Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (96,684)	$ (103,490)	$ 298,814	$ (106,745)
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(52,750)	64,742	(166,052)	196,593
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax	(560)	525	11,776	6,625
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax			376	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(53,310)	65,267	(153,900)	203,218
Comprehensive (loss) income	(149,994)	(38,223)	144,914	96,473
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,683	4,065	(719)	10
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ (148,311)	$ (34,158)	$ 144,195	$ 96,483

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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