Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 1,306,792	$ 1,267,705
Additions from acquisitions	16,889	14,269
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions		(5,599)
Effect of foreign currency translation	11,616	30,417
Ending balance	1,335,297	1,306,792
Full service center-based child care
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,114,886	1,075,796
Additions from acquisitions	16,889	14,269
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions		(5,596)
Effect of foreign currency translation	11,616	30,417
Ending balance	1,143,391	1,114,886
Backup Dependent Care
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	168,105	168,108
Additions from acquisitions	0	0
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions		(3)
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	0
Ending balance	168,105	168,105
Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	23,801	23,801
Additions from acquisitions	0	0
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions		0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	0
Ending balance	$ 23,801	$ 23,801