Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (103,490)	$ 80,930	$ (106,745)	$ 327,722
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all periods	64,742	(15,893)	196,593	(45,005)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all periods	525	2,386	6,625	5,509
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0 for three month ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 and $0 and $1,900 for nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively	0	63	0	8,948
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	65,267	(13,444)	203,218	(30,548)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(38,223)	67,486	96,473	297,174
Net comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,065	4,506	10	1,817
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ (34,158)	$ 71,992	$ 96,483	$ 298,991