Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM) 10-Q 8 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 28, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Entity Registrant Name	'BRIGHT HORIZONS FAMILY SOLUTIONS INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001437578	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Non-accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	66,020,905

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$112,283	$29,585
Accounts receivable—net	58,084	78,691
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	41,286	44,021
Current deferred income taxes	13,028	12,873
Total current assets	224,681	165,170
Fixed assets—net	400,724	390,894
Goodwill	1,104,406	1,096,283
Other intangibles—net	421,877	435,060
Deferred income taxes	239	236
Other assets	14,555	15,027
Total assets	2,166,482	2,102,670
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	7,900	7,900
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	112,415	107,626
Deferred revenue	113,504	119,260
Other current liabilities	16,236	20,302
Total current liabilities	250,055	255,088
Long-term debt	753,879	756,323
Deferred rent and related obligations	40,278	37,467
Other long-term liabilities	22,351	19,006
Deferred revenue	8,196	5,761
Deferred income taxes	139,995	139,888
Total liabilities	1,214,754	1,213,533
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 65,994,227 and 65,302,814 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	66	65
Additional paid-in capital	1,288,012	1,270,198
Accumulated other comprehensive income	8,430	1,416
Accumulated deficit	-344,780	-382,542
Total stockholders’ equity	951,728	889,137
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$2,166,482	$2,102,670

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Preferred stock, authorized	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, authorized	475,000,000	475,000,000
Common stock, issued	65,580,844	65,302,814
Common stock, outstanding	65,580,844	65,302,814

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'		'		'
Revenue	$348,100	$310,813		$680,255		$590,936
Cost of services	264,986	235,388		519,992		449,721
Gross profit	83,114	75,425		160,263		141,215
Selling, general and administrative expenses	33,204	32,426		68,608		76,031
Amortization of intangible assets	7,375	7,602		15,109		14,350
Income from operations	42,535	35,397	[1]	76,546	[2]	50,834	[3]
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0		0		-63,682
Interest income	11	39		26		60
Interest expense	-8,625	-8,963		-17,367		-22,252
Income (loss) before income taxes	33,921	26,473		59,205		-35,040
Income tax (expense) benefit	-12,207	-1,966		-21,443		8,766
Net income (loss)	21,714	24,507		37,762		-26,274
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest	0	-72		0		-110
Net income (loss) attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.	$21,714	$24,579		$37,762		($26,164)
Earnings (loss) per common share:	'	'		'		'
Common stock-basic (usd per share)	$0.33	$0.38		$0.57		($0.43)
Common stock-diluted (usd per share)	$0.32	$0.37		$0.56		($0.43)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:	'	'		'		'
Common stock-basic (shares)	65,772,698	64,732,730		65,590,275		60,265,132
Common stock-diluted (shares)	67,456,880	66,635,484		67,333,130		60,265,132
[1]	(1) For the three months ended June 30, 2013, income from operations includes secondary offering expenses and acquisition related costs of of $0.9 million which has been allocated to full service center-based care.
[2]	For the six months ended June 30, 2014, income from operations includes secondary offering expenses of $0.6 million which has been allocated to full service center-based care.
[3]	For the six months ended June 30, 2013, income from operations includes expenses incurred in connection with the Offering, including a $7.5 million fee for the termination of the management agreement with Bain Capital Partners LLC, and $5.0 million for certain stock options that vested upon completion of the Offering, and acquisition related costs allocated on a proportionate basis to each segment ($12.2 million to full service center-based care, $1.9 million to back-up dependent care, and $0.8 million to other educational services).

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$21,714	$24,507	$37,762	($26,274)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	5,489	104	7,014	-11,964
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5,489	104	7,014	-11,964
Comprehensive income (loss)	27,203	24,611	44,776	-38,238
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest	0	51	0	-232
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.	$27,203	$24,560	$44,776	($38,006)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income (loss)	$37,762,000	($26,274,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	38,950,000	34,601,000
Amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs	1,506,000	1,255,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	63,682,000
Interest paid in kind	0	2,143,000
(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions	-24,000	39,000
Non-cash revenue and other	-159,000	-159,000
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	365,000	633,000
Stock-based compensation	4,423,000	8,305,000
Deferred rent	1,315,000	1,363,000
Deferred income taxes	-159,000	431,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	20,715,000	7,691,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,041,000	-18,256,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	4,170,000	5,213,000
Deferred revenue	-3,657,000	6,884,000
Accrued rent and related obligations	1,191,000	6,035,000
Other assets	551,000	-1,296,000
Other current and long-term liabilities	-5,621,000	6,136,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	104,369,000	98,426,000
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of fixed assets, net	-30,701,000	-39,662,000
Payments for acquisitions - net of cash acquired	-6,522,000	-64,213,000
Settlement of purchase price for prior year acquisitions	1,030,000	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-36,193,000	-103,875,000
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Borrowings of long-term debt, net of issuance costs of $20.6 million	0	769,360,000
Extinguishment of long-term debt	0	-972,468,000
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of issuance costs of $20.6 million	0	234,944,000
Principal payments of long-term debt	-3,950,000	-3,950,000
Purchase of treasury stock	3,079,000	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	11,027,000	4,668,000
Proceeds from issuance of restricted stock	4,709,000	0
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	5,444,000	2,791,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	14,151,000	35,345,000
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	371,000	-1,006,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	82,698,000	28,890,000
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	29,585,000	34,109,000
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	112,283,000	'
NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS:	'	'
Fixed asset purchases recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,000,000	0
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash payments of interest	16,439,000	18,268,000
Cash payments of taxes	$20,932,000	$6,404,000

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres

Organization and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Organization and Basis of Presentation	'
	1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Organization—Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. (“Bright Horizons” or the “Company”) provides workplace services for employers and families throughout the United States and the United Kingdom, and also in Puerto Rico, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and India. Workplace services include center-based child care, education and enrichment programs, elementary school education, back-up dependent care (for children and elders), before and after school care, college preparation and admissions counseling, tuition reimbursement program management, and other family support services.
	The Company provides its center-based child care services under two general business models: a profit and loss ("P&L) model, where the Company assumes the financial risk of operating a child care center; and a cost-plus model, where the Company is paid a fee by an employer client for managing a child care center on a cost-plus basis. The P&L model is further classified into two subcategories: (i) a sponsor model, where Bright Horizons provides child care and early educational services on either an exclusive or priority enrollment basis for employees of a specific employer sponsor; and (ii) a lease/consortium model, where the Company provides child care and early education services to the employees of multiple employers located within a specific real estate development (for example, an office building or office park), as well as to families in the surrounding community. In both our cost-plus and sponsor P&L models, the development of a new child care center, as well as ongoing maintenance and repair, is typically funded by an employer sponsor with whom the Company enters into a multi-year contractual relationship. In addition, employer sponsors typically provide subsidies for the ongoing provision of child care services for their employees. Under each model type, the Company retains responsibility for all aspects of operating the child care and early education center, including the hiring and paying of employees, contracting with vendors, purchasing supplies, and collecting tuition and related accounts receivable.
	The Company also provides back-up dependent care services through our own centers and through our Back-Up Care Advantage ("BUCA") program, which offers access to a contracted network of in-home care agencies and center-based providers in locations where we do not otherwise have centers with available capacity.
	Basis of Presentation—Bright Horizons is majority-owned by investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital Partners, LLC as a result of a transaction in 2008 (the "Merger"), pursuant to which a wholly owned merger subsidiary was merged with and into Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (the "Predecessor"). As part of the transaction, a new basis of accounting was established and the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2014 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the interim periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared by the Company, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements by generally accepted accounting principles and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2014 and the results of its consolidated operations and consolidated cash flows for the interim periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods presented. The operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.
	Reclassifications—The Company has revised the presentation of certain captions for prior periods within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows to conform to the current period presentation. The Company has separately classified the amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs which were previously combined with depreciation and amortization expense. The revision had no impact to net cash provided (used by) operating, investing, or financing activities.
	Public Offering—On January 30, 2013, the Company completed an initial public offering (“the Offering”) and, after the exercise of the overallotment option on February 21, 2013, issued a total of 11.6 million shares of common stock in exchange for $233.3 million, net of offering costs including $1.6 million expensed in 2012. The Company used the proceeds of the Offering, as well as certain amounts from the 2013 refinancing discussed below, to repay the principal and accumulated interest under its senior notes outstanding on January 30, 2013.
	On January 11, 2013, the Company converted each share of its Class L common stock into 35.1955 shares of Class A common stock, and, immediately following the conversion of its Class L common stock, reclassified the Class A common stock into common stock, for which 475 million shares were authorized. The Company also authorized 25 million shares of undesignated preferred stock for issuance.
	On June 19, 2013 and March 25, 2014, certain of the Company’s shareholders completed the sale of 9.8 million and 7.9 million shares, respectively, of the Company’s stock in secondary offerings (“the Secondaries”). The Company did not receive proceeds from the sale of shares in the Secondaries. The Company incurred $0.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 in relation to the 2013 secondary offering, as well as $0.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2014 in relation to the 2014 secondary offering, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
	New Accounting Pronouncements—In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under today's guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration included in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	2. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Full service				Back-up				Other				Total
		center-based				dependent				educational
		care				care				advisory
										services
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2013	$	912,134			$	160,145			$	24,004			$	1,096,283
	Additions from acquisitions	5,378				—				—				5,378
	Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	(315		)		—				(173		)		(488		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation	2,748				485				—				3,233
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	919,945			$	160,630			$	23,831			$	1,104,406
	The Company also has intangible assets, which consist of the following at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Weighted average		Cost				Accumulated				Net carrying
		amortization period						amortization				amount
	30-Jun-14
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Customer relationships	14.5 years		$	402,117			$	(168,750	)		$	233,367
	Trade names	8.1 years		6,292				(2,032		)		4,260
	Non-compete agreements	5 years		56				(42		)		14
				408,465				(170,824		)		237,641
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names	N/A		184,236				—				184,236
				$	592,701			$	(170,824	)		$	421,877
		Weighted average		Cost				Accumulated				Net carrying
		amortization period						amortization				amount
	31-Dec-13
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Customer relationships	14.5 years		$	400,481			$	(153,939	)		$	246,542
	Trade names	8.1 years		6,072				(1,542		)		4,530
	Non-compete agreements	5 years		54				(39		)		15
				406,607				(155,520		)		251,087
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names	N/A		183,973				—				183,973
				$	590,580			$	(155,520	)		$	435,060
	The Company estimates that it will record amortization expense related to intangible assets existing as of June 30, 2014 as follows over the next five years (in thousands):
		Estimated
		amortization
		expense
	Remainder of 2014	$	14,103
	2015	$	26,733
	2016	$	25,465
	2017	$	24,640
	2018	$	23,676

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	3. ACQUISITIONS
	As part of the Company’s growth strategy to expand through strategic and synergistic acquisitions, the Company has made the following acquisitions in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and year ended December 31, 2013. The goodwill resulting from these acquisitions arises largely from synergies expected from combining the operations of the businesses acquired with our existing operations, as well as from benefits derived from the assembled workforce acquired.
	2014 Acquisitions
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company acquired three centers in the United States for cash consideration of $6.5 million. The Company recorded goodwill of $5.4 million related to the full service center-based care segment, which will be deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets of $1.2 million, consisting primarily of customer relationships, fixed assets of $0.3 million, and a working capital deficit of $0.4 million were also recorded in relation to these acquisitions. The allocation of purchase price consideration is based on preliminary estimates of fair value; such estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date) as the Company gathers additional information regarding the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.
	2013 Acquisitions
	Children’s Choice Learning Centers, Inc.
	On July 22, 2013, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of Children’s Choice Learning Centers, Inc., an operator of 49 employer-sponsored child care centers throughout the United States, for cash consideration of $50.8 million, inclusive of certain adjustments. The purchase price was financed with available cash on hand and funds available under the Company’s revolving credit facility, which were repaid in the fourth quarter of 2013.
	The purchase price for this acquisition, which was finalized in the first quarter of 2014, has been allocated based on estimates of the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):
		At acquisition date as reported September 30, 2013			Measurement period adjustments			At acquisition date as reported June 30, 2014
	Accounts receivable	$	981		$	(126	)	$	855
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	334			411			745
	Fixed assets	5,637			535			6,172
	Intangible assets	12,800			(1,190		)	11,610
	Goodwill	38,818			(2,303		)	36,515
	Total assets acquired	58,570			(2,673		)	55,897
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(3,441		)	(801		)	(4,242		)
	Deferred revenue and parent deposits	(885		)	18			(867		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(4,326		)	(783		)	(5,109		)
	Purchase price	$	54,244		$	(3,456	)	$	50,788
	The Company recorded goodwill of $36.5 million, which will be deductible for tax purposes as permitted under federal tax rules. Goodwill related to this acquisition is reported within the full service center-based care segment.
	Intangible assets consist primarily of $11.3 million of customer relationships that will be amortized over approximately eleven years.
	Kidsunlimited Group Limited
	On April 10, 2013, the Company entered into a share purchase agreement with Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Limited and Kidsunlimited Group Limited pursuant to which it acquired 100% of Kidsunlimited, an operator of 64 nurseries throughout the United Kingdom for cash consideration of $68.9 million, subject to certain adjustments. The purchase price was financed with available cash on hand.
	The purchase price for this acquisition, which was finalized in the first quarter of 2014, has been allocated based on estimates of the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):
		At acquisition date as reported June 30, 2013			Measurement period adjustments			At acquisition date as reported June 30, 2014
	Cash	$	4,888		$	—		$	4,888
	Accounts receivable	1,809			—			1,809
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,509			—			2,509
	Fixed assets	13,901			(192		)	13,709
	Favorable leases	—			2,892			2,892
	Intangible assets	17,442			765			18,207
	Goodwill	55,349			(2,372		)	52,977
	Total assets acquired	95,898			1,093			96,991
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(9,450		)	3,798			(5,652		)
	Unfavorable leasehold interests	(1,759		)	(5,325		)	(7,084		)
	Deferred revenue	(12,853		)	8,378			(4,475		)
	Other current liabilities	—			(8,378		)	(8,378		)
	Deferred taxes	(2,735		)	245			(2,490		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(26,797		)	(1,282		)	(28,079		)
	Purchase price	$	69,101		$	(189	)	$	68,912
	The Company recorded goodwill of $53.0 million, which will not be deductible for tax purposes. Goodwill related to this acquisition is reported within the full service center-based care segment.
	Intangible assets consist primarily of $15.9 million of customer relationships that will be amortized over approximately eight years. A deferred tax liability of $4.0 million was recorded related to the intangible assets for which the amortization is not deductible for tax purposes.
	Pro Forma Information
	The operating results for each of the acquisitions are included in the consolidated results of operations from the respective dates of acquisition. The following table presents consolidated pro forma information as if the acquisitions of Children’s Choice Learning Centers, Inc. and Kidsunlimited had occurred on January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
		Pro forma (Unaudited)
		Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2013
	Revenue	$	633,196
	Net loss attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.	$	(24,715	)
	The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments related to the acquisitions, such as increased amortization expense related to the acquired intangible assets.
	These acquired businesses contributed total revenues of $62.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2014. The Company has also determined that the presentation of net income for each of those acquisitions, from the date of acquisition, is impracticable due to the integration of the operations upon acquisition.

Borrowing_Arrangements

Borrowing Arrangements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Borrowing Arrangements	'
	4. BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS
	Outstanding borrowings were as follows at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Term loans	$	778,150		$	782,100
	Deferred financing costs and original issue discount	(16,371		)	(17,877		)
	Total debt	761,779			764,223
	Less current maturities	7,900			7,900
	Long-term debt	$	753,879		$	756,323
	The effective interest rate for the term loans was 3.75% at June 30, 2014 and the weighted average interest rate was 3.91% for the six months ended June 30, 2014. There were no borrowings outstanding on the $100.0 million revolving credit facility at June 30, 2014 or during the six months then ended, and the full facility was available for borrowings. The weighted average interest rate for the revolving credit facility was 5.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
	The Company incurred financing fees of $12.7 million and original issue discount costs of $7.9 million in connection with the issuance of the term loans and establishment of the revolving credit facility in January 2013. These fees are being amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments. Amortization expense of deferred financing costs and original issue discount costs in the six months ended June 30, 2014 were $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, which are included in interest expense.
	The future principal payments under the new term loans at June 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2014	$	3,950
	2015	7,900
	2016	7,900
	2017	7,900
	2018	7,900
	Thereafter	742,600
		$	778,150

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	'
	5. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares and potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period.
	Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method, which requires the allocation of earnings to each class of common stock outstanding and to unvested share-based payment awards that participate in dividends with common stock, also referred to herein as unvested participating shares.
	The Company’s unvested share-based payment awards include unvested shares awarded as restricted stock awards at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. The restricted stock awards vest at the end of three years. The unvested shares participate equally in dividends. See Note 6 for a discussion of the current year unvested stock awards and issuances.
	Earnings per Share - Basic
	The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share using the two-class method for unvested participating shares (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Three months ended					Six months ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Basic earnings per share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.	$	21,714		$	24,579	$	37,762		$	(26,164	)
	Allocation of net income (loss) to common stockholders:
	Common stock	$	21,629		$	24,579	$	37,617		$	(26,164	)
	Unvested participating shares	85			—		145			—
		$	21,714		$	24,579	$	37,762		$	(26,164	)
	Weighted average number of common shares:
	Common stock	65,772,698			64,732,730		65,590,275			60,265,132
	Unvested participating shares	259,525			—		252,316			—
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Common stock	$	0.33		$	0.38	$	0.57		$	(0.43	)
	Earnings per Share - Diluted
	The Company calculates diluted earnings per share for common stock using the more dilutive of (1) the treasury stock method, or (2) the two-class method. The following table sets forth the computation of diluted earnings per share using the two-class method for unvested participating shares (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
		Three months ended					Six months ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Earnings allocated to common stock	$	21,629		$	24,579	$	37,617		$	(26,164	)
	Plus earnings allocated to unvested participating shares	85			—		145			—
	Less adjusted earnings allocated to unvested participating shares	(83		)	—		(141		)	—
	Earnings allocated to common stock	$	21,631		$	24,579	$	37,621		$	(26,164	)
	Weighted average number of common shares:
	Common stock	65,772,698			64,732,730		65,590,275			60,265,132
	Effect of dilutive securities	1,684,182			1,902,754		1,742,855			—
		67,456,880			66,635,484		67,333,130			60,265,132
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Common stock	$	0.32		$	0.37	$	0.56		$	(0.43	)
	Options outstanding to purchase 0.9 million shares of common stock were excluded from diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014. Options outstanding to purchase 0.4 million shares and 5.0 million shares of common stock were excluded from diluted earnings per share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013, respectively, since their effect was anti-dilutive, which may be dilutive in the future.

Stockholders_Equity_and_StockB

Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation	'
	6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Treasury Stock
	On March 28, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the potential repurchase of up to $225.0 million of its common stock. During the three months ended June 30, 2014, 78,447 shares were repurchased for $3.1 million under this program. All repurchased shares have been retired.
	Equity Incentive Plan
	The Company has the 2012 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), which became effective on January 24, 2013, and allows for the issuance of equity awards of up to 5 million shares of common stock. As of June 30, 2014, there were approximately 3.5 million shares of common stock available for grant.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, the Company granted options to purchase 859,627 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $36.56 per share that have ratable or cliff vesting over one to five years. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $11.19 per share. The fair value of each option to purchase common stock was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model using the following weighted average assumptions: expected dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 30.0%; risk free interest rate of 1.82%; and expected life of options of 5.3 years.
	Restricted stock awards are also granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors as allowed under the Plan. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, 259,525 shares of restricted stock were granted to certain senior managers and key employees, which vest at the end of three years and are accounted for as nonvested stock. The restricted stock was sold for a price equal to 50% of the fair value of the stock at the date of grant. Proceeds from the issuance of restricted stock are recorded as other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet until the earlier of vesting or forfeiture of the awards. Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards is calculated based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which will be recognized on a straight line basis over the requisite service period. At June 30, 2014, there were 259,525 unvested shares of restricted stock outstanding, which were legally issued at the date of grant but are not considered common stock issued and outstanding in accordance with accounting guidance until the requisite service period is fulfilled.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, restricted stock units were awarded to members of the Board of Directors as allowed under the Plan. The awards allow for the issuance of a share of the Company's common stock for each vested unit upon the earliest of termination of service as a member of the Board of Directors or five years after the date of the award. The Company issued 6,066 units at a weighted average fair value of $39.58 for a total value of $0.2 million. The units vested upon issuance.
	The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $4.4 million in selling, general and administrative expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2014.
	At June 30, 2014, there was $17.1 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining requisite service periods of approximately three years.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	7. INCOME TAXES
	The Company's effective income tax rates were 36.0% and 7.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company's effective income tax rates were 36.2% and 25.0%, respectively. The effective income tax rate is based upon estimated income before income taxes for the year, the geographical composition of the income and estimated permanent tax adjustments. The effective income tax rate may fluctuate from quarter to quarter for various reasons, including discrete items such as settlement of foreign, Federal and State tax issues.
	The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits were $2.0 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were $1.7 million at June 30, 2014 and $1.6 million at December 31, 2013.
	The Company expects the unrecognized tax benefits to change over the next twelve months if certain tax matters settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction during this time frame, or, if the applicable statutes of limitations lapse. The impact of the amount of such changes to previously recorded uncertain tax positions could range from zero to $1.0 million, exclusive of interest and penalties.
	The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to U.S. Federal income tax as well as multiple state jurisdictions. U.S. Federal income tax returns are typically subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the statute of limitations for Federal income tax returns is three years. The Company's filings for 2010 through 2013 are subject to audit based upon the Federal statute of limitations and there is an ongoing audit of the 2011 tax year.
	State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three to five years after filing of the respective return. The state impact of any Federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the states. There were no significant settlements of state audits during the second quarter of 2014. As of June 30, 2014, there were four income tax audits in process and the tax years from 2010 to 2013 are subject to audit.
	The Company is also subject to corporate income tax at its subsidiaries located in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, India, Canada, Ireland, and Puerto Rico. The tax returns for the Company’s subsidiaries located in foreign jurisdictions are subject to examination for periods ranging from one to seven years.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	8. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and applies the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to observable inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The Company uses observable inputs where relevant and whenever possible.
	Level 1—Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical investments as of the reporting date.
	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
	Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
	The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and long-term debt. The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments approximates their carrying value. As of June 30, 2014, the Company’s long-term debt had a book value of $778.2 million and a fair value of $779.1 million using a model that considers observable inputs (level 2 inputs).
	Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist mainly of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company mitigates its exposure by maintaining its cash and cash equivalents in financial institutions of high credit standing. The Company’s accounts receivable, which are derived primarily from the services it provides, are dispersed across many clients in various industries with no single client accounting for more than 10% of the Company’s net revenue or accounts receivable. The Company believes that no significant credit risk exists at June 30, 2014.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	9. SEGMENT INFORMATION
	Bright Horizons' work/life services are primarily comprised of full service center-based child care, back-up dependent care, and other educational advisory services. Full service center-based care includes the traditional center-based child care, preschool, and elementary education, which have similar operating characteristics and meet the criteria for aggregation. Full service center-based care derives its revenues primarily from contractual arrangements with corporate clients and from tuition. The Company’s back-up dependent care services consist of center-based back-up child care, in-home care, mildly ill care, and adult/elder care. The Company’s other educational advisory services consists of the remaining services, including college preparation and admissions counseling and tuition assistance, counseling and management services, which do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure and are not material for segment reporting individually or in the aggregate. The Company and its chief operating decision makers evaluate performance based on revenues and income from operations.
	The assets and liabilities of the Company are managed centrally and are reported internally in the same manner as the consolidated financial statements; thus, no additional information is produced or included herein.
		Full service		Back-up		Other			Total
		center-based		dependent		educational
		care		care		advisory
						services
		(In thousands)
	Three months ended June 30, 2014
	Revenue	$	300,724	$	39,740	$	7,636		$	348,100
	Amortization of intangible assets	7,050		181		144			7,375
	Income from operations	29,497		12,181		857			42,535
	Three months ended June 30, 2013
	Revenue	$	269,910	$	35,717	$	5,186		$	310,813
	Amortization of intangible assets	7,346		181		75			7,602
	Income (loss) from operations (1)	24,062		10,927		408			35,397
	-1	For the three months ended June 30, 2013, income from operations includes secondary offering expenses and acquisition related costs of of $0.9 million which has been allocated to full service center-based care.
		Full service		Back-up		Other			Total
		center-based		dependent		educational
		care		care		advisory
						services
		(In thousands)
	Six months ended June 30, 2014
	Revenue	$	587,748	$	77,196	$	15,311		$	680,255
	Amortization of intangibles	14,456		362		291			15,109
	Income from operations (1)	51,508		23,873		1,165			76,546
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Revenue	$	512,160	$	68,878	$	9,898		$	590,936
	Amortization of intangibles	13,837		362		151			14,350
	Income (loss) from operations (2)	32,934		18,394		(494		)	50,834
	-1	For the six months ended June 30, 2014, income from operations includes secondary offering expenses of $0.6 million which has been allocated to full service center-based care.
	-2	For the six months ended June 30, 2013, income from operations includes expenses incurred in connection with the Offering, including a $7.5 million fee for the termination of the management agreement with Bain Capital Partners LLC, and $5.0 million for certain stock options that vested upon completion of the Offering, and acquisition related costs allocated on a proportionate basis to each segment ($12.2 million to full service center-based care, $1.9 million to back-up dependent care, and $0.8 million to other educational services).

Transactions_with_Related_Part

Transactions with Related Parties	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Transactions with Related Parties	'
	10. TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
	The Company had a management agreement with Bain Capital Partners LLC (the “Sponsor”), which provided for annual payments of $2.5 million through May 2018. In connection with the Offering, the Company and the Sponsor terminated the management agreement in exchange for a $7.5 million payment from the Company to the Sponsor, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2013. As of June 30, 2014, investment funds affiliated with the Sponsor hold approximately 51.6% of our common stock.

Organization_and_Basis_of_Pres1

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation—Bright Horizons is majority-owned by investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital Partners, LLC as a result of a transaction in 2008 (the "Merger"), pursuant to which a wholly owned merger subsidiary was merged with and into Bright Horizons Family Solutions, Inc. (the "Predecessor"). As part of the transaction, a new basis of accounting was established and the purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2014 and the condensed consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the interim periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 have been prepared by the Company, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements by generally accepted accounting principles and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2014 and the results of its consolidated operations and consolidated cash flows for the interim periods ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of the interim periods presented. The operating results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
		Full service				Back-up				Other				Total
		center-based				dependent				educational
		care				care				advisory
										services
	Beginning balance at December 31, 2013	$	912,134			$	160,145			$	24,004			$	1,096,283
	Additions from acquisitions	5,378				—				—				5,378
	Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	(315		)		—				(173		)		(488		)
	Effect of foreign currency translation	2,748				485				—				3,233
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	919,945			$	160,630			$	23,831			$	1,104,406
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	The Company also has intangible assets, which consist of the following at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Weighted average		Cost				Accumulated				Net carrying
		amortization period						amortization				amount
	30-Jun-14
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Customer relationships	14.5 years		$	402,117			$	(168,750	)		$	233,367
	Trade names	8.1 years		6,292				(2,032		)		4,260
	Non-compete agreements	5 years		56				(42		)		14
				408,465				(170,824		)		237,641
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names	N/A		184,236				—				184,236
				$	592,701			$	(170,824	)		$	421,877
		Weighted average		Cost				Accumulated				Net carrying
		amortization period						amortization				amount
	31-Dec-13
	Definite-lived intangibles:
	Customer relationships	14.5 years		$	400,481			$	(153,939	)		$	246,542
	Trade names	8.1 years		6,072				(1,542		)		4,530
	Non-compete agreements	5 years		54				(39		)		15
				406,607				(155,520		)		251,087
	Indefinite-lived intangibles:
	Trade names	N/A		183,973				—				183,973
				$	590,580			$	(155,520	)		$	435,060
Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	'
	The Company estimates that it will record amortization expense related to intangible assets existing as of June 30, 2014 as follows over the next five years (in thousands):
		Estimated
		amortization
		expense
	Remainder of 2014	$	14,103
	2015	$	26,733
	2016	$	25,465
	2017	$	24,640
	2018	$	23,676

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Allocation of Purchased Assets and Liabilities	'
	The purchase price for this acquisition, which was finalized in the first quarter of 2014, has been allocated based on estimates of the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):
		At acquisition date as reported September 30, 2013			Measurement period adjustments			At acquisition date as reported June 30, 2014
	Accounts receivable	$	981		$	(126	)	$	855
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	334			411			745
	Fixed assets	5,637			535			6,172
	Intangible assets	12,800			(1,190		)	11,610
	Goodwill	38,818			(2,303		)	36,515
	Total assets acquired	58,570			(2,673		)	55,897
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(3,441		)	(801		)	(4,242		)
	Deferred revenue and parent deposits	(885		)	18			(867		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(4,326		)	(783		)	(5,109		)
	Purchase price	$	54,244		$	(3,456	)	$	50,788
Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member]	'
Allocation of Purchase Price	'
	The purchase price for this acquisition, which was finalized in the first quarter of 2014, has been allocated based on estimates of the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at the date of acquisition as follows (in thousands):
		At acquisition date as reported June 30, 2013			Measurement period adjustments			At acquisition date as reported June 30, 2014
	Cash	$	4,888		$	—		$	4,888
	Accounts receivable	1,809			—			1,809
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	2,509			—			2,509
	Fixed assets	13,901			(192		)	13,709
	Favorable leases	—			2,892			2,892
	Intangible assets	17,442			765			18,207
	Goodwill	55,349			(2,372		)	52,977
	Total assets acquired	95,898			1,093			96,991
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(9,450		)	3,798			(5,652		)
	Unfavorable leasehold interests	(1,759		)	(5,325		)	(7,084		)
	Deferred revenue	(12,853		)	8,378			(4,475		)
	Other current liabilities	—			(8,378		)	(8,378		)
	Deferred taxes	(2,735		)	245			(2,490		)
	Total liabilities assumed	(26,797		)	(1,282		)	(28,079		)
	Purchase price	$	69,101		$	(189	)	$	68,912
Summary of Operating Results	'
	The operating results for each of the acquisitions are included in the consolidated results of operations from the respective dates of acquisition. The following table presents consolidated pro forma information as if the acquisitions of Children’s Choice Learning Centers, Inc. and Kidsunlimited had occurred on January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
		Pro forma (Unaudited)
		Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2013
	Revenue	$	633,196
	Net loss attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.	$	(24,715	)

Borrowing_Arrangements_Tables

Borrowing Arrangements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Outstanding Borrowings	'
	Outstanding borrowings were as follows at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		June 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Term loans	$	778,150		$	782,100
	Deferred financing costs and original issue discount	(16,371		)	(17,877		)
	Total debt	761,779			764,223
	Less current maturities	7,900			7,900
	Long-term debt	$	753,879		$	756,323
Future Principal Payments Under New Term Loan	'
	The future principal payments under the new term loans at June 30, 2014 are as follows (in thousands):
	Remainder of 2014	$	3,950
	2015	7,900
	2016	7,900
	2017	7,900
	2018	7,900
	Thereafter	742,600
		$	778,150

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	'
		Three months ended					Six months ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Basic earnings per share:
	Net income (loss) attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.	$	21,714		$	24,579	$	37,762		$	(26,164	)
	Allocation of net income (loss) to common stockholders:
	Common stock	$	21,629		$	24,579	$	37,617		$	(26,164	)
	Unvested participating shares	85			—		145			—
		$	21,714		$	24,579	$	37,762		$	(26,164	)
	Weighted average number of common shares:
	Common stock	65,772,698			64,732,730		65,590,275			60,265,132
	Unvested participating shares	259,525			—		252,316			—
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Common stock	$	0.33		$	0.38	$	0.57		$	(0.43	)
		Three months ended					Six months ended
		June 30,					June 30,
		2014			2013		2014			2013
	Diluted earnings per share:
	Earnings allocated to common stock	$	21,629		$	24,579	$	37,617		$	(26,164	)
	Plus earnings allocated to unvested participating shares	85			—		145			—
	Less adjusted earnings allocated to unvested participating shares	(83		)	—		(141		)	—
	Earnings allocated to common stock	$	21,631		$	24,579	$	37,621		$	(26,164	)
	Weighted average number of common shares:
	Common stock	65,772,698			64,732,730		65,590,275			60,265,132
	Effect of dilutive securities	1,684,182			1,902,754		1,742,855			—
		67,456,880			66,635,484		67,333,130			60,265,132
	Earnings (loss) per share:
	Common stock	$	0.32		$	0.37	$	0.56		$	(0.43	)

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Income from Operations by Segment	'
	The assets and liabilities of the Company are managed centrally and are reported internally in the same manner as the consolidated financial statements; thus, no additional information is produced or included herein.
		Full service		Back-up		Other			Total
		center-based		dependent		educational
		care		care		advisory
						services
		(In thousands)
	Three months ended June 30, 2014
	Revenue	$	300,724	$	39,740	$	7,636		$	348,100
	Amortization of intangible assets	7,050		181		144			7,375
	Income from operations	29,497		12,181		857			42,535
	Three months ended June 30, 2013
	Revenue	$	269,910	$	35,717	$	5,186		$	310,813
	Amortization of intangible assets	7,346		181		75			7,602
	Income (loss) from operations (1)	24,062		10,927		408			35,397
	-1	For the three months ended June 30, 2013, income from operations includes secondary offering expenses and acquisition related costs of of $0.9 million which has been allocated to full service center-based care.
		Full service		Back-up		Other			Total
		center-based		dependent		educational
		care		care		advisory
						services
		(In thousands)
	Six months ended June 30, 2014
	Revenue	$	587,748	$	77,196	$	15,311		$	680,255
	Amortization of intangibles	14,456		362		291			15,109
	Income from operations (1)	51,508		23,873		1,165			76,546
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Revenue	$	512,160	$	68,878	$	9,898		$	590,936
	Amortization of intangibles	13,837		362		151			14,350
	Income (loss) from operations (2)	32,934		18,394		(494		)	50,834
	-1	For the six months ended June 30, 2014, income from operations includes secondary offering expenses of $0.6 million which has been allocated to full service center-based care.
	-2	For the six months ended June 30, 2013, income from operations includes expenses incurred in connection with the Offering, including a $7.5 million fee for the termination of the management agreement with Bain Capital Partners LLC, and $5.0 million for certain stock options that vested upon completion of the Offering, and acquisition related costs allocated on a proportionate basis to each segment ($12.2 million to full service center-based care, $1.9 million to back-up dependent care, and $0.8 million to other educational services).

Organization_and_Significant_A

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended				0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 11, 2013	Mar. 25, 2014	Jun. 19, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
						Secondary Offering [Member]	Secondary Offering [Member]	Secondary Offering [Member]	Secondary Offering [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares issued	11,600,000	'	'	'	'	7,900,000	9,800,000	'	'
Proceed from issuance of initial public offering	$233,300,000	$0	$234,944,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payment of initial public offering costs	1,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock conversion ratio, Class L common stock into Class A common stock	'	'	'	'	35.1955	'	'	'	'
Common stock, authorized	'	475,000,000	'	475,000,000	475,000,000	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock, authorized	'	25,000,000	'	25,000,000	25,000,000	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from issuance of secondary offering	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Offering cost incurred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$600,000	$600,000

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$5,378
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	1,096,283
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	-488
Effect of foreign currency translation	3,233
Ending balance	1,104,406
Full Service Center-based Care [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	5,378
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	912,134
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	-315
Effect of foreign currency translation	2,748
Ending balance	919,945
Back-up Dependent Care [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	160,145
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	485
Ending balance	160,630
Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	0
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	24,004
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	-173
Effect of foreign currency translation	0
Ending balance	$23,831

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Cost	$408,465	$406,607
Accumulated amortization	-170,824	-155,520
Net carrying amount	237,641	251,087
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]	'	'
Cost	592,701	590,580
Net carrying amount	421,877	435,060
Contractual Rights and Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average amortization period	'14 years 5 months 24 days	'14 years 5 months 24 days
Cost	402,117	400,481
Accumulated amortization	-168,750	-153,939
Net carrying amount	233,367	246,542
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average amortization period	'8 years 1 month 24 days	'8 years 1 month 6 days
Cost	6,292	6,072
Accumulated amortization	-2,032	-1,542
Net carrying amount	4,260	4,530
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average amortization period	'5 years	'5 years
Cost	56	54
Accumulated amortization	-42	-39
Net carrying amount	14	15
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated amortization	0	0
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]	'	'
Cost	184,236	183,973
Net carrying amount	$184,236	$183,973

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Remainder of 2014	$14,103
2015	26,733
2016	25,465
2017	24,640
2018	$23,676

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 22, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Apr. 10, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]

Children's Choice Learning Centers [Member]

Children's Choice Learning Centers [Member]

Children's Choice Learning Centers [Member]

Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member]

Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member]

Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member]

Huntyard Limited [Member]

Center

United States

United Kingdom

Center

Nursery

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of centers acquired

'

'

'

'

'

3

'

'

49

'

'

64

'

Cash consideration

'

'

'

'

'

$6,500,000

'

'

$50,800,000

'

'

$68,900,000

'

Goodwill

1,104,406,000

'

1,104,406,000

'

1,096,283,000

5,400,000

36,515,000

38,818,000

'

52,977,000

55,349,000

'

'

Amortization of Intangible assets

7,375,000

7,602,000

15,109,000

14,350,000

'

'

11,300,000

'

'

15,900,000

'

'

'

Amortization period of Intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'11 years

'

'

'8 years

'

'

'

Percentage of share purchase agreement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

Deferred tax liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

'

Intangible assets including customer relationship

'

'

'

'

'

1,200,000

11,610,000

12,800,000

'

18,207,000

17,442,000

'

'

Fixed assets acquired

'

'

'

'

'

300,000

6,172,000

5,637,000

'

13,709,000

13,901,000

'

'

Working capital deficit acquired

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contribution of revenues by acquired business

$348,100,000

$310,813,000

$680,255,000

$590,936,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$62,200,000

Acquisition_Allocation_of_Purc

Acquisition - Allocation of Purchased Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Children's Choice Learning Centers [Member]	Children's Choice Learning Centers [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
					Children's Choice Learning Centers [Member]
Loans At Acquisition Date [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	'	'	$855	$981	($126)
Prepaids and other assets	'	'	745	334	411
Fixed assets	'	'	6,172	5,637	535
Intangible assets, primarily customer relationships	'	'	11,610	12,800	-1,190
Goodwill	1,104,406	1,096,283	36,515	38,818	-2,303
Total assets acquired	'	'	55,897	58,570	-2,673
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'	-4,242	-3,441	-801
Deferred revenue and parent deposits	'	'	-867	-885	18
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	-5,109	-4,326	-783
Purchase price	'	'	$50,788	$54,244	($3,456)

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Pur

Acquisitions - Allocation of Purchase Price (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member]	Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member]	Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
					Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash	'	'	$4,888	$4,888	$0
Accounts receivable	'	'	1,809	1,809	0
Prepaids and other assets	'	'	2,509	2,509	0
Fixed assets	'	'	13,709	13,901	-192
Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Favorable Leases	'	'	2,892	0	2,892
Intangible assets, primarily customer relationships	'	'	18,207	17,442	765
Goodwill	1,104,406	1,096,283	52,977	55,349	-2,372
Total assets acquired	'	'	96,991	95,898	1,093
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	'	'	-5,652	-9,450	3,798
Unfavorable leasehold interests	'	'	-7,084	-1,759	-5,325
Deferred revenue and parent deposits	'	'	-4,475	-12,853	8,378
Other current liabilities	'	'	-8,378	0	-8,378
Deferred taxes	'	'	-2,490	-2,735	245
Total liabilities assumed	'	'	-28,079	-26,797	-1,282
Purchase price	'	'	$68,912	$69,101	($189)

Acquisitions_Summary_of_Operat

Acquisitions - Summary of Operating Results (Detail) (Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013
Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member]	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Revenue	$633,196
Net (loss) income attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.	($24,715)

Borrowing_Arrangements_Outstan

Borrowing Arrangements - Outstanding Borrowing (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings	$778,200	'
Deferred financing costs and original issue discount	-16,371	-17,877
Total debt	761,779	764,223
Less current maturities	7,900	7,900
Long-term debt	753,879	756,323
Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Outstanding borrowings	$778,150	$782,100
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items]	'	'
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.00%	'

Borrowing_Arrangements_Additio

Borrowing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Effective interest rate for the term loans	3.75%
Financing Fees	$12.70
Discount and Issuance Cost	7.9
Amortization of deferred financing costs	0.9
Amortization expense of original issuance discount costs	0.6
Term Loan Facility [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Weighted average interest rate	3.91%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Weighted average interest rate	5.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$100

Borrowing_Arrangements_Future_

Borrowing Arrangements - Future Principal Payments Under New Term Loan (Detail) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long Term Debt Maturities Estimated Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal, Total	$778,200
Term Loan Facility [Member]	'
Long Term Debt Maturities Estimated Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]	'
Future minimum payments remainder of 2014	3,950
Future minimum payments in 2015	7,900
Future minimum payments in 2016	7,900
Future minimum payments in 2017	7,900
Future minimum payments in 2018	7,900
Future minimum payments due thereafter	742,600
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal, Total	$778,150

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Additi

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Common Stock Class A [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options to Purchase Common Stock Shares Outstanding excluded from diluted earnings per share	900,000	400,000	900,000	5,000,000
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting Period	'	'	'3 years	'

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Comput

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Basic Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$21,714,000	$24,579,000	$37,762,000	($26,164,000)
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number (shares)	65,772,698	64,732,730	65,590,275	60,265,132
Earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Common stock-basic (usd per share)	$0.33	$0.38	$0.57	($0.43)
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	21,629,000	24,579,000	37,617,000	-26,164,000
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number (shares)	65,772,698	64,732,730	65,590,275	60,265,132
Unvested Participating Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$85,000	$0	$145,000	$0
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number (shares)	259,525	0	252,316	0

Earnings_Loss_Per_Share_Earnin

Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Computation of Diluted Earnings per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$21,714,000	$24,579,000	$37,762,000	($26,164,000)
Earnings allocated to common stock	21,631,000	24,579,000	37,621,000	-26,164,000
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Common stock-basic (shares)	65,772,698	64,732,730	65,590,275	60,265,132
Common stock-diluted (shares)	67,456,880	66,635,484	67,333,130	60,265,132
Earnings (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Common stock-diluted (usd per share)	$0.32	$0.37	$0.56	($0.43)
Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	21,629,000	24,579,000	37,617,000	-26,164,000
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Common stock-basic (shares)	65,772,698	64,732,730	65,590,275	60,265,132
Unvested Participating Shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	85,000	0	145,000	0
Adjusted earnings	($83,000)	$0	($141,000)	$0
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Common stock-basic (shares)	259,525	0	252,316	0
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares:	'	'	'	'
Dilutive effect (shares)	1,684,182	1,902,754	1,742,855	0

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jan. 24, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
					2012 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	2012 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Restricted Stock [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
									2012 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	2012 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Authorized stock repurchase amount	$225,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares repurchased	'	78,447	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Payments for repurchase of common stock	'	3,079,000	3,079,000	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized for equity awards	'	'	'	'	'	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares of common stock available for grant	'	'	'	'	3,500,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of options granted	'	'	'	'	859,627	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average price at time of grant (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	$36.56	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock option vesting period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1 year	'5 years	'
Weighted average fair value of options granted (usd per share)	'	'	$11.19	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	'	'	0.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected volatility	'	'	30.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Risk free interest rate	'	'	1.82%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected life of options	'	'	'5 years 3 months 18 days	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of shares granted	'	'	'	'	'	'	259,525	6,066	'	'	'
Restricted stock awards - vesting period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock price as percentage of fair value	'	'	'	'	'	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'
Unvested shares of restricted stock outstanding	'	'	'	'	'	'	259,525	'	'	'	'
Maximum period after which awards can be issued	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'5 years
Weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$39.58	'	'	'
Total value of granted (and vested) awards	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	200,000	'	'	'
Total recorded stock-based compensation expense	'	'	4,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation expense	'	$17,100,000	$17,100,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'	'	'3 years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective income tax rates	36.00%	7.40%	36.20%	25.00%	'
Unrecognized income tax benefit	$2,000,000	'	$2,000,000	'	$2,000,000
Interest and penalties accrued for income tax	1,700,000	'	1,700,000	'	1,600,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Change in uncertain tax positions	0	'	0	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Change in uncertain tax positions	1,000,000	'	1,000,000	'	'
Federal [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Statute of limitations	'	'	'3 years	'	'
State [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Significant settlements of state audits	$0	'	'	'	'
Number of income tax audits in process	'	'	4	'	'
State [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Statute of limitations	'	'	'3 years	'	'
State [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Statute of limitations	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Foreign [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Statute of limitations	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Foreign [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Statute of limitations	'	'	'7 years	'	'

Fair_Value_Measures_Additional

Fair Value Measures - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	Customer
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Long Term Debt, Carrying Value	778,200,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Long Term Debt, Fair Value	779,100,000
Revenue [Member]	'
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%
Number of Customer Generating more than 10%	0
Accounts Receivable [Member]	'
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%
Clients accounting for more than benchmark	0

Segment_Information_Income_fro

Segment Information - Income from Operations by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Revenue	$348,100,000	$310,813,000		$680,255,000		$590,936,000
Amortization of intangibles	7,375,000	7,602,000		15,109,000		14,350,000
Income (loss) from operations	42,535,000	35,397,000	[1]	76,546,000	[2]	50,834,000	[3]
Full Service Center-based Care [Member]	'	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Acquisition related costs	'	900,000		600,000		'
Revenue	'	'		587,748,000		512,160,000
Amortization of intangibles	'	'		14,456,000		13,837,000
Income (loss) from operations	'	'		51,508,000	[2]	32,934,000	[3]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	'	'		'		12,200,000
Back-up Dependent Care [Member]	'	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Revenue	'	'		77,196,000		68,878,000
Amortization of intangibles	'	'		362,000		362,000
Income (loss) from operations	'	'		23,873,000	[2]	18,394,000	[3]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	'	'		'		1,900,000
Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]	'	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Revenue	'	'		15,311,000		9,898,000
Amortization of intangibles	'	'		291,000		151,000
Income (loss) from operations	'	'		1,165,000	[2]	-494,000	[3]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost	'	'		'		800,000
Operating Segments [Member] | Full Service Center-based Care [Member]	'	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Revenue	300,724,000	269,910,000		'		'
Amortization of intangibles	7,050,000	7,346,000		'		'
Income (loss) from operations	29,497,000	24,062,000	[1]	'		'
Operating Segments [Member] | Back-up Dependent Care [Member]	'	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Revenue	39,740,000	35,717,000		'		'
Amortization of intangibles	181,000	181,000		'		'
Income (loss) from operations	12,181,000	10,927,000	[1]	'		'
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]	'	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Revenue	7,636,000	5,186,000		'		'
Amortization of intangibles	144,000	75,000		'		'
Income (loss) from operations	857,000	408,000	[1]	'		'
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'		'		'
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	'	'		'		$7,500,000
[1]	(1) For the three months ended June 30, 2013, income from operations includes secondary offering expenses and acquisition related costs of of $0.9 million which has been allocated to full service center-based care.
[2]	For the six months ended June 30, 2014, income from operations includes secondary offering expenses of $0.6 million which has been allocated to full service center-based care.
[3]	For the six months ended June 30, 2013, income from operations includes expenses incurred in connection with the Offering, including a $7.5 million fee for the termination of the management agreement with Bain Capital Partners LLC, and $5.0 million for certain stock options that vested upon completion of the Offering, and acquisition related costs allocated on a proportionate basis to each segment ($12.2 million to full service center-based care, $1.9 million to back-up dependent care, and $0.8 million to other educational services).

Segment_Information_Income_fro1

Segment Information - Income from Operations by Segment (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Stock options vested upon completion of Offering	'	'	$5
Sponsor [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Agreement termination fee	'	'	7.5
Full Service Center-based Care [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Acquisition related costs	0.9	0.6	'
Expenses incurred in connection with the modification of stock options	'	'	12.2
Back-up Dependent Care [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expenses incurred in connection with the modification of stock options	'	'	1.9
Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expenses incurred in connection with the modification of stock options	'	'	$0.80

Transactions_with_Related_Part1

Transactions with Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) (Sponsor [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
Sponsor [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Annual payment under the agreement	$2.50	'
Agreement expiration date	31-May-18	'
Agreement termination fee	$7.50	'
Percentage of common stock held by investment funds affiliated with sponsor	'	51.60%