| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 15, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 15, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BRIGHT HORIZONS FAMILY SOLUTIONS INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-35780 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 80-0188269 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2 Wells Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Newton |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02459 |
| City Area Code | 617 |
| Local Phone Number | 673-8000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | BFAM |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001437578 |
| Former Address [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 200 Talcott Avenue |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Watertown |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02472 |
