Acquisitions - Summary of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in acquisition (Details) AUD in Thousands, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017 AUD	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 2,020,620		$ 2,020,620		$ 1,934,464
Net cash paid at acquisition			835	$ 0
Careers Australia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt assumed	7,433	AUD 9,850
Current assets	610		610
Property and equipment	9,657		9,657
Goodwill	1,791		1,791
Other intangible assets	3,988		3,988
Total assets acquired	16,046		16,046
Current portion of long-term debt	166		166
Other current liabilities	6,034		6,034
Long-term debt, less current portion	7,267		7,267
Other long-term liabilities	1,744		1,744
Total liabilities	15,211		15,211
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	835		835
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed	8,268		8,268
Net assets acquired	835		$ 835
Net cash paid at acquisition	$ 835	AUD 1,107