Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$ 13,197	$ 13,801
Accumulated depreciation and amortization on property and equipment	$ 218,735	$ 198,157
Liabilities and Equity
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	11,000	11,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000	175,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	86,595	86,179