Legal and Regulatory Matters	6 Months Ended
Legal and Regulatory Matters	Jun. 30, 2021
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal and Regulatory Matters	Legal and Regulatory Matters Laureate is subject to legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. In management’s opinion, we have adequate legal defenses, insurance coverage, and/or accrued liabilities with respect to the eventuality of these actions. Management believes that any settlement would not have a material impact on Laureate’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Our institutions are subject to uncertain and varying laws and regulations, and any changes to these laws or regulations or their application to us may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, in recent years, the DOE has proposed or promulgated a substantial number of new regulations that impact Walden University, including, but not limited to, borrower defense to repayment, state authorization and financial responsibility. Changes in or new interpretations of applicable laws, DOE rules, or regulations could have a material adverse effect on Walden University’s eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the laws and regulations affecting our higher education institutions that are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. Continuing Operations Mexican Regulation – COVID-19 Update Administrative activities have resumed at most of our campuses. Limited face-to-face educational activities have resumed at 18 campuses. Further activities will not be permitted to resume until the region (municipality or state) in which a campus is located is assigned a green color code under the country’s color-coded sanitary alert system, which is updated on a biweekly basis. Peruvian Regulation – COVID-19 Update Peru’s national sanitary emergency has been extended until August 31, 2021, and may be extended again. Due to the easing of the second wave of COVID-19, Peru has reduced its region-by-region confinement plan. Currently, no province qualifies as “in extreme status.” Lima has been qualified as “high status,” which limits presential activities, as well as in-person instruction. The government has announced that face-to-face classes may resume next year, initially semi-presential. The actual resumption of classes will depend upon COVID-19 infection rates at such time. Discontinued Operations U.S. Regulation Department of Justice Notice of Election to Decline Intervention On April 28, 2021, the Company was notified that the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice (the DOJ), on behalf of the United States, had filed a Notice of Election to Decline Intervention (the Notice) with respect to a civil qui tam action filed by third-party relators (the Relators) against Walden University and the Company. It was this action that prompted the DOJ’s examination of Walden University’s Masters of Science in Nursing program. The DOJ’s investigation into this matter has now concluded. Further, as previously disclosed by the Company, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) had informed Walden University that a public “Governmental Investigation” designation would be assigned to Walden University due to the DOJ inquiry; such designation became effective on November 9, 2020. Effective as of May 3, 2021, the HLC removed such designation. The Relators filed on July 23, 2021 a voluntary Motion to Dismiss the complaint and the DOJ filed a concurring motion. We have no reason to believe that the district court judge will not grant the Motion. Although such Motion would permit the relators to refile at a later date, we consider the matter closed. If the Relators take the extraordinary step to re-file, the Company will vigorously defend Walden University’s interests. The Company maintains that Walden University has not engaged in any unlawful conduct or other wrongdoing that would serve as a basis for any liability or damages claimed in the complaint.