Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,096,283
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	(488)
Effect of foreign currency translation	772
Ending balance	1,096,567
Full Service Center-based Care [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	912,134
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	(315)
Effect of foreign currency translation	655
Ending balance	912,474
Back-up Dependent Care [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	160,145
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	117
Ending balance	160,262
Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	24,004
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	(173)
Effect of foreign currency translation	0
Ending balance	$ 23,831