Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Gross premiums written	$ 123,664	$ 99,448	$ 351,278	$ 297,658
Ceded premiums written	(20,775)	(14,443)	(54,948)	(42,554)
Net premiums written	102,889	85,005	296,330	255,104
Change in unearned premiums	(5,437)	(4,524)	(19,546)	(19,166)
Net premiums earned	97,452	80,481	276,784	235,938
Investment income, net of expenses	2,965	3,795	9,871	11,573
Net realized gains	6,950	982	9,723	1,854
Finance charges	1,484	1,374	4,396	4,538
Commission and fees	(251)	(1,029)	169	(1,033)
Other income	13	17	110	307
Total revenues	108,613	85,620	301,053	253,177
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	68,158	52,839	204,955	168,859
Other operating expenses	29,139	25,726	83,911	77,077
Interest expense	1,150	1,137	3,449	3,464
Amortization of intangible assets	694	897	2,420	2,690
Total expenses	99,141	80,599	294,735	252,090
Income before tax	9,472	5,021	6,318	1,087
Income tax expense (benefit)	3,198	1,350	1,501	(978)
Net income	6,274	3,671	4,817	2,065
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		258		324
Net income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 6,274	$ 3,413	$ 4,817	$ 1,741
Net income per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic	$ 0.33	$ 0.18	$ 0.25	$ 0.09
Diluted	$ 0.32	$ 0.18	$ 0.25	$ 0.09