Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 171,545	$ (120,353)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	83,369	103,396
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for both periods	2,210	2,592
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0	376	0
Total other comprehensive income	85,955	105,988
Comprehensive income (loss)	257,500	(14,365)
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,387)	(2,786)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 255,113	$ (17,151)