Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 937,664	$ 370,930	$ 93,764
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	42,935	(200,006)	120,436
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	(7,950)	13,709	9,875
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $144 and $105, respectively	3,596	(350)	(377)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	38,581	(186,647)	129,934
Comprehensive income	976,245	184,283	223,698
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	953	(1,355)	(4,570)
Comprehensive income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 977,198	$ 182,928	$ 219,128