Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 203,785	$ (618,702)	$ 937,664
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	421,972	133,827	42,935
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	0	0	(7,950)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	(202)	(1,200)	3,596
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	421,770	132,627	38,581
Comprehensive income (loss)	625,555	(486,075)	976,245
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11,327)	4,739	953
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 614,228	$ (481,336)	$ 977,198