Acquisitions (Revs and Earnings) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 62,273	$ 54,939
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	44,462	40,163
Net earnings (loss) attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	17,811	14,776
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenues	0	215
Net earnings (loss)	0	74
Less: Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	35
Net earnings (loss) attributable to AmSurg Corp. common shareholders	$ 0	$ 39