Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net Income Loss Attributable To Redeemable And Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests	$ 3,300,000	$ 2,500,000	$ 2,000,000
Net income	142,922,000	50,716,000	99,860,000
Other comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(7,999,000)	1,429,000	(319,000)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(7,999,000)	1,429,000	(319,000)
Total comprehensive income	134,923,000	52,145,000	99,541,000
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,449,000	5,165,000	4,455,000
Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc	$ 129,474,000	$ 46,980,000	$ 95,086,000