Hallmark Financial Services (HALL) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 07, 2014
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	'	19,084,308
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $411,000 in 2014 and $408,627 in 2013)	$411,262	$410,095
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: $24,967 in 2014 and $24,902 in 2013)	54,678	51,230
Total investments	465,940	461,325
Cash and cash equivalents	160,027	141,666
Restricted cash	16,882	12,190
Ceded unearned premiums	61,989	44,988
Premiums receivable	82,472	71,157
Accounts receivable	2,754	2,382
Receivable for securities	2,825	1,320
Reinsurance recoverable	105,437	76,818
Deferred policy acquisition costs	20,665	22,586
Goodwill	44,695	44,695
Intangible assets, net	18,044	19,953
Federal income tax recoverable	688	'
Prepaid expenses	2,031	1,531
Other assets	7,730	8,412
Total assets	992,179	909,023
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Revolving credit facility payable	'	1,473
Subordinated debt securities	56,702	56,702
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	414,752	382,640
Unearned premiums	205,184	185,303
Reinsurance balances payable	32,647	20,598
Pension liability	776	1,433
Payable for securities	10,086	206
Federal income tax payable	'	719
Deferred federal income taxes, net	3,548	2,825
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	20,604	19,006
Total liabilities	744,299	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	122,913	122,827
Retained earnings	115,871	106,209
Accumulated other comprehensive income	18,276	16,883
Treasury stock (1,748,840 shares in 2014 and 1,609,374 in 2013), at cost	-12,937	-11,558
Total stockholders' equity	247,880	238,118
Liabilities and equity, total	$992,179	$909,023

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'
Debt securities, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	$411,000	$408,627
Equity securities, available for sale, cost (in dollars)	$24,967	$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	1,748,840	1,609,374

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gross premiums written	$122,723	$123,664	$363,245	$351,278
Ceded premiums written	-38,698	-20,775	-122,596	-54,948
Net premiums written	84,025	102,889	240,649	296,330
Change in unearned premiums	-6,878	-5,437	-2,879	-19,546
Net premiums earned	77,147	97,452	237,770	276,784
Investment income, net of expenses	2,912	2,965	9,139	9,871
Net realized (losses) gains	-23	6,950	-122	9,723
Finance charges	1,300	1,484	4,067	4,396
Commission and fees	71	-251	-1,528	169
Other income	10	13	36	110
Total revenues	81,417	108,613	249,362	301,053
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	50,509	68,158	155,781	204,955
Other operating expenses	24,409	29,139	75,055	83,911
Interest expense	1,140	1,150	3,435	3,449
Amortization of intangible assets	631	694	1,909	2,420
Total expenses	76,689	99,141	236,180	294,735
Income before tax	4,728	9,472	13,182	6,318
Income tax expense	1,265	3,198	3,520	1,501
Net income	$3,463	$6,274	$9,662	$4,817
Net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.18	$0.33	$0.50	$0.25
Diluted	$0.18	$0.32	$0.50	$0.25

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$3,463	$6,274	$9,662	$4,817
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Change in net actuarial gain	40	123	122	371
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-14	-43	-43	-130
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	-221	4,721	1,900	16,243
Tax effect on unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	77	-1,652	-665	-5,685
Reclassification adjustment for (losses) gains included in net income	23	-6,950	122	-9,723
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for (losses) gains included in net income	-8	2,433	-43	3,403
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-103	-1,368	1,393	4,479
Comprehensive income	$3,360	$4,906	$11,055	$9,296

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 Jun. 30, 2013	$3,757	$122,611	$96,507	$13,746	($11,558)	'
Equity based compensation	'	109	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	6,274	'	'	6,274
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	'	'	'	80	'	'
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net of tax	'	'	'	3,069	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax	'	'	'	-4,517	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	3,757	122,720	102,781	12,378	-11,558	230,078
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	3,757	122,475	97,964	7,899	-11,558	'
Equity based compensation	'	245	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	4,817	'	'	4,817
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	'	'	'	241	'	'
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net of tax	'	'	'	10,558	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax	'	'	'	-6,320	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	3,757	122,720	102,781	12,378	-11,558	230,078
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	3,757	122,827	106,209	16,883	-11,558	238,118
Acquisition of treasury stock	'	'	'	'	-1,395	'
Stock options exercised	'	-1	'	'	16	'
Equity based compensation	'	87	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	9,662	'	'	9,662
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	'	'	'	79	'	'
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net of tax	'	'	'	1,235	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax	'	'	'	79	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	3,757	122,913	115,871	18,276	-12,937	247,880
Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	3,757	123,048	112,408	18,379	-12,278	'
Acquisition of treasury stock	'	'	'	'	-659	'
Equity based compensation	'	-135	'	'	'	'
Net income	'	'	3,463	'	'	3,463
Additional minimum pension liability, net of tax	'	'	'	26	'	'
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period, net of tax	'	'	'	-144	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income, net of tax	'	'	'	15	'	'
Balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$3,757	$122,913	$115,871	$18,276	($12,937)	$247,880

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$9,662	$4,817
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization expense	2,822	3,691
Deferred federal income taxes	-182	-268
Net realized losses (gains)	122	-9,723
Share-based payments expense	87	245
Change in ceded unearned premiums	-17,001	-9,320
Change in premiums receivable	-11,315	-11,066
Change in accounts receivable	-372	-99
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs	1,921	-2,032
Change in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	32,112	46,832
Change in unearned premiums	19,881	28,865
Change in reinsurance recoverable	-28,619	-9,223
Change in reinsurance balances payable	12,049	4,532
Change in current federal income tax recoverable/payable	-1,407	-443
Change in all other liabilities	941	-6,777
Change in all other assets	1,009	13,489
Net cash provided by operating activities	21,710	53,520
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Purchases of property and equipment	-809	-920
Net transfers (into) from restricted cash	-4,692	7
Purchases of investment securities	-108,753	-139,791
Maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities	113,758	153,737
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-496	13,033
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Activity under revolving credit facility, net	-1,473	'
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	15	'
Purchase of treasury shares	-1,395	'
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,853	'
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	18,361	66,553
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	141,666	85,145
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	160,027	151,698
Supplemental cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	3,435	3,439
Income taxes paid	5,109	2,212
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing activities:	'	'
Change in receivable for securities related to investment disposals that settled after the balance sheet date	1,505	16
Change in payable for securities related to investment purchases that settled after the balance sheet date	($9,880)	$6,380

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 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 bases 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 $49.4 million as of September 30, 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/recoverable, 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 Trust II (collectively the “Trusts”) and have determined that 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.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition.  Insurance contracts are excluded from the scope of the new guidance.  Under the guidance, the transaction price is attributed to underlying performance obligations in the contract and revenue is recognized as the entity satisfies the performance obligations and transfers control of a good or service to the customer.  Incremental costs of obtaining a contract may be capitalized to the extent the entity expects to recover those costs.  The guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is to be applied retrospectively.  The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption, which is not expected to be material to the Company’s results of operations and financial position.

Business_Combinations

Business Combinations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		As of September 30, 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	$              -		$		$        -		$
				75,358				75,358
	Corporate bonds	-		30,752		-		30,752
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	-		111,897		303		112,200
	Municipal bonds	-		127,748		14,240		141,988
	Mortgage-backed	-		50,964		-		50,964
	Total debt securities	-		396,719		14,543		411,262
	Total equity securities	54,678		-		-		54,678
	Total debt and equity securities	$		$		$		$
		54,678		396,719		14,543		465,940
		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 9.1%, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Beginning balance as of January 1, 2014	$
		17,517
	Sales	-
	Settlements	-3,434
	Purchases	-
	Issuances	-
	Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	-
	Net gains included in other comprehensive income	460
	Transfers into Level 3	-
	Transfers out of Level 3	-
	Ending balance as of September 30, 2014	$
		14,543
	Beginning balance as of January 1, 2013	$
		19,668
	Sales	-
	Settlements	-302
Purchases	-
Issuances	-
Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	-
Net gains included in other comprehensive income	924
Transfers into Level 3	-
Transfers out of Level 3	-
Ending balance as of September 30, 2013	$
	20,290

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014			Cost		Gains	Losses		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government			$                 75,390		$                   44	$                         (76)		$                    75,358
	Corporate bonds			29,569		1,183	-		30,752
	Collateralized corporate bank loans			113,839		192	-1,831		112,200
	Municipal bonds			141,140		2,514	-1,666		141,988
	Mortgage-backed			51,062		571	-669		50,964
	Total debt securities			411,000		4,504	-4,242		411,262
	Total equity securities			24,967		29,714	-3		54,678
	Total debt and equity securities			$		$	$		$
				435,967		34,218	-4,245		465,940
	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			Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep			30-Sep
				2014		2013	2014		2013
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government			$             -		$         -	$       -		$      -
	Corporate bonds			-22		21	111		846
	Collateralized corporate bank loans			10		44	99		316
	Municipal bonds			-69		-50	-123		-11
	Mortgage-backed			29		-	31		-
	Equity securities			29		6,935	34		8,572
	(Loss) gain on investments			-23		6,950	152		9,723
	Other-than-temporary impairments			-		-	-274		-
	Net realized (losses) gains			$		$       6,950	$		$  9,723
				-23			-122
	We realized gross gains on investments of $0.1 million and $7.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $0.4 million and $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We realized gross losses on investments of  $0.1 million for the three months ended both September 30, 2014 and 2013.  We realized gross losses on investments of $0.2 million for the nine months both ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  We recorded proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $0.6 million and $12.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $14.9 million and $30.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		As of September 30, 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	$	$		$                -	$                 -		$	$
		29,723	-76					29,723	-76
	Corporate bonds	113	-		-	-		113	-
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	72,134	-874		8,057	-957		80,191	-1,831
	Municipal bonds	30,834	-787		22,715	-879		53,549	-1,666
	Mortgage-backed	10,214	-236		3,977	-433		14,191	-669
	Total debt securities	143,018	-1,973		34,749	-2,269		177,767	-4,242
	Total equity securities	283	-3		-	-		283	-3
	Total debt and equity securities	$	$		$	$		$	$
		143,301	-1,976		34,749	-2,269		178,050	-4,245
		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	$	$		$              -	$             -		$	$
	47,162	-165					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 September 30, 2014, the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 46 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 September 30, 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			$		$
			55,209		55,553
Due after one year through five years			168,202		169,167
Due after five years through ten years			106,628		105,598
Due after ten years			29,899		29,980
Mortgage-backed			51,062		50,964
			$		$
			411,000		411,262

Pledged_Investments

Pledged Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 $20.9 million and $29.1 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

Reserves_for_Unpaid_Losses_and

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]	'
Reserves for Unpaid 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 $1.5 million of unfavorable prior years’ net loss development during the three months ended September 30, 2014.  We recorded $5.4 million of favorable prior year net loss development during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.  For the year to date, the $5.4 million of favorable development was attributable to $6.9 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2013 accident year, $3.6 million favorable development on claims incurred during the 2011 accident year, partially offset by $3.4 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year and $1.7 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2010 and prior accident years. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our Standard Commercial P&C business unit accounted for $3.0 million of the favorable development. Our Personal Lines Segment accounted for $3.1 million of the favorable development, our Workers Compensation business unit accounted for $1.9 million of the favorable development and our Hallmark Select business unit accounted for $0.7 million of the favorable development. These favorable developments were partially offset by unfavorable development of $3.3 million in our E&S Commercial business unit. The favorable development for our Standard Commercial P&C business unit of $3.0 million was driven primarily by our general liability line of business in the 2011 accident year. The favorable development for our Personal Lines Segment of $3.1 million was primarily attributable to the 2013 accident year. The favorable development of $1.9 million for our Workers Compensation business unit was primarily attributable to the 2013 and 2012 accident years. The favorable development of $0.7 million in our Hallmark Select business unit consisted of $0.9 million of favorable development in our commercial excess liability line of business and $0.5 million in our professional medical liability products, partially offset by $0.7 million of unfavorable development in our general aviation line of business. The unfavorable development of $3.3 million in our E&S Commercial business unit was primarily driven by unfavorable development in our commercial auto liability and general liability lines of business.
	We recorded $0.5 million and $8.0 million of unfavorable prior years’ loss development during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. For the year to date, the $8.0 million unfavorable development was attributable to $5.0 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2012 accident year, $2.4 million unfavorable development on claims incurred in the 2011 accident year and $1.6 million on claims incurred in the 2010 accident year, partially offset by $1.0 million favorable development on claims incurred in the 2009 and prior accident years. Our E&S Commercial business unit accounted for $11.7 million of the unfavorable development during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily in our commercial auto liability line of business. Our Personal Lines business unit accounted for $1.5 million of the unfavorable development. These unfavorable developments were partially offset by favorable development of $1.6 million in our Hallmark Select business unit, $2.4 million in our Standard Commercial P&C business unit and $1.2 million in our Workers Compensation business unit. The unfavorable development for our E&S Commercial business unit of $11.7 million was driven by unfavorable claims development primarily in our commercial auto liability line of business in the 2012, 2011, and 2010 accident years. The unfavorable loss development for our Personal Lines business unit of $1.5 million was primarily attributable to the 2012 accident year. The favorable development for our Hallmark Select business unit of $1.6 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 Standard Commercial P&C business unit of $2.4 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. The favorable loss development in our Workers Compensation business unit of $1.2 million was related to the 2012 and 2011 accident years.

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement

Share-Based Payment Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014, there were outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 1,010,594 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 464,771 shares of our common stock. There are 202,504 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 vests in equal annual increments on each of the first three anniversary dates and terminates 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 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 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	-2,142	$       6.61
	Forfeited or expired	-70,596	$       9.50
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	1,314,751	$       9.67	3.5	$       2,098
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	1,201,178	$       9.96	3.4	$       1,683
	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				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014	2013
	Intrinsic value of options exercised	$          -		$            -		$          9	$         -
	Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$        35		$         52		$        133	$     156
	Income tax benefit of share-based
	payments recognized in income	$          8		$            8		$          23	$       23
	As of September 30, 2014, there was $262 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under our plans, of which $43 thousand is expected to be recognized for the remainder of 2014, $171 thousand is expected to be recognized during 2015, $45 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 nine months 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.  Subsequently on September 8, 2014, an aggregate of 175,983 restricted stock units were granted to certain employees.
	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, the restricted stock units granted on April 10, 2013 will vest on March 31, 2016, the restricted stock units granted on September 8, 2014 (except for one grant) will vest on March 31, 2017 and one grant of restricted stock units on September 8, 2014 will vest on March 31, 2018.   Grantees of restricted stock units do not have any rights of a stockholder of the Company, and do not participate in any distributions to common stockholders of the Company until the award fully vests upon satisfaction of the vesting schedule, performance criteria and other conditions set forth in the grant agreement.
	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 granted in 2012 and 2013 is $9.20 per unit.  The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units granted in 2014 is $9.66 per unit.  The Company incurred a benefit to compensation expense of $170 thousand and $46 thousand related to the restricted stock units during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.  The Company incurred compensation expense of $58 thousand and $89 thousand related to the restricted stock units during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.  The Company recorded an income tax expense of $59 thousand and $16 thousand related to the restricted stock units during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.  The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $20 thousand and $31 thousand related to the restricted stock units during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.
	A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:
		Number of
		Restricted
		Stock Units
	Non-vested at January 1, 2014	236,851
	Granted	175,983
	Vested	-
	Forfeited	-102,987
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014	309,847
	As of September 30, 2014, there was $979 thousand of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock units granted under our 2005 LTIP, of which $95 thousand is expected to be recognized during the remainder of 2014, $352 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2015, $334 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2016, $169 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2017 and $29 thousand is expected to be recognized in 2018.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	9. Segment Information
	The following is business segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014	2013
	Revenues:
	Standard Commercial Segment	$		$		$	$
		20,985		21,163		60,667	62,160
	Specialty Commercial Segment	57,983		60,787		179,167	168,127
	Personal Segment	4,225		21,256		14,699	64,621
	Corporate	-1,776		5,407		-5,171	6,145
	Consolidated	$		$		$	$
		81,417		108,613		249,362	301,053
	Pre-tax income (loss):
	Standard Commercial Segment	$		$		$	$
		2,244		1,163		318	641
	Specialty Commercial Segment	7,653		7,564		27,042	11,828
	Personal Segment	662		-1,613		1,916	-3,331
	Corporate	-5,831		2,358		-16,094	-2,820
	Consolidated	$		$		$	$
		4,728		9,472		13,182	6,318
	The following is additional business segment information as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
			September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Assets
	Standard Commercial Segment		$                    146,411		$     142,143
	Specialty Commercial Segment		603,324		536,894
	Personal Segment		222,790		210,825
	Corporate		19,654		19,161
			$                    992,179		$     909,023

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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		Nine Months Ended
			September 30,		September 30,
			2014	2013	2014	2013
	Ceded earned premiums		$          37,360	$   16,488	$           105,594	$45,629
	Reinsurance recoveries		$          25,785	$     9,197	$             74,302	$24,770
	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.  Effective July 1, 2014 the terms of our property catastrophe reinsurance are:
		o	We retain the first $3.0 million of property catastrophe losses; and
		o	Our reinsurers reimburse us 100% for any loss occurrence in excess of our $3.0 million retention up to $32.0 million for each catastrophic occurrence, subject to an aggregate limit of $64.0 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.
		·	Professional Liability.  Effective June 1, 2014, we purchase excess of loss reinsurance on our medical professional liability risks produced by our Hallmark Select business unit. The terms of our professional liability reinsurance are as follows:
		o	We retain the first $1.0 million of any professional liability risk; and
		o	Our reinsurers reimburse us for the next $2.0 million for each professional liability loss occurrence.
	Prior to June 1, 2014, we purchased proportional reinsurance on our medical professional liability risks produced by our Hallmark Select business unit where we retained 60% of each risk and ceded the remaining 40% to reinsurers.
		·	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. Effective May 1, 2014, we purchase proportional reinsurance on the commercial auto liability risks produced by a program underwriter in our E&S Commercial business unit where we retain 20% of each risk and cede the remaining 80% to reinsurers.
		·	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under this revolving credit facility.

Subordinated_Debt_Securities

Subordinated Debt Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 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 September 30, 2014, the balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million.

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Deferred	$               3,873	$        (34,995)	$           (19,749)	$  (53,243)
	Amortized	(4,782)	34,715	21,670	51,211
	Net	$               (909)	$           (280)	$                1,921	$   (2,032)

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted average shares - basic	19,181	19,263	19,227	19,263
	Effect of dilutive securities	168	107	137	97
	Weighted average shares - assuming dilution	19,349	19,370	19,364	19,360
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 715,832 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.  For each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Interest cost	$	$	$	$
		133	127	399	379
	Amortization of net loss	41	123	122	371
	Expected return on plan assets	-175	-154	-524	-462
	Net periodic pension cost	$	$	$	$
		-1	96	-3	288
	Contributed amount	$	$	$	$
		299	157	533	268
	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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	16.   Income Taxes
	Our effective income tax rate for the first nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was 26.7% and 23.8%, respectively. The rates varied from the statutory tax rate primarily due to the amount of tax exempt income compared to taxable income.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	17. Commitments and Contingencies
	We are engaged in other 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		Minimum		Accumulated Other
		Pension	Unrealized	Comprehensive
		Liability	Gains (Loss)	Income (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	$	$
		-2,954	10,853	7,899
	Other comprehensive income :
	Change in net actuarial loss	371	-	371
	Tax effect on change in net actuarial loss	-130	-	-130
	Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period	-	16,243	16,243
	Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	-	-5,685	-5,685
	Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	-	-9,723	-9,723
	Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included
	in income tax expense	-	3,403	3,403
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	241	4,238	4,479
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	$	$
		-2,713	15,091	12,378
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	$	$
		-1,480	18,363	16,883
	Other comprehensive income :
	Change in net actuarial gain	122	-	122
	Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-43	-	-43
	Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period	-	1,900	1,900
	Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	-	-665	-665
	Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net realized gains	-	122	122
	Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for losses included in income
	tax expense	-	-43	-43
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	79	1,314	1,393
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	$	$
		-1,401	19,677	18,276

Basis_of_Presentation_Policy

Basis of Presentation (Policy)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 bases 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 $49.4 million as of September 30, 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/recoverable, 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 Trust II (collectively the “Trusts”) and have determined that 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		As of September 30, 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	$              -		$		$        -		$
				75,358				75,358
	Corporate bonds	-		30,752		-		30,752
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	-		111,897		303		112,200
	Municipal bonds	-		127,748		14,240		141,988
	Mortgage-backed	-		50,964		-		50,964
	Total debt securities	-		396,719		14,543		411,262
	Total equity securities	54,678		-		-		54,678
	Total debt and equity securities	$		$		$		$
		54,678		396,719		14,543		465,940
		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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
	Beginning balance as of January 1, 2014	$
		17,517
	Sales	-
	Settlements	-3,434
	Purchases	-
	Issuances	-
	Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	-
	Net gains included in other comprehensive income	460
	Transfers into Level 3	-
	Transfers out of Level 3	-
	Ending balance as of September 30, 2014	$
		14,543
	Beginning balance as of January 1, 2013	$
		19,668
	Sales	-
	Settlements	-302
	Purchases	-
	Issuances	-
	Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	-
	Net gains included in other comprehensive income	924
	Transfers into Level 3	-
	Transfers out of Level 3	-
	Ending balance as of September 30, 2013	$
		20,290

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014			Cost		Gains	Losses		Value
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government			$                 75,390		$                   44	$                         (76)		$                    75,358
	Corporate bonds			29,569		1,183	-		30,752
	Collateralized corporate bank loans			113,839		192	-1,831		112,200
	Municipal bonds			141,140		2,514	-1,666		141,988
	Mortgage-backed			51,062		571	-669		50,964
	Total debt securities			411,000		4,504	-4,242		411,262
	Total equity securities			24,967		29,714	-3		54,678
	Total debt and equity securities			$		$	$		$
				435,967		34,218	-4,245		465,940
	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			Nine Months Ended
				30-Sep			30-Sep
				2014		2013	2014		2013
	U.S. Treasury securities and
	obligations of U.S. Government			$             -		$         -	$       -		$      -
	Corporate bonds			-22		21	111		846
	Collateralized corporate bank loans			10		44	99		316
	Municipal bonds			-69		-50	-123		-11
	Mortgage-backed			29		-	31		-
	Equity securities			29		6,935	34		8,572
	(Loss) gain on investments			-23		6,950	152		9,723
	Other-than-temporary impairments			-		-	-274		-
	Net realized (losses) gains			$		$       6,950	$		$  9,723
				-23			-122
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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		As of September 30, 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	$	$		$                -	$                 -		$	$
		29,723	-76					29,723	-76
	Corporate bonds	113	-		-	-		113	-
	Collateralized corporate bank loans	72,134	-874		8,057	-957		80,191	-1,831
	Municipal bonds	30,834	-787		22,715	-879		53,549	-1,666
	Mortgage-backed	10,214	-236		3,977	-433		14,191	-669
	Total debt securities	143,018	-1,973		34,749	-2,269		177,767	-4,242
	Total equity securities	283	-3		-	-		283	-3
	Total debt and equity securities	$	$		$	$		$	$
		143,301	-1,976		34,749	-2,269		178,050	-4,245
		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	$	$		$              -	$             -		$	$
		47,162	-165					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			$		$
				55,209		55,553
	Due after one year through five years			168,202		169,167
	Due after five years through ten years			106,628		105,598
	Due after ten years			29,899		29,980
	Mortgage-backed			51,062		50,964
				$		$
				411,000		411,262

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement1

Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Summary of the Status of Stock Options	'
	A summary of the status of our stock options as of and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 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	-2,142	$       6.61
	Forfeited or expired	-70,596	$       9.50
	Outstanding at September 30, 2014	1,314,751	$       9.67	3.5	$       2,098
	Exercisable at September 30, 2014	1,201,178	$       9.96	3.4	$       1,683
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				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014	2013
	Intrinsic value of options exercised	$          -		$            -		$          9	$         -
	Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$        35		$         52		$        133	$     156
	Income tax benefit of share-based
	payments recognized in income	$          8		$            8		$          23	$       23
Summary of the Status of Restricted Stock Units	'
	A summary of the status of our restricted stock units as of September 30, 2014 and changes during the nine months then ended is presented below:
		Number of
		Restricted
		Stock Units
	Non-vested at January 1, 2014	236,851
	Granted	175,983
	Vested	-
	Forfeited	-102,987
	Non-vested at September 30, 2014	309,847

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Segment Information	'
	The following is business segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2014		2013		2014	2013
	Revenues:
	Standard Commercial Segment	$		$		$	$
		20,985		21,163		60,667	62,160
	Specialty Commercial Segment	57,983		60,787		179,167	168,127
	Personal Segment	4,225		21,256		14,699	64,621
	Corporate	-1,776		5,407		-5,171	6,145
	Consolidated	$		$		$	$
		81,417		108,613		249,362	301,053
	Pre-tax income (loss):
	Standard Commercial Segment	$		$		$	$
		2,244		1,163		318	641
	Specialty Commercial Segment	7,653		7,564		27,042	11,828
	Personal Segment	662		-1,613		1,916	-3,331
	Corporate	-5,831		2,358		-16,094	-2,820
	Consolidated	$		$		$	$
		4,728		9,472		13,182	6,318
Schedule of Additional Business Segment Information	'
	The following is additional business segment information as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
			September 30,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Assets
	Standard Commercial Segment		$                    146,411		$     142,143
	Specialty Commercial Segment		603,324		536,894
	Personal Segment		222,790		210,825
	Corporate		19,654		19,161
			$                    992,179		$     909,023

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Ceded earned premiums	$          37,360	$   16,488	$           105,594	$45,629
	Reinsurance recoveries	$          25,785	$     9,197	$             74,302	$24,770

Deferred_Policy_Acquisition_Co1

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Deferred	$               3,873	$        (34,995)	$           (19,749)	$  (53,243)
	Amortized	(4,782)	34,715	21,670	51,211
	Net	$               (909)	$           (280)	$                1,921	$   (2,032)

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Weighted average shares - basic	19,181	19,263	19,227	19,263
	Effect of dilutive securities	168	107	137	97
	Weighted average shares - assuming dilution	19,349	19,370	19,364	19,360

Net_Periodic_Pension_Cost_Tabl

Net Periodic Pension Cost (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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		Nine Months Ended
		September 30,		September 30,
		2014	2013	2014	2013
	Interest cost	$	$	$	$
		133	127	399	379
	Amortization of net loss	41	123	122	371
	Expected return on plan assets	-175	-154	-524	-462
	Net periodic pension cost	$	$	$	$
		-1	96	-3	288
	Contributed amount	$	$	$	$
		299	157	533	268

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C1

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		Minimum		Accumulated Other
		Pension	Unrealized	Comprehensive
		Liability	Gains (Loss)	Income (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	$	$
		-2,954	10,853	7,899
	Other comprehensive income :
	Change in net actuarial loss	371	-	371
	Tax effect on change in net actuarial loss	-130	-	-130
	Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period	-	16,243	16,243
	Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	-	-5,685	-5,685
	Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	-	-9,723	-9,723
	Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included
	in income tax expense	-	3,403	3,403
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	241	4,238	4,479
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	$	$
		-2,713	15,091	12,378
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	$	$
		-1,480	18,363	16,883
	Other comprehensive income :
	Change in net actuarial gain	122	-	122
	Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-43	-	-43
	Net unrealized holding gains arising during the period	-	1,900	1,900
	Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	-	-665	-665
	Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net realized gains	-	122	122
	Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for losses included in income
	tax expense	-	-43	-43
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	79	1,314	1,393
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	$	$
		-1,401	19,677	18,276

General_Narrative_Details

General (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 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 $)	0 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 21, 2005	Aug. 23, 2007	Sep. 30, 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	'	'	49.4	'	'
Current yield to maturity percentage	'	'	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 paid	'	'	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) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair value, equity, Level 1 to Level 2 transfers, amount	0
Fair value, equity, Level 2 to Level 1 transfers, amount	0
Collateralized Bank Loan [Member]	'
Current yield to maturity percentage	9.10%

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Assets_M

Fair Value (Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	$411,262	$410,095
Total equity securities	54,678	51,230
Total debt and equity securities	465,940	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	75,358	78,753
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	30,752	43,875
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	112,200	102,178
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	141,988	157,552
Mortgage Backed [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	50,964	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	54,678	51,230
Total debt and equity securities	54,678	51,230
Other Observable Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	396,719	392,578
Total debt and equity securities	396,719	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	75,358	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	30,752	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	111,897	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	127,748	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	50,964	27,737
Unobservable Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt securities	14,543	17,517
Total debt and equity securities	14,543	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	303	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	$14,240	$16,924

Fair_Value_Fair_Value_Assets_M1

Fair Value (Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	$17,517	$19,668
Settlements	-3,434	-302
Net gains included in other comprehensive income	460	924
Ending balance	$14,543	$20,290

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	security		security		security
Investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross gains on investments	$0.10	$7.10	$0.40	$9.90	'
Gross losses on investments	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2	'
Proceeds from sale of investment securities	$0.60	$12.50	$14.90	$30.20	'
Number of debt security positions	46	'	46	'	84

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt and Equity Securities by Category) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	$435,967	$433,529
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	34,218	31,696
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4,245	-3,900
Investments, Fair Value	465,940	461,325
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	24,967	24,902
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	29,714	26,642
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-3	-314
Investments, Fair Value	54,678	51,230
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	411,000	408,627
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	4,504	5,054
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-4,242	-3,586
Investments, Fair Value	411,262	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	-76	-165
Investments, Fair Value	75,358	78,753
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	29,569	42,946
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,183	1,379
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-450
Investments, Fair Value	30,752	43,875
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	113,839	102,053
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	192	614
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,831	-489
Investments, Fair Value	112,200	102,178
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	141,140	156,950
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,514	2,577
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,666	-1,975
Investments, Fair Value	141,988	157,552
Mortgage Backed [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Investments, Amortized Cost	51,062	27,784
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	571	460
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	-669	-507
Investments, Fair Value	$50,964	$27,737

Investments_Summary_of_Realize

Investments (Summary of Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Loss) gain on investments	($23)	$6,950	$152	$9,723
Other-than-temporary impairment	'	'	-274	'
Net realized (losses) gains	-23	6,950	-122	9,723
Corporate Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Loss) gain on investments	-22	21	111	846
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Loss) gain on investments	10	44	99	316
Municipal Bonds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Loss) gain on investments	-69	-50	-123	-11
Mortgage Backed [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Loss) gain on investments	29	'	31	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Loss) gain on investments	$29	$6,935	$34	$8,572

Investments_Summary_of_Gross_U

Investments (Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses for Investments that have been Continuously in Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	$143,301	$113,255
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-1,976	-1,287
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	34,749	53,634
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-2,269	-2,613
Total Fair Value	178,050	166,889
Total Unrealized Losses	-4,245	-3,900
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	283	316
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-3	-2
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	'	2,721
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	'	-312
Total Fair Value	283	3,037
Total Unrealized Losses	-3	-314
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	143,018	112,939
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-1,973	-1,285
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	34,749	50,913
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-2,269	-2,301
Total Fair Value	177,767	163,852
Total Unrealized Losses	-4,242	-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	29,723	47,162
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-76	-165
Total Fair Value	29,723	47,162
Total Unrealized Losses	-76	-165
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	113	5,649
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	'	-56
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	'	4,421
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	'	-394
Total Fair Value	113	10,070
Total Unrealized Losses	'	-450
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	72,134	23,026
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-874	-422
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	8,057	6,968
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-957	-67
Total Fair Value	80,191	29,994
Total Unrealized Losses	-1,831	-489
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	30,834	35,719
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-787	-413
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	22,715	34,684
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-879	-1,562
Total Fair Value	53,549	70,403
Total Unrealized Losses	-1,666	-1,975
Mortgage Backed [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value 12 months or less	10,214	1,383
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	-236	-229
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	3,977	4,840
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	-433	-278
Total Fair Value	14,191	6,223
Total Unrealized Losses	($669)	($507)

Investments_Schedule_of_Amorti

Investments (Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities by Contractual Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$55,209	'
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	168,202	'
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	106,628	'
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	29,899	'
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	411,000	'
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	55,553	'
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	169,167	'
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	105,598	'
Due after ten years, Fair Value	29,980	'
Debt Securities, Fair Value	411,262	410,095
Mortgage Backed [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	51,062	'
Debt Securities, Fair Value	$50,964	$27,737

Pledged_Investments_Narrative_

Pledged Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pledged Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Securities available-for-sale pledged, carrying value	$20.90	$29.10

Reserves_for_Unpaid_Losses_and1

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 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	'	'	$5.40	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	1.5	0.5	'	8
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	'	'	6.9	'
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	'	'	3.4	5
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	'	'	3.6	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	'	'	'	2.4
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	'	'	'	1.6
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	'	'	1.7	'
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	'	'	'	1
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	'	'	3.1	'
Unfavorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	'	'	'	1.5
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	'	'	3.1	'
Personal Lines Business Unit [Member] | 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	'	'	'	1.5
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	'	'	3.3	11.7
E & S Commercial Business Unit [Member] | Loss And Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2012, 2011 and 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	'	'	'	11.7
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	'	'	3	2.4
Standard Commercial Business Unit [Member] | 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	'	'	3	'
Standard Commercial Business Unit [Member] | 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]	'	'	'	'
Favorable Adjustment to Prior Years Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	'	'	'	2.4
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	'	'	0.7	1.6
Hallmark Select Business Unit [Member] | Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred in 2011 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	'	'	'	1.6
General Aviation [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	'	'	0.7	'
Hallmark Select Commerical Excess Liability [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	'	'	0.9	'
Hallmark Select Professional Medical Liability [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	'	'	0.5	'
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	'	'	1.9	1.2
Workers Compensation Risks [Member] | Loss And Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2013 and 2012 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	'	'	1.9	'
Workers Compensation Risks [Member] | Loss And Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred In 2012 and 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	'	'	'	$1.20

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement2

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

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 10, 2013

Jul. 27, 2012

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

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]

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]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]

Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [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]

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]

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]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Incentive stock options termination period

'

'

'5 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

$262

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$979

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during remainder of the fiscal period

43

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

95

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during year two

171

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

352

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during year three

45

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

334

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during year four

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

169

Compensation costs expected to be recognized during year five

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29

Other than options, granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

122,823

129,463

'

175,983

Other than options, forfeited

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,280

102,987

Allocated share-based compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

170

58

46

89

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options granted, weighted average grant date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$9.66

'

$9.20

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$59

$20

$16

$31

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement3

Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Summary of the Status of Stock Options) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-Based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]	'
Stock Options, Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,387,489
Stock Options, Exercised	-2,142
Stock Options, Forfeited or Expired	-70,596
Stock Options, Outstanding at September 30, 2014	1,314,751
Stock Options, Exercisable at September 30, 2014	1,201,178
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2014	$9.66
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$6.61
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or Expired	$9.50
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at September 30, 2014	$9.67
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at September 30, 2014	$9.96
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at September 30, 2014	'3 years 6 months
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable at September 30, 2014	'3 years 4 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at September 30, 2014	$2,098
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at September 30, 2014	$1,683

ShareBased_Payment_Arrangement4

Share-Based Payment Arrangements (Schedule of Options, Grants in Period and Grant Date Intrinsic Value) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	'	'	$87	$245
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Intrinsic value of options exercised	'	'	9	'
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	35	52	133	156
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income	$8	$8	$23	$23

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		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 10, 2013	Jul. 27, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Nonvested at January 1, 2014	'	'	'	236,851
Granted	122,823	129,463	'	175,983
Forfeited	'	'	-9,280	-102,987
Nonvested at September 30, 2014	'	'	'	309,847

Segment_Information_Schedule_o

Segment Information (Schedule of Business Segment Information) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$81,417	$108,613	$249,362	$301,053
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	4,728	9,472	13,182	6,318
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	20,985	21,163	60,667	62,160
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	2,244	1,163	318	641
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	57,983	60,787	179,167	168,127
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	7,653	7,564	27,042	11,828
Personal Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,225	21,256	14,699	64,621
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	662	-1,613	1,916	-3,331
Corporate [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenues [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-1,776	5,407	-5,171	6,145
Pre-tax income (loss) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax income (loss)	($5,831)	$2,358	($16,094)	($2,820)

Segment_Information_Schedule_o1

Segment Information (Schedule of Additional Business Segment Information) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$992,179	$909,023
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	146,411	142,143
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	603,324	536,894
Personal Segment [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	222,790	210,825
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$19,654	$19,161

Reinsurance_Narrative_Details

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 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	80.00%	'
Proportional reinsurance retention, percentage	20.00%	'
Excess and Umbrella Business Unit [Member]	'	'
Proportional reinsurance cede risk, percentage	100.00%	'
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]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	1	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention for each disaster occurrence	2	'
Professional Liability [Member] | Prior To June 1, 2014 [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] | All States [Member]	'	'
Retention for reinsurance losses	3	'
Reinsurers reimbursement, percentage	100.00%	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention, maximum limit	32	'
Reinsurers reimbursement retention, aggregate limit	64	'
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	'

Reinsurance_Schedule_of_Reinsu

Reinsurance (Schedule of Reinsurance Ceded and Recoveries) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reinsurance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Ceded earned premiums	$37,360	$16,488	$105,594	$45,629
Reinsurance recoveries	$25,785	$9,197	$74,302	$24,770

Revolving_Credit_Facility_Paya1

Revolving Credit Facility Payable (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jan. 27, 2006
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	'	$15
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding	$0	'
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%	'
Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage	1.00%	'

Subordinated_Debt_Securities_N

Subordinated Debt Securities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 21, 2005	Jun. 21, 2005	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Aug. 23, 2007	Aug. 23, 2007	Sep. 30, 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]	Subordinated Debt Due In 2037 [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	'	'	'	'interest will adjust quarterly to the 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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Deferred	$3,873	($34,995)	($19,749)	($53,243)
Amortized	-4,782	34,715	21,670	51,211
Net	($909)	($280)	$1,921	($2,032)

Earnings_per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings per Share (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share, amount	715,832	779,999	715,832	779,999

Earnings_per_Share_Schedule_of

Earnings per Share (Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares - basic	19,181	19,263	19,227	19,263
Effect of dilutive securities	168	107	137	97
Weighted average shares - assuming dilution	19,349	19,370	19,364	19,360

Net_Periodic_Pension_Cost_Sche

Net Periodic Pension Cost (Schedule of Net Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Periodic Pension Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest cost	$133	$127	$399	$379
Amortization of net loss	41	123	122	371
Expected return on plan assets	-175	-154	-524	-462
Net periodic pension cost	-1	96	-3	288
Contributed amount	$299	$157	$533	$268

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'
Effective income tax rate, continuing operations	26.70%	23.80%

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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	$16,883	'
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Change in net actuarial loss	40	123	122	371
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	-14	-43	-43	-130
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	-221	4,721	1,900	16,243
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	77	-1,652	-665	-5,685
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net realized gains (losses)	23	-6,950	122	-9,723
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for (losses) gains included in net income	-8	2,433	-43	3,403
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-103	-1,368	1,393	4,479
Ending Balance	18,276	'	18,276	'
Minimum Pension Liability [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	-1,480	-2,954
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Change in net actuarial loss	'	'	122	371
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	'	'	-43	-130
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	79	241
Ending Balance	-1,401	-2,713	-1,401	-2,713
Unrealized Gain (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	18,363	10,853
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	'	'	1,900	16,243
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	'	'	-665	-5,685
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net realized gains (losses)	'	'	122	-9,723
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for (losses) gains included in net income	'	'	-43	3,403
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	1,314	4,238
Ending Balance	19,677	15,091	19,677	15,091
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	16,883	7,899
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'	'
Change in net actuarial loss	'	'	122	371
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain	'	'	-43	-130
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period	'	'	1,900	16,243
Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period	'	'	-665	-5,685
Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net realized gains (losses)	'	'	122	-9,723
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for (losses) gains included in net income	'	'	-43	3,403
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	'	'	1,393	4,479
Ending Balance	$18,276	$12,378	$18,276	$12,378