Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 140,683	[1]	$ 142,922	[1]	$ 50,716	[1]
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(13,963)		(7,999)		1,429
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(13,963)		(7,999)		1,429
Total comprehensive income	126,720		134,923		52,145
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,489	[1]	5,449	[1]	5,165	[1]
Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Inc.	$ 122,231		$ 129,474		$ 46,980

[1] Includes $2.4 million, $3.3 million and $2.5 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests.