Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 1,281,590us-gaap_Goodwill		$ 1,415,861us-gaap_Goodwill
Goodwill acquired	114,935us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod	45,665us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod
Goodwill impairment	(9,246)us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss
Other	(1,292)	(330)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,321,234us-gaap_Goodwill	1,281,590us-gaap_Goodwill	1,415,861us-gaap_Goodwill
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	120,811	120,811	130,057
Animal Hospital [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	1,167,022		1,305,558
Goodwill acquired	110,207	45,615
Goodwill impairment	0
Other	(1,140)	(773)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	1,206,213	1,167,022	1,305,558
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0	0
Laboratory [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	97,546		97,535
Goodwill acquired	27	50
Goodwill impairment	0
Other	0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	97,556	97,546	97,535
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	0	0	0
All Other [Member]
Goodwill
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	17,022		12,768
Goodwill acquired	4,701	0
Goodwill impairment	(9,246)
Other	(152)	443
Goodwill, Ending Balance	17,465	17,022	12,768
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	$ 120,811	$ 120,811	$ 130,057

Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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Amount of increase (decrease) from foreign currency translation adjustments and purchase accounting adjustments of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.

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