Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ 117,098	$ 349,238	$ (3,256)	$ 246,792
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all periods	28,455	(58,088)	131,851	(29,113)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all periods	3,507	1,910	6,099	3,123
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0 and $1,900 for three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	0	8,885	0	8,885
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	31,962	(47,293)	137,950	(17,105)
Comprehensive income	149,060	301,945	134,694	229,687
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,269)	(1,508)	(4,055)	(2,689)
Comprehensive income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 147,791	$ 300,437	$ 130,639	$ 226,998