Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 779,616	$ 223,956	$ 973,881	$ 395,501
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	10,188	(196,672)	59,739	(113,303)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax		10,126		12,336
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax	(10,559)		(7,950)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax			0	376
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(371)	(186,546)	51,789	(100,591)
Comprehensive income	779,245	37,410	1,025,670	294,910
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,063	(15)	(989)	(2,402)
Comprehensive income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 781,308	$ 37,395	$ 1,024,681	$ 292,508