Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 6,274	$ 3,671	$ 4,817	$ 2,065
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in net actuarial gain	123	120	371	362
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	(43)	(42)	(130)	(127)
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	4,721	4,541	16,243	4,560
Tax effect on unrealized holding gains arising during the period	(1,652)	(1,589)	(5,685)	(1,596)
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income	(6,950)	(926)	(9,723)	(2,044)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	2,433	324	3,403	715
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(1,368)	2,428	4,479	1,870
Comprehensive income	4,906	6,099	9,296	3,935
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest		258		324
Comprehensive income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 4,906	$ 5,841	$ 9,296	$ 3,611