Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 64,067	$ 63,651
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $15,212 and $14,978 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	65,299	58,279
Inventory	54,282	48,661
Prepaid expenses and other	23,923	21,883
Deferred income taxes	27,671	26,310
Prepaid income taxes	21,310	18,373
Total current assets	256,552	237,157
Property and equipment, net	384,704	370,646
Goodwill	1,345,529	1,237,607
Other intangible assets, net	107,927	92,403
Notes receivable, net	6,232	6,202
Deferred financing costs, net	4,868	5,435
Other	45,383	45,918
Total assets	2,151,195	1,995,368
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	34,974	32,571
Accounts payable	34,798	37,797
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	46,857	42,658
Other accrued liabilities	56,270	43,968
Total current liabilities	172,899	156,994
Long-term debt, less current portion	613,181	586,282
Deferred income taxes	116,945	101,229
Other liabilities	35,574	25,947
Total liabilities	938,599	870,452
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,985	6,964
Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 11,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value $0.001, 175,000 shares authorized, 87,498 and 86,796 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	88	87
Additional paid-in capital	379,624	361,715
Retained earnings	815,223	745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5	418
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,194,940	1,107,878
Noncontrolling interests	10,671	10,074
Total equity	1,205,611	1,117,952
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,151,195	$ 1,995,368