Hallmark Financial Services (HALL) 10-K 14 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 14, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES INC
Entity Central Index Key	819,913
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	hall
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		18,169,028
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 148.3

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost; $604,999 in 2017 and $597,784 in 2016)	$ 605,746	$ 597,457
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost; $30,253 in 2017 and $31,449 in 2016)	51,763	51,711
Other investments (cost; $3,763 in 2017 and $3,763 in 2016)	3,824	4,951
Total investments	661,333	654,119
Cash and cash equivalents	64,982	79,632
Restricted cash	2,651	7,327
Ceded unearned premiums	112,323	81,482
Premiums receivable	104,373	89,715
Accounts receivable	1,513	2,269
Receivable for securities	5,235	3,047
Reinsurance recoverable	182,928	147,821
Deferred policy acquisition costs	16,002	19,193
Goodwill	44,695	44,695
Intangible assets, net	10,023	12,491
Deferred federal income taxes, net	1,937	1,365
Federal income tax recoverable	7,532	3,951
Prepaid expenses	1,743	1,552
Other assets	13,856	13,801
Total assets	1,231,126	1,162,460
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Revolving credit facility payable	30,000	30,000
Subordinated debt securities (less unamortized debt issuance cost of $949 in 2017 and $1,001 in 2016)	55,753	55,701
Reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	527,100	481,567
Unearned premiums	276,642	241,254
Reinsurance balances payable	52,487	46,488
Pension liability	1,605	2,203
Payable for securities	7,488	14,215
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	28,933	25,296
Total liabilities	980,008	896,724
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2017 and 2016	3,757	3,757
Additional paid-in capital	123,180	123,166
Retained earnings	136,474	148,027
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,234	10,371
Treasury stock (2,703,803 shares in 2017 and 2,260,849 in 2016), at cost	(24,527)	(19,585)
Total stockholders equity	251,118	265,736
Liabilities and equity, total	$ 1,231,126	$ 1,162,460

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt securities, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	$ 604,999	$ 597,784
Equity securities, available for sale, cost (in dollars)	30,253	31,449
Other investments, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	639,015	632,996
Unamortized debt issuance cost (in dollars)	$ 949	$ 1,001
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	2,703,803	2,260,849
Other Investments [Member]
Other investments, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	$ 3,763	$ 3,763

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]
Gross premiums written	$ 604,156	$ 549,077	$ 514,223
Ceded premiums written	(238,573)	(187,248)	(157,279)
Net premiums written	365,583	361,829	356,944
Change in unearned premiums	(4,546)	(8,459)	(7,863)
Net premiums earned	361,037	353,370	349,081
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	18,874	16,342	13,969
Other than temporary impairments	(5,877)	(2,888)	(3,323)
Net realized gains	5,672	2,519	5,826
Finance charges	3,867	4,977	5,952
Commissions and fees	1,679	1,427	213
Other income	269	205	684
Total revenues	385,521	375,952	372,402
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	288,308	253,688	230,149
Operating expenses	106,805	106,769	103,993
Interest expense	4,512	4,549	3,906
Amortization of intangible assets	2,468	2,468	2,468
Total expenses	402,093	367,474	340,516
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit	(16,572)	8,478	31,886
Income tax expense (benefit)	(5,019)	1,952	10,023
Net income (loss)	(11,553)	6,526	21,863
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.	$ (11,553)	$ 6,526	$ 21,863
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.63)	$ 0.35	$ 1.14
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.63)	$ 0.34	$ 1.13

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (11,553)	$ 6,526	$ 21,863
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	548	(145)	43
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(192)	51	(15)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	9,117	6,019	(10,191)
Tax effect on unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	(3,191)	(2,107)	3,567
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(6,799)	(1,331)	(5,826)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense	2,380	466	2,039
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,863	2,953	(10,383)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ (9,690)	$ 9,479	$ 11,480

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 3,757	$ 123,194	$ 119,638	$ 17,801	$ (12,353)	$ 252,037
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	20,873				1,655
Acquisition of treasury shares					$ (2,532)	(2,532)
Acquisition of treasury shares (in shares)					221
Equity incentive plan activity		383				383
Shares issued under employee benefit plans, value		(97)			$ 755	658
Shares issued under employee benefit plans, shares					(100)
Net income (loss)			21,863			21,863
Other comprehensive income, net of tax				(10,383)		(10,383)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 3,757	123,480	141,501	7,418	$ (14,130)	262,026
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	20,873				1,776
Acquisition of treasury shares					$ (6,117)	(6,117)
Acquisition of treasury shares (in shares)					562
Equity incentive plan activity		(118)				(118)
Shares issued under employee benefit plans, value		(196)			$ 662	466
Shares issued under employee benefit plans, shares					(77)
Net income (loss)			6,526			6,526
Other comprehensive income, net of tax				2,953		2,953
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 3,757	123,166	148,027	10,371	$ (19,585)	265,736
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	20,873				2,261
Acquisition of treasury shares					$ (5,308)	(5,308)
Acquisition of treasury shares (in shares)					484
Equity incentive plan activity		149				149
Shares issued under employee benefit plans, value		(135)			$ 366	231
Shares issued under employee benefit plans, shares					(41)
Net income (loss)			(11,553)			(11,553)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax				1,863		1,863
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 3,757	$ 123,180	$ 136,474	$ 12,234	$ (24,527)	$ 251,118
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	20,873				2,704

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (11,553)	$ 6,526	$ 21,863
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,715	3,894	3,516
Deferred federal income taxes	(1,575)	405	(1,030)
Net realized gains	(5,672)	(2,519)	(5,826)
Share-based payments expense	149	(118)	383
Change in ceded unearned premiums	(30,841)	(16,388)	(11,718)
Change in premiums receivable	(14,658)	(6,339)	(12,373)
Change in accounts receivable	756	(264)	1,136
Change in deferred policy acquisition costs	3,191	1,173	380
Change in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	45,533	30,689	35,743
Change in unearned premiums	35,388	24,847	19,581
Change in reinsurance recoverable	(35,107)	(33,534)	(4,568)
Change in reinsurance balances payable	5,999	12,747	7,338
Change in current federal income tax (recoverable)/payable	(3,581)	(2,172)	(2,747)
Change in all other liabilities	3,091	3,586	(1,368)
Change in all other assets	5,487	5,433	(697)
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,199	30,854	52,936
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net	(2,705)	(4,340)	(3,608)
Net transfers from restricted cash	4,676	1,195	3,392
Purchases of investment securities	(305,930)	(241,374)	(265,482)
Maturities, sales and redemptions of investment securities	287,187	186,286	169,409
Net cash used in investing activities	(16,772)	(58,233)	(96,289)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Activity under revolving credit facility, net			30,000
Payment of debt issuance costs			(96)
Payment of contingent consideration		(1,784)	(1,216)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options	231	466	658
Purchase of treasury shares	(5,308)	(6,117)	(2,532)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(5,077)	(7,435)	26,814
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(14,650)	(34,814)	(16,539)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	79,632	114,446	130,985
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	64,982	79,632	114,446
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	4,506	4,287	3,906
Income taxes paid	137	3,718	13,800
Supplemental schedule of non-cash activities:
Change in receivable for securities related to investment disposals that settled after the balance sheet date	(2,188)	7,377	(9,492)
Change in payable for securities related to investment purchases that settled after the balance sheet date	$ (6,727)	$ 13,118	$ (224)

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	 1. Accounting Policies :  General  Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “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 market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into product-specific operating units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Contract Binding operating unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“HSU”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical and financial professional liability insurance products and services, (iv) satellite launch insurance products, and (v) primary/excess commercial property coverages for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Certain specialty programs are also managed by our Specialty Commercial operating unit. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”), Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”), Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”). Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit handles commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our Workers Compensation operating unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business and is comprised of TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc. (“TBIC Holding”), Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) and TBIC Risk Management (“TBICRM”). Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit ceased market ing or retain ing any risk on new or renewal policies. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit handles personal insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. (“AHGA”) and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (“HCS”). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these operating units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and TBIC.  These operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our Contract Binding operating unit and our Specialty Commercial operating unit. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and our Workers Compensation operating unit. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit.  Basis of Presentation  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Hallmark and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which, as to our insurance company subsidiaries, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities.  Reclassifications  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.  Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements  Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment may be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.  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: Our revolving credit facility with Frost Bank had a carried value of $30.0 million and a fair value of $30.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The fair value is based on discounted cash flows using a discount rate derived from LIBOR spot rates plus a market spread resulting in discount rates ranging between 3.6% to 4.2% for each future payment date. This revolving credit facility would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if it was reported at fair value. Subordinated debt securities: Our trust preferred securities are reported at carry value of $55.8 million and $55.7 million, and had a fair value of $43.7 million and $44.2 million, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using current yields to maturity of 8.0% and 8.0% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which are based on similar issues to discount future cash flows and would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.  For reinsurance balances, premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.  Investments  Debt and equity securities available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Equity securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Debt securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the portion that is related to credit deterioration with the remaining portion recognized in other comprehensive income. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities and sales of equity securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of debt and equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled.  Other investments consists of an equity warrant which is reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported in the statement of operations as a component of net realized gains (losses).  Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the first in-first out method.  Cash and Cash Equivalents  We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Restricted Cash  Restricted cash consists of amounts held in restricted accounts as collateral for certain reinsurance arrangements with unaffiliated insurance companies , as well as premiums we collect from customers and, after deducting authorized commissions, remit to third party insurers . Unremitted insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed to the third party insurer .  Premiums Receivable  Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders or independent agents for premiums written and uncollected. These balances are carried at net realizable value.  Reinsurance  We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. (See Note 7.)  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs  Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, expected investment income, losses and LAE and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. If the computation results in an estimated net realizable value less than zero, a liability will be accrued for the premium deficiency. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we deferred $31.1 million , $37.9 million and $32.3 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $34.3 million, $39.1 million and $32.7 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net (amortization) deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($3.2) million , ($1.2) million and ($0.4) million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  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.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net  We account for our goodwill and intangible assets according to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” Under ASC 350, i ntangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For goodwill, we may perform a qualitative test to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step of the quantitative test is to identify if a potential impairment exists by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill (“Step 1”). If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered to have a potential impairment and the second step is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step (“Step 2”) is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any. Step 2 compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. If the implied value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, it is written down to its fair value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The implied goodwill is calculated based on a hypothetical purchase price allocation, similar to the requirements in the accounting guidance for business combinations, whereby the implied fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. We have elected to perform our goodwill impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter, October 1, of each year.  Leases  We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Some of these leases include rent escalation provisions throughout the term of the lease. We expense the average annual cost of the lease with the difference to the actual rent invoices recorded as deferred rent which is classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets.  Property and Equipment  Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $24.9 million and $22.2 million, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which is included in other assets, is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ( three to ten years) or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter . Depreciation expense for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2.2 million , $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $17.3 million and $15.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  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 we do not have variable interests in the Trusts. Therefore, the Trusts are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.  We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party variable interest entities. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.  Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses  Losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2017 and 2016. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.   Recognition of Premium Revenues  Insurance premiums are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Insurance policy fees are earned as of the effective date of the policy. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $7.6 million, $9.8 million and $11.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Insurance premiums on monthly reporting workers’ compensation policies are earned on the conclusion of the monthly coverage period. Deposit premiums for workers’ compensation policies are earned upon the expiration of the policy.  Finance Charges  We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the consolidated statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced.   Relationship with Third Party Insurers  Through December 31, 2005, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Through December 31, 2008, all business of our Contract Binding operating unit was produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”), a third-party insurer. These insurance contracts on third party paper are accounted for under agency accounting. Ceding commissions and other fees received under these arrangements were classified as unearned commission revenue until earned pro rata over the terms of the policies.  Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We received a provisional commission as policies were produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate. Profit share commission is classified as commissions and fees on the consolidated statement of operations.  The following table details the profit sharing commission provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and Clarendon.      Treaty Effective Dates  7/1/2001 7/1/2002 7/1/2003 7/1/2004 7/1/2005  Provisional loss ratio 60.0% 59.0% 59.0% 64.2% 64.2%  Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2017 63.5% 64.5% 61.2% 66.2% 61.4%  As of December 31, 2017, we had a net payable of $0.3 million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.  The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the Contract Binding operating unit and Republic.       Treaty Effective Dates  1/1/2006 1/1/2007 1/1/2008  Provisional loss ratio 65.0% 65.0% 65.0%  Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2017 59.4% 65.6% 61.4%  As of December 31, 2017, we had a net payable of $0.5 million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.  Agent Commissions  We pay monthly commissions to agents based on written premium produced, but generally recognize the expense pro rata over the term of the policy. If the policy is cancelled prior to its expiration, the unearned portion of the agent commission is refundable to us. The unearned portion of commissions paid to agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs. We annually pay a profit sharing commission to our independent agency force based upon the results of the business produced by each agent. We estimate and accrue this liability to commission expense in the year the business is produced.  Commission expense is classified as operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.   Income Taxes  We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted. Among many changes resulting from TCJA, the new law (i) reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, (ii) eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, (iii) allows businesses to immediately expense, for tax purposes, the cost of new investments in certain qualified depreciable assets, (iv) modifies the computation of loss reserve discounting for tax purposes, (v) modifies the recognition of income rules by requiring the recognition of income for certain items no later than the tax year in which an item is taken into account as income on an applicable financial statement and (vi) significantly modifies the United States international tax system. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 included a charge of $ 1.3 million from the revaluation of deferred tax balances from a 35% statutory tax rate to the new 21% statutory tax rate as a result of TCJA.   Earnings Per Share  The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of common shares potentially issuable (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect), primarily from stock options. (See Notes 11 and 13.)  Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (Topic 718). ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows, and accounting for forfeitures. The guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Effective January 2017, we adopted this new guidance on stock compensation which requires recognition of the excess tax benefits or deficiencies of share-based compensation awards to employees through net income rather than through additional paid in capital. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures. We elect to account for forfeitures as they occur.  Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements  On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, ”Income Statement- Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” providing updated guidance that allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) resulting from the TCJA. Current guidance requires the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax balances to be reported in income from continuing operations in the accounting period that includes the period of enactment, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to AOCI. The amount of the reclassification would include the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances, if any, at the date of the enactment of TCJA related to items in AOCI. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the TCJA related to items remaining in AOCI are recognized or at the beginning of the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt the updated guidance effective January 1, 2018. The anticipated reclassification of the stranded tax effects out of AOCI and into retained earnings is $2.6 million. The adoption will not affect the Company's results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.  In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Securities” (Subtopic 310-20). ASU 2017-08 is intended to enhance the accounting for amortization of premiums for purchased callable debt securities. The guidance amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Securities that contain explicit, noncontingent call features that are callable at fixed prices and on preset dates should shorten the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date (and if the call option is not exercised, the effective yield is reset using the payment terms of the debt security). The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-08 will have on our financial results and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business” (Topic 715). ASU 2017-01 is intended to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.  In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (Topic 350). ASU 2017-04 requires only a one-step quantitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (not to exceed the total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). It eliminates Step 2 of the current two-step goodwill impairment test, under which a goodwill impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. The ASU is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial results and disclosures. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” The purpose of ASU 2016-18 is to eliminate the diversity in classifying and presenting changes in restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires restricted cash to be combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending balances of cash on the statement of cash flows, thereby no longer requiring transactions such as transfers between restricted and unrestricted cash to be treated as a cash flow activity. Further, the new guidance requires the nature of the restrictions to be disclosed, as well as a reconciliation between the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows on how restricted and unrestricted cash are segregated. The new guidance is effective fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on its statement of cash flows as restricted cash will be removed from the investing section and become a component of cash and cash equivalents.  In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (Topic 230). ASU 2016-15 will reduce diversity in practice on how eight specific cash receipts and payments are classified on the statement of cash flows. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. We do not expect the impact from the adoption of ASU 2016-15 to be material to our financial results and disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 requires organizations to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including receivables and available-for-sale debt securities, by introducing an approach based on expected losses. The expected loss approach will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-13 requires a modified retrospective transition method and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our financial results and disclosures, but do not anticipate that any potential impact would be material. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. Additionally, ASU 2016-02 modifies current guidance for lessors' accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not anticipate that this standard will have a material impact on our results of operations since most of our leases are for office space with standard lease terms. However, we anticipate an increase to the value of our assets and liabilities related to leases, with no material impact to equity. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (Subtopic 825-10). ASU 2016-01 will require equity investments that are not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. ASU 2016-01 will also require us to assess the ability to realize our deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) related to an available-for-sale debt security in combination with our other DTAs. ASU 2016-01 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 1

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	  2. Investments : The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands):      As of December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 50,088 $ 7 $ (148) $ 49,947  Corporate bonds 278,611 1,204 (742) 279,073  Collateralized corporate bank loans 125,536 702 (301) 125,937  Municipal bonds 134,052 709 (505) 134,256  Mortgage-backed 16,712 37 (216) 16,533   Total debt securities 604,999 2,659 (1,912) 605,746   Total equity securities 30,253 23,014 (1,504) 51,763   Total other investments 3,763 61 - 3,824   Total investments $ 639,015 $ 25,734 $ (3,416) $ 661,333   As of December 31, 2016  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 41,976 $ 66 $ (20) $ 42,022  Corporate bonds 224,915 1,722 (575) 226,062  Collateralized corporate bank loans 105,220 959 (170) 106,009  Municipal bonds 165,900 956 (2,961) 163,895  Mortgage-backed 59,773 49 (353) 59,469   Total debt securities 597,784 3,752 (4,079) 597,457   Total equity securities 31,449 21,052 (790) 51,711   Total other investments 3,763 1,188 - 4,951   Total investments $ 632,996 $ 25,992 $ (4,869) $ 654,119                  Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows (in thousands):      Twelve Months Ended December 31  2017 2016 2015  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 566 $ 594 $ 670  Corporate bonds 7,839 5,573 1,435  Collateralized corporate bank loans 4,302 3,190 4,727  Municipal bonds 4,633 5,442 5,901  Mortgage-backed 1,049 1,320 1,288  Equity securities 871 638 673  Other investments - - -  Cash and cash equivalents 706 277 148  19,966 17,034 14,842  Investment expenses (1,092) (692) (873)  Investment income, net of expenses $ 18,874 $ 16,342 $ 13,969  No investments in any entity or its affiliates exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 201 7 or 201 6 .  Major categories of net realized gains (losses) on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):      Twelve Months Ended December 31  2017 2016 2015  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ - $ - $ -  Corporate bonds (468) (264) -  Collateralized corporate bank loans 79 (86) 126  Municipal bonds 195 (189) (83)  Mortgage-backed (9) (1) 240  Equity securities 7,002 1,871 5,543  Gain on investments 6,799 1,331 5,826  Unrealized (loss) gain on other investments (1,127) 1,188 -  Other-than-temporary impairments (5,877) (2,888) (3,323)  Net realized (losses) gains $ (205) $ (369) $ 2,503  We realized gross gains on investments of $8.0 million , $2.1 million, and $6.7 million during the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , respectively. We realized gross losses on investments of $1.2 million , $0.8 million and $0.9 million during the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , respectively. We recorded proceeds from the sale of investment securities of $29.1 million, $28.5 million and $51.7 million during the years ended December 31, 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , respectively. Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the first in-first out 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 December 31, 201 7 and December 31, 201 6 (in thousands):      As of December 31, 2017  12 months or less Longer than 12 months Total  Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 28,825 $ (145) $ 1,997 $ (3) $ 30,822 $ (148)  Corporate bonds 176,061 (736) 2,378 (6) 178,439 (742)  Collateralized corporate bank loans 30,008 (280) 2,517 (21) 32,525 (301)  Municipal bonds 35,200 (370) 8,917 (135) 44,117 (505)  Mortgage-backed 6,419 (127) 1,415 (89) 7,834 (216)  Total debt securities 276,513 (1,658) 17,224 (254) 293,737 (1,912)   Total equity securities 8,375 (1,504) - - 8,375 (1,504)   Total other investments - - - - - -   Total investments $ 284,888 $ (3,162) $ 17,224 $ (254) $ 302,112 $ (3,416)      As of December 31, 2016  12 months or less Longer than 12 months Total  Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 7,037 $ (20) $ - $ - $ 7,037 $ (20)  Corporate bonds 86,592 (575) - - 86,592 (575)  Collateralized corporate bank loans 2,637 (7) 8,314 (163) 10,951 (170)  Municipal bonds 70,633 (1,327) 13,574 (1,634) 84,207 (2,961)  Mortgage-backed 29,475 (348) 2,430 (5) 31,905 (353)  Total debt securities 196,374 (2,277) 24,318 (1,802) 220,692 (4,079)   Total equity securities 4,109 (483) 2,037 (307) 6,146 (790)   Total other investments - - - - - -   Total investments $ 200,483 $ (2,760) $ 26,355 $ (2,109) $ 226,838 $ (4,869)   At December 31, 201 7 , the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 25 debt security positions. At December 31, 201 6 , the gross unrealized losses more than twelve months old were attributable to 28 debt security positions and one equity position . We consider these losses as a temporary decline in value as they are predominately on securities 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. The gross unrealized losses on the debt security positions at December 31, 2017 were due predominately to normal market and interest rate fluctuations and w e 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 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 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. We recognized other-than-temporary losses on our debt securities portfolio of $5.9 million during 201 7, all relate d to credit losses (none of the impairments were interest related) on certain senior and subordinated municipal bonds concentrated in Puerto Rico . The fair value of the impaired securities was $4.4 million at December 31, 2017.  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.  Details regarding the carrying value of the other invested assets portfolio as of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 were as follows:     2017 2016  Investment Type  Equity warrant $ 3,824 $ 4,951  Total other investments $ 3,824 $ 4,951  We acquired this equity warrant in an active market and it entitles us to buy the underlying common stock of a publicly traded company at a fixed exercise price until the expiration date of January 19, 2021.          The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 201 7 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 Cost Fair Value  (in thousands)  Due in one year or less $ 116,027 $ 116,060  Due after one year through five years 308,477 308,829  Due after five years through ten years 123,518 124,168  Due after ten years 40,265 40,156  Mortgage-backed 16,712 16,533  $ 604,999 $ 605,746  We have certain of our securities pledged 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 $26.2 million at December 31 , 201 7 and a carrying value of $21.1 million at December 31, 201 6 .

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	3. 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 and the equity warrant classified as Other Investment s .  Level 2 investment securities include corporate bonds, collateralized corporate bank loans, municipal bonds, U.S. Treasury securities, other obligations of the U.S. Government and mortgage-backed 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. We have not adjusted any prices received from third party pricing services. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities.  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.  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 December 31, 201 7 and December 31, 201 6 (in thousands).       As of December 31, 2017  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ - $ 49,947 $ - $ 49,947  Corporate bonds - 278,760 313 279,073  Collateralized corporate bank loans - 125,937 - 125,937  Municipal bonds - 131,433 2,823 134,256  Mortgage-backed - 16,533 - 16,533  Total debt securities - 602,610 3,136 605,746   Total equity securities 51,142 - 621 51,763   Total other investments 3,824 - - 3,824  Total investments $ 54,966 $ 602,610 $ 3,757 $ 661,333      As of December 31, 2016  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ - $ 42,022 $ - $ 42,022  Corporate bonds - 226,062 - 226,062  Collateralized corporate bank loans - 106,009 - 106,009  Municipal bonds - 158,216 5,679 163,895  Mortgage-backed - 59,469 - 59,469  Total debt securities - 591,778 5,679 597,457   Total equity securities 51,445 - 266 51,711   Total other investments 4,951 - - 4,951  Total investments $ 56,396 $ 591,778 $ 5,945 $ 654,119  Due to significant unobservable inputs into the valuation model for certain municipal bonds, one corporate bond and one equity security as of December 31, 2017 and certain municipal bonds and one equity security as of December 31, 2016 , we classified these 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 corporate bond is a convertible senior note and its fair value was estimated by the sum of the bond value using an income approach discounting the scheduled interest and principal payments and the conversion feature utilizing a binomial lattice model. We also estimated the fair value of the corporate bond utilizing an as-if converted basis into the underlying securities. The equity security classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy is an investment in a non-public entity. Given the size of this investment and since there was not an observable market for the security, we estimated its fair value as the fair value on the date we acquired the investment. Significant changes in the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of these securities 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 year ended December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 (in thousands).      2017 2016  Beginning balance as of January 1 $ 5,945 $ 14,087  Sales - -  Settlements (579) (8,825)  Purchases 775 -  Issuances - -  Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income 616 417  Net gain included in other comprehensive income - -  Transfers into Level 3 - 266  Transfers out of Level 3 (3,000) -  Ending balance as of December 31 $ 3,757 $ 5,945 

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Inta

Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	   4. Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets:  On June 30, 2015, Redpoint Comp Holdings LLC (“Purchaser”) acquired exclusive renewal rights to our current in-force Texas workers compensation policies, together with certain physical assets associated with the administration of such in-force policies. In consideration for such renewal rights and physical assets, Purchaser assumed certain office lease obligations and offered employment to certain of our employees associated with the Workers Compensation operating unit. Purchaser also agreed to administer the run-off of all of our current workers compensation policies and claims for a period of three years. In connection with the transaction, we made a one-time payment to the Purchaser of $ 83,000 . We also agreed not to compete in the workers compensation line of insurance in the State of Texas (with certain exceptions) until after the assumed office lease obligations expire on October 31, 2017. We recorded a gain of $ 0.2 million during the second quarter of 2015 in Other Income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations on the sale of the renewal rights. On September 15, 2015, we executed Amendment No. 1 to the sale agreement with the Purchaser. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Purchaser agreed to pay us an additional $ 115,000 and administer the run-off of all of our workers compensation policies and claims in perpetuity or through final conclusion (rather than for three years as contemplated by the original agreement) in consideration of us assigning to Purchaser the commission on all unearned premiums on such policies as of July 1, 2015. We recorded an additional gain of $ 0.4 million during the third quarter of 2015 in Other Income in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a result of this Amendment No.1.  Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating unit or one level below an operating unit) on an annual basis (October 1) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. For purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment, we have determined that our reporting units are the same as our operating units except for the Specialty Commercial operating unit for which reporting units are at the component level (“one level below”). Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 includes goodwill of acquired businesses of $44.7 million that is assigned to our operating units as follows: Standard Commercial P&C operating unit - $2.1 million; Contract Binding operating unit - $19.9 million; Specialty Commercial operating unit- $17.4 million (comprised of $7.7 million for the primary/ excess and umbrella component and $9.7 million for the general aviation and satellite component); and Specialty Personal Lines operating unit - $5.3 million. This amount has been recorded as a result of prior bus iness acquisitions accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under ASC 350, “Intangibles- Goodwill and Other,” goodwill is tested for impairment annually. We completed our last annual test for impairment on the first day of the fourth quarter of 2017 and determined that there was no impairment.  The income approach to determining fair value computed the projections of the cash flows that the reporting unit was expected to generate converted into a present value equivalent through discounting. Significant assumptions in the income approach model included income projections, discount rates and terminal growth values. The income projections reflect ed an improved premium rate environment across most of our lines of business that continued throughout 201 7 . The income projections also included loss and LAE assumptions which reflected recent historical claim trends and the movement towards a more favorable pricing environment and improvement in mix of business to better performing products . The income projections also included assumptions for expense growth and investment yields which were based on business plans for each of our operating units. The discount rate was based on a risk free rate plus a beta adjusted equity risk premium and specific company risk premium. The assumptions were based on historical experience (including factors such as prior year loss reserve development) , expectations of future performance (including premium growth rates, premium rate increases and loss costs) , expected market conditions and other factors requiring judgment and estimates. While we believe the assumptions used in these models were reasonable, the inherent uncertainty in predicting future performance and market conditions may change over time and influence the outcome of future testing.  During 201 7 , 201 6 , and 201 5 , we completed the first step prescribed by ASC 350 for testing for impairment and determined that there was no impairment.  We have obtained various intangible assets from several acquisitions. The table below details the gross and net carrying amounts of these assets by major category (in thousands):      December 31  2017 2016  Gross Carrying Amount:  Customer/agent relationships $ 32,177 $ 32,177  Tradename 3,440 3,440  Management agreement 3,232 3,232  Non-compete & employment agreements 4,235 4,235  Insurance licenses 1,300 1,300  Total gross carrying amount 44,384 44,384   Accumulated Amortization:  Customer/agent relationships (24,276) (22,038)  Tradename (2,618) (2,388)  Management agreement (3,232) (3,232)  Non-compete & employment agreements (4,235) (4,235)  Total accumulated amortization (34,361) (31,893)  Total net carrying amount $ 10,023 $ 12,491          Insurance licenses are not amortized because they have an indefinite life. We amortize definite-lived intangible assets straight line over their respective lives. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):      2018 $ 2,468  2019 $ 2,468  2020 $ 2,468  2021 $ 503  2022 $ 501   The weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets by major class is as follows:     Years  Tradename 15  Customer/ agent relationships 15  Management agreement 4  Non-compete agreements 5  The aggregate weighted average period to amortize these assets is approximately 13 years.  

Other Assets

Other Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets [Abstract]
Other Assets	 5. Other Assets: The following table details our other assets as of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 (in thousands):     2017 2016  Profit sharing commission receivable $ 252 $ 251  Credit Facility B issuance costs 122 109  Accrued investment income 4,859 4,599  Investment in unconsolidated trust subsidiaries 1,702 1,702  Fixed assets 6,726 6,947  Other assets 195 193  $ 13,856 $ 13,801 

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]
Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	   6. Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses:  Activity in the consolidated reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is summarized as follows (in thousands):       2017 2016 2015   Balance at January 1 $ 481,567 $ 450,878 $ 415,135  Less reinsurance recoverable 123,237 102,791 91,943  Net balance at January 1 358,330 348,087 323,192   Incurred related to:  Current year 248,203 246,080 237,102  Prior years 40,105 7,608 (6,953)  Total incurred 288,308 253,688 230,149   Paid related to:  Current year 92,873 93,067 83,132  Prior years 181,277 150,378 122,122  Total paid 274,150 243,445 205,254   Net balance at December 31 372,488 358,330 348,087  Plus reinsurance recoverable 154,612 123,237 102,791  Balance at December 31 $ 527,100 $ 481,567 $ 450,878 The $40.1 million unfavorable net development, $7.6 million un favorable net development and $7.0 million favorable net development in prior accident years recognized in 201 7 , 201 6 and 201 5 , respectively, represent changes in our loss reserve estimates. In 2017 and 2016 , the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were increased to reflect unfavorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be more than the previous estimates. The unfavorable prior year reserve development during the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 was primarily driven by the continued emergence of increased frequency and severity trends in our primary commercial auto lines of business within our Contract Binding operating unit, which was representative of industry trends. In 2015, the aggregate loss reserve estimates for prior years were decreased to reflect favorable loss development when the available information indicated a reasonable likelihood that the ultimate losses would be less than the previous estimates. Generally, changes in reserves are caused by variations between actual experience and previous expectations and by reduced emphasis on the Bornhuetter-Ferguson method due to the aging of the accident years.  The impact from the unfavorable (favorable) net prior years’ loss development on each reporting segment is presented below:    December 31,  2017 2016   Specialty Commercial Segment $ 40,477 $ 12,502  Standard Commercial Segment (970) (9,901)  Personal Segment 598 5,007  Corporate - -  Total unfavorable net prior year development $ 40,105 $ 7,608 The following describes the primary factors behind each segment’s prior accident year loss reserve development for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:  Year ended December 31, 2017 : · Specialty Commercial Segment. Our Contract Binding operating unit experienced net unfavorable development in the 201 6 and prior accident years primarily driven by the continued emergence of increased frequency and severity trends in the commercial auto lines of business. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit experienced net unfavorable development in general aviation primarily in the 2016, 201 3 and 2011 and prior accident year s , commercial excess liability primarily in the 2013 accident year and specialty risk programs primarily in the 2015 and prior accident years, partially offset by net favorable development in the medical professional liability and primary/excess commercial property lines of business primarily in the 2016 accident years.  · Standard Commercial Segment . Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit experienced net favorable development primarily in the general liability line of business in the 2016 and prior accident years, partially offset by unfavorable development in the 2016 and prior accident years in the occupational accident line of business.  · Personal Segment . Net unfavorable development in our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit was mostly attributable to the 2016, 2014, 2013 and 2010 and prior accident years, partially offset by favorable development in the 2015 and 2011 accident year s .  Year ended December 31, 2016: · Specialty Commercial Segment . Our Contract Binding operating unit experienced net unfavorable development primarily in commercial auto liability in the 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2009 and prior accident years. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit experienced net favorable development primarily in the general aviation and commercial excess liability, partially offset by net unfavorable development in our medical professional liability lines of business and specialty risk programs .  · Standard Commercial Segment. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit experienced net favorable development primarily in the general liability line of business in the 2011-2015 accident years and the 2009 and prior accident years, partially offset by net unfavorable development in the occupational accident line of business in the 2014 and 2015 accident years. Our Workers Compensation operating unit experienced net favorable development in the 2015 and prior accident years.  · Personal Segment . Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit experienced net unfavorable development attributable to the 2015 and prior accident years in the private passenger auto liability line of business . In the opinion of management, our reserves represent the best estimate of our ultimate liabilities, based on currently known facts, current law, current technology and assumptions considered reasonable where facts are not known. Due to the significant uncertainties and related management judgments, there can be no assurance that future favorable or unfavorable loss development, which may be material, will not occur.  Short-Duration Contract Disclosures ASU 2015-09, “Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts” (Topic 944), requires insurers to make disclosures about their liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses for short-duration insurance contracts. These disclosures include tables showing incurred and paid claims development information (net of reinsurance and excluding unallocated loss adjustment expenses) which are disaggregated based on the characteristics of the insurance contracts that the insurer writes and other factors specific to the reporting entity. The information should be disclosed by accident year for the number of years claims typically remain outstanding, but need not be more than 10 years, including a reconciliation of the disaggregated information to the consolidated statement of financial position. We have evaluated the disaggregation criteria and concluded that the basis for our disaggregation of this information is by each of our three reportable segments. See Note 10, “Segment Information,” for additional information regarding our three reportable segments.  Reserves for Incurred But Not Reported (“IBNR”) Claims Reserves for IBNR claims are based on the estimated ultimate cost of settling claims, including the effects of inflation and other social and economic factors, using past experience adjusted for current trends and any other factors that would modify past experience. We use a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to analyze current claims costs, including frequency and severity data and prevailing economic, social and legal factors. Each such method has its own set of assumptions and outputs, and each has strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Since no single estimation method is superior to another method in all situations, the methods and assumptions used to project loss reserves will vary by coverage and product. We use what we believe to be the most appropriate set of actuarial methods and assumptions for each product line grouping and coverage. While the loss projection methods may vary by product line and coverage, the general approach for calculating IBNR remains the same: ultimate losses are forecasted first, and that amount is reduced by the amount of cumulative paid claims and case reserves. Reserves established in prior years are adjusted as loss experience develops and new information becomes available. Adjustments to previously estimated reserves are reflected in the results of operations in the year in which they are made. As described above, various actuarial methods are utilized to determine the reserves for losses and LAE recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Weightings of methods at a detailed level may change from evaluation to evaluation based on a number of observations, measures, and time elements.  Methodology for Determining Cumulative Number of Reported Claims A claim file is created when the Company is notified of an actual demand for payment, notified of an event that may lead to a demand for payment or when it is determined that a demand for payment could possibly lead to a future demand for payment on another coverage on the same policy or on another policy. The cumulative number of reported claims is predominately measured at a coverage level by occurrence, with the exception of our Specialty Commercial operating unit which is predominately measured at the claim level. Reported occurrences that do not result in a liability are included in reported claims. The Company does not generate claim counts for ceded business.  Incurred & Paid Claims Development Disclosures  The following tables provide information about incurred and cumulative paid losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses (“ALAE”), net of reinsurance for our three reportable segments, our Specialty Commercial Segment, our Standard Commercial Segment and our Personal Segment. The incurred and paid losses by accident year information presented for all segments in the below tables for calendar years prior to 2016 is required supplementary information and is unaudited. The following tables also include IBNR reserves plus expected development on reported claims and the cumulative number of reported claims as of December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands):                              Specialty Commercial Segment     Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31,  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31, IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2017 2017   2008 $ 55,617 $ 56,150 $ 58,143 $ 57,923 $ 56,579 $ 55,157 $ 55,425 $ 55,457 $ 55,864 $ 56,272 $ (534) 7,373  2009 60,950 62,679 61,196 59,471 59,831 59,635 59,988 61,361 61,761 60 5,459  2010 74,187 78,089 75,695 77,593 78,003 77,972 77,631 78,253 900 5,001  2011 88,679 87,558 91,059 90,713 89,737 87,793 87,833 1,102 5,790  2012 106,371 111,253 111,841 115,709 116,320 117,925 1,094 7,339  2013 140,546 135,114 137,230 143,983 150,177 1,742 9,210  2014 144,996 133,464 138,842 144,728 1,260 10,076  2015 147,304 146,610 162,616 8,213 10,826  2016 151,494 157,836 21,557 11,358  2017 170,622 64,261 10,227  Total $ 1,188,023                        Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31,  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017   2008 $ 24,134 $ 37,803 $ 44,903 $ 51,280 $ 53,723 $ 53,577 $ 54,080 $ 54,909 $ 55,372 $ 56,094  2009 21,259 34,411 45,757 53,135 56,791 57,641 59,149 60,785 61,202  2010 24,818 45,234 58,139 68,625 73,398 74,513 75,787 76,906  2011 27,454 53,509 71,697 80,004 83,787 84,936 85,845  2012 37,655 60,923 82,066 97,680 109,060 113,909  2013 40,475 76,366 101,725 126,025 139,759  2014 42,097 73,631 99,521 123,649  2015 39,515 74,906 125,514  2016 41,397 84,616  2017 45,477  Total $ 912,971  All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance 384  Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 275,436        (1                                                                    Standard Commercial Segment     Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31,  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31, IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2017 2017   2008 $ 49,452 $ 47,557 $ 46,762 $ 45,556 $ 42,758 $ 41,597 $ 40,387 $ 40,001 $ 39,195 $ 38,294 $ 701 3,256  2009 44,719 45,674 46,772 46,778 45,970 44,159 43,851 43,107 42,168 1,082 2,635  2010 45,263 45,235 44,847 43,164 43,459 42,426 42,175 42,880 1,265 2,914  2011 60,236 56,489 55,156 49,268 47,266 47,423 46,841 2,038 4,370  2012 51,998 52,554 48,222 45,990 44,272 42,986 2,505 3,219  2013 55,482 57,528 56,703 53,174 52,076 4,317 3,920  2014 55,488 55,808 53,568 53,882 5,602 3,555  2015 49,571 49,857 50,053 8,768 3,165  2016 46,880 48,182 11,673 2,779  2017 41,393 18,099 2,330  Total $ 458,755       Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31,  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017   2008 $ 17,182 $ 25,624 $ 29,058 $ 32,523 $ 34,056 $ 34,762 $ 35,360 $ 36,276 $ 36,859 $ 37,002  2009 15,242 28,313 32,075 35,818 38,316 40,389 40,575 40,629 40,835  2010 21,302 28,342 30,957 33,428 37,166 39,115 39,706 40,937  2011 24,899 35,119 38,909 40,301 41,140 42,441 43,680  2012 23,445 32,203 34,789 37,191 38,526 40,408  2013 23,123 36,411 41,809 44,475 46,756  2014 24,255 37,122 41,514 45,779  2015 19,085 34,245 38,302  2016 21,508 32,006  2017 16,755  Total $ 382,460  All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance 1,824  Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 78,119        Personal Segment    Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31,  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31, IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2017 2017   2008 $ 36,247 $ 36,976 $ 38,329 $ 39,412 $ 39,793 $ 40,170 $ 40,239 $ 40,324 $ 40,369 $ 40,401 $ - 17,354  2009 40,436 42,092 46,244 47,977 48,930 49,694 49,772 49,891 49,971 - 21,054  2010 63,862 78,294 80,765 84,724 83,903 84,252 84,591 84,808 - 30,180  2011 75,746 77,652 87,810 86,757 86,804 86,948 86,853 - 31,614  2012 58,604 73,795 70,552 71,513 72,042 72,037 - 23,938  2013 55,706 59,132 60,100 60,211 60,379 69 23,468  2014 5,452 5,340 6,243 6,699 239 19,297  2015 23,104 25,682 25,307 642 23,512  2016 32,260 32,893 1,309 24,988  2017 23,342 4,253 17,532  Total $ 482,690      Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31,  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017   2008 $ 20,005 $ 32,555 $ 36,782 $ 38,925 $ 39,511 $ 40,210 $ 40,309 $ 40,323 $ 40,347 $ 40,404  2009 23,306 37,621 44,689 47,967 49,287 49,539 49,704 49,853 49,957  2010 38,643 67,755 75,199 82,624 83,511 84,111 84,556 84,717  2011 46,416 67,939 83,497 85,533 86,217 86,593 86,660  2012 37,860 64,278 68,849 70,807 71,995 72,055  2013 45,901 54,514 58,047 59,775 60,277  2014 2,515 4,418 5,631 6,428  2015 11,570 22,281 24,262  2016 21,669 30,646  2017 15,776  Total $ 471,182  All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance (3)  Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 11,505       The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid development tables to the liability for unpaid losses and LAE in our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows (in thousands):     2017 2016   Net outstanding liabilities for losses and LAE   Specialty Commercial Segment $ 275,436 $ 252,602  Standard Commercial Segment 78,119 82,222  Personal Segment 11,505 15,544  Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance 365,060 350,368   Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE  Specialty Commercial Segment 137,975 102,597  Standard Commercial Segment 6,051 8,540  Personal Segment 10,586 12,100  Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE 154,612 123,237   Unallocated loss adjustment expenses  Specialty Commercial Segment 3,377 3,831  Standard Commercial Segment 3,153 3,031  Personal Segment 898 1,100  Total unallocated loss adjustment expenses 7,428 7,962   Total reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 527,100 $ 481,567   C laims Duration  The following table provides supplementary unaudited information about the annual percentage payout of incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance, as of December 31, 2017:                  Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (1)  Unaudited  Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10  Specialty Commercial Segment 30.5% 23.9% 19.0% 13.1% 6.6% 1.6% 1.5% 1.8% 0.7% 1.3%  Standard Commercial Segment 45.1% 23.7% 8.1% 6.5% 4.7% 3.7% 1.5% 1.8% 1.0% 1.7%  Personal Segment 52.0% 28.6% 10.8% 5.6% 1.3% 0.7% 0.3% 0.2% 0.1% 0.4%      (   (1) The average annual percentage payout is calculated from a paid losses and ALAE development pattern based on an actuarial analysis of the paid losses and ALAE movements by accident year for each disaggregation category. The paid losses and AL A E development pattern provides the expected percentage of ultimate losses and ALAE to be paid in each year. The pattern considers all accident years included in the claims development tables .

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	   7. 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 December 31, 2017 was with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A–” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit.  The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years (in thousands):       2017 2016 2015  Premium Written :  Direct $ 601,780 $ 549,077 $ 514,223  Assumed 2,376 - -  Ceded (238,573) (187,248) (157,279)  $ 365,583 $ 361,829 $ 356,944   Premium Earned:  Direct $ 567,089 $ 524,229 $ 494,643  Assumed 1,680 - -  Ceded (207,732) (170,859) (145,562)  $ 361,037 $ 353,370 $ 349,081   Reinsurance recoveries $ 144,948 $ 116,057 $ 89,892  Included in reinsurance recoverable on the consolidated balance sheets are paid loss recoverables of $ 28.2 million and $24.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.    

Revolving Credit Facility and N

Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable [Abstract]
Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable	    8. Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable :  Our Second Restated Credit Agreement with Frost Bank (“Frost”) dated June 30, 2015, reinstated the credit facility with Frost which expired by its terms on April 30, 2015. The Second Restated Credit Agreement also amended certain provisions of the credit facility and restated the agreement with Frost in its entirety. The Second Restated Credit Agreement provides a $15.0 million revolving credit facility (“Facility A”), with a $5.0 million letter of credit sub-facility, which expires on June 30, 2018. The outstanding balance of the Facility A bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 2.5% , at our election. We pay an annual fee of 0.25% of the average daily unused balance of Facility A and letter of credit fees at the rate of 1.00% per annum. All principal and accrued interest on Facility A becomes due and payable on June 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, we had no outstanding borrowings under Facility A. On December 17, 2015, we entered into a First Amendment to Second Restated Credit Agreement and a Revolving Facility B Agreement (the “Facility B Agreement”) with Frost to provide a new $30.0 million revolving credit facility (“Facility B”), in addition to Facility A. On November 1, 2016, we amended the Facility B Agreement with Frost to extend by one year the termination date for draws under Facility B and the maturity date for amounts outstanding thereunder. We paid Frost a commitment fee of $75,000 when Facility B was established and an additional $30,000 fee when Facility B was extended. On December 20, 2017, we entered into a Second Amendment to Second Restated Credit Agreement and a Second Amendment to Revolving Facility B Agreement with Frost. The Second Amendment to Second Restated Credit Agreement revised certain definitions in the Second Restated Credit Agreement. The Second Amendment to Revolving Facility B Agreement amended the Revolving Facility B Agreement to further extend by one year the termination date for draws thereunder and the maturity date for amounts outstanding thereunder. During the fourth quarter of 2017 we accrued a $30,000 fee payable to Frost when Facility B was extended.  We may use Facility B loan proceeds solely for the purpose of making capital contributions to AHIC and HIC. As amended, we may borrow, repay and reborrow under Facility B until December 17, 2019 , at which time all amounts outstanding under Facility B are converted to a term loan. Through December 17, 2019, we pay Frost a quarterly fee of 0.25% per annum of the average daily unused balance of Facility B. Facility B bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate or LIBOR plus 3.00% , at our election. Until December 17, 2019, interest only on amounts from time to time outstanding under Facility B are payable quarterly. Any amounts outstanding on Facility B as of December 17, 2019 are converted to a term loan payable in quarterly installments over five years based on a seven year amortization of principal plus accrued interest. All remaining principal and accrued interest on Facility B become due and payable on December 17, 2024. As of December 31, 2017, we had $30.0 million outstanding under Facility B. The obligations under both Facility A and Facility B are secured by a security interest in the capital stock of AHIC and HIC. Both Facility A and Facility B contain 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 or have obtained a waiver of all of these covenants. 

Subordinated Debt Securities

Subordinated Debt Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subordinated Debt Securities [Abstract]
Subordinated Debt Securities	   9. 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 Hallmark Statutory Trust I (“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. The initial interest rate on our Trust I subordinated debt securities was 7.725% until June 15, 2015 , after which interest adjusts 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 December 31, 2017, the principal balance of our Trust I subordinated debt was $30.9 million and the interest rate was 4.84% per annum.  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 Hallmark Statutory Trust II (“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 bore an initial interest rate of 8.28% until September 15, 2017, after which interest adjusts 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 uncollateralized and do not require maintenance of minimum financial covenants. As of December 31, 2017, the principal balance of our Trust II subordinated debt was $25.8 million and the interest rate was 4.49% per annum. 

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	   10. Segment Information :  We pursue our business activities primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into producing units and are supported by our insurance carrier subsidiaries. Our non-carrier insurance activities are organized by operating units into the following reportable segments:    Specialty Commercial Segment. Our Specialty Commercial Segment includes the excess and surplus lines commercial property/casualty insurance products and services handled by our Contract Binding operating unit and the general aviation, satellite launch, commercial umbrella and primary/excess liability, medical and financial professional liability and primary/excess commercial property insurance products and services handled by our Specialty Commercial operating unit. Certain specialty programs are also managed by our Specialty Commercial operating unit. Our Contract Binding operating unit is comprised of our HSU, PAAC and TGASRI subsidiaries. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of our Aerospace Insurance Managers, ASRI, ACMG, HXS and HDS subsidiaries.    Standard Commercial Segment. The Standard Commercial Segment includes the standard lines commercial property/casualty and occupational accident insurance products and services handled by our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and the workers compensation insurance products handled by our Workers Compensation operating unit. Effective June 1, 2016, we ceased marketing new or renewal occupational accident policies. Effective July 1, 2015, the Workers Compensation operating unit ceased retaining any risk on new or renewal policies. Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit is comprised of our American Hallmark Insurance Services and ECM subsidiaries. Our Workers Compensation operating unit is comprised of our TBIC Holdings, TBIC and TBICRM subsidiaries.   Personal Segment. Our Personal Segment includes the non-standard personal automobile and renters insurance products and services handled by our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit is comprised of AHGA and HCS.  The retained premium produced by these reportable segments is supported by our AHIC, HSIC, HIC, HNIC and TBIC insurance company subsidiaries. In addition, control and management of HCM is maintained through our wholly owned subsidiary, CYR Insurance Management Company (“CYR”). CYR has as its primary asset a management agreement with HCM which provides for CYR to have management and control of HCM. HCM is used to front certain lines of business in our Specialty Commercial and Personal Segments in Texas. HCM does not retain any business.   AHIC, HIC, HSIC and HNIC have entered into a pooling arrangement, pursuant to which AHIC retains 34% of the net premiums written by any of them, HIC retains 32% of the net premiums written by any of them, HSIC retains 24% of the net premiums written by any of them and HNIC retains 10% of the net premiums written by any of them. Neither HCM nor TBIC is a party to the intercompany pooling arrangement.                                    The following is additional business segment information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):        2017 2016 2015  Revenues  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 277,946 $ 255,897 $ 249,910  Standard Commercial Segment 70,302 71,966 76,864  Personal Segment 40,462 49,826 45,538  Corporate (3,189) (1,737) 90  Consolidated $ 385,521 $ 375,952 $ 372,402    Depreciation and Amortization Expense  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 2,796 $ 2,579 $ 2,537  Standard Commercial Segment 294 101 136  Personal Segment 1,258 1,070 779  Corporate 367 144 64  Consolidated $ 4,715 $ 3,894 $ 3,516    Interest Expense  Specialty Commercial Segment $ - $ - $ -  Standard Commercial Segment - - -  Personal Segment - - -  Corporate 4,512 4,549 3,906  Consolidated $ 4,512 $ 4,549 $ 3,906    Tax (Benefit) Expense  Specialty Commercial Segment $ (4,382) $ 7,886 $ 11,609  Standard Commercial Segment 3,849 3,011 1,436  Personal Segment (676) (3,821) (1,345)  Corporate (3,810) (5,124) (1,677)  Consolidated $ (5,019) $ 1,952 $ 10,023    Pre-tax income (loss)  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 2,012 $ 24,417 $ 40,277  Standard Commercial Segment 2,440 8,866 6,687  Personal Segment (3,058) (6,839) (885)  Corporate (17,966) (17,966) (14,193)  Consolidated $ (16,572) $ 8,478 $ 31,886          The following is additional business segment information as of the following dates (in thousands):      December 31  2017 2016  Assets  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 810,133 $ 734,763  Standard Commercial Segment 162,152 164,295  Personal Segment 232,441 241,686  Corporate 26,400 21,716  Consolidated $ 1,231,126 $ 1,162,460 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	   11. Earnings Per Share :  We have adopted the provisions of ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,” requiring presentation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share calculations is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):      2017 2016 2015  Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:  Net (loss) income $ (11,553) $ 6,526 $ 21,863   Denominator, basic shares 18,343 18,780 19,211  Effect of dilutive securities:  Stock-based compensation awards - 161 194  Denominator, diluted shares 18,343 18,941 19,405   Basic earnings per share: $ (0.63) $ 0.35 $ 1.14   Diluted earnings per share: $ (0.63) $ 0.34 $ 1.13  We had 406,731 shares, 272,500 shares and 267,500 shares of common stock potentially issuable upon exercise of employee stock options for years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, that were excluded from the weighted average number of shares outstanding on a diluted basis because the effect of such options would be anti-dilutive. These instruments expire at varying times from 2018 to 2020.

Regulatory Capital Restrictions

Regulatory Capital Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Abstract]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions	 12. Regulatory Capital Restrictions :  Hallmark, as a holding company, is dependent on dividend payments and management fees from its subsidiaries to fund its operating expenses, debt obligations and capital needs, including the ability to pay dividends to its stockholders. Hallmark has never paid dividends on its common stock. Hallmark intends to continue this policy for the foreseeable future in order to retain earnings for development of its business. There are no regulatory or contractual restrictions on the ability of Hallmark to pay dividends other than customary default provisions and the impact of any dividend payment on financial ratio covenants in certain credit agreements. However, there are restrictions on the ability of Hallmark’s insurance carrier subsidiaries to transfer funds to the holding company. The amount of retained earnings that is unrestricted for the payment of dividends by Hallmark to its shareholders was $63.7 million as of December 31, 2017.  AHIC and TBIC, domiciled in Texas, are limited in the payment of dividends to their stockholders in any 12-month period, without the prior written consent of the Texas Department of Insurance, to the greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders’ surplus as of the prior year end . HIC and HNIC, both domiciled in Arizona, are limited in the payment of dividends to the lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year’s net investment income , without prior written approval from the Arizona Department of Insurance. HSIC, domiciled in Oklahoma, is limited in the payment of dividends to the greater of 10% of prior year policyholders’ surplus or prior year’s statutory net income, not including realized capital gains , without prior written approval from the Oklahoma Insurance Department. For all our insurance companies, dividends may only be paid from unassigned surplus funds. During 2018, the aggregate ordinary dividend capacity of these subsidiaries is $27.6 million, of which $19.7 million is available to Hallmark. As a county mutual, dividends from HCM are payable to policyholders. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 our insurance company subsidiaries paid $11.4 million and $10.5 million, respectively, in dividends to Hallmark. The total restricted net assets of our insurance company subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017, was $187.4 million.  The state insurance departments also regulate financial transactions between our insurance subsidiaries and their affiliated companies. Applicable regulations require approval of management fees, expense sharing contracts and similar transactions. Our insurance subsidiaries did not pay management fees to Hallmark and our non-insurance company subsidiaries during 2017. The net amount paid in management fees by our insurance subsidiaries to Hallmark and our non-insurance company subsidiaries was $1.1 million and $1.3 million during 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Statutory capital and surplus is calculated as statutory assets less statutory liabilities. The various state insurance departments that regulate our insurance company subsidiaries require us to maintain a minimum statutory capital and surplus. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory capital and surplus of $233.3 million and $248.4 million, respectively, substantially greater than the minimum requirements for each state. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, respectively, our insurance company subsidiaries reported statutory net income of $1.9 million, $8.7 million and $24.6 million, respectively.  The National Association of Insurance Commissioners requires property/casualty insurers to file a risk-based capital calculation according to a specified formula. The purpose of the formula is twofold: (1) to assess the adequacy of an insurer’s statutory capital and surplus based upon a variety of factors such as potential risks related to investment portfolio, ceded reinsurance and product mix; and (2) to assist state regulators under the RBC for Insurers Model Act by providing thresholds at which a state commissioner is authorized and expected to take regulatory action. As of December 31, 2017, the adjusted capital under the risk-based capital calculation of each of our insurance company subsidiaries substantially exceeded the minimum requirements.

Share-based Payment Arrangement

Share-based Payment Arrangements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Share-based Payment Arrangements	 13. 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 and expired by its terms on May 27, 2015. As of December 31, 2017, there were outstanding incentive stock options to purchase 147,574 shares of our common stock, non-qualified stock options to purchase 259,157 shares of our common stock and restricted stock units representing the right to receive up to 77,640 shares of our common stock. 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.  Our 2015 Long Term Incentive Plan (“2015 LTIP”) was approved by shareholders on May 29, 2015. There are 2,000,000 shares authorized for issuance under the 2015 LTIP. As of December 31, 2017, restricted stock units representing the right to receive up to 501,029 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2015 LTIP. There were no stock option awards granted under the 2015 LTIP as of December 31, 2017.  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 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 December 31, 2017 and changes during the year then ended is presented below:       Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Instrinsic Value ($000)  Outstanding at January 1, 2017 624,231 $ 9.14  Granted -  Exercised (35,000) $ 6.61  Forfeited or expired (182,500) $ 12.49  Outstanding at December 31, 2017 406,731 $ 7.85 1.2 $ 1,142  Exercisable at December 31, 2017 406,731 $ 7.85 1.2 $ 1,142   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):      2017 2016 2015  Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 163 $ 250 $ 393  Cost of share-based payments (non-cash) $ - $ 38 $ 157  Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income $ - $ 8 $ 30    As of December 31, 2017, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under our plans which is expected to be recognized in the future. 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 2017, 2016 or 2015. Restricted Stock Units: Restricted stock units awarded under the 2005 LTIP and 2015 LTIP represent the right to receive shares of common stock upon the satisfaction of vesting requirements, performance criteria and other terms and conditions. Restricted stock units generally vest and, if performance criteria have been satisfied, shares of common stock become issuable on March 31 of the third calendar year following the year of grant. If and to the extent specified performance criteria have been achieved, one grant of restricted stock units granted on September 8, 2014 will vest on March 31, 2018. The performance criteria for all restricted stock units require that we 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 unit grants contain an additional performance criteria related to the attainment of an average combined ratio percentage over the vesting period. Grantees of restricted stock units do not have any rights of a stockholder, and do not participate in any distributions to our common stockholders, until the award fully vests upon satisfaction of the vesting schedule, performance criteria and other conditions set forth in their award agreement. Therefore, unvested restricted stock units are not considered participating securities under ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share,” and are not included in the calculation of basic or diluted earnings per share. Compensation cost is measured as an amount equal to the fair value of the restricted stock units on the date of grant 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 our best estimate of the ultimate achievement level. The grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted in 2015, 2016 and 2017 was $11.10 , $11.41 and $10.20 per unit, respectively. We incurred compensation expense (benefit) of $149 thousand, ( $156 ) thousand and $226 thousand related to restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We recorded income tax benefit (expense) of $52 thousand, ( $55 ) thousand and $79 thousand related to restricted stock units during the year ended December 31, 2017,2016 and 2015, respectively. The following table details the status of our restricted stock units as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:    Number of Restricted Stock Units  2017 2016 2015   Nonvested at January 1 296,574 296,571 285,216  Granted 138,712 122,770 103,351  Vested (5,998) (7,144) (8,616)  Forfeited (43,509) (115,623) (83,380)  Nonvested at December 31 385,779 296,574 296,571   As of December 31, 2017, there was $1.9 million of unrecognized grant date compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units. Based on the current performance estimate, we expect to recognize $0.6 million of compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock units, of which $0.3 million is expected to be recognized in 2018 , $0.2 million is expected to be recognized in 2019 and $0.1 million is expected to be recognized in 2020.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	  14. Retirement Plans :  Certain employees of the Standard Commercial Segment were participants in a defined cash balance plan covering all full-time employees who had completed at least 1,000 hours of service. This plan was frozen in March 2001 in anticipation of distribution of plan assets to members upon plan termination. All participants were vested when the plan was frozen.  The following tables provide detail of the changes in benefit obligations, components of benefit costs, weighted-average assumptions, and plan assets for the retirement plan as of and for the twelve months ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands) using a measurement date of December 31.                                                  2017 2016 2015  Assumptions (end of period):  Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation 3.45% 3.88% 4.12%  Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A   Reconciliation of funded status (end of period):  Accumulated benefit obligation $ (12,758) $ (12,618) $ (12,915)   Projected benefit obligation $ (12,758) $ (12,618) $ (12,915)  Fair value of plan assets 11,153 10,415 10,419  Funded status $ (1,605) $ (2,203) $ (2,496)   Net actuarial loss (3,554) (4,102) (3,957)  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,554) (4,102) (3,957)  Prepaid pension cost 1,949 1,899 1,461  Net amount recognized as of December 31 $ (1,605) $ (2,203) $ (2,496)   Changes in projected benefit obligation:  Benefit obligation as of beginning of period $ 12,618 $ 12,915 $ 13,909  Interest cost 471 512 518  Actuarial liability loss/(gain) 554 19 (646)  Benefits paid (885) (828) (866)  Benefit obligation as of end of period $ 12,758 $ 12,618 $ 12,915   Change in plan assets:  Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period $ 10,415 $ 10,419 $ 11,290  Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses) 1,623 415 (5)  Employer contributions - 409 -  Benefits paid (885) (828) (866)  Fair value of plan assets as of end of period $ 11,153 $ 10,415 $ 10,419   Net periodic pension cost:  Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ - $ - $ -  Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 471 512 518  Expected return on plan assets (646) (653) (701)  Recognized actuarial loss 126 112 103  Net periodic pension cost $ (49) $ (29) $ (80)   Discount rate 3.88% 4.12% 3.86%  Expected return on plan assets 6.50% 6.50% 6.50%  Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A    Estimated future benefit payments by fiscal year (in thousands):      2018 $ 882  2019 $ 876  2020 $ 864  2021 $ 866  2022 $ 851  2023-2027 $ 4,001  As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of the plan assets was composed of cash and cash equivalents of $0.4 million, debt securities of $3.6 million and equity securities of $7.2 million.  Our investment objectives are to preserve capital and to achieve long-term growth through a favorable rate of return equal to or greater than 5% over the long-term ( 60 year) average inflation rate as measured by the consumer price index. The objective of the equity portion of the portfolio is to achieve a return in excess of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. The objective of the fixed income portion of the portfolio is to add stability, consistency, safety and total return to the total fund portfolio.  We prohibit investments in options, futures, precious metals, short sales and purchase on margin. We also restrict the investment in fixed income securities to “A” rated or better and restrict investments in common stocks to only those that are listed and actively traded on one or more of the major United States stock exchanges, including NASDAQ. We manage to an asset allocation of 45% to 75% in equity securities. An investment in any single stock issue is restricted to 5% of the total portfolio value and 90% of the securities held in mutual or commingled funds must meet the criteria for common stocks.  To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, we consider the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. This resulted in the selection of the 6.5% long-term rate of return on assets assumption. The expected return on plan assets uses the fair market value as of December 31, 2017. To develop the discount rate used in determining the benefit obligation we used the BPS&M AA Pension Discount Curve at the measurement date to match the timing and amounts of projected future benefits. A corridor approach is used to amortize actuarial gains and losses. We are applying the 10% threshold set forth in ASC 715. In addition, since all accrued benefits under the plan are frozen, we are amortizing the unrecognized gains and losses outside of the corridor by the average life expectancy of the plan participants.  We expect that we will not be required to make a contribution to the defined benefit cash balance plan during 2018. We expect our 2018 periodic pension cost to be $(164) thousand, the components of which are interest cost of $424 thousand, expected return on plan assets of ($694) thousand and amortization of actuarial loss of $106 thousand.  The following table shows the weighted-average asset allocation for the defined benefit cash balance plan held as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.     December 31  2017 2016  Asset Category:  Debt securities 32% 33%  Equity securities 64% 64%  Other 4% 3%  Total 100% 100%  We determine the fair value of our financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC 820. (See Note 3.)        The following table presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands).      As of December 31, 2017  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total  Debt securities $ - $ 3,586 $ - $ 3,586  Equity securities 7,156 - - 7,156  Total $ 7,156 $ 3,586 $ - $ 10,742      As of December 31, 2016  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total  Debt securities $ - $ 3,438 $ - $ 3,438  Equity securities 6,653 - - 6,653  Total $ 6,653 $ 3,438 $ - $ 10,091  Our plan assets also include cash and cash equivalents of $0.4 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are carried at cost which approximates fair value.  We sponsor a defined contribution plan. Under this plan, employees may contribute a portion of their compensation on a tax-deferred basis, and we may contribute a discretionary amount each year. We contributed $0.2 million, $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	TCJA 15. Income Taxes : The composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related tax effects as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, are as follows (in thousands):      2017 2016  Deferred tax liabilities:  Deferred policy acquisition costs $ (3,361) $ (6,717)  Net unrealized holding gain on investments (4,688) (7,395)  Agency relationship (28) (56)  Intangible assets (2,476) (4,623)  Goodwill (357) (559)  Bond amortization (111) -  Fixed assets (860) (1,106)  Other (303) (435)  Total deferred tax liabilities (12,184) (20,891)   Deferred tax assets:  Unearned premiums 6,901 11,184  Amortization of non-compete agreements 107 238  Pension liability 746 1,436  Net operating loss carry-forward 200 319  Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense 3,422 6,208  Rent reserve 158 247  Bond amortization - 434  Bonus accrual 302 291  Investment impairments 1,956 1,419  Other 329 480  Total deferred tax assets 14,121 22,256   Deferred federal income taxes, net $ 1,937 $ 1,365  We concluded that no valuation allowance was necessary to provide against our deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017.                     A reconciliation of the income tax provisions based on the 35% statutory tax rate to the provision reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, is as follows (in thousands):      2017 2016 2015  Computed expected income tax (benefit) expense at statutory tax rate $ (5,800) $ 2,967 $ 11,160  Meals and entertainment 81 81 32  Tax exempt interest (987) (1,164) (1,259)  Dividends received deduction (196) (133) (141)  State taxes (net of federal benefit) 165 203 176  Tax law change 1,276 - -  True up bond amortization 464 - -  Other (22) (2) 55  Income tax (benefit) expense $ (5,019) $ 1,952 $ 10,023   Current income tax (benefit) expense $ (3,444) $ 1,547 $ 11,053  Deferred tax (benefit) expense (1,575) 405 (1,030)  Income tax (benefit) expense $ (5,019) $ 1,952 $ 10,023  We have available, for federal income tax purposes, unused net operating loss of $1.0 million at December 31, 2017. The losses were acquired as part of the HIC and HCM acquisitions and may be used to offset future taxable income. Utilization of the losses is limited under Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Internal Revenue Code provides that effective with tax years beginning September 1997, the carry-back and carry-forward periods are 2 years and 20 years, respectively, with respect to newly generated operating losses. The net operating losses will expire if unused, as follows (in thousands):      Year  2022 $ 553  2028 2  2029 25  2031 45  2032 77  2033 73  2034 59  2035 33  2036 50  2037 37  $ 954  We are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2014. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. There were no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2017.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	 16. Commitments and Contingencies :  We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Certain of these leases contain renewal options. Rental expense amounted to $2.8 million, $2.5 million and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.  Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):     Year  2018 $ 2,398  2019 2,251  2020 2,151  2021 1,155  2022 507  2023 and thereafter -  Total minimum lease payments (a) $ 8,462   (a) Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $35 thousand due in the future under non-cancelable subleases.  From time to time, assessments are levied on us by the guaranty association of the states where we offer our insurance products. Such assessments are made primarily to cover the losses of policyholders of insolvent or rehabilitated insurers. Since these assessments can generally be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes paid, we capitalize the assessments that can be recovered as they are paid and amortize the capitalized balance against our premium tax expense. We paid assessments of $36 thousand and $0.1 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  We are engaged in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, are believed likely to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, in the opinion of management. The various legal proceedings to which we are a party are routine in nature and incidental to our business.

Changes in Accumulated Other Co

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances [Abstract]
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances	17. Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances: The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were as follows (in thousands):     Pension Liability Unrealized Gains (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at January 1, 2015 $ (2,600) $ 20,401 $ 17,801  Other comprehensive loss:  Change in net actuarial gain 43 - 43  Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (15) - (15)  Unrealized holding losses arising during the period - (10,191) (10,191)  Tax effect on unrealized losses arising during the period - 3,567 3,567  Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains - (5,826) (5,826)  Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense - 2,039 2,039  Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 28 (10,411) (10,383)   Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (2,572) $ 9,990 $ 7,418  Other comprehensive income:  Change in net actuarial loss (145) - (145)  Tax effect on change in net actuarial loss 51 - 51  Unrealized holding gains arising during the period - 6,019 6,019  Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period - (2,107) (2,107)  Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains - (1,331) (1,331)  Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense - 466 466  Other comprehensive income, net of tax (94) 3,047 2,953   Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (2,666) $ 13,037 $ 10,371  Other comprehensive income:  Change in net actuarial gain 548 - 548  Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (192) - (192)  Unrealized holding gains arising during the period - 9,117 9,117  Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period - (3,191) (3,191)  Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains - (6,799) (6,799)  Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense - 2,380 2,380  Other comprehensive income, net of tax 356 1,507 1,863   Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (2,310) $ 14,544 $ 12,234 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Concentrations of Credit Risk	   18. Concentrations of Credit Risk :  We maintain cash and cash equivalents in accounts with four financial institutions in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. We monitor the financial stability of the depository institutions regularly and do not believe excessive risk of depository institution failure existed at December 31, 2017.  We are also subject to credit risk with respect to reinsurers to whom we have ceded underwriting risk. Although a reinsurer is liable for losses to the extent of the coverage it assumes, we remain obligated to our policyholders in the event that the reinsurers do not meet their obligations under the reinsurance agreements. In order to mitigate credit risk to reinsurance companies, we monitor the financial condition of reinsurers on an ongoing basis and review our reinsurance arrangements periodically. Most of our reinsurance recoverable balances as of December 31, 2017 were with reinsurers that had an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or better. We also mitigate our credit risk for the remaining reinsurance recoverable by obtaining letters of credit.

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Fi

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information	19. Unaudited Selected Financial Quarterly Information : Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share data). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been made.      2017 2016  Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4  Total revenue $ 96,948 $ 93,475 $ 97,723 $ 97,375 $ 90,028 $ 91,052 $ 97,618 $ 97,254  Total expense 91,110 98,393 99,248 113,342 84,039 89,565 90,442 103,428  Income (loss) before tax 5,838 (4,918) (1,525) (15,967) 5,989 1,487 7,176 (6,174)  Income tax expense (benefit) 1,852 (1,568) 35 (5,338) 1,915 421 2,128 (2,512)  Net income (loss) $ 3,986 $ (3,350) $ (1,560) $ (10,629) $ 4,074 $ 1,066 $ 5,048 $ (3,662)   Basic earnings (loss) per share: $ 0.21 $ (0.18) $ (0.09) $ (0.59) $ 0.21 $ 0.06 $ 0.27 $ (0.20)   Diluted earnings (loss) per share: $ 0.21 $ (0.18) $ (0.09) $ (0.59) $ 0.21 $ 0.06 $ 0.27 $ (0.20) 

Schedule II - Condensed Financi

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure	HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2017 and 2016 (In thousands)     2017 2016 ASSETS Debt securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: $150 in 2017) $ 150 $ - Cash and cash equivalents 12,194 9,034 Investment in subsidiaries 344,496 363,078 Deferred federal income taxes 493 333 Federal income tax recoverable 3,914 2,756 Other assets 3,571 3,878 Total assets $ 364,818 $ 379,079  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities: Revolving credit facility payable $ 30,000 $ 30,000 Subordinated debt securities (less unamortized debt issuance cost of $949 in 2017 and $1,001 in 2016) 55,753 55,701 Accounts payable and other accrued expenses 27,947 27,642  Total liabilities 113,700 113,343  Stockholders’ equity: Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2017 and in 2016 3,757 3,757 Additional paid-in capital 123,180 123,166 Retained earnings 136,474 148,027 Accumulated other comprehensive income 12,234 10,371 Treasury stock (2,703,803 shares in 2017 and 2,260,849 in 2016), at cost (24,527) (19,585)  Total stockholders’ equity 251,118 265,736  Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 364,818 $ 379,079  See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.   HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (In thousands)     2017 2016 2015 Investment income, net of expenses $ 210 $ 70 $ 120 Dividend income from subsidiaries 11,375 10,500 8,000 Net realized losses (759) - - Management fee income 11,896 10,711 10,053 Total revenues 22,722 21,281 18,173  Operating expenses 10,265 9,878 10,222 Interest expense 4,512 4,549 3,906  Total expenses 14,777 14,427 14,128  Income before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit 7,945 6,854 4,045  Income tax benefit (947) (1,315) (1,273)  Income before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries 8,892 8,169 5,318 Equity in undistributed share of (loss) earnings in subsidiaries (20,445) (1,643) 16,545  Net (loss) income $ (11,553) $ 6,526 $ 21,863  Comprehensive (loss) income $ (9,690) $ 9,479 $ 11,480  See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.     HALLMARK FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (In thousands)     2017 2016 2015 Cash flows from operating activities: Net (loss) income $ (11,553) $ 6,526 $ 21,863  Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and amortization expense 367 148 65 Deferred income tax (benefit) expense (160) 609 (195) Net realized losses 759 - - Undistributed share of loss (earnings) of subsidiaries 20,445 1,643 (16,545) Change in current federal income tax (recoverable) payable (1,158) (2,828) 8 Change in all other liabilities 306 1,228 (7,080) Change in all other assets 632 814 188  Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 9,638 8,140 (1,696)  Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (97) (1,469) (159) Purchase of investment securities (1,304) - - Capital contribution to subsidiaries - - (30,000)  Net cash used in investing activities (1,401) (1,469) (30,159)  Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options 231 466 658 Purchase of treasury shares (5,308) (6,117) (2,532) Activity under revolving credit facility, net - - 30,000 Payment of debt issuance costs - - (96) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (5,077) (5,651) 28,030  Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 3,160 1,020 (3,825) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 9,034 8,014 11,839 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 12,194 $ 9,034 $ 8,014  Supplemental cash flow information: Interest paid $ 4,506 $ 4,287 $ 3,906  Income taxes paid (recovered) $ 372 $ 904 $ (1,086)  See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm

Schedule III -Supplementary Ins

Schedule III -Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Insurance Information	 FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information  (In thousands)     Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K  Segment  Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims, and Loss Adjustment Expenses Unearned Premiums Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable Premium Revenue Net Investment Income Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other Operating Expenses Net Premiums Written  2017  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 8,668 $ 416,788 $ 224,903 $ - $ 259,086 $ 16,809 $ 213,050 $ 21,600 $ 57,458 $ 265,022  Standard Commercial Segment 6,421 87,323 37,574 - 66,218 3,855 45,227 10,890 23,180 69,288  Personal Segment 913 22,989 14,165 - 35,733 1,194 30,031 1,775 12,712 31,273  Corporate - - - - - (2,984) - - 10,265 -   Consolidated $ 16,002 $ 527,100 $ 276,642 $ - $ 361,037 $ 18,874 $ 288,308 $ 34,265 $ 103,615 $ 365,583   2016  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 11,961 $ 358,961 $ 185,634 $ - $ 241,890 $ 12,962 $ 169,125 $ 27,474 $ 58,678 $ 249,072  Standard Commercial Segment 5,849 93,793 34,334 - 67,510 3,471 41,173 12,199 22,117 68,490  Personal Segment 1,383 28,813 21,286 - 43,970 1,276 43,390 (597) 13,119 44,267  Corporate - - - - - (1,367) - - 11,682 -   Consolidated $ 19,193 $ 481,567 $ 241,254 $ - $ 353,370 $ 16,342 $ 253,688 $ 39,076 $ 105,596 $ 361,829   2015  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 13,501 $ 314,975 $ 161,730 $ - $ 237,640 $ 11,524 $ 148,664 $ 23,371 $ 58,212 $ 241,775  Standard Commercial Segment 5,633 105,971 33,701 - 72,613 3,623 47,071 4,237 22,820 71,097  Personal Segment 1,232 29,932 20,976 - 38,828 1,235 34,414 5,066 12,205 44,072  Corporate - - - - - (2,413) - - 10,377 -   Consolidated $ 20,366 $ 450,878 $ 216,407 $ - $ 349,081 $ 13,969 $ 230,149 $ 32,674 $ 103,614 $ 356,944  See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Schedule IV -Reinsurance

Schedule IV -Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums For Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Schedule IV – Reinsurance  (In thousands)    Year Ended December 31, 2017 Column B Gross Amount Column C Ceded to Other Companies Column D Assumed from Other Companies Column E Net Amount Column F Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net  Life insurance in force $ - $ - $ - $ -   Premiums  Life insurance $ - $ - $ - $ -  Accident and health insurance - - - -  Property and liability insurance 567,089 207,732 1,680 361,037 0.47%  Title Insurance - - - -  Total premiums $ 567,089 $ 207,732 $ 1,680 $ 361,037 0.47%   Year Ended December 31, 2016  Life insurance in force $ - $ - $ - $ -   Premiums  Life insurance $ - $ - $ - $ -  Accident and health insurance - - - -  Property and liability insurance 524,229 170,859 - 353,370 0.00%  Title Insurance - - - -  Total premiums $ 524,229 $ 170,859 $ - $ 353,370 0.00%   Year Ended December 31, 2015  Life insurance in force $ - $ - $ - $ -   Premiums  Life insurance $ - $ - $ - $ -  Accident and health insurance - - - -  Property and liability insurance 494,643 145,562 - 349,081 0.00%  Title Insurance - - - -  Total premiums $ 494,643 $ 145,562 $ - $ 349,081 0.00%  See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Schedule VI -Supplemental Infor

Schedule VI -Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Information For Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES  Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations  (In thousands)     Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K  Affiliation With Registrant Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Discount if any, Deducted In Column C Unearned Premiums Earned Premiums Net Investment Income Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisitions Costs Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses Net Premiums Written  (1) Current Year (2) Prior Years  (a) Consolidated property-casualty Entities  2017 $ 16,002 $ 527,100 $ - $ 276,642 $ 361,037 $ 18,874 $ 248,203 $ 40,105 $ 34,275 $ 274,150 $ 365,583  2016 $ 19,193 $ 481,567 $ - $ 241,254 $ 353,370 $ 16,342 $ 246,080 $ 7,608 $ 39,076 $ 243,445 $ 361,829  2015 $ 20,366 $ 450,878 $ - $ 216,407 $ 349,081 $ 13,969 $ 237,102 $ (6,953) $ 32,674 $ 205,254 $ 356,944  See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

Accounting Policies (Policies)

Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
General	General  Hallmark Financial Services, Inc. (“Hallmark” and, together with subsidiaries, the “Company”, “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 market, distribute, underwrite and service our property/casualty insurance products primarily through subsidiaries whose operations are organized into product-specific operating units that are supported by our insurance company subsidiaries. Our Contract Binding operating unit handles primarily commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of Hallmark Specialty Underwriters, Inc. (“HSU”), Pan American Acceptance Corporation (“PAAC”) and TGA Special Risk, Inc. (“TGASRI”). Our Specialty Commercial operating unit offers (i) general aviation insurance products and services, (ii) low and middle market commercial umbrella and excess liability insurance, (iii) medical and financial professional liability insurance products and services, (iv) satellite launch insurance products, and (v) primary/excess commercial property coverages for both catastrophe and non-catastrophe exposures. Certain specialty programs are also managed by our Specialty Commercial operating unit. Our Specialty Commercial operating unit is comprised of Aerospace Insurance Managers, Inc. (“Aerospace Insurance Managers”), Aerospace Special Risk, Inc. (“ASRI”), Aerospace Claims Management Group, Inc. (“ACMG”), Heath XS, LLC (“HXS”) and Hardscrabble Data Solutions, LLC (“HDS”). Our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit handles commercial insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark Insurance Services, Inc. (“American Hallmark Insurance Services”) and Effective Claims Management, Inc. (“ECM”). Our Workers Compensation operating unit specializes in small and middle market workers compensation business and is comprised of TBIC Holding Corporation, Inc. (“TBIC Holding”), Texas Builders Insurance Company (“TBIC”) and TBIC Risk Management (“TBICRM”). Effective July 1, 2015, this operating unit ceased market ing or retain ing any risk on new or renewal policies. Our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit handles personal insurance products and services and is comprised of American Hallmark General Agency, Inc. (“AHGA”) and Hallmark Claims Services, Inc. (“HCS”). Our insurance company subsidiaries supporting these operating units are American Hallmark Insurance Company of Texas (“AHIC”), Hallmark Insurance Company (“HIC”), Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company (“HSIC”), Hallmark County Mutual Insurance Company (“HCM”), Hallmark National Insurance Company (“HNIC”) and TBIC.  These operating units are segregated into three reportable industry segments for financial accounting purposes. The Specialty Commercial Segment includes our Contract Binding operating unit and our Specialty Commercial operating unit. The Standard Commercial Segment includes our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and our Workers Compensation operating unit. The Personal Segment consists solely of our Specialty Personal Lines operating unit.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation  The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of Hallmark and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) which, as to our insurance company subsidiaries, differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by insurance regulatory authorities.  Reclassifications  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications  Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements  Our preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and our reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment may be reflected in the financial statements in future periods.
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: Our revolving credit facility with Frost Bank had a carried value of $30.0 million and a fair value of $30.2 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . The fair value is based on discounted cash flows using a discount rate derived from LIBOR spot rates plus a market spread resulting in discount rates ranging between 3.6% to 4.2% for each future payment date. This revolving credit facility would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if it was reported at fair value. Subordinated debt securities: Our trust preferred securities are reported at carry value of $55.8 million and $55.7 million, and had a fair value of $43.7 million and $44.2 million, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The fair value of our trust preferred securities is based on discounted cash flows using current yields to maturity of 8.0% and 8.0% as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which are based on similar issues to discount future cash flows and would be included in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy if they were reported at fair value.  For reinsurance balances, premiums receivable, federal income tax payable, other assets and other liabilities, the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of such financial instruments.
Investments	Investments  Debt and equity securities available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of related tax effects. Equity securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. Debt securities that are determined to have other-than-temporary impairment are recognized as a loss on investments in the consolidated statements of operations for the portion that is related to credit deterioration with the remaining portion recognized in other comprehensive income. Debt security premiums and discounts are amortized into earnings using the effective interest method. Maturities of debt securities and sales of equity securities are recorded in receivable for securities until the cash is settled. Purchases of debt and equity securities are recorded in payable for securities until the cash is settled.  Other investments consists of an equity warrant which is reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses are reported in the statement of operations as a component of net realized gains (losses).  Realized investment gains and losses are recognized in operations on the first in-first out method.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents  We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash  Restricted cash consists of amounts held in restricted accounts as collateral for certain reinsurance arrangements with unaffiliated insurance companies , as well as premiums we collect from customers and, after deducting authorized commissions, remit to third party insurers . Unremitted insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until disbursed to the third party insurer .
Premiums Receivable	Premiums Receivable  Premiums receivable represent amounts due from policyholders or independent agents for premiums written and uncollected. These balances are carried at net realizable value. 
Reinsurance	Reinsurance  We are routinely involved in reinsurance transactions with other companies. Reinsurance premiums, losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. (See Note 7.)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs  Policy acquisition costs (mainly commission, underwriting and marketing expenses) that are directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts are deferred and charged to operations over periods in which the related premiums are earned. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, expected investment income, losses and LAE and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. If the computation results in an estimated net realizable value less than zero, a liability will be accrued for the premium deficiency. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, we deferred $31.1 million , $37.9 million and $32.3 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $34.3 million, $39.1 million and $32.7 million of deferred policy acquisition costs, respectively. Therefore, the net (amortization) deferrals of policy acquisition costs were ($3.2) million , ($1.2) million and ($0.4) million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
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.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net	Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net  We account for our goodwill and intangible assets according to ASC 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” Under ASC 350, i ntangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. For goodwill, we may perform a qualitative test to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The first step of the quantitative test is to identify if a potential impairment exists by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill (“Step 1”). If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered to have a potential impairment and the second step is not necessary. However, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step (“Step 2”) is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any. Step 2 compares the implied fair value of goodwill with the carrying amount of goodwill. If the implied value of goodwill is less than the carrying amount of goodwill, it is written down to its fair value with a corresponding expense reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The implied goodwill is calculated based on a hypothetical purchase price allocation, similar to the requirements in the accounting guidance for business combinations, whereby the implied fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. We have elected to perform our goodwill impairment test on the first day of the fourth quarter, October 1, of each year. 
Leases	Leases  We have several leases, primarily for office facilities and computer equipment, which expire in various years through 2022. Some of these leases include rent escalation provisions throughout the term of the lease. We expense the average annual cost of the lease with the difference to the actual rent invoices recorded as deferred rent which is classified in accounts payable and other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment  Property and equipment (including leasehold improvements), aggregating $24.9 million and $22.2 million, at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which is included in other assets, is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ( three to ten years) or the life of the lease, whichever is shorter . Depreciation expense for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $2.2 million , $1.4 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $17.3 million and $15.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
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 we do not have variable interests in the Trusts. Therefore, the Trusts are not consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.  We are also involved in the normal course of business with variable interest entities primarily as a passive investor in mortgage-backed securities and certain collateralized corporate bank loans issued by third party variable interest entities. The maximum exposure to loss with respect to these investments is limited to the investment carrying values included in the consolidated balance sheets.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses  Losses and LAE represent the estimated ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2017 and 2016. The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analyses. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, we believe that the reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.
Recognition of Premium Revenues	Recognition of Premium Revenues  Insurance premiums are earned pro rata over the terms of the policies. Insurance policy fees are earned as of the effective date of the policy. Upon cancellation, any unearned premium is refunded to the insured. Insurance premiums written include gross policy fees of $7.6 million, $9.8 million and $11.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Insurance premiums on monthly reporting workers’ compensation policies are earned on the conclusion of the monthly coverage period. Deposit premiums for workers’ compensation policies are earned upon the expiration of the policy.
Finance Charges	Finance Charges  We receive premium installment fees for each direct bill payment from policyholders. Installment fee income is classified as finance charges on the consolidated statement of operations and is recognized as the fee is invoiced.  
Relationship with Third Party Insurers	Relationship with Third Party Insurers  Through December 31, 2005, our Standard Commercial P&C operating unit marketed policies on behalf of Clarendon National Insurance Company (“Clarendon”), a third-party insurer. Through December 31, 2008, all business of our Contract Binding operating unit was produced under a fronting agreement with member companies of the Republic Group (“Republic”), a third-party insurer. These insurance contracts on third party paper are accounted for under agency accounting. Ceding commissions and other fees received under these arrangements were classified as unearned commission revenue until earned pro rata over the terms of the policies.
Recognition of Commission Revenues of Our Standard and Specialty Commercial Segments	 Profit sharing commission is calculated and recognized when the loss ratio, as determined by a qualified actuary, deviates from contractual targets. We received a provisional commission as policies were produced as an advance against the later determination of the profit sharing commission actually earned. The profit sharing commission is an estimate that varies with the estimated loss ratio and is sensitive to changes in that estimate. Profit share commission is classified as commissions and fees on the consolidated statement of operations.  The following table details the profit sharing commission provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and Clarendon.      Treaty Effective Dates  7/1/2001 7/1/2002 7/1/2003 7/1/2004 7/1/2005  Provisional loss ratio 60.0% 59.0% 59.0% 64.2% 64.2%  Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2017 63.5% 64.5% 61.2% 66.2% 61.4%  As of December 31, 2017, we had a net payable of $0.3 million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.  The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the Contract Binding operating unit and Republic.       Treaty Effective Dates  1/1/2006 1/1/2007 1/1/2008  Provisional loss ratio 65.0% 65.0% 65.0%  Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2017 59.4% 65.6% 61.4%  As of December 31, 2017, we had a net payable of $0.5 million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio. 
Agent Commissions	Agent Commissions  We pay monthly commissions to agents based on written premium produced, but generally recognize the expense pro rata over the term of the policy. If the policy is cancelled prior to its expiration, the unearned portion of the agent commission is refundable to us. The unearned portion of commissions paid to agents is included in deferred policy acquisition costs. We annually pay a profit sharing commission to our independent agency force based upon the results of the business produced by each agent. We estimate and accrue this liability to commission expense in the year the business is produced.  Commission expense is classified as operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. 
Income Taxes	Income Taxes  We file a consolidated federal income tax return. Deferred federal income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each year end. Deferred taxes are recognized using the liability method, whereby tax rates are applied to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax return. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for tax rate changes in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted. Among many changes resulting from TCJA, the new law (i) reduces the corporate tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, (ii) eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, (iii) allows businesses to immediately expense, for tax purposes, the cost of new investments in certain qualified depreciable assets, (iv) modifies the computation of loss reserve discounting for tax purposes, (v) modifies the recognition of income rules by requiring the recognition of income for certain items no later than the tax year in which an item is taken into account as income on an applicable financial statement and (vi) significantly modifies the United States international tax system. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 included a charge of $ 1.3 million from the revaluation of deferred tax balances from a 35% statutory tax rate to the new 21% statutory tax rate as a result of TCJA. 
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share  The computation of earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of common shares potentially issuable (in periods in which they have a dilutive effect), primarily from stock options. (See Notes 11 and 13.)
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements	Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements  In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (Topic 718). ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for share-based payment award transactions including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows, and accounting for forfeitures. The guidance was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Effective January 2017, we adopted this new guidance on stock compensation which requires recognition of the excess tax benefits or deficiencies of share-based compensation awards to employees through net income rather than through additional paid in capital. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial results or disclosures. We elect to account for forfeitures as they occur.  Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements  On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, ”Income Statement- Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)” providing updated guidance that allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) resulting from the TCJA. Current guidance requires the effect of a change in tax laws or rates on deferred tax balances to be reported in income from continuing operations in the accounting period that includes the period of enactment, even if the related income tax effects were originally charged or credited directly to AOCI. The amount of the reclassification would include the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate on the gross deferred tax amounts and related valuation allowances, if any, at the date of the enactment of TCJA related to items in AOCI. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and is to be applied retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the TCJA related to items remaining in AOCI are recognized or at the beginning of the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt the updated guidance effective January 1, 2018. The anticipated reclassification of the stranded tax effects out of AOCI and into retained earnings is $2.6 million. The adoption will not affect the Company's results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.  In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, “Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Securities” (Subtopic 310-20). ASU 2017-08 is intended to enhance the accounting for amortization of premiums for purchased callable debt securities. The guidance amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Securities that contain explicit, noncontingent call features that are callable at fixed prices and on preset dates should shorten the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date (and if the call option is not exercised, the effective yield is reset using the payment terms of the debt security). The standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2017-08 will have on our financial results and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, “Clarifying the Definition of a Business” (Topic 715). ASU 2017-01 is intended to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. ASU 2017-01 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.  In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (Topic 350). ASU 2017-04 requires only a one-step quantitative impairment test, whereby a goodwill impairment loss will be measured as the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value (not to exceed the total goodwill allocated to that reporting unit). It eliminates Step 2 of the current two-step goodwill impairment test, under which a goodwill impairment loss is measured by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill. The ASU is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial results and disclosures. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash.” The purpose of ASU 2016-18 is to eliminate the diversity in classifying and presenting changes in restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance requires restricted cash to be combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and ending balances of cash on the statement of cash flows, thereby no longer requiring transactions such as transfers between restricted and unrestricted cash to be treated as a cash flow activity. Further, the new guidance requires the nature of the restrictions to be disclosed, as well as a reconciliation between the balance sheet and the statement of cash flows on how restricted and unrestricted cash are segregated. The new guidance is effective fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within that fiscal year, with early adoption permitted. The Company expects the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on its statement of cash flows as restricted cash will be removed from the investing section and become a component of cash and cash equivalents.  In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (Topic 230). ASU 2016-15 will reduce diversity in practice on how eight specific cash receipts and payments are classified on the statement of cash flows. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those years. We do not expect the impact from the adoption of ASU 2016-15 to be material to our financial results and disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 requires organizations to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including receivables and available-for-sale debt securities, by introducing an approach based on expected losses. The expected loss approach will require entities to incorporate considerations of historical information, current information and reasonable and supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-13 requires a modified retrospective transition method and early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on our financial results and disclosures, but do not anticipate that any potential impact would be material. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. Additionally, ASU 2016-02 modifies current guidance for lessors' accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We do not anticipate that this standard will have a material impact on our results of operations since most of our leases are for office space with standard lease terms. However, we anticipate an increase to the value of our assets and liabilities related to leases, with no material impact to equity. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (Subtopic 825-10). ASU 2016-01 will require equity investments that are not consolidated or accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. ASU 2016-01 will also require us to assess the ability to realize our deferred tax assets (“DTAs”) related to an available-for-sale debt security in combination with our other DTAs. ASU 2016-01 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. We have evaluated the impact of this standard and estimate no impact on shareholders’ equity from the cumulative reclassification adjustment to retained earnings for unrealized gains (losses) as of the adoption date. However, we anticipate the standard will increase the volatility of our consolidated statements of income, resulting from the remeasurement of our equity investments. In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which revises the criteria for revenue recognition. 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, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. Revenue from insurance contracts is excluded from the scope of this new guidance. While insurance contracts are excluded from this guidance, policy fee income, billing and other fees and fee income related to property business written as a cover-holder through a Lloyds Syndicate will be subject to this updated guidance. We have evaluated the impact this guidance will have on our financial results and disclosures and do not anticipate such impact being material based on the limited revenue streams subject to the guidance

Accounting Policies (Tables)

Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Profit Sharing Commission	The following table details the profit sharing commission provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for each effective quota share treaty between the Standard Commercial P&C operating unit and Clarendon.      Treaty Effective Dates  7/1/2001 7/1/2002 7/1/2003 7/1/2004 7/1/2005  Provisional loss ratio 60.0% 59.0% 59.0% 64.2% 64.2%  Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2017 63.5% 64.5% 61.2% 66.2% 61.4%  As of December 31, 2017, we had a net payable of $0.3 million on these profit share treaties. The payable or receivable is the difference between the cash received to date and the recognized commission revenue based on the estimated ultimate loss ratio.  The following table details the profit sharing commission revenue provisional loss ratio compared to the estimated ultimate loss ratio for the effective quota share treaty between the Contract Binding operating unit and Republic.       Treaty Effective Dates  1/1/2006 1/1/2007 1/1/2008  Provisional loss ratio 65.0% 65.0% 65.0%  Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded at December 31, 2017 59.4% 65.6% 61.4% 

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt and Equity Securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt and equity securities by category is as follows (in thousands):      As of December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 50,088 $ 7 $ (148) $ 49,947  Corporate bonds 278,611 1,204 (742) 279,073  Collateralized corporate bank loans 125,536 702 (301) 125,937  Municipal bonds 134,052 709 (505) 134,256  Mortgage-backed 16,712 37 (216) 16,533   Total debt securities 604,999 2,659 (1,912) 605,746   Total equity securities 30,253 23,014 (1,504) 51,763   Total other investments 3,763 61 - 3,824   Total investments $ 639,015 $ 25,734 $ (3,416) $ 661,333   As of December 31, 2016  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 41,976 $ 66 $ (20) $ 42,022  Corporate bonds 224,915 1,722 (575) 226,062  Collateralized corporate bank loans 105,220 959 (170) 106,009  Municipal bonds 165,900 956 (2,961) 163,895  Mortgage-backed 59,773 49 (353) 59,469   Total debt securities 597,784 3,752 (4,079) 597,457   Total equity securities 31,449 21,052 (790) 51,711   Total other investments 3,763 1,188 - 4,951   Total investments $ 632,996 $ 25,992 $ (4,869) $ 654,119 
Major Categories of Investment Income	Major categories of net investment income are summarized as follows (in thousands):      Twelve Months Ended December 31  2017 2016 2015  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 566 $ 594 $ 670  Corporate bonds 7,839 5,573 1,435  Collateralized corporate bank loans 4,302 3,190 4,727  Municipal bonds 4,633 5,442 5,901  Mortgage-backed 1,049 1,320 1,288  Equity securities 871 638 673  Other investments - - -  Cash and cash equivalents 706 277 148  19,966 17,034 14,842  Investment expenses (1,092) (692) (873)  Investment income, net of expenses $ 18,874 $ 16,342 $ 13,969 
Major Categories of Net Realized Gains on Investments	Major categories of net realized gains (losses) on investments are summarized as follows (in thousands):      Twelve Months Ended December 31  2017 2016 2015  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ - $ - $ -  Corporate bonds (468) (264) -  Collateralized corporate bank loans 79 (86) 126  Municipal bonds 195 (189) (83)  Mortgage-backed (9) (1) 240  Equity securities 7,002 1,871 5,543  Gain on investments 6,799 1,331 5,826  Unrealized (loss) gain on other investments (1,127) 1,188 -  Other-than-temporary impairments (5,877) (2,888) (3,323)  Net realized (losses) gains $ (205) $ (369) $ 2,503 
Summary of Gross 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 December 31, 201 7 and December 31, 201 6 (in thousands):      As of December 31, 2017  12 months or less Longer than 12 months Total  Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 28,825 $ (145) $ 1,997 $ (3) $ 30,822 $ (148)  Corporate bonds 176,061 (736) 2,378 (6) 178,439 (742)  Collateralized corporate bank loans 30,008 (280) 2,517 (21) 32,525 (301)  Municipal bonds 35,200 (370) 8,917 (135) 44,117 (505)  Mortgage-backed 6,419 (127) 1,415 (89) 7,834 (216)  Total debt securities 276,513 (1,658) 17,224 (254) 293,737 (1,912)   Total equity securities 8,375 (1,504) - - 8,375 (1,504)   Total other investments - - - - - -   Total investments $ 284,888 $ (3,162) $ 17,224 $ (254) $ 302,112 $ (3,416)      As of December 31, 2016  12 months or less Longer than 12 months Total  Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses Fair Value Unrealized Losses  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ 7,037 $ (20) $ - $ - $ 7,037 $ (20)  Corporate bonds 86,592 (575) - - 86,592 (575)  Collateralized corporate bank loans 2,637 (7) 8,314 (163) 10,951 (170)  Municipal bonds 70,633 (1,327) 13,574 (1,634) 84,207 (2,961)  Mortgage-backed 29,475 (348) 2,430 (5) 31,905 (353)  Total debt securities 196,374 (2,277) 24,318 (1,802) 220,692 (4,079)   Total equity securities 4,109 (483) 2,037 (307) 6,146 (790)   Total other investments - - - - - -   Total investments $ 200,483 $ (2,760) $ 26,355 $ (2,109) $ 226,838 $ (4,869) 
Carrying Value of Other Invested Assets Portfolio	 Details regarding the carrying value of the other invested assets portfolio as of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 were as follows:     2017 2016  Investment Type  Equity warrant $ 3,824 $ 4,951  Total other investments $ 3,824 $ 4,951 
Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 201 7 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 Cost Fair Value  (in thousands)  Due in one year or less $ 116,027 $ 116,060  Due after one year through five years 308,477 308,829  Due after five years through ten years 123,518 124,168  Due after ten years 40,265 40,156  Mortgage-backed 16,712 16,533  $ 604,999 $ 605,746 

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets Measured on a 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 December 31, 201 7 and December 31, 201 6 (in thousands).       As of December 31, 2017  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ - $ 49,947 $ - $ 49,947  Corporate bonds - 278,760 313 279,073  Collateralized corporate bank loans - 125,937 - 125,937  Municipal bonds - 131,433 2,823 134,256  Mortgage-backed - 16,533 - 16,533  Total debt securities - 602,610 3,136 605,746   Total equity securities 51,142 - 621 51,763   Total other investments 3,824 - - 3,824  Total investments $ 54,966 $ 602,610 $ 3,757 $ 661,333      As of December 31, 2016  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government $ - $ 42,022 $ - $ 42,022  Corporate bonds - 226,062 - 226,062  Collateralized corporate bank loans - 106,009 - 106,009  Municipal bonds - 158,216 5,679 163,895  Mortgage-backed - 59,469 - 59,469  Total debt securities - 591,778 5,679 597,457   Total equity securities 51,445 - 266 51,711   Total other investments 4,951 - - 4,951  Total investments $ 56,396 $ 591,778 $ 5,945 $ 654,119 
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	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 year ended December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 (in thousands).      2017 2016  Beginning balance as of January 1 $ 5,945 $ 14,087  Sales - -  Settlements (579) (8,825)  Purchases 775 -  Issuances - -  Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income 616 417  Net gain included in other comprehensive income - -  Transfers into Level 3 - 266  Transfers out of Level 3 (3,000) -  Ending balance as of December 31 $ 3,757 $ 5,945 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets by Major Category	We have obtained various intangible assets from several acquisitions. The table below details the gross and net carrying amounts of these assets by major category (in thousands):      December 31  2017 2016  Gross Carrying Amount:  Customer/agent relationships $ 32,177 $ 32,177  Tradename 3,440 3,440  Management agreement 3,232 3,232  Non-compete & employment agreements 4,235 4,235  Insurance licenses 1,300 1,300  Total gross carrying amount 44,384 44,384   Accumulated Amortization:  Customer/agent relationships (24,276) (22,038)  Tradename (2,618) (2,388)  Management agreement (3,232) (3,232)  Non-compete & employment agreements (4,235) (4,235)  Total accumulated amortization (34,361) (31,893)  Total net carrying amount $ 10,023 $ 12,491         
Schedule of Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense for Definite-Lived Intangible Assets	Insurance licenses are not amortized because they have an indefinite life. We amortize definite-lived intangible assets straight line over their respective lives. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):      2018 $ 2,468  2019 $ 2,468  2020 $ 2,468  2021 $ 503  2022 $ 501  
Schedule of Weighted Average Amortization Period for Definite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Cass	The weighted average amortization period for definite-lived intangible assets by major class is as follows:     Years  Tradename 15  Customer/ agent relationships 15  Management agreement 4  Non-compete agreements 5 

Other Assets (Tables)

Other Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Assets [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Assets	The following table details our other assets as of December 31, 201 7 and 201 6 (in thousands):     2017 2016  Profit sharing commission receivable $ 252 $ 251  Credit Facility B issuance costs 122 109  Accrued investment income 4,859 4,599  Investment in unconsolidated trust subsidiaries 1,702 1,702  Fixed assets 6,726 6,947  Other assets 195 193  $ 13,856 $ 13,801 

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an37

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]
Activity in the Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense	 Activity in the consolidated reserves for unpaid losses and LAE is summarized as follows (in thousands):       2017 2016 2015   Balance at January 1 $ 481,567 $ 450,878 $ 415,135  Less reinsurance recoverable 123,237 102,791 91,943  Net balance at January 1 358,330 348,087 323,192   Incurred related to:  Current year 248,203 246,080 237,102  Prior years 40,105 7,608 (6,953)  Total incurred 288,308 253,688 230,149   Paid related to:  Current year 92,873 93,067 83,132  Prior years 181,277 150,378 122,122  Total paid 274,150 243,445 205,254   Net balance at December 31 372,488 358,330 348,087  Plus reinsurance recoverable 154,612 123,237 102,791  Balance at December 31 $ 527,100 $ 481,567 $ 450,878 
Schedule of Incurred and Paid Claims Development	The following tables also include IBNR reserves plus expected development on reported claims and the cumulative number of reported claims as of December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands):                              Specialty Commercial Segment     Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31,  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31, IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2017 2017   2008 $ 55,617 $ 56,150 $ 58,143 $ 57,923 $ 56,579 $ 55,157 $ 55,425 $ 55,457 $ 55,864 $ 56,272 $ (534) 7,373  2009 60,950 62,679 61,196 59,471 59,831 59,635 59,988 61,361 61,761 60 5,459  2010 74,187 78,089 75,695 77,593 78,003 77,972 77,631 78,253 900 5,001  2011 88,679 87,558 91,059 90,713 89,737 87,793 87,833 1,102 5,790  2012 106,371 111,253 111,841 115,709 116,320 117,925 1,094 7,339  2013 140,546 135,114 137,230 143,983 150,177 1,742 9,210  2014 144,996 133,464 138,842 144,728 1,260 10,076  2015 147,304 146,610 162,616 8,213 10,826  2016 151,494 157,836 21,557 11,358  2017 170,622 64,261 10,227  Total $ 1,188,023                        Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31,  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017   2008 $ 24,134 $ 37,803 $ 44,903 $ 51,280 $ 53,723 $ 53,577 $ 54,080 $ 54,909 $ 55,372 $ 56,094  2009 21,259 34,411 45,757 53,135 56,791 57,641 59,149 60,785 61,202  2010 24,818 45,234 58,139 68,625 73,398 74,513 75,787 76,906  2011 27,454 53,509 71,697 80,004 83,787 84,936 85,845  2012 37,655 60,923 82,066 97,680 109,060 113,909  2013 40,475 76,366 101,725 126,025 139,759  2014 42,097 73,631 99,521 123,649  2015 39,515 74,906 125,514  2016 41,397 84,616  2017 45,477  Total $ 912,971  All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance 384  Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 275,436        (1                                                                    Standard Commercial Segment     Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31,  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31, IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2017 2017   2008 $ 49,452 $ 47,557 $ 46,762 $ 45,556 $ 42,758 $ 41,597 $ 40,387 $ 40,001 $ 39,195 $ 38,294 $ 701 3,256  2009 44,719 45,674 46,772 46,778 45,970 44,159 43,851 43,107 42,168 1,082 2,635  2010 45,263 45,235 44,847 43,164 43,459 42,426 42,175 42,880 1,265 2,914  2011 60,236 56,489 55,156 49,268 47,266 47,423 46,841 2,038 4,370  2012 51,998 52,554 48,222 45,990 44,272 42,986 2,505 3,219  2013 55,482 57,528 56,703 53,174 52,076 4,317 3,920  2014 55,488 55,808 53,568 53,882 5,602 3,555  2015 49,571 49,857 50,053 8,768 3,165  2016 46,880 48,182 11,673 2,779  2017 41,393 18,099 2,330  Total $ 458,755       Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31,  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017   2008 $ 17,182 $ 25,624 $ 29,058 $ 32,523 $ 34,056 $ 34,762 $ 35,360 $ 36,276 $ 36,859 $ 37,002  2009 15,242 28,313 32,075 35,818 38,316 40,389 40,575 40,629 40,835  2010 21,302 28,342 30,957 33,428 37,166 39,115 39,706 40,937  2011 24,899 35,119 38,909 40,301 41,140 42,441 43,680  2012 23,445 32,203 34,789 37,191 38,526 40,408  2013 23,123 36,411 41,809 44,475 46,756  2014 24,255 37,122 41,514 45,779  2015 19,085 34,245 38,302  2016 21,508 32,006  2017 16,755  Total $ 382,460  All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance 1,824  Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 78,119        Personal Segment    Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance As of December 31,  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31, IBNR Cumulative Number of Reported Claims  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2017 2017   2008 $ 36,247 $ 36,976 $ 38,329 $ 39,412 $ 39,793 $ 40,170 $ 40,239 $ 40,324 $ 40,369 $ 40,401 $ - 17,354  2009 40,436 42,092 46,244 47,977 48,930 49,694 49,772 49,891 49,971 - 21,054  2010 63,862 78,294 80,765 84,724 83,903 84,252 84,591 84,808 - 30,180  2011 75,746 77,652 87,810 86,757 86,804 86,948 86,853 - 31,614  2012 58,604 73,795 70,552 71,513 72,042 72,037 - 23,938  2013 55,706 59,132 60,100 60,211 60,379 69 23,468  2014 5,452 5,340 6,243 6,699 239 19,297  2015 23,104 25,682 25,307 642 23,512  2016 32,260 32,893 1,309 24,988  2017 23,342 4,253 17,532  Total $ 482,690      Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance  Accident Year For the Years Ended December 31,  Unaudited  2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017   2008 $ 20,005 $ 32,555 $ 36,782 $ 38,925 $ 39,511 $ 40,210 $ 40,309 $ 40,323 $ 40,347 $ 40,404  2009 23,306 37,621 44,689 47,967 49,287 49,539 49,704 49,853 49,957  2010 38,643 67,755 75,199 82,624 83,511 84,111 84,556 84,717  2011 46,416 67,939 83,497 85,533 86,217 86,593 86,660  2012 37,860 64,278 68,849 70,807 71,995 72,055  2013 45,901 54,514 58,047 59,775 60,277  2014 2,515 4,418 5,631 6,428  2015 11,570 22,281 24,262  2016 21,669 30,646  2017 15,776  Total $ 471,182  All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance (3)  Liabilities for claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 11,505 
Reconciliation of Claims Development to Liability for Unpaid Losses	The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid development tables to the liability for unpaid losses and LAE in our Consolidated Balance Sheets is as follows (in thousands):     2017 2016   Net outstanding liabilities for losses and LAE   Specialty Commercial Segment $ 275,436 $ 252,602  Standard Commercial Segment 78,119 82,222  Personal Segment 11,505 15,544  Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance 365,060 350,368   Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE  Specialty Commercial Segment 137,975 102,597  Standard Commercial Segment 6,051 8,540  Personal Segment 10,586 12,100  Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and LAE 154,612 123,237   Unallocated loss adjustment expenses  Specialty Commercial Segment 3,377 3,831  Standard Commercial Segment 3,153 3,031  Personal Segment 898 1,100  Total unallocated loss adjustment expenses 7,428 7,962   Total reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 527,100 $ 481,567 
Annual percentage payout of incurred losses and ALAE	The following table provides supplementary unaudited information about the annual percentage payout of incurred losses and ALAE, net of reinsurance, as of December 31, 2017:                  Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (1)  Unaudited  Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10  Specialty Commercial Segment 30.5% 23.9% 19.0% 13.1% 6.6% 1.6% 1.5% 1.8% 0.7% 1.3%  Standard Commercial Segment 45.1% 23.7% 8.1% 6.5% 4.7% 3.7% 1.5% 1.8% 1.0% 1.7%  Personal Segment 52.0% 28.6% 10.8% 5.6% 1.3% 0.7% 0.3% 0.2% 0.1% 0.4%      (   The average annual percentage payout is calculated from a paid losses and ALAE development pattern based on an actuarial analysis of the paid losses and ALAE movements by accident year for each disaggregation category. The paid losses and AL A E development pattern provides the expected percentage of ultimate losses and ALAE to be paid in each year. The pattern considers all accident years included in the claims development tables

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Reinsurance Ceded and Recoveries	The following table presents our gross and net premiums written and earned and reinsurance recoveries for each of the last three years (in thousands):       2017 2016 2015  Premium Written :  Direct $ 601,780 $ 549,077 $ 514,223  Assumed 2,376 - -  Ceded (238,573) (187,248) (157,279)  $ 365,583 $ 361,829 $ 356,944   Premium Earned:  Direct $ 567,089 $ 524,229 $ 494,643  Assumed 1,680 - -  Ceded (207,732) (170,859) (145,562)  $ 361,037 $ 353,370 $ 349,081   Reinsurance recoveries $ 144,948 $ 116,057 $ 89,892 

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting, by Segment	The following is additional business segment information for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):        2017 2016 2015  Revenues  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 277,946 $ 255,897 $ 249,910  Standard Commercial Segment 70,302 71,966 76,864  Personal Segment 40,462 49,826 45,538  Corporate (3,189) (1,737) 90  Consolidated $ 385,521 $ 375,952 $ 372,402    Depreciation and Amortization Expense  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 2,796 $ 2,579 $ 2,537  Standard Commercial Segment 294 101 136  Personal Segment 1,258 1,070 779  Corporate 367 144 64  Consolidated $ 4,715 $ 3,894 $ 3,516    Interest Expense  Specialty Commercial Segment $ - $ - $ -  Standard Commercial Segment - - -  Personal Segment - - -  Corporate 4,512 4,549 3,906  Consolidated $ 4,512 $ 4,549 $ 3,906    Tax (Benefit) Expense  Specialty Commercial Segment $ (4,382) $ 7,886 $ 11,609  Standard Commercial Segment 3,849 3,011 1,436  Personal Segment (676) (3,821) (1,345)  Corporate (3,810) (5,124) (1,677)  Consolidated $ (5,019) $ 1,952 $ 10,023    Pre-tax income (loss)  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 2,012 $ 24,417 $ 40,277  Standard Commercial Segment 2,440 8,866 6,687  Personal Segment (3,058) (6,839) (885)  Corporate (17,966) (17,966) (14,193)  Consolidated $ (16,572) $ 8,478 $ 31,886 
Schedule of Segment Reporting Additional Information by Segment	The following is additional business segment information as of the following dates (in thousands):      December 31  2017 2016  Assets  Specialty Commercial Segment $ 810,133 $ 734,763  Standard Commercial Segment 162,152 164,295  Personal Segment 232,441 241,686  Corporate 26,400 21,716  Consolidated $ 1,231,126 $ 1,162,460 

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share calculations is presented below (in thousands, except per share amounts):      2017 2016 2015  Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:  Net (loss) income $ (11,553) $ 6,526 $ 21,863   Denominator, basic shares 18,343 18,780 19,211  Effect of dilutive securities:  Stock-based compensation awards - 161 194  Denominator, diluted shares 18,343 18,941 19,405   Basic earnings per share: $ (0.63) $ 0.35 $ 1.14   Diluted earnings per share: $ (0.63) $ 0.34 $ 1.13 

Share-based Payment Arrangeme41

Share-based Payment Arrangements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Summary of the Status of Stock Options	      Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Instrinsic Value ($000)  Outstanding at January 1, 2017 624,231 $ 9.14  Granted -  Exercised (35,000) $ 6.61  Forfeited or expired (182,500) $ 12.49  Outstanding at December 31, 2017 406,731 $ 7.85 1.2 $ 1,142  Exercisable at December 31, 2017 406,731 $ 7.85 1.2 $ 1,142  
Schedule of Options, Grants in Period, 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):      2017 2016 2015  Intrinsic value of options exercised $ 163 $ 250 $ 393  Cost of share-based payments (non-cash) $ - $ 38 $ 157  Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income $ - $ 8 $ 30 
Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity	stock units during the year ended December 31, 2017,2016 and 2015, respectively. The following table details the status of our restricted stock units as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:    Number of Restricted Stock Units  2017 2016 2015   Nonvested at January 1 296,574 296,571 285,216  Granted 138,712 122,770 103,351  Vested (5,998) (7,144) (8,616)  Forfeited (43,509) (115,623) (83,380)  Nonvested at December 31 385,779 296,574 296,571 

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Changes in Benefit Obligations, Components of Benefit Costs, Weighted-Average Assumptions, and Plan Assets	The following tables provide detail of the changes in benefit obligations, components of benefit costs, weighted-average assumptions, and plan assets for the retirement plan as of and for the twelve months ending December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands) using a measurement date of December 31.                                                  2017 2016 2015  Assumptions (end of period):  Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation 3.45% 3.88% 4.12%  Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A   Reconciliation of funded status (end of period):  Accumulated benefit obligation $ (12,758) $ (12,618) $ (12,915)   Projected benefit obligation $ (12,758) $ (12,618) $ (12,915)  Fair value of plan assets 11,153 10,415 10,419  Funded status $ (1,605) $ (2,203) $ (2,496)   Net actuarial loss (3,554) (4,102) (3,957)  Accumulated other comprehensive loss (3,554) (4,102) (3,957)  Prepaid pension cost 1,949 1,899 1,461  Net amount recognized as of December 31 $ (1,605) $ (2,203) $ (2,496)   Changes in projected benefit obligation:  Benefit obligation as of beginning of period $ 12,618 $ 12,915 $ 13,909  Interest cost 471 512 518  Actuarial liability loss/(gain) 554 19 (646)  Benefits paid (885) (828) (866)  Benefit obligation as of end of period $ 12,758 $ 12,618 $ 12,915   Change in plan assets:  Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period $ 10,415 $ 10,419 $ 11,290  Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses) 1,623 415 (5)  Employer contributions - 409 -  Benefits paid (885) (828) (866)  Fair value of plan assets as of end of period $ 11,153 $ 10,415 $ 10,419   Net periodic pension cost:  Service cost - benefits earned during the period $ - $ - $ -  Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 471 512 518  Expected return on plan assets (646) (653) (701)  Recognized actuarial loss 126 112 103  Net periodic pension cost $ (49) $ (29) $ (80)   Discount rate 3.88% 4.12% 3.86%  Expected return on plan assets 6.50% 6.50% 6.50%  Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A N/A  
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	  Estimated future benefit payments by fiscal year (in thousands):      2018 $ 882  2019 $ 876  2020 $ 864  2021 $ 866  2022 $ 851  2023-2027 $ 4,001 
Weighted-Average Asset Allocation for the Defined Benefit Cash Balance Plan	The following table shows the weighted-average asset allocation for the defined benefit cash balance plan held as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.     December 31  2017 2016  Asset Category:  Debt securities 32% 33%  Equity securities 64% 64%  Other 4% 3%  Total 100% 100% 
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	      The following table presents, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, our plan assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands).      As of December 31, 2017  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total  Debt securities $ - $ 3,586 $ - $ 3,586  Equity securities 7,156 - - 7,156  Total $ 7,156 $ 3,586 $ - $ 10,742      As of December 31, 2016  Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total  Debt securities $ - $ 3,438 $ - $ 3,438  Equity securities 6,653 - - 6,653  Total $ 6,653 $ 3,438 $ - $ 10,091 

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The composition of deferred tax assets and liabilities and the related tax effects as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, are as follows (in thousands):      2017 2016  Deferred tax liabilities:  Deferred policy acquisition costs $ (3,361) $ (6,717)  Net unrealized holding gain on investments (4,688) (7,395)  Agency relationship (28) (56)  Intangible assets (2,476) (4,623)  Goodwill (357) (559)  Bond amortization (111) -  Fixed assets (860) (1,106)  Other (303) (435)  Total deferred tax liabilities (12,184) (20,891)   Deferred tax assets:  Unearned premiums 6,901 11,184  Amortization of non-compete agreements 107 238  Pension liability 746 1,436  Net operating loss carry-forward 200 319  Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense 3,422 6,208  Rent reserve 158 247  Bond amortization - 434  Bonus accrual 302 291  Investment impairments 1,956 1,419  Other 329 480  Total deferred tax assets 14,121 22,256   Deferred federal income taxes, net $ 1,937 $ 1,365 
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	                    A reconciliation of the income tax provisions based on the 35% statutory tax rate to the provision reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, is as follows (in thousands):      2017 2016 2015  Computed expected income tax (benefit) expense at statutory tax rate $ (5,800) $ 2,967 $ 11,160  Meals and entertainment 81 81 32  Tax exempt interest (987) (1,164) (1,259)  Dividends received deduction (196) (133) (141)  State taxes (net of federal benefit) 165 203 176  Tax law change 1,276 - -  True up bond amortization 464 - -  Other (22) (2) 55  Income tax (benefit) expense $ (5,019) $ 1,952 $ 10,023   Current income tax (benefit) expense $ (3,444) $ 1,547 $ 11,053  Deferred tax (benefit) expense (1,575) 405 (1,030)  Income tax (benefit) expense $ (5,019) $ 1,952 $ 10,023 
Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards	The net operating losses will expire if unused, as follows (in thousands):      Year  2022 $ 553  2028 2  2029 25  2031 45  2032 77  2033 73  2034 59  2035 33  2036 50  2037 37  $ 954 

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):     Year  2018 $ 2,398  2019 2,251  2020 2,151  2021 1,155  2022 507  2023 and thereafter -  Total minimum lease payments (a) $ 8,462   (a) Minimum lease payments have not been reduced by minimum sublease rentals of $35 thousand due in the future under non-cancelable subleases. 

Changes in Accumulated Other 45

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income balances as of December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were as follows (in thousands):     Pension Liability Unrealized Gains (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)  Balance at January 1, 2015 $ (2,600) $ 20,401 $ 17,801  Other comprehensive loss:  Change in net actuarial gain 43 - 43  Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (15) - (15)  Unrealized holding losses arising during the period - (10,191) (10,191)  Tax effect on unrealized losses arising during the period - 3,567 3,567  Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains - (5,826) (5,826)  Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense - 2,039 2,039  Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 28 (10,411) (10,383)   Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (2,572) $ 9,990 $ 7,418  Other comprehensive income:  Change in net actuarial loss (145) - (145)  Tax effect on change in net actuarial loss 51 - 51  Unrealized holding gains arising during the period - 6,019 6,019  Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period - (2,107) (2,107)  Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains - (1,331) (1,331)  Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense - 466 466  Other comprehensive income, net of tax (94) 3,047 2,953   Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (2,666) $ 13,037 $ 10,371  Other comprehensive income:  Change in net actuarial gain 548 - 548  Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (192) - (192)  Unrealized holding gains arising during the period - 9,117 9,117  Tax effect on unrealized gains arising during the period - (3,191) (3,191)  Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains - (6,799) (6,799)  Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense - 2,380 2,380  Other comprehensive income, net of tax 356 1,507 1,863   Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (2,310) $ 14,544 $ 12,234 

Unaudited Selected Quarterly 46

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	Following is a summary of the unaudited interim results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except per share data). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the results of operations for such periods have been made.      2017 2016  Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4  Total revenue $ 96,948 $ 93,475 $ 97,723 $ 97,375 $ 90,028 $ 91,052 $ 97,618 $ 97,254  Total expense 91,110 98,393 99,248 113,342 84,039 89,565 90,442 103,428  Income (loss) before tax 5,838 (4,918) (1,525) (15,967) 5,989 1,487 7,176 (6,174)  Income tax expense (benefit) 1,852 (1,568) 35 (5,338) 1,915 421 2,128 (2,512)  Net income (loss) $ 3,986 $ (3,350) $ (1,560) $ (10,629) $ 4,074 $ 1,066 $ 5,048 $ (3,662)   Basic earnings (loss) per share: $ 0.21 $ (0.18) $ (0.09) $ (0.59) $ 0.21 $ 0.06 $ 0.27 $ (0.20)   Diluted earnings (loss) per share: $ 0.21 $ (0.18) $ (0.09) $ (0.59) $ 0.21 $ 0.06 $ 0.27 $ (0.20) 

Accounting Policies (Narrative)

Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)	Aug. 23, 2007USD ($)	Jun. 21, 2005USD ($)	Jun. 21, 2005USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Number of reportable segments | segment					3
Deferred policy acquisition costs, additions					$ 31.1	$ 37.9	$ 32.3
Deferred policy acquisition costs, amortized					(34.3)	(39.1)	(32.7)
Deferred policy acquisition cost, (amortization) deferrals					(3.2)	(1.2)	(0.4)
Property and equipment, gross					$ 24.9	22.2
Property and equipment, depreciation method					straight-line method
Depreciation					$ 2.2	1.4	1
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation					17.3	15.1
Policy fees					7.6	9.8	$ 11.2
Charge from revaluation of deferred tax balances as a result of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act					1.3
Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 30.9	$ 30.9	30.9
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities			30
Hallmark Statutory Trust I I [Member]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 25.8			25.8
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities		25
Facility B Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit facility, carried value					30	30
Credit facility, fair value					$ 30.2	$ 30.2
Minimum [Member]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives					3 years	3 years
Minimum [Member] | Facility B Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Fair value inputs, discount rate					3.60%
Maximum [Member]
Property and equipment, estimated useful lives					10 years	10 years
Maximum [Member] | Facility B Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Fair value inputs, discount rate					4.20%
Scenario, Plan [Member]
Reclassification out of AOCI as a result of Tax Act	$ (2.6)
Subordinated Debt [Member]
Long-term debt, gross					$ 55.8	$ 55.7
Trust Preferred Securities, fair value					$ 43.7	$ 44.2
Current yield to maturity, percentage					8.00%
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]
Long-term debt, gross			$ 30.9	30.9
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities				$ 30
Subordinated Debt [Member] | Hallmark Statutory Trust I I [Member]
Long-term debt, gross		25.8
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities		$ 25
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member] | Quota Share Treaty Effective January 1, 2006 [Member]
Profit sharing payable					$ 0.3
MGA Commercial Products [Member] | Quota Share Treaty Effective January 1, 2006 [Member]
Profit sharing payable					$ 0.5

Accounting Policies (Schedule o

Accounting Policies (Schedule of Profit Sharing Commission) (Details)	Jan. 01, 2008	Jan. 01, 2007	Jan. 01, 2006	Dec. 31, 2005	Jul. 01, 2004	Jul. 01, 2003	Jul. 01, 2002	Jul. 01, 2001
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member]
Provisional loss ratio				64.20%	64.20%	59.00%	59.00%	60.00%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded to at December 31, 2015				61.40%	66.20%	61.20%	64.50%	63.50%
MGA Commercial Products [Member]
Provisional loss ratio	65.00%	65.00%	65.00%
Estimated ultimate loss ratio recorded to at December 31, 2015	61.40%	65.60%	59.40%

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Investments [Abstract]
Maximum restricted level of investment upon stockholders equity	10.00%	10.00%
Gross realized gains on investments	$ 8	$ 2.1	$ 6.7
Gross realized losses on investments	1.2	0.8	0.9
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities	$ 29.1	$ 28.5	$ 51.7
Number of debt security positions | security	25	28
Recognized other-than-temporary losses on our debt securities portfolio	$ 5.9
Securities pledged for the benefit of various state insurance departments and reinsurers	26.2	$ 21.1
Fair value of impaired debt securities	$ 4.4

Investments (Amortized Cost and

Investments (Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Investments in Debt and Equity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	$ 639,015	$ 632,996
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	25,734	25,992
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(3,416)	(4,869)
Total investments	661,333	654,119
Other Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	3,763	3,763
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	61	1,188
Total investments	3,824	4,951
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	30,253	31,449
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	23,014	21,052
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,504)	(790)
Total investments	51,763	51,711
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	604,999	597,784
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,659	3,752
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(1,912)	(4,079)
Total investments	605,746	597,457
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	50,088	41,976
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	7	66
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(148)	(20)
Total investments	49,947	42,022
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	278,611	224,915
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,204	1,722
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(742)	(575)
Total investments	279,073	226,062
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	125,536	105,220
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	702	959
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(301)	(170)
Total investments	125,937	106,009
Municipal Bonds [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	134,052	165,900
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	709	956
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(505)	(2,961)
Total investments	134,256	163,895
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Amortized Cost	16,712	59,773
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains	37	49
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	(216)	(353)
Total investments	16,533	59,469
Equity Securities All Others [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investments, Gross Unrealized Gains		$ 1,188
Investments, Gross Unrealized Losses	$ (1,127)

Investments (Major Categories o

Investments (Major Categories of Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 19,966	$ 17,034	$ 14,842
Investment expenses	(1,092)	(692)	(873)
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	18,874	16,342	13,969
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	566	594	670
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	7,839	5,573	1,435
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	4,302	3,190	4,727
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	4,633	5,442	5,901
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	1,049	1,320	1,288
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	706	277	148
Parent Company [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income (loss), net of expenses	210	70	120
Equity Securities [Member] | Equity Securities All Others [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 871	$ 638	$ 673

Investments (Major Categories52

Investments (Major Categories of Net Realized Gains on Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	$ 6,799	$ 1,331	$ 5,826
Unrealized gain on investment	25,734	25,992
Unrealized loss on investment	3,416	4,869
Other-than-temporary impairments	(5,877)	(2,888)	(3,323)
Net realized gain	(205)	(369)	2,503
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	(468)	(264)
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	79	(86)	126
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	195	(189)	(83)
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	(9)	(1)	240
Equity Securities All Others [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized gain on investment		1,188
Unrealized loss on investment	1,127
Other Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Unrealized gain on investment	61	1,188
Parent Company [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Net realized gain	(759)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gain on investments	7,002	1,871	$ 5,543
Unrealized gain on investment	23,014	21,052
Unrealized loss on investment	$ 1,504	$ 790

Investments (Summary of Gross U

Investments (Summary of Gross Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	$ 284,888	$ 200,483
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(3,162)	(2,760)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	17,224	26,355
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(254)	(2,109)
Fair Value Total	302,112	226,838
Unrealized Losses Total	(3,416)	(4,869)
Other Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less
Fair Value Longer than 12 months
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months
Fair Value Total
Unrealized Losses Total
Debt Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	276,513	196,374
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(1,658)	(2,277)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	17,224	24,318
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(254)	(1,802)
Fair Value Total	293,737	220,692
Unrealized Losses Total	(1,912)	(4,079)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	8,375	4,109
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(1,504)	(483)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months		2,037
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months		(307)
Fair Value Total	8,375	6,146
Unrealized Losses Total	(1,504)	(790)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	28,825	7,037
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(145)	(20)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	1,997
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(3)
Fair Value Total	30,822	7,037
Unrealized Losses Total	(148)	(20)
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	176,061	86,592
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(736)	(575)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	2,378
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(6)
Fair Value Total	178,439	86,592
Unrealized Losses Total	(742)	(575)
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	30,008	2,637
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(280)	(7)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	2,517	8,314
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(21)	(163)
Fair Value Total	32,525	10,951
Unrealized Losses Total	(301)	(170)
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	35,200	70,633
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(370)	(1,327)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	8,917	13,574
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(135)	(1,634)
Fair Value Total	44,117	84,207
Unrealized Losses Total	(505)	(2,961)
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Value 12 months or less	6,419	29,475
Unrealized Losses 12 months or less	(127)	(348)
Fair Value Longer than 12 months	1,415	2,430
Unrealized Losses Longer than 12 months	(89)	(5)
Fair Value Total	7,834	31,905
Unrealized Losses Total	$ (216)	$ (353)

Investments (Carrying Value of

Investments (Carrying Value of Other Invested Assets Portfolio) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Equity warrant	$ 3,824	$ 4,951
Other investments	$ 3,824	$ 4,951

Investments (Schedule of Amorti

Investments (Schedule of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Debt Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost, Due in one year or less	$ 116,027
Amortized Cost, Due after one year through five years	308,477
Amortized Cost, Due after five years through ten years	123,518
Amortized Cost, Amortized Cost Due after ten years	40,265
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	604,999	$ 597,784
Fair Value, Due in one year or less	116,060
Fair Value, Due after one year through five years	308,829
Fair Value, Due after five years through ten years	124,168
Fair Value, Due after ten years	40,156
Debt securities	605,746	597,457
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	16,712
Debt securities	16,533	$ 59,469
Parent Company [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost	150
Debt securities	$ 150

Fair Value (Fair Value of Asset

Fair Value (Fair Value of Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	$ 605,746	$ 597,457
Equity securities	51,763	51,711
Other investments	3,824	4,951
Debt and equity securities	661,333	654,119
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	49,947	42,022
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	279,073	226,062
Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	125,937	106,009
Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	134,256	163,895
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	16,533	59,469
Parent Company [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	150
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity securities	51,142	51,445
Other investments	3,824	4,951
Debt and equity securities	54,966	56,396
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	602,610	591,778
Debt and equity securities	602,610	591,778
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	49,947	42,022
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	278,760	226,062
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Collateralized Corporate Bank Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	125,937	106,009
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	131,433	158,216
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	16,533	59,469
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	3,136	5,679
Equity securities	621	266
Debt and equity securities	3,757	5,945
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	313
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Municipal Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt securities	$ 2,823	$ 5,679

Fair Value (Fair Value, Assets

Fair Value (Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Beginning balance as of January 1	$ 5,945	$ 14,087
Settlements	(579)	(8,825)
Purchases	775
Issuances
Total realized/unrealized gains included in net income	616	417
Transfers into Level 3		266
Transfers out of Level 3	(3,000)
Ending balance as of December 31	$ 3,757	$ 5,945

Goodwill and Intangible Asset58

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 15, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 44,695,000	$ 44,695,000
Impairment of goodwill				0	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets					13 years
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				2,100,000
Workers Compensation Business Unit [Member] | Renewal Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
One-time payment related to divestiture of renewal rights			$ 83,000
Gain (loss) on disposition of property, plant and equipment		$ 400,000	$ 200,000
Proceeds from sale of finite-lived assets	$ 115,000
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				17,400,000
MGA Commercial Products [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				19,900,000
Excess and Umbrella Business Unit [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				7,700,000
General Aviation and Satellite Component [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				9,700,000
Personal Lines Business Unit [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 5,300,000

Goodwill and Intangible Asset59

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets by Major Category) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	$ 44,384	$ 44,384
Total accumulated amortization	(34,361)	(31,893)
Total net carrying amount	10,023	12,491
Customer Relationships [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	32,177	32,177
Total accumulated amortization	(24,276)	(22,038)
Trade Names [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	3,440	3,440
Total accumulated amortization	(2,618)	(2,388)
Management Agreement [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	3,232	3,232
Total accumulated amortization	(3,232)	(3,232)
Non-compete & Employment Agreements [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	4,235	4,235
Total accumulated amortization	(4,235)	(4,235)
Insurance Licenses [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total gross carrying amount	$ 1,300	$ 1,300

Goodwill and Intangible Asset60

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Estimated Aggregate Amortization Expense for Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract]
2,018	$ 2,468
2,019	2,468
2,020	2,468
2,021	503
2,022	$ 501

Goodwill and Intangible Asset61

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Schedule of Weighted Average Amortization Period for Definite Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets		13 years
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	15 years
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	15 years
Management Agreement [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	4 years
Non-compete & Employment Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period to amortize acquired intangible assets	5 years

Other Assets (Schedule of Other

Other Assets (Schedule of Other Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Assets [Abstract]
Profit sharing commission receivable	$ 252	$ 251
Credit Facility B issuance costs	122	109
Accrued investment income	4,859	4,599
Investment in unconsolidated trust subsidiaries	1,702	1,702
Fixed assets	6,726	6,947
Other assets	195	193
Other Assets, Total	$ 13,856	$ 13,801

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an63

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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		$ 7,600	$ 7,000
Unfavorable adjustment to prior years liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense	$ 40,105	7,608
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	40,105	7,608	$ (6,953)
Specialty Commercial Segment [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	40,477	12,502
Standard Commercial Segment [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	(970)	(9,901)
Personal Segment [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	$ 598	$ 5,007

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an64

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Activity in the Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]
Balance at January 1	$ 481,567	$ 450,878	$ 415,135
Less reinsurance recoverable	123,237	102,791	91,943
Net Balance at January 1	358,330	348,087	323,192
Incurred related to:
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Current Year	248,203	246,080	237,102
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	40,105	7,608	(6,953)
Total incurred	288,308	253,688	230,149
Paid related to:
Current year	92,873	93,067	83,132
Prior years	181,277	150,378	122,122
Total paid	274,150	243,445	205,254
Net Balance at December 31	372,488	358,330	348,087
Plus reinsurance recoverable	154,612	123,237	102,791
Balance at December 31	$ 527,100	$ 481,567	$ 450,878

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an65

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Impact from Unfavorable Prior Years' Loss Development by Reporting Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	$ 40,105	$ 7,608
Specialty Commercial Segment [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	40,477	12,502
Standard Commercial Segment [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	(970)	(9,901)
Personal Segment [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	$ 598	$ 5,007

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an66

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Incurred and Paid Claims Development - Specialty Commercial Segment) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)claim	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 40,105	$ 7,608	$ (6,953)
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to current year	248,203	246,080	237,102
Total incurred	288,308	253,688	230,149
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	181,277	150,378	122,122
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to current year	92,873	93,067	83,132
Total paid	274,150	243,445	205,254
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	372,488	358,330	348,087	$ 323,192
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Total incurred	1,188,023
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Total paid	912,971
All outstanding liabilities before 2008, net of reinsurance	384
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	275,436
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2008 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	56,272	55,864	55,457	55,425	$ 55,157	$ 56,579	$ 57,923	$ 58,143	$ 56,150	$ 55,617
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ (534)
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	7,373
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 56,094	55,372	54,909	54,080	53,577	53,723	51,280	44,903	37,803	$ 24,134
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2009 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	61,761	61,361	59,988	59,635	59,831	59,471	61,196	62,679	60,950
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 60
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	5,459
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 61,202	60,785	59,149	57,641	56,791	53,135	45,757	34,411	$ 21,259
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2010 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	78,253	77,631	77,972	78,003	77,593	75,695	78,089	74,187
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 900
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	5,001
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 76,906	75,787	74,513	73,398	68,625	58,139	45,234	$ 24,818
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2011 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	87,833	87,793	89,737	90,713	91,059	87,558	88,679
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,102
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	5,790
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 85,845	84,936	83,787	80,004	71,697	53,509	$ 27,454
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2012 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	117,925	116,320	115,709	111,841	111,253	106,371
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,094
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	7,339
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 113,909	109,060	97,680	82,066	60,923	$ 37,655
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2013 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	150,177	143,983	137,230	135,114	140,546
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,742
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	9,210
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 139,759	126,025	101,725	76,366	$ 40,475
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2014 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	144,728	138,842	133,464	144,996
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,260
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	10,076
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 123,649	99,521	73,631	$ 42,097
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2015 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	162,616	146,610	147,304
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 8,213
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	10,826
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 125,514	74,906	$ 39,515
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2016 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	157,836	151,494
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 21,557
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	11,358
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 84,616	$ 41,397
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2017 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to current year	170,622
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 64,261
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	10,227
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to current year	$ 45,477

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an67

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Incurred and Paid Claims Development - Standard Commercial Segment) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)claim	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 40,105	$ 7,608	$ (6,953)
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to current year	248,203	246,080	237,102
Total incurred	288,308	253,688	230,149
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	181,277	150,378	122,122
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to current year	92,873	93,067	83,132
Total paid	274,150	243,445	205,254
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	372,488	358,330	348,087	$ 323,192
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Total incurred	458,755
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Total paid	382,460
All outstanding liabilities before 2007, net of reinsurance	1,824
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	78,119
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2008 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	38,294	39,195	40,001	40,387	$ 41,597	$ 42,758	$ 45,556	$ 46,762	$ 47,557	$ 49,452
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 701
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	3,256
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 37,002	36,859	36,276	35,360	34,762	34,056	32,523	29,058	25,624	$ 17,182
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2009 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	42,168	43,107	43,851	44,159	45,970	46,778	46,772	45,674	44,719
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,082
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	2,635
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 40,835	40,629	40,575	40,389	38,316	35,818	32,075	28,313	$ 15,242
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2010 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	42,880	42,175	42,426	43,459	43,164	44,847	45,235	45,263
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,265
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	2,914
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 40,937	39,706	39,115	37,166	33,428	30,957	28,342	$ 21,302
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2011 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	46,841	47,423	47,266	49,268	55,156	56,489	60,236
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 2,038
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	4,370
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 43,680	42,441	41,140	40,301	38,909	35,119	$ 24,899
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2012 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	42,986	44,272	45,990	48,222	52,554	51,998
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 2,505
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	3,219
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 40,408	38,526	37,191	34,789	32,203	$ 23,445
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2013 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	52,076	53,174	56,703	57,528	55,482
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 4,317
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	3,920
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 46,756	44,475	41,809	36,411	$ 23,123
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2014 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	53,882	53,568	55,808	55,488
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 5,602
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	3,555
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 45,779	41,514	37,122	$ 24,255
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2015 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	50,053	49,857	49,571
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 8,768
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	3,165
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 38,302	34,245	$ 19,085
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2016 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	48,182	46,880
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 11,673
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	2,779
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 32,006	$ 21,508
Standard Commercial Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2017 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to current year	41,393
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 18,099
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	2,330
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to current year	$ 16,755

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an68

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Incurred and Paid Claims Development - Personal Segment) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)claim	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 40,105	$ 7,608	$ (6,953)
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to current year	248,203	246,080	237,102
Total incurred	288,308	253,688	230,149
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	181,277	150,378	122,122
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to current year	92,873	93,067	83,132
Total paid	274,150	243,445	205,254
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	372,488	358,330	348,087	$ 323,192
Personal Segment [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Total incurred	482,690
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Total paid	471,182
All outstanding liabilities before 2007, net of reinsurance	(3)
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	11,505
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2008 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 40,401	40,369	40,324	40,239	$ 40,170	$ 39,793	$ 39,412	$ 38,329	$ 36,976	$ 36,247
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	17,354
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 40,404	40,347	40,323	40,309	40,210	39,511	38,925	36,782	32,555	$ 20,005
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2009 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 49,971	49,891	49,772	49,694	48,930	47,977	46,244	42,092	40,436
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	21,054
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 49,957	49,853	49,704	49,539	49,287	47,967	44,689	37,621	$ 23,306
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2010 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 84,808	84,591	84,252	83,903	84,724	80,765	78,294	63,862
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	30,180
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 84,717	84,556	84,111	83,511	82,624	75,199	67,755	$ 38,643
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2011 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 86,853	86,948	86,804	86,757	87,810	77,652	75,746
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	31,614
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 86,660	86,593	86,217	85,533	83,497	67,939	$ 46,416
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2012 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 72,037	72,042	71,513	70,552	73,795	58,604
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	23,938
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 72,055	71,995	70,807	68,849	64,278	$ 37,860
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2013 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	60,379	60,211	60,100	59,132	55,706
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 69
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	23,468
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 60,277	59,775	58,047	54,514	$ 45,901
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized In 2014 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	6,699	6,243	5,340	5,452
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 239
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	19,297
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 6,428	5,631	4,418	$ 2,515
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2015 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	25,307	25,682	23,104
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 642
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	23,512
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 24,262	22,281	$ 11,570
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2016 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	32,893	32,260
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,309
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	24,988
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to prior years	$ 30,646	$ 21,669
Personal Segment [Member] | Loss Adjustment Expenses Recognized in 2017 [Member]
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Incurred Claims [Abstract]
Incurred claims and claim adjustment expenses related to current year	23,342
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 4,253
Cumulative number of reported claims | claim	17,532
Liability For Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Claims Paid [Abstract]
Paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses related to current year	$ 15,776

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an69

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Reconciliation of Incurred and Paid Claims to Liability for Unpaid Losses and LAE) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated loss adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 365,060	$ 350,368
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims	154,612	123,237
Unallocated claims adjustment expenses	7,428	7,962
Total gross liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses	527,100	481,567	$ 450,878	$ 415,135
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated loss adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	275,436	252,602
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims	137,975	102,597
Unallocated claims adjustment expenses	3,377	3,831
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated loss adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	78,119	82,222
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims	6,051	8,540
Unallocated claims adjustment expenses	3,153	3,031
Personal Segment [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Liabilities for unpaid losses and allocated loss adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	11,505	15,544
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims	10,586	12,100
Unallocated claims adjustment expenses	$ 898	$ 1,100

Reserves for Unpaid Losses an70

Reserves for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017	[1]
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year one	30.50%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year two	23.90%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year three	19.00%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year four	13.10%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year five	6.60%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year six	1.60%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year seven	1.50%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year eight	1.80%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year nine	0.70%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year ten	1.30%
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year one	45.10%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year two	23.70%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year three	8.10%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year four	6.50%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year five	4.70%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year six	3.70%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year seven	1.50%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year eight	1.80%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year nine	1.00%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year ten	1.70%
Personal Segment [Member]
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year one	52.00%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year two	28.60%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year three	10.80%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year four	5.60%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year five	1.30%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year six	0.70%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year seven	0.30%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year eight	0.20%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year nine	0.10%
Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims, year ten	0.40%
[1]	The average annual percentage payout is calculated from a paid losses and ALAE development pattern based on an actuarial analysis of the paid losses and ALAE movements by accident year for each disaggregation category. The paid losses and ALAE development pattern provides the expected percentage of ultimate losses and ALAE to be paid in each year. The pattern considers all accident years included in the claims development tables

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Detail

Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reinsurance [Abstract]
Paid loss recoverable	$ 28.2	$ 24.4

Reinsurance (Schedule of Reinsu

Reinsurance (Schedule of Reinsurance Ceded and Recoveries) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Premium Written :
Direct	$ 601,780	$ 549,077	$ 514,223
Assumed	2,376
Ceded premiums written	(238,573)	(187,248)	(157,279)
Net premiums written	365,583	361,829	356,944
Premium Earned:
Direct	567,089	524,229	494,643
Assumed	1,680
Ceded	(207,732)	(170,859)	(145,562)
Premiums Earned, Net, Property and Casualty	361,037	353,370	349,081
Reinsurance recoveries	$ 144,948	$ 116,057	$ 89,892

Revolving Credit Facility and73

Revolving Credit Facility and Notes Payable (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2016	Dec. 17, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 15,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage				0.25%
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding			0	$ 0
Facility B Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			30,000,000	$ 30,000,000
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage				0.25%
Line of credit facility, commitment fee amount	$ 30,000	$ 75,000	30,000
Line of credit facility, amount outstanding			30,000,000	$ 30,000,000	$ 30,000,000
Line of credit facility, expiration date				Dec. 17, 2019
Letters of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 5,000,000	$ 5,000,000
Line of credit facility, commitment fee percentage				1.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate				2.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Facility B Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate				3.00%

Subordinated Debt Securities (N

Subordinated Debt Securities (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 23, 2007	Jun. 21, 2005	Jun. 21, 2005	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 15, 2015	Sep. 15, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subordinated Debt [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross				$ 55.8			$ 55.7
Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 30.9	$ 30.9	$ 30.9
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities		30
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		$ 0.9
Subordinated borrowing, interest rate				4.84%	7.725%
Debt instrument interest rate fixed to floating date		Jun. 15, 2015
Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross		$ 30.9	30.9
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities			$ 30
Hallmark Statutory Trust I I [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 25.8			$ 25.8
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities	25
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	0.8
Subordinated borrowing, interest rate				4.49%		8.28%
Hallmark Statutory Trust I I [Member] | Subordinated Debt [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	25.8
Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities	$ 25
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Hallmark Statutory Trust I [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate				3.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Hallmark Statutory Trust I I [Member]
Subordinated Borrowing [Line Items]
Subordinated borrowing, interest rate				2.90%

Segment Information (Narrative)

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
American Hallmark Insurance Company [Member]
Net premiums written, percentage	34.00%
Hallmark Insurance Company (Payer) [Member]
Net premiums written, percentage	32.00%
Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company [Member]
Net premiums written, percentage	24.00%
Hallmark National Insurance Company [Member]
Net premiums written, percentage	10.00%

Segment Information (Schedule o

Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting, by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues
Revenues	$ 97,375	$ 97,723	$ 93,475	$ 96,948	$ 97,254	$ 97,618	$ 91,052	$ 90,028	$ 385,521	$ 375,952	$ 372,402
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									4,715	3,894	3,516
Interest Expense
Interest Expense									4,512	4,549	3,906
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (5,338)	$ 35	$ (1,568)	$ 1,852	$ (2,512)	$ 2,128	$ 421	$ 1,915	(5,019)	1,952	10,023
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									(16,572)	8,478	31,886
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									277,946	255,897	249,910
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									2,796	2,579	2,537
Interest Expense
Interest Expense
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									(4,382)	7,886	11,609
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									2,012	24,417	40,277
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									70,302	71,966	76,864
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									294	101	136
Interest Expense
Interest Expense
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									3,849	3,011	1,436
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									2,440	8,866	6,687
Personal Segment [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									40,462	49,826	45,538
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									1,258	1,070	779
Interest Expense
Interest Expense
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									(676)	(3,821)	(1,345)
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									(3,058)	(6,839)	(885)
Corporate [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									(3,189)	(1,737)	90
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									367	144	64
Interest Expense
Interest Expense									4,512	4,549	3,906
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									(3,810)	(5,124)	(1,677)
Pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest:
Consolidated pre-tax income (loss), net of non-controlling interest									(17,966)	(17,966)	(14,193)
Parent Company [Member]
Revenues
Revenues									22,722	21,281	18,173
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and Amortization Expense									367	148	65
Interest Expense
Interest Expense									4,512	4,549	3,906
Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense (benefit)									$ (947)	$ (1,315)	$ (1,273)

Segment Information (Schedule77

Segment Information (Schedule of Segment Reporting Additional Information by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets	$ 1,231,126	$ 1,162,460
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Assets	810,133	734,763
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Assets	162,152	164,295
Personal Segment [Member]
Assets	232,441	241,686
Corporate [Member]
Assets	26,400	21,716
Parent Company [Member]
Assets	$ 364,818	$ 379,079

Earnings Per Share (Narrative)

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	406,731	272,500	267,500

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of

Earnings Per Share (Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Numerator for both basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.									$ (11,553)	$ 6,526	$ 21,863
Denominator, basic shares									18,343	18,780	19,211
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock-based compensation awards										161	194
Denominator, diluted shares									18,343	18,941	19,405
Basic earnings per share: (in dollars per share)	$ (0.59)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.18)	$ 0.21	$ (0.20)	$ 0.27	$ 0.06	$ 0.21	$ (0.63)	$ 0.35	$ 1.14
Diluted earnings per share: (in dollars per share)	$ (0.59)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.18)	$ 0.21	$ (0.20)	$ 0.27	$ 0.06	$ 0.21	$ (0.63)	$ 0.34	$ 1.13

Regulatory Capital Restrictio80

Regulatory Capital Restrictions (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2018
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Retained earnings, unappropriated	$ 63.7
Aggregate amount of shareholder dividends, maximum available next current fiscal year				$ 19.7
Hallmark (Payee) [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Dividends paid by subsidiaries	$ 11.4	$ 10.5
Hallmark Insurance Company (Payer) [Member] | Hallmark (Payee) [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Insurance agency management fee		1.1	$ 1.3
Subsidiaries [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Future Dividend Payments Restrictions	lesser of 10% of prior year policyholders' surplus or prior year's net investment income
Subsidiaries [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of shareholder dividends, maximum available next current fiscal year				$ 27.6
American Hallmark Insurance Company and Texas Builders Insurance Company [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Future Dividend Payments Restrictions	greater of statutory net income for the prior calendar year or 10% of statutory policyholders' surplus as of the prior year end
Hallmark Specialty Insurance Company [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Future Dividend Payments Restrictions	greater of 10% of prior year policyholders' surplus or prior year's statutory net income, not including realized capital gains
Hallmark Insurance Company Subsidiaries [Member]
Regulatory Capital Restrictions [Line Items]
Amount of restricted net assets for consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 187.4
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus, balance	233.3	248.4
Statutory accounting practices, statutory net income amount	$ 1.9	$ 8.7	$ 24.6

Share-based Payment Arrangeme81

Share-based Payment Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options, Granted					0
Options contractual term		1 year 2 months 12 days
Percentage of restricted stock units granted as result of meeting growth rates		50.00%			50.00%
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, incentive stock options to purchase number of shares		147,574
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, non-qualified stock options to purchase number of shares		259,157
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, restricted stock options to purchase number of shares		77,640
Long Term Incentive Plan 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, number of shares authorized		2,000,000			2,000,000
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, restricted stock options to purchase number of shares		501,029
Stock options, Granted		0	0	0
Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 and 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards		$ 0			$ 0
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | First Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Percentage		10.00%			10.00%
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Second Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Percentage		20.00%			20.00%
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Third Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Percentage		30.00%			30.00%
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Fourth Anniversary [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Percentage		40.00%			40.00%
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation incentive stock options grant under incentive plan termination period		5 years
Prior to 2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation incentive stock options grant under incentive plan termination period		10 years
2009 Incentive Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation incentive stock options grant under incentive plan termination period		10 years
Incentive Stock Options 2010 [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | 25,000 Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation incentive stock options grant under incentive plan termination period		10 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options vested and expected to vest number		25,000			25,000
Non Qualified Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting rights, percentage		100.00%
Stock-based compensation incentive stock options grant under incentive plan termination period	10 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, award vesting period		6 months
Non Qualified Stock Options [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 [Member] | 200,000 Grant [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation incentive stock options grant under incentive plan termination period		10 years
Share-based compensation arrangement by share based payment award options vested and expected to vest number		200,000			200,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards		$ 1,900,000			$ 1,900,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Next Twelve Months		300,000			300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Expected to Recognize During Remainder of Year Two		200,000			200,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Expected to Recognize During Remainder of Year Three		100,000			$ 100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Expected to Recognized		600,000
Allocated share-based compensation expense		149,000		$ 226,000
Allocated share based compensation benefit			$ (156,000)
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income		$ 52,000		$ 79,000
Income tax expense of share-based payments recognized in income			$ 55,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of restricted stock units granted as result of meeting growth rates		150.00%			150.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Long Term Incentive Plan 2005 and 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Other than options granted, weighted average grant date fair value		$ 11.10	$ 11.41	$ 10.20

Share-based Payment Arrangeme82

Share-based Payment Arrangements (Summary of the Status of Stock Options) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended	36 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Payment Arrangements [Abstract]
Stock options, Outstanding at January 1, 2017	624,231
Stock options, Granted		0
Stock options, exercised (in shares)	(35,000)
Stock options, forfeited or expired	(182,500)
Stock options, Outstanding at December 31, 2017	406,731	406,731
Stock options, Exercisable at December 31, 2017	406,731	406,731
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at January 1, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 9.14
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised | $ / shares	6.61
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited or expired | $ / shares	12.49
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | $ / shares	7.85	$ 7.85
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | $ / shares	$ 7.85	$ 7.85
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding at December 31, 2017 (in years)	1 year 2 months 12 days
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable at December 31, 2017 (in years)	1 year 2 months 12 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2017 | $	$ 1,142	$ 1,142
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2017 | $	$ 1,142	$ 1,142

Share-based Payment Arrangeme83

Share-based Payment Arrangements (Schedule of Options, Grants in Period, Grant Date Intrinsic Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)	$ 149	$ (118)	$ 383
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 163	250	393
Cost of share-based payments (non-cash)		38	157
Income tax benefit of share-based payments recognized in income		$ 8	$ 30

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (D

Retirement Plans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		$ 11,153	$ 10,415	$ 10,419	$ 11,290
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents		$ 10,742	$ 10,091
Favorable rate of return equal to or greater than average inflation rate		5.00%
Investment objective achievement period		60 years
Single stock issue restricted among total portfolio value		5.00%
Securities held in mutual or commingled funds		90.00%
Expected return on plan assets		6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Net periodic pension cost		$ (49)	$ (29)	$ (80)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		471	512	518
Defined benefit plan, expected return on plan assets		(646)	(653)	(701)
Defined contribution plan, employer discretionary contribution amount		200	400	$ 300
Scenario, Forecast for 2017 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net periodic pension cost	$ (164)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	424
Defined benefit plan, expected return on plan assets	(694)
Defined benefit plan, amortization of losses (gains)	$ 106
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets		400	300
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents		$ 7,156	6,653
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range, minimum		45.00%
Defined benefit plan, target plan asset allocations range, maximum		75.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents		$ 3,586	$ 3,438
Standard Commercial P & C Business Unit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum hours of service to participate within defined benefit plan		1000 hours

Retirement Plans (Changes in Be

Retirement Plans (Changes in Benefit Obligations, Components of Benefit Costs, Weighted-Average Assumptions, and Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assumptions (end of period):
Discount rate used in determining benefit obligation	3.45%	3.88%	4.12%
Reconciliation of funded status (end of period):
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ (12,758)	$ (12,618)	$ (12,915)
Projected benefit obligation	(12,758)	(12,618)	(12,915)
Fair value of plan assets	11,153	10,415	10,419
Defined benefit plan, funded status of plan, total	(1,605)	(2,203)	(2,496)
Net actuarial loss	(3,554)	(4,102)	(3,957)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,554)	(4,102)	(3,957)
Prepaid pension cost	1,949	1,899	1,461
Net amount recognized as of December 31	(1,605)	(2,203)	(2,496)
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation as of beginning of period	12,618	12,915	13,909
Interest cost	471	512	518
Actuarial liability loss	554	19	(646)
Benefits paid	(885)	(828)	(866)
Benefit obligation as of end of period	12,758	12,618	12,915	$ 13,909
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets as of beginning of period	10,415	10,419	11,290
Actual return on plan assets (net of expenses)	1,623	415	(5)
Employer contributions		409
Benefits paid	885	828	866
Fair value of plan assets as of end of period	11,153	10,415	10,419	11,290
Net periodic pension cost:
Service cost - benefits earned during the period
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	471	512	518
Expected return on plan assets	(646)	(653)	(701)
Recognized actuarial loss	126	112	103
Net periodic pension cost	$ (49)	$ (29)	$ (80)
Discount rate	3.88%	4.12%	3.86%
Expected return on plan assets	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%

Retirement Plans (Estimated Fut

Retirement Plans (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
2,018	$ 882
2,019	876
2,020	864
2,021	866
2,022	851
2023-2027	$ 4,001

Retirement Plans (Weighted-Aver

Retirement Plans (Weighted-Average Asset Allocation for the Defined Benefit Cash Balance Plan) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	32.00%	33.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	64.00%	64.00%
Other Liabilities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, actual plan asset allocations	4.00%	3.00%

Retirement Plans (Schedule of F

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	$ 10,742	$ 10,091
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	3,586	3,438
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	7,156	6,653
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	7,156	6,653
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	7,156	6,653
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	3,586	3,438
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, fair value of plan assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,586	$ 3,438

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 954
Income tax carryback period	2 years
Income tax carryforward period	20 years
Uncertain tax positions	$ 0

Income Taxes (Schedule of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ (3,361)	$ (6,717)
Net unrealized holding gain on investments	(4,688)	(7,395)
Agency relationship	(28)	(56)
Intangible assets	(2,476)	(4,623)
Goodwill	(357)	(559)
Bond amortization	(111)
Fixed assets	(860)	(1,106)
Other	(303)	(435)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(12,184)	(20,891)
Deferred tax assets:
Unearned premiums	6,901	11,184
Amortization of non-compete agreements	107	238
Pension liability	746	1,436
Net operating loss carry-forward	200	319
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expense	3,422	6,208
Rent reserve	158	247
Bond amortization		434
Bonus accrual	302	291
Investment impairments	1,956	1,419
Other	329	480
Total deferred tax assets	14,121	22,256
Deferred federal income taxes, net	$ 1,937	$ 1,365

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effec

Income Taxes (Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Computed expected income tax expense (benefit) at statutory regulatory tax rate									$ (5,800)	$ 2,967	$ 11,160
Meals and entertainment									81	81	32
Tax exempt interest									(987)	(1,164)	(1,259)
Dividends received deduction									(196)	(133)	(141)
State taxes (net of federal benefit)									165	203	176
Tax law change									1,276
True up bond amortization									464
Other									(22)	(2)	55
Income tax expense (benefit)	$ (5,338)	$ 35	$ (1,568)	$ 1,852	$ (2,512)	$ 2,128	$ 421	$ 1,915	(5,019)	1,952	10,023
Current income tax (benefit) expense									(3,444)	1,547	11,053
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									(1,575)	405	(1,030)
Income tax (benefit) expense	$ (5,338)	$ 35	$ (1,568)	$ 1,852	$ (2,512)	$ 2,128	$ 421	$ 1,915	$ (5,019)	$ 1,952	$ 10,023

Income Taxes (Summary of Operat

Income Taxes (Summary of Operating Loss Carryforwards) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Net Operating Loss	$ 954
Operating Loss Expires In 2022 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	553
Operating Loss Expires In 2028 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	2
Operating Loss Expires in 2029 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	25
Operating Loss Expires In 2031 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	45
Operating Loss Expires In 2032 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	77
Operating Loss Expires In 2033 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	73
Operating Loss Expires In 2034 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	59
Operating Loss Expires in 2035 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	33
Operating Loss Expires in 2036 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	50
Operating Loss Expires in 2037 [Member]
Net Operating Loss	$ 37

Commitments and Contingencies93

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Operating leases, rent expense, net	$ 2,800	$ 2,500	$ 2,200
Guaranty association assessments	$ 36	$ 100

Commitments and Contingencies94

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
2,018	$ 2,398
2,019	2,251
2,020	2,151
2,021	1,155
2,022	507
Total minimum lease payments	8,462
Minimum sublease rentals due under noncancelable subleases	$ 35

Changes in Accumulated Other 95

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances (Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 10,371
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	548	$ (145)	$ 43
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(192)	51	(15)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	9,117	6,019	(10,191)
Tax effect on unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	(3,191)	(2,107)	3,567
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(6,799)	(1,331)	(5,826)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense	2,380	466	2,039
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,863	2,953	(10,383)
Ending Balance	12,234	10,371
Pension Liability [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	(2,666)	(2,572)	(2,600)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	548	(145)	43
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(192)	51	(15)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	356	(94)	28
Ending Balance	(2,310)	(2,666)	(2,572)
Unrealized Gains (Loss) [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	13,037	9,990	20,401
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	9,117	6,019	(10,191)
Tax effect on unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	(3,191)	(2,107)	3,567
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(6,799)	(1,331)	(5,826)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense	2,380	466	2,039
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,507	3,047	(10,411)
Ending Balance	14,544	13,037	9,990
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	10,371	7,418	17,801
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in net actuarial gain (loss)	548	(145)	43
Tax effect on change in net actuarial gain (loss)	(192)	51	(15)
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period	9,117	6,019	(10,191)
Tax effect on unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	(3,191)	(2,107)	3,567
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net realized gains	(6,799)	(1,331)	(5,826)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment for gains included in income tax expense	2,380	466	2,039
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,863	2,953	(10,383)
Ending Balance	12,234	10,371	$ 7,418
Parent Company [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	10,371
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Ending Balance	$ 12,234	$ 10,371

Unaudited Selected Quarterly 96

Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Unaudited Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Total revenue	$ 97,375	$ 97,723	$ 93,475	$ 96,948	$ 97,254	$ 97,618	$ 91,052	$ 90,028	$ 385,521	$ 375,952	$ 372,402
Total expense	113,342	99,248	98,393	91,110	103,428	90,442	89,565	84,039	402,093	367,474	340,516
Income (loss) before tax	(15,967)	(1,525)	(4,918)	5,838	(6,174)	7,176	1,487	5,989	(16,572)	8,478	31,886
Income tax expense (benefit)	(5,338)	35	(1,568)	1,852	(2,512)	2,128	421	1,915	(5,019)	1,952	10,023
Net income (loss)	$ (10,629)	$ (1,560)	$ (3,350)	$ 3,986	$ (3,662)	$ 5,048	$ 1,066	$ 4,074	(11,553)	6,526	21,863
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.									$ (11,553)	$ 6,526	$ 21,863
Basic earnings (loss) per share:	$ (0.59)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.18)	$ 0.21	$ (0.20)	$ 0.27	$ 0.06	$ 0.21	$ (0.63)	$ 0.35	$ 1.14
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:	$ (0.59)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.18)	$ 0.21	$ (0.20)	$ 0.27	$ 0.06	$ 0.21	$ (0.63)	$ 0.34	$ 1.13

Schedule II - Condensed Finan97

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Debt securities	$ 605,746	$ 597,457
Cash and cash equivalents	64,982	79,632	$ 114,446	$ 130,985
Investment in subsidiaries	1,702	1,702
Deferred federal income taxes	1,937	1,365
Federal income tax recoverable	7,532	3,951
Other assets	13,856	13,801
Total assets	1,231,126	1,162,460
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Revolving credit facility payable	30,000	30,000
Subordinated debt securities	55,753	55,701
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	28,933	25,296
Total liabilities	980,008	896,724
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2017 and 2016	3,757	3,757
Capital in excess of par value	123,180	123,166
Retained earnings	136,474	148,027
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,234	10,371
Treasury stock (2,703,803 shares in 2017 and 2,260,849 in 2016), at cost	(24,527)	(19,585)
Total stockholders equity	251,118	265,736	262,026	252,037
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,231,126	1,162,460
Parent Company [Member]
ASSETS
Debt securities	150
Cash and cash equivalents	12,194	9,034	$ 8,014	$ 11,839
Investment in subsidiaries	344,496	363,078
Deferred federal income taxes	493	333
Federal income tax recoverable	3,914	2,756
Other assets	3,571	3,878
Total assets	364,818	379,079
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Revolving credit facility payable	30,000	30,000
Subordinated debt securities	55,753	55,701
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses	27,947	27,642
Total liabilities	113,700	113,343
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $.18 par value, authorized 33,333,333 shares; issued 20,872,831 shares in 2017 and 2016	3,757	3,757
Capital in excess of par value	123,180	123,166
Retained earnings	136,474	148,027
Accumulated other comprehensive income	12,234	10,371
Treasury stock (2,703,803 shares in 2017 and 2,260,849 in 2016), at cost	(24,527)	(19,585)
Total stockholders equity	251,118	265,736
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 364,818	$ 379,079

Schedule II - Condensed Finan98

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) (Balance Sheet Extra) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt securities, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	$ 604,999	$ 597,784
Unamortized debt issuance cost (in dollars)	$ 949	$ 1,001
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	2,703,803	2,260,849
Parent Company [Member]
Debt securities, available-for-sale, cost (in dollars)	$ 150
Unamortized debt issuance cost (in dollars)	$ 949	$ 1,001
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	2,703,803	2,260,849

Schedule II - Condensed Finan99

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) (Statements of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment loss, net of expenses									$ 18,874	$ 16,342	$ 13,969
Management fee income									3,867	4,977	5,952
Total revenues	$ 97,375	$ 97,723	$ 93,475	$ 96,948	$ 97,254	$ 97,618	$ 91,052	$ 90,028	385,521	375,952	372,402
Interest expense									4,512	4,549	3,906
Amortization of intangible assets									2,468	2,468	2,468
Loss before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit	(15,967)	(1,525)	(4,918)	5,838	(6,174)	7,176	1,487	5,989	(16,572)	8,478	31,886
Income tax benefit	$ (5,338)	$ 35	$ (1,568)	$ 1,852	$ (2,512)	$ 2,128	$ 421	$ 1,915	(5,019)	1,952	10,023
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.									(11,553)	6,526	21,863
Parent Company [Member]
Investment loss, net of expenses									210	70	120
Dividend income from subsidiaries									11,375	10,500	8,000
Management fee income									11,896	10,711	10,053
Total revenues									22,722	21,281	18,173
Operating expenses									10,265	9,878	10,222
Interest expense									4,512	4,549	3,906
Operating Costs and Expenses									14,777	14,427	14,128
Loss before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and income tax benefit									7,945	6,854	4,045
Income tax benefit									(947)	(1,315)	(1,273)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries									8,892	8,169	5,318
Equity in undistributed share of earnings (loss) in subsidiaries									(20,445)	(1,643)	16,545
Net income (loss) attributable to Hallmark Financial Services, Inc.									(11,553)	6,526	21,863
Comprehensive income (loss)									$ (9,690)	$ 9,479	$ 11,480

Schedule II - Condensed Fina100

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Parent Company Only) (Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (10,629)	$ (1,560)	$ (3,350)	$ 3,986	$ (3,662)	$ 5,048	$ 1,066	$ 4,074	$ (11,553)	$ 6,526	$ 21,863
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense									4,715	3,894	3,516
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									(1,575)	405	(1,030)
Realized loss									205	369	(2,503)
Change in current federal income tax (recoverable)/payable									(3,581)	(2,172)	(2,747)
Change in all other liabilities									3,091	3,586	(1,368)
Change in all other assets									5,487	5,433	(697)
Net cash provided by operating activities									7,199	30,854	52,936
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net									(2,705)	(4,340)	(3,608)
Purchase of fixed maturity and equity securities									(305,930)	(241,374)	(265,482)
Maturities and redemptions of investment securities									287,187	186,286	169,409
Net cash used in investing activities									(16,772)	(58,233)	(96,289)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options									231	466	658
Purchase of treasury shares									(5,308)	(6,117)	(2,532)
Activity under revolving credit facility, net											30,000
Payment of debt issuance costs											(96)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(5,077)	(7,435)	26,814
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents									(14,650)	(34,814)	(16,539)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				79,632				114,446	79,632	114,446	130,985
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	64,982				79,632				64,982	79,632	114,446
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid									4,506	4,287	3,906
Income taxes (recovered) paid									137	3,718	13,800
Parent Company [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)									(11,553)	6,526	21,863
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense									367	148	65
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									(160)	609	(195)
Undistributed share of (earnings) loss of subsidiaries									20,445	1,643	(16,545)
Realized loss									759
Change in current federal income tax (recoverable)/payable									(1,158)	(2,828)	8
Change in all other liabilities									306	1,228	(7,080)
Change in all other assets									632	814	188
Net cash provided by operating activities									9,638	8,140	(1,696)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment, net									(97)	(1,469)	(159)
Purchase of fixed maturity and equity securities									(1,304)
Capital contribution to subsidiaries											(30,000)
Net cash used in investing activities									(1,401)	(1,469)	(30,159)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options									231	466	658
Purchase of treasury shares									(5,308)	(6,117)	(2,532)
Activity under revolving credit facility, net											30,000
Payment of debt issuance costs											(96)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									(5,077)	(5,651)	28,030
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents									3,160	1,020	(3,825)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 9,034				$ 8,014	9,034	8,014	11,839
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 12,194				$ 9,034				12,194	9,034	8,014
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid									4,506	4,287	3,906
Income taxes (recovered) paid									$ 372	$ 904	$ (1,086)

Schedule III - Supplementary In

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 16,002	$ 19,193	$ 20,366
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses	527,100	481,567	450,878
Unearned Premiums	276,642	241,254	216,407
Premium Revenue	361,037	353,370	349,081
Net Investment Income	18,874	16,342	13,969
Benefits Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	288,308	253,688	230,149
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	34,265	39,076	32,674
Other Operating Expenses	103,615	105,596	103,614
Net Premiums Written	365,583	361,829	356,944
Specialty Commercial Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	8,668	11,961	13,501
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses	416,788	358,961	314,975
Unearned Premiums	224,903	185,634	161,730
Premium Revenue	259,086	241,890	237,640
Net Investment Income	16,809	12,962	11,524
Benefits Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	213,050	169,125	148,664
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	21,600	27,474	23,371
Other Operating Expenses	57,458	58,678	58,212
Net Premiums Written	265,022	249,072	241,775
Standard Commercial Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	6,421	5,849	5,633
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses	87,323	93,793	105,971
Unearned Premiums	37,574	34,334	33,701
Premium Revenue	66,218	67,510	72,613
Net Investment Income	3,855	3,471	3,623
Benefits Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	45,227	41,173	47,071
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	10,890	12,199	4,237
Other Operating Expenses	23,180	22,117	22,820
Net Premiums Written	69,288	68,490	71,097
Personal Segment [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	913	1,383	1,232
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Adjustment Expenses	22,989	28,813	29,932
Unearned Premiums	14,165	21,286	20,976
Premium Revenue	35,733	43,970	38,828
Net Investment Income	1,194	1,276	1,235
Benefits Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	30,031	43,390	34,414
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	1,775	(597)	5,066
Other Operating Expenses	12,712	13,119	12,205
Net Premiums Written	31,273	44,267	44,072
Corporate [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Net Investment Income, Corporate	(2,984)	(1,367)	(2,413)
Other Operating Expenses	$ 10,265	$ 11,682	$ 10,377

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Deta

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Premium Earned:
Gross amount	$ 567,089	$ 524,229	$ 494,643
Ceded to other companies	207,732	170,859	145,562
Assumed from other companies	1,680
Net premiums earned	$ 361,037	$ 353,370	$ 349,081
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%
Property, Liability and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member]
Premium Earned:
Gross amount	$ 567,089	$ 524,229	$ 494,643
Ceded to other companies	207,732	170,859	145,562
Assumed from other companies	1,680
Net premiums earned	$ 361,037	$ 353,370	$ 349,081
Percentage of amount assumed to net	0.47%	0.00%	0.00%

Schedule VI - Supplemental Info

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Information For Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 16,002	$ 19,193	$ 20,366
Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	527,100	481,567	450,878
Unearned Premiums	276,642	241,254	216,407
Earned Premiums	361,037	353,370	349,081
Net Investment Income	18,874	16,342	13,969
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Current Year	248,203	246,080	237,102
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Prior Years	40,105	7,608	(6,953)
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	34,275	39,076	32,674
Paid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expenses	274,150	243,445	205,254
Premiums Written	$ 365,583	$ 361,829	$ 356,944