Acquisitions (Revs and Earnings) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 53,765	$ 47,617	$ 164,249	$ 138,622
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	38,328	34,491	118,500	102,173
Net earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	15,437	13,126	45,749	36,449
Acquired Nsc Centers [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues				8,910
Net earnings (loss)				(533)
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests				647
Net earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders				(1,180)
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues			1,979	13,865
Net earnings (loss)			623	4,592
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests			329	2,649
Net earnings attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders			$ 294	$ 1,943