Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 125,029	$ 68,435
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $14,978 and $13,801 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	59,900	55,912
Inventory	55,067	51,456
Prepaid expenses and other	25,417	25,086
Deferred income taxes	28,907	22,579
Prepaid income taxes	15,434	20,061
Total current assets	309,754	243,529
Property and equipment, net	448,366	403,444
Goodwill	1,330,917	1,291,231
Other intangible assets, net	86,671	94,823
Notes receivable, net	3,454	6,080
Deferred financing costs, net	2,987	4,232
Other	55,632	48,241
Total assets	2,237,781	2,091,580
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	51,087	39,002
Accounts payable	36,962	39,416
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	57,337	49,893
Other accrued liabilities	58,762	57,131
Total current liabilities	204,148	185,442
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations	568,558	591,641
Deferred income taxes	100,099	75,846
Other liabilities	36,758	37,267
Total liabilities	909,563	890,196
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	10,678	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, 86,796 and 86,179 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively	89	88
Additional paid-in capital	384,721	390,359
Retained earnings	928,720	791,209
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(6,190)	1,847
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,307,340	1,183,503
Noncontrolling interests	10,200	10,890
Total equity	1,317,540	1,194,393
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,237,781	$ 2,091,580