Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 3,757	$ 122,487	$ 94,440	$ 6,446	$ (11,558)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest		19
Equity based compensation		138
Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.			171			171
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax				78
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of tax				1,315
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax				66
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	3,757	122,644	94,611	7,905	(11,558)	217,359
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	3,757	122,475	97,964	7,899	(11,558)	220,537
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest		0
Equity based compensation		63
Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.			1,694			1,694
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax				80
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of tax				6,195
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax				(1,176)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	$ 3,757	$ 122,538	$ 99,658	$ 12,998	$ (11,558)	$ 227,393