Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 14,124	$ 29,951	$ 24,702
Other comprehensive income before income taxes:
Unrealized gains on securities available-for sale	21,518	17,850	31,394
Amortization of gain and unrealized losses on hedging transactions	(78)	(739)	2,736
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net earnings	(10,966)	(2,251)	(163)
Total other comprehensive income before income taxes	10,474	14,860	33,967
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	4,082	2,069	5,133
Other comprehensive income net of income taxes	6,392	12,791	28,834
Comprehensive income	20,516	42,742	53,536
Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	3,386	(469)	577
Comprehensive income attributable to American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd	$ 17,130	$ 43,211	$ 52,959