Acquisitions (Revs and Earnings) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net (loss) earnings	$ 190,114	$ 180,496	$ 181,350
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	140,117	130,671	129,202
Net (loss) earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	49,997	49,825	52,148
Acquired Nsc Centers [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	35,130
Net (loss) earnings	4,982
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,193
Net (loss) earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	1,789
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	23,534	17,397
Net (loss) earnings	7,251	5,358
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,213	2,708
Net (loss) earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	$ 3,038	$ 2,650