Acquisitions (Revs and Earnings) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net (loss) earnings	$ 47,617	$ 45,135	$ 138,622	$ 135,275
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	34,491	32,017	102,173	96,318
Net (loss) earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	13,126	13,118	36,449	38,957
Acquired Nsc Centers [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues			8,910
Net (loss) earnings			(533)
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests			647
Net (loss) earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders			(1,180)
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues			13,865	6,882
Net (loss) earnings			4,592	2,389
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests			2,649	1,448
Net (loss) earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders			$ 1,943	$ 941