Calculation of Earnings per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$	40,647	$	34,037	$	112,794	$	103,602
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	88,834		87,773		88,583		87,554
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Stock options	310		461		318		523
Nonvested shares and units	701		420		758		512
Diluted	89,845		88,654		89,659		88,589
Basic earnings per share	$	0.46	$	0.39	$	1.27	$	1.18
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.45	$	0.38	$	1.26	$	1.17