Debt Instrument, Number Of Campuses Financed

No definition available.

Name:	laur_DebtInstrumentNumberOfCampusesFinanced
Namespace Prefix:	laur_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Number Of Loans Outstanding

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	laur_DebtInstrumentNumberOfLoansOutstanding
Namespace Prefix:	laur_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line Of Credit Facility, Accordion Feature, Higher Borrowing Capacity Option

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	laur_LineOfCreditFacilityAccordionFeatureHigherBorrowingCapacityOption
Namespace Prefix:	laur_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line of Credit Facility, Number of Loans

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	laur_LineofCreditFacilityNumberofLoans
Namespace Prefix:	laur_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109500613&loc=SL6031897-161870

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109500613&loc=SL6036836-161870

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of the required periodic payments including both interest and principal payments.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPayment
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of the required periodic payments applied to principal.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of payment greater than the preceding installment payments to be paid at final maturity date of debt.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentTermsBalloonPaymentToBePaid
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The effective interest rate during the reporting period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109500613&loc=SL6031897-161870

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt outstanding calculated at point in time.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount for notes payable (written promise to pay), due to related parties.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.17)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3291-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The net book value of the asset(s) sold in connection with the sale of the property to another party and lease back to the seller.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 51
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82846721&loc=d3e51840-112757

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 842
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888430&loc=SL77919786-209982

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82846721&loc=d3e51843-112757

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 50
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82846721&loc=d3e51831-112757

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetBookValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of cash inflow after closing and debt issuance costs received by a seller-lessee in a sale-leaseback recognized in financing activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82846721&loc=d3e51843-112757

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 50
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82846721&loc=d3e51831-112757

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 840
-SubTopic 40
-Section 55
-Paragraph 51
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82846721&loc=d3e51840-112757

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SaleLeasebackTransactionNetProceedsFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of short-term debt outstanding calculated at point in time.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShortTermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_SyndicatedFacilityAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=laur_TermLoanTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=laur_THINKMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=laur_TermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=laur_TermLoanOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_AmendedSyndicatedFacilityAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=laur_FaculdadesMetropolitanasUnidasEducacionaisFMUMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	laur_NameOfEducationalInstitutionAxis=laur_UniversidadPrivadadelNorteUPNMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=laur_CertificadosdeDepsitosInterbancriosCDIMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_SecuredNotesPayableMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_UVMMexicoLoansOriginatedIn2007And2012Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_UVMMexicoLoanOriginatedIn2015Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_UVMMexicoLoanOriginatedIn2017Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=laur_MexicanInterbankingOfferRateTIIEMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_FinancingOfConstructionOfCampusesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_PE
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=us-gaap_InvestorMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_SubsidiaryOfTheCompanyBorrowingAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_BR
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	laur_DebtInstrumentPaymentPeriodAxis=laur_PaymentPeriodOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	laur_DebtInstrumentPaymentPeriodAxis=laur_PaymentPeriodTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	laur_DebtInstrumentPaymentPeriodAxis=laur_PaymentPeriodThreeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_NotesPayableOfRealEstateSubsidiaryMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_CL
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LoansPayableMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt - Other Debt (Details)								1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Debt - Other Debt (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2017 PEN (S/)	Dec. 20, 2017 BRL (R$)	May 12, 2016 USD ($) loan	May 11, 2016 loan	Sep. 12, 2014 USD ($) loan	Dec. 20, 2013 AUD ($) loan	Oct. 31, 2017 BRL (R$)	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016 AUD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 BRL (R$)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) campus	Dec. 31, 2019 MXN ($) campus	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 PEN (S/)	Dec. 31, 2019 BRL (R$)	Dec. 31, 2019 MXN ($)	Feb. 28, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 MXN ($)	Dec. 22, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2017 PEN (S/)	Dec. 20, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 20, 2017 BRL (R$)	May 12, 2016 MXN ($)	Aug. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015 MXN ($)	Sep. 12, 2014 BRL (R$)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable	$ 45,391,000											$ 21,518,000		$ 45,391,000
Repayments of long-term debt												2,507,790,000		867,915,000	$ 3,038,946,000
Sale-leaseback assets															10,333,000
Sale-leaseback financings															$ 15,673,000
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 37,899,000											14,542,000		$ 37,899,000
Available borrowing capacity												$ 26,059,000
Total interest rate												7.93%				7.93%	7.93%	7.93%
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate	8.37%											7.93%		8.37%		7.93%	7.93%	7.93%
Lines of credit \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	6.50%													6.50%
Lines of credit \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	11.00%													11.00%
Lines of credit \| Syndicated Facility Agreement \| Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 22,500,000
Lines of credit \| Syndicated Facility Agreement \| THINK \| Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility							$ 45,000,000					$ 31,176,000
Number of term loans (loan) \| loan							2
Incremental borrowing capacity							$ 20,000,000					13,856,000
Repayments of long-term debt									$ 8,100,000	$ 11,000,000
Lines of credit \| Syndicated Facility Agreement \| THINK \| Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity							22,500,000
Basis spread on variable rate									2.50%	2.50%
Quarterly principal payments							$ 1,125,000					779,000
Financed note term							5 years
Lines of credit \| Syndicated Facility Agreement \| THINK \| Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 22,500,000
Basis spread on variable rate									2.75%	2.75%
Financed note term							5 years
Lines of credit \| Syndicated Facility Agreement \| THINK \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility										$ 15,000,000		10,392,000
Lines of credit \| Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement \| THINK \| Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility	$ 14,673,000											14,433,000		$ 14,673,000
Incremental borrowing capacity										$ 22,000,000		15,242,000
Lines of credit \| Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement \| THINK \| Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									2.25%	2.25%
Quarterly principal payments										$ 833,000		577,000
Borrowing under credit facility										$ 10,000,000		$ 6,928,000
Interest rate												3.23%	3.23%	4.31%
Lines of credit \| Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement \| THINK \| Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									2.50%	2.50%
Lines of credit \| Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement \| THINK \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate												3.48%	3.48%	4.56%
Notes payable and other debt \| Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	10.10%											8.10%		10.10%		8.10%	8.10%	8.10%
Number of loans outstanding (loan) \| loan						2
Debt outstanding	$ 28,356,000											$ 16,199,000		$ 28,356,000
Loan amount						$ 110,310,000																						R$ 259,139,000
Quarterly principal payments	5,400,000							R$ 22,027,000			R$ 6,478,000	1,588,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 30,172,000											$ 23,480,000		$ 30,172,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) \| Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate						3.70%
Notes payable and other debt \| Minimum \| Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate												7.85%				7.85%	7.85%	7.85%
Notes payable and other debt \| Maximum \| Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate												8.70%				8.70%	8.70%	8.70%
Notes payable and other debt \| Secured Notes Payable \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	3.97%											3.23%		3.97%		3.23%	3.23%	3.23%
Notes payable and other debt \| Secured Notes Payable \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	11.25%											10.25%		11.25%		10.25%	10.25%	10.25%
Notes payable and other debt \| UVM Mexico Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	11.25%													11.25%
Number of loans outstanding (loan) \| loan				1	2
Debt outstanding	$ 102,239,000			$ 120,527,000										$ 102,239,000											$ 2,224,600,000
Notes payable and other debt \| UVM Mexico Loan Originated in 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	10.50%													10.50%
Debt outstanding	$ 83,086,000													$ 83,086,000
Loan amount																										$ 79,000,000	$ 1,300,000,000
Notes payable and other debt \| UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding												$ 77,569,000
Loan amount	89,000,000													89,000,000						$ 1,700,000,000
Balloon payment												$ 22,419,000						$ 425,000,000
Notes payable and other debt \| UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 \| Mexican Interbanking Offer Rate (TIIE)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate												9.06%	9.06%
Notes payable and other debt \| UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments												$ 2,242,000	$ 42,500,000
Notes payable and other debt \| UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments												4,035,000	$ 76,500,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Financing of Construction of Campuses \| Peru
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 32,886,000											$ 14,542,000		$ 32,886,000					$ 35,000,000
Number of financed campuses (campus) \| campus												2	2
Weighted average short term borrowing rate	7.97%											7.93%		7.97%		7.93%	7.93%	7.93%
Promissory notes payable	$ 14,409,000													$ 14,409,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Financing of Construction of Campuses \| Peru \| Investor
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable												$ 0
Notes payable and other debt \| Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement \| Peru
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	62,761,000											52,278,000		62,761,000
Loan amount																					$ 76,000,000	S/ 247,500,000
Balloon payment												4,357,000				S/ 14,438,000
Interest rate																					6.62%	6.62%
Periodic principal payment		S/ 9,281,000										2,801,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement \| Brazil
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	92,690,000											$ 75,013,000		$ 92,690,000
Loan amount																							$ 110,000,000	R$ 360,000,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement \| Brazil \| Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			2.55%									6.95%	6.95%	8.95%
Notes payable and other debt \| Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement \| Brazil \| Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) \| Payment Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Periodic principal payment			R$ 13,500,000									$ 3,309,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement \| Brazil \| Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) \| Payment Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Periodic principal payment			22,500,000									5,516,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement \| Brazil \| Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) \| Payment Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Periodic principal payment			R$ 27,000,000									6,619,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary \| Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 51,700,000													$ 51,700,000
Notes payable and other debt \| Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary \| Minimum \| Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	3.97%													3.97%
Notes payable and other debt \| Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary \| Maximum \| Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	6.20%													6.20%
Loans Payable \| Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement \| Brazil
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding												46,577,000
Loan amount												$ 47,495,000					R$ 190,000,000