance were applied retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment on January 1, 2018, and as such, the Company recorded $552,000 of contract assets and $1,094,000 of deferred revenues, which are included on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet in other assets and accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities. The overall net impact on retained earnings was a charge of $306,000, after the effects of taxes and noncontrolling interests. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to improve existing measurements, presentation and disclosure requirements for long-duration contracts issued by insurance entities. The amendments in this guidance requires an entity to (1) review and update assumptions used to measure cash flows at least annually as well as update the discount rate assumption at each reporting date; (2) measure market risk benefits associated with deposit contracts at fair value; (3) disclose liability rollforwards and information about significant inputs, judgements assumptions, and methods used in measurement. Additionally, it simplifies the amortization of deferred acquisition costs and other balances on a constant level basis over the expected term of the related contracts. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Upon adoption, the amendments in this guidance should be applied to contracts in-force as of the beginning of the earliest period presented with a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Management is evaluating the requirements and potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements regarding fair value measurements. The amendments in this guidance are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Certain amendments should be applied prospectively for the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption while other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon the effective date. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In July 2018, the FASB issued guidance to simplify several aspects of accounting for nonemployee share-based compensation. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In March 2017, the FASB issued guidance requiring premium amortization on callable debt securities to be amortized to the earliest call date to more closely align the amortization period with expectations incorporated in market pricing of the underlying securities. The amendments in this guidance should be applied using a modified retrospective approach for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those periods. Additional disclosures are required in the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance to simplify the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 in the goodwill impairment test. Instead, under the amendments in this guidance, an entity should perform its annual or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax-deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments in this guidance are effective for public business entities for annual, or any interim, goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance requiring financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. An allowance for credit losses will be deducted from the amortized cost basis to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected with changes in the allowance recorded in earnings. Credit losses relating to available-for-sale debt securities will also be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than the currently applied U.S. GAAP method of taking a permanent impairment of the security, which would be limited to the amount by which fair value is below the amortized cost. Certain existing requirements used to evaluate credit losses have been removed. For public entities that are SEC filers, the amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The amendments in this guidance should be applied through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. Management is evaluating the requirements and potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance that requires lessees to recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases, including operating leases, on the statement of financial position. The amendments in this guidance are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In July 2018, the FASB issued additional guidance that allows entities the option to either recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption or to use a modified retrospective approach. The Company is in the process of analyzing its lease portfolio. This process includes the evaluation of policies, processes and internal controls that will be required to comply with this new guidance. The Company plans to elect the practical expedients permitted within the new standard, which among other things, allows us to carryforward the historical lease classification. In addition, the Company plans to select the new transition method and apply the new lease requirements in the period of adoption without adjustment to the financial statements for periods prior to adoption. The Company expects the adoption of this new standard to result in an increase on its consolidated balance sheet for right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

Fair Value Disclosures _Text _2

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]: Fair Value Transfer, Policy (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Policies
Fair Value Transfer, Policy	It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers of assets and liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of a reporting period. The Company does not transfer out of Level 3 and into Level 2 until such time as observable inputs become available and reliable or the range of available independent prices narrow. The Company did not transfer any securities between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 in either 2018 or 2017.

Cash and Cash Equivalents Dis_2

Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure: Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	September 30, 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 25,620 $ 26,565 Restricted cash included in other assets 4,791 5,884 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 30,411 $ 32,449

Investments in Debt and Marke_2

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]: Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table Text Block] (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	September 30, 2018 GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE FIXED MATURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE: Corporate securities $ 200,252 $ 537 $ (6,882) $ 193,907 CMOs – residential (1) 6,266 2 (388) 5,880 U.S. Government obligations 48,857 - (730) 48,127 Agency MBS – residential (2) 6 - - 6 GSEs (3) 9,566 - (347) 9,219 States and political subdivisions 173,109 129 (7,186) 166,052 Foreign government obligations 4,081 - (119) 3,962 Redeemable preferred stocks 5,970 - (173) 5,797 Total fixed maturities $ 448,107 $ 668 $ (15,825) $ 432,950 December 31, 2017 GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE FIXED MATURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE: Corporate securities $ 148,996 $ 298 $ (2,847) $ 146,447 CMOs - residential (1) 6,857 - (180) 6,677 U.S. Government obligations 85,510 - (396) 85,114 Agency MBS - residential (2) 14 - - 14 GSEs (3) 9,887 - (205) 9,682 States and political subdivisions 182,664 598 (3,619) 179,643 Foreign government obligations 4,227 13 (90) 4,150 Redeemable preferred stocks 10,006 179 - 10,185 Total fixed maturities $ 448,161 $ 1,088 $ (7,337) $ 441,912 (1) (2) (3)

Investments in Debt and Marke_3

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]: Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date	AMORTIZED FAIR COST VALUE Due in one year or less $ 27,898 $ 27,734 Due after one year through five years 174,430 170,503 Due after five years through ten years 138,042 132,762 Due after ten years 91,899 86,846 Fixed maturities with no single maturity date 15,838 15,105 $ 448,107 $ 432,950

Investments in Debt and Marke_4

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]: Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value	September 30, 2018 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses Corporate securities $ 98,623 $ 2,949 $ 88,261 $ 3,933 $ 186,884 $ 6,882 CMOs - residential 859 57 5,106 331 5,965 388 U.S. Government obligations 39,740 328 8,388 402 48,128 730 GSEs - - 9,318 347 9,318 347 States and political subdivisions 59,619 1,753 99,307 5,433 158,926 7,186 Foreign government obligations 1,145 12 2,816 107 3,961 119 Redeemable preferred stocks 5,797 173 - - 5,797 173 Fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position $ 205,783 $ 5,272 $ 213,196 $ 10,553 $ 418,979 $ 15,825 Number of fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position 99 96 195 December 31, 2017 Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Value Losses Value Losses Value Losses Corporate securities $ 85,642 $ 1,250 $ 44,640 $ 1,597 $ 130,282 $ 2,847 CMOs - residential 1,381 45 5,237 135 6,618 180 U.S. Government obligations 75,811 198 9,302 198 85,113 396 GSEs - - 9,669 205 9,669 205 States and political subdivisions 83,682 1,348 66,617 2,271 150,299 3,619 Foreign government obligations 2,959 90 - - 2,959 90 Fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position $ 249,475 $ 2,931 $ 135,465 $ 4,406 $ 384,940 $ 7,337 Number of fixed maturities in an unrealized loss position 60 76 136

Investments in Debt and Marke_5

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]: Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Realized gains (losses): Fixed maturities available-for-sale $ (247) $ 719 $ (442) $ 1,062 Equity securities (2) - (7) - Total realized gains (losses) on debt and equity securities (249) 719 (449) 1,062 Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities 266 (4) 114 (76) Gains (losses) on debt and equity securities 17 715 (335) 986 Gains (losses) on other investments - - - 1 Net investment gains (losses) $ 17 $ 715 $ (335) $ 987

Fair Value Disclosures _Text _3

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]: Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	September 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total FINANCIAL ASSETS: Fixed maturities available-for-sale: Corporate securities $ - $ 193,907 $ - $ 193,907 CMOs - residential - 5,880 - 5,880 US Government obligations - 48,127 - 48,127 Agency MBS - residential - 6 - 6 GSEs - 9,219 - 9,219 States and political subdivisions - 164,300 1,752 166,052 Foreign government obligations - 3,962 - 3,962 Redeemable preferred stocks 5,797 - - 5,797 Total fixed maturities 5,797 425,401 1,752 432,950 Equity securities: Common stocks 2,691 - - 2,691 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 2,837 - - 2,837 Total equity securities 5,528 - - 5,528 Total Financial Assets $ 11,325 $ 425,401 $ 1,752 $ 438,478 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total FINANCIAL ASSETS: Fixed maturities available-for-sale: Corporate securities $ - $ 146,447 $ - $ 146,447 CMOs - residential - 6,677 - 6,677 US Government obligations - 85,114 - 85,114 Agency MBS - residential - 14 - 14 GSEs - 9,682 - 9,682 States and political subdivisions - 177,767 1,876 179,643 Foreign government obligations - 4,150 - 4,150 Redeemable preferred stocks 10,185 - - 10,185 Total fixed maturities 10,185 429,851 1,876 441,912 Equity securities: Common stocks 2,490 - - 2,490 Nonredeemable preferred stocks 3,630 - - 3,630 Total equity securities 6,120 - - 6,120 Total Financial Assets $ 16,305 $ 429,851 $ 1,876 $ 448,032

Fair Value Disclosures _Text _4

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]: Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 States and Total States and Total Political Level 3 Political Level 3 Subdivisions Assets Subdivisions Assets Beginning balance $ 1,794 $ 1,794 $ 1,956 $ 1,956 Increases (decreases) recognized in earnings: Net investment gains - - - - Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss): Net unrealized gains (losses) (8) (8) (8) (8) Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities (34) (34) (31) (31) Sales - - - - Balance at end of period $ 1,752 $ 1,752 $ 1,917 $ 1,917 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 States and Total States and Total Political Level 3 Political Level 3 Subdivisions Assets Subdivisions Assets Beginning balance $ 1,876 $ 1,876 $ 2,033 $ 2,033 Increases (decreases) recognized in earnings: Net investment gains - - - - Gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss): Net unrealized gains (losses) (23) (23) (26) (26) Repayments and amortization of fixed maturities (101) (101) (90) (90) Sales - - - - Balance at end of period $ 1,752 $ 1,752 $ 1,917 $ 1,917

Fair Value Disclosures _Text _5

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]: Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 1 Level 2 Fair Fair Carrying Fair Fair Carrying Value Value Value Value Value Value FINANCIAL ASSETS: Short-term investments $ 1,047 $ - $ 1,047 $ 50 $ - $ 50 FINANCIAL LIABILITIES: Funds on deposit $ - $ 141,813 $ 141,685 $ - $ 143,702 $ 143,537

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Gross Carrying Accumulated Carrying Accumulated Amount Amortization Amount Amortization Finite-lived Intangible Assets: Agent and broker relationships $ 17,253 $ 13,096 $ 17,253 $ 12,140 Domain 1,000 200 1,000 125 Software systems 780 169 780 76 Total finite-lived $ 19,033 $ 13,465 $ 19,033 $ 12,341

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets: Insurance licenses $ 7,977 $ 7,977 Total indefinite-lived $ 7,977 $ 7,977

Liability for Future Policy B_2

Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 168,683 $ 219,113 Less: reinsurance recoverable 42,136 88,853 Net balance at beginning of year 126,547 130,260 Amount incurred, related to: Current year 127,544 114,795 Prior years (19,152) (9,236) Total incurred 108,392 105,559 Amount paid, related to: Current year 65,380 52,822 Prior years 49,916 56,452 Total paid 115,296 109,274 Net balance at end of period 119,643 126,545 Plus: reinsurance recoverable 38,525 43,002 Balance at end of period $ 158,168 $ 169,547
Specialty Health Segment Member | Health Insurance Product Line
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	Specialty Health Segment Health Insurance Claims Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 32,904 $ 27,183 Less: reinsurance recoverable 762 1,179 Net balance at beginning of year 32,142 26,004 Amount incurred, related to: Current year 37,099 40,836 Prior years (8,266) 1,144 Total incurred 28,833 41,980 Amount paid, related to: Current year 14,880 13,528 Prior years 19,507 23,797 Total paid 34,387 37,325 Net balance at end of period 26,588 30,659 Plus: reinsurance recoverable 865 814 Balance at end of period $ 27,453 $ 31,473

Stockholders' Equity Note Dis_2

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Beginning balance $ (11,237) $ (2,504) $ (4,598) $ (6,964) Cumulative-effect of new accounting principles - - (350) - Other comprehensive income (loss): Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (922) 627 (7,364) 5,305 Amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI 196 (467) 349 (685) Net other comprehensive income (loss) (726) 160 (7,015) 4,620 Ending balance $ (11,963) $ (2,344) $ (11,963) $ (2,344)

Stockholders' Equity Note Dis_3

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]: Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities reclassified during the period to the following income statement line items: Net investment gains (losses) $ (247) $ 719 $ (442) $ 1,062 Income (loss) before income tax (247) 719 (442) 1,062 Tax effect (51) 252 (93) 377 Net income (loss) $ (196) $ 467 $ (349) $ 685

Compensation and Employee Ben_2

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 IHC’s Share-based Compensation Plan: Stock options $ 189 $ 36 $ 558 $ 106 Restricted stock units 39 23 129 81 SARs 93 305 218 359 Share-based compensation expense, pre-tax 321 364 905 546 Tax benefits 86 145 281 218 Share-based compensation expense, net $ 235 $ 219 $ 624 $ 328

Compensation and Employee Ben_3

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	Shares Weighted- Average Under Option Exercise Price December 31, 2017 692,380 $ 16.62 Granted 13,000 31.30 Exercised (36,433) 9.79 September 30, 2018 668,947 $ 17.28

Compensation and Employee Ben_4

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	2018 2017 Weighted-average risk-free interest rate 2.64% 1.71% Expected annual dividend rate per share 0.95% 0.79% Expected volatility factor of the Company's common stock 35.80% 37.57% Weighted-average expected term of options 4.5 years 4.5 years

Compensation and Employee Ben_5

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding	September 30, 2018 Outstanding Exercisable Number of options 668,947 363,612 Weighted average exercise price per share $ 17.28 $ 10.99 Aggregate intrinsic value for all options (in thousands) $ 12,458 $ 9,057 Weighted average contractual term remaining 2.2 years 0.8 years

Compensation and Employee Ben_6

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	No. Of Weighted-Average Non-vested Grant-Date Shares Fair Value December 31, 2017 18,975 $ 22.91 Vested (2,475) 11.78 September 30, 2018 16,500 $ 24.58

Segment Reporting Disclosure _2

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Tables/Schedules
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues: Specialty Health $ 53,108 $ 55,502 $ 152,959 $ 152,292 Group disability, life, DBL and PFL 35,599 26,112 107,280 78,985 Individual life, annuities and other (A) 520 455 1,432 1,494 Medical Stop-Loss (A) 13 576 36 2,549 Corporate 678 392 1,755 1,522 89,918 83,037 263,462 236,842 Net investment gains (losses) 17 715 (335) 987 Total revenues $ 89,935 $ 83,752 $ 263,127 $ 237,829 Income before income taxes Specialty Health (B) $ 10,595 $ 5,238 $ 23,319 $ 9,412 Group disability, life, DBL and PFL 4,267 5,144 14,912 12,777 Individual life, annuities and other (A) (C) (63) (385) (357) (532) Medical Stop-Loss (A) (64) (538) 100 2,752 Corporate (1,849) (2,295) (6,188) (6,042) 12,886 7,164 31,786 18,367 Net investment gains (losses) 17 715 (335) 987 Income before income taxes $ 12,903 $ 7,879 $ 31,451 $ 19,354 (A) (B) (C)

Organization, Consolidation, _6

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] (Details)	Sep. 30, 2018
GeneveAffiliatedEntityMember
EntityCommonStockOutstandingOwnershipPercent	62.00%

Organization, Consolidation, _7

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]: New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 31, 2018
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ (413)
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Other Assets
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net		$ 552
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Contract with Customer, Liability		1,094
Retained Earnings
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 34
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption		340
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption		$ (306)

Earnings Per Share _Text Bloc_2

Earnings Per Share [Text Block] (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Details
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	314	309	296	288

Cash and Cash Equivalents Dis_3

Cash and Cash Equivalents Disclosure: Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	$ 25,620	$ 26,465	$ 26,565
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	30,411	$ 32,197	32,449	$ 23,718
Other Assets
Restricted Cash	$ 4,791		$ 5,884

Investments in Debt and Marke_6

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]: Debt Securities, Available-for-sale [Table Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	$ 448,107	$ 448,161
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	668	1,088
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	15,825	7,337
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	432,950	441,912
Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	200,252	148,996
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	537	298
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	6,882	2,847
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	193,907	146,447
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	6,266	6,857
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	2	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	388	180
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,880	6,677
US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	48,857	85,510
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	730	396
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	48,127	85,114
US Government Agencies Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	6	14
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6	14
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	9,566	9,887
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	347	205
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	9,219	9,682
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	173,109	182,664
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	129	598
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	7,186	3,619
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	166,052	179,643
Debt Security, Government, Non-US
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	4,081	4,227
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	13
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	119	90
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,962	4,150
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	5,970	10,006
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax	0	179
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	173	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 5,797	$ 10,185

Investments in Debt and Marke_7

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]: Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Details
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling within One Year, Amortized Cost	$ 27,898
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling within One Year, Fair Value	27,734
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after One Through Five Years, Amortized Cost	174,430
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after One Through Five Years, Fair Value	170,503
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after Five Through Ten Years, Amortized Cost	138,042
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after Five Through Ten Years, Fair Value	132,762
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after 10 Years, Amortized Cost	91,899
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Rolling after 10 Years, Fair Value	86,846
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Amortized Cost	15,838
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, without Single Maturity Date, Fair Value	15,105
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost	448,107	$ 448,161
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 432,950	$ 441,912

Investments in Debt and Marke_8

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]: Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months	$ 205,783	$ 249,475
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	5,272	2,931
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer	213,196	135,465
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	10,553	4,406
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position	418,979	384,940
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 15,825	$ 7,337
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Number of Positions	99	60
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Number of Positions	96	76
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Number of Positions	195	136
Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months	$ 98,623	$ 85,642
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	2,949	1,250
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer	88,261	44,640
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	3,933	1,597
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position	186,884	130,282
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	6,882	2,847
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months	859	1,381
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	57	45
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer	5,106	5,237
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	331	135
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position	5,965	6,618
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	388	180
US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months	39,740	75,811
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	328	198
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer	8,388	9,302
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	402	198
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position	48,128	85,113
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	730	396
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	0	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer	9,318	9,669
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	347	205
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position	9,318	9,669
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	347	205
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months	59,619	83,682
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	1,753	1,348
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer	99,307	66,617
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	5,433	2,271
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position	158,926	150,299
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	7,186	3,619
Debt Security, Government, Non-US
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months	1,145	2,959
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	12	90
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer	2,816	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	107	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position	3,961	2,959
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	119	$ 90
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months	5,797
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	173
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, 12 Months or Longer, Accumulated Loss	0
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position	5,797
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	$ 173

Investments in Debt and Marke_9

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]: Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Details
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other-than-temporary Impairment	$ (247)	$ 719	$ (442)	$ 1,062
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Realized Gain (Loss)	(2)	0	(7)	0
Debt and Equity Securities, Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other-than-temporary Impairment	(249)	719	(449)	1,062
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss)	266	(4)	114	(76)
Debt and Equity Securities, Gain (Loss)	17	715	(335)	986
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Other Investments	0	0	0	1
Gain (Loss) on Investments	$ 17	$ 715	$ (335)	$ 987

Investments in Debt and Mark_10

Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Details
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains	$ 130	$ 780	$ 449	$ 2,119
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	$ 377	$ 61	$ 891	$ 1,057

Fair Value Disclosures _Text _6

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]: Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	$ 432,950	$ 441,912
Equity Securities, FV-NI	5,528	6,120
Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	193,907	146,447
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,880	6,677
US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	48,127	85,114
US Government Agencies Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6	14
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	9,219	9,682
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	166,052	179,643
Debt Security, Government, Non-US
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,962	4,150
Redeemable Preferred Stock
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,797	10,185
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	432,950	441,912
Equity Securities, FV-NI	5,528	6,120
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	438,478	448,032
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	193,907	146,447
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,880	6,677
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	48,127	85,114
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Government Agencies Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6	14
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	9,219	9,682
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	166,052	179,643
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Debt Security, Government, Non-US
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,962	4,150
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Redeemable Preferred Stock
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,797	10,185
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Common Stock
Equity Securities, FV-NI	2,691	2,490
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock
Equity Securities, FV-NI	2,837	3,630
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,797	10,185
Equity Securities, FV-NI	5,528	6,120
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	11,325	16,305
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Government Agencies Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Debt Security, Government, Non-US
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Redeemable Preferred Stock
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,797	10,185
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Common Stock
Equity Securities, FV-NI	2,691	2,490
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock
Equity Securities, FV-NI	2,837	3,630
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	425,401	429,851
Equity Securities, FV-NI	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	425,401	429,851
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	193,907	146,447
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	5,880	6,677
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	48,127	85,114
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Government Agencies Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	6	14
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	9,219	9,682
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	164,300	177,767
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Debt Security, Government, Non-US
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	3,962	4,150
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Redeemable Preferred Stock
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Common Stock
Equity Securities, FV-NI	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock
Equity Securities, FV-NI	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,752	1,876
Equity Securities, FV-NI	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,752	1,876
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Corporate Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Treasury Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Government Agencies Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	1,752	1,876
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Debt Security, Government, Non-US
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Redeemable Preferred Stock
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Common Stock
Equity Securities, FV-NI	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock
Equity Securities, FV-NI	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Disclosures _Text _7

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]: Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Beginning Balance	$ 1,794	$ 1,956	$ 1,876	$ 2,033
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(8)	(8)	(23)	(26)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	(34)	(31)	(101)	(90)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Ending Balance	1,752	1,917	1,752	1,917
Gain (Loss) on Investments
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0	0	0
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Beginning Balance	1,794	1,956	1,876	2,033
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(8)	(8)	(23)	(26)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements	(34)	(31)	(101)	(90)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales	0	0	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value, Ending Balance	1,752	1,917	1,752	1,917
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities | Gain (Loss) on Investments
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value Disclosures _Text _8

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]: Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Short-term Investments	$ 1,047	$ 50
Deposit Contracts, Liabilities	141,685	143,537
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Short-term Investments	1,047	50
Deposit Contracts, Liabilities	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Short-term Investments	0	0
Deposit Contracts, Liabilities	141,813	143,702
Reported Value Measurement
Short-term Investments	1,047	50
Deposit Contracts, Liabilities	$ 141,685	$ 143,537

Variable Interest Entity Disc_2

Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments			$ (976)	$ 1,412
Other Investments | Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 4,131		4,131
Ebix Health Exchange Member | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	1,796	$ 2,613	6,269	8,017
Ebix Health Exchange Member | Other Assets
Due from Related Parties	1,886		1,886		$ 1,859
Ebix Health Exchange Member | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Due to Related Parties	1,086		1,086		1,139
Ebix Health Exchange Holdings Member
Equity Method Investments	6,973		6,973		$ 8,188
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	$ (445)	$ (19)	$ (1,216)	$ 228

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Details
Goodwill	$ 50,697		$ 50,697		$ 50,697
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	13,545		13,545		$ 14,669
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 381	$ 393	$ 1,124	$ 941

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 19,033	$ 19,033
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	13,465	12,341
Customer Relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	17,253	17,253
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	13,096	12,140
Internet Domain Names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	1,000	1,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	200	125
Computer Software, Intangible Asset
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	780	780
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 169	$ 76

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_6

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 7,977	$ 7,977
Licensing Agreements
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 7,977	$ 7,977

Income Tax Disclosure _Text B_2

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] (Details)	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Details
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		21.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Newly Enacted Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Fiscal Year Blended Rate, Percent	28.00%

Liability for Future Policy B_3

Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Beginning Balance	$ 168,683	$ 219,113
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments, Beginning Balance	42,136	88,853
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net, Beginning Balance	126,547	130,260
Current Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	127,544	114,795
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	(19,152)	(9,236)
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims	108,392	105,559
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Current Year	65,380	52,822
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years	49,916	56,452
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid	115,296	109,274
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net, Ending Balance	119,643	126,545
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments, Ending Balance	38,525	43,002
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Ending Balance	158,168	169,547
Specialty Health Segment Member
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	(9,729)	1,304
Specialty Health Segment Member | Health Insurance Product Line
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Beginning Balance	32,904	27,183
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments, Beginning Balance	762	1,179
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net, Beginning Balance	32,142	26,004
Current Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	37,099	40,836
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	(8,266)	1,144
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims	28,833	41,980
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Current Year	14,880	13,528
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid, Prior Years	19,507	23,797
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid	34,387	37,325
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Net, Ending Balance	26,588	30,659
Reinsurance Recoverable for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustments, Ending Balance	865	814
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Ending Balance	$ 27,453	$ 31,473

Liability for Future Policy B_4

Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	$ (19,152)	$ (9,236)
Specialty Health Segment Member
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	(9,729)	1,304
Specialty Health Segment Member | Health Insurance Product Line
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	(8,266)	1,144
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Incurred but Not Reported (IBNR) Claims Liability, Net	27,453
Group Disability, Life, DBL And PFL Segment Member
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	(7,862)	(5,406)
Individual life annuities and other Segment Member
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	(1,346)	(2,714)
Medical Stop-Loss Segment Member
Prior Year Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	$ (215)	$ (2,420)

Stockholders' Equity Note Dis_4

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	129,521	2,211,629
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$ 3,817	$ 44,442
Treasury Stock
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$ 3,817
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross	38,908	12,671
Treasury Stock | Employee Stock Option
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross		12,671
Private Placement Member
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		703,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 13,975
Tender Offer Member
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired		1,385,118
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 27,702

Stockholders' Equity Note Dis_5

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			$ (4,598)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (726)	$ 160	(7,015)	$ 4,620
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,963)		(11,963)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,237)	(2,504)	(4,598)	(6,964)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(922)	627	(7,364)	5,305
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(196)	467	(349)	685
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(726)	160	(7,015)	4,620
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,963)	(2,344)	(11,963)	(2,344)
Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent | Accounting Standards Update 2016-01
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 0	$ 0	$ (350)	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity Note Dis_6

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]: Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Gain (Loss) on Investments	$ 17	$ 715	$ (335)	$ 987
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	12,903	7,879	31,451	19,354
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	2,860	2,666	7,518	(5,175)
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	10,043	5,213	23,933	24,529
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Accumulated Net Investment Gain (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Gain (Loss) on Investments	(247)	719	(442)	1,062
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(247)	719	(442)	1,062
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(51)	252	(93)	377
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	$ (196)	$ 467	$ (349)	$ 685

Compensation and Employee Ben_7

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block] (Details) - Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	846,300
Employee Stock Option
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 9.77	$ 7.01
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	$ 357
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value	886	$ 621
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options	165	180
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation		303
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	$ 1,473
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Employee Stock Option | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number	64,900		64,900
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent	$ 240		$ 22
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	1 year 8 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 92	$ 94
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options	$ 269

Compensation and Employee Ben_8

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan (Details) - Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense	$ 86	$ 145	$ 281	$ 218
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	235	219	624	328
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	321	364	905	546
Employee Stock Option | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	189	36	558	106
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	39	23	129	81
Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 93	$ 305	$ 218	$ 359

Compensation and Employee Ben_9

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity (Details) - Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member - Employee Stock Option	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Beginning Balance | shares	692,380
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balance | $ / shares	$ 16.62
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross | shares	13,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 31.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period | shares	36,433
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 9.79
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance | shares	668,947
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price, Ending Balance | $ / shares	$ 17.28

Compensation and Employee Be_10

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions (Details) - Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member - Employee Stock Option	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	2.64%	1.71%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.95%	0.79%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	35.80%	37.57%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months

Compensation and Employee Be_11

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding (Details) - Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member - Employee Stock Option $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number | shares	668,947
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number | shares	363,612
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 17.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 10.99
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 12,458
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 9,057
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	2 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	9 months 18 days

Compensation and Employee Be_12

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]: Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity (Details) - Independence Holding Company Share Based Plans Total Member - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	16,500	18,975
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 24.58	$ 22.91
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	2,475
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 11.78

Cash Flow, Supplemental Discl_2

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Details
Income Taxes Paid (Refunds), Net	$ 1,169	$ 292

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] (Details) - Pending Litigation $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	May 31, 2017USD ($)
Loss Contingency, Nature, Injunctive Relief and Damages Member
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 50,000
Loss Contingency, Nature, Amounts Allegedly Owed To Plaintiff Member
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value	$ 3,082

Segment Reporting Disclosure _3

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]: Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenues	$ 89,935	$ 83,752	$ 263,127	$ 237,829
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	12,903	7,879	31,451	19,354
Amortization of Intangible Assets	381	393	1,124	941
Operating Segments
Revenues	89,918	83,037	263,462	236,842
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	12,886	7,164	31,786	18,367
Segment Reconciling Items | Gain (Loss) on Investments
Revenues	17	715	(335)	987
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	17	715	(335)	987
Specialty Health Segment Member
Revenues	53,108	55,502	152,959	152,292
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	10,595	5,238	23,319	9,412
Amortization of Intangible Assets	381	393	1,124	941
Group Disability, Life, DBL And PFL Segment Member
Revenues	35,599	26,112	107,280	78,985
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	4,267	5,144	14,912	12,777
Individual life annuities and other Segment Member
Revenues	520	455	1,432	1,494
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(63)	(385)	(357)	(532)
Amortization of Other Deferred Charges	220	675	368	937
Medical Stop-Loss Segment Member
Revenues	13	576	36	2,549
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	(64)	(538)	100	2,752
Corporate Segment
Revenues	678	392	1,755	1,522
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest	$ (1,849)	$ (2,295)	$ (6,188)	$ (6,042)