Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 194,265	$ 171,545
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	49,551	83,369
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for both periods	2,609
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for both periods		2,210
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0	0	376
Total other comprehensive income	52,160	85,955
Comprehensive income	246,425	257,500
Net comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,052)	(2,387)
Comprehensive income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 243,373	$ 255,113