Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	INTERNATIONAL SHIPHOLDING CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000278041
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	7,252,820
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2014