CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Net income (loss)	$ 3,848	$ (10,833)	$ 7,508
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	37	(1,468)	(309)
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(13)	514	108
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	4,388	191	10,324
Tax effect on unrealized holding gains arising during the period	(1,536)	(67)	(3,614)
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income (loss)	(2,189)	(3,633)	(8,402)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	766	1,272	2,941
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,453	(3,191)	1,048
Comprehensive income (loss)	5,301	(14,024)	8,556
Less: comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest	324	58	105
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ 4,977	$ (14,082)	$ 8,451