Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 3,428	$ 6,274	$ (3,151)	$ 1,694	$ 1,783	$ 3,413	$ (1,843)	$ 171	$ 8,245	$ 3,524	$ (10,891)
Denominator, basic shares									19,263	19,263	19,673
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based compensation awards									98	6
Denominator, diluted shares									19,361	19,269	19,673
Basic earnings per share: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.33	$ (0.16)	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.18	$ (0.10)	$ 0.01	$ 0.43	$ 0.18	$ (0.55)
Diluted earnings per share: (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.32	$ (0.16)	$ 0.09	$ 0.09	$ 0.18	$ (0.10)	$ 0.01	$ 0.43	$ 0.18	$ (0.55)