Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (29,224)	$ (311,628)	$ (194,167)	$ (213,312)
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	510,443	14,034	450,682	(316,082)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0 for both periods	27	0	(141)	(932)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	510,470	14,034	450,541	(317,014)
Comprehensive income (loss)	481,246	(297,594)	256,374	(530,326)
Net comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	226	3,873	259	4,413
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 481,472	$ (293,721)	$ 256,633	$ (525,913)