Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Gross premiums written	$ 460,027	$ 389,842	$ 354,881
Ceded premiums written	(99,262)	(57,353)	(51,005)
Net premiums written	360,765	332,489	303,876
Change in unearned premiums	(224)	(13,053)	(10,835)
Net premiums earned	360,541	319,436	293,041
Investment income, net of expenses	12,884	15,293	15,880
Net realized gains	10,540	1,943	3,633
Finance charges	5,830	5,957	6,826
Commission and fees	(487)	(1,145)	3,175
Other income	120	316	216
Total revenues	389,428	341,800	322,771
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	261,345	226,414	239,235
Operating expenses	109,289	103,792	95,106
Interest expense	4,599	4,634	4,631
Amortization of intangible assets	3,115	3,586	3,586
Total expenses	378,348	338,426	342,558
Income (loss) before tax	11,080	3,374	(19,787)
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,835	(474)	(8,954)
Net income (loss)	8,245	3,848	(10,833)
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest		324	58
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 8,245	$ 3,524	$ (10,891)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.18	$ (0.55)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.43	$ 0.18	$ (0.55)