CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net (loss) income	$ (10,763)	$ 7,439	$ 24,627
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Change in net actuarial (loss) gain	(1,468)	(309)	2,327
Tax effect on change in net actuarial (loss) gain	514	108	(814)
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	191	10,324	42,299
Tax effect on unrealized holding gains arising during the period	(67)	(3,614)	(14,805)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	(3,633)	(8,402)	(3,571)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	1,272	2,941	1,250
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(3,191)	1,048	26,686
Comprehensive (loss) income	(13,954)	8,487	51,313
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	58	105	52
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ (14,012)	$ 8,382	$ 51,261