Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 98,316	$ 194,265
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	(330,116)	49,551
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0	0	2,609
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0	(932)	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(331,048)	52,160
Comprehensive (loss) income	(232,732)	246,425
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	540	(3,052)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ (232,192)	$ 243,373

Amount after tax of increase (decrease) in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from net income and other comprehensive income, attributable to parent entity. Excludes changes in equity resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

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