CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Gross premiums written	$ 354,881	$ 320,973	$ 287,558
Ceded premiums written	(51,005)	(39,332)	(25,818)
Net premiums written	303,876	281,641	261,740
Change in unearned premiums	(10,835)	(3,370)	(10,668)
Net premiums earned	293,041	278,271	251,072
Investment income, net of expenses	15,880	14,849	14,947
Net realized gains	3,633	8,402	3,032
Finance charges	6,826	7,054	5,874
Commission and fees	3,175	(1,575)	12,011
Other income	216	59	103
Total revenues	322,771	307,060	287,039
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	239,235	202,544	153,619
Operating expenses	94,998	87,989	92,233
Interest expense	4,631	4,598	4,602
Amortization of intangible assets	3,586	3,665	3,328
Total expenses	342,450	298,796	253,782
(Loss) income before tax	(19,679)	8,264	33,257
Income tax (benefit) expense	(8,916)	825	8,630
Net (loss) income	(10,763)	7,439	24,627
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	58	105	52
Net (loss) income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ (10,821)	$ 7,334	$ 24,575
Net (loss) income per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc common stockholders:
Basic	$ (0.55)	$ 0.36	$ 1.19
Diluted	$ (0.55)	$ 0.36	$ 1.19