Acquisitions (Revs and Earnings) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 59,394	$ 53,765	$ 55,545	$ 54,939	$ 51,492	$ 47,617	$ 46,377	$ 44,628	$ 223,643	$ 190,114	$ 180,496
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									161,080	140,117	130,671
Net earnings (loss) attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	16,814	15,437	15,536	14,776	13,548	13,126	11,630	11,693	62,563	49,997	49,825
Acquired Nsc Centers [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues										35,130
Net earnings (loss)										4,982
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests										3,193
Net earnings (loss) attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders										1,789
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues									11,247	23,534
Net earnings (loss)									3,441	7,251
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									1,977	4,213
Net earnings (loss) attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders									$ 1,464	$ 3,038