Hallmark Financial Services (HALL) 10-Q 8 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	8-May-14
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000819913	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Trading Symbol	'hall	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	19,263,457
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $414,555 in 2014 and $408,627 in 2013)	$415,533	$410,095
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $24,910 in 2014 and $24,902 in 2013)	49,987	51,230
Total investments	465,520	461,325
Cash and cash equivalents	153,293	141,666
Restricted cash	11,712	12,190
Ceded unearned premiums	46,335	44,988
Premiums receivable	72,782	71,157
Accounts receivable	3,308	2,382
Receivable for securities	1,609	1,320
Reinsurance recoverable	85,140	76,818
Deferred policy acquisition costs	22,852	22,586
Goodwill	44,695	44,695
Intangible assets, net	19,314	19,953
Prepaid expenses	2,863	1,531
Other assets	8,033	8,412
Total assets	937,456	909,023
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Revolving credit facility payable	1,473	1,473
Subordinated debt securities	56,702	56,702
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	395,654	382,640
Unearned premiums	186,994	185,303
Reinsurance balances payable	20,622	20,598
Pension liability	1,291	1,433
Payable for securities	12,315	206
Federal income tax payable	1,805	719
Deferred federal income taxes, net	2,530	2,825
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	16,458	19,006
Total liabilities	695,844	670,905
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)	'	'
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2014 and 2013	3,757	3,757
Additional paid-in capital	122,937	122,827
Retained earnings	110,757	106,209
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15,719	16,883
Treasury stock (1,609,374 shares in 2014 and 2013), at cost	-11,558	-11,558
Total stockholders' equity	241,612	238,118
Liabilities and equity, total	$937,456	$909,023

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical [Abstract]	'	'
Debt securities, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	$414,555	$408,627
Equity securities, available for sale, cost (in dollars)	$24,910	$24,902
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.18	$0.18
Common stock, authorized shares	33,333,333	33,333,333
Common stock, issued shares	20,872,831	20,872,831
Treasury stock, shares	1,609,374	1,609,374

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'
Gross premiums written	$116,082	$108,147
Ceded premiums written	-33,161	-14,251
Net premiums written	82,921	93,896
Change in unearned premiums	-344	-7,408
Net premiums earned	82,577	86,488
Investment income, net of expenses	3,241	3,628
Net realized gains	185	1,176
Finance charges	1,384	1,425
Commission and fees	-290	341
Other income	12	83
Total revenues	87,109	93,141
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	52,770	61,738
Other operating expenses	26,136	27,194
Interest expense	1,152	1,149
Amortization of intangible assets	639	897
Total expenses	80,697	90,978
Income before tax	6,412	2,163
Income tax expense	1,864	469
Net income	$4,548	$1,694
Net income per share:	'	'
Basic	$0.24	$0.09
Diluted	$0.23	$0.09

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$4,548	$1,694
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'
Change in net actuarial gain	40	123
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-14	-43
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	-1,646	8,898
Tax effect on unrealized holding gains arising during the period	576	-3,114
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	-185	-1,176
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income tax expense	65	411
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-1,164	5,099
Comprehensive income	$3,384	$6,793

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$3,757	$122,475	$97,964	$7,899	($11,558)	'
Equity based compensation	'	63	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	1,694	'	'	1,694
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	'	'	'	80	'	'
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net of tax	'	'	'	5,784	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax	'	'	'	-765	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2013	3,757	122,538	99,658	12,998	-11,558	227,393
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	3,757	122,827	106,209	16,883	-11,558	238,118
Equity based compensation	'	110	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	4,548	'	'	4,548
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	'	'	'	26	'	'
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net of tax	'	'	'	-1,070	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax	'	'	'	-120	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$3,757	$122,937	$110,757	$15,719	($11,558)	$241,612

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$4,548	$1,694
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	844	1,189
Deferred federal income taxes expense (benefit)	239	-60
Net realized gains	-185	-1,176
Share-based payments expense	110	63
Change in ceded unearned premiums	-1,347	-519
Change in premiums receivable	-1,625	-5,651
Change in accounts receivable	-926	280
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs	-266	-1,406
Change in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	13,014	15,315
Change in unearned premiums	1,691	7,927
Change in reinsurance recoverable	-8,322	-5,637
Change in reinsurance balances payable	24	-120
Change in current federal income tax (payable) recoverable	1,086	-898
Change in all other liabilities	-2,690	-6,249
Change in all other assets	-1,088	1,073
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,107	5,825
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-98	-154
Net transfers from (into) restricted cash	478	-647
Purchases of investment securities	-33,149	-44,190
Maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities	39,289	45,471
Net cash provided by investing activities	6,520	480
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Net cash from financing activities	'	'
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,627	6,305
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	141,666	85,145
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	153,293	91,450
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	1,152	1,149
Income taxes paid	539	1,427
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:	'	'
Change in receivable for securities related to investment disposals that settled after the balance sheet date	-289	-5,650
Change in payable for securities related to investment purchases that settled after the balance sheet date	$12,109	$14,928

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
General [Abstract]	'
General	'
	1. General
	Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, “we,” “us” or “our”) is an insurance holding company engaged in the sale of property/casualty insurance products to businesses and individuals.  Our business involves marketing, distributing, underwriting and servicing our insurance products, as well as providing other insurance related services.
	We pursue our business activities primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into five business units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit handles commercial insurance products and services in the standard market. Our Workers Compensation business unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business. Our E&S Commercial business unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services in the excess and surplus lines market. Our Hallmark Select business unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical professional liability insurance products and services, and (iv) satellite launch insurance products.  Our Personal Lines business unit handles personal insurance products and services.  Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these business units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas, Hallmark Insurance Company, Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company, Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company, Hallmark National Insurance Company and Texas Builders Insurance Company.
	These five business units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C business unit and our Workers Compensation business unit. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our E&S Commercial business unit and our Hallmark Select business unit, as well as certain specialty risk programs which are managed by Hallmark. The Personal Segment presently consists solely of our Personal Lines business unit.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	2. Basis of Presentation
	Our unaudited consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial reporting.  These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
	The interim financial data as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 is unaudited.  However, in the opinion of management, the interim data includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods.  The results of operations for the period ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year.
	Business Combinations
	We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” The base cash purchase price plus the estimated fair value of any non-cash or contingent consideration given for an acquired business is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values of such assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the total consideration given for an acquired business over the aggregate net fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The valuation of contingent consideration requires assumptions regarding anticipated cash flows, probabilities of cash flows, discount rates and other factors. Significant judgment is employed in determining the propriety of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.
	Income Taxes
	We file a consolidated federal income tax return.  Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end.  Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements
	Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities and our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements, as well as our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments” under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information on accounting policies that we consider critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the financial instruments.  Fair value estimates for financial instruments for which no or limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, credit and interest rate risk.  These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision.  As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument.  In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect these fair value estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:  The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.
	Restricted Cash:  The carrying amount for restricted cash reported in the balance sheet approximates the fair value.
	Revolving Credit Facility Payable:  The carrying value of our bank revolving credit facility approximates the fair value based on the current interest rate.
	Subordinated Debt Securities:  Our trust preferred securities have a carried value of $56.7 million and a fair value of $51.3 million as of March 31, 2014.  The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using a current yield to maturity of 8.0%, which is based on similar issues to discount future cash flows.  Our trust preferred securities would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.
	For reinsurance balances,  premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.
	Variable Interest Entities
	On June 21, 2005, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $30.0 million in trust preferred securities.  Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $30.9 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark.  The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust I, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust I.
	On August 23, 2007, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities.  Trust II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark.  The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust II, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust II.
	We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in Trust I and II (collectively the “Trusts”) and we do not have a variable interest in the Trusts.  Therefore, the Trusts are not included in our consolidated financial statements.
	We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities (“VIE’s”) primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party VIE’s.  The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations	'
	3. Business Combinations
	Effective July 1, 2011, we acquired all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of TBIC Holding Corporation (“TBIC Holding”) for initial consideration of $1.6 million paid in cash on July 1, 2011. In addition, a holdback purchase price of $350 thousand was paid during the third quarter of 2012.  A contingent purchase price of up to $3.0 million may become payable following 16 full calendar quarters after closing based upon a formula contained in the acquisition agreement.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	4. Fair Value
	ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. ASC 820, among other things, requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. In addition, ASC 820 precludes the use of block discounts when measuring the fair value of instruments traded in an active market, which were previously applied to large holdings of publicly traded equity securities.
	We determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820.  In accordance with ASC 820, we utilize the following fair value hierarchy:
		·	Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets;
		·	Level 2: inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, inputs of identical assets for less active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the instrument; and
		·	Level 3: inputs to the valuation methodology that are unobservable for the asset or liability.
	This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available.
	Under ASC 820, we determine fair value based on the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  It is our policy to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when developing fair value measurements, in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described above.  Fair value measurements for assets and liabilities where there exists limited or no observable market data are calculated based upon our pricing policy, the economic and competitive environment, the characteristics of the asset or liability and other factors as appropriate.  These estimated fair values may not be realized upon actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.
	Where quoted prices are available on active exchanges for identical instruments, investment securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy.  Level 1 investment securities include common and preferred stock.
	Level 2 investment securities include corporate bonds, collateralized corporate bank loans, municipal bonds, and U.S. Treasury securities for which quoted prices are not available on active exchanges for identical instruments.  We use third party pricing services to determine fair values for each Level 2 investment security in all asset classes.  Since quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, these prices are determined using observable market information such as quotes from less active markets and/or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, among other things. We have reviewed the processes used by the pricing services and have determined that they result in fair values consistent with the requirements of  ASC 820 for Level 2 investment securities. In addition, using the prices received for the securities from the third party pricing services, we compare a sample of the prices against additional sources.  We have not adjusted any prices received from the third party pricing services.
	In cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, investment securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.  Level 3 investments are valued based on the best available data in order to approximate fair value.  This data may be internally developed and consider risk premiums that a market participant would require.  Investment securities classified within Level 3 include other less liquid investment securities.
	There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities during the periods presented.
	The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
		Quoted Prices in		Other
		Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government	$                            -		$		$                   -		$
				75,305				75,305
	Corporate bonds	-		40,837		-		40,837
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	-		98,636		509		99,145
	Municipal bonds	-		143,687		16,993		160,680
	Mortgage-backed	-		39,566		-		39,566
	Total debt securities	-		398,031		17,502		415,533
	Total equity securities	49,987		-		-		49,987
	Total debt and equity securities	$		$		$		$
		49,987		398,031		17,502		465,520
		As of December 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in	Other
		Active Markets for	Observable		Unobservable
		Identical Assets	Inputs		Inputs
		(Level 1)	(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government	$                                -	$		$                             -		$
			78,753				78,753
	Corporate bonds	-	43,875		-		43,875
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	-	101,585		593		102,178
	Municipal bonds	-	140,628		16,924		157,552
	Mortgage-backed	-	27,737		-		27,737
	Total debt securities	-	392,578		17,517		410,095
	Total equity securities	51,230	-		-		51,230
	Total debt and equity securities	$	$              392,578		$		$
		51,230			17,517		461,325
	Due to significant unobservable inputs into the valuation model for certain municipal bonds and a collateralized corporate bank loan in illiquid markets, we classified these investments as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.  We used an income approach in order to derive an estimated fair value of the municipal bonds classified as Level 3, which included inputs such as expected holding period, benchmark swap rate, benchmark discount rate and a discount rate premium for illiquidity.  The fair value of the collateralized corporate bank loan classified as Level 3 is based on discounted cash flows using current yield to maturity of 9.0%, which is based on the relevant spread over LIBOR for this particular loan to discount future cash flows.  Significant changes in the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of our municipal bonds and collateralized corporate bank loan could result in a significant change in the fair value measurement.
	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value for all financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Beginning balance as of January 1, 2014	$
		17,517
	Sales	-
	Settlements	-82
	Purchases	-
	Issuances	-
	Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	-
	Net gains included in other comprehensive income	67
	Transfers into Level 3	-
	Transfers out of Level 3	-
	Ending balance as of March 31, 2014	$
		17,502
	Beginning balance as of January 1, 2013	$
		19,668
	Sales	-
	Settlements	-74
Purchases	-
Issuances	-
Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	-
Net gains included in other comprehensive income	486
Transfers into Level 3	-
Transfers out of Level 3	-
Ending balance as of March 31, 2013	$
	20,080

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	5. Investments
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands):
						Gross	Gross
				Amortized		Unrealized	Unrealized		Fair
	As of March 31, 2014			Cost		Gains	Losses		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government			$		$	$		$
				75,390		44	-129		75,305
	Corporate bonds			39,917		1,357	-437		40,837
	Collateralized corporate bank loans			99,555		447	-857		99,145
	Municipal bonds			159,924		2,559	-1,803		160,680
	Mortgage-backed			39,769		600	-803		39,566
	Total debt securities			414,555		5,007	-4,029		415,533
	Total equity securities			24,910		25,567	-490		49,987
	Total debt and equity securities			$		$	$		$
				439,465		30,574	-4,519		465,520
	As of December 31, 2013
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government			$		$	$		$
				78,894		24	-165		78,753
	Corporate bonds			42,946		1,379	-450		43,875
	Collateralized corporate bank loans			102,053		614	-489		102,178
	Municipal bonds			156,950		2,577	-1,975		157,552
	Mortgage-backed			27,784		460	-507		27,737
	Total debt securities			408,627		5,054	-3,586		410,095
	Total equity securities			24,902		26,642	-314		51,230
	Total debt and equity securities			$		$	$		$
				433,529		31,696	-3,900		461,325
	Major categories of net realized gains (losses) on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):
						Three Months Ended  March 31,
						2014	2013
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government					$               -	$            -
	Corporate bonds					154	358
	Collateralized corporate bank loans					59	173
	Municipal bonds					-28	-8
	Equity securities					-	653
	Gain on investments					185	1,176
	Other-than-temporary impairments					-	-
	Net realized gains					$	$
						185	1,176
	We realized gross gains on investments of $0.2  million and $1.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We realized gross losses on investments of $28 thousand and $8 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.   We recorded proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $11.3 million and $8.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the specific identification method.
	The following schedules summarize the gross unrealized losses showing the length of time that investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
		12 months or less		Longer than 12 months			Total
			Unrealized			Unrealized		Unrealized
		Fair Value	Losses		Fair Value	Losses	Fair Value	Losses
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
	of U.S. Government	$	$		$                -	$                 -	$                32,220	$
		32,220	-129					-129
	Corporate bonds	5,603	-263		4,333	-174	9,936	-437
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	39,055	-830		3,682	-27	42,737	-857
	Municipal bonds	31,732	-393		31,119	-1,410	62,851	-1,803
	Mortgage-backed	3,522	-322		4,237	-481	7,759	-803
	Total debt securities	112,132	-1,937		43,371	-2,092	155,503	-4,029
	Total equity securities	144	-60		2,603	-430	2,747	-490
	Total debt and equity securities	$	$		$	$	$              158,250	$
		112,276	-1,997		45,974	-2,522		-4,519
	As of  December 31, 2013
		12 months or less		Longer than 12 months			Total
			Unrealized			Unrealized		Unrealized
		Fair Value	Losses		Fair Value	Losses	Fair Value	Losses
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
of U.S. Government	$	$             (165))		$              -	$                -	$	$
	47,162					47,162	-165
Corporate bonds	5,649	-56		4,421	-394	10,070	-450
Collateralized corporate bank loans	23,026	-422		6,968	-67	29,994	-489
Municipal bonds	35,719	-413		34,684	-1,562	70,403	-1,975
Mortgage-backed	1,383	-229		4,840	-278	6,223	-507
Total debt securities	112,939	-1,285		50,913	-2,301	163,852	-3,586
Total equity securities	316	-2		2,721	-312	3,037	-314
Total debt and equity securities	$	$		$	$	$	$
	113,255	-1,287		53,634	-2,613	166,889	-3,900
At March 31, 2014, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 61 debt security positions.  At December 31, 2013, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 84 debt security positions.  We consider these losses as a temporary decline in value as they are predominately on bonds that we do not intend to sell and do not believe we will be required to sell prior to recovery of our amortized cost basis.  We see no other indications that the decline in values of these securities is other-than-temporary.
Based on evidence gathered through our normal credit evaluation process, we presently expect that all debt securities held in our investment portfolio will be paid in accordance with their contractual terms.  Nonetheless, it is at least reasonably possible that the performance of certain issuers of these debt securities will be worse than currently expected resulting in additional future write-downs within our portfolio of debt securities.
Also, as a result of the challenging market conditions, we expect the volatility in the valuation of our equity securities to continue in the foreseeable future. This volatility may lead to additional impairments on our equity securities portfolio or changes regarding retention strategies for certain equity securities.
We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether any decline in the fair value of any investment below cost is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with an unrealized loss are reviewed.  We recognize an impairment loss when an investment's value declines below cost, adjusted for accretion, amortization and previous other-than-temporary impairments and it is determined that the decline is other-than-temporary.
Debt Investments:   We assess whether we intend to sell, or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell, a fixed maturity investment before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit losses.  For fixed maturity investments that are considered other-than-temporarily impaired and that we do not intend to sell and will not be required to sell, we separate the amount of the impairment into the amount that is credit related (credit loss component) and the amount due to all other factors.  The credit loss component is recognized in earnings and is the difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and the present value of its expected future cash flows.  The remaining difference between the investment’s fair value and the present value of future expected cash flows is recognized in other comprehensive income.
Equity Investments:  Some of the factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in fair value for an equity investment is other-than-temporary include: (1) our ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in value; (2) the recoverability of cost; (3) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost; and (4) the financial condition and near-term and long-term prospects for the issuer, including the relevant industry conditions and trends, and implications of rating agency actions and offering prices. When it is determined that an equity investment is other-than-temporarily impaired, the security is written down to fair value, and the amount of the impairment is included in earnings as a realized investment loss. The fair value then becomes the new cost basis of the investment, and any subsequent recoveries in fair value are recognized at disposition. We recognize a realized loss when impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary even if a decision to sell an equity investment has not been made. When we decide to sell a temporarily impaired available-for-sale equity investment and we do not expect the fair value of the equity investment to fully recover prior to the expected time of sale, the investment is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired in the period in which the decision to sell is made.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at March 31, 2014 by contractual maturity are as follows. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without penalties.
		Amortized	Fair
		Cost	Value
		(in thousands)
Due in one year or less		$	$
		64,572	64,783
Due after one year through five years		174,204	175,424
Due after five years through ten years		98,548	98,875
Due after ten years		37,462	36,885
Mortgage-backed		39,769	39,566
		$	$
		414,555	415,533

Pledged_Investments

Pledged Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Pledged Investments [Abstract]	'
Pledged Investments	'
	6. Pledged Investments
	We have pledged certain of our securities for the benefit of various state insurance departments and reinsurers. These securities are included with our available-for-sale debt securities because we have the ability to trade these securities. We retain the interest earned on these securities. These securities had a carrying value of $21.4 million and $29.1 million at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Reserves_for_Unpaid_Losses_and

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]	'
Reserve for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	'
	7. Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through each balance sheet date.  The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses.  These reserves are revised periodically and are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency.  Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating unpaid losses and LAE, the actual ultimate amounts may differ from the recorded amounts.  The estimates are periodically reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known.  Such adjustments are included in current operations.
	We recorded $1.2 million of favorable development in reserve estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2014.  The $1.2 million of favorable development recognized during the first quarter of 2014 was attributable to $2.6 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year and $0.3 million of favorable development recognized in the 2011 accident year, partially offset by $1.2 million of unfavorable development recognized in the 2012 accident year and $0.5 million of unfavorable development in the 2010 and prior accident years.  Our Standard Commercial P&C business unit accounted for $1.1 million of the favorable development recognized during the first quarter of 2014.  Our Personal Lines business unit accounted for $0.7 million of the favorable development. Our Hallmark Select business unit accounted for $0.1 million of the favorable development. Our Workers Compensation business unit accounted for $0.1 million of the favorable development.  These favorable developments were offset by $0.8 million of unfavorable development in our E&S Commercial business unit.
	The favorable development of $1.1 million for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit in the first quarter of 2014 was primarily driven by favorable claims development in our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business in the 2011 accident year and our general liability line of business in the 2010 and prior accident years.  The favorable development of $0.7 million in our Personal Lines business unit was primarily attributable to the 2013 accident year. The favorable development in our Hallmark Select business unit of $0.1 million was attributable to our general aviation line of business.  The favorable development in our Workers Compensation business unit was attributable to the 2012 and prior accident years.  The unfavorable development in our E&S Commercial business unit was attributable to the 2012 and prior accident years in both commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business, partially offset by favorable development in the 2013 accident year in commercial auto liability lines of business.
	We recorded $2.0 million of unfavorable development in reserve estimates during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The $2.0 million unfavorable development recognized in the first quarter of 2013 was attributable to $0.7 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year, $1.6 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year, $0.1 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 accident year partially offset by $0.4 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2009 and prior accident years. Our E&S Commercial business unit accounted for $3.5 million of the unfavorable development recognized during the first quarter of 2013. These unfavorable developments were partially offset by favorable development of $0.5 million in our Hallmark Select business unit, $0.3 million in our Personal Lines business unit and $0.7 million in our Standard Commercial P&C business unit.
	The unfavorable development for our E&S Commercial business unit of $3.5 million in the first quarter of 2013 was primarily driven by unfavorable claims development in the 2011 and 2010 accident years as a result of unfavorable loss development in commercial auto liability. The favorable development for our Hallmark Select business unit of $0.5 million was driven by favorable claims development in the 2011 and prior accident years related to our aircraft liability lines of business, partially offset by unfavorable claims development in the 2012 accident year related to our aircraft hull coverage. The favorable loss development for our Personal Lines business unit of $0.3 million was attributable to the 2012 and 2011 accident years, partially offset by unfavorable development in the 2010 and prior accident years. The favorable loss development for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit of $0.7 million was primarily related to commercial auto liability in the 2010 and prior accident years, partially offset by unfavorable loss development related to commercial property in the 2012 accident year.

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement

Share-Based Payment Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Payment Arrangements	'
	8. Share-Based Payment Arrangements
	Our 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2005 LTIP”) is a stock compensation plan for key employees and non-employee directors that was initially approved by the shareholders on May 26, 2005.  There are 2,000,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2005 LTIP.  As of March 31, 2014, there were outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 1,083,332 shares of our common stock, non-qualified stock options to purchase 304,157 shares of our common stock and restricted stock units representing the right to receive up to 355,277 shares of our common stock. There are 241,401 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2005 LTIP.  The exercise price of all such outstanding stock options is equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
	Stock Options:
	Incentive stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP prior to 2009 vest 10%,  20%,  30% and 40% on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary dates of the grant, respectively, and terminate five to ten years from the date of grant.  Incentive stock options granted in 2009 and one grant of 5,000 incentive stock options in 2011 vest in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates and terminate ten years from the date of grant.  One grant of 25,000 incentive stock options in 2010 vest in equal annual increments on each of the first three anniversary dates and terminate ten years from the date of grant.  Non-qualified stock options granted under the 2005 LTIP generally vest 100% six months after the date of grant and terminate ten years from the date of grant.  One grant of 200,000 non-qualified stock options in 2009 vests in equal annual increments on each of the first seven anniversary dates and terminates ten years from the date of grant.
	A summary of the status of our stock options as of March 31, 2014 and changes during the three months then ended is presented below:
				Average
			Weighted	Remaining	Aggregate
			Average	Contractual	Intrinsic
		Number of	Exercise	Term	Value
		Shares	Price	(Years)	$0
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,387,489	$      9.66
	Granted	-
	Exercised	-
	Forfeited or expired	-
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	1,387,489	$      9.66	4.0	$          978
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	1,181,417	$    10.19	3.8	$          633
	The following table details the intrinsic value of options exercised, total cost of share-based payments charged against income before income tax benefit and the amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income for the periods indicated (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2014		2013
	Intrinsic value of options exercised	$          -		$            -
	Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$        48		$            63
	Income tax benefit of share-based
	payments recognized in income	$          8		$              8
	As of March 31, 2014, there was $412 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under our plans, of which $153 thousand is expected to be recognized for the remainder of 2014, $203 thousand is expected to be recognized during 2015, $53 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2016 and $3 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2017.
	The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of Hallmark’s and similar companies’ common stock for a period equal to the expected term. The risk-free interest rates for periods within the contractual term of the options are based on rates for U.S. Treasury Notes with maturity dates corresponding to the options’ expected lives on the dates of grant. Expected term is determined based on the simplified method as we do not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a basis for estimating the expected term. There were no stock options granted during the first quarter of 2014 or 2013.
	Restricted Stock Units:
	The 2005 LTIP was amended by the stockholders on May 30, 2013 to authorize the grant of restricted stock units, in addition to the other types of awards available thereunder.  Restricted stock units represent the right to receive shares of common stock upon the satisfaction of vesting requirements, performance criteria and other terms and conditions.  On July 27, 2012 and April 10, 2013, an aggregate of 129,463 and 122,823 restricted stock units, respectively, were conditionally granted to certain employees of the Company subject to shareholder approval of the amendments to the 2005 LTIP at the May 30, 2013 shareholder meeting. One conditional grant of 9,280 restricted stock units was forfeited prior to approval at the shareholder meeting.
	The performance criteria for all restricted stock units require that the Company achieve certain compound average annual growth rates in book value per share over the vesting period in order to receive shares of common stock in amounts ranging from 50% to 150% of the number of restricted stock units granted.  In addition, certain restricted stock units contain an additional performance criteria related to the attainment of an average combined ratio percentage over the vesting period.   If and to the extent specified performance criteria have been achieved, the restricted stock units granted on July 27, 2012 will vest on March 31, 2015, and the restricted stock units granted on April 10, 2013 will vest on March 31, 2016.
	Compensation cost is measured as an amount equal to the fair value of the restricted stock units and is expensed over the vesting period if achievement of the performance criteria is deemed probable, with the amount of the expense recognized based on the Company’s best estimate of the ultimate achievement level.  The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units is $9.20 per unit.  The Company incurred $62 thousand of compensation expense related to the restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2014.  No compensation expense was incurred related to the restricted stock units during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of March 31, 2014 and changes during the three months then ended is presented below:
		Number of
		Restricted
		Stock Units
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014	236,851
	Granted	-
	Vested	-
	Forfeited	-
	Nonvested at March 31, 2014	236,851
	As of March 31, 2014, there was $444 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units granted under our 2005 LTIP, of which $186 thousand is expected to be recognized during the remainder of 2014, $209 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2015 and $49 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2016.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	9. Segment Information
	The following is business segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Revenues:
	Standard Commercial Segment	$		$
		20,341		20,288
	Specialty Commercial Segment	62,482		51,680
	Personal Segment	5,592		20,978
	Corporate	-1,306		195
	Consolidated	$		$
		87,109		93,141
	Pre-tax income (loss):
	Standard Commercial Segment	$		$
		1,221		1,477
	Specialty Commercial Segment	9,924		3,698
	Personal Segment	-31		-64
	Corporate	-4,702		-2,948
	Consolidated	$		$
		6,412		2,163
	The following is additional business segment information as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Assets
	Standard Commercial Segment		$		$     142,143
			140,209
	Specialty Commercial Segment		554,475		536,894
	Personal Segment		223,218		210,825
	Corporate		19,554		19,161
			$		$     909,023
			937,456

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	10. Reinsurance
	We reinsure a portion of the risk we underwrite in order to control the exposure to losses and to protect capital resources.  We cede to reinsurers a portion of these risks and pay premiums based upon the risk and exposure of the policies subject to such reinsurance.  Ceded reinsurance involves credit risk and is generally subject to aggregate loss limits.  Although the reinsurer is liable to us to the extent of the reinsurance ceded, we are ultimately liable as the direct insurer on all risks reinsured.  Reinsurance recoverables are reported after allowances for uncollectible amounts.  We monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically.  Reinsurers are selected based on their financial condition, business practices and the price of their product offerings.  In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, most of our reinsurance recoverable balance as of March 31, 2014 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A–” or better.
	The following table shows earned premiums ceded and reinsurance loss recoveries by period (in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2014	2013
	Ceded earned premiums		$        31,813	$   13,733
	Reinsurance recoveries		$        19,757	$     6,955
	We currently reinsure the following exposures on business generated by our business units:
		·	Property catastrophe.  Our property catastrophe reinsurance reduces the financial impact a catastrophe could have on our commercial and personal property insurance lines.  Catastrophes might include multiple claims and policyholders.  Catastrophes include hurricanes, windstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, explosions, severe winter weather and fires.  Our property catastrophe reinsurance is excess-of-loss reinsurance, which provides us reinsurance coverage for losses in excess of an agreed-upon amount.  We utilize catastrophe models to assist in determining appropriate retention and limits to purchase.  The terms of our property catastrophe reinsurance are:
		o	We retain the first $6.0 million of property catastrophe losses; and
		o	Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for any loss occurrence in excess of our $6.0 million retention up to $29.0 million for each catastrophic occurrence, subject to an aggregate limit of $58.0 million.
		·	Commercial property.  Our commercial property reinsurance is excess-of-loss coverage intended to reduce the financial impact a single-event or catastrophic loss may have on our results.  The terms of our commercial property reinsurance are:
		o	We retain the first $1.0 million of loss for each commercial property risk;
		o	Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial property risk, and $10.0 million for all commercial property risk involved in any one occurrence, in all cases subject to an aggregate limit of $30.0 million for all commercial property losses occurring during the treaty period; and
		o	Individual risk facultative reinsurance is purchased on any commercial property with limits above $6.0 million.
		·	Commercial casualty.  Our commercial casualty reinsurance is excess-of-loss coverage intended to reduce the financial impact a single-event loss may have on our results.  The terms of our commercial casualty reinsurance are:
		o	We retain the first $1.0 million of any commercial liability risk; and
		o	Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each commercial liability risk.
		·	Aviation.  We purchase proportional reinsurance where we cede 80% of the risk to reinsurers on the aviation risks produced in all states by our Hallmark Select business unit.
		·	Occupational Accident.  We purchase excess-of-loss reinsurance coverage for the occupational accident insurance product produced by our Standard Commercial P&C business unit.  The terms of occupational accident reinsurance are:
		o	We retain the first $1.0 million of any occupational accident risk; and
		o	Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $5.0 million for each occupational accident risk up to $10.0 million for each occurrence.
		·	Workers Compensation.  We purchase excess of loss reinsurance specific to the workers compensation risks underwritten by our Workers Compensation business unit.  The terms of our workers compensation reinsurance are:
		o	We retain the first $1.0 million of each workers compensation loss; and
		o	Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for the next $14.0 million for each workers compensation loss, subject to a maximum limit of $10.0 million for any one person and an aggregate limit of $28.0 million for all workers compensation losses.
		·	Personal Property.  Effective March 1, 2014, we purchase proportional reinsurance where we cede 80% of the risks to reinsurers on the low value dwelling/homeowners, renters and manufactured homes coverages produced in all states by our Personal Lines business unit.  For policies written effective February 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014, we ceded 60% of these risks to reinsurers.
		·	Personal Auto.  We purchase proportional reinsurance where we cede 90% of the risks to reinsurers on the nonstandard automobile risks produced in certain states by our Personal Lines business unit.
		·	Standard Commercial P&C.    We purchase proportional reinsurance where we cede 100% of the risks to reinsurers on the equipment breakdown coverage on our commercial multi-peril property and business owners risks and on the employment practices liability coverage on certain commercial multi-peril, general liability and business owners risks.
		·	Excess & Umbrella.    We purchase proportional reinsurance where we retain 20% of each risk and cede the remaining 80% to reinsurers on the commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance produced by our Hallmark Select business unit.  In states where we are not yet licensed to offer a non-admitted product, we utilize a fronting arrangement pursuant to which we assume all of the risk and then retrocede a portion of that risk under the same proportional reinsurance treaty.
		·	Professional Liability.    We purchase proportional reinsurance on our medical professional liability risks produced by our Hallmark Select business unit where we retain 60% of each risk and cede the remaining 40% to reinsurers. In states where we are not yet licensed to offer a non-admitted product, we utilize a fronting arrangement pursuant to which we assume all of the risk and then retrocede a portion of that risk under the same proportional reinsurance treaty.
		·	E&S Commercial. We purchase facultative reinsurance on our commercial umbrella and excess liability risks produced by our E&S Commercial business unit where we retain 10% of the first $1.0 million of risk and cede the remaining 90% to reinsurers. We cede 100% of our commercial umbrella and excess liability risks in excess of $1.0 million.
		·	Hallmark County Mutual.  HCM is used to front certain lines of business in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments in Texas where we previously produced policies for third party county mutual insurance companies and reinsured 100% for a fronting fee.  In addition, HCM is used to front business produced by unaffiliated third parties. HCM does not retain any business.

Revolving_Credit_Facility_Paya

Revolving Credit Facility Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Revolving Credit Facility Payable [Abstract]	'
Revolving Credit Facility Payable	'
	11. Revolving Credit Facility Payable
	Our First Restated Credit Agreement with The Frost National Bank dated January 27, 2006, as amended to date, provides a revolving credit facility of $15.0 million. We pay interest on the outstanding balance at our election at a rate of the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5%.  We pay an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused balance of the credit facility. We pay letter of credit fees at the rate of 1.00% per annum.  Our obligations under the revolving credit facility are secured by a security interest in the capital stock of all of our subsidiaries, guarantees of all of our subsidiaries and the pledge of all of our non-insurance company assets.  The revolving credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain certain financial and operating ratios and restrict certain distributions, transactions and organizational changes.  We are in compliance with all of our covenants.  As of March 31, 2014, the balance on the revolving note was $1.5 million.  The revolving note currently bears interest at 2.73% per annum.

Subordinated_Debt_Securities

Subordinated Debt Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Subordinated Debt Securities [Abstract]	'
Subordinated Debt Securities	'
	12.  Subordinated Debt Securities
	On June 21, 2005, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $30.9 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2035.  To effect the transaction, we formed Trust I as a Delaware statutory trust.  Trust I issued $30.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.9 million of common securities to us.  Trust I used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities.  Our Trust I subordinated debt securities bear an initial interest rate of 7.725% until June 15, 2015, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.25 percentage points.  Trust I pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate.  Under the terms of our Trust I subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity.  The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of March 31, 2014, the balance of our Trust I subordinated debt was $30.9 million.
	On August 23, 2007, we entered into a trust preferred securities transaction pursuant to which we issued $25.8 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated debt securities due in 2037.  To effect the transaction, we formed Trust II as a Delaware statutory trust.  Trust II issued $25.0 million of preferred securities to investors and $0.8 million of common securities to us.  Trust II used the proceeds from these issuances to purchase the subordinated debt securities.  Our Trust II subordinated debt securities bear an initial interest rate of 8.28% until September 15, 2017, at which time interest will adjust quarterly to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage points.  Trust II pays dividends on its preferred securities at the same rate.  Under the terms of our Trust II subordinated debt securities, we pay interest only each quarter and the principal of the note at maturity.  The subordinated debt securities are uncollaterized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of March 31, 2014, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Abstract]	'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	13. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	The following table shows total deferred and amortized policy acquisition cost activity by period (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014	2013
	Deferred	$              (15,455)	$        (16,489)
	Amortized	15,189	15,083
	Net	$                (266)	$           (1,406)

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	14. Earnings per Share
	The following table sets forth basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014	2013
	Weighted average shares - basic	19,263	19,263
	Effect of dilutive securities	100	89
	Weighted average shares - assuming dilution	19,363	19,352
	For each of the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, 779,999 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options were excluded from the weighted average number of shares outstanding on a diluted basis because the effect of such options would be anti-dilutive.

Net_Periodic_Pension_Cost

Net Periodic Pension Cost	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract]	'
Net Periodic Pension Cost	'
	15. Net Periodic Pension Cost
	The following table details the net periodic pension cost incurred by period (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014	2013
	Interest cost	$	$
		133	126
	Amortization of net gain	40	123
	Expected return on plan assets	-174	-154
	Net periodic pension cost	$	$
		-1	95
	Contributed amount	$	$
		100	11
	Refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more discussion of our retirement plans.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	16.   Income Taxes
	Our effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 29.1% and 21.7%, respectively, which varied from the statutory tax rate due in large part to significant tax exempt income in both periods.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	17. Commitments and Contingencies
	We are engaged in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, in the opinion of management.  The various legal proceedings to which we are a party are routine in nature and incidental to our business.

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances [Abstract]	'
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances	'
	18. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		Minimum		Accumulated Other
		Pension	Unrealized	Comprehensive
		Liability	Gains (Loss)	Income
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	$	$
		-2,954	10,853	7,899
	Other comprehensive income:
	Change in net actuarial gain	123	-	123
	Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-43	-	-43
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	-	8,898	8,898
	Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	-	-3,114	-3,114
	Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	-	-1,176	-1,176
	Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included
	in income tax expense	-	411	411
	Other comprehensive income ,net of tax	80	5,019	5,099
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	$	$
		-2,874	15,872	12,998
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	$	$
		-1,480	18,363	16,883
	Other comprehensive income:
	Change in net actuarial gain	40	-	40
	Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-14	-	-14
	Net unrealized holding losses arising during the period	-	-1,646	-1,646
	Tax effect on unrealized losses arising during the period	-	576	576
	Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	-	-185	-185
	Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income
	tax expense	-	65	65
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26	-1,190	-1,164
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	$	$
		-1,454	17,173	15,719

Basis_of_Presentation_Policy

Basis of Presentation (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations	'
	Business Combinations
	We account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, “Business Combinations.” The base cash purchase price plus the estimated fair value of any non-cash or contingent consideration given for an acquired business is allocated to the assets acquired (including identified intangible assets) and liabilities assumed based on the estimated fair values of such assets and liabilities. The excess of the fair value of the total consideration given for an acquired business over the aggregate net fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. Contingent consideration is recognized as a liability at fair value as of the acquisition date with subsequent fair value adjustments recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The valuation of contingent consideration requires assumptions regarding anticipated cash flows, probabilities of cash flows, discount rates and other factors. Significant judgment is employed in determining the propriety of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. Indirect and general expenses related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We file a consolidated federal income tax return.  Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end.  Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements	'
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Financial Statements
	Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities and our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements, as well as our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Refer to “Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments” under Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for information on accounting policies that we consider critical in preparing our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Fair value estimates are made at a point in time, based on relevant market data as well as the best information available about the financial instruments.  Fair value estimates for financial instruments for which no or limited observable market data is available are based on judgments regarding current economic conditions, credit and interest rate risk.  These estimates involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision.  As a result, such calculated fair value estimates may not be realizable in a current sale or immediate settlement of the instrument.  In addition, changes in the underlying assumptions used in the fair value measurement technique, including discount rate and estimates of future cash flows, could significantly affect these fair value estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents:  The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for these instruments approximate their fair values.
	Restricted Cash:  The carrying amount for restricted cash reported in the balance sheet approximates the fair value.
	Revolving Credit Facility Payable:  The carrying value of our bank revolving credit facility approximates the fair value based on the current interest rate.
	Subordinated Debt Securities:  Our trust preferred securities have a carried value of $56.7 million and a fair value of $51.3 million as of March 31, 2014.  The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using a current yield to maturity of 8.0%, which is based on similar issues to discount future cash flows.  Our trust preferred securities would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.
	For reinsurance balances,  premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.
Variable Interest Entities	'
	Variable Interest Entities
	On June 21, 2005, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $30.0 million in trust preferred securities.  Trust I used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $30.9 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark.  The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust I, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust I.
	On August 23, 2007, we formed Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), an unconsolidated trust subsidiary, for the sole purpose of issuing $25.0 million in trust preferred securities.  Trust II used the proceeds from the sale of these securities and our initial capital contribution to purchase $25.8 million of subordinated debt securities from Hallmark.  The debt securities are the sole assets of Trust II, and the payments under the debt securities are the sole revenues of Trust II.
	We evaluate on an ongoing basis our investments in Trust I and II (collectively the “Trusts”) and we do not have a variable interest in the Trusts.  Therefore, the Trusts are not included in our consolidated financial statements.
	We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities (“VIE’s”) primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party VIE’s.  The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
		Quoted Prices in		Other
		Active Markets for		Observable		Unobservable
		Identical Assets		Inputs		Inputs
		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government	$                            -		$		$                   -		$
				75,305				75,305
	Corporate bonds	-		40,837		-		40,837
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	-		98,636		509		99,145
	Municipal bonds	-		143,687		16,993		160,680
	Mortgage-backed	-		39,566		-		39,566
	Total debt securities	-		398,031		17,502		415,533
	Total equity securities	49,987		-		-		49,987
	Total debt and equity securities	$		$		$		$
		49,987		398,031		17,502		465,520
		As of December 31, 2013
		Quoted Prices in	Other
		Active Markets for	Observable		Unobservable
		Identical Assets	Inputs		Inputs
		(Level 1)	(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government	$                                -	$		$                             -		$
			78,753				78,753
	Corporate bonds	-	43,875		-		43,875
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	-	101,585		593		102,178
	Municipal bonds	-	140,628		16,924		157,552
	Mortgage-backed	-	27,737		-		27,737
	Total debt securities	-	392,578		17,517		410,095
	Total equity securities	51,230	-		-		51,230
	Total debt and equity securities	$	$              392,578		$		$
		51,230			17,517		461,325
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value for all financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Beginning balance as of January 1, 2014	$
		17,517
	Sales	-
	Settlements	-82
	Purchases	-
	Issuances	-
	Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	-
	Net gains included in other comprehensive income	67
	Transfers into Level 3	-
	Transfers out of Level 3	-
	Ending balance as of March 31, 2014	$
		17,502
	Beginning balance as of January 1, 2013	$
		19,668
	Sales	-
	Settlements	-74
	Purchases	-
	Issuances	-
	Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	-
	Net gains included in other comprehensive income	486
	Transfers into Level 3	-
	Transfers out of Level 3	-
	Ending balance as of March 31, 2013	$
		20,080

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt and Equity Securities by Category	'
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands):
						Gross	Gross
				Amortized		Unrealized	Unrealized		Fair
	As of March 31, 2014			Cost		Gains	Losses		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government			$		$	$		$
				75,390		44	-129		75,305
	Corporate bonds			39,917		1,357	-437		40,837
	Collateralized corporate bank loans			99,555		447	-857		99,145
	Municipal bonds			159,924		2,559	-1,803		160,680
	Mortgage-backed			39,769		600	-803		39,566
	Total debt securities			414,555		5,007	-4,029		415,533
	Total equity securities			24,910		25,567	-490		49,987
	Total debt and equity securities			$		$	$		$
				439,465		30,574	-4,519		465,520
	As of December 31, 2013
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government			$		$	$		$
				78,894		24	-165		78,753
	Corporate bonds			42,946		1,379	-450		43,875
	Collateralized corporate bank loans			102,053		614	-489		102,178
	Municipal bonds			156,950		2,577	-1,975		157,552
	Mortgage-backed			27,784		460	-507		27,737
	Total debt securities			408,627		5,054	-3,586		410,095
	Total equity securities			24,902		26,642	-314		51,230
	Total debt and equity securities			$		$	$		$
				433,529		31,696	-3,900		461,325
Summary of Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments	'
	Major categories of net realized gains (losses) on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):
						Three Months Ended  March 31,
						2014	2013
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government					$               -	$            -
	Corporate bonds					154	358
	Collateralized corporate bank loans					59	173
	Municipal bonds					-28	-8
	Equity securities					-	653
	Gain on investments					185	1,176
	Other-than-temporary impairments					-	-
	Net realized gains					$	$
						185	1,176
Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses for Investments that have been Continuously in Unrealized Loss Position	'
	The following schedules summarize the gross unrealized losses showing the length of time that investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014
		12 months or less		Longer than 12 months			Total
			Unrealized			Unrealized		Unrealized
		Fair Value	Losses		Fair Value	Losses	Fair Value	Losses
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
	of U.S. Government	$	$		$                -	$                 -	$                32,220	$
		32,220	-129					-129
	Corporate bonds	5,603	-263		4,333	-174	9,936	-437
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	39,055	-830		3,682	-27	42,737	-857
	Municipal bonds	31,732	-393		31,119	-1,410	62,851	-1,803
	Mortgage-backed	3,522	-322		4,237	-481	7,759	-803
	Total debt securities	112,132	-1,937		43,371	-2,092	155,503	-4,029
	Total equity securities	144	-60		2,603	-430	2,747	-490
	Total debt and equity securities	$	$		$	$	$              158,250	$
		112,276	-1,997		45,974	-2,522		-4,519
	As of  December 31, 2013
		12 months or less		Longer than 12 months			Total
			Unrealized			Unrealized		Unrealized
		Fair Value	Losses		Fair Value	Losses	Fair Value	Losses
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations
	of U.S. Government	$	$             (165))		$              -	$                -	$	$
		47,162					47,162	-165
	Corporate bonds	5,649	-56		4,421	-394	10,070	-450
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	23,026	-422		6,968	-67	29,994	-489
	Municipal bonds	35,719	-413		34,684	-1,562	70,403	-1,975
	Mortgage-backed	1,383	-229		4,840	-278	6,223	-507
	Total debt securities	112,939	-1,285		50,913	-2,301	163,852	-3,586
	Total equity securities	316	-2		2,721	-312	3,037	-314
	Total debt and equity securities	$	$		$	$	$	$
		113,255	-1,287		53,634	-2,613	166,889	-3,900
Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturities	'
			Amortized	Fair
			Cost	Value
			(in thousands)
	Due in one year or less		$	$
			64,572	64,783
	Due after one year through five years		174,204	175,424
	Due after five years through ten years		98,548	98,875
	Due after ten years		37,462	36,885
	Mortgage-backed		39,769	39,566
			$	$
			414,555	415,533

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement1

Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Summary of the Status of Stock Options	'
	A summary of the status of our stock options as of March 31, 2014 and changes during the three months then ended is presented below:
				Average
			Weighted	Remaining	Aggregate
			Average	Contractual	Intrinsic
		Number of	Exercise	Term	Value
		Shares	Price	(Years)	$0
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,387,489	$      9.66
	Granted	-
	Exercised	-
	Forfeited or expired	-
	Outstanding at March 31, 2014	1,387,489	$      9.66	4.0	$          978
	Exercisable at March 31, 2014	1,181,417	$    10.19	3.8	$          633
Schedule of Options, Grants in Period and Grant Date Intrinsic Value	'
	The following table details the intrinsic value of options exercised, total cost of share-based payments charged against income before income tax benefit and the amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income for the periods indicated (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
		2014		2013
	Intrinsic value of options exercised	$          -		$            -
	Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$        48		$            63
	Income tax benefit of share-based
	payments recognized in income	$          8		$              8
Summary of the Status of Restricted Stock Units	'
	A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of March 31, 2014 and changes during the three months then ended is presented below:
		Number of
		Restricted
		Stock Units
	Nonvested at January 1, 2014	236,851
	Granted	-
	Vested	-
	Forfeited	-
	Nonvested at March 31, 2014	236,851

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Segment Information	'
	The following is business segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Revenues:
	Standard Commercial Segment	$		$
		20,341		20,288
	Specialty Commercial Segment	62,482		51,680
	Personal Segment	5,592		20,978
	Corporate	-1,306		195
	Consolidated	$		$
		87,109		93,141
	Pre-tax income (loss):
	Standard Commercial Segment	$		$
		1,221		1,477
	Specialty Commercial Segment	9,924		3,698
	Personal Segment	-31		-64
	Corporate	-4,702		-2,948
	Consolidated	$		$
		6,412		2,163
Schedule of Additional Business Segment Information	'
	The following is additional business segment information as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Assets
	Standard Commercial Segment		$		$     142,143
			140,209
	Specialty Commercial Segment		554,475		536,894
	Personal Segment		223,218		210,825
	Corporate		19,554		19,161
			$		$     909,023
			937,456

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Reinsurance Ceded and Recoveries	'
	The following table shows earned premiums ceded and reinsurance loss recoveries by period (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014	2013
	Ceded earned premiums	$        31,813	$   13,733
	Reinsurance recoveries	$        19,757	$     6,955

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co1

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Abstract]	'
Deferred Amortized Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	The following table shows total deferred and amortized policy acquisition cost activity by period (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014	2013
	Deferred	$              (15,455)	$        (16,489)
	Amortized	15,189	15,083
	Net	$                (266)	$           (1,406)

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding	'
	The following table sets forth basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the periods indicated (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014	2013
	Weighted average shares - basic	19,263	19,263
	Effect of dilutive securities	100	89
	Weighted average shares - assuming dilution	19,363	19,352

Net_Periodic_Pension_Cost_Tabl

Net Periodic Pension Cost (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
	The following table details the net periodic pension cost incurred by period (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014	2013
	Interest cost	$	$
		133	126
	Amortization of net gain	40	123
	Expected return on plan assets	-174	-154
	Net periodic pension cost	$	$
		-1	95
	Contributed amount	$	$
		100	11

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C1

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		Minimum		Accumulated Other
		Pension	Unrealized	Comprehensive
		Liability	Gains (Loss)	Income
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	$	$
		-2,954	10,853	7,899
	Other comprehensive income:
	Change in net actuarial gain	123	-	123
	Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-43	-	-43
	Unrealized holding gains arising during the period	-	8,898	8,898
	Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	-	-3,114	-3,114
	Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	-	-1,176	-1,176
	Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included
	in income tax expense	-	411	411
	Other comprehensive income ,net of tax	80	5,019	5,099
	Balance at March 31, 2013	$	$	$
		-2,874	15,872	12,998
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	$	$
		-1,480	18,363	16,883
	Other comprehensive income:
	Change in net actuarial gain	40	-	40
	Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-14	-	-14
	Net unrealized holding losses arising during the period	-	-1,646	-1,646
	Tax effect on unrealized losses arising during the period	-	576	576
	Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	-	-185	-185
	Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income
	tax expense	-	65	65
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26	-1,190	-1,164
	Balance at March 31, 2014	$	$	$
		-1,454	17,173	15,719

General_Narrative_Details

General (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	segment
General [Abstract]	'
Operating business units of subsidiaries	5
Number of reportable segments	3

Basis_of_Presentation_Narrativ

Basis of Presentation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 21, 2005	Aug. 23, 2007	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 21, 2005	Aug. 23, 2007
		Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]	Hallmark Statutory Trust II [Member]	Subordinated Debt [Member]	Subordinated Debt [Member]	Subordinated Debt [Member]
					Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]	Hallmark Statutory Trust II [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Trust preferred securities, carrying value	'	'	'	$56.70	'	'
Trust preferred securities, fair value	'	'	'	51.3	'	'
Current yield to maturity percentage	9.00%	'	'	8.00%	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities	'	30	25	'	'	'
Payments to acquire trust preferred investments	'	'	'	'	$30.90	$25.80

Business_Combinations_Narrativ

Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2011	Jul. 02, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2011
		TBIC Holding Corporation [Member]	TBIC Holding Corporation [Member]	TBIC Holding Corporation [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total consideration for acquisition	'	$1,600,000	'	'
Holdback purchase price estimated to pay	'	'	350,000	'
Fair value of contingent consideration	'	'	'	$3,000,000
Contingent purchase payable period benchmark	'4 years	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Narrative_Details

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Current yield to maturity percentage	9.00%

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Assets_M

Fair Value (Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	$415,533	$410,095
Total equity securities	49,987	51,230
Total debt and equity securities	465,520	461,325
Us Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	75,305	78,753
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	40,837	43,875
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	99,145	102,178
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	160,680	157,552
Mortgage Backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	39,566	27,737
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total equity securities	49,987	51,230
Total debt and equity securities	49,987	51,230
Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	398,031	392,578
Total debt and equity securities	398,031	392,578
Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Us Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	75,305	78,753
Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	40,837	43,875
Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	98,636	101,585
Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	143,687	140,628
Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mortgage Backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	39,566	27,737
Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	17,502	17,517
Total debt and equity securities	17,502	17,517
Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	509	593
Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	$16,993	$16,924

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Assets_M1

Fair Value (Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	$17,517	$19,668
Sales	'	'
Settlements	-82	-74
Purchases	'	'
Issuances	'	'
Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	'	'
Net gain included in other comprehensive income	67	486
Transfers into Level 3	'	'
Transfers out of Level 3	'	'
Ending balance	$17,502	$20,080

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	security		security
Investments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Gross gains on investments	$200,000	$1,200,000	'
Gross losses on investments	28,000	8,000	'
Proceeds from sale of investment securities	$11,300,000	$8,200,000	'
Number of debt security positions	61	'	84

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt and Equity Securities by Category) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	$439,465	$433,529
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	30,574	31,696
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4,519	-3,900
Investments, Fair Value	465,520	461,325
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	24,910	24,902
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	25,567	26,642
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-490	-314
Investments, Fair Value	49,987	51,230
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	414,555	408,627
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	5,007	5,054
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4,029	-3,586
Investments, Fair Value	415,533	410,095
Us Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	75,390	78,894
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	44	24
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-129	-165
Investments, Fair Value	75,305	78,753
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	39,917	42,946
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,357	1,379
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-437	-450
Investments, Fair Value	40,837	43,875
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	99,555	102,053
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	447	614
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-857	-489
Investments, Fair Value	99,145	102,178
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	159,924	156,950
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,559	2,577
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,803	-1,975
Investments, Fair Value	160,680	157,552
Mortgage Backed [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	39,769	27,784
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	600	460
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-803	-507
Investments, Fair Value	$39,566	$27,737

Investments_Summary_of_Realize

Investments (Summary of Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on investments	$185	$1,176
Net realized gains	185	1,176
Us Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on investments	'	'
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on investments	154	358
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on investments	59	173
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on investments	-28	-8
All Other [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Gain on investments	'	$653

Investments_Summary_of_Gross_U

Investments (Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses for Investments that have been Continuously in Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	$112,276	$113,255
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-1,997	-1,287
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	45,974	53,634
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-2,522	-2,613
Total Fair Value	158,250	166,889
Total Unrealized Losses	-4,519	-3,900
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	144	316
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-60	-2
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	2,603	2,721
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-430	-312
Total Fair Value	2,747	3,037
Total Unrealized Losses	-490	-314
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	112,132	112,939
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-1,937	-1,285
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	43,371	50,913
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-2,092	-2,301
Total Fair Value	155,503	163,852
Total Unrealized Losses	-4,029	-3,586
Us Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	32,220	47,162
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-129	-165
Total Fair Value	32,220	47,162
Total Unrealized Losses	-129	-165
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	5,603	5,649
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-263	-56
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	4,333	4,421
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-174	-394
Total Fair Value	9,936	10,070
Total Unrealized Losses	-437	-450
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	39,055	23,026
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-830	-422
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	3,682	6,968
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-27	-67
Total Fair Value	42,737	29,994
Total Unrealized Losses	-857	-489
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	31,732	35,719
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-393	-413
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	31,119	34,684
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-1,410	-1,562
Total Fair Value	62,851	70,403
Total Unrealized Losses	-1,803	-1,975
Mortgage Backed [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	3,522	1,383
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-322	-229
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	4,237	4,840
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-481	-278
Total Fair Value	7,759	6,223
Total Unrealized Losses	($803)	($507)

Investments_Schedule_of_Amorti

Investments (Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$64,572	'
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	174,204	'
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	98,548	'
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	37,462	'
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	414,555	'
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	64,783	'
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	175,424	'
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	98,875	'
Due after ten years, Fair Value	36,885	'
Debt Securities, Fair Value	415,533	410,095
Mortgage Backed [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	39,769	'
Debt Securities, Fair Value	$39,566	$27,737

Pledged_Investments_Narrative_

Pledged Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pledged Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Securities available-for-sale pledged, carrying value	$21.40	$29.10

Reserves_for_Unpaid_Losses_and1

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	$1.20	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	'	2
Loss And Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2013 Accident Year [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	2.6	'
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2012 Accident Year [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	1.2	0.7
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2011 Accident Year [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	0.3	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	'	1.6
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2010 Accident Year [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	'	0.1
Loss And Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2010 And Prior Accident Year [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	0.5	'
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2009 And Prior Accident Year [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	'	0.4
Personal Lines Business Unit [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	0.7	0.3
Personal Lines Business Unit [Member] | Loss And Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2013 Accident Year [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	0.7	'
E & S Commercial Business Unit [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	0.8	3.5
Standard Commercial Business Unit [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	1.1	0.7
Hallmark Select Business Unit [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	0.1	0.5
Workers Compensation Risks [Member]	'	'
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	$0.10	'

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement2

Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

26-May-05

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2009

30-May-13

Apr. 10, 2013

Jul. 27, 2012

Mar. 31, 2014

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Incentive Stock Options 2010 [Member]

Incentive Stock Options 2011 [Member]

Incentive Stock Options 2011 [Member]

Incentive Stock Options 2011 [Member]

Non Qualified Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

First Anniversary [Member]

Second Anniversary [Member]

Third Anniversary [Member]

Fourth Anniversary [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

5,000 Grant [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]

Option Issued Prior to 2009 [Member]

Option Issued Prior to 2009 [Member]

Option Issued Prior to 2009 [Member]

Option Issued Prior to 2009 [Member]

Option Issued Prior to 2009 [Member]

Option Issued Prior to 2009 [Member]

5,000 Grant [Member]

10,000 Grant [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock compensation plan, number of shares authorized

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of incentive stock options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding

'

'

'

'

1,083,332

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of common stock outstanding

'

'

'

'

304,157

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

Number of restricted stock units to receive shares of common stock

'

'

'

'

355,277

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based compensation by share based payment award, remaining available shares for issuance

'

'

'

'

241,401

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based payment award vesting rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

Percentage of restricted stock units granted as result of meeting growth rates

'

'

50.00%

150.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of options vested or expected to vest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25,000

5,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based payment, award vesting period

'

'

'

'

'6 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incentive stock options termination period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'10 years

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

Non Qualified Stock Options termination period

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

Percentage of options vested or expected to vest

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements

$412

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$444

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during remainder of 2014

153

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

186

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during year two

203

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

209

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during year three

53

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

49

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during year four

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Options, Granted

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other than options, granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

122,823

129,463

'

Other than options, grant date fair value

$9.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other than options, forfeited

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,280

'

'

'

Allocated share-based compensation expense

$62

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement3

Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Summary of the Status of Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,387,489	'
Stock Options, Granted	'	0
Stock Options, Exercised	'	'
Stock Options, Outstanding at March 31, 2014	1,387,489	'
Stock Options, Exercisable at March 31, 2014	1,181,417	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2014	$9.66	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at March 31, 2014	$9.66	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at March 31, 2014	$10.19	'
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at March 31, 2014	'4 years	'
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable at March 31, 2014	'3 years 9 months 18 days	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at March 31, 2014	$978	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at March 31, 2014	$633	'

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement4

Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Schedule of Options, Grants in Period and Grant Date Intrinsic Value) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$110	$63
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'
Intrinsic value of options exercised	'	'
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	48	63
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income	$8	$8

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement5

Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Summary of the Status of Restricted Stock Units) (Details) (Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member], Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member])	0 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	30-May-13	Apr. 10, 2013	Jul. 27, 2012	Mar. 31, 2014
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested at January 1, 2014	'	'	'	236,851
Granted	'	122,823	129,463	'
Vested	'	'	'	'
Forfeited	-9,280	'	'	'
Nonvested at March 31, 2014	'	'	'	236,851

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information (Schedule of Business Segment Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	$87,109	$93,141
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	6,412	2,163
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	20,341	20,288
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	1,221	1,477
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	62,482	51,680
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	9,924	3,698
Personal Segment [Member]	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	5,592	20,978
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	-31	-64
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'
Revenues	-1,306	195
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	($4,702)	($2,948)

Segment_Information_Schedule_o1

Segment Information (Schedule of Additional Business Segment Information) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$937,456	$909,023
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	140,209	142,143
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	554,475	536,894
Personal Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	223,218	210,825
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$19,554	$19,161

Reinsurance_Narrative_Details

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
E&S Commercial [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	1	'
Proportional reinsurance cede risk, percentage	90.00%	'
Proportional reinsurance retention, percentage	10.00%	'
E&S Commercial Umbrella and Excess Liability Risks [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance cede risk, percentage	100.00%	'
Excess and Umbrella Business Unit [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance retention, percentage	20.00%	'
Concentration of ceded credit risk, percentage	80.00%	'
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance cede risk, percentage	100.00%	'
Professional Liability [Member] | Prior to June 1, 2012 [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance cede risk, percentage	40.00%	'
Proportional reinsurance retention, percentage	60.00%	'
Hallmark County Mutual [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance retention, percentage	100.00%	'
Catastrophe [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	6	'
Catastrophe [Member] | All States [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	6	'
Reinsurers reimbursement, percentage	100.00%	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention, maximum limit	29	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention, aggregate limit	58	'
Commercial Property [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	1	'
Commercial property risk value	6	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention for any one disaster occurrence	10	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention for each disaster occurrence	5	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention, aggregate limit	30	'
Commercial Liability Risk [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	1	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention for each disaster occurrence	5	'
Workers Compensation Risks [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	1	'
Reinsurers reimbursement, percentage	100.00%	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention for each disaster occurrence	14	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention, maximum limit	10	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention, aggregate limit	28	'
Liability Loss [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance cede risk, percentage	80.00%	'
Personal Property [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance cede risk, percentage	80.00%	60.00%
Personal Auto [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance cede risk, percentage	90.00%	'
Occupational Accident [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	1	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention for each disaster occurrence	5	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention, maximum limit	10	'
Minimum [Member] | E&S Commercial [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	1	'

Reinsurance_Schedule_of_Reinsu

Reinsurance (Schedule of Reinsurance Ceded and Recoveries) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Reinsurance [Abstract]	'	'
Ceded earned premiums	$31,813	$13,733
Reinsurance recoveries	$19,757	$6,955

Revolving_Credit_Facility_Paya1

Revolving Credit Facility Payable (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 27, 2006	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 27, 2006
		Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	'	$15	'	'
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	'	'	$1.50	'
Line of credit facility, interest rate during period	2.73%	'	'	'
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis	'	'prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5%	'	'
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	'	2.50%	'	'
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee Percentage	'	0.25%	'	'
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage	'	'	'	1.00%

Subordinated_Debt_Securities_N

Subordinated Debt Securities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended				0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 21, 2005	Jun. 25, 2005	Jun. 21, 2005	Mar. 31, 2014	Aug. 23, 2007	Aug. 23, 2007	Mar. 31, 2014
	Subordinated Debt Due In 2035 [Member]	Subordinated Debt Due In 2035 [Member]	Subordinated Debt Due In 2035 [Member]	Subordinated Debt Due In 2035 [Member]	Subordinated Debt Due In 2037 [Member]	Subordinated Debt Due In 2037 [Member]	Subordinated Debt Due In 2037 [Member]
		Trust I [Member]	Trust I [Member]	Trust I [Member]		Trust II [Member]	Trust II [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Long-term debt, gross	$30.90	'	'	$30.90	$25.80	'	$25.80
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities	'	'	30	'	'	25	'
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	'	'	$0.90	'	'	$0.80	'
Subordinated borrowing, interest rate	'	'	7.73%	'	'	8.28%	'
Debt instrument, interest rate fixed to floating date	15-Jun-15	'	'	'	'	15-Sep-17	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	15-Jun-35	'	'	'	15-Sep-37	'	'
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis	'	'three-month LIBOR rate plus 3.25 percentage	'	'	'	'three-month LIBOR rate plus 2.90 percentage	'
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	'	'	3.25%	'	'	2.90%	'

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co2

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Deferred Amortized Policy Acquisition Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Deferred	($15,455)	($16,489)
Amortized	15,189	15,083
Net	($266)	($1,406)

Earnings_per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings per Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	779,999	779,999

Earnings_per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings per Share (Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average shares - basic	19,263	19,263
Effect of dilutive securities	100	89
Weighted average shares - assuming dilution	19,363	19,352

Net_Periodic_Pension_Cost_Sche

Net Periodic Pension Cost (Schedule of Net Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract]	'	'
Interest cost	$133	$126
Amortization of net gain	40	123
Expected return on plan assets	-174	-154
Net periodic pension cost	-1	95
Contributed amount	$100	$11

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Effective income tax rate, continuing operations	29.10%	21.70%

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C2

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances (Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	$16,883	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'
Change in net actuarial gain	40	123
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-14	-43
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	-1,646	8,898
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	576	-3,114
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net realized gains (losses)	-185	-1,176
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income tax expense	65	411
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,164	5,099
Ending Balance	15,719	'
Minimum Pension Liability [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	-1,480	-2,954
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'
Change in net actuarial gain	40	123
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-14	-43
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	26	80
Ending Balance	-1,454	-2,874
Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	18,363	10,853
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	-1,646	8,898
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	576	-3,114
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net realized gains (losses)	-185	-1,176
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income tax expense	65	411
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,190	5,019
Ending Balance	17,173	15,872
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning Balance	16,883	7,899
Other comprehensive (loss) income:	'	'
Change in net actuarial gain	40	123
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-14	-43
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	-1,646	8,898
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	576	-3,114
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net realized gains (losses)	-185	-1,176
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income tax expense	65	411
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-1,164	5,099
Ending Balance	$15,719	$12,998