Bright Horizons Family Solutions (BFAM) 10-Q 6 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 26, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
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 Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (shares)		58,069,290

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 21,304	$ 23,227
Accounts receivable—net	104,965	117,138
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	48,189	52,096
Total current assets	174,458	192,461
Fixed assets—net	586,411	575,185
Goodwill	1,339,450	1,306,792
Other intangibles—net	329,319	348,540
Other assets	67,776	45,666
Total assets	2,497,414	2,468,644
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt	10,750	10,750
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	94,000	127,100
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	160,030	132,897
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	156,479	155,696
Other current liabilities	31,258	34,212
Total current liabilities	452,517	460,655
Long-term debt—net	1,039,074	1,046,011
Deferred rent and related obligations	69,768	66,499
Other long-term liabilities	75,277	64,171
Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent	6,143	8,179
Deferred income taxes	74,422	74,069
Total liabilities	1,717,201	1,719,584
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017	0	0
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 57,776,682 and 58,013,144 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	58	58
Additional paid-in capital	682,663	747,155
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(48,975)	(33,296)
Retained earnings	146,467	35,143
Total stockholders’ equity	780,213	749,060
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,497,414	$ 2,468,644

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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)	57,776,682	58,013,144
Common stock, outstanding (shares)	57,776,682	58,013,144

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue	$ 471,585	$ 433,316	$ 1,424,941	$ 1,301,026
Cost of services	358,545	330,122	1,072,320	978,557
Gross profit	113,040	103,194	352,621	322,469
Selling, general and administrative expenses	49,427	46,369	152,776	141,384
Amortization of intangible assets	8,153	8,191	24,477	24,241
Other Expenses	0	3,671	0	3,671
Income from operations	55,460	44,963	175,368	153,173
Interest expense—net	(11,795)	(10,824)	(35,459)	(32,252)
Income before income tax	43,665	34,139	139,909	120,921
Income tax expense	(10,065)	(3,034)	(28,585)	(15,402)
Net income	$ 33,600	$ 31,105	$ 111,324	$ 105,519
Earnings per common share:
Common stock-basic (usd per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.53	$ 1.91	$ 1.78
Common stock-diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.57	$ 0.51	$ 1.88	$ 1.74
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Common stock-diluted (shares)	58,924,423	60,088,078	59,044,561	60,457,004

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 33,600	$ 31,105	$ 111,324	$ 105,519
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(9,914)	18,983	(23,602)	49,029
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax	935		7,923	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(8,979)	18,983	(15,679)	49,029
Comprehensive income	$ 24,621	$ 50,088	$ 95,645	$ 154,548

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 111,324	$ 105,519
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	75,146	70,289
Amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs	1,418	1,323
Loss on foreign currency transactions and other	46	1,608
Loss on disposal of fixed assets	767	2,282
Stock-based compensation expense	10,304	8,777
Deferred income taxes	(3,719)	1,038
Deferred rent	1,055	3,647
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	11,672	2,324
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	6,261	(9,976)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	25,151	17,815
Deferred revenue	(1,282)	4,149
Accrued rent and related obligations	2,592	1,684
Other assets	(4,808)	746
Other current and long-term liabilities	3,769	1,806
Net cash provided by operating activities	239,696	213,031
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of fixed assets—net	(62,549)	(63,070)
Payments and settlements for acquisitions—net of cash acquired	(51,744)	(17,526)
Net cash used in investing activities	(114,293)	(80,596)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	493,100	475,001
Payments under revolving credit facility	(526,200)	(485,501)
Principal payments of long-term debt	(8,063)	(5,375)
Payments for debt issuance costs	292	1,314
Purchase of treasury stock	(85,725)	(74,935)
Taxes paid related to the net share settlement of stock options and restricted stock	(7,452)	(25,830)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options	14,893	18,709
Proceeds from issuance of restricted stock	4,457	4,363
Payments of contingent consideration for acquisitions	(2,965)	(185)
Net cash used in financing activities	(118,247)	(95,067)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	(271)	2,084
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect	6,885	39,452
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash payments of interest	34,197	33,450
Cash payments of income taxes	28,939	24,996
NON-CASH TRANSACTION:
Fixed asset purchases recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,100	3,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 43,455	$ 55,507

Organization and Basis of Prese

Organization and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 center-based child care and early education, back-up dependent care (for children and adult/elder dependents), tuition reimbursement program management, college admissions advisory services, and other support services for employers and families in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Canada, and India. The Company provides services designed to help employers and families better address the challenges of work and family life primarily under multi-year contracts with employers who offer child care and other dependent care solutions, as well as educational advisory services, as part of their employee benefits packages in an effort to improve employee engagement. Basis of Presentation —The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018 and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) 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 U.S. GAAP 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, 2017 . In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018 and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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 “IPO”) and issued a total of 11.6 million shares of common stock. The Company also authorized 25 million shares of undesignated preferred stock for issuance. Since the IPO, certain of the Company’s stockholders have sold a total of 52.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock in secondary offerings (“secondary offerings”), including 4.6 million shares in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 in a secondary offering completed in March 2018 . The Company has not received proceeds from the sale of shares in any of the secondary offerings. In the March 2018 secondary offering, investment funds affiliated with Bain Capital Partners, LLC sold their holdings of the Company’s common stock and the Company purchased 0.8 million of the shares sold in the offering at the same price per share paid by the underwriter to the selling stockholders. The Company incurred $0.3 million in offering costs related to the secondary offering, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses. The board of directors of the Company authorized a share repurchase program of up to $300 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock, effective June 12, 2018 . The share repurchase program replaces the prior $300 million authorization, of which $34.9 million remained available at the time the plan was replaced and cancelled. The share repurchase program has no expiration date. The shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, under Rule 10b5-1 plans, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. At September 30, 2018 , $300 million remained available under the repurchase program. Recently Adopted Pronouncements —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (the “new revenue guidance”), which provides a single comprehensive model for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers control over 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. The Company adopted the new revenue guidance using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2018. Therefore, the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company evaluated each revenue stream and applied the new revenue guidance as further discussed in Note 2. There was no material impact on the timing or amount of revenue recognized upon adoption and any cumulative prior period adjustment was determined to be immaterial and therefore there were no adjustments recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings upon adoption. The Company’s internal controls were not significantly impacted as a result of this accounting change and the Company has made the necessary changes to accounting policies and internal processes to support the new revenue guidance, including the related disclosures. The Company expects the impact of the adoption of the new standard to be immaterial to the results of operations on an ongoing basis. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Restricted Cash, which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances for all periods presented. The update is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual reporting periods with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted the standard retrospectively, and as such, changes in restricted cash that have historically been presented in operating activities have now been excluded and restricted cash is combined with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning and end of period balances for all periods presented. The adoption of this guidance resulted in an increase of $8.8 million and $11.8 million to net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The adoption of this guidance had no impact on the condensed consolidated statements of income and balance sheets. Restricted cash is primarily comprised of deposits associated with the Company’s wholly-owned captive insurance company and cash deposits that guarantee letters of credit. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash within the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,304 $ 23,227 Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,770 5,343 Restricted cash, included in other assets 14,381 8,000 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 43,455 $ 36,570 New Accounting Pronouncements —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 guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 , with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which approved a transition method that provides the option to use the effective date as the date of initial application on transition. The Company plans to elect this transition method, and as a result, the Company will not adjust comparative information for prior periods. The Company is progressing with its preparation for the adoption and implementation of this new accounting standard. The Company anticipates that the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability associated with the remaining lease payments will be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet for all long-term leases. The adoption is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated statements of income or cash flows. The majority of the Company’s lease portfolio represents leases of real estate for centers, corporate offices, and call centers. In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (Topic 815) , which expands and refines hedge accounting for both non-financial and financial risk components and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The guidance also makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance with respect to cash flow and net investment hedge relationships existing on the date of adoption must be applied on a modified retrospective basis, and the new presentation and disclosure requirements must be applied on a prospective basis. This standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	REVENUE RECOGNITION General The Company generates revenue from services based on the consideration specified in contracts with customers, which primarily consist of employer sponsors and parents. The Company recognizes revenue when a performance obligation is satisfied by transferring control of the promised services to a customer, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those services. A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct service to the customer. At contract inception, the Company assesses the services promised in the contract and identifies each distinct performance obligation. To identify the performance obligations, the Company considers the services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or are implied by customary business practices. The transaction price of a contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation using the relative stand-alone selling price and recognized as revenue when, or as, control of the service is passed to the custo me r. Revenue is recognized over time because control of the service is transferred continuously to our customers. Nature of Services The Company’s services are comprised of full service center-based child care, back-up dependent care, and educational advisory services, which also represent the Company’s operating and reportable segments. Full Service Center-Based Child Care Full service center-based child care includes traditional center-based child care and early education, preschool, and elementary education. Revenue generated from full service center-based child care services is primarily comprised of tuition paid by parents and fees from contractual arrangements with employer sponsors. Tuition is determined based on the age of the child, the child’s attendance schedule, and geographic location. Tuition is typically billed on a monthly basis, which is consistent with the timing of the delivery of services. The Company enters into contracts with employer sponsors to manage and operate their child care and early education centers for a management fee. These arrangements generally have a contractual term of three to ten years with varying terms and renewal options, and may also include operating subsidies paid either in lieu of or to supplement parent tuition. Management fees and subsidies are typically billed on a monthly basis, which is consistent with the timing of the delivery of services. Revenue from fixed and variable fees for full service center-based child care is recognized over time as services are rendered. Back-Up Dependent Care Services Back-up dependent care services consist of center-based back-up child care, and in-home care for children and adult/elder dependents. The Company provides back-up dependent care services through the Company’s full-service and dedicated back-up centers, as well as through the back-up care network. Bright Horizons back-up care offers access to a contracted network of in-home service agencies and center-based providers in locations where the Company does not otherwise have centers with available capacity. Back-up dependent care revenue is primarily comprised of fixed and variable fees or subsidies paid by employer sponsors and co-payments collected from users at the point of service. These arrangements generally have contractual terms of three years with varying terms and renewal options. Fees for back-up dependent care services are typically determined based on the number of back-up uses and are generally billed monthly as services are rendered or in advance. Revenue for back-up dependent care is recognized over time as services are rendered. Educational Advisory Services The Company’s educational advisory services consist of tuition reimbursement program management and related educational consulting services (“EdAssist”), college admissions advisory services (“College Coach”), and other employer sponsored services. Educational advisory services revenue is primarily comprised of fixed and variable fees paid by employer clients, network school partners, as well as retail fees collected from users at the point of service. These arrangements generally have contractual terms of one to three years with varying terms and renewal options. Fees for educational advisory services are determined based on the expected number of program participants and the services selected, and are generally billed in advance. Revenue for educational advisory services is recognized over time as services are rendered. Disaggregation of Revenue The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers into segments and geographical regions. The Company determined that disaggregating revenue into these categories achieves the disclosure objective to depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by segment and geographical region (in thousands): Full service Back-up Educational Total Three months ended September 30, 2018 North America (1) $ 279,324 $ 64,860 $ 18,053 $ 362,237 Europe and other (2) 107,724 1,624 — 109,348 $ 387,048 $ 66,484 $ 18,053 $ 471,585 Three months ended September 30, 2017 North America (1) $ 260,123 $ 59,027 $ 15,137 $ 334,287 Europe and other (2) 97,971 1,058 — 99,029 $ 358,094 $ 60,085 $ 15,137 $ 433,316 Full service Back-up Educational Total Nine months ended September 30, 2018 North America (1) $ 858,035 $ 175,671 $ 51,162 $ 1,084,868 Europe and other (2) 335,759 4,314 — 340,073 $ 1,193,794 $ 179,985 $ 51,162 $ 1,424,941 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 North America (1) $ 808,965 $ 161,247 $ 41,944 $ 1,012,156 Europe and other (2) 285,946 2,924 — 288,870 $ 1,094,911 $ 164,171 $ 41,944 $ 1,301,026 (1) The North America region is comprised of the Company’s operations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. (2) The Europe and other region is comprised of the Company’s operations in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and India. Deferred Revenues The Company’s payment terms vary by the type of services offered. Tuition collected from parents is typically billed and collected monthly in advance. Fees collected from employer sponsors may be billed annually or quarterly in advance or may be billed monthly in arrears. The Company’s standard payment terms generally align with the timing of the services performed and do not include a financing component. The Company has the unconditional right to consideration as it satisfies the performance obligations, therefore no contractual assets are recognized. The Company records deferred revenues when payments are received in advance of the Company’s performance under the contract, which are recognized as revenue as the performance obligation is satisfied. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , $143.6 million was recognized as revenue related to the deferred revenue balance recorded at December 31, 2017 . There were no significant changes in deferred revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to business combinations, impairments, cumulative catch-up or other adjustments. Practical Expedients The transaction price allocated to the remaining performance obligations relates to services that are paid or invoiced in advance. The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original contract term of one year or less, in accordance with the practical expedient provisions within the guidance, or for variable consideration allocated to the unsatisfied performance obligation of a series of services. The Company’s remaining performance obligations not subject to the practical expedients are not material. The Company applied the practical expedient of expensing costs incurred to obtain a contract if the amortization period of the asset is one year or less. Sales commissions are immaterial and are expensed as incurred in selling, general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Acquisitions and Dispositions

Acquisitions and Dispositions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS The Company’s growth strategy includes expansion through strategic and synergistic acquisitions. 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 gaining the related assembled workforce. 2018 Acquisitions During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company acquired five centers in the Netherlands, six centers in the United States, and 17 centers in the United Kingdom in five separate business acquisitions, which were each accounted for as business combinations. The centers were acquired for cash consideration of $51.6 million , net of cash acquired of $4.0 million , and consideration payable of $4.1 million . The Company recorded goodwill of $47.1 million related to the full service center-based child care segment, of which $13.9 million will be deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the Company recorded intangible assets of $6.5 million , consisting of trademarks and customer relationships that will be amortized over two to five years, as well as fixed assets of $5.7 million , working capital of $2.0 million , and deferred tax liabilities and other long term liabilities of $1.7 million 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 of September 30, 2018 , the purchase price allocations for these acquisitions remain 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 date of acquisition, which were not material to the Company’s financial results. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company paid $3.1 million for the settlement of a portion of the contingent consideration related to an acquisition completed in 2016. 2017 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company acquired ten centers in the Netherlands, three centers in the United States, and one center in the United Kingdom in seven separate business acquisitions, which were each accounted for as business combinations. The centers were acquired for cash consideration of $21.5 million , net of cash acquired of $0.3 million , and consideration payable of $0.2 million . The Company recorded goodwill of $14.3 million related to the full service center-based child care segment, a portion of which will be deductible for tax purposes. In addition, the Company recorded intangible assets of $2.3 million , consisting primarily of customer relationships that will be amortized over three to five years , as well as fixed assets of $7.3 million , deferred tax liabilities of $0.6 million , and a working capital deficit of $1.3 million 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 of September 30, 2018 , the purchase price allocations for one of the 2017 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 date of acquisition, which were not material to the Company’s financial results. 2017 Dispositions During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company disposed of its remaining three centers in Ireland for a loss of $3.7 million , which was included in other expenses in the consolidated statements of income, offset by a tax benefit of approximately $7.0 million that was recorded from the loss on investment of a subsidiary.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands): Full service center-based child care Back-up dependent care Educational advisory services Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 1,075,796 $ 168,108 $ 23,801 $ 1,267,705 Additions from acquisitions 14,269 — — 14,269 Adjustments to prior year acquisitions (5,596 ) (3 ) — (5,599 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 30,417 — — 30,417 Balance at December 31, 2017 1,114,886 168,105 23,801 1,306,792 Additions from acquisitions 47,143 — — 47,143 Effect of foreign currency translation (14,485 ) — — (14,485 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 1,147,544 $ 168,105 $ 23,801 $ 1,339,450 The Company also has intangible assets, which consist of the following at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 400,603 $ (257,191 ) $ 143,412 Trade names 7 years 10,423 (5,450 ) 4,973 411,026 (262,641 ) 148,385 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 180,934 — 180,934 $ 591,960 $ (262,641 ) $ 329,319 December 31, 2017 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 15 years $ 396,428 $ (234,742 ) $ 161,686 Trade names 7 years 10,224 (4,566 ) 5,658 406,652 (239,308 ) 167,344 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 181,196 — 181,196 $ 587,848 $ (239,308 ) $ 348,540 The Company estimates that it will record amortization expense related to intangible assets existing as of September 30, 2018 as follows over the next five years (in thousands): Estimated amortization expense Remainder of 2018 $ 7,729 2019 $ 29,756 2020 $ 27,546 2021 $ 25,648 2022 $ 23,327

Credit Arrangements and Debt Ob

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations	CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS AND DEBT OBLIGATIONS Senior secured credit facilities The Company’s $1.3 billion senior secured credit facilities consist of a $1.1 billion secured term loan facility and a $225 million revolving credit facility. The term loans mature on November 7, 2023 and require quarterly principal payments of $2.7 million , with the remaining principal balance due on November 7, 2023 . Outstanding term loan borrowings were as follows at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Term loans $ 1,058,875 $ 1,066,938 Deferred financing costs and original issue discount (9,051 ) (10,177 ) Total debt 1,049,824 1,056,761 Less current maturities 10,750 10,750 Long-term debt $ 1,039,074 $ 1,046,011 The revolving credit facility matures on July 31, 2022 . Borrowings outstanding on the revolving credit facility were $94.0 million at September 30, 2018 and $127.1 million at December 31, 2017 . All borrowings under the credit agreement are subject to variable interest. On May 31, 2018 , the Company amended its existing senior credit facilities to, among other changes, reduce the applicable interest rates of the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility. Effective as of May 31, 2018 , borrowings under the term loan facility bear interest at a rate per annum of 0.75% over the base rate, or 1.75% over the eurocurrency rate, which is the one, two, three or six month LIBOR rate or, with applicable lender approval, the twelve month or less than one month LIBOR rate. With respect to the term loan facility, the base rate is subject to an interest rate floor of 1.75% and the eurocurrency rate is subject to an interest rate floor of 0.75% . Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum ranging from 0.50% to 0.75% over the base rate, or 1.50% to 1.75% over the eurocurrency rate. The effective interest rate for the term loans was 3.99% and 3.57% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 3.76% and 3.50% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The effective interest rate for the revolving credit facility was 4.18% and 3.70% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The weighted average interest rate for the revolving credit facility was 3.97% and 4.20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Certain financing fees and original issue discount costs are capitalized and are being amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments and amortization expense is included in interest expense. Amortization expense of deferred financing costs were $0.4 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and were $1.1 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Amortization expense of original issue discount costs were $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and were $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . All obligations under the senior secured credit facilities are secured by substantially all the assets of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries. The senior secured credit facilities contain a number of covenants that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, may restrict the ability of Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary, and its restricted subsidiaries, to: incur certain liens; make investments, loans, advances and acquisitions; incur additional indebtedness or guarantees; pay dividends on capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire capital stock or subordinated indebtedness; engage in transactions with affiliates; sell assets, including capital stock of our subsidiaries; alter the business conducted; enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends; and consolidate or merge. In addition, the credit agreement governing the senior secured credit facilities requires Bright Horizons Capital Corp., our direct subsidiary, to be a passive holding company, subject to certain exceptions. The revolving credit facility requires Bright Horizons Family Solutions LLC, the borrower, and its restricted subsidiaries, to comply with a maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio that is a quarterly maintenance based financial covenant. A breach of this covenant is subject to certain equity cure rights. The future principal payments under the term loans at September 30, 2018 are as follows (in thousands): Remainder of 2018 $ 2,687 2019 10,750 2020 10,750 2021 10,750 2022 10,750 2023 1,013,188 $ 1,058,875 Interest Rate Swap Agreements The Company is subject to interest rate risk as all borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities are subject to variable interest. On October 16, 2017 , the Company entered into variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the exposure to variable interest arrangements on $500 million notional amount of the outstanding term loan borrowings, effective October 31, 2017. These swap agreements, designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges from inception, are scheduled to mature on October 31, 2021 . The Company is required to make monthly payments on the notional amount at a fixed average interest rate, including the applicable rate for eurocurrency loans. Effective as of May 31, 2018 , the notional amount is subject to an interest rate of approximately 3.65% . In exchange, the Company receives interest on the notional amount at a variable rate based on the one-month LIBOR rate, subject to a 0.75% floor. The interest rate swaps are recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at fair value and classified based on the instruments’ maturity dates. The Company records gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps to other comprehensive income or loss to the extent that the swaps are effective as hedges. Through September 30, 2018 , there was no ineffectiveness related to the interest rate swap agreements. Gains and losses recorded to other comprehensive income or loss are reclassified into earnings and recognized to interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of income in the period that the hedged interest expense on the term loan facility is recognized. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was as follows (in thousands): Consolidated balance sheet classification September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps—asset Other assets $ 14,665 $ 3,767 For the three months ended September 30, 2018 , the effect of the interest rate swap agreements on other comprehensive income was as follows (in thousands): Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income Consolidated statement of income classification Amount of net gain reclassified into earnings Total effect on other comprehensive income Interest rate swaps $ 1,525 Interest expense—net $ 240 $ 1,285 Income tax effect (415 ) Income tax expense (65 ) (350 ) Net of income taxes $ 1,110 $ 175 $ 935 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the effect of the interest rate swap agreements on other comprehensive income was as follows (in thousands): Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income Consolidated statement of income classification Amount of net loss reclassified into earnings Total effect on other comprehensive income Interest rate swaps $ 10,788 Interest expense—net $ (95 ) $ 10,883 Income tax effect (2,934 ) Income tax expense 26 (2,960 ) Net of income taxes $ 7,854 $ (69 ) $ 7,923 During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that a gain of $3.6 million , pre-tax, will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss and recorded as a reduction to interest expense, related to these interest rate swap agreements.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Three months ended Nine months ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 33,600 $ 31,105 $ 111,324 $ 105,519 Allocation of net income to common stockholders: Common stock $ 33,409 $ 30,905 $ 110,705 $ 104,884 Unvested participating shares 191 200 619 635 $ 33,600 $ 31,105 $ 111,324 $ 105,519 Weighted average number of common shares: Common stock 57,719,730 58,811,488 57,841,382 59,039,931 Unvested participating shares 330,089 380,950 323,689 361,055 Earnings per common share: Common stock $ 0.58 $ 0.53 $ 1.91 $ 1.78 Earnings per Share - Diluted The Company calculates diluted earnings per share for common stock using the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or the two-class method. The following table sets forth the computation of diluted earnings per share using the two-class method (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Three months ended Nine months ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Diluted earnings per share: Earnings allocated to common stock $ 33,409 $ 30,905 $ 110,705 $ 104,884 Plus earnings allocated to unvested participating shares 191 200 619 635 Less adjusted earnings allocated to unvested participating shares (187 ) (196 ) (607 ) (620 ) Earnings allocated to common stock $ 33,413 $ 30,909 $ 110,717 $ 104,899 Weighted average number of common shares: Common stock 57,719,730 58,811,488 57,841,382 59,039,931 Effect of dilutive securities 1,204,693 1,276,590 1,203,179 1,417,073 58,924,423 60,088,078 59,044,561 60,457,004 Earnings per common share: Common stock $ 0.57 $ 0.51 $ 1.88 $ 1.74 Options outstanding to purchase 0.4 million and 0.5 million shares of common stock were excluded from diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and 0.6 million and 0.7 million shares of common stock were excluded from diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, since their effect was anti-dilutive. These options may become dilutive in the future.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	INCOME TAXES The Company’s effective income tax rates were 23.1% and 8.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and 20.4% and 12.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The effective income tax rate is based upon estimated income before income tax 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 jurisdictional income tax rate changes such as the enactment of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) in December 2017, which changed the federal tax rate from 35% to 21% , effective January 1, 2018, discrete items such as the settlement of foreign, federal and state tax issues and, beginning January 1, 2017, for the effects of including the excess tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock as a reduction of tax expense, in accordance with ASU 2016-09: Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718). During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the excess tax benefit decreased tax expense by $2.4 million and $10.6 million , respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , the excess tax benefit decreased tax expense by $3.4 million and $21.9 million , respectively. The excess tax benefit decreased from the prior year due to the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate and a lower volume of equity transactions. Also in the quarter ended September 30, 2017 , a tax benefit of approximately $7.0 million was recorded from the loss on investment of a subsidiary related to the disposition of our remaining assets in Ireland. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , prior to the inclusion of the excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation, the effective income tax rates approximated 28% . For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , prior to the inclusion of both the excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation and the benefit from the loss on investment, the effective income tax rates approximated 36% . The Tax Act also introduced the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) concept, which requires certain income earned by foreign subsidiaries to be included in U.S. taxable income, effective January 1, 2018. The Company included an estimate of the GILTI in the calculation of the estimated annual effective tax rate as of September 30, 2018 . The estimate could be impacted by the mix of international earnings and by additional guidance that may be issued on the implementation of GILTI rules. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the date of the Tax Act enactment for companies to complete the accounting under Accounting Standards Codification 740— Income Taxes . In accordance with SAB 118, to the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete, but the company is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in its financial statements. The Company has finalized its accounting for the Tax Act. As noted at December 31, 2017, the Company was able to make reasonable estimates of certain items and recorded provisional adjustments associated with the deemed repatriation transition tax and net deferred tax liability. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits were $4.4 million and $1.9 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. 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 $2.3 million , exclusive of interest and penalties. The Company and its domestic subsidiaries are subject to audit for 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 have a statute of limitations of three years . Tax filings for 2015 through 2017 are subject to audit. 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. As of September 30, 2018 , there was one state audit in process and the tax years from 2012 to 2017 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and borrowings on the revolving credit facility approximates their fair value because of their short-term nature. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is based on current bid prices, which approximates carrying value. As such, the Company’s long-term debt was classified as Level 1, as defined under U.S. GAAP. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt was $1.1 billion . In 2017, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements, which were included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the fair value of the interest rate swaps were $14.7 million and $3.8 million , respectively, which were estimated using market-standard valuation models. Such models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs. Additionally, the fair value of the interest rate swaps included consideration of credit risk. The Company used a potential future exposure model to estimate this credit valuation adjustment (“CVA”). The inputs to the CVA were largely based on observable market data, with the exception of certain assumptions regarding credit worthiness. As the magnitude of the CVA was not a significant component of the fair value of the interest rate swaps, it was not considered a significant input. The fair value of the interest rate swaps is classified as Level 2, as defined under 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. There were no significant changes to the Company’s exposure of credit risk during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 .

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	SEGMENT INFORMATION Bright Horizons’ services are comprised of full service center-based child care, back-up dependent care, and educational advisory services. As such, the Company has determined that it has three operating segments, which are also its reportable segments. Full service center-based child care includes the traditional center-based child care, preschool, and elementary education, which have similar operating characteristics and meet the criteria for aggregation. The Company’s back-up dependent care services consist of center-based back-up child care, and in-home child and adult/elder dependent care. The Company’s educational advisory services consist of tuition reimbursement program management and related educational consulting services, and college admissions advisory services, which have similar operating characteristics and meet the criteria for aggregation. 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; therefore, no additional information is produced or included herein. Full service center-based child care Back-up dependent care Educational advisory services Total (In thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2018 Revenue $ 387,048 $ 66,484 $ 18,053 $ 471,585 Income from operations 34,006 16,941 4,513 55,460 Three months ended September 30, 2017 Revenue $ 358,094 $ 60,085 $ 15,137 $ 433,316 Income from operations (1) 24,742 15,886 4,335 44,963 (1) For the three months ended September 30, 2017 , income from operations includes $3.7 million of expenses related to the disposition of our remaining assets in Ireland, which have been allocated to the full service center-based child care segment. Full service Back-up Educational Total (In thousands) Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Revenue $ 1,193,794 $ 179,985 $ 51,162 $ 1,424,941 Income from operations (1) 115,857 47,207 12,304 175,368 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Revenue $ 1,094,911 $ 164,171 $ 41,944 $ 1,301,026 Income from operations (2) 99,921 43,794 9,458 153,173 (1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , income from operations includes $1.9 million of expenses related to the May 2018 amendment to the credit agreement, the March 2018 secondary offering, and completed acquisitions, which have been allocated to the full service center-based child care segment. (2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , income from operations includes $5.6 million of expenses related to the disposition of our remaining assets in Ireland, and the May 2017 amendment to the credit agreement and secondary offering, which have been allocated to the full service center-based child care segment.

Organization and Basis of Pre_2

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation —The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018 and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP” or “GAAP”) 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 U.S. GAAP 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, 2017 . In the opinion of the Company’s management, the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2018 and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the interim periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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	Recently Adopted Pronouncements —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (the “new revenue guidance”), which provides a single comprehensive model for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers control over 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. The Company adopted the new revenue guidance using the modified retrospective method on January 1, 2018. Therefore, the comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The Company evaluated each revenue stream and applied the new revenue guidance as further discussed in Note 2. There was no material impact on the timing or amount of revenue recognized upon adoption and any cumulative prior period adjustment was determined to be immaterial and therefore there were no adjustments recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings upon adoption. The Company’s internal controls were not significantly impacted as a result of this accounting change and the Company has made the necessary changes to accounting policies and internal processes to support the new revenue guidance, including the related disclosures. The Company expects the impact of the adoption of the new standard to be immaterial to the results of operations on an ongoing basis.
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.

Organization and Basis of Pre_3

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash within the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,304 $ 23,227 Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,770 5,343 Restricted cash, included in other assets 14,381 8,000 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 43,455 $ 36,570

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers into segments and geographical regions. The Company determined that disaggregating revenue into these categories achieves the disclosure objective to depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by segment and geographical region (in thousands): Full service Back-up Educational Total Three months ended September 30, 2018 North America (1) $ 279,324 $ 64,860 $ 18,053 $ 362,237 Europe and other (2) 107,724 1,624 — 109,348 $ 387,048 $ 66,484 $ 18,053 $ 471,585 Three months ended September 30, 2017 North America (1) $ 260,123 $ 59,027 $ 15,137 $ 334,287 Europe and other (2) 97,971 1,058 — 99,029 $ 358,094 $ 60,085 $ 15,137 $ 433,316 Full service Back-up Educational Total Nine months ended September 30, 2018 North America (1) $ 858,035 $ 175,671 $ 51,162 $ 1,084,868 Europe and other (2) 335,759 4,314 — 340,073 $ 1,193,794 $ 179,985 $ 51,162 $ 1,424,941 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 North America (1) $ 808,965 $ 161,247 $ 41,944 $ 1,012,156 Europe and other (2) 285,946 2,924 — 288,870 $ 1,094,911 $ 164,171 $ 41,944 $ 1,301,026 (1) The North America region is comprised of the Company’s operations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. (2) The Europe and other region is comprised of the Company’s operations in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and India.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands): Full service center-based child care Back-up dependent care Educational advisory services Total Balance at January 1, 2017 $ 1,075,796 $ 168,108 $ 23,801 $ 1,267,705 Additions from acquisitions 14,269 — — 14,269 Adjustments to prior year acquisitions (5,596 ) (3 ) — (5,599 ) Effect of foreign currency translation 30,417 — — 30,417 Balance at December 31, 2017 1,114,886 168,105 23,801 1,306,792 Additions from acquisitions 47,143 — — 47,143 Effect of foreign currency translation (14,485 ) — — (14,485 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 1,147,544 $ 168,105 $ 23,801 $ 1,339,450
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The Company also has intangible assets, which consist of the following at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 400,603 $ (257,191 ) $ 143,412 Trade names 7 years 10,423 (5,450 ) 4,973 411,026 (262,641 ) 148,385 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 180,934 — 180,934 $ 591,960 $ (262,641 ) $ 329,319 December 31, 2017 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 15 years $ 396,428 $ (234,742 ) $ 161,686 Trade names 7 years 10,224 (4,566 ) 5,658 406,652 (239,308 ) 167,344 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 181,196 — 181,196 $ 587,848 $ (239,308 ) $ 348,540
Schedule of Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets	The Company also has intangible assets, which consist of the following at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 14 years $ 400,603 $ (257,191 ) $ 143,412 Trade names 7 years 10,423 (5,450 ) 4,973 411,026 (262,641 ) 148,385 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 180,934 — 180,934 $ 591,960 $ (262,641 ) $ 329,319 December 31, 2017 Weighted average amortization period Cost Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount Definite-lived intangibles: Customer relationships 15 years $ 396,428 $ (234,742 ) $ 161,686 Trade names 7 years 10,224 (4,566 ) 5,658 406,652 (239,308 ) 167,344 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names N/A 181,196 — 181,196 $ 587,848 $ (239,308 ) $ 348,540
Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	The Company estimates that it will record amortization expense related to intangible assets existing as of September 30, 2018 as follows over the next five years (in thousands): Estimated amortization expense Remainder of 2018 $ 7,729 2019 $ 29,756 2020 $ 27,546 2021 $ 25,648 2022 $ 23,327

Credit Arrangements and Debt _2

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Outstanding Borrowings	Outstanding term loan borrowings were as follows at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in thousands): September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Term loans $ 1,058,875 $ 1,066,938 Deferred financing costs and original issue discount (9,051 ) (10,177 ) Total debt 1,049,824 1,056,761 Less current maturities 10,750 10,750 Long-term debt $ 1,039,074 $ 1,046,011
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The future principal payments under the term loans at September 30, 2018 are as follows (in thousands): Remainder of 2018 $ 2,687 2019 10,750 2020 10,750 2021 10,750 2022 10,750 2023 1,013,188 $ 1,058,875
Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives	As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was as follows (in thousands): Consolidated balance sheet classification September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Interest rate swaps—asset Other assets $ 14,665 $ 3,767 For the three months ended September 30, 2018 , the effect of the interest rate swap agreements on other comprehensive income was as follows (in thousands): Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income Consolidated statement of income classification Amount of net gain reclassified into earnings Total effect on other comprehensive income Interest rate swaps $ 1,525 Interest expense—net $ 240 $ 1,285 Income tax effect (415 ) Income tax expense (65 ) (350 ) Net of income taxes $ 1,110 $ 175 $ 935 For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the effect of the interest rate swap agreements on other comprehensive income was as follows (in thousands): Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments Amount of gain recognized in other comprehensive income Consolidated statement of income classification Amount of net loss reclassified into earnings Total effect on other comprehensive income Interest rate swaps $ 10,788 Interest expense—net $ (95 ) $ 10,883 Income tax effect (2,934 ) Income tax expense 26 (2,960 ) Net of income taxes $ 7,854 $ (69 ) $ 7,923

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share	The following table sets forth the computation of earnings per share using the two-class method (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Three months ended Nine months ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Basic earnings per share: Net income $ 33,600 $ 31,105 $ 111,324 $ 105,519 Allocation of net income to common stockholders: Common stock $ 33,409 $ 30,905 $ 110,705 $ 104,884 Unvested participating shares 191 200 619 635 $ 33,600 $ 31,105 $ 111,324 $ 105,519 Weighted average number of common shares: Common stock 57,719,730 58,811,488 57,841,382 59,039,931 Unvested participating shares 330,089 380,950 323,689 361,055 Earnings per common share: Common stock $ 0.58 $ 0.53 $ 1.91 $ 1.78 The following table sets forth the computation of diluted earnings per share using the two-class method (in thousands, except share and per share amounts): Three months ended Nine months ended 2018 2017 2018 2017 Diluted earnings per share: Earnings allocated to common stock $ 33,409 $ 30,905 $ 110,705 $ 104,884 Plus earnings allocated to unvested participating shares 191 200 619 635 Less adjusted earnings allocated to unvested participating shares (187 ) (196 ) (607 ) (620 ) Earnings allocated to common stock $ 33,413 $ 30,909 $ 110,717 $ 104,899 Weighted average number of common shares: Common stock 57,719,730 58,811,488 57,841,382 59,039,931 Effect of dilutive securities 1,204,693 1,276,590 1,203,179 1,417,073 58,924,423 60,088,078 59,044,561 60,457,004 Earnings per common share: Common stock $ 0.57 $ 0.51 $ 1.88 $ 1.74

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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; therefore, no additional information is produced or included herein. Full service center-based child care Back-up dependent care Educational advisory services Total (In thousands) Three months ended September 30, 2018 Revenue $ 387,048 $ 66,484 $ 18,053 $ 471,585 Income from operations 34,006 16,941 4,513 55,460 Three months ended September 30, 2017 Revenue $ 358,094 $ 60,085 $ 15,137 $ 433,316 Income from operations (1) 24,742 15,886 4,335 44,963 (1) For the three months ended September 30, 2017 , income from operations includes $3.7 million of expenses related to the disposition of our remaining assets in Ireland, which have been allocated to the full service center-based child care segment. Full service Back-up Educational Total (In thousands) Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Revenue $ 1,193,794 $ 179,985 $ 51,162 $ 1,424,941 Income from operations (1) 115,857 47,207 12,304 175,368 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Revenue $ 1,094,911 $ 164,171 $ 41,944 $ 1,301,026 Income from operations (2) 99,921 43,794 9,458 153,173 (1) For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , income from operations includes $1.9 million of expenses related to the May 2018 amendment to the credit agreement, the March 2018 secondary offering, and completed acquisitions, which have been allocated to the full service center-based child care segment. (2) For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , income from operations includes $5.6 million of expenses related to the disposition of our remaining assets in Ireland, and the May 2017 amendment to the credit agreement and secondary offering, which have been allocated to the full service center-based child care segment.

Organization and Significant Ac

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jan. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 12, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash for Operating Activities				$ 8,800,000	$ 11,800,000
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 21,304,000		21,304,000		$ 21,304,000		$ 23,227,000
Restricted Cash and Investments, Current		7,770,000		7,770,000		7,770,000		5,343,000
Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent		$ 14,381,000		$ 14,381,000		$ 14,381,000		$ 8,000,000
Number of shares issued (shares)	11,600,000
Preferred stock, authorized (shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000		25,000,000		25,000,000		25,000,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$ 49,427,000	$ 46,369,000	$ 152,776,000	141,384,000
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount							$ 300,000,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount							$ 34,900,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents		$ 43,455,000	$ 55,507,000	$ 43,455,000	$ 55,507,000	$ 43,455,000		$ 36,570,000	$ 16,055,000
Secondary Offering [Member]
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (shares)				4,600,000		52,300,000
Proceeds from issuance of secondary offering						$ 0
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares				800,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses				$ 300,000

Revenue Recognition (Details)

Revenue Recognition (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Deferred revenue, revenue recognized	$ 143.6

Revenue Recognition Disaggregat

Revenue Recognition Disaggregation Of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 471,585	$ 433,316	$ 1,424,941	$ 1,301,026
North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	362,237	334,287	1,084,868	1,012,156
Europe And Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	109,348	99,029	340,073	288,870
Full service center-based child care
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	387,048	358,094	1,193,794	1,094,911
Full service center-based child care | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	279,324	260,123	858,035	808,965
Full service center-based child care | Europe And Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	107,724	97,971	335,759	285,946
Back-up dependent care
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	66,484	60,085	179,985	164,171
Back-up dependent care | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	64,860	59,027	175,671	161,247
Back-up dependent care | Europe And Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	1,624	1,058	4,314	2,924
Educational advisory services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	18,053	15,137	51,162	41,944
Educational advisory services | North America
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	18,053	15,137	51,162	41,944
Educational advisory services | Europe And Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Acquisitions and Dispositions -

Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)Center	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)CenterBusiness	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)CenterBusiness	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired			$ 51,744	$ 17,526
Goodwill	$ 1,339,450		$ 1,339,450		$ 1,306,792	$ 1,267,705
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ (7,000)
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of businesses acquired | Business			5		7
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired			$ 51,600		$ 21,500
Cash acquired from acquisition			4,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Asset			4,100
Goodwill	47,100		47,100		14,300
Business Acquisition, Goodwill, Expected Tax Deductible Amount	13,900		13,900
Fixed assets acquired	5,700		5,700		7,300
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets	2,000		2,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities	(1,700)		$ (1,700)
Measurement period			1 year
Working capital acquired (deficit)	3,100		$ 3,100		1,300
Cash					300
Contingent consideration					200
Deferred tax liabilities					$ (600)
NETHERLANDS | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of centers acquired | Center			5		10
UNITED STATES | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of centers acquired | Center			6		3
Measurement period					1 year
UNITED KINGDOM | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of centers acquired | Center			17		1
IRELAND
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number Of Facilities Disposed | Center		3
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal		$ 3,700
Customer Relationships [Member] | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Intangible assets	$ 6,500		$ 6,500		$ 2,300
Customer Relationships [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	2 years				3 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period of intangible assets	5 years				5 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 1,306,792	$ 1,267,705
Additions from acquisitions	47,143	14,269
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions		(5,599)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(14,485)	30,417
Ending balance	1,339,450	1,306,792
Full service center-based child care
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance		1,075,796
Additions from acquisitions	47,143	14,269
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions		(5,596)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(14,485)	30,417
Ending balance	1,147,544
Backup Dependent Care
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance		168,108
Additions from acquisitions	0	0
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions		(3)
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	0
Ending balance	168,105
Other Educational Advisory Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance		23,801
Additions from acquisitions	0	0
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions		0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	$ 0
Ending balance	$ 23,801

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Cost	$ 411,026	$ 406,652
Accumulated amortization	(262,641)	(239,308)
Net carrying amount	148,385	167,344
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Cost	591,960	587,848
Net carrying amount	$ 329,319	$ 348,540
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period	14 years	15 years
Cost	$ 400,603	$ 396,428
Accumulated amortization	(257,191)	(234,742)
Net carrying amount	$ 143,412	$ 161,686
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract]
Weighted average amortization period	7 years	7 years
Cost	$ 10,423	$ 10,224
Accumulated amortization	(5,450)	(4,566)
Net carrying amount	4,973	5,658
Trade Names [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Cost	180,934	181,196
Net carrying amount	$ 180,934	$ 181,196

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Remainder of 2018	$ 7,729
2,019	29,756
2,020	27,546
2,021	25,648
2,022	$ 23,327

Credit Arrangements and Debt _3

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 16, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	$ 94,000,000		$ 94,000,000		$ 127,100,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs	400,000	$ 300,000	1,100,000	$ 1,000,000
Amortization expense of original issuance discount costs	100,000	$ 100,000	300,000	$ 300,000
Derivative, Average Fixed Interest Rate						3.65%
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate						0.75%
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified During Next 12 Months, Net	3,600,000		3,600,000
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount	1,100,000,000		1,100,000,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount	$ 1,325,000,000		$ 1,325,000,000
Maturity date			Jul. 31, 2022
Quarterly principal payments			$ 2,700,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.97%	4.20%	3.97%	4.20%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, principal amount	$ 225,000,000		$ 225,000,000
Effective interest rate for the term loans	4.18%		4.18%		3.70%
Term Loan [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Effective interest rate for the term loans	3.99%		3.99%		3.57%
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.76%	3.50%	3.76%	3.50%
Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.75%
Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.50%
Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.75%
Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.75%
Eurodollar [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			1.50%
Eurodollar [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Term Loan [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			0.75%
Eurodollar [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Senior Credit Facilities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate			1.75%
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount						$ 500,000,000

Credit Arrangements and Debt _4

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations - Outstanding Borrowing (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items]
Less current maturities	$ 10,750	$ 10,750
Long-term debt—net	1,039,074	1,046,011
Term Loan [Member]
Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items]
Term loans	1,058,875	1,066,938
Deferred financing costs and original issue discount	(9,051)	(10,177)
Total debt	1,049,824	1,056,761
Less current maturities	10,750	10,750
Long-term debt—net	$ 1,039,074	$ 1,046,011

Credit Arrangements and Debt _5

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations - Future Principal Payments Under New Term Loan (Detail) - Term Loan [Member] $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Remainder of 2018	$ 2,687
2,019	10,750
2,020	10,750
2,021	10,750
2,022	10,750
Thereafter	1,013,188
Total debt	$ 1,058,875

Credit Arrangements and Debt _6

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations Derivative Assets at Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 14,665	$ 3,767

Credit Arrangements and Debt _7

Credit Arrangements and Debt Obligations Effect of Derivatives on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, before Tax	$ 1,525	$ 10,788
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, before Tax	240	(95)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, before Tax	1,285	10,883
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	(415)	(2,934)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax	(65)	26
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax	(350)	(2,960)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	1,110	7,854
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	175	(69)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax	$ 935	$ 7,923	$ 0

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Common Stock Class A [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Option outstanding to purchase (shares)	0.4	0.6	0.5	0.7
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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 33,600	$ 31,105	$ 111,324	$ 105,519
Earnings (loss) per share:
Common stock-basic (usd per share)	$ 0.58	$ 0.53	$ 1.91	$ 1.78
Common Stock [Member]
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 33,409	$ 30,905	$ 110,705	$ 104,884
Weighted average number of common shares:
Weighted average number (shares)	57,719,730	58,811,488	57,841,382	59,039,931
Unvested Participating Shares [Member]
Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 191	$ 200	$ 619	$ 635
Weighted average number of common shares:
Weighted average number (shares)	330,089	380,950	323,689	361,055

Earnings Per Share - Computat_2

Earnings Per Share - Computation of Diluted Earnings per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Diluted earnings per share:
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 33,600	$ 31,105	$ 111,324	$ 105,519
Earnings allocated to common stock	$ 33,413	$ 30,909	$ 110,717	$ 104,899
Weighted average number of common shares:
Common stock-diluted (shares)	58,924,423	60,088,078	59,044,561	60,457,004
Earnings (loss) per share:
Common stock-diluted (usd per share)	$ 0.57	$ 0.51	$ 1.88	$ 1.74
Common Stock [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 33,409	$ 30,905	$ 110,705	$ 104,884
Weighted average number of common shares:
Common stock-basic (shares)	57,719,730	58,811,488	57,841,382	59,039,931
Unvested Participating Shares [Member]
Diluted earnings per share:
Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock	$ 191	$ 200	$ 619	$ 635
Adjusted earnings	$ (187)	$ (196)	$ (607)	$ (620)
Weighted average number of common shares:
Common stock-basic (shares)	330,089	380,950	323,689	361,055
Stock Options [Member]
Weighted average number of common shares:
Dilutive effect (shares)	1,204,693	1,276,590	1,203,179	1,417,073

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)tax_audit	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective income tax rates	23.10%	8.90%	20.40%	12.70%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%			35.00%
Excess tax benefit amount		$ 3,400,000		$ 21,900,000
Income (Loss) from Subsidiaries, Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ (7,000,000)
Effective income tax rate, percent prior to adoption of accounting standards update	28.00%	36.00%
Unrecognized income tax benefit	$ 4,400,000		$ 4,400,000		$ 1,900,000
Interest and penalties accrued for income tax	0		0		$ 0
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	2,300,000		$ 2,300,000
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			1
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
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Excess tax benefit amount	$ 2,400,000		$ 10,600,000

Fair Value Measures - Additiona

Fair Value Measures - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	$ 14,665	$ 3,767

Segment Information - Income fr

Segment Information - Income from Operations by Segment (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)OperatingSegment	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments | OperatingSegment			3
Revenue	$ 471,585	$ 433,316	$ 1,424,941	$ 1,301,026
Income from operations	55,460	44,963	175,368	153,173
Selling, general and administrative expenses	49,427	46,369	152,776	141,384
Operating Segments [Member] | Full service center-based child care
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	387,048	358,094	1,193,794	1,094,911
Income from operations	34,006	24,742	115,857	99,921
Operating Segments [Member] | Backup Dependent Care
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	66,484	60,085	179,985	164,171
Income from operations	16,941	15,886	47,207	43,794
Operating Segments [Member] | Other Educational Advisory Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	18,053	15,137	51,162	41,944
Income from operations	$ 4,513	4,335	12,304	9,458
General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$ 3,700	$ 1,900	$ 5,600