Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (311,628)	$ 779,616	$ (213,312)	$ 973,881
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	14,034	10,188	(316,082)	59,739
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for both periods	0	(10,559)	0	(7,950)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods			(932)	0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	14,034	(371)	(317,014)	51,789
Comprehensive (loss) income	(297,594)	779,245	(530,326)	1,025,670
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,873	2,063	4,413	(989)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ (293,721)	$ 781,308	$ (525,913)	$ 1,024,681