Other Financial Information - Summary of Transactions with Noncontrolling Interest Holders (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 71,568	$ (94,789)	$ 224,411	$ 168,877	$ 195,846	$ (97,958)	$ 116,385	$ (122,808)	$ 370,067	$ 91,465	$ 371,847
Changes in noncontrolling interests									(635)	(36,617)	3,104
Change from net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests									369,596	79,896	372,850
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Changes in noncontrolling interests									$ (471)	$ (11,569)	$ 1,003