Acquisitions (Revs and Earnings) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 55,545	$ 46,377	$ 110,484	$ 91,005
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	40,009	34,747	80,172	67,682
Net earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	15,536	11,630	30,312	23,323
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues			730	6,588
Net earnings (loss)			222	2,210
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests			105	1,254
Net earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders			$ 117	$ 956