Condensed, Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 122,535	$ 125,029
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $17,771 and $17,702 at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	65,979	59,900
Inventory	42,483	55,067
Prepaid expenses and other	39,921	25,417
Deferred income taxes	28,908	28,907
Prepaid income taxes	9,369	15,434
Total current assets	309,195	309,754
Property and equipment, net	445,199	448,366
Goodwill	1,355,396	1,330,917
Other intangible assets, net	82,746	86,671
Notes receivable	3,199	3,454
Deferred financing costs, net	2,383	2,987
Other	61,120	55,632
Total assets	2,259,238	2,237,781
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	50,808	51,087
Accounts payable	43,827	36,962
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	61,192	57,337
Other accrued liabilities	53,168	58,762
Total current liabilities	208,995	204,148
Long-term debt, less current portion	542,978	568,558
Deferred income taxes	100,219	100,099
Other liabilities	36,505	36,758
Total liabilities	888,697	909,563
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	10,984	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, 87,414 and 88,508 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	87	89
Additional paid-in capital	346,792	384,721
Retained earnings	1,008,347	928,720
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(6,852)	(6,190)
Total VCA Inc. stockholders’ equity	1,348,374	1,307,340
Noncontrolling interests	11,183	10,200
Total equity	1,359,557	1,317,540
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,259,238	$ 2,237,781