Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Gross premiums written	$ 119,467	$ 100,815	$ 227,614	$ 198,210
Ceded premiums written	(19,922)	(15,678)	(34,173)	(28,111)
Net premiums written	99,545	85,137	193,441	170,099
Change in unearned premiums	(6,701)	(6,888)	(14,109)	(14,642)
Net premiums earned	92,844	78,249	179,332	155,457
Investment income, net of expenses	3,278	3,932	6,906	7,778
Net realized gains	1,597	991	2,773	872
Finance charges	1,487	1,524	2,912	3,164
Commission and fees	79	(184)	420	(4)
Other income	14	59	97	290
Total revenues	99,299	84,571	192,440	167,557
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	75,059	61,229	136,797	116,020
Other operating expenses	27,578	25,419	54,772	51,351
Interest expense	1,150	1,178	2,299	2,327
Amortization of intangible assets	829	896	1,726	1,793
Total expenses	104,616	88,722	195,594	171,491
Loss before tax	(5,317)	(4,151)	(3,154)	(3,934)
Income tax benefit	(2,166)	(2,351)	(1,697)	(2,328)
Net loss	(3,151)	(1,800)	(1,457)	(1,606)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		43		66
Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ (3,151)	$ (1,843)	$ (1,457)	$ (1,672)
Net income per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic	$ (0.16)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.09)
Diluted	$ (0.16)	$ (0.10)	$ (0.08)	$ (0.09)