Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule Of Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Unvested Participating Shares [Member] Unvested Participating Shares [Member] Unvested Participating Shares [Member] Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Allocation of net income (loss) to common stock Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Weighted average number of common shares: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average number (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Earnings (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Common stock (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Scenario, Adjustment [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Children's Choice Learning Centers [Member] Childrens Choice Learning Centers [Member] Children's choice learning centers. Loans At Acquisition Date [Line Items] Loans At Acquisition Date [Line Items] Loans At Acquisition Date [Line Items] Accounts receivable Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Prepaids and other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Fixed assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Intangible assets, primarily customer relationships Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill Total assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses Business acquisition purchase price allocation accounts payable and accrued expenses. Deferred revenue and parent deposits Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Liabilities Other Business combination recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed liabilities other. Total liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Purchase price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Borrowing Arrangements Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of original issue discount and deferred financing costs Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Interest paid in kind Paid-in-Kind Interest Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Non-cash revenue and other Other Noncash Income Loss on disposal of fixed assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Deferred rent Increase decrease in deferred rent and related obligations Increase decrease in deferred rent and related obligations Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Receivables Prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Accrued rent and related obligations Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other current and long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Purchases of fixed assets Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Settlement of purchase price for prior year acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings of long-term debt, net of issuance costs of $20.6 million Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Extinguishment of long-term debt Payments For Extinguishment Of Debt Payments for extinguishment of debt Proceeds from initial public offering, net of issuance costs of $20.6 million Proceeds from Issuance Initial Public Offering Principal payments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from issuance of restricted stock Proceeds from Issuance of Shares under Incentive and Share-based Compensation Plans, Excluding Stock Options Tax benefit from stock-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents—end of period NON-CASH TRANSACTIONS: Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Fixed asset purchases recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash payments of interest Interest Paid Cash payments of taxes Income Taxes Paid Long Term Debt Maturities Estimated Repayments Of Principal [Table] Long Term Debt Maturities Estimated Repayments Of Principal [Table] Long term debt maturities estimated repayments of principal. Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Term loan facility. Long Term Debt Maturities Estimated Repayments Of Principal [Line Items] Long Term Debt Maturities Estimated Repayments Of Principal [Line Items] Long Term Debt Maturities Estimated Repayments Of Principal [Line Items] Future minimum payments remainder of 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year Future minimum payments in 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Two Future minimum payments in 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Three Future minimum payments in 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Four Future minimum payments in 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling Year Five Future minimum payments due thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Rolling after Year Five Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal, Total Long Term Debt Maturities Repayments Of Principal Long term debt maturities repayments of principal. Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member] Kidsunlimited Group Limited [Member] Kidsunlimited group limited. Huntyard Limited [Member] Huntyard Limited [Member] Huntyard limited. Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Allocation of Purchased Assets and Liabilities Schedule Of Purchase Price Allocation And Recognized Identified Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Table [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Purchase Price Allocation And Recognized Identified Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Table [Table Text Block] Allocation of Purchase Price Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Summary of Operating Results Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings per share. Common Stock Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Options to Purchase Common Stock Shares Outstanding excluded from diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Effective interest rate for the term loans Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Financing Fees Financing Fees Financing Fees Discount and Issuance Cost Discount and Issuance Cost Discount and Issuance Cost Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization expense of original issuance discount costs Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Schedule Of Borrowings [Table] Schedule Of Borrowings [Table] Schedule of borrowings. Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term loan. Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items] Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items] Schedule Of Borrowings [Line Items] Outstanding borrowings Deferred financing costs and original issue discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total debt Long-term Debt Less current maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Full Service Center-based Care [Member] Full Service Center Based Care [Member] Full service center based care. Back-up Dependent Care [Member] Backup Dependent Care [Member] Backup dependent care. Other Educational Advisory Services [Member] Other Educational Advisory Services [Member] Other educational advisory services. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue Revenues Amortization of intangibles Amortization of Intangible Assets Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Table] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Table] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Revenue [Member] Revenue [Member] Revenue. Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items] Long Term Debt, Carrying Value Long Term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Number of Customer Generating more than 10% Number Of Customer Generating Major Revenues Number of customer generating major revenues. Clients accounting for more than benchmark Concentration Risk Number Of Customers Concentration risk number of customers. Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] United States UNITED STATES United Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Reduction to the purchase price and goodwill Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Estimated Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Business Acquisition Purchase Price Allocation Estimated Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Number of centers acquired Number Of Facilities Acquired Number of facilities acquired. Cash consideration Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Acquisition Cost Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Amortization of Intangible assets Amortization period of Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Percentage of share purchase agreement Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Intangible assets including customer relationship Contribution of revenues by acquired business Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity and Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Favorable Leases Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Favorable Leases Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Favorable Leases Total assets acquired Unfavorable leasehold interests Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Capital Lease Obligation Deferred revenue and parent deposits Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Current Liabilities Deferred Revenue And Parent Deposits Business combination recognized identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, current liabilities, deferred revenue and parent deposits Other current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Other Deferred taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Total liabilities assumed Purchase price Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Sponsor [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Agreement termination fee Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Acquisition related expenses Stock options vested upon completion of Offering Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense Expenses incurred in connection with the modification of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Plan Modification, Incremental Compensation Cost Income from Operations by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] 2012 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member] Omnibus Incentive Plan [Member] Omnibus incentive plan. Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock option vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Weighted average price of options granted (usd per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Risk free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected life of options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Expected dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting Period Restricted Stock Price as a Percentage of Fair Value of the Stock Restricted Stock Price as a Percentage of Fair Value of the Stock Restricted Stock Price as a Percentage of Fair Value of the Stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Common stock conversion ratio, Class L common stock into Class A common stock Stock Conversion Ratio Stock conversion ratio. Number of shares issued under initial public offering Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Intangible Assets [Table] Intangible Assets [Table] Intangible assets. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade Names [Member] Trade Name Indefinite Life [Member] Trade name indefinite life. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Contractual Rights and Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Contracts And Customer Relationships [Member] Customer contracts and customer relationships. Trade Names [Member] Trade Names [Member] Non-Compete Agreements [Member] Noncompete Agreements [Member] Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross [Abstract] Weighted average amortization period Cost Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Cost Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Indefinite lived intangible assets gross. Net carrying amount Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Net Indefinite lived intangible assets net. Cost Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Net carrying amount Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Remainder of 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Accounting Policies [Abstract] Organization and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Statement [Abstract] Cost of services Cost of Revenue Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Amortization of intangible assets Income from operations Loss on extinguishment of debt Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (expense) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income (loss) Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. Earnings (loss) per common share: Common stock-basic (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Common stock-diluted (usd per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: Common stock-basic (shares) Common stock-diluted (shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Outstanding Borrowings Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Future Principal Payments Under New Term Loan Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Adjustments to prior year acquisitions Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Effect of foreign currency translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Ending balance Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Table] Schedule Of Accounting Policies [Table] Schedule of accounting policies. Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Secondary Offering [Member] Secondary Offering [Member] Secondary offering. Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Accounting Policies [Line Items] Number of shares issued Proceed from issuance of initial public offering Payment of initial public offering costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Common stock, authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Proceeds from issuance of secondary offering Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Offering cost incurred Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Table] Income Tax Disclosure [Table] Income tax disclosure. Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] State [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Foreign [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items] Unrecognized income tax benefit Unrecognized Tax Benefits Interest and penalties accrued for income tax Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Change in uncertain tax positions Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Statute of limitations Income Tax Examination Statute Of Limitations Period Income tax examination statute of limitations period. Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Annual payment under the agreement Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction Agreement expiration date Related Party Transaction, Date Percentage of common stock held by investment funds affiliated with sponsor Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Table [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Table [Table Text Block] Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net (loss) income attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Transactions with Related Parties Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income (loss) Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Options [Member] Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Diluted earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Adjusted earnings Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Adjustment Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent, Adjustment Earnings allocated to common stock Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Dilutive effect (shares) Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable—net Receivables, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Current deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Fixed assets—net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other intangibles—net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred rent and related obligations Deferred Rent Credit, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.001 par value; 475,000,000 shares authorized; 65,580,844 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014; 65,302,814 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding