Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,147,809	$ 1,095,738
Additions from acquisitions	20,811	62,838
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	64	(15)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(17,967)	(10,752)
Ending balance	1,150,717	1,147,809
Full Service Center-based Care [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	965,114	913,043
Additions from acquisitions	11,045	62,838
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	64	(15)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(17,967)	(10,752)
Ending balance	958,256	965,114
Back-up Dependent Care [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	158,894	158,894
Additions from acquisitions	9,766	0
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	0
Ending balance	168,660	158,894
Other Educational Advisory Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	23,801	23,801
Additions from acquisitions	0	0
Adjustments to prior year acquisitions	0	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0	0
Ending balance	$ 23,801	$ 23,801