Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM) 10-Q 6 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 22, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	BRIGHT HORIZONS FAMILY SOLUTIONS INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,437,578
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		59,684,774

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 40,152	$ 11,539
Accounts receivable—net	84,312	97,295
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35,195	43,879
Total current assets	159,659	152,713
Fixed assets—net	424,986	429,736
Goodwill	1,147,236	1,147,809
Other intangibles—net	382,111	389,331
Other assets	29,999	30,952
Total assets	2,143,991	2,150,541
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	9,550	9,550
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	0	24,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	118,677	114,776
Deferred revenue	146,739	137,283
Other current liabilities	26,715	19,734
Total current liabilities	301,681	305,343
Long-term debt—net	903,215	905,661
Deferred rent and related obligations	50,525	50,039
Other long-term liabilities	43,875	44,182
Deferred revenue	5,341	4,608
Deferred income taxes	111,286	113,100
Total liabilities	1,415,923	1,422,933
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 59,714,161 and 60,008,136 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively	60	60
Additional paid-in capital	964,071	983,398
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(44,210)	(39,270)
Accumulated deficit	(191,853)	(216,580)
Total stockholders’ equity	728,068	727,608
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,143,991	$ 2,150,541

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, authorized (shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (usd per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Common stock, authorized (shares)	475,000,000	475,000,000
Common stock, issued (shares)	59,714,161	60,008,136
Common stock, outstanding (shares)	59,714,161	60,008,136

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 385,322	$ 350,440
Cost of services	289,546	263,832
Gross profit	95,776	86,608
Selling, general and administrative expenses	40,031	36,845
Amortization of intangible assets	7,148	6,922
Income from operations	48,597	42,841
Interest income	19	38
Interest expense	(10,703)	(10,069)
Income before income taxes	37,913	32,810
Income tax expense	(13,186)	(10,278)
Net income	$ 24,727	$ 22,532
Earnings per common share:
Common stock-basic (usd per share)	$ 0.41	$ 0.36
Common stock-diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.35
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Common stock-diluted (shares)	61,300,409	63,189,367

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 24,727	$ 22,532
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,940)	(16,883)
Total other comprehensive loss	(4,940)	(16,883)
Comprehensive income	$ 19,787	$ 5,649

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 24,727	$ 22,532
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	20,525	19,386
Amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs	943	848
(Gain) loss on foreign currency transactions	(122)	185
Non-cash revenue and other	(29)	(80)
(Gain) loss on disposal of fixed assets	(166)	114
Stock-based compensation	2,597	2,300
Deferred rent	425	967
Deferred income taxes	(1,766)	4,395
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	12,905	8,180
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,601	(4,267)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,238	(6,912)
Deferred revenue	10,183	(241)
Accrued rent and related obligations	291	(200)
Other assets	901	(808)
Other current and long-term liabilities	544	863
Net cash provided by operating activities	85,797	47,262
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of fixed assets, net	(10,637)	(16,911)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(2,933)	(1,072)
Net cash used in investing activities	(13,570)	(17,983)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	65,600	0
Repayments under revolving line of credit	(89,600)	0
Principal payments of long-term debt	(2,388)	(2,388)
Payments for debt issuance costs	(1,002)	0
Purchase of treasury stock	(23,385)	(738)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	1,682	4,210
Proceeds from issuance of restricted stock	3,351	3,864
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation	1,920	3,072
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(43,822)	8,020
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	208	(1,524)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	28,613	35,775
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period	11,539	87,886
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	40,152	123,661
NON-CASH TRANSACTION:
Fixed asset purchases recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,000	2,000
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash payments of interest	9,794	9,334
Cash payments of taxes	$ 3,806	$ 11,503

Organization and Basis of Prese

Organization and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	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. Basis of Presentation —The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 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 in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements 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, 2015 . In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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. Stock Offerings —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. Subsequent to the Offering, certain of the Company's shareholders sold shares of the Company's common stock in secondary offerings ("secondary offerings") totaling 9.65 million , 15.9 million , and 9.8 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company did not receive proceeds from the sale of shares in the secondary offerings. The Company purchased 2.1 million and 4.5 million of the shares sold in the secondary offerings in 2015 and 2014 , respectively, from investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital Partners, LLC at the same price per share paid by the underwriter to the selling shareholders. As of March 31, 2016 , investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital Partners, LLC held approximately 27.6% of our common stock. New Accounting Pronouncements — In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09: Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The amendments in this update simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on the consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . This standard amends the existing guidance and requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with lease terms longer than twelve months. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact this standard will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The FASB has subsequently issued various ASUs which amend or clarifies specific areas of the guidance. 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 current 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. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018 and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified approach. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments and ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. These standards were effective January 1, 2016, which did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the three months ended March 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Full service center-based care Back-up dependent care Other educational advisory services Total Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 913,043 $ 158,894 $ 23,801 $ 1,095,738 Additions from acquisitions 62,838 — — 62,838 Adjustments to prior year acquisitions (15 ) — — (15 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (10,752 ) — — (10,752 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 965,114 158,894 23,801 1,147,809 Additions from acquisitions 2,100 — — 2,100 Adjustments to prior year acquisitions (7 ) — — (7 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (2,666 ) — — (2,666 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 964,541 $ 158,894 $ 23,801 $ 1,147,236 The Company also has intangible assets, which consist of the following at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount March 31, 2016 Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 410,056 $ (213,889 ) $ 196,167 Trade names 8 years 5,964 (2,894 ) 3,070 Non-compete agreements 5 years 53 (49 ) 4 416,073 (216,832 ) 199,241 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 182,870 — 182,870 $ 598,943 $ (216,832 ) $ 382,111 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount December 31, 2015 Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 410,205 $ (207,257 ) $ 202,948 Trade names 8 years 6,046 (2,748 ) 3,298 Non-compete agreements 5 years 53 (48 ) 5 416,304 (210,053 ) 206,251 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 183,080 — 183,080 $ 599,384 $ (210,053 ) $ 389,331 The Company estimates that it will record amortization expense related to intangible assets existing as of March 31, 2016 as follows over the next five years (in thousands): Estimated amortization expense Remainder of 2016 $ 22,009 2017 $ 26,466 2018 $ 25,142 2019 $ 24,278 2020 $ 23,859

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	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 three months ended March 31, 2016 and year ended December 31, 2015 . 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. 2016 Acquisitions During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the Company acquired three centers in the United Kingdom, which were accounted for as a business combination. The centers were acquired for cash consideration of $2.3 million . The Company recorded goodwill of $2.1 million related to the full service center-based care segment, a portion of which will be deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets of $0.6 million , consisting primarily of customer relationships that will be amortized over five years, and a working capital deficit of $0.3 million were also recorded in relation to this acquisition. 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 of March 31, 2016 , the purchase price allocation for this acquisition remains open as the Company gathers additional information regarding the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The operating results for the acquired business are included in the consolidated results of operations from the date of acquisition, which were not material to the Company's financial results. 2015 Acquisitions On May 19, 2015 , the Company acquired Hildebrandt Learning Centers, LLC, an operator of 40 centers in the United States, for cash consideration of $19.2 million and contingent consideration of $0.5 million , which was accounted for as a business combination. The Company recorded goodwill of $13.2 million related to the full service center-based care segment, which will be deductible for tax purposes, and intangible assets of $5.7 million , consisting of customer relationships that will be amortized over 12 years . The Company also acquired working capital of $0.3 million , including cash of $1.5 million , and fixed assets of $0.5 million . On July 15, 2015 , the Company acquired Active Learning Childcare Limited, an operator of nine centers in the United Kingdom, for cash consideration of $42.2 million , which was accounted for as a business combination. The Company recorded goodwill of $31.1 million related to the full service center-based care segment, which will not be deductible for tax purposes, and intangible assets of $3.8 million , consisting primarily of customer relationships that will be amortized over five years . The Company also acquired a working capital deficit of $1.8 million , including cash of $2.8 million , fixed assets of $9.8 million , and deferred tax liabilities of $0.7 million . Our acquisitions of Hildebrandt Learning Centers, LLC and Active Learning Childcare Limited contributed approximately $14.0 million of incremental revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2016 . During the year ended December 31, 2015 , the Company also acquired four additional centers in the United States and four additional centers in the United Kingdom, in six separate business acquisitions which were each accounted for as business combinations. The centers were acquired for cash consideration of $20.5 million and contingent consideration of $0.8 million net of cash acquired of $0.3 million . The Company recorded goodwill of $18.5 million related to the full service center-based care segment, a portion of which will be deductible for tax purposes. Intangible assets of $2.7 million , consisting primarily of customer relationships that will be amortized over five years , were also recorded in relation to these acquisitions. Contingent consideration of $0.5M related to one of these acquisitions was paid during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . 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 of March 31, 2016 , the purchase price allocation for seven of these eight acquisitions remains open as the Company gathers additional information regarding the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. The operating results for the acquired businesses are included in the consolidated results of operations from the dates of acquisition, which were not material to the Company's financial results.

Credit Arrangements and Debt Ob

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations	CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS AND DEBT OBLIGATIONS The Company's $1.2 billion senior credit facilities consist of $955.0 million in secured term loan facilities and a $225.0 million revolving credit facility. In conjunction with a debt refinancing in January 2013, $790.0 million in senior secured term loans were issued, with the subsequent issuance of $165.0 million in additional term loans in December 2014. The term loans mature on January 30, 2020. Outstanding term loan borrowings were as follows at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): March 31, December 31, Term loans $ 927,262 $ 929,650 Deferred financing costs and original issue discount (14,497 ) (14,439 ) Total debt 912,765 915,211 Less current maturities 9,550 9,550 Long-term debt $ 903,215 $ 905,661 On January 26, 2016, the Company amended its existing credit agreement to increase the revolving credit facility from $100.0 million to $225.0 million , to extend the maturity date on the revolving credit facility from January 30, 2018 to July 31, 2019 , and to modify the interest rate applicable to borrowings under the revolving credit facility to a range of 1.25% to 1.75% over the base rate and 2.25% to 2.75% over the Eurocurrency rate. There were no borrowings outstanding at March 31, 2016 on the revolving credit facility and there were $24.0 million in borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2015 . The effective interest rate for the term loans was 3.84% and 4.09% at March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 4.05% and 3.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the revolving credit facility was 4.6% and 5.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company incurred financing fees of $15.4 million and original issue discount costs of $9.6 million in connection with debt refinancings. 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 three months ended March 31, 2016 were $0.6 million and $0.4 million , respectively, which are included in interest expense. Amortization expense of deferred financing costs and original issue discount costs in the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $0.5 million and $0.4 million , respectively. The future principal payments under the term loans at March 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Remainder of 2016 $ 7,162 2017 9,550 2018 9,550 2019 9,550 2020 891,450 $ 927,262

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS 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 stock-based payment awards that participate equally in dividends with common stock, also referred to herein as unvested participating shares. The Company’s unvested stock-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 generally vest at the end of three years . 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 2016 2015 Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 24,727 $ 22,532 Allocation of net income to common stockholders: Common stock $ 24,517 $ 22,386 Unvested participating shares 210 146 $ 24,727 $ 22,532 Weighted average number of common shares: Common stock 59,832,168 61,682,964 Unvested participating shares 512,477 400,965 Earnings per share: Common stock $ 0.41 $ 0.36 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 2016 2015 Diluted earnings per share: Earnings allocated to common stock $ 24,517 $ 22,386 Plus earnings allocated to unvested participating shares 210 146 Less adjusted earnings allocated to unvested participating shares (205 ) (142 ) Earnings allocated to common stock $ 24,522 $ 22,390 Weighted average number of common shares: Common stock 59,832,168 61,682,964 Effect of dilutive securities 1,468,241 1,506,403 61,300,409 63,189,367 Earnings per share: Common stock $ 0.40 $ 0.35 Options outstanding to purchase 0.5 million and 0.4 million shares of common stock were excluded from diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 respectively, since their effect was anti-dilutive, which may be dilutive in the future.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The Company's effective income tax rates were 34.8% and 31.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The effective income tax rate is based upon estimated income before income taxes for the year, by jurisdiction, 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 $0.8 million and $0.7 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. There were no interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . 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 $0.8 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 2012 through 2014 are subject to audit based upon the Federal statute of limitations. An audit of a subsidiary's filing for 2013 began in the second quarter of 2015 and is expected to be settled in 2016. 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 was one state audit completed with no material adjustment during the first quarter of 2016. As of March 31, 2016 , there were two state income tax audits still in process and the tax years from 2010 to 2014 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 Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	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, revolving line of credit, and long-term debt. The fair value of the Company’s financial instruments, other than long-term debt, approximates their book value. The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Financial liabilities Long-term debt $ 927,262 $ 926,100 $ 929,650 $ 924,700 The estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt is based on quoted market prices for similar instruments and a model that considers observable inputs. Judgment is required to develop these estimates. As such, our long-term debt is classified as Level 2, as defined by U.S. GAAP. 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 March 31, 2016 .

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION Bright Horizons' workplace 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, tuition reimbursement program administration, and related consulting 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 and, as a result, no additional information is produced or included herein. Full service center-based care Back-up dependent care Other educational advisory services Total (In thousands) Three months ended March 31, 2016 Revenue $ 328,827 $ 45,131 $ 11,364 $ 385,322 Amortization of intangible assets 6,823 181 144 7,148 Income from operations (1) 32,891 13,206 2,500 48,597 Three months ended March 31, 2015 Revenue $ 300,334 $ 41,601 $ 8,505 $ 350,440 Amortization of intangible assets 6,597 181 144 6,922 Income from operations 28,275 13,761 805 42,841 (1) For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , income from operations includes $0.2 million of expenses related to the January 2016 amendment to the Credit Agreement and to completed acquisition costs, which have been allocated to full service center-based care.

Organization and Basis of Pre15

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation —The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 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 in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements 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, 2015 . In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements — In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09: Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The amendments in this update simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this update on the consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . This standard amends the existing guidance and requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with lease terms longer than twelve months. This update is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact this standard will have on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) , which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The FASB has subsequently issued various ASUs which amend or clarifies specific areas of the guidance. 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 current 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. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018 and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified approach. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this ASU on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments and ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. These standards were effective January 1, 2016, which did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the three months ended March 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Full service center-based care Back-up dependent care Other educational advisory services Total Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 913,043 $ 158,894 $ 23,801 $ 1,095,738 Additions from acquisitions 62,838 — — 62,838 Adjustments to prior year acquisitions (15 ) — — (15 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (10,752 ) — — (10,752 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 965,114 158,894 23,801 1,147,809 Additions from acquisitions 2,100 — — 2,100 Adjustments to prior year acquisitions (7 ) — — (7 ) Effect of foreign currency translation (2,666 ) — — (2,666 ) Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 964,541 $ 158,894 $ 23,801 $ 1,147,236
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The Company also has intangible assets, which consist of the following at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount March 31, 2016 Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 410,056 $ (213,889 ) $ 196,167 Trade names 8 years 5,964 (2,894 ) 3,070 Non-compete agreements 5 years 53 (49 ) 4 416,073 (216,832 ) 199,241 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 182,870 — 182,870 $ 598,943 $ (216,832 ) $ 382,111 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount December 31, 2015 Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 410,205 $ (207,257 ) $ 202,948 Trade names 8 years 6,046 (2,748 ) 3,298 Non-compete agreements 5 years 53 (48 ) 5 416,304 (210,053 ) 206,251 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 183,080 — 183,080 $ 599,384 $ (210,053 ) $ 389,331
Schedule of Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	The Company also has intangible assets, which consist of the following at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount March 31, 2016 Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 410,056 $ (213,889 ) $ 196,167 Trade names 8 years 5,964 (2,894 ) 3,070 Non-compete agreements 5 years 53 (49 ) 4 416,073 (216,832 ) 199,241 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 182,870 — 182,870 $ 598,943 $ (216,832 ) $ 382,111 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount December 31, 2015 Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 410,205 $ (207,257 ) $ 202,948 Trade names 8 years 6,046 (2,748 ) 3,298 Non-compete agreements 5 years 53 (48 ) 5 416,304 (210,053 ) 206,251 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 183,080 — 183,080 $ 599,384 $ (210,053 ) $ 389,331
Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	The Company estimates that it will record amortization expense related to intangible assets existing as of March 31, 2016 as follows over the next five years (in thousands): Estimated amortization expense Remainder of 2016 $ 22,009 2017 $ 26,466 2018 $ 25,142 2019 $ 24,278 2020 $ 23,859

Credit Arrangements and Debt 17

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Borrowings	Outstanding term loan borrowings were as follows at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (in thousands): March 31, December 31, Term loans $ 927,262 $ 929,650 Deferred financing costs and original issue discount (14,497 ) (14,439 ) Total debt 912,765 915,211 Less current maturities 9,550 9,550 Long-term debt $ 903,215 $ 905,661
Future Principal Payments Under New Term Loan	The future principal payments under the term loans at March 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Remainder of 2016 $ 7,162 2017 9,550 2018 9,550 2019 9,550 2020 891,450 $ 927,262

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	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 2016 2015 Diluted earnings per share: Earnings allocated to common stock $ 24,517 $ 22,386 Plus earnings allocated to unvested participating shares 210 146 Less adjusted earnings allocated to unvested participating shares (205 ) (142 ) Earnings allocated to common stock $ 24,522 $ 22,390 Weighted average number of common shares: Common stock 59,832,168 61,682,964 Effect of dilutive securities 1,468,241 1,506,403 61,300,409 63,189,367 Earnings per share: Common stock $ 0.40 $ 0.35 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 2016 2015 Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 24,727 $ 22,532 Allocation of net income to common stockholders: Common stock $ 24,517 $ 22,386 Unvested participating shares 210 146 $ 24,727 $ 22,532 Weighted average number of common shares: Common stock 59,832,168 61,682,964 Unvested participating shares 512,477 400,965 Earnings per share: Common stock $ 0.41 $ 0.36

Fair Value of Financial Instr19

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of long-term debt	The carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows (in thousands): March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Financial liabilities Long-term debt $ 927,262 $ 926,100 $ 929,650 $ 924,700

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 and, as a result, no additional information is produced or included herein. Full service center-based care Back-up dependent care Other educational advisory services Total (In thousands) Three months ended March 31, 2016 Revenue $ 328,827 $ 45,131 $ 11,364 $ 385,322 Amortization of intangible assets 6,823 181 144 7,148 Income from operations (1) 32,891 13,206 2,500 48,597 Three months ended March 31, 2015 Revenue $ 300,334 $ 41,601 $ 8,505 $ 350,440 Amortization of intangible assets 6,597 181 144 6,922 Income from operations 28,275 13,761 805 42,841 (1) For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , income from operations includes $0.2 million of expenses related to the January 2016 amendment to the Credit Agreement and to completed acquisition costs, which have been allocated to full service center-based care.

Organization and Significant Ac

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) shares in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
	Jan. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	11.6
Proceeds from issuance of secondary offering		$ 9,650,000	$ 15,900,000	$ 9,800,000
Number of shares repurchased		2.1	4.5
Secondary Offering [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of secondary offering					$ 0
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of common stock held by investment funds affiliated with sponsor						27.60%

Goodwill and Intangible Asset22

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,147,809	$ 1,095,738
Additions from acquisitions	2,100	62,838
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	(7)	(15)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(2,666)	(10,752)
Ending balance	1,147,236	1,147,809
Full Service Center-based Care [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	965,114	913,043
Additions from acquisitions	2,100	62,838
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	(7)	(15)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(2,666)	(10,752)
Ending balance	964,541	965,114
Back-up Dependent Care [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	158,894	158,894
Additions from acquisitions	0	0
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	0
Ending balance	158,894	158,894
Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	23,801	23,801
Additions from acquisitions	0	0
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	0
Ending balance	$ 23,801	$ 23,801

Goodwill and Intangible Asset23

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Cost	$ 416,073	$ 416,304
Accumulated amortization	(216,832)	(210,053)
Net carrying amount	199,241	206,251
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Cost	598,943	599,384
Net carrying amount	$ 382,111	$ 389,331
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period	14 years	14 years
Cost	$ 410,056	$ 410,205
Accumulated amortization	(213,889)	(207,257)
Net carrying amount	$ 196,167	$ 202,948
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period	8 years	8 years
Cost	$ 5,964	$ 6,046
Accumulated amortization	(2,894)	(2,748)
Net carrying amount	$ 3,070	$ 3,298
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period	5 years	5 years
Cost	$ 53	$ 53
Accumulated amortization	(49)	(48)
Net carrying amount	4	5
Trade Names [Member]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Cost	182,870	183,080
Net carrying amount	$ 182,870	$ 183,080

Goodwill and Intangible Asset24

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2016	$ 22,009
2,017	26,466
2,018	25,142
2,019	24,278
2,020	$ 23,859

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Jul. 15, 2015USD ($)Center	May. 19, 2015USD ($)Center	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)Center	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)CenterBusiness	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 1,147,236	$ 1,147,809	$ 1,095,738
Hildebrandt Learning Centers, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash consideration		$ 19,200
Contingent consideration acquired		500
Goodwill		13,200
Intangible assets including customer relationship		$ 5,700
Amortization period of intangible assets		12 years
Working capital acquired (deficit)		$ 300
Cash acquired from acquisition		1,500
Fixed assets acquired		$ 500
Revenue of acquiree since acquisition date			14,000
Active Learning Childcare Limited [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of centers acquired | Center	9
Cash consideration	$ 42,200
Goodwill	31,100
Intangible assets including customer relationship	$ 3,800
Amortization period of intangible assets	5 years
Working capital acquired (deficit)	$ (1,800)
Cash acquired from acquisition	2,800
Fixed assets acquired	9,800
Deferred tax assets	$ (700)
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | Business				6
Cash consideration			2,300	$ 20,500
Contingent consideration acquired				800
Goodwill			2,100	18,500
Intangible assets including customer relationship			$ 600	$ 2,700
Amortization period of intangible assets			5 years	5 years
Working capital acquired (deficit)			$ (300)
Cash acquired from acquisition				$ 300
Proceeds from contingent consideration			$ 500
UNITED STATES | Hildebrandt Learning Centers, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of centers acquired | Center		40
UNITED STATES | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of centers acquired | Center				4
UNITED KINGDOM | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of centers acquired | Center			3	4

Credit Arrangements and Debt 26

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations - Outstanding Borrowing (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	$ 0	$ 24,000
Deferred financing costs and original issue discount	(14,497)	(14,439)
Total debt	912,765	915,211
Less current maturities	9,550	9,550
Long-term debt—net	903,215	905,661
Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items]
Outstanding borrowings	$ 927,262	$ 929,650

Credit Arrangements and Debt 27

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Jan. 25, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate for the term loans	3.84%	4.09%
Amount outstanding	$ 0
Borrowings on revolving line of credit	0			$ 24,000,000
Financing fees	15,400,000
Discount and issuance cost	9,600,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	600,000	$ 500,000
Amortization expense of original issuance discount costs	400,000	$ 400,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount	$ 1,200,000,000
Term Loan [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount				$ 790,000,000
Term Loan Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	4.05%	3.91%
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount	$ 955,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	4.60%	5.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount	$ 225,000,000		$ 100,000,000
Senior Subordinated Notes [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount					$ 165,000,000
Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.25%
Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Eurodollar [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
Eurodollar [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.75%

Credit Arrangements and Debt 28

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations - Future Principal Payments Under New Term Loan (Detail) - Term Loan Facility [Member] $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Long Term Debt Maturities Estimated Repayments Of Principal [Line Items]
Future minimum payments in the remainder of 2016	$ 7,162
Future minimum payments in 2017	9,550
Future minimum payments in 2018	9,550
Future minimum payments in 2019	9,550
Future minimum payments in 2020	891,450
Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal, Total	$ 927,262

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Common Stock Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Option outstanding to purchase (in shares)	0.5	0.4
Restricted Stock [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years

Earnings Per Share - Computatio

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Basic Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 24,727	$ 22,532
Earnings (loss) per share:
Common stock-basic (usd per share)	$ 0.41	$ 0.36
Common Stock [Member]
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 24,517	$ 22,386
Weighted average number of common shares:
Weighted average number (shares)	59,832,168	61,682,964
Unvested Participating Shares [Member]
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 210	$ 146
Weighted average number of common shares:
Weighted average number (shares)	512,477	400,965

Earnings Per Share - Computat31

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Diluted Earnings per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Diluted earnings per share:
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 24,727	$ 22,532
Earnings allocated to common stock	$ 24,522	$ 22,390
Weighted average number of common shares:
Common stock-diluted (shares)	61,300,409	63,189,367
Earnings (loss) per share:
Common stock-diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.40	$ 0.35
Common Stock [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 24,517	$ 22,386
Weighted average number of common shares:
Common stock-basic (shares)	59,832,168	61,682,964
Unvested Participating Shares [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 210	$ 146
Adjusted earnings	$ (205)	$ (142)
Weighted average number of common shares:
Common stock-basic (shares)	512,477	400,965
Stock Options [Member]
Weighted average number of common shares:
Dilutive effect (shares)	1,468,241	1,506,403

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)tax_audit	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective income tax rates	34.80%	31.30%
Unrecognized income tax benefit	$ 800,000		$ 700,000
Interest and penalties accrued for income tax	0		$ 0
Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Change in uncertain tax positions	0
Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Change in uncertain tax positions	$ 800,000
Federal [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Statute of limitations	3 years
State [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of income tax audits in process | tax_audit	2
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 Measurements - Debt

Fair Value Measurements - Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Estimate of Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 926,100	$ 924,700
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 927,262	$ 929,650

Fair Value Measures - Additiona

Fair Value Measures - Additional Information (Detail) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016Customer
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]
Clients accounting for more than benchmark	0

Segment Information - Income fr

Segment Information - Income from Operations by Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 385,322	$ 350,440
Amortization of intangibles	7,148	6,922
Income from operations	48,597	42,841
Secondary offering costs	200
Operating Segments [Member] | Full Service Center-based Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	328,827	300,334
Amortization of intangibles	6,823	6,597
Income from operations	32,891	28,275
Operating Segments [Member] | Back-up Dependent Care [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	45,131	41,601
Amortization of intangibles	181	181
Income from operations	13,206	13,761
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	11,364	8,505
Amortization of intangibles	144	144
Income from operations	$ 2,500	$ 805