Supplemental Cash Flow Information

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as the September 30, 2017 balance. The September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 balances sum to the amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:



	September 30, 2018		September 30, 2017		December 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents	$	392,348	$	299,010	$	320,567
Restricted cash	196,790		187,260		212,215
Total Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	$	589,138	$	486,270	$	532,782

Restricted cash includes cash equivalents held to collateralize standby letters of credit in favor of the DOE. In addition, Laureate may at times have restricted cash in escrow pending potential acquisition transactions, hold a United States deposit for a letter of credit in lieu of a surety bond, or otherwise have cash that is not immediately available for use in current operations. See also Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies.