Calculation of Earnings per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	34,037	$	30,169	$	103,602	$	98,620
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	87,773		86,697		87,554		86,531
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options	461		445		523		593
Nonvested shares and units	420		111		512		169
Diluted	88,654		87,253		88,589		87,293
Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.35	$	1.18	$	1.14
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.35	$	1.17	$	1.13