Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 112,270	$ 68,435
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $15,212 and $14,978 at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	70,252	55,912
Inventory	51,374	51,456
Prepaid expenses and other	24,660	25,086
Deferred income taxes	26,130	22,579
Prepaid income taxes	8,185	20,061
Total current assets	292,871	243,529
Property and equipment, net	429,745	403,444
Goodwill	1,307,487	1,291,231
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	86,731	94,823
Notes receivable, net	3,625	6,080
Deferred financing costs, net	3,606	4,232
Other	51,434	48,241
Total assets	2,175,499	2,091,580
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	46,892	39,002
Accounts payable	37,841	39,416
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	51,568	49,893
Other accrued liabilities	62,745	57,131
Total current liabilities	199,046	185,442
Long-term debt, less current portion	587,968	591,641
Deferred income taxes	82,508	75,846
Other liabilities	34,437	37,267
Total liabilities	903,959	890,196
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,111	6,991
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	89	88
Additional paid-in capital	394,304	390,359
Retained earnings	863,356	791,209
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(4,494)	1,847
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,253,255	1,183,503
Noncontrolling interests	7,174	10,890
Total equity	1,260,429	1,194,393
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,175,499	$ 2,091,580