Calculation of Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$ 39,612	$ 29,404	$ 68,451	$ 61,339
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	86,535,000	86,041,000	86,445,000	85,933,000
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Diluted	87,304,000	87,178,000	87,303,000	87,069,000
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.46	$ 0.34	$ 0.79	$ 0.71
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.45	$ 0.34	$ 0.78	$ 0.70
Calculation of Earnings Per Share (Textuals) [Abstract]
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share	1,139,567	4,200	40,067	12,264
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements	647,000	951,000	664,000	943,000
Nonvested Shares [Member]
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
Incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements	122,000	186,000	194,000	193,000