Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 16,156	$ 14,978
Liabilities and Equity
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	11,000	11,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000	175,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	87,829	86,796