Name:	bfam_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedAndExpectedToVestWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
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Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] [Roll Forward]

No definition available.

Name:	bfam_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValueRollForward
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Weighted average fair value as of the grant date of equity-based award plans other than stock (unit) option plans that were not exercised or put into effect as a result of the occurrence of a terminating event.

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The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

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The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

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Number of non-option equity instruments exercised by participants.

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Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
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Number of shares under non-option equity instrument agreements that were cancelled as a result of occurrence of a terminating event.

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Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
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Net number of non-option equity instruments granted to participants.

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Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
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Number of equity instruments other than options outstanding, including both vested and non-vested instruments.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(1)(ii)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (c)(1)(i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingNumber
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A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNonOptionEquityInstrumentsOutstandingRollForward
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Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
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Intrinsic value of outstanding award under share-based payment arrangement. Excludes share and unit options.

No definition available.