Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (3,151)	$ (1,800)	$ (1,457)	$ (1,606)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net actuarial gain	125	122	248	241
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	(44)	(43)	(87)	(84)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	2,623	(2,006)	11,522	17
Tax effect on unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	(918)	702	(4,033)	(6)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(1,597)	(1,219)	(2,773)	(1,117)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	559	427	970	391
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	748	(2,017)	5,847	(558)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(2,403)	(3,817)	4,390	(2,164)
Less: comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interest		43		66
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ (2,403)	$ (3,860)	$ 4,390	$ (2,230)