Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 3,757	$ 122,644	$ 94,611	$ 7,905	$ (11,558)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest		(90)
Equity based compensation		115
Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.			(1,843)			(1,843)
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax				79
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of tax				(1,304)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax				(792)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	3,757	122,669	92,768	5,888	(11,558)	213,524
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,757	122,487	94,440	6,446	(11,558)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interest		(71)
Equity based compensation		253
Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.			(1,672)			(1,672)
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax				157
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of tax				11
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax				(726)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	3,757	122,669	92,768	5,888	(11,558)	213,524
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	3,757	122,475	97,964	7,899	(11,558)	220,537
Equity based compensation		136
Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.			(1,457)			(1,457)
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax				161
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of tax				7,489
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax				(1,803)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	3,757	122,611	96,507	13,746	(11,558)	225,063
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	3,757	122,538	99,658	12,998	(11,558)
Equity based compensation		73
Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.			(3,151)			(3,151)
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax				81
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period, net of tax				1,705
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of tax				(1,038)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	$ 3,757	$ 122,611	$ 96,507	$ 13,746	$ (11,558)	$ 225,063