Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 79,661	$ 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	62,061	58,279
Inventory	53,526	48,661
Prepaid expenses and other	24,302	21,883
Deferred income taxes	28,747	26,310
Prepaid income taxes	20,610	18,373
Total current assets	268,907	237,157
Property and equipment, net	392,367	370,646
Goodwill	1,366,117	1,237,607
Other intangible assets, net	116,762	92,403
Notes receivable, net	6,193	6,202
Deferred financing costs, net	4,549	5,435
Other	46,390	45,918
Total assets	2,201,285	1,995,368
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	34,996	32,571
Accounts payable	37,859	37,797
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	55,152	42,658
Other accrued liabilities	56,352	43,968
Total current liabilities	184,359	156,994
Long-term debt, less current portion	604,445	586,282
Deferred income taxes	122,317	101,229
Other liabilities	37,429	25,947
Total liabilities	948,550	870,452
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,975	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	382,479	361,715
Retained earnings	849,260	745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,883	418
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,234,710	1,107,878
Noncontrolling interests	11,050	10,074
Total equity	1,245,760	1,117,952
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,201,285	$ 1,995,368