Vca 10-Q 9 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	5-May-14
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'VCA ANTECH INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000817366	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	88,302,956

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$137,288	$125,029
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $17,359 and $17,702 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	64,520	59,900
Inventory	54,227	55,067
Prepaid expenses and other	23,713	25,417
Deferred income taxes	29,075	28,907
Prepaid income taxes	454	15,434
Total current assets	309,277	309,754
Property and equipment, net	449,434	448,366
Goodwill	1,340,054	1,330,917
Other intangible assets, net	85,128	86,671
Notes receivable, net	3,225	3,454
Deferred financing costs, net	2,683	2,987
Other	60,130	55,632
Total assets	2,249,931	2,237,781
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	50,839	51,087
Accounts payable	36,240	36,962
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	63,535	57,337
Other accrued liabilities	54,830	58,762
Total current liabilities	205,444	204,148
Long-term debt, less current portion	555,592	568,558
Deferred income taxes	100,033	100,099
Other liabilities	35,953	36,758
Total liabilities	897,022	909,563
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	11,052	10,678
Preferred stock, par value $0.001, 11,000 shares authorized, none outstanding	0	0
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value $0.001, 175,000 shares authorized, 88,288 and 88,508 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	88	89
Additional paid-in capital	380,267	384,721
Retained earnings	962,763	928,720
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-11,283	-6,190
Total VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,331,835	1,307,340
Noncontrolling interests	10,022	10,200
Total equity	1,341,857	1,317,540
Total liabilities and equity	$2,249,931	$2,237,781

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Allowance for uncollectible accounts	$17,359	$17,702
Liabilities and Equity	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	11,000,000	11,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
VCA Antech, Inc. stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	175,000,000	175,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	88,288,000	88,508,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Income_

Condensed, Consolidated Income Statements (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'		'
Revenue	$449,507		$438,606
Direct costs	348,056		341,683
Gross profit	101,451		96,923
Selling, general and administrative expense	41,440		39,846
Net (gain) loss on sale or disposal of assets	-1,221		1,726
Operating income	61,232		55,351
Interest expense, net	4,167		4,307
Other income	-53		-9
Income before provision for income taxes	57,118		51,053
Provision for income taxes	22,203		19,230
Net income	34,915	[1]	31,823	[1]
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	872		1,338
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$34,043		$30,485
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.39		$0.34
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.38		$0.34
Weighted-average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in shares)	88,338		88,400
Weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	89,421		89,379
[1]	Includes approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'		'
Net income	$34,915,000	[1]	$31,823,000	[1]
Other comprehensive income:	'		'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-5,521,000		-2,744,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-5,521,000		-2,744,000
Total comprehensive income	29,394,000		29,079,000
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	444,000	[1]	1,338,000	[1]
Comprehensive income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	28,950,000		27,741,000
Net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$500,000		$700,000
[1]	Includes approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interests
In Thousands
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	$1,194,393	$88	$390,359	$791,209	$1,847	$10,890
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	88,372	'	'	'	'
Net income (excludes $238 and $473 in Q1 2013 and $151 and $368 in Q1 2014 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	31,112	'	'	30,485	'	627
Other comprehensive loss (excludes $318 related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest in Q1 2014)	-2,744	'	'	'	-2,744	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-452	'	'	'	0	-452
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	-4,552	'	-470	'	'	-4,082
Share-based compensation	3,770	'	3,770	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares	'	128	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	1,876	'	1,876	'	'	'
Stock repurchases, shares	'	-6	'	'	'	'
Stock repurchases, value	-59	'	-59	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit from stock options	62	'	62	'	'	'
Tax benefit and other from stock options and awards	26	'	26	'	'	'
Ending Balances at Mar. 31, 2013	1,223,432	88	395,564	821,694	-897	6,983
Ending Balances, shares at Mar. 31, 2013	'	88,494	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	1,317,540	89	384,721	928,720	-6,190	10,200
Beginning Balances, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	88,508	'	'	'	'
Net income (excludes $238 and $473 in Q1 2013 and $151 and $368 in Q1 2014 related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, respectively)	34,396	'	'	34,043	'	353
Other comprehensive loss (excludes $318 related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest in Q1 2014)	-5,521	'	'	'	-5,093	-110
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests	81	'	'	'	'	81
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-502	'	'	'	'	-502
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	30	'	30	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	4,544	'	4,544	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans, shares	'	87	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock under stock incentive plans	372	'	372	'	'	'
Stock repurchases, shares	'	-307	'	'	'	'
Stock repurchases, value	-9,793	-1	-9,792	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit from stock options	392	'	392	'	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax, excluding mandatorily redeemable partnership interests	-5,203	'	'	'	'	'
Ending Balances at Mar. 31, 2014	$1,341,857	$88	$380,267	$962,763	($11,283)	$10,022
Ending Balances, shares at Mar. 31, 2014	'	88,288	'	'	'	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	$151
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	368
Other comprehensive loss related to mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	$318

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'		'
Net income	$34,915	[1]	$31,823	[1]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Depreciation and amortization	19,767		18,239
Amortization of debt issue costs	304		314
Provision for uncollectible accounts	890		1,093
Net (gain) loss on disposal of assets	-1,221		1,726
Share-based compensation	4,544		3,770
Deferred income taxes	0		2,868
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	-392		-62
Other	-905		-414
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'		'
Trade accounts receivable	-5,825		-16,126
Inventory, prepaid expense and other assets	-1,389		-2,491
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	-3,773		12,127
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	6,247		9,149
Income taxes	15,165		13,235
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,327		75,251
Cash flows from investing activities:	'		'
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-17,295		-6,756
Real estate acquired in connection with business acquisitions	0		-510
Capital expenditures	-16,619		-17,969
Proceeds from sale of assets	859		177
Other	520		-115
Net cash used in investing activities	-32,535		-25,173
Cash flows from financing activities:	'		'
Repayment of debt	-12,806		-8,733
Distributions to noncontrolling interest partners	-1,090		-1,197
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	-326		-5,032
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans	372		1,876
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	392		62
Stock repurchases	-9,793		-59
Net cash used in financing activities	-23,251		-13,083
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-282		-144
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	12,259		36,851
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	125,029		'
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	137,288		105,286
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:	'		'
Interest paid	3,708		3,999
Income taxes paid	6,853		3,808
Detail of acquisitions:	'		'
Fair value of assets acquired	18,550		6,969
Noncontrolling interest	-855		0
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of acquired cash	-17,295		-6,756
Contingent consideration	0		-53
Holdbacks	-400		-160
Liabilities assumed	$0		$0
[1]	Includes approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of net income related to redeemable and mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations	'
	Nature of Operations
	Our company, VCA Antech, Inc. (“VCA”) is a Delaware corporation formed in 1986 and is based in Los Angeles, California. We are an animal healthcare company with the following four operating segments: animal hospitals (“Animal Hospital”), veterinary diagnostic laboratories (“Laboratory”), veterinary medical technology (“Medical Technology”), and Vetstreet. Our operating segments are aggregated into two reportable segments “Animal Hospital” and “Laboratory”. Our Medical Technology and Vetstreet operating segments are combined in our “All Other” category. See Footnote 8, “Lines of Business” within these notes to unaudited condensed, consolidated financial statements.
	Our animal hospitals offer a full range of general medical and surgical services for companion animals. Our animal hospitals treat diseases and injuries, provide pharmaceutical products and perform a variety of pet-wellness programs, including health examinations, diagnostic testing, vaccinations, spaying, neutering and dental care. At March 31, 2014, we operated or managed 608 animal hospitals throughout 41 states and four Canadian provinces.
	We operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network serving all 50 states and certain areas in Canada. Our laboratory network provides sophisticated testing and consulting services used by veterinarians in the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, treatment and prevention of diseases and other conditions affecting animals. At March 31, 2014, we operated 57 laboratories of various sizes located strategically throughout the United States and Canada.
	Our Medical Technology business sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, provides education and training on the use of that equipment, provides consulting and mobile imaging services, and sells software and ancillary services to the veterinary market.
	Our Vetstreet business provides several different services to the veterinary community including, online communications, professional education, marketing solutions and a home delivery platform for independent animal hospitals.
	The practice of veterinary medicine is subject to seasonal fluctuation. In particular, demand for veterinary services is significantly higher during the warmer months because pets spend a greater amount of time outdoors where they are more likely to be injured and are more susceptible to disease and parasites. In addition, use of veterinary services may be affected by levels of flea infestation, heartworms and ticks, and the number of daylight hours.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	Our accompanying unaudited, condensed, consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for annual financial statements as permitted under applicable rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2014. For further information, refer to our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	The preparation of our condensed, consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed, consolidated financial statements and notes thereto. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Animal			Laboratory			All Other			Total
		Hospital
	Balance as of December 31, 2013
	Goodwill	$	1,216,581		$	96,871		$	138,276		$	1,451,728
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
	Subtotal	1,216,581			96,871			17,465			1,330,917
	Goodwill acquired	15,115			—			—			15,115
	Foreign translation adjustment	(4,030		)	(23		)	—			(4,053		)
	Other (1)	(1,925		)	—			—			(1,925		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014
	Goodwill	1,225,741			96,848			138,276			1,460,865
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
	Subtotal	$	1,225,741		$	96,848		$	17,465		$	1,340,054
	____________________________
	(1)	"Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and an immaterial write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.
	Other Intangible Assets
	Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014									As of December 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
	Non-contractual customer relationships	$	109,330		$	(44,281	)	$	65,049		$	109,842		$	(41,895	)	$	67,947
	Covenants not-to-compete	8,718			(4,361		)	4,357			8,843			(4,661		)	4,182
	Favorable lease assets	9,537			(4,535		)	5,002			7,458			(4,373		)	3,085
	Trademarks	12,655			(4,308		)	8,347			13,115			(4,194		)	8,921
	Contracts	608			(326		)	282			608			(305		)	303
	Technology	5,240			(3,153		)	2,087			5,240			(3,015		)	2,225
	Client lists	50			(46		)	4			50			(42		)	8
	Total	$	146,138		$	(61,010	)	$	85,128		$	145,156		$	(58,485	)	$	86,671
	3	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, continued
	The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,147		$	5,044
	The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2014 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of March 31, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2014	$	15,651
	2015	19,094
	2016	16,162
	2017	9,924
	2018	6,350
	Thereafter	17,947
	Total	$	85,128

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Acquisitions
	The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Animal Hospitals:
	Acquisitions	4			3
	Acquisitions, merged	(1	)		—
	Sold, closed or merged	(4	)		(8	)
	Net decrease	(1	)		(5	)
	Laboratories:
	Acquisitions	—			1
	Created	1			—
	Net increase	1			1
	4	Acquisitions, continued
	Animal Hospital Acquisitions
	The purchase price allocations for the acquisitions in the table below are preliminary. However, adjustments, if any, are not expected to be material. The measurement periods for purchase price allocations do not exceed 12 months from the acquisition date. The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Consideration:
	Cash	$	17,295			$	6,756
	Holdbacks	400				160
	Earnout contingent consideration	—				53
	Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	17,695			$	6,969
	Allocation of the Purchase Price:
	Tangible assets	$	701			$	491
	Identifiable intangible assets	2,734				1,506
	Goodwill (1)	15,115				4,972
	Fair value of assets acquired	$	18,550			$	6,969
	Noncontrolling interest	(855		)		—
	Total	$	17,695			$	6,969
	____________________________
	(1)	We expect that $10.3 million and $4.1 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.
	In addition to the purchase price listed above, there were no cash payments made for real estate acquired in connection with our purchase of animal hospitals for the three months ended March 31, 2014. There were $0.5 million in cash payments made for real estate for the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Other_Accrued_Liabilities

Other Accrued Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Other Accrued Liabilities	'
	Other Accrued Liabilities
	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
	Deferred revenue	$	11,102	$	11,190
	Accrued health insurance	4,241		5,479
	Deferred rent	4,023		4,331
	Accrued other insurance	4,048		4,381
	Miscellaneous accrued taxes(1)	3,574		2,804
	Accrued workers' compensation	3,757		3,267
	Holdbacks and earnouts	3,150		3,040
	Customer deposits	2,830		3,075
	Accrued consulting fees	3,123		3,028
	Accrued lease payments	2,268		2,547
	Other	12,714		15,620
		$	54,830	$	58,762
	____________________________
	(1)    Includes property, sales and use taxes.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The FASB accounting guidance requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not they are recognized in the accompanying condensed, consolidated balance sheets. Fair value as defined by the guidance is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value estimates of financial instruments are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we might pay or receive in actual market transactions. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents. These balances include cash and cash equivalents with maturities of less than three months. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
	Receivables, Less Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Accounts Payable and Certain Other Accrued Liabilities. Due to their short-term nature, fair value approximates carrying value.
	Long-Term Debt. The fair value of debt at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is based upon the ask price quoted from an external source, which is considered a Level 2 input.
	The following table reflects the carrying value and fair value of our variable-rate long-term debt (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Variable-rate long-term debt	$	545,078	$	545,078	$	556,914	$	556,914
	At March 31, 2014, we did not have any material applicable nonrecurring measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities.

Calculation_of_Earnings_per_Sh

Calculation of Earnings per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation of Earnings per Share	'
	Calculation of Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding, after giving effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$	34,043	$	30,485
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	88,338		88,400
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
	Stock options	254		284
	Nonvested shares and units	829		695
	Diluted	89,421		89,379
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.34
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.34
	There were no potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2014. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, potential common shares of 497,826 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have had an antidilutive effect.

Lines_of_Business

Lines of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Lines of Business	'
	Lines of Business
	Our reportable segments are Animal Hospital and Laboratory. Our Animal Hospital segment provides veterinary services for companion animals and sells related retail and pharmaceutical products. Our Laboratory segment provides diagnostic laboratory testing services for veterinarians, both associated with our animal hospitals and those independent of us. Our other operating segments included in “All Other” in the following tables are our medical technology business, which sells digital radiography and ultrasound imaging equipment, related computer hardware, software and ancillary services to the veterinary market and our Vetstreet business, which provides online and printed communications, professional education, marketing solutions to the veterinary community and an ecommerce platform for independent animal hospitals. These operating segments do not meet the quantitative requirements for reportable segments. Our operating segments are strategic business units that have different services, products and/or functions. The segments are managed separately because each is a distinct and different business venture with unique challenges, risks and rewards. We also operate a corporate office that provides general and administrative support services for our other segments.
	The accounting policies of our segments are essentially the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross profit and operating income. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany sales and purchases are generally accounted for as if they were transactions with independent third parties at current market prices.
	The segment information presented includes a reclassification to eliminate discounts on certain Laboratory contracts that were previously allocated to the All Other operating segment from Eliminations in the prior year financial data. These reclasses better represent the corresponding discounts and thus the operating results of our standalone entities. These changes in segment reporting only revised the presentation within the table below and did not impact our condensed, consolidated financial statements for any period presented.
	8	Lines of Business, continued
	The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):
		Animal		Laboratory			All Other			Corporate			Eliminations			Total
		Hospital
	Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-14
	External revenue	$	351,588	$	74,783		$	22,201		$	—		$	935		$	449,507
	Intercompany revenue	—		13,751			5,920			—			(19,671		)	—
	Total revenue	351,588		88,534			28,121			—			(18,736		)	449,507
	Direct costs	302,788		45,503			18,152			—			(18,387		)	348,056
	Gross profit	48,800		43,031			9,969			—			(349		)	101,451
	Selling, general and administrative expense	9,128		8,018			8,348			15,946			—			41,440
	Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	39,672		35,013			1,621			(15,946		)	(349		)	60,011
	Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	168		(71		)	(1,184		)	(134		)	—			(1,221		)
	Operating income (loss)	$	39,504	$	35,084		$	2,805		$	(15,812	)	$	(349	)	$	61,232
	Depreciation and amortization	$	14,742	$	2,535		$	2,136		$	819		$	(465	)	$	19,767
	Capital expenditures	$	13,068	$	1,981		$	758		$	1,411		$	(599	)	$	16,619
	Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-13
	External revenue	$	340,615	$	73,638		$	23,628		$	—		$	725		$	438,606
	Intercompany revenue	—		13,697			4,895			—			(18,592		)	—
	Total revenue	340,615		87,335			28,523			—			(17,867		)	438,606
	Direct costs	295,416		44,870			18,889			—			(17,492		)	341,683
	Gross profit	45,199		42,465			9,634			—			(375		)	96,923
	Selling, general and administrative expense	8,325		8,005			8,914			14,602			—			39,846
	Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	36,874		34,460			720			(14,602		)	(375		)	57,077
	Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	1,729		(5		)	2			—			—			1,726
	Operating income (loss)	$	35,145	$	34,465		$	718		$	(14,602	)	$	(375	)	$	55,351
	Depreciation and amortization	$	13,387	$	2,507		$	1,965		$	819		$	(439	)	$	18,239
	Capital expenditures	$	14,441	$	1,918		$	1,333		$	640		$	(363	)	$	17,969
	At March 31, 2014
	Total assets	$	1,864,993	$	261,178		$	94,145		$	70,046		$	(40,431	)	$	2,249,931
	At December 31, 2013
	Total assets	$	1,854,609	$	247,591		$	96,245		$	77,153		$	(37,817	)	$	2,237,781

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	We have certain commitments including operating leases, purchase agreements and acquisition agreements. These items are discussed in detail in our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also have contingencies as follows:
	a.	Earn-Out Payments
	We have contractual arrangements in connection with certain acquisitions, whereby additional cash may be paid to former owners of acquired companies upon attainment of specified financial criteria as set forth in the respective agreements. The amount to be paid cannot be determined until the earn-out periods have expired and the attainment of criteria is established. If the specified financial criteria are attained, we will be obligated to pay an additional $2.3 million.
	In accordance with business combination accounting guidance, contingent consideration, such as earn-out agreements, are recognized as part of the consideration transferred on the acquisition date. A liability is initially recorded based upon its acquisition date fair value. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings where applicable for each reporting period. The fair value is determined using a contractually stated formula using either a multiple of revenue or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"). The formulas used to determine the estimated fair value are Level 3 inputs. The changes in fair value were immaterial to our condensed, consolidated financial statements when taken as a whole. We recorded $1.9 million and $2.2 million in earnout liabilities as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which are included in other accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets.
	b.	Other Contingencies
	On May 29, 2013, a former veterinary assistant at one of our animal hospitals filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, titled Jorge Duran vs. VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc., et. al. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of current and former veterinary assistants employed by us in California, and alleges, among other allegations, that we improperly failed to pay overtime wages, improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods, and engaged in unfair business practices. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs.
	Additionally, on July 12, 2013, an individual who provided courier services with respect to our laboratory clients in California filed a purported class action lawsuit against us in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara - San Jose Branch, titled Carlos Lopez vs. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, Antech Diagnostics, Inc., et. al. Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, is a company with which Antech Diagnostics has contracted to provide courier services in California. The lawsuit seeks to assert claims on behalf of individuals who were engaged by Logistics Delivery Solutions, LLC to perform such courier services and alleges, among other allegations, that Logistics Delivery Solutions, and Antech Diagnostics improperly classified the plaintiffs as independent contractors, improperly failed to pay overtime wages, and improperly failed to provide proper meal and rest periods. The lawsuit seeks damages, statutory penalties, and other relief, including attorneys' fees and costs.
	We are vigorously defending these lawsuits. Because these lawsuits are in the initial stages, the financial impact to us, if any, cannot be predicted.
	In addition to the lawsuits described above, we are party to ordinary routine legal proceedings and claims incidental to our business, but we are not currently a party to any legal proceeding that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
		Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate of income attributable to VCA for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was 39.5%, as compared to 38.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to a decrease in income related to our Canadian operations which are taxed at a lower rate.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Noncontrolling Interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'
		Noncontrolling Interests
	We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our condensed, consolidated financial statements because our ownership interest in these partnerships is equal to or greater than 50.1% and we control these entities. We record noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries equal to our partners’ percentage ownership of the partnerships’ income. We also record changes in the redemption value of our redeemable noncontrolling interests in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated income statements. We reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as either noncontrolling interests in equity, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in other liabilities, or redeemable noncontrolling interests in temporary equity (mezzanine) in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets.
	a.	Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	The terms of some of our partnership agreements require us to purchase the partner’s equity in the partnership in the event of the partner’s death. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value and classify them as liabilities due to the certainty of the related event. Estimated redemption value is determined using either a contractually stated formula or a discounted cash flow technique, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The discounted cash flow inputs used to determine the redemption value are Level 3 and include forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and the weighted average cost of capital. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.
	The following table provides a summary of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
		Income			Mandatorily Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	11,047
	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	473
	Redemption value change	39			512
	Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(658		)
	Dissolution of noncontrolling interests				(358		)
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(559		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(219		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2013				$	9,765
	Balance as of December 31, 2013				$	9,355
	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	368
	Redemption value change	5			373
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(312		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(305		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014				$	9,111
	b.	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	We also enter into partnership agreements whereby the minority partner is issued certain “put” rights. These rights are normally exercisable at the sole discretion of the minority partner. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value and classify them in temporary equity (mezzanine). We recognize changes in the obligation in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.
	11	Noncontrolling Interests, continued
	The following table provides a summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
		Income			Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	6,991
	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	212
	Redemption value change	26			238
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(186		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2013				$	7,043
	Balance as of December 31, 2013				$	10,678
	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	303
	Redemption value change	(152		)	151
	Formation of noncontrolling interests				855
	Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(356		)
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(276		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014				$	11,052

Lines_of_Business_Policies

Lines of Business (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	The accounting policies of our segments are essentially the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We evaluate the performance of our segments based on gross profit and operating income. For purposes of reviewing the operating performance of our segments, all intercompany sales and purchases are generally accounted for as if they were transactions with independent third parties at current market prices.

Noncontrolling_Interests_Polic

Noncontrolling Interests (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Consolidation, Policy	'
	We own some of our animal hospitals in partnerships with noncontrolling interest holders. We consolidate our partnerships in our condensed, consolidated financial statements because our ownership interest in these partnerships is equal to or greater than 50.1% and we control these entities. We record noncontrolling interest in income of subsidiaries equal to our partners’ percentage ownership of the partnerships’ income. We also record changes in the redemption value of our redeemable noncontrolling interests in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated income statements. We reflect our noncontrolling partners’ cumulative share in the equity of the respective partnerships as either noncontrolling interests in equity, mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests in other liabilities, or redeemable noncontrolling interests in temporary equity (mezzanine) in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets.
Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Shares Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Changes in Redemption Value, Policy	'
	The terms of some of our partnership agreements require us to purchase the partner’s equity in the partnership in the event of the partner’s death. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value, which approximates fair value and classify them as liabilities due to the certainty of the related event. Estimated redemption value is determined using either a contractually stated formula or a discounted cash flow technique, both of which are used as an approximation of fair value. The discounted cash flow inputs used to determine the redemption value are Level 3 and include forecasted growth rates, valuation multiples, and the weighted average cost of capital. We recognize changes in the obligation as interest cost in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Shares Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Changes in Redemption Value, Policy	'
	We also enter into partnership agreements whereby the minority partner is issued certain “put” rights. These rights are normally exercisable at the sole discretion of the minority partner. We report these redeemable noncontrolling interests at their estimated redemption value and classify them in temporary equity (mezzanine). We recognize changes in the obligation in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our condensed, consolidated statements of income.
	11	Noncontrolling Interests, continued

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	The following table presents the changes in the carrying amount of our goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (in thousands):
		Animal			Laboratory			All Other			Total
		Hospital
	Balance as of December 31, 2013
	Goodwill	$	1,216,581		$	96,871		$	138,276		$	1,451,728
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
	Subtotal	1,216,581			96,871			17,465			1,330,917
	Goodwill acquired	15,115			—			—			15,115
	Foreign translation adjustment	(4,030		)	(23		)	—			(4,053		)
	Other (1)	(1,925		)	—			—			(1,925		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014
	Goodwill	1,225,741			96,848			138,276			1,460,865
	Accumulated impairment losses	—			—			(120,811		)	(120,811		)
	Subtotal	$	1,225,741		$	96,848		$	17,465		$	1,340,054
	____________________________
	(1)	"Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and an immaterial write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.
Other Intangible Assets	'
	Our acquisition related amortizable intangible assets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014									As of December 31, 2013
		Gross			Accumulated			Net			Gross			Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying			Carrying			Amortization			Carrying
		Amount						Amount			Amount						Amount
	Non-contractual customer relationships	$	109,330		$	(44,281	)	$	65,049		$	109,842		$	(41,895	)	$	67,947
	Covenants not-to-compete	8,718			(4,361		)	4,357			8,843			(4,661		)	4,182
	Favorable lease assets	9,537			(4,535		)	5,002			7,458			(4,373		)	3,085
	Trademarks	12,655			(4,308		)	8,347			13,115			(4,194		)	8,921
	Contracts	608			(326		)	282			608			(305		)	303
	Technology	5,240			(3,153		)	2,087			5,240			(3,015		)	2,225
	Client lists	50			(46		)	4			50			(42		)	8
	Total	$	146,138		$	(61,010	)	$	85,128		$	145,156		$	(58,485	)	$	86,671
Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets	'
	The following table summarizes our aggregate amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Aggregate amortization expense	$	5,147		$	5,044
	The estimated amortization expense related to acquisition related intangible assets for the remainder of 2014 and each of the succeeding years thereafter, as of March 31, 2014, is as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2014	$	15,651
	2015	19,094
	2016	16,162
	2017	9,924
	2018	6,350
	Thereafter	17,947
	Total	$	85,128

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties	'
	The table below reflects the activity related to the acquisitions and dispositions of our animal hospitals and laboratories during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively:
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014			2013
	Animal Hospitals:
	Acquisitions	4			3
	Acquisitions, merged	(1	)		—
	Sold, closed or merged	(4	)		(8	)
	Net decrease	(1	)		(5	)
	Laboratories:
	Acquisitions	—			1
	Created	1			—
	Net increase	1			1
Animal Hospital [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed	'
	The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration for our independent animal hospitals acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014				2013
	Consideration:
	Cash	$	17,295			$	6,756
	Holdbacks	400				160
	Earnout contingent consideration	—				53
	Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	17,695			$	6,969
	Allocation of the Purchase Price:
	Tangible assets	$	701			$	491
	Identifiable intangible assets	2,734				1,506
	Goodwill (1)	15,115				4,972
	Fair value of assets acquired	$	18,550			$	6,969
	Noncontrolling interest	(855		)		—
	Total	$	17,695			$	6,969
	____________________________
	(1)	We expect that $10.3 million and $4.1 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Tabl

Other Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Other Accrued Liabilities	'
	Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014		As of December 31, 2013
	Deferred revenue	$	11,102	$	11,190
	Accrued health insurance	4,241		5,479
	Deferred rent	4,023		4,331
	Accrued other insurance	4,048		4,381
	Miscellaneous accrued taxes(1)	3,574		2,804
	Accrued workers' compensation	3,757		3,267
	Holdbacks and earnouts	3,150		3,040
	Customer deposits	2,830		3,075
	Accrued consulting fees	3,123		3,028
	Accrued lease payments	2,268		2,547
	Other	12,714		15,620
		$	54,830	$	58,762

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying value and fair value of variable rate long-term debt	'
	The following table reflects the carrying value and fair value of our variable-rate long-term debt (in thousands):
		As of March 31, 2014				As of December 31, 2013
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Variable-rate long-term debt	$	545,078	$	545,078	$	556,914	$	556,914

Calculation_of_Earnings_per_Sh1

Calculation of Earnings per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	'
	Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2014		2013
	Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$	34,043	$	30,485
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
	Basic	88,338		88,400
	Effect of dilutive potential common shares:
	Stock options	254		284
	Nonvested shares and units	829		695
	Diluted	89,421		89,379
	Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.34
	Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.34

Lines_of_Business_Tables

Lines of Business (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Lines of Business	'
	The following is a summary of certain financial data for each of our segments (in thousands):
		Animal		Laboratory			All Other			Corporate			Eliminations			Total
		Hospital
	Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-14
	External revenue	$	351,588	$	74,783		$	22,201		$	—		$	935		$	449,507
	Intercompany revenue	—		13,751			5,920			—			(19,671		)	—
	Total revenue	351,588		88,534			28,121			—			(18,736		)	449,507
	Direct costs	302,788		45,503			18,152			—			(18,387		)	348,056
	Gross profit	48,800		43,031			9,969			—			(349		)	101,451
	Selling, general and administrative expense	9,128		8,018			8,348			15,946			—			41,440
	Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	39,672		35,013			1,621			(15,946		)	(349		)	60,011
	Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	168		(71		)	(1,184		)	(134		)	—			(1,221		)
	Operating income (loss)	$	39,504	$	35,084		$	2,805		$	(15,812	)	$	(349	)	$	61,232
	Depreciation and amortization	$	14,742	$	2,535		$	2,136		$	819		$	(465	)	$	19,767
	Capital expenditures	$	13,068	$	1,981		$	758		$	1,411		$	(599	)	$	16,619
	Three Months Ended
	31-Mar-13
	External revenue	$	340,615	$	73,638		$	23,628		$	—		$	725		$	438,606
	Intercompany revenue	—		13,697			4,895			—			(18,592		)	—
	Total revenue	340,615		87,335			28,523			—			(17,867		)	438,606
	Direct costs	295,416		44,870			18,889			—			(17,492		)	341,683
	Gross profit	45,199		42,465			9,634			—			(375		)	96,923
	Selling, general and administrative expense	8,325		8,005			8,914			14,602			—			39,846
	Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	36,874		34,460			720			(14,602		)	(375		)	57,077
	Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	1,729		(5		)	2			—			—			1,726
	Operating income (loss)	$	35,145	$	34,465		$	718		$	(14,602	)	$	(375	)	$	55,351
	Depreciation and amortization	$	13,387	$	2,507		$	1,965		$	819		$	(439	)	$	18,239
	Capital expenditures	$	14,441	$	1,918		$	1,333		$	640		$	(363	)	$	17,969
	At March 31, 2014
	Total assets	$	1,864,993	$	261,178		$	94,145		$	70,046		$	(40,431	)	$	2,249,931
	At December 31, 2013
	Total assets	$	1,854,609	$	247,591		$	96,245		$	77,153		$	(37,817	)	$	2,237,781

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Noncontrolling Interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests	'
	The following table provides a summary of mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests included in other liabilities in our condensed, consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
		Income			Mandatorily Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	11,047
	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	473
	Redemption value change	39			512
	Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(658		)
	Dissolution of noncontrolling interests				(358		)
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(559		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(219		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2013				$	9,765
	Balance as of December 31, 2013				$	9,355
	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	368
	Redemption value change	5			373
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(312		)
	Currency translation adjustment				(305		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014				$	9,111
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests	'
	The following table provides a summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
		Income			Redeemable
		Statement			Noncontrolling
		Impact			Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2012				$	6,991
	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	212
	Redemption value change	26			238
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(186		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2013				$	7,043
	Balance as of December 31, 2013				$	10,678
	Noncontrolling interest expense	$	303
	Redemption value change	(152		)	151
	Formation of noncontrolling interests				855
	Purchase of noncontrolling interests				(356		)
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests				(276		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014				$	11,052

Nature_of_Operations_Details

Nature of Operations (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014
	Provinces
	Laboratory
	Hospital
	State
Nature of Operations (Textuals) [Abstract]	'
Number of hospitals operated	608
Number of states in which hospitals are operated	41
Number Of Canadian Provinces	4
Number of states in which the company operate a full-service veterinary diagnostic laboratory network	50
Number of laboratories operated	57

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill	$1,451,728		$1,460,865
Accumulated impairment losses	-120,811		-120,811
Subtotal	1,330,917		1,340,054
Goodwill acquired	15,115		'
Foreign translation adjustment	-4,053		'
Other	-1,925	[1]	'
Animal Hospital [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill	1,216,581		1,225,741
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0
Subtotal	1,216,581		1,225,741
Goodwill acquired	15,115		'
Foreign translation adjustment	-4,030		'
Other	-1,925	[1]	'
Laboratory [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill	96,871		96,848
Accumulated impairment losses	0		0
Subtotal	96,871		96,848
Goodwill acquired	0		'
Foreign translation adjustment	-23		'
Other	0	[1]	'
All Other Segments [Member]	'		'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'		'
Goodwill	138,276		138,276
Accumulated impairment losses	-120,811		-120,811
Subtotal	17,465		17,465
Goodwill acquired	0		'
Foreign translation adjustment	0		'
Other	$0	[1]	'
[1]	"Other" primarily includes measurement period adjustments and an immaterial write-off related to a sale of an animal hospital.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$146,138	$145,156	'
Accumulated Amortization	-61,010	-58,485	'
Other intangible assets, net	85,128	86,671	86,671
Aggregate amortization expense	5,147	5,044	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Remainder of 2014	15,651	'	'
2015	19,094	'	'
2016	16,162	'	'
2017	9,924	'	'
2018	6,350	'	'
Thereafter	17,947	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	85,128	86,671	86,671
Noncontractual customer relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	109,330	109,842	'
Accumulated Amortization	-44,281	-41,895	'
Other intangible assets, net	65,049	67,947	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	65,049	67,947	'
Covenants not-to-compete [Member]	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	8,718	8,843	'
Accumulated Amortization	-4,361	-4,661	'
Other intangible assets, net	4,357	4,182	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	4,357	4,182	'
Favorable lease asset [Member]	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	9,537	7,458	'
Accumulated Amortization	-4,535	-4,373	'
Other intangible assets, net	5,002	3,085	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	5,002	3,085	'
Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	12,655	13,115	'
Accumulated Amortization	-4,308	-4,194	'
Other intangible assets, net	8,347	8,921	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	8,347	8,921	'
Contracts [Member]	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	608	608	'
Accumulated Amortization	-326	-305	'
Other intangible assets, net	282	303	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	282	303	'
Technology [Member]	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	5,240	5,240	'
Accumulated Amortization	-3,153	-3,015	'
Other intangible assets, net	2,087	2,225	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	2,087	2,225	'
Client lists [Member]	'	'	'
Other Intangible Assets	'	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	50	50	'
Accumulated Amortization	-46	-42	'
Other intangible assets, net	4	8	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other intangible assets, net	$4	$8	'

Acquisition_Details

Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
Consideration:	'		'		'
Cash	$17,295,000		$6,756,000		'
Contingent consideration	1,900,000		'		2,200,000
Allocation of the Purchase Price:	'		'		'
Goodwill	1,340,054,000		'		1,330,917,000
Noncontrolling interest	-855,000		0		'
Cash payments for real estate	0		510,000		'
Animal Hospital [Member]	'		'		'
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Line Items]	'		'		'
Acquisitions	-4		-3		'
Acquisitions, merged	-1		0		'
Sold, closed or merged	-4		-8		'
Net decrease in Animal Hospitals	-1		-5		'
Consideration:	'		'		'
Cash	17,295,000		6,756,000		'
Holdbacks	400,000		160,000		'
Contingent consideration	0		53,000		'
Fair value of total consideration transferred	17,695,000		6,969,000		'
Allocation of the Purchase Price:	'		'		'
Tangible assets	701,000		491,000		'
Identifiable intangible assets	2,734,000		1,506,000		'
Goodwill	15,115,000	[1]	4,972,000	[1]	'
Fair value of assets acquired	18,550,000		6,969,000		'
Noncontrolling interest	-855,000		0		'
Total	17,695,000		6,969,000		'
Goodwill recorded for acquisitions, fully deductible for income tax purposes	$10,300,000		$4,100,000		'
Laboratories Acquisitions [Member]	'		'		'
Business Acquisition Summary Of Acquired Properties [Line Items]	'		'		'
Acquisitions	0		-1		'
Created	1		0		'
Net increase in Laboratories	1		1		'
[1]	We expect that $10.3 million and $4.1 million of the goodwill recorded for these acquisitions, as of March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, will be fully deductible for income tax purposes.

Other_Accrued_Liabilities_Deta

Other Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other accrued liabilities	'		'
Deferred revenue	$11,102		$11,190
Accrued health insurance	4,241		5,479
Deferred rent	4,023		4,331
Accrued other insurance	4,048		4,381
Miscellaneous accrued taxes	3,574	[1]	2,804	[1]
Accrued workers' compensation	3,757		3,267
Holdbacks and earnouts	3,150		3,040
Customer deposits	2,830		3,075
Accrued consulting fees	3,123		3,028
Accrued lease payments	2,268		2,547
Other	12,714		15,620
Other accrued liabilities	$54,830		$58,762
[1]	Includes property, sales and use taxes.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Variable-rate long-term debt, Carrying Value	$545,078	$556,914
Variable-rate long-term debt, Fair Value	$545,078	$556,914

Calculation_of_Earnings_per_Sh2

Calculation of Earnings per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	'	'
Net income attributable to VCA Antech, Inc.	$34,043	$30,485
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:	'	'
Basic (in shares)	88,338,000	88,400,000
Effect of dilutive potential common shares:	'	'
Stock options (in shares)	254,000	284,000
Nonvested shares and units (in shares)	829,000	695,000
Diluted (in shares)	89,421,000	89,379,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.39	$0.34
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.34
Calculation of Earnings per Share (Textuals) [Abstract]	'	'
Potential common shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share	0	497,826

Lines_of_Business_Details

Lines of Business (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Lines of Business	'	'	'
External revenue	$449,507	$438,606	'
Intercompany revenue	0	0	'
Total revenue	449,507	438,606	'
Direct costs	348,056	341,683	'
Gross profit	101,451	96,923	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	41,440	39,846	'
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	60,011	57,077	'
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	-1,221	1,726	'
Operating income	61,232	55,351	'
Depreciation and amortization	19,767	18,239	'
Capital expenditures	16,619	17,969	'
Total assets	2,249,931	'	2,237,781
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'
External revenue	935	725	'
Intercompany revenue	-19,671	-18,592	'
Total revenue	-18,736	-17,867	'
Direct costs	-18,387	-17,492	'
Gross profit	-349	-375	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	0	0	'
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	-349	-375	'
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	0	0	'
Operating income	-349	-375	'
Depreciation and amortization	-465	-439	'
Capital expenditures	-599	-363	'
Total assets	-40,431	'	-37,817
Operating Segments [Member] | Animal Hospital [Member]	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'
External revenue	351,588	340,615	'
Intercompany revenue	0	0	'
Total revenue	351,588	340,615	'
Direct costs	302,788	295,416	'
Gross profit	48,800	45,199	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	9,128	8,325	'
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	39,672	36,874	'
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	168	1,729	'
Operating income	39,504	35,145	'
Depreciation and amortization	14,742	13,387	'
Capital expenditures	13,068	14,441	'
Total assets	1,864,993	'	1,854,609
Operating Segments [Member] | Laboratory [Member]	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'
External revenue	74,783	73,638	'
Intercompany revenue	13,751	13,697	'
Total revenue	88,534	87,335	'
Direct costs	45,503	44,870	'
Gross profit	43,031	42,465	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,018	8,005	'
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	35,013	34,460	'
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	-71	-5	'
Operating income	35,084	34,465	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,535	2,507	'
Capital expenditures	1,981	1,918	'
Total assets	261,178	'	247,591
Operating Segments [Member] | All Other Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'
External revenue	22,201	23,628	'
Intercompany revenue	5,920	4,895	'
Total revenue	28,121	28,523	'
Direct costs	18,152	18,889	'
Gross profit	9,969	9,634	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	8,348	8,914	'
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	1,621	720	'
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	-1,184	2	'
Operating income	2,805	718	'
Depreciation and amortization	2,136	1,965	'
Capital expenditures	758	1,333	'
Total assets	94,145	'	96,245
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Lines of Business	'	'	'
External revenue	0	0	'
Intercompany revenue	0	0	'
Total revenue	0	0	'
Direct costs	0	0	'
Gross profit	0	0	'
Selling, general and administrative expense	15,946	14,602	'
Operating income (loss) before sale or disposal of assets	-15,946	-14,602	'
Net loss (gain) on sale or disposal of assets	-134	0	'
Operating income	-15,812	-14,602	'
Depreciation and amortization	819	819	'
Capital expenditures	1,411	640	'
Total assets	$70,046	'	$77,153

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Potential earn-out payment	$2.30	'
Contingent consideration	$1.90	$2.20

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Effective income tax rate (percent)	39.50%	38.90%

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests, balance	$9,111	$9,765	$9,355	$11,047
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest	368	473	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	30	-4,552	'	'
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests	81	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-502	-452	'	'
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Redeemable noncontrolling interests, balance	11,052	7,043	10,678	6,991
Noncontrolling interest expense	303	212	'	'
Redemption value change	-152	26	'	'
Redemption value change, redeemable noncontrolling interest	-151	-238	'	'
Securities Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Redemption value change	5	39	'	'
mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests income statement impact	373	512	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	'	-658	'	'
Dissolution of noncontrolling interests	'	-358	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	-312	-559	'	'
Currency translation adjustment	-305	-219	'	'
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	-356	'	'	'
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interests	'	'	'	'
Redemption value change, redeemable noncontrolling interest	151	238	'	'
Formation of noncontrolling interests	855	'	'	'
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	$276	($186)	'	'

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai1

Noncontrolling Interests (Details Textuals)	Mar. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Percentage of ownership interest in partnership	50.10%