Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 370,930	$ 93,764	$ 366,186
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	(200,006)	120,436	(115,685)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	13,709	9,875	8,032
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $144, $105 and $1,800, respectively	(350)	(377)	8,391
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(186,647)	129,934	(99,262)
Comprehensive income	184,283	223,698	266,924
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,355)	(4,570)	5,545
Comprehensive income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 182,928	$ 219,128	$ 272,469