Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (120,353)	$ (102,446)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	103,396	28,974
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for both periods	2,592	1,213
Total other comprehensive income	105,988	30,187
Comprehensive loss	(14,365)	(72,259)
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,786)	(1,180)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ (17,151)	$ (73,439)