CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Gross premiums written	$ 389,842	$ 354,881	$ 320,973
Ceded premiums written	(57,353)	(51,005)	(39,332)
Net premiums written	332,489	303,876	281,641
Change in unearned premiums	(13,053)	(10,835)	(3,370)
Net premiums earned	319,436	293,041	278,271
Investment income, net of expenses	15,293	15,880	14,849
Net realized gains	1,943	3,633	8,402
Finance charges	5,957	6,826	7,054
Commission and fees	(1,145)	3,175	(1,575)
Other income	316	216	59
Total revenues	341,800	322,771	307,060
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	226,414	239,235	202,544
Operating expenses	103,792	95,106	87,882
Interest expense	4,634	4,631	4,598
Amortization of intangible assets	3,586	3,586	3,665
Total expenses	338,426	342,558	298,689
Income (loss) before tax	3,374	(19,787)	8,371
Income tax (benefit) expense	(474)	(8,954)	863
Net income (loss)	3,848	(10,833)	7,508
Less: Net income attributable to non-controlling interest	324	58	105
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 3,524	$ (10,891)	$ 7,403
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.55)	$ 0.37
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ (0.55)	$ 0.37