Alliance HealthCare Services (AIQ) 10-Q 7 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000817135	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	10,638,644

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$49,069	$39,977
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	63,524	62,320
Deferred income taxes	17,364	17,364
Prepaid expenses	7,139	5,078
Other receivables	2,454	3,898
Total current assets	139,550	128,637
Equipment, at cost	817,922	827,162
Less accumulated depreciation	-639,256	-618,601
Equipment, net	178,666	208,561
Goodwill	56,975	56,493
Other intangible assets, net	109,109	126,931
Deferred financing costs, net	10,033	16,497
Other assets	21,300	23,022
Total assets	515,633	560,141
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	15,663	15,993
Accrued compensation and related expenses	18,334	22,481
Accrued interest payable	4,970	5,081
Other accrued liabilities	23,726	26,835
Current portion of long-term debt	15,552	13,145
Total current liabilities	78,245	83,535
Long-term debt, net of current portion	430,370	357,056
Senior notes	100,533	188,434
Other liabilities	4,950	4,314
Deferred income taxes	32,904	43,095
Total liabilities	647,002	676,434
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)	'	'
Stockholders’ deficit:	'	'
Common stock	524	524
Treasury stock	-2,877	-2,877
Additional paid-in capital	22,945	21,507
Accumulated comprehensive loss	-290	-716
Accumulated deficit	-200,678	-183,226
Total stockholders’ deficit attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	-180,376	-164,788
Noncontrolling interest	49,007	48,495
Total stockholders’ deficit	-131,369	-116,293
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$515,633	$560,141

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$113,375	$116,013	$338,175	$357,430
Costs and expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	59,701	60,541	180,434	190,561
Selling, general and administrative expenses	19,229	16,329	58,571	55,242
Transaction costs	7	249	87	512
Severance and related costs	660	209	1,306	1,510
Impairment charges	4,529	0	9,396	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,132	0	22,201	0
Depreciation expense	16,965	20,568	49,803	62,706
Amortization expense	2,151	3,989	8,856	11,995
Interest expense and other, net	8,156	13,702	31,481	41,069
Other (income) and expense, net	-748	-51	-2,035	1,311
Total costs and expenses	115,782	115,536	360,100	364,906
Income (loss) before income taxes, earnings from unconsolidated investees, and noncontrolling interest	-2,407	477	-21,925	-7,476
Income tax expense (benefit)	-2,392	409	-9,725	-4,660
Earnings from unconsolidated investees	-1,347	-1,172	-4,489	-3,411
Net income (loss)	1,332	1,240	-7,711	595
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	-3,402	-2,483	-9,741	-7,461
Net loss attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	-2,070	-1,243	-17,452	-6,866
Comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	-2,070	-1,243	-17,452	-6,866
Unrealized loss on hedging transactions, net of taxes	-154	-245	-426	-153
Comprehensive loss, net of taxes:	($2,224)	($1,488)	($17,878)	($7,019)
Loss per common share attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.:	'	'	'	'
Basic (dollars per share)	($0.19)	($0.12)	($1.64)	($0.65)
Diluted (dollars per share)	($0.19)	($0.12)	($1.64)	($0.65)
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock and common stock equivalents:	'	'	'	'
Basic (shares)	10,639	10,609	10,632	10,635
Diluted (shares)	10,639	10,609	10,632	10,635

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:	'	'
Net income (loss)	($7,711)	$595
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Provision for doubtful accounts	2,233	2,222
Share-based payment	1,036	199
Depreciation and amortization	58,659	74,701
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,559	2,922
Accretion of discount on long-term debt	890	1,271
Adjustment of derivatives to fair value	587	-48
Distributions more (less) than undistributed earnings from investees	-81	31
Deferred income taxes	-10,370	-4,873
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	-1,582	1,312
Loss on extinguishment of debt	22,201	0
Impairment charges	9,396	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of the effects of acquisitions:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-3,437	673
Prepaid expenses	-2,061	1,509
Other receivables	1,444	144
Other assets	157	-207
Accounts payable	-1,375	-4,116
Accrued compensation and related expenses	-4,147	265
Accrued interest payable	-111	3,472
Income taxes payable	0	10
Other accrued liabilities	-3,168	28
Net cash provided by operating activities	65,119	80,110
Investing activities:	'	'
Equipment purchases	-19,096	-16,540
(Increase) decrease in deposits on equipment	675	-11,449
Decrease (increase) in cash in escrow	-496	2,368
Proceeds from sale of assets	3,083	7,626
Net cash used in investing activities	-15,834	-17,995
Financing activities:	'	'
Principal payments on equipment debt	-10,819	-10,329
Proceeds from equipment debt	4,845	1,654
Proceeds from term loan facility	417,900	0
Principal payments on term loan facility	-341,485	-9,000
Repayments of Subordinated Debt	-88,772	0
Payments of debt issuance costs	-13,035	-250
Payments of contingent consideration	0	-1,605
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-9,229	-7,559
Proceeds from shared-based payment arrangements	402	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	-44
Net cash used in financing activities	-40,193	-27,133
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	9,092	34,982
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	39,977	44,190
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	49,069	79,172
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:	'	'
Interest paid	25,661	32,715
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	2,115	701
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Net book value of assets exchanged	5	4,794
Capital lease obligations related to the purchase of equipment	0	4,017
Comprehensive loss from hedging transactions, net of taxes	-426	-153
Equipment purchases in accounts payable	1,327	254
Contingent consideration for acquisitions	0	308
Noncontrolling interest disposed in connection with acquisitions (Note 2)	$0	($1,254)

Basis_of_Presentation_Principl

Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, and Use of Estimates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, and Use of Estimates	'
	Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, and Use of Estimates
	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (the “Company”) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Company records noncontrolling interest related to its consolidated subsidiaries which are not wholly owned. Investments in non-consolidated investees are accounted for under the equity method.
	Use of Estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Reverse Stock Split On December 26, 2012, the company executed a 1-for-5 reverse stock split. All share and purchase information for all periods presented herein gives effect to the reverse stock split.

Transactions

Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Transactions [Abstract]	'
Transactions	'
	Transactions
	Restructuring Plan
	On August 4, 2011, the Company’s board of directors approved a restructuring plan that included a significant organizational restructure and a cost savings and efficiency initiative. The Company initiated this restructuring plan in the third quarter of 2011. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded $5,172 related to restructuring charges, of which the Company recorded $3,549 in Selling, general and administrative expenses; $1,306 in Severance and related costs; and $317 in Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization.
	Amendment No. 2 to Prior Credit Facility
	In October 2012, the Company and its lenders entered into Amendment No. 2 to its existing credit facility that further modified the existing financial covenants. In connection with the execution of Amendment No. 2, the Company raised $30,000 from the sale of certain imaging assets, which the Company then leased from purchasers under competitive terms. The $30,000 in proceeds from the sale and lease transactions, was combined with $44,500 of cash on hand to make a total payment of $74,500 to permanently reduce borrowings outstanding under the term loan facility. The Company estimates it will incur $8,000 of annual rent payments in connection with the sale and lease transactions, which will reduce future Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA.
	Senior Secured Term Loan Refinancing
	On June 3, 2013, the Company replaced its existing credit facility with a new senior secured credit agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement consists of (i) a $340,000, six-year term loan facility, (ii) a $50,000, five-year revolving loan facility, including a $20,000 sublimit for letters of credit, (iii) uncommitted incremental loan facilities of $100,000 of revolving or term loans, plus an additional amount if our pro forma leverage ratio is less than or equal to 3.25, subject to receipt of lender commitments and satisfaction of specified conditions, and (iv) an $80,000 delayed draw term loan facility, which was required to be drawn within thirty days of June 3, 2013 and used for the redemption of the Company's $190,000 of 8% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “Notes”).
	On July 3, 2013 the delayed draw term loan facility was utilized, of which the proceeds were used to redeem $80,000 of the Company's outstanding Notes. The delayed draw term loan facility converted into, and matched the terms of, the new $340,000 term loan facility. If any of the Notes remain outstanding on September 1, 2016, then the maturity date of all loans under the Credit Agreement will be September 1, 2016.
	Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest through maturity at a variable rate based upon, at the Company's option, either the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR") or the base rate (which is the highest of the administrative agent’s prime rate, one-half of 1.00% in excess of the overnight federal funds rate, and 1.00% in excess of the one-month LIBOR rate), plus, in each case, an applicable margin. With respect to the term loan facilities, the applicable margin for LIBOR loans is 3.25% per annum, and with respect to the revolving loan facilities, the applicable margin for LIBOR loans ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 3.00% to 3.25% per annum, in each case, with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%. The applicable margin for base rate loans under the term loan facilities is 2.25% per annum and under the revolving loan facility ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 2.00% to 2.25% per annum. Prior to the refinancing of the term loan facilities, the applicable margin for base rate loans was 4.25% per annum and the applicable margin for revolving loans was 5.25% per annum, with a LIBOR floor of 2.00%. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee which ranges, based on the applicable leverage ratio, from 0.375% to 0.50% per annum on the undrawn portion available under the revolving loan facility and variable per annum fees with respect to outstanding letters of credit.
	During the first five and three-quarter years after the closing date, and including the full amount of the delayed draw term loan facility, the Company will be required to make quarterly amortization payments of the term loans in the amount of $1,050. The Company is also required to make mandatory prepayments of term loans under the Credit Agreement, subject to specified exceptions, from excess cash flow (as defined in the Credit Agreement), and with the proceeds of asset sales, debt issuances and specified other events.
	Obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by substantially all the Company's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. The obligations under the Credit Agreement and the guarantees are secured by a lien on substantially all tangible and intangible property, and by a pledge of all of the shares of stock and limited liability company interests of the Company's direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, of which the Company now owns or later acquires more than a 50% interest, subject to limited exceptions.
	In addition to other covenants, the Credit Agreement places limits on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to declare dividends or redeem or repurchase capital stock, prepay, redeem or purchase debt, incur liens and engage in sale-leaseback transactions, make loans and investments, incur additional indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter debt and other material agreements, engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, transact with affiliates and alter the business conducted by the Company and its subsidiaries.
	The Credit Agreement also contains a leverage ratio covenant requiring the Company to maintain a maximum ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA expense that ranges from 4.95 to 1.00 to 4.30 to 1.00. For the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Credit Agreement requires a maximum leverage ratio of not more than 4.95 to 1.00. The Credit Agreement eliminated the interest coverage ratio covenant which the Company was subject to maintain prior to the refinancing. Failure to comply with the covenants in the Credit Agreement could permit the lenders under the Credit Agreement to declare all amounts borrowed under the Credit Agreement, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable, and to terminate all commitments under the Credit Agreement.
	As a result of the transaction, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment totaling $17,069 resulting from the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and the discount related to the former credit facility. As of September 30, 2013, there was $416,957 outstanding under the new term loan facility and no borrowings under the new revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s ratio of consolidated total debt to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA calculated pursuant to the Credit Agreement was 3.70 to 1.00.
	8% Senior Notes Repurchase
	On July 3, 2013, as a result of the Company's $80,000 redemption in principal amount of its Notes and pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Notes, the Company immediately incurred $1,522 of expense related to unamortized deferred costs and associated discount, as well as $3,200 for the related call premium.
	In September 2013, the Company repurchased $8,772 in principal amount of its Notes in privately negotiated transactions. The Company immediately incurred $160 of expense related to unamortized deferred costs and associated discount, as well as $251 for the related call premium.
	Incremental Term Loan
	Subsequent to September 30, 2013, the Company obtained commitments from lenders with respect to a $70,000 incremental term loan under its Credit Agreement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the borrowings under the incremental term loan facility, together with proceeds from borrowings under its revolving credit facility and cash on hand, to redeem all of its outstanding Notes on December 4, 2013.
	The $70,000 incremental term loan will be funded at 99.0% of principal amount and will mature on the same date as the existing term loan in June 2019. The incremental term loan will be converted to match all the terms of existing term loans upon funding in December. Interest on the incremental term loan will be calculated, at the Company's option, at a base rate plus a 2.25% margin or LIBOR plus a 3.25% margin, subject to a 1.00% LIBOR floor. After completing the transaction including redemption of the Notes, the Company expects to save approximately $5,000 in cash interest on an annualized basis. Closing of the incremental term loan under the Credit Agreement is subject to completion of satisfactory documentation and satisfaction of other closing conditions.
	The Company expects to use revolver proceeds plus cash on hand to pay fees and expenses related to the incremental term loan and to pay the call premium related to the redemption of the Notes. The redemption will be effected on December 4, 2013 pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the Notes.
	The obligations under the incremental term loans will be guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries. The obligations under the incremental term loan and the guarantees are secured by a lien on substantially all of the Company’s tangible and intangible property, and by a pledge of all of the shares of stock and limited liability company interests of the Company’s direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, of which the Company now owns or later acquires more than a 50% interest, subject to limited exceptions.
	Under the terms of the Credit Agreement, the incurrence by the Company of incremental term loans to redeem the Notes is subject to the requirement that the ratio of total debt to last twelve months Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Agreement) be not more than 3.25 to 1.00. The Company amended the Credit Agreement in connection with this transaction to waive compliance with this requirement.

ShareBased_Payment

Share-Based Payment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Payment	'
	Share-Based Payment
	The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation,” in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006, using the modified prospective application transition method. Under ASC 718, the Company records in its consolidated statements of operations (i) compensation cost for options granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled on or after January 1, 2006 under the provisions of ASC 718 and (ii) compensation cost for the unvested portion of options granted prior to January 1, 2006 over their remaining vesting periods using the amounts previously measured under ASC 718 for pro forma disclosure purposes.
	The Company has elected to follow the alternative transition method as described in ASC 718 for computing its beginning additional paid-in capital pool. In addition, the Company treats the tax deductions from stock options as being realized when they reduce taxes payable in accordance with the principles and timing under the relevant tax law.
	Stock Option Plans and Awards
	In November 1999, the Company adopted an employee stock option plan (as amended and restated, the “1999 Equity Plan”) pursuant to which options and awards with respect to a total of 2,205,000 shares have become available for grant. As of September 30, 2013, a total of 556,124 shares remained available for grant under the 1999 Equity Plan. Options are granted with exercise prices equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant, except as noted below. All options have 10-year terms. Options granted after January 1, 2008 are time options, typically vesting 25% each year, over four years. For options granted prior to January 1, 2008, initial stock option grants were comprised 50% of “time options” and 50% of “performance options.” The time options have a five-year vesting schedule, vesting 20% per year. The performance options cliff vest after eight years; however, in the event certain operating performance targets are met, up to 20% of the performance options may vest each year, accelerating the vesting period up to five years. During the year ended December 31, 2012, there were no options in which vesting was accelerated. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no options in which vesting was accelerated. Prior to January 1, 2008, subsequent stock options granted under the 1999 Equity Plan to employees were always time options which vest 5% in the first year, 20% in the second year and 25% in years three through five.
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value the compensation expense associated with share-based payment awards. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the assumptions noted in the table below. In addition, forfeitures are estimated when recognizing compensation expense and the estimate of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will also impact the amount of compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.
	The following weighted average assumptions were used in the estimated grant date fair value calculations for stock option awards:
		Quarter Ended
		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Risk free interest rate	0.97	%	1.06	%
	Expected dividend yield	—	%	—	%
	Expected stock price volatility	62.3	%	65.7	%
	Average expected life (in years)	6.02		5.99
	Through March 31, 2012, the expected stock price volatility rates are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock and peer implied volatility. The average expected life, representing the weighted-average period of time that options or awards granted are expected to be outstanding, is calculated using the simplified method described in ASC 718, as the Company did not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the expected terms and experienced a change in the types of employees that receive share grants. Beginning with the second quarter of 2012, the Company changed its calculation methodology for its stock price volatility and average expected life, which are now based on its own historical data. The risk free interest rates have been, and continue to be, based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option or award.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity:
		Number of		Weighted-		Weighted-	Aggregate
		Shares		Average		Average	Intrinsic
				Exercise Price		Remaining	Value
						Contractual
						Term
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	772,496		$	18.57
	Granted	48,350		12.53
	Exercised	(24,500	)	16.38
	Canceled	(53,330	)	33.37
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	743,016		$	17.19	6.98	$	10,355
	Vested and expected to vest in the future at September 30, 2013	716,586		$	17.28	6.97	$	9,967
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	447,405		$	22.98	5.97	$	4,605
	The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 was $3.15 per share and $7.42 per share, respectively. Total stock options exercised was 24,500 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. There were no options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested stock option activity:
		Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested at December 31, 2012	430,915		$	4.9
	Granted	48,350		7.42
	Vested	(182,653	)	5.7
	Canceled	(1,001	)	3.53
	Unvested at September 30, 2013	295,611		$	4.8
	At September 30, 2013, the total unrecognized fair value share-based payment related to unvested stock options granted to both employees and non-employees was $865, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.65 years. The valuation model applied in this calculation utilizes highly subjective assumptions that could potentially change over time, including the expected forfeiture rate and performance targets. Therefore, the amount of unrecognized share-based payment noted above does not necessarily represent the value that will ultimately be realized by the Company in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013 was $1,393 and $1,040, respectively.
	Restricted Stock Awards
	The 1999 Equity Plan, as amended and restated, permits the award of restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock bonus awards and performance-based awards. During 2011, the Company granted 57,887 awards to certain employees of the Company. Of the awards granted in 2011, 4,887 cliff vest after one year provided that the employee remains continuously employed through the issuance date, 52,000 cliff vest after three years provided that the employee remains continuously employed through the issuance date and 1,000 cliff vest after one year provided that the employee meets certain performance criteria and remains continuously employed through the issuance date. During 2012, 57,544 shares of restricted stock were granted to employees and non-employee directors. Of the 57,544 shares granted in 2012, 38,075 were granted to employees, which either cliff vest after one year, or vest annually in 33.3% increments over three years. Non-employee directors were granted 19,469 shares of restricted stock for their services in 2012. The Company grants restricted stock awards to non-employee directors of the Company who are unaffiliated with Oaktree Capital Management, LLC (“Oaktree”) and MTS Health Investors, LLC (“MTS”) (“unaffiliated directors”). These awards to unaffiliated directors cliff vest after one year based on the unaffiliated directors’ continued service with the Company through that date. During 2011, the Company granted 44,310 restricted stock awards to unaffiliated directors. There have been no grants of restricted stock awards made to independent directors in 2013. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, the Company recorded share-based payment related to restricted stock awards of $(707) and $390, respectively. The expense reversal in 2012 was due to the forfeiture of 65,000 unvested shares granted in 2010 to the Company's now-former Chief Executive Officer. Total historical expense recorded through March 31, 2012 in connection with this grant was $1,376, which all reversed during the quarter ended June 30, 2012. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was $5.00 per share. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $3.67 per share.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock activity:
		Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested at December 31, 2012	104,544		$	4.65
	Granted	11,999		3.67
	Vested	(21,107	)	8
	Canceled	(2,000	)	20.7
	Unvested at September 30, 2013	93,436		$	3.42
	At September 30, 2013, the total unrecognized fair value share-based payment related to restricted stock awards granted to employees was $229, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 0.91 years. At September 30, 2013, the total unrecognized fair value share-based payment related to the restricted stock awards granted to unaffiliated directors was $40, which is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 0.25 years. The unaffiliated directors will each receive a restricted stock award on December 31, 2013 and each December 31 thereafter (the “Grant Date”) of the number of shares of common stock having a value equal to $40, rounded down to the nearest whole share, and calculated using the average share price of the Company’s stock over the 15-day period preceding the Grant Date. Such restricted stock awards will fully vest one year after the Grant Date based on the continued service of the non-employee director through the vesting date. The valuation model applied in this calculation utilizes highly subjective assumptions that could potentially change over time, including the expected forfeiture rate. Therefore, the amount of unrecognized share-based payment noted above does not necessarily represent the amount that will ultimately be realized by the Company in the statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Offsetting Assets and Liabilities In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") number 2013-01, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities,” amending ASU number 2011-11, “Balance Sheet (Topic 210) — Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities.” ASU 2013-01 affects entities that have derivatives accounted for in accordance with Topic 815, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset, or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. Entities with other types of financial assets and financial liabilities subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement also are affected because these amendments make them no longer subject to the disclosure requirements in ASU 2011-11. The adoption of ASU 2013-01 did not affect the Company's results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.
	Derivatives and Hedging In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU number 2013-10, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) — Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes.” ASU 2013-10 permits the use of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes. The ASU also removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. ASU No. 2013-10 is effective for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2013-10 may have on its financial reporting for future periods.
	Income Taxes In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") number 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists - a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. ASU 2013-11 generally requires, with some exceptions, an entity to present its unrecognized tax benefits as it relates to its net operating loss carryforwards, similar tax losses, or tax credit carryforwards, as a reduction of deferred tax assets when settlement in this regard is available under the tax law of the applicable taxing jurisdiction as of the balance sheet reporting date. It is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Retrospective application is permitted. The Company is assessing the impact that the adoption of ASU 2013-11 may have on its financial reporting for future periods.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company used the following methods and assumptions in estimating fair value disclosure for financial instruments:
	Cash and cash equivalents The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity or variable rates of these instruments.
	Debt The fair value of the Company’s fixed-rate debt was based on open bid/ask quotations of those notes at December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2013. The carrying amount of variable-rate borrowings at September 30, 2013 approximates fair value estimated based on current market rates and credit spreads for similar debt instruments.
	Derivative instruments Fair value was determined based on the income approach and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount and approximates the net gains and losses that would have been realized if the contracts had been settled at each period-end.
	The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
		December 31, 2012				30-Sep-13
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	39,977	$	39,977	$	49,069	$	49,069
	Fixed-rate debt	188,434		174,800		100,533		103,506
	Variable-rate debt	335,261		335,261		416,957		416,957
	Derivative instruments - asset position	—		—		—		—
	Derivative instruments - liability position	219		219		135		135
	ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis. ASC 820 requires disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The statement requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
		Level 1	Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
		Level 2	Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs, including identical securities in inactive markets or similar securities in active markets, that are corroborated by market data.
		Level 3	Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	None of the Company’s instruments has transferred from one level to another.
	The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that are reported at fair value on a recurring basis by the above ASC 820 pricing levels as of December 31, 2012:
		Total		Quoted market		Significant other		Significant
				prices in active		observable  inputs		unobservable
				markets (Level 1)		(Level 2)		inputs (Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	39,977	$	39,977	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate contracts - liability position	219		—		219		—
	The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that are reported at fair value on a recurring basis by the above ASC 820 pricing levels as of September 30, 2013:
		Total		Quoted market		Significant other		Significant
				prices in active		observable  inputs		unobservable
				markets (Level 1)		(Level 2)		inputs (Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	49,069	$	49,069	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate contracts - liability position	135		—		135		—
	The Company’s derivative instruments are primarily pay-fixed, receive-variable interest rate swaps and caps based on the LIBOR swap rate. The Company has elected to use the income approach to value these derivatives, using observable Level 2 market expectations at measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present amount assuming that participants are motivated, but not compelled to transact. Level 2 inputs for interest rate swap and cap valuations are limited to quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (specifically futures contracts on LIBOR for the first two years) and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (specifically LIBOR cash and swap rates at commonly quoted intervals and implied volatilities for options). ASC 820 states that the fair value measurement of an asset or liability must reflect the nonperformance risk of the entity and the counterparty. Therefore, the impact of the counterparty’s creditworthiness and the Company’s creditworthiness has also been factored into the fair value measurement of the derivative instruments. For additional information please see Note 9 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	56,493
	Goodwill acquired during the period	—
	Impairment charges	—
	Adjustments to goodwill during the period	—
	Balance at December 31, 2012	56,493
	Goodwill acquired during the period	—
	Impairment charges	—
	Adjustments to goodwill during the period	482
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	56,975
	Gross goodwill	$	231,219
	Accumulated impairment charges	(174,244		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	56,975
	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-12								30-Sep-13
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Intangible		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Intangible
		Amount			Amortization			Assets, net		Amount		Amortization			Assets, net
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Customer contracts	$	152,629		$	(68,380	)	$	84,249	$	148,992	$	(75,731	)	$	73,261
	Other	25,743			(16,488		)	9,255		20,415		(17,994		)	2,421
	Total amortizing intangible assets	$	178,372		$	(84,868	)	$	93,504	$	169,407	$	(93,725	)	$	75,682
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization							33,427							33,427
	Total other intangible assets							$	126,931						$	109,109
	In accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other,” the Company impaired its intangible assets related to its professional services business as a result of its decision that its professional radiology services business does not align with the long-term strategic direction of the Imaging Division, and it intends to divest its professional radiology services business during 2013 . This triggering event resulted in revaluing intangible assets related to the professional services business at $1,821 after recognizing an impairment charge of approximately $4,867 related to the intangible assets in the second quarter of 2013. The Company based the carrying value of these intangible assets on the estimated fair value (categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 5) of what the Company believes it would receive in a sale transaction for the assets related to its professional services business that it intends to divest. All other assets related to the divestiture of the professional services business are immaterial.
	In the third quarter of 2013, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $4,529 related to the closure of an imaging site location in August 2013, which was originally purchased in a group of assets acquired in 2007. Upon acquisition, the Company recorded both tangible and intangible assets including physician referral networks, non-compete agreements, certificates of need and goodwill. In late 2012, the term of a non-compete agreement ended causing a decline in revenue, ultimately resulting in the imaging site closure. Based on this triggering event, the Company deemed it appropriate to perform a valuation analysis of the remaining intangible assets related to the original acquisition. The Company applied the excess earnings method under the income approach to value the physician referral networks, and applied the beneficial earnings method under the income approach, and the guideline transaction method under the market approach to value the certificates of need. The Company categorized this fair value determination as Level 3 (unobservable) in the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 5.
	Additionally, the Company intends to perform an annual impairment test in the fourth quarter for goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets based on financial information as of September 30. The fair value of the reporting unit is determined by an income approach and a market capitalization approach. Significant management judgment is required in the forecasts of future operating results that are used in the income approach. The estimates that the Company has used are consistent with the plans and estimates that it uses to manage its business. The Company bases its fair value estimates on forecasted revenue and operating costs which include a number of factors including, but not limited to, securing new customers, retention of existing customers, growth in imaging and radiation oncology revenues and the impact of continued cost savings initiatives. However, it is possible that plans and estimates may change. No additional triggering events occurred during the first nine months of 2013 which required impairment testing based on financial information as of September 30, 2013. The Company intends to perform its annual testing for impairment of Goodwill and other intangibles assets during the fourth quarter of 2013, as described above.
	The Company uses the estimated useful life to amortize customer contracts, which is a weighted-average of 15 years. Other intangible assets subject to amortization are estimated to have a weighted-average useful life of six years. Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was $3,989 and $2,151 for the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively, and a $11,995 and $8,856 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The intangible assets not subject to amortization represent certificates of need and regulatory authority rights which have indefinite useful lives.
	Estimated annual amortization expense for each of the fiscal years ending December 31, is presented below:
	2013	$	10,768
	2014	8,628
	2015	7,888
	2016	6,886
	2017	6,354
	2018	5,928

Other_Accrued_Liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Other Accrued Liabilities	'
	Other Accrued Liabilities
	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		December 31,		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Accrued systems rental and maintenance costs	$	2,768	$	2,257
	Accrued site rental fees	1,202		1,328
	Accrued property and sales taxes payable	11,561		10,856
	Accrued self-insurance expense	1,299		1,311
	Deferred gain on sale of equipment	1,293		321
	Accrued payments for equipment	—		1,192
	Other accrued expenses	8,712		6,461
	Total	$	26,835	$	23,726

LongTerm_Debt_and_Senior_Subor

Long-Term Debt and Senior Subordinated Credit Facility	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt and Senior Subordinated Credit Facility	'
	Long-Term Debt and Senior Subordinated Credit Facility
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,			September 30,
		2012			2013
	Term loan facility	$	340,435		$	418,950
	Discount on term loan facility	(5,174		)	(1,993		)
	Senior notes	190,000			101,228
	Discount on senior notes	(1,565		)	(695		)
	Equipment debt	34,939			28,965
	Long-term debt, including current portion	558,635			546,455
	Less current portion	13,145			15,552
	Long-term debt	$	545,490		$	530,903

Derivatives

Derivatives

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

'

Derivatives

'

Derivatives

The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Management generally designates derivatives in a hedge relationship with the identified exposure on the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, as disclosed below. The Company has only executed derivative instruments that are economic hedges of exposures that can qualify in hedge relationships under ASC 815. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the firm commitment or forecasted transaction that has been designated as a hedged item and states how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the risks related to the hedged item. The Company formally assesses effectiveness of its hedging relationships, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, then measures and records ineffectiveness. The Company would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively (i) if it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting change in the cash flows of a hedged item, (ii) when the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, (iii) because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, or (iv) if management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate. The Company’s derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value. For additional information please see Note 5 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, any effective unrealized gains or losses on fair value are included in comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and any ineffective gains or losses are recognized in income immediately. Amounts recorded in comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings when the hedged item impacts earnings.

Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

The Company has entered into multiple interest rate swap and cap agreements to hedge the future cash interest payments on portions of its variable rate bank debt. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, the Company had interest rate swap and cap agreements to hedge approximately $154,896 and $163,346 of its variable rate bank debt, respectively, or 24.4% and 29.9% of total debt, respectively. Over the next twelve months, the Company expects to reclassify $0.5 million from accumulated comprehensive loss to interest expense and other, net.

In the first quarter of 2010, the Company entered into three interest rate cap agreements, in accordance with Company policy, to avoid unplanned volatility in the income statement due to changes in the LIBOR interest rate environment. The interest rate cap agreements, which mature in February 2014, have a total notional amount of $150,000 and were designated as cash flow hedges of future cash interest payments associated with a portion of the Company’s variable rate bank debt. Under these arrangements, the Company has purchased a cap on LIBOR at 4.50%. The Company paid $1,537 to enter into the caps, which is being amortized through interest expense and other, net over the life of the agreements.

In the second quarter of 2011, the Company acquired two interest rate swap agreements (the “USR Swaps”) as part of the acquisition of US Radiosurgery, LLC ("USR"). One of the USR Swaps, which matures in October 2015, had a notional amount of $2,179 as of September 30, 2013. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 5.71%. The net effect of the hedge is to record interest expense at a fixed rate of 8.71%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 3.00%. The other USR Swap, which matures in April 2014, had a notional amount of $616 as of September 30, 2013. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives one-month LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of 4.15%. The net effect of the hedge is to record interest expense at a fixed rate of 6.15%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.00%. As a result of the acquisition of USR, the USR Swaps were de-designated, hedge accounting was terminated and all further changes in the fair market value of these swaps are being recorded in interest expense and other, net.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in connection with equipment financing. The swap, which matures in December 2017, had a notional amount of $4,477 as of September 30, 2013. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives one-month LIBOR plus 2.50% and pays a fixed rate of 3.75%. The net effect of the hedge is to convert interest expense to a fixed rate of 3.75%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.50%.

In the first quarter of 2013, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in connection with equipment financing. The swap, which matures in April 2018, had a notional amount of $4,029 as of September 30, 2013. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company receives one-month LIBOR plus 2.00% and pays a fixed rate of 2.873%. The net effect of the hedge is to convert interest expense to a fixed rate of 2.873%, as the underlying debt incurred interest based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.00%.

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Flow Hedging

Recognized in OCI on

(Loss)

Reclassified from

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

Relationships

Derivatives (Effective

Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI into

Income on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Portion)

Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective

(Ineffective Portion)

(Ineffective Portion)

Income (Effective

Portion)

Portion)

Interest rate contracts

$

1

Interest expense and other, net

$

102

Interest expense and other, net

$

—

Diesel fuel swap

—

Fuel expense (included in Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization)

—

Other (income) expense, net

—

Total

$

1

$

102

$

—

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Flow Hedging

Recognized in OCI on

(Loss)

Reclassified from

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

Relationships

Derivatives (Effective

Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI into

Income on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Portion)

Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective

(Ineffective Portion)

(Ineffective Portion)

Income (Effective

Portion)

Portion)

Interest rate contracts

$

(31

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

(193

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

—

Diesel fuel swap

15

Fuel expense (included in Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization)

(46

)

Other (income) expense, net

—

Total

$

(16

)

$

(239

)

$

—

The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Recognized in Income on

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives

Income on

Derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest expense and

$

(11

)

other, net

The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Recognized in Income on

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives

Income on

Derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest expense and

$

(39

)

other, net

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Flow Hedging

Recognized in OCI on

(Loss)

Reclassified from

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

Relationships

Derivatives (Effective

Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI into

Income on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Portion)

Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective

(Ineffective Portion)

(Ineffective Portion)

Income (Effective

Portion)

Portion)

Interest rate contracts

$

(4

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

(267

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

(7

)

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Flow Hedging

Recognized in OCI on

(Loss)

Reclassified from

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

Relationships

Derivatives (Effective

Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI into

Income on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Portion)

Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective

(Ineffective Portion)

(Ineffective Portion)

Income (Effective

Portion)

Portion)

Interest rate contracts

$

25

Interest expense and other, net

$

(678

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

(7

)

The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Recognized in Income on

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives

Income on

Derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest expense and

$

(3

)

other, net

The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Recognized in Income on

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives

Income on

Derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest expense and

$

(6

)

other, net

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded an income tax (expense) benefit of $(409) and $4,660, or (49.0)% and 40.4%, respectively, as a result of the Company’s effective tax rate applied to pretax loss. For the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $2,392 and $9,725, or 53.6% and 35.8%, respectively, as a result of the Company’s effective tax rate applied to pretax loss. The Company’s effective tax rates for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 differed from the federal statutory rate principally as a result of state income taxes and permanent non-deductible tax items, including share-based payments, unrecognized tax benefits and other permanent differences.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company has provided a liability for $406 of unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal and state income tax matters. The tax-effected amount that would reduce the Company’s effective income tax rate if recognized is $320.
	The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had approximately $31 in accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits.
	The Company is subject to United States federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state tax jurisdictions. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2010 through 2012. The Company’s and its subsidiaries’ state income tax returns are open to audit under the applicable statutes of limitations for the years ended December 31, 2008 through 2012. The Company does not anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

Loss_Per_Common_Share

Loss Per Common Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Loss Per Common Share	'
	Loss Per Common Share
	Basic net loss per share is computed utilizing the two-class method and is calculated based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented, excluding nonvested restricted stock units which do not contain nonforfeitable rights to dividend and dividend equivalents.
	Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the periods utilizing the two-class method for stock options, nonvested restricted stock and nonvested restricted stock units. Potentially dilutive securities are not considered in the calculation of net loss per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Quarter Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	$	(1,243	)	$	(2,070	)	$	(6,866	)	$	(17,452	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares-basic	10,609			10,639			10,635			10,632
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options	—			—			—			—
	Weighted-average shares-diluted	10,609			10,639			10,635			10,632
	Loss per common share attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.:
	Basic	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.65	)	$	(1.64	)
	Diluted	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.65	)	$	(1.64	)
	Stock options excluded from the computation of diluted per share amounts:
	Weighted-average shares for which the exercise price exceeds average market price of common stock	670			201,405			810			155,398
	Average exercise price per share that exceeds average market price of common stock	$	28.25		$	38.34		$	27.6		$	35.32

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	In the normal course of business, the Company has made certain guarantees and indemnities, under which it may be required to make payments to a guaranteed or indemnified party, in relation to certain transactions. The Company indemnifies other parties, including customers, lessors, and parties to other transactions with the Company, with respect to certain matters. The Company has agreed to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from certain events as defined within the particular contract, which may include, for example, litigation or claims arising from a breach of representations or covenants. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its executive officers and directors and the Company's bylaws contain similar indemnification obligations. Under these arrangements, the Company is obligated to indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law, its current or former officers and directors for various amounts incurred with respect to actions, suits or proceedings in which they were made, or threatened to be made, a party as a result of acting as an officer or director.
	It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount under these indemnification agreements due to the limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement.
	Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been immaterial. At September 30, 2013, the Company has determined that no liability is necessary related to these guarantees and indemnities.
	In connection with our acquisition of Medical Outsourcing Services, LLC (“MOS”) in the third quarter of 2008, we subsequently identified a Medicare billing practice related to a portion of MOS's retail billing operations that raised compliance issues under Medicare reimbursement guidelines. The practice was in place before the acquisition and was discontinued when we became aware of it. In accordance with our corporate compliance program, we entered into discussions with representatives of the federal government to advise them of the issue and seek guidance on appropriate next steps.
	In June 2010, the Company commenced arbitration proceedings against the former owners of MOS related to the Medicare billing matter, in addition to certain other indemnification issues. In the arbitration, the Company asserted claims of fraud and breach of representations and warranties.
	On December 29, 2011, the Company received notice of an award by the arbitration panel, which awarded the Company $2,527 in damages for breach of contract claims, plus prejudgment interest at 9% under New York law from July 29, 2008 (which interest continues to accrue until the award is paid in full); $255 for two other indemnification claims; $1,453 for attorneys’ fees and expenses; and $110 for arbitration expenses. The award also provides that approximately $1,300 of a remaining indemnification cap created in connection with the acquisition is available for future indemnification claims, including with respect to the potential government claim discussed above, and must be satisfied by the former owners of MOS. On January 25, 2012, one of the former owners of MOS paid $665 to the Company, and on February 17, 2012, the same owner released $592 to the Company from amounts held in an indemnification escrow related to the acquisition. On January 25, 2012, the Company filed an action in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to confirm the award as a judgment against the other former owner of MOS that has refused to satisfy its obligations under the award.
	In the first quarter of 2013, the former owners of MOS paid $1,198 which amount represented the remaining amount of the indemnification cap created in connection with the acquisition.  This amount was in addition to $5,300 we already recovered from the former owners of MOS in connection with the arbitration award against them.  With these final payments totaling $1,198, the former owners of MOS have now fully satisfied their obligations to us under the arbitration award.  Following receipt of the final payments from the former owners of MOS, we then entered into a settlement agreement to resolve the government's investigation of the Medicare billing practices engaged in by MOS prior to our acquisition.  Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we paid $2,400 to the government, which amount was paid primarily from the funds recovered in the arbitration from the former owners of MOS.
	In June 2012, Pacific Coast Cardiology (“PCC”) d/b/a Pacific Coast Imaging, Emanuel Shaoulian, MD, Inc., and Michael M. Radin, MD, Inc. filed a lawsuit in California state court against the Company and other defendants. The complaint asserts a number of claims related to the Company’s decision not to purchase PCC in 2010, and also separately seeks a determination regarding an amount the Company contends is owed to it by PCC pursuant to a previous contractual arrangement. Plaintiffs are seeking monetary and punitive damages. The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims asserted in this lawsuit. The Company has not recorded an expense related to any potential damages in connection with this matter because any potential loss is not probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
	On November 9, 2012, USR, a subsidiary of the Company, received a grand jury subpoena issued by the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee seeking documents related to USR and its financial relationships with physicians and other healthcare providers. The Company and USR are cooperating fully with the inquiry. The Company is currently unable to predict the timing or outcome of this matter, however, it is not unusual for such matters to continue for a considerable period of time. Responding to this matter will require management's attention and likely result in significant legal expense. To our knowledge, the federal government has not initiated any proceedings against us at this time.
	On March 27, 2013, the Company was served with a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi by Superior MRI Services, Inc.  The plaintiff is an alleged successor in interest to a former local competitor, P&L Contracting, Inc.  Plaintiff alleges the Company disregarded Mississippi Certificate of Need ("CON") rules and regulations by operating without obtaining the appropriate authority, and is seeking in excess of $1,000 in damages as well as requesting injunctive relief.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against the claims asserted in this lawsuit. The Company has not recorded an expense related to any potential damages in connection with this matter because any potential loss is not probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
	On June 14, 2013, Alliance Oncology, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, filed a complaint against Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Inc. (“HVMA”) in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, including several claims seeking damages resulting from HVMA’s early termination of a long-term services agreement between the two companies.   HVMA filed an answer to  Alliance Oncology’s complaint on August 27, 2013.  Without specifying its alleged damages, HVMA also asserted several counterclaims in its answer.  The Company filed its answer to HVMA’s counterclaims on October 4, 2013, and intends to vigorously defend against the claims asserted. The Company has not recorded an expense related to any potential damages in connection with this matter because any potential loss is not probable or reasonably estimable at this time.
	The Company from time to time is involved in routine litigation and regulatory matters incidental to the conduct of its business. The Company believes that resolution of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related-Party Transactions	'
	Related-Party Transactions
	On April 16, 2007, Oaktree and MTS purchased 4,900,301 shares of the Company’s common stock. Upon completion of the transaction, Oaktree and MTS owned in the aggregate approximately 49.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. At September 30, 2013, Oaktree and MTS owned in the aggregate approximately 51.2% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. The Company does not pay management fees to Oaktree and MTS for their financial advisory services to the Company.
	Revenues from management agreements with unconsolidated equity investees were $2,304 and $2,756 during the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Revenues from management agreements with unconsolidated equity investees were $6,753 and $7,276 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Company provides services as part of its ongoing operations for and on behalf of the unconsolidated equity investees, which are included in the management agreement revenue, who reimburse the Company for the actual amount of the expenses incurred. The Company records the expenses as cost of revenues and the reimbursement as revenues in its condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). For the quarters ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, the amounts of the revenues and expenses were $1,875 and $2,291, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2013, the amounts of the revenues and expenses were $5,512 and $5,914, respectively.
	On June 3, 2013, the Company replaced its existing credit facility with a new senior secured credit agreement with Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “ redit Agreement”). Of the other lenders, Oaktree funded approximately $40,476 of the $340,000 six-year term loan facility. In addition, as of July 3, 2013, Oaktree funded approximately $9,524 of the $80,000 delayed draw.
	Subsequent to September 30, 2013, the Company obtained commitments from its current lenders with respect to a $70,000 incremental term loan under its Credit Agreement. The Company intends to use the full amount to redeem [a portion of] its outstanding Notes in December 2013. Oaktree has committed to fund $10,000 of the$70,000 incremental term loan.

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_

Investments in Unconsolidated Investees	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments in Unconsolidated Investees [Abstract]	'
Investments in Unconsolidated Investees	'
	Investments in Unconsolidated Investees
	The Company has direct ownership in four unconsolidated investees at September 30, 2013. The Company owns between 15% and 50% of these investees, and provides management services under agreements with three of these investees, expiring at various dates through 2025. All of these investees are accounted for under the equity method since the Company does not exercise control over the operations of these investees.
	Set forth below are certain financial data for Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries, one of the Company’s unconsolidated investees:
		December 31,		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Balance Sheet Data:
	Current assets	$	5,246	$	4,805
	Noncurrent assets	10,142		10,554
	Current liabilities	3,026		3,985
	Noncurrent liabilities	2,669		1,737
		Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Operating Results:
	Revenues	$	4,632	$	4,344	$	13,210	$	13,424
	Expenses	2,747		2,306		7,746		6,624
	Net income	1,885		2,038		5,464		6,800
	Earnings from unconsolidated investee	943		1,023		2,734		3,595
	Set forth below are certain financial data for Austin Cyberknife, LLC, one of the Company’s unconsolidated investees:
		December 31,		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Balance Sheet Data:
	Current assets	$	2,150	$	2,670
	Noncurrent assets	1,819		1,399
	Current liabilities	732		637
	Noncurrent liabilities	1,067		743
		Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Operating Results:
	Revenues	$	1,789	$	2,563	$	5,260	$	6,809
	Expenses	674		686		2,056		2,190
	Net income	1,115		1,877		3,204		4,619
	Earnings from unconsolidated investee	166		282		479		693
	Set forth below are certain financial data for the aggregate of the Company’s unconsolidated investees, including Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries and Austin Cyberknife, LLC:
		December 31,		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Balance Sheet Data:
	Current assets	$	7,843	$	7,876
	Noncurrent assets	12,092		12,028
	Current liabilities	3,828		4,684
	Noncurrent liabilities	3,736		2,484
		Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Combined Operating Results:
	Revenues	$	7,567	$	7,228	$	22,025	$	21,239
	Expenses	4,653		3,194		13,645		9,388
	Net income	2,914		4,034		8,380		11,851
	Earnings from unconsolidated investees	1,172		1,347		3,411		4,489

Stockholders_Deficit

Stockholders' Deficit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Deficit	'
	Stockholders’ Deficit
	The following table summarizes consolidated stockholders’ deficit, including noncontrolling interest.
										Additional		Accumulated						Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)						Total
																		Attributable to
		Common Stock			Treasury Stock					Paid-In		Comprehensive			Accumulated			Alliance HealthCare			Noncontrolling			Stockholders’
		Shares	Amount		Shares		Amount			Capital		Income (Loss)			Deficit			Services, Inc.			Interest			Deficit
	Balance at January 1, 2013	10,615,072	$	524	(140,028	)	$	(2,877	)	$	21,507	$	(716	)	$	(183,226	)	$	(164,788	)	$	48,495		$	(116,293	)
	Exercise of stock options	24,500	—		—		—			402		—			—			402			—			402
	Issuance of restricted stock	11,999	—		—		—			—		—			—			—			—			—
	Share-based payment	—	—		—		—			1,036		—			—			1,036			—			1,036
	Unrealized gain on hedging transaction, net of tax	—	—		—		—			—		426			—			426			—			426
	Net contributions (distributions)	—	—		—		—			—		—			—			—			(9,229		)	(9,229		)
	Net (loss) income	—	—		—		—			—		—			(17,452		)	(17,452		)	9,741			(7,711		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	10,651,571	$	524	(140,028	)	$	(2,877	)	$	22,945	$	(290	)	$	(200,678	)	$	(180,376	)	$	49,007		$	(131,369	)

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. In accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” and based on the nature of the financial information that is received by the CODM, the Company operates in two operating segments, which are also its two reportable segments, Imaging and Radiation Oncology, based on similar economic and other characteristics.
	The Imaging segment is comprised of diagnostic imaging services including MRI, PET/CT and other imaging services. The Radiation Oncology segment is comprised of radiation oncology services. All intercompany revenues, expenses, payables and receivables are eliminated in consolidation and are not reviewed when evaluating segment performance. Each segment’s performance is evaluated based on Revenue, Segment Income and Net Income. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Additionally, the Company does not consider its wholesale revenue and retail revenue sources to constitute separate operating segments as discrete financial information does not exist and is not provided to the CODM.
	The following table summarizes the Company’s revenue by segment:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Revenue
	Imaging	$	96,019		$	93,658		$	295,017		$	280,244
	Radiation Oncology	19,994			19,717			62,413			57,931
	Total	$	116,013		$	113,375		$	357,430		$	338,175
	The following are components of revenue:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Revenue
	MRI revenue	$	49,113		$	46,938		$	148,347		$	140,378
	PET/CT revenue	37,668			36,089			118,254			110,495
	Radiation Oncology revenue	19,994			19,717			62,413			57,931
	Other modalities and other revenue	9,238			10,631			28,416			29,371
	Total	$	116,013		$	113,375		$	357,430		$	338,175
	Segment income represents net income (loss) before income taxes; interest expense and other, net; amortization expense; depreciation expense; share-based payment; severance and related costs; noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries; restructuring charges; transaction costs; impairment charges, loss on extinguishment of debt, other non recurring charges, and non-cash charges. Segment income is the most frequently used measure of each segment’s performance by the CODM and is commonly used in setting performance goals. The following table summarizes the Company’s segment income:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Segment income
	Imaging	$	38,581		$	39,251		$	114,614		$	112,725
	Radiation Oncology	9,198			8,871			26,705			25,678
	Corporate / Other	(6,110		)	(9,566		)	(22,484		)	(26,101		)
	Total	$	41,669		$	38,556		$	118,835		$	112,302
	The reconciliation of Net loss to total segment income is shown below:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Net loss attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	$	(1,243	)	$	(2,070	)	$	(6,866	)	$	(17,452	)
	Income tax (benefit) expense	409			(2,392		)	(4,660		)	(9,725		)
	Interest expense and other, net	13,702			8,156			41,069			31,481
	Amortization expense	3,989			2,151			11,995			8,856
	Depreciation expense	20,568			16,965			62,706			49,803
	Share-based payment (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)	157			301			193			1,036
	Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	2,483			3,402			7,461			9,741
	Restructuring charges (Note 2)	1,020			1,809			4,015			5,172
	Transaction costs	(58		)	7			321			87
	Impairment charges	—			4,529			—			9,396
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			5,132			—			22,201
	Other non-recurring charges (included in selling, general and administrative expenses	—			514			—			1,464
	Other non-cash charges (included in other income and expense, net)	642			52			2,601			242
	Total segment income	$	41,669		$	38,556		$	118,835		$	112,302
	Net income for the Imaging and Radiation Oncology segments does not include charges for interest expense, net of interest income, income taxes or certain selling, general and administrative expenses. These costs are charged against the Corporate / Other segment. The following table summarizes the Company’s net income (loss) by segment:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Net (loss) income
	Imaging	$	16,547		$	18,612		$	47,735		$	56,358
	Radiation Oncology	1,881			2,499			7,162			6,530
	Corporate / Other	(19,671		)	(23,181		)	(61,763		)	(80,340		)
	Total	$	(1,243	)	$	(2,070	)	$	(6,866	)	$	(17,452	)
	The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable assets by segment:
		As of December 31,			As of September 30,
		2012			2013
	Identifiable assets
	Imaging	$	282,906		$	224,971
	Radiation Oncology	176,353			174,109
	Corporate / Other	100,882			116,553
	Total	$	560,141		$	515,633
	The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill by segment:
		Imaging			Radiation			Corporate			Total
					Oncology			/ Other
Balance at January 1, 2012	$	41,684		$	14,809		$	—		$	56,493
Goodwill acquired during the period	—			—			—			—
Impairment charges	—			—			—			—
Adjustments to goodwill during the period	—			—			—			—
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	41,684		$	14,809		$	—		$	56,493
Goodwill acquired during the period	—			—			—			—
Impairment charges	—			—			—			—
Adjustments to goodwill during the period	482			—			—			482
Balance at September 30, 2013	$	42,166		$	14,809		$	—		$	56,975
Gross goodwill	$	196,508		$	34,711		$	—		$	231,219
Accumulated impairment charges	(154,342		)	(19,902		)	—			(174,244		)
Balance at September 30, 2013	$	42,166		$	14,809		$	—		$	56,975
Capital expenditures for the Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Corporate segments were $8,032, $91, and $616, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Capital expenditures in the Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Corporate segments were $6,613, $0 and $0, respectively, for the quarter ended September 30, 2012. Capital expenditures for the Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Corporate segments were $13,513, $762, and $4,821, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Capital expenditures in the Imaging, Radiation Oncology and Corporate segments were $13,917, $2,623 and $0, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Basis_of_Presentation_Principl1

Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, and Use of Estimates (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (the “Company”) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The Company records noncontrolling interest related to its consolidated subsidiaries which are not wholly owned. Investments in non-consolidated investees are accounted for under the equity method.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Stock Compensation	'
	The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation,” in the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2006, using the modified prospective application transition method. Under ASC 718, the Company records in its consolidated statements of operations (i) compensation cost for options granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled on or after January 1, 2006 under the provisions of ASC 718 and (ii) compensation cost for the unvested portion of options granted prior to January 1, 2006 over their remaining vesting periods using the amounts previously measured under ASC 718 for pro forma disclosure purposes.
	The Company has elected to follow the alternative transition method as described in ASC 718 for computing its beginning additional paid-in capital pool. In addition, the Company treats the tax deductions from stock options as being realized when they reduce taxes payable in accordance with the principles and timing under the relevant tax law.
Derivatives and Hedging	'
	The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” Management generally designates derivatives in a hedge relationship with the identified exposure on the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, as disclosed below. The Company has only executed derivative instruments that are economic hedges of exposures that can qualify in hedge relationships under ASC 815. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. In this documentation, the Company specifically identifies the firm commitment or forecasted transaction that has been designated as a hedged item and states how the hedging instrument is expected to hedge the risks related to the hedged item. The Company formally assesses effectiveness of its hedging relationships, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, then measures and records ineffectiveness. The Company would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively (i) if it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting change in the cash flows of a hedged item, (ii) when the derivative expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, (iii) because it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur, or (iv) if management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedge instrument is no longer appropriate. The Company’s derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair value. For additional information please see Note 5 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. For derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges, any effective unrealized gains or losses on fair value are included in comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, and any ineffective gains or losses are recognized in income immediately. Amounts recorded in comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to earnings when the hedged item impacts earnings.

ShareBased_Payment_Tables

Share-Based Payment (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Weighted average assumptions for stock option awards	'
	The following weighted average assumptions were used in the estimated grant date fair value calculations for stock option awards:
		Quarter Ended
		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Risk free interest rate	0.97	%	1.06	%
	Expected dividend yield	—	%	—	%
	Expected stock price volatility	62.3	%	65.7	%
	Average expected life (in years)	6.02		5.99
Summary of stock option activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity:
		Number of		Weighted-		Weighted-	Aggregate
		Shares		Average		Average	Intrinsic
				Exercise Price		Remaining	Value
						Contractual
						Term
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	772,496		$	18.57
	Granted	48,350		12.53
	Exercised	(24,500	)	16.38
	Canceled	(53,330	)	33.37
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	743,016		$	17.19	6.98	$	10,355
	Vested and expected to vest in the future at September 30, 2013	716,586		$	17.28	6.97	$	9,967
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	447,405		$	22.98	5.97	$	4,605
Summary of unvested stock option activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested stock option activity:
		Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested at December 31, 2012	430,915		$	4.9
	Granted	48,350		7.42
	Vested	(182,653	)	5.7
	Canceled	(1,001	)	3.53
	Unvested at September 30, 2013	295,611		$	4.8
Summary of unvested restricted stock activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s unvested restricted stock activity:
		Shares		Weighted-Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested at December 31, 2012	104,544		$	4.65
	Granted	11,999		3.67
	Vested	(21,107	)	8
	Canceled	(2,000	)	20.7
	Unvested at September 30, 2013	93,436		$	3.42

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Estimated fair values of financial instruments	'
	The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
		December 31, 2012				30-Sep-13
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	39,977	$	39,977	$	49,069	$	49,069
	Fixed-rate debt	188,434		174,800		100,533		103,506
	Variable-rate debt	335,261		335,261		416,957		416,957
	Derivative instruments - asset position	—		—		—		—
	Derivative instruments - liability position	219		219		135		135
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that are reported at fair value on a recurring basis by the above ASC 820 pricing levels as of December 31, 2012:
		Total		Quoted market		Significant other		Significant
				prices in active		observable  inputs		unobservable
				markets (Level 1)		(Level 2)		inputs (Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	39,977	$	39,977	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate contracts - liability position	219		—		219		—
	The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s financial instruments that are reported at fair value on a recurring basis by the above ASC 820 pricing levels as of September 30, 2013:
		Total		Quoted market		Significant other		Significant
				prices in active		observable  inputs		unobservable
				markets (Level 1)		(Level 2)		inputs (Level 3)
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	49,069	$	49,069	$	—	$	—
	Interest rate contracts - liability position	135		—		135		—

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	56,493
	Goodwill acquired during the period	—
	Impairment charges	—
	Adjustments to goodwill during the period	—
	Balance at December 31, 2012	56,493
	Goodwill acquired during the period	—
	Impairment charges	—
	Adjustments to goodwill during the period	482
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	56,975
	Gross goodwill	$	231,219
	Accumulated impairment charges	(174,244		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	56,975
Summary of intangible assets	'
	Intangible assets consisted of the following:
		31-Dec-12								30-Sep-13
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Intangible		Gross Carrying		Accumulated			Intangible
		Amount			Amortization			Assets, net		Amount		Amortization			Assets, net
	Amortizing intangible assets:
	Customer contracts	$	152,629		$	(68,380	)	$	84,249	$	148,992	$	(75,731	)	$	73,261
	Other	25,743			(16,488		)	9,255		20,415		(17,994		)	2,421
	Total amortizing intangible assets	$	178,372		$	(84,868	)	$	93,504	$	169,407	$	(93,725	)	$	75,682
	Intangible assets not subject to amortization							33,427							33,427
	Total other intangible assets							$	126,931						$	109,109
Estimated annual amortization expense	'
	Estimated annual amortization expense for each of the fiscal years ending December 31, is presented below:
	2013	$	10,768
	2014	8,628
	2015	7,888
	2016	6,886
	2017	6,354
	2018	5,928

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Components of other accrued liabilities	'
	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
		December 31,		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Accrued systems rental and maintenance costs	$	2,768	$	2,257
	Accrued site rental fees	1,202		1,328
	Accrued property and sales taxes payable	11,561		10,856
	Accrued self-insurance expense	1,299		1,311
	Deferred gain on sale of equipment	1,293		321
	Accrued payments for equipment	—		1,192
	Other accrued expenses	8,712		6,461
	Total	$	26,835	$	23,726

LongTerm_Debt_and_Senior_Subor1

Long-Term Debt and Senior Subordinated Credit Facility (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of long-term debt	'
	Long-term debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,			September 30,
		2012			2013
	Term loan facility	$	340,435		$	418,950
	Discount on term loan facility	(5,174		)	(1,993		)
	Senior notes	190,000			101,228
	Discount on senior notes	(1,565		)	(695		)
	Equipment debt	34,939			28,965
	Long-term debt, including current portion	558,635			546,455
	Less current portion	13,145			15,552
	Long-term debt	$	545,490		$	530,903

Derivatives_Tables

Derivatives (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

'

Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

'

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Flow Hedging

Recognized in OCI on

(Loss)

Reclassified from

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

Relationships

Derivatives (Effective

Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI into

Income on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Portion)

Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective

(Ineffective Portion)

(Ineffective Portion)

Income (Effective

Portion)

Portion)

Interest rate contracts

$

1

Interest expense and other, net

$

102

Interest expense and other, net

$

—

Diesel fuel swap

—

Fuel expense (included in Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization)

—

Other (income) expense, net

—

Total

$

1

$

102

$

—

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Flow Hedging

Recognized in OCI on

(Loss)

Reclassified from

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

Relationships

Derivatives (Effective

Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI into

Income on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Portion)

Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective

(Ineffective Portion)

(Ineffective Portion)

Income (Effective

Portion)

Portion)

Interest rate contracts

$

(31

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

(193

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

—

Diesel fuel swap

15

Fuel expense (included in Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization)

(46

)

Other (income) expense, net

—

Total

$

(16

)

$

(239

)

$

—

The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Recognized in Income on

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives

Income on

Derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest expense and

$

(11

)

other, net

The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Recognized in Income on

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives

Income on

Derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest expense and

$

(39

)

other, net

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Flow Hedging

Recognized in OCI on

(Loss)

Reclassified from

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

Relationships

Derivatives (Effective

Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI into

Income on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Portion)

Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective

(Ineffective Portion)

(Ineffective Portion)

Income (Effective

Portion)

Portion)

Interest rate contracts

$

(4

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

(267

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

(7

)

The Effect of Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Derivatives in Cash

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Location of Gain

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Flow Hedging

Recognized in OCI on

(Loss)

Reclassified from

(Loss) Recognized in

Recognized in Income

Relationships

Derivatives (Effective

Reclassified from

Accumulated OCI into

Income on Derivatives

on Derivatives

Portion)

Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective

(Ineffective Portion)

(Ineffective Portion)

Income (Effective

Portion)

Portion)

Interest rate contracts

$

25

Interest expense and other, net

$

(678

)

Interest expense and other, net

$

(7

)

The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Recognized in Income on

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives

Income on

Derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest expense and

$

(3

)

other, net

The Effect of Non-Designated Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

Location of Gain (Loss)

Amount of Gain

Recognized in Income on

(Loss) Recognized in

Derivatives

Income on

Derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest expense and

$

(6

)

other, net

Loss_Per_Common_Share_Tables

Loss Per Common Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of basic and diluted loss per share	'
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted loss per share (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Quarter Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Numerator:
	Net loss attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	$	(1,243	)	$	(2,070	)	$	(6,866	)	$	(17,452	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares-basic	10,609			10,639			10,635			10,632
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Employee stock options	—			—			—			—
	Weighted-average shares-diluted	10,609			10,639			10,635			10,632
	Loss per common share attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.:
	Basic	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.65	)	$	(1.64	)
	Diluted	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.65	)	$	(1.64	)
	Stock options excluded from the computation of diluted per share amounts:
	Weighted-average shares for which the exercise price exceeds average market price of common stock	670			201,405			810			155,398
	Average exercise price per share that exceeds average market price of common stock	$	28.25		$	38.34		$	27.6		$	35.32

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_1

Investments in Unconsolidated Investees (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Balance Sheet Data	'
		December 31,		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Balance Sheet Data:
	Current assets	$	5,246	$	4,805
	Noncurrent assets	10,142		10,554
	Current liabilities	3,026		3,985
	Noncurrent liabilities	2,669		1,737
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Combined Operating Results	'
		Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Operating Results:
	Revenues	$	4,632	$	4,344	$	13,210	$	13,424
	Expenses	2,747		2,306		7,746		6,624
	Net income	1,885		2,038		5,464		6,800
	Earnings from unconsolidated investee	943		1,023		2,734		3,595
Austin Cyberknife, Llc	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Balance Sheet Data	'
		December 31,		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Balance Sheet Data:
	Current assets	$	2,150	$	2,670
	Noncurrent assets	1,819		1,399
	Current liabilities	732		637
	Noncurrent liabilities	1,067		743
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Combined Operating Results	'
		Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Operating Results:
	Revenues	$	1,789	$	2,563	$	5,260	$	6,809
	Expenses	674		686		2,056		2,190
	Net income	1,115		1,877		3,204		4,619
	Earnings from unconsolidated investee	166		282		479		693
Unconsolidated Investees, Including Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries and Austin Cyberknife	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Balance Sheet Data	'
		December 31,		September 30,
		2012		2013
	Balance Sheet Data:
	Current assets	$	7,843	$	7,876
	Noncurrent assets	12,092		12,028
	Current liabilities	3,828		4,684
	Noncurrent liabilities	3,736		2,484
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Combined Operating Results	'
		Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012		2013		2012		2013
	Combined Operating Results:
	Revenues	$	7,567	$	7,228	$	22,025	$	21,239
	Expenses	4,653		3,194		13,645		9,388
	Net income	2,914		4,034		8,380		11,851
	Earnings from unconsolidated investees	1,172		1,347		3,411		4,489

Stockholders_Deficit_Tables

Stockholders' Deficit (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Summary of stockholders' deficit, including noncontrolling interest	'
	The following table summarizes consolidated stockholders’ deficit, including noncontrolling interest.
										Additional		Accumulated						Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)						Total
																		Attributable to
		Common Stock			Treasury Stock					Paid-In		Comprehensive			Accumulated			Alliance HealthCare			Noncontrolling			Stockholders’
		Shares	Amount		Shares		Amount			Capital		Income (Loss)			Deficit			Services, Inc.			Interest			Deficit
	Balance at January 1, 2013	10,615,072	$	524	(140,028	)	$	(2,877	)	$	21,507	$	(716	)	$	(183,226	)	$	(164,788	)	$	48,495		$	(116,293	)
	Exercise of stock options	24,500	—		—		—			402		—			—			402			—			402
	Issuance of restricted stock	11,999	—		—		—			—		—			—			—			—			—
	Share-based payment	—	—		—		—			1,036		—			—			1,036			—			1,036
	Unrealized gain on hedging transaction, net of tax	—	—		—		—			—		426			—			426			—			426
	Net contributions (distributions)	—	—		—		—			—		—			—			—			(9,229		)	(9,229		)
	Net (loss) income	—	—		—		—			—		—			(17,452		)	(17,452		)	9,741			(7,711		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	10,651,571	$	524	(140,028	)	$	(2,877	)	$	22,945	$	(290	)	$	(200,678	)	$	(180,376	)	$	49,007		$	(131,369	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summary of revenue by segment	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s revenue by segment:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Revenue
	Imaging	$	96,019		$	93,658		$	295,017		$	280,244
	Radiation Oncology	19,994			19,717			62,413			57,931
	Total	$	116,013		$	113,375		$	357,430		$	338,175
	The following are components of revenue:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Revenue
	MRI revenue	$	49,113		$	46,938		$	148,347		$	140,378
	PET/CT revenue	37,668			36,089			118,254			110,495
	Radiation Oncology revenue	19,994			19,717			62,413			57,931
	Other modalities and other revenue	9,238			10,631			28,416			29,371
	Total	$	116,013		$	113,375		$	357,430		$	338,175
Summary of segment income	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s segment income:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Segment income
	Imaging	$	38,581		$	39,251		$	114,614		$	112,725
	Radiation Oncology	9,198			8,871			26,705			25,678
	Corporate / Other	(6,110		)	(9,566		)	(22,484		)	(26,101		)
	Total	$	41,669		$	38,556		$	118,835		$	112,302
Reconciliation of Net loss to total segment income	'
	The reconciliation of Net loss to total segment income is shown below:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Net loss attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	$	(1,243	)	$	(2,070	)	$	(6,866	)	$	(17,452	)
	Income tax (benefit) expense	409			(2,392		)	(4,660		)	(9,725		)
	Interest expense and other, net	13,702			8,156			41,069			31,481
	Amortization expense	3,989			2,151			11,995			8,856
	Depreciation expense	20,568			16,965			62,706			49,803
	Share-based payment (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)	157			301			193			1,036
	Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	2,483			3,402			7,461			9,741
	Restructuring charges (Note 2)	1,020			1,809			4,015			5,172
	Transaction costs	(58		)	7			321			87
	Impairment charges	—			4,529			—			9,396
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			5,132			—			22,201
	Other non-recurring charges (included in selling, general and administrative expenses	—			514			—			1,464
	Other non-cash charges (included in other income and expense, net)	642			52			2,601			242
	Total segment income	$	41,669		$	38,556		$	118,835		$	112,302
Summary of net income (loss) by segment	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s net income (loss) by segment:
		Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2012			2013			2012			2013
	Net (loss) income
	Imaging	$	16,547		$	18,612		$	47,735		$	56,358
	Radiation Oncology	1,881			2,499			7,162			6,530
	Corporate / Other	(19,671		)	(23,181		)	(61,763		)	(80,340		)
	Total	$	(1,243	)	$	(2,070	)	$	(6,866	)	$	(17,452	)
Summary of Company's identifiable assets by segment	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s identifiable assets by segment:
		As of December 31,			As of September 30,
		2012			2013
	Identifiable assets
	Imaging	$	282,906		$	224,971
	Radiation Oncology	176,353			174,109
	Corporate / Other	100,882			116,553
	Total	$	560,141		$	515,633
Summary of company's goodwill by segment	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill by segment:
		Imaging			Radiation			Corporate			Total
					Oncology			/ Other
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	41,684		$	14,809		$	—		$	56,493
	Goodwill acquired during the period	—			—			—			—
	Impairment charges	—			—			—			—
	Adjustments to goodwill during the period	—			—			—			—
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	41,684		$	14,809		$	—		$	56,493
	Goodwill acquired during the period	—			—			—			—
	Impairment charges	—			—			—			—
	Adjustments to goodwill during the period	482			—			—			482
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	42,166		$	14,809		$	—		$	56,975
	Gross goodwill	$	196,508		$	34,711		$	—		$	231,219
	Accumulated impairment charges	(154,342		)	(19,902		)	—			(174,244		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	42,166		$	14,809		$	—		$	56,975

Basis_of_Presentation_Principl2

Basis of Presentation, Principles of Consolidation, and Use of Estimates (Details)	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Reverse stock split conversion ratio (percent)	0.2

Transactions_Restructuring_Pla

Transactions (Restructuring Plan) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	$1,809	$1,020	$5,172	$4,015
Selling, general and administrative expenses	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	3,549	'
Severance and related costs	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	1,306	'
Cost of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring charges	'	'	$317	'

Transactions_Amendment_No_2_to

Transactions (Amendment No. 2 to Prior Credit Facility) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
					Term Loan Facility	Scenario, Forecast
					Amendment Number 2 to Credit Agreement	Term Loan Facility
						Amendment Number 2 to Credit Agreement
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale leaseback transaction, proceeds	'	'	'	'	$30,000	'
Cash	49,069	79,172	39,977	44,190	44,500	'
Repayments of term loan facility debt	341,485	9,000	'	'	74,500	'
Sale leaseback transaction future rent expense	'	'	'	'	'	$8,000

Transactions_Senior_Secured_Te

Transactions (Senior Secured Term Loan Refinancing) (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Jun. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jul. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Minimum

Maximum

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

Base Rate

Minimum

Maximum

LIBOR

Base Rate

LIBOR

Base Rate

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility

Letter of Credit

Uncommitted Incremental Loan Facility

Senior Notes

Delayed Draw

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

LIBOR

Base Rate

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Base Rate

Base Rate

Minimum

Maximum

Minimum

Maximum

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan facility borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$340,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$50,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,000,000

$100,000,000

'

$80,000,000

Debt term (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, leverage ratio

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.00375

0.005

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25

'

'

'

'

'

0.03

0.0325

0.02

0.0225

'

'

'

'

Long-term debt, gross

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

418,950,000

340,435,000

'

'

'

'

'

101,228,000

190,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

190,000,000

'

Discount rate on debt (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8.25%

'

Repayments of long-term debt

'

'

'

341,485,000

9,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.25%

2.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'one-month LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt floor interest rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.25%

'

'

2.00%

5.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt, quarterly payments at debt capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,050,000

Ownership percentage of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

15.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Covenant ratio of consolidated total debt to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, current year

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.3

4.95

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

17,069,000

5,132,000

0

22,201,000

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$416,957,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Actual ratio of consolidated total debt to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument, period quarterly amortization payments required

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years 9 months

Transactions_Senior_Notes_Repu

Transactions (Senior Notes Repurchase) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 03, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			New Credit Agreement	New Credit Agreement
			Term Loan Facility	Term Loan Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Repayments of term loan facility debt	$341,485	$9,000	$80,000	'
Unamortized deferred cost expensed	'	'	1,522	160
Accretion of discount on long-term debt	890	1,271	3,200	251
Principal amount repurchased	'	'	'	$8,772

Transactions_Incremental_Term_

Transactions (Incremental Term Loan) (Details) (New Credit Agreement, USD $)	Jun. 03, 2013	Jun. 03, 2013	Jun. 03, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013	Nov. 07, 2013
		Base Rate	LIBOR	Subsequent event	Subsequent event	Subsequent event
				Committed Incremental Term Loan	Committed Incremental Term Loan	Committed Incremental Term Loan
					Base Rate	LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term loan facility borrowing capacity	'	'	'	$70,000,000	'	'
Percentage of principal amount funded	'	'	'	99.00%	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate (percent)	'	0.50%	1.00%	'	2.25%	3.25%
Debt floor interest rate (percent)	'	'	'	'	'	1.00%
Annual cash interest savings expected	'	'	'	$5,000,000	'	'
Ownership percentage of subsidiaries	50.00%	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Ratio of total debt to last twelve months adjusted EBITDA	'	'	'	3.25	'	'

ShareBased_Payment_Weighted_Av

Share-Based Payment (Weighted Average Assumptions for Fair Value of Stock Options) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Weighted average assumptions for stock option awards	'	'
Risk free interest rate	1.06%	0.97%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility	65.70%	62.30%
Average expected life (in years)	'5 years 11 months 27 days	'6 years 0 months 7 days

ShareBased_Payment_Stock_Optio

Share-Based Payment (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of stock option activity	'	'
Begining balance (shares)	772,496	'
Granted (shares)	48,350	'
Exercised (shares)	-24,500	0
Canceled (shares)	-53,330	'
Ending balance (shares)	743,016	'
Vested and expected to vest (shares)	716,586	'
Exercisable (shares)	447,405	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share)	$18.57	'
Granted, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share)	$12.53	'
Exercised, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share)	$16.38	'
Canceled, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share)	$33.37	'
Ending balance, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share)	$17.19	'
Vested and expected to vest, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share)	$17.28	'
Exercisable, weighted-average exercise price (dollars per share)	$22.98	'
Outstanding, weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'6 years 11 months 23 days	'
Vested and expected to vest, weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'6 years 11 months 19 days	'
Exercisable, weighted-average remaining contractual term (in years)	'5 years 11 months 19 days	'
Outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$10,355	'
Vested and expected to vest, aggregate intrinsic value	9,967	'
Exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	$4,605	'

ShareBased_Payment_Unvested_St

Share-Based Payment (Unvested Stock Activity) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock option	'	'
Summary of unvested stock option activity	'	'
Beginning balance, unvested shares (shares)	430,915	'
Granted, unvested share (shares)	48,350	'
Vested, unvested share (shares)	-182,653	'
Canceled, unvested share (shares)	-1,001	'
Ending balance, unvested shares (shares)	295,611	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$4.90	'
Granted, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$7.42	'
Vested, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$5.70	'
Canceled, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$3.53	'
Ending balance, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$4.80	'
Restricted stock	'	'
Summary of unvested stock option activity	'	'
Beginning balance, unvested shares (shares)	104,544	'
Granted, unvested share (shares)	11,999	'
Vested, unvested share (shares)	-21,107	'
Canceled, unvested share (shares)	-2,000	'
Ending balance, unvested shares (shares)	93,436	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$4.65	'
Granted, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$3.67	$5
Vested, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$8	'
Canceled, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$20.70	'
Ending balance, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)	$3.42	'

ShareBased_Payment_Textual_Det

Share-Based Payment (Textual) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

27 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 1999

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted Stock Awards

Options granted after January 1, 2008

Options granted prior to January 1, 2008

Options granted prior to January 1, 2008

Options granted prior to January 1, 2008

Options granted prior to January 1, 2008

Employees

Employees

Employees

Non-employee directors

Unaffiliated directors

Unaffiliated directors

Unaffiliated directors

Former CEO

Former CEO

Cliff vest after three years

Cliff vest after one year

Cliff vest after one year

Time option

Time option

Performance option

Non-employees

1999 Equity Plan

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock shares available for options and awards (shares)

556,124

556,124

'

'

2,205,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options term (years)

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options, typically vesting each year from the date of grant (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33.30%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

20.00%

'

20.00%

Vesting period (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'1 year

'

'

'

'3 years

'1 year

'

'4 years

'5 years

'5 years

'

'

Percentage of vesting type of options (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

50.00%

Performance options cliff vest after period (years)

'

'8 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Options accelerated due to employment agreements vesting (shares)

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accelerated options vested during period (shares)

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Subsequent stock options, vesting after one year (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

Subsequent stock options, vesting after two year (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

Subsequent stock options, vesting after three year (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

Subsequent stock options, vesting after four year (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

Subsequent stock options, vesting after five year (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

Weighted average grant date fair value (dollars per share)

'

$7.42

$3.15

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options exercised (shares)

'

24,500

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total unrecognized fair value related to unvested stock options

$865

$865

'

'

'

'

'

'

$229

'

'

'

$40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized weighted-average period (years)

'

'1 year 7 months 25 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'0 years 10 months 27 days

'

'

'

'3 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total fair value of shares vested

'

1,040

1,393

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock granted during period (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

57,544

'

'

57,887

'

0

'

44,310

'

'

52,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of awards to non-employees (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

11,999

'

'

'

38,075

'

19,469

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

4,887

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based payment

'

'

'

'

'

390

-707

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,376

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares forfeited during period (shares)

'

'

'

'

'

2,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted, unvested shares, weighted-average grant-date fair value (dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

$3.67

$5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock

$524

$524

'

$524

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$40

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of days preceding grant date which average price per share is calculated (days)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated fair values of financial instruments	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$49,069	$39,977
Carrying Value	'	'
Estimated fair values of financial instruments	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	49,069	39,977
Fixed-rate debt	100,533	188,434
Variable-rate debt	416,957	335,261
Derivative instruments - asset position	0	0
Derivative instruments - liability position	135	219
Fair Value	'	'
Estimated fair values of financial instruments	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	49,069	39,977
Fixed-rate debt	103,506	174,800
Variable-rate debt	416,957	335,261
Derivative instruments - asset position	0	0
Derivative instruments - liability position	$135	$219

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Summary of Valuation of Financial Instruments Reported at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis by Pricing Level) (Details) (Recurring basis, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$49,069	$39,977
Interest rate contracts	'	'
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Interest rate contracts - liability position	135	219
Quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1)	'	'
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	49,069	39,977
Quoted market prices in active markets (Level 1) | Interest rate contracts	'	'
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Interest rate contracts - liability position	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Interest rate contracts	'	'
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Interest rate contracts - liability position	135	219
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) | Interest rate contracts	'	'
Financial instruments reported at fair value on a recurring basis	'	'
Interest rate contracts - liability position	$0	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Goodwill Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'	'
Beginning balance	$56,493	$56,493
Goodwill acquired during the period	0	0
Impairment charges	0	0
Adjustments to goodwill during the period	482	0
Ending balance	56,975	56,493
Gross goodwill	231,219	'
Accumulated impairment charges	($174,244)	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Components of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortizing intangible assets:	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$169,407	$178,372
Accumulated Amortization	-93,725	-84,868
Intangible Assets, net	75,682	93,504
Intangible assets not subject to amortization	33,427	33,427
Total other intangible assets	109,109	126,931
Customer contracts	'	'
Amortizing intangible assets:	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	148,992	152,629
Accumulated Amortization	-75,731	-68,380
Intangible Assets, net	73,261	84,249
Other	'	'
Amortizing intangible assets:	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	20,415	25,743
Accumulated Amortization	-17,994	-16,488
Intangible Assets, net	$2,421	$9,255

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Estimated Annual Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated annual amortization expense	'
2013	$10,768
2014	8,628
2015	7,888
2016	6,886
2017	6,354
2018	$5,928

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	$109,109	'	'	$109,109	'	$126,931
Impairment charges	4,529	4,867	0	9,396	0	'
Asset impairment charges	4,529	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense	2,151	'	3,989	8,856	11,995	'
Customer contracts	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average estimated useful life of amortization intangible assets (years)	'	'	'	'15 years	'	'
Other intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average estimated useful life of amortization intangible assets (years)	'	'	'	'6 years	'	'
Professional Radiology Services	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	$1,821	'	'	$1,821	'	'

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of other accrued liabilities	'	'
Accrued systems rental and maintenance costs	$2,257	$2,768
Accrued site rental fees	1,328	1,202
Accrued property and sales taxes payable	10,856	11,561
Accrued self-insurance expense	1,311	1,299
Deferred gain on sale of equipment	321	1,293
Accrued payments for equipment	1,192	0
Other accrued expenses	6,461	8,712
Total	$23,726	$26,835

LongTerm_Debt_and_Senior_Subor2

Long-Term Debt and Senior Subordinated Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt, including current portion	$546,455	$558,635
Less current portion	15,552	13,145
Long-term debt	530,903	545,490
Term Loan Facility	'	'
Components of long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt, gross	418,950	340,435
Discount	-1,993	-5,174
Senior notes	'	'
Components of long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt, gross	101,228	190,000
Discount	-695	-1,565
Equipment debt	'	'
Components of long-term debt	'	'
Long-term debt, gross	$28,965	$34,939

Derivatives_Income_Statement_I

Derivatives (Income Statement Impact) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Designated Derivative Instruments | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	'	'	'	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	'	$1	'	($16)
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	'	102	'	-239
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)	'	0	'	0
Designated Derivative Instruments | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Interest rate contracts	'	'	'	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	-4	1	25	-31
Designated Derivative Instruments | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Interest rate contracts | Interest expense and other, net	'	'	'	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-267	102	-678	-193
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)	-7	0	-7	0
Designated Derivative Instruments | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Diesel fuel swap	'	'	'	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	'	0	'	15
Designated Derivative Instruments | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Diesel fuel swap | Fuel expense (included in Costs of revenues, excluding depreciation and amortization)	'	'	'	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	'	0	'	-46
Designated Derivative Instruments | Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships | Diesel fuel swap | Other (income) expense, net	'	'	'	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion)	'	0	'	0
Non-Designated Derivative Instruments | Interest rate contracts | Interest expense and other, net	'	'	'	'
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Statement of Operations	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives	($3)	($11)	($6)	($39)

Derivatives_Textual_Details

Derivatives (Textual) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Jun. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest rate cap

Interest rate cap

USR Swap one

USR Swap one

USR Swap one

USR Swap two

USR Swap two

USR Swap two

Interest Rate Swap, Maturing December 2017

Interest Rate Swap, Maturing December 2017

Interest Rate Swap, Maturing December 2017

Interest Rate Swap, Matures April 2018

Interest Rate Swap, Matures April 2018

Interest Rate Swap, Matures April 2018

agreement

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges

LIBOR

LIBOR

agreement

LIBOR

LIBOR

LIBOR

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable bank rate debt

$163,346,000

$154,896,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate debt as a percent of total debt (percent)

29.90%

24.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expected reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense and other, net

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of agreements

'

'

2

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'LIBOR

'

'

'one-month LIBOR

'

'

'one-month LIBOR

'

'

'one-month LIBOR

'

'

'one-month LIBOR

Maturity

'

'

'

1-Feb-14

'

1-Oct-15

'

'

1-Apr-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative, notional amount

'

'

'

150,000,000

'

'

2,179,000

'

'

616,000

'

4,477,000

'

'

4,029,000

'

'

LIBOR on cap purchase (percent)

'

'

'

4.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Paid for cap purchase amortized as interest expense

'

'

'

$1,537,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed rate of interest paid by the Company (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

5.71%

'

'

4.15%

'

'

'

3.75%

'

'

2.87%

'

Recorded interest expense rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

8.71%

'

'

6.15%

'

'

'

3.75%

'

'

2.87%

'

Underlying debt interest rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

2.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate agreement, basis spread on variable rate (percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

2.50%

'

2.00%

2.00%

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit)	$2,392	($409)	$9,725	$4,660
Income tax benefit (percentage)	53.60%	-49.00%	35.80%	40.40%
Unrecognized tax benefits related to various federal and state income tax matters	406	'	406	'
Tax-effected amount that would reduce the company's effective income tax rate if recognized	320	'	320	'
Accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits	$31	'	$31	'

Loss_Per_Common_Share_Details

Loss Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator:	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	($2,070)	($1,243)	($17,452)	($6,866)
Denominator:	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares-basic (shares)	10,639	10,609	10,632	10,635
Effect of dilutive securities:	'	'	'	'
Employee stock options (shares)	0	0	0	0
Weighted-average shares-diluted (shares)	10,639	10,609	10,632	10,635
Loss per common share attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.:	'	'	'	'
Basic (dollars per share)	($0.19)	($0.12)	($1.64)	($0.65)
Diluted (dollars per share)	($0.19)	($0.12)	($1.64)	($0.65)
Stock options excluded from the computation of diluted per share amounts:	'	'	'	'
Weighted-average shares for which exercise price exceeds average market price of common stock (shares)	201,405	670	155,398	810
Average exercise price per share that exceeds average market price of common stock (dollars per share)	$38.34	$28.25	$35.32	$27.60

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 29, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 17, 2012	Jan. 25, 2012	Mar. 27, 2013
		Medical Outsourcing Services, LLC	Medical Outsourcing Services, LLC	Medical Outsourcing Services, LLC	Medical Outsourcing Services, LLC	Superior MRI Services, Inc.
		Claim
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liability related to guarantees and indemnities	$0	'	'	'	'	'
Amount received for damages for breach of contract claims	'	2,527,000	'	'	'	'
Prejudgment interest (percent)	'	9.00%	'	'	'	'
Other indemnification claims	'	255,000	'	'	'	'
Number of indemnification claims	'	2	'	'	'	'
Attorney's fees and expenses	'	1,453,000	'	'	'	'
Arbitration expenses	'	110,000	'	'	'	'
Remaining indemnification cap for future claims	'	1,300,000	'	'	'	'
Amount received from former Medical Outsourcing Services for acquisition	'	'	'	592,000	665,000	'
Amount paid by former medical outsourcing services for acquisition.	'	'	1,198,000	'	'	'
Cumulative amount received from former Medical Outsourcing Services for acquisition	'	'	5,300,000	'	'	'
Amount paid under settlement	'	'	2,400,000	'	'	'
Damages sought, minimum	'	'	'	'	'	$1,000,000

RelatedParty_Transactions_Deta

Related-Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Apr. 16, 2007

Jun. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jun. 03, 2013

Jul. 03, 2013

Nov. 07, 2013

Nov. 07, 2013

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

Oaktree [Member]

Oaktree [Member]

Subsequent event

Subsequent event

Term Loan Facility

Term Loan Facility

Delayed Draw

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

New Credit Agreement

Oaktree [Member]

Term Loan Facility

Delayed Draw

Committed Incremental Term Loan

New Credit Agreement

Committed Incremental Term Loan

Related Party Transaction [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares purchased by Oaktree and MTS (shares)

'

'

'

'

4,900,301

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of outstanding stock owned by Oaktree and MTS (percent)

51.20%

'

51.20%

'

49.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues from management agreements with unconsolidated equity investees

$2,756,000

$2,304,000

$7,276,000

$6,753,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts of the revenues and expenses

2,291,000

1,875,000

5,914,000

5,512,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt amount funded

'

'

'

'

'

'

416,957,000

'

40,476,000

9,524,000

'

'

Term loan facility borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

$340,000,000

'

$80,000,000

$340,000,000

$80,000,000

$70,000,000

$10,000,000

Debt term (years)

'

'

'

'

'

'6 years

'

'

'6 years

'

'

'

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_2

Investments in Unconsolidated Investees (Balance Sheet Data) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries	'	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Balance Sheet Data	'	'
Current assets	$4,805	$5,246
Noncurrent assets	10,554	10,142
Current liabilities	3,985	3,026
Noncurrent liabilities	1,737	2,669
Austin Cyberknife, Llc	'	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Balance Sheet Data	'	'
Current assets	2,670	2,150
Noncurrent assets	1,399	1,819
Current liabilities	637	732
Noncurrent liabilities	743	1,067
Unconsolidated Investees, Including Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries and Austin Cyberknife	'	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Balance Sheet Data	'	'
Current assets	7,876	7,843
Noncurrent assets	12,028	12,092
Current liabilities	4,684	3,828
Noncurrent liabilities	$2,484	$3,736

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_3

Investments in Unconsolidated Investees (Combined Operating Results) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Combined Operating Results	'	'	'	'
Earnings from unconsolidated investee	$1,347	$1,172	$4,489	$3,411
Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Combined Operating Results	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,344	4,632	13,424	13,210
Expenses	2,306	2,747	6,624	7,746
Net income	2,038	1,885	6,800	5,464
Earnings from unconsolidated investee	1,023	943	3,595	2,734
Austin Cyberknife, Llc	'	'	'	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Combined Operating Results	'	'	'	'
Revenues	2,563	1,789	6,809	5,260
Expenses	686	674	2,190	2,056
Net income	1,877	1,115	4,619	3,204
Earnings from unconsolidated investee	282	166	693	479
Unconsolidated Investees, Including Alliance-HNI, LLC and Subsidiaries and Austin Cyberknife	'	'	'	'
Schedule of financial data of unconsolidated investees, Combined Operating Results	'	'	'	'
Revenues	7,228	7,567	21,239	22,025
Expenses	3,194	4,653	9,388	13,645
Net income	4,034	2,914	11,851	8,380
Earnings from unconsolidated investee	$1,347	$1,172	$4,489	$3,411

Investments_in_Unconsolidated_4

Investments in Unconsolidated Investees (Textual) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013
	investee
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Number of unconsolidated entities with direct ownership (investee)	4
Minimum	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage of ownership from investees (percent)	15.00%
Maximum	'
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'
Percentage of ownership from investees (percent)	50.00%

Stockholders_Deficit_Details

Stockholders' Deficit (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Common Stock

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

Additional Paid-In Capital

Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated Deficit

Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.

Noncontrolling Interest

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Deficit [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning balance

'

'

($116,293)

'

$524

($2,877)

($2,877)

$21,507

($716)

($183,226)

($164,788)

$48,495

Beginning balance (shares)

'

'

'

'

10,615,072

140,028

140,028

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options (shares)

'

'

24,500

0

24,500

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Exercise of stock options

'

'

402

'

'

'

'

402

'

'

402

'

Issuance of restricted stock (shares)

'

'

'

'

11,999

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based payment

'

'

1,036

'

'

'

'

1,036

'

'

1,036

'

Unrealized gain on hedging transaction, net of tax

'

'

426

'

'

'

'

'

426

'

426

'

Net contributions (distributions)

'

'

-9,229

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-9,229

Net (loss) income

1,332

1,240

-7,711

595

'

'

'

'

'

-17,452

-17,452

9,741

Ending balance

($131,369)

'

($131,369)

'

$524

($2,877)

($2,877)

$22,945

($290)

($200,678)

($180,376)

$49,007

Ending balance (shares)

'

'

'

'

10,651,571

140,028

140,028

'

'

'

'

'

Segment_Information_Revenue_by

Segment Information (Revenue by Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of revenue by segment	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$113,375	$116,013	$338,175	$357,430
Imaging	'	'	'	'
Summary of revenue by segment	'	'	'	'
Revenue	93,658	96,019	280,244	295,017
Radiation Oncology	'	'	'	'
Summary of revenue by segment	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$19,717	$19,994	$57,931	$62,413

Segment_Information_Components

Segment Information (Components of Revenue) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of components of revenue	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$113,375	$116,013	$338,175	$357,430
MRI	'	'	'	'
Summary of components of revenue	'	'	'	'
Revenue	46,938	49,113	140,378	148,347
PET/CT	'	'	'	'
Summary of components of revenue	'	'	'	'
Revenue	36,089	37,668	110,495	118,254
Radiation Oncology	'	'	'	'
Summary of components of revenue	'	'	'	'
Revenue	19,717	19,994	57,931	62,413
Other Modalities And Other Revenue	'	'	'	'
Summary of components of revenue	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$10,631	$9,238	$29,371	$28,416

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information (Summary of Segment Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of segment income	'	'	'	'
Segment income	$38,556	$41,669	$112,302	$118,835
Imaging	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment income	'	'	'	'
Segment income	39,251	38,581	112,725	114,614
Radiation Oncology	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment income	'	'	'	'
Segment income	8,871	9,198	25,678	26,705
Corporate / Other	'	'	'	'
Summary of segment income	'	'	'	'
Segment income	($9,566)	($6,110)	($26,101)	($22,484)

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Net Loss to Segment Income) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 03, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Reconciliation of Net loss to total segment income	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc.	'	($2,070)	'	($1,243)	($17,452)	($6,866)
Income tax (benefit) expense	'	-2,392	'	409	-9,725	-4,660
Interest expense and other, net	'	8,156	'	13,702	31,481	41,069
Amortization expense	'	2,151	'	3,989	8,856	11,995
Depreciation expense	'	16,965	'	20,568	49,803	62,706
Share-based payment (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)	'	301	'	157	1,036	193
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	'	3,402	'	2,483	9,741	7,461
Restructuring charges (Note 2)	'	1,809	'	1,020	5,172	4,015
Transaction costs	'	7	'	-58	87	321
Impairment charges	'	4,529	4,867	0	9,396	0
Loss on extinguishment of debt	17,069	5,132	'	0	22,201	0
Other non-recurring charges (included in selling, general and administrative expenses	'	514	'	0	1,464	0
Other non-cash charges (included in other income and expense, net)	'	52	'	642	242	2,601
Total segment income	'	$38,556	'	$41,669	$112,302	$118,835

Segment_Information_Summary_of1

Segment Information (Summary of Net (Loss) Income by Segment) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Summary of net income (loss) by segment	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($2,070)	($1,243)	($17,452)	($6,866)
Imaging	'	'	'	'
Summary of net income (loss) by segment	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	18,612	16,547	56,358	47,735
Radiation Oncology	'	'	'	'
Summary of net income (loss) by segment	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	2,499	1,881	6,530	7,162
Corporate / Other	'	'	'	'
Summary of net income (loss) by segment	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($23,181)	($19,671)	($80,340)	($61,763)

Summary_of_Identifiable_Assets

(Summary of Identifiable Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Company's identifiable assets by segment	'	'
Identifiable assets	$515,633	$560,141
Imaging	'	'
Summary of Company's identifiable assets by segment	'	'
Identifiable assets	224,971	282,906
Radiation Oncology	'	'
Summary of Company's identifiable assets by segment	'	'
Identifiable assets	174,109	176,353
Corporate / Other	'	'
Summary of Company's identifiable assets by segment	'	'
Identifiable assets	$116,553	$100,882

Segment_Information_Summary_of2

Segment Information (Summary of Goodwill by Segment) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of goodwill by segment	'	'
Beginning balance	$56,493	$56,493
Goodwill acquired during the period	0	0
Impairment charges	0	0
Adjustments to goodwill during the period	482	0
Ending balance	56,975	56,493
Gross goodwill	231,219	'
Accumulated impairment charges	-174,244	'
Imaging	'	'
Summary of goodwill by segment	'	'
Beginning balance	41,684	41,684
Goodwill acquired during the period	0	0
Impairment charges	0	0
Adjustments to goodwill during the period	482	0
Ending balance	42,166	41,684
Gross goodwill	196,508	'
Accumulated impairment charges	-154,342	'
Radiation Oncology	'	'
Summary of goodwill by segment	'	'
Beginning balance	14,809	14,809
Goodwill acquired during the period	0	0
Impairment charges	0	0
Adjustments to goodwill during the period	0	0
Ending balance	14,809	14,809
Gross goodwill	34,711	'
Accumulated impairment charges	-19,902	'
Corporate / Other	'	'
Summary of goodwill by segment	'	'
Beginning balance	0	0
Goodwill acquired during the period	0	0
Impairment charges	0	0
Adjustments to goodwill during the period	0	0
Ending balance	0	0
Gross goodwill	0	'
Accumulated impairment charges	$0	'

Segment_Information_Textual_De

Segment Information (Textual) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operating segments (segment)	'	'	2	'
Number of reportable segments (segment)	'	'	2	'
Imaging	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	$8,032	$6,613	$13,513	$13,917
Radiation Oncology	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	91	0	762	2,623
Corporate / Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets	$616	$0	$4,821	$0