Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value (including $10,616 and $9,499 from VIE)	$ 817,957	$ 829,577
Stock, at fair value	14,632	11,857
Short-term investments, at fair value (including $1,514 and $2,645 from VIE)	81,101	76,502
Trading securities, at fair value	13,127	12,712
Total investments	926,817	930,648
Cash and cash equivalents (including $1,397 and $507 from VIE)	32,800	20,224
Accrued investment income (including $55 and $52 from VIE)	6,179	6,387
Premiums receivable (including $737 and $498 from VIE)	28,404	32,559
Ceded unearned premium (including $323 and $351 from VIE)	30,375	29,821
Reinsurance recoverable (including $4,940 and $5,039 from VIE)	184,909	183,562
Deferred acquisition costs (including $1,043 and $1,100 from VIE)	26,602	26,182
Property, plant and equipment, net	12,012	12,082
Goodwill	20,843	20,843
Funds on deposit (including $98 and $231 from VIE)	30,221	42,088
Accrued premium (including $0 and $0 from VIE)	45,894	42,886
Other assets (including $0 and $1,255 from VIE)	25,819	25,849
Total assets	1,370,875	1,373,131
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (including $8,920 and $8,900 from VIE)	726,566	725,244
Unearned premiums (including $4,086 and $4,325 from VIE)	148,795	146,096
Ceded premiums payable (including ($200) and $67 from VIE)	17,694	13,386
Funds held (including $85 and $113 from VIE)	71,815	76,806
Other liabilities (including $0 and $0 from VIE)	16,660	18,601
Deferred income taxes (including $55 and $30 from VIE)	7,137	8,767
Loans payable	39,183	39,183
Total liabilities	1,027,850	1,028,083
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding at March 31, 2013, 9,486,086 shares and at December 31, 2012, 9,505,906 shares	95	95
Additional paid-in capital	84,221	86,568
Retained earnings	202,517	197,015
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	48,415	53,628
Total American Safety Insurance Holdings, Ltd. shareholders' equity	335,248	337,306
Equity in non-controlling interests	7,777	7,742
Total equity	343,025	345,048
Total liabilities and equity	1,370,875	1,373,131
Common stock
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value (including $10,616 and $9,499 from VIE)	11,481	8,776
Stock, at fair value	11,481	8,776
Preferred stock
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value (including $10,616 and $9,499 from VIE)	3,151	3,081
Stock, at fair value	$ 3,151	$ 3,081