Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (784,430)	$ (96,794)	$ (997,742)	$ 877,087
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	326,342	(82,580)	10,260	(22,841)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for both periods	0	4,531	0	(3,419)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods		(4,531)	(932)	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	326,342	(78,049)	9,328	(26,260)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(458,088)	(174,843)	(988,414)	850,827
Net comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	62	2,078	4,475	1,089
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ (458,026)	$ (172,765)	$ (983,939)	$ 851,916