Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (164,943)	$ 98,316
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	(59,761)	(330,116)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	(168)	(932)
Total other comprehensive loss	(59,929)	(331,048)
Comprehensive loss	(224,872)	(232,732)
Net comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	33	540
Comprehensive loss attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ (224,839)	$ (232,192)