v3.10.0.1
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 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Entity Registrant Name BRIGHT HORIZONS FAMILY SOLUTIONS INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001437578  
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