Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Gross premiums written	$ 549,077	$ 514,223	$ 473,218
Ceded premiums written	(187,248)	(157,279)	(148,866)
Net premiums written	361,829	356,944	324,352
Change in unearned premiums	(8,459)	(7,863)	(3,135)
Net premiums earned	353,370	349,081	321,217
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	16,342	13,969	12,383
Net realized gains	(369)	2,503	134
Finance charges	4,977	5,952	5,279
Commissions and fees	1,427	213	(1,694)
Other income	205	684	47
Total revenues	375,952	372,402	337,366
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	253,688	230,149	210,055
Operating expenses	106,769	103,993	101,427
Interest expense	4,549	3,906	4,576
Amortization of intangible assets	2,468	2,468	2,526
Total expenses	367,474	340,516	318,584
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit	8,478	31,886	18,782
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,952	10,023	5,353
Net income (loss)	6,526	21,863	13,429
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 6,526	$ 21,863	$ 13,429
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 1.14	$ 0.70
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ 1.13	$ 0.69