Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000278041
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,203,860
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2012