Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 68,435	$ 63,651
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $14,978 and $13,801 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	55,912	58,279
Inventory	51,456	48,661
Prepaid expenses and other	25,086	21,883
Deferred income taxes	22,579	26,310
Prepaid income taxes	20,061	18,373
Total current assets	243,529	237,157
Property and equipment, net	403,444	370,646
Goodwill	1,291,231	1,237,607
Other intangible assets, net	94,823	92,403
Notes receivable, net	6,080	6,202
Deferred financing costs, net	4,232	5,435
Other	48,241	45,918
Total assets	2,091,580	1,995,368
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	39,002	32,571
Accounts payable	39,416	37,797
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	49,893	42,658
Other accrued liabilities	57,131	43,968
Total current liabilities	185,442	156,994
Long-term debt, less current portion	591,641	586,282
Deferred income taxes	75,846	101,229
Other liabilities	37,267	25,947
Total liabilities	890,196	870,452
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	6,991	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, 86,796 and 86,179 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively	88	87
Additional paid-in capital	390,359	361,715
Retained earnings	791,209	745,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,847	418
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,183,503	1,107,878
Noncontrolling interests	10,890	10,074
Total equity	1,194,393	1,117,952
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,091,580	$ 1,995,368