Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 81,383	$ 125,029
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $19,846 and $17,702 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	60,482	59,900
Inventory	56,050	55,067
Prepaid expenses and other	36,924	25,417
Deferred income taxes	30,331	29,018
Prepaid income taxes	18,277	15,434
Total current assets	283,447	309,865
Property and equipment, net	468,041	448,366
Goodwill	1,415,861	1,321,234
Other intangible assets, net	88,175	86,671
Notes receivable	2,807	3,454
Deferred financing costs, net	7,874	2,987
Other	65,815	55,632
Total assets	2,332,020	2,228,209
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	19,356	51,087
Accounts payable	46,284	36,962
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	64,359	57,337
Other accrued liabilities	67,219	58,762
Total current liabilities	197,218	204,148
Long-term debt, less current portion	775,412	568,558
Deferred income taxes	103,502	93,082
Other liabilities	33,190	34,127
Total liabilities	1,109,322	899,915
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,077	10,678
Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 11,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
VCA Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, par value $0.001, 175,000 shares authorized, 82,937 and 88,508 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	83	89
Additional paid-in capital	155,802	384,797
Retained earnings	1,064,158	928,720
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(19,397)	(6,190)
Total VCA Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,200,646	1,307,416
Noncontrolling interests	10,975	10,200
Total equity	1,211,621	1,317,616
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,332,020	$ 2,228,209