Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 13,429us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 8,245us-gaap_ProfitLoss	$ 3,848us-gaap_ProfitLoss
Other comprehensive income:
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(1,723)	2,268	37
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	603	(794)	(13)
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	3,543	22,094	4,388
Tax effect on unrealized holding gains arising during the period	(1,240)	(7,733)	(1,536)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(408)	(10,540)	(2,189)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (loss)	143	3,689	766
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	918	8,984	1,453
Comprehensive income (loss)	14,347	17,229	5,301
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest			324
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 14,347us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 17,229us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	$ 4,977us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax

Other comprehensive income adjustment to recognize changes in actuarial assumptions arising during period before tax.

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Other comprehensive income change in net actuarial gain loss tax.

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Other comprehensive income reclassification adjustments for unrealized holding gains losses before tax.

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Other comprehensive income reclassification adjustments for unrealized holding gains losses tax.

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Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax of (increase) decrease in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to noncontrolling interests. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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Amount before tax and reclassification adjustments of unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities.

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Amount of tax expense (benefit) before reclassification adjustments of unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities.

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The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

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