Other Financial Information - Summary of Transactions with Noncontrolling Interest Holders (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 60,875	$ (95,226)	$ 781,592	$ 191,243	$ 71,568	$ (94,789)	$ 224,411	$ 168,877	$ 938,484	$ 370,067	$ 91,465
Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests									(3,700)	(23,776)	(36,617)
Change from net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests									934,784	369,596	79,896
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests									$ (3,700)	$ (471)	$ (11,569)