Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013 item	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Information
Number of separately managed business units	2
Segment Information
Net revenue	$ 888,324	$ 806,294
Adjusted EBITDA	100,999	91,564
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Adjusted EBITDA	100,999	91,564
Depreciation and amortization expense	(34,755)	(30,490)
Restructuring charges	(637)	(5,979)
Equity-based compensation expense	(1,062)	(1,062)
Related party management fees	(1,250)	(1,250)
Interest expense	(40,290)	(43,452)
Realized gain on investments	13	298
Interest and other (expense) income	(12,721)	162
Loss on early debt extinguishment	(122)
Income tax expense	(7,134)	(4,238)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary	75	109
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		130
Net income attributable to Emergency Medical Services Corporation	3,116	5,792
Related party management fees	(1,250)	(1,250)
Segment
Segment Information
Net revenue	888,324	806,294
Adjusted EBITDA	100,999	91,564
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Adjusted EBITDA	100,999	91,564
Facility-based physician services
Segment Information
Net revenue	554,936	449,004
Adjusted EBITDA	66,160	56,714
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Adjusted EBITDA	66,160	56,714
Medical transportation services
Segment Information
Net revenue	333,388	357,290
Adjusted EBITDA	34,839	34,850
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)
Adjusted EBITDA	$ 34,839	$ 34,850