Laureate Education (LAUR) 8-K 13 Nov 18 Other Events Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	8-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Entity Registrant Name	LAUREATE EDUCATION, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	912,766
Entity Emerging Growth	false

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 3,385,876	$ 3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Costs and expenses:
Direct costs	2,821,291	2,788,691	2,946,016
General and administrative expenses	315,471	222,496	194,686
Loss on impairment of assets	7,121	0	0
Operating income	241,993	290,677	259,072
Interest income	11,865	14,414	9,474
Interest expense	(334,901)	(390,391)	(367,284)
Loss on debt extinguishment	(8,392)	(17,363)	(1,263)
Gain (loss) on derivatives	28,656	(6,084)	(2,607)
Other (expense) income, net	(1,892)	457	(423)
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net	2,539	77,299	(128,299)
(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net	(10,490)	398,081	0
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	(70,622)	367,090	(231,330)
Income tax benefit (expense)	91,308	(34,440)	(95,364)
Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax	152	90	2,495
Income (loss) from continuing operations	20,838	332,740	(324,199)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $24,495 for 2017, $30,561 for 2016 and $22,366 for 2015	72,926	33,446	8,354
Net income (loss)	93,764	366,186	(315,845)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(2,299)	5,661	(403)
Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	91,465	371,847	(316,248)
Accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(298,497)	(1,537)	(6,173)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$ (207,032)	$ 370,310	$ (322,421)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (1.60)	$ 2.50	$ (2.49)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.40	0.28	0.05
Basic (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	(1.20)	2.78	(2.44)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(1.60)	2.48	(2.49)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.40	0.28	0.05
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ (1.20)	$ 2.76	$ (2.44)

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations, tax	$ 24,495	$ 39,561	$ 22,366

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 93,764	$ 366,186	$ (315,845)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	120,436	(115,685)	(386,310)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	9,875	8,032	5,629
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $105, $1,800 and $982, respectively	(377)	8,391	2,966
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	129,934	(99,262)	(377,715)
Comprehensive income (loss)	223,698	266,924	(693,560)
Net comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,570)	5,545	3,234
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 219,128	$ 272,469	$ (690,326)

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, tax	0	0	0
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 105	$ 1,800	$ 982

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes VIE amounts of $100,971 and $72,540, see Note 2)	$ 320,567	$ 295,785
Restricted cash and investments	212,215	178,552
Receivables:
Accounts and notes receivable	474,456	419,345
Other receivables	14,788	16,391
Related party receivables	387	2,258
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(178,566)	(164,476)
Receivables, net	311,065	273,518
Income tax receivable	38,231	26,783
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	81,948	79,364
Current assets held for sale	324,668	261,864
Total current assets (includes VIE amounts of $407,315 and $322,210, see Note 2)	1,288,694	1,115,866
Notes receivable, net	3,528	60,675
Property and equipment:
Land	243,179	241,335
Buildings	669,973	651,927
Furniture, equipment and software	977,382	888,572
Leasehold improvements	366,735	324,824
Construction in-progress	62,474	77,960
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(939,326)	(823,153)
Property and equipment, net	1,380,417	1,361,465
Land use rights, net	1,572	1,509
Goodwill	1,828,365	1,786,554
Other intangible assets:
Tradenames	1,167,302	1,153,348
Other intangible assets, net	35,779	46,035
Deferred costs, net	60,931	54,982
Deferred income taxes	152,398	132,052
Derivative instruments	48,186	4,464
Other assets	199,441	175,950
Long-term assets held for sale	1,224,672	1,169,634
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	7,391,285	7,062,534
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	70,137	61,961
Accrued expenses	239,620	301,270
Accrued compensation and benefits	215,760	194,907
Contract with Customer, Liability, Current	184,116	178,463
Current portion of long-term debt	121,870	95,968
Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies	34,745	111,681
Income taxes payable	20,553	19,023
Derivative instruments	4,458	5,218
Other current liabilities	31,761	38,277
Current liabilities held for sale	451,569	433,529
Total current liabilities (includes VIE amounts of $341,147 and $320,922, see Note 2)	1,374,589	1,440,297
Long-term debt, less current portion	2,973,396	3,361,272
Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion	37,040	66,340
Deferred compensation	14,470	14,128
Income taxes payable	106,062	128,658
Deferred income taxes	247,371	388,474
Derivative instruments	9,390	7,750
Other long-term liabilities	221,941	238,445
Long-term liabilities held for sale	405,747	395,945
Total liabilities (includes VIE amounts of $449,561 and $424,297, see Note 2)	5,390,006	6,041,309
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share – 49,488 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016	0	0
Common stock	0	534
Additional paid-in capital	3,446,206	2,721,432
Accumulated deficit	(946,236)	(1,037,701)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(925,556)	(1,052,055)
Total Laureate Education, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,575,164	632,210
Noncontrolling interests	12,118	32,182
Total stockholders' equity	1,587,282	664,392
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	7,391,285	7,062,534
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
Current liabilities:
Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	400,276	332,957
Puttable Arrangements - Common and Preferred Stock
Current liabilities:
Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	13,721	23,876
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	220	0
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 530	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 320,567	$ 295,785
Current assets	1,288,694	1,115,866
Assets	7,391,285	7,062,534
Current liabilities	1,374,589	1,440,297
Liabilities	$ 5,390,006	$ 6,041,309
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	49,488,000	49,488,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.004	$ 0.004
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	0	175,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	133,376,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	133,376,000
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
Convertible redeemable preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Convertible redeemable preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	512,000	512,000
Convertible redeemable preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	401,000	343,000
Convertible redeemable preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	401,000	343,000
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.004	$ 0.004
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	700,000,000	0
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	55,052,000	0
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	55,052,000	0
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.004	$ 0.004
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	175,000,000	0
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	132,443,000	0
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	132,443,000	0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 100,971	$ 72,540
Current assets	407,315	322,210
Assets	1,419,579	1,309,113
Current liabilities	341,147	320,922
Liabilities	$ 449,561	$ 424,297

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Puttable Arrangements - Common and Preferred Stock	Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock	Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Beneficial Conversion Feature	Common Stock	Common StockClass A Common Stock	Common StockClass B Common Stock	Additional paid-in capital	Additional paid-in capitalPuttable Arrangements - Common and Preferred Stock	Additional paid-in capitalSeries A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock	Additional paid-in capitalSeries A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Beneficial Conversion Feature	(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Non-controlling interests
Balance of shares outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014							132,973	0	0
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,056,548						$ 532	$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,688,877				$ (1,093,300)	$ (579,041)	$ 39,480
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash stock compensation (in shares)							8
Non-cash stock compensation	34,120									34,120
Cash distributions to stockholders	$ (18,975)									(18,975)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	460						111
Exercise of stock options	$ 2,040									2,040
Vesting of restricted stock and exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding (in shares)							163
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding	(3,868)						$ 1			(3,869)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(1,242)									(1,147)						(95)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders	1,382															1,382
Changes in noncontrolling interests	(3,365)									(1,554)					442	(2,253)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(13,041)									(13,041)
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(4,613)															(4,613)
Net income (loss)	(315,845)													(316,248)		403
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	(386,310)														(382,673)	(3,637)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	5,629														5,629
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $105, $1,800 and $982, respectively	2,966														2,966
Balance of shares outstanding, end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015							133,255	0	0
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	355,426						$ 533	$ 0	$ 0	2,686,451				(1,409,548)	(952,677)	30,667
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash stock compensation	$ 38,071									38,071
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	245						12
Exercise of stock options	$ 253									253
Vesting of restricted stock and exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding (in shares)							109
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding	(1,725)						$ 1			(1,726)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(1,164)									(1,164)
Capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders	5,572															5,572
Changes in noncontrolling interests	3,104									1,003						2,101
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	263				$ (1,719)					263		$ (1,719)
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(613)															(613)
Net income (loss)	366,186													371,847		(5,661)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	(115,685)														(115,801)	116
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	8,032														8,032
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $105, $1,800 and $982, respectively	$ 8,391														8,391
Balance of shares outstanding, end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	133,376	0	0				133,376	0	0
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 664,392						$ 534	$ 0	$ 0	2,721,432				(1,037,701)	(1,052,055)	32,182
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash stock compensation	$ 64,788									64,788
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	0
Reclassification of Common stock into Class B common stock on January 31, 2017 (in shares)							(133,376)		133,376
Reclassification of Common stock into Class B common stock on January 31, 2017							$ (534)		$ 534
Issuance of Class A common stock in initial public offering (in shares)								35,000
Issuance of Class A common stock in initial public offering	$ 456,359							$ 140		456,219
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)								1,229	(1,229)
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares								$ 5	$ (5)
Note exchange transaction (in shares)								18,683
Note exchange transaction	245,747							$ 75		245,672
Vesting of restricted stock and exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding (in shares)								140	296
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding	(2,151)								$ 1	(2,152)
Reclassification to equity upon expiration of put right on share-based awards	5,500									5,500
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(1,419)									(1,419)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	167															167
Changes in noncontrolling interests	(36,617)									(11,569)					(1,164)	(23,884)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity				$ (5,183)	$ (292,450)	$ 265,368					$ (5,183)	$ (292,450)	$ 265,368
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(917)															(917)
Net income (loss)	93,764													91,465		2,299
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	120,436														118,165	2,271
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	9,875														9,875
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $105, $1,800 and $982, respectively	$ (377)														(377)
Balance of shares outstanding, end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	0	55,052	132,443				0	55,052	132,443
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,587,282						$ 0	$ 220	$ 530	$ 3,446,206				$ (946,236)	$ (925,556)	$ 12,118

Consolidated Statement of Sto_2

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, tax	0	0	0
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 105	$ 1,800	$ 982

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 93,764	$ 366,186	$ (315,845)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	264,742	264,879	282,946
Loss on impairment of assets	40,597	23,465	0
Gain on sale of subsidiary and disposal of property and equipment, net	(5,837)	(408,672)	(5,141)
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments	(29,278)	4,717	1,988
Loss on debt extinguishment	8,392	17,363	331
Payment of redemption and call premiums and fees on debt modification	(65,225)	0	0
Non-cash interest expense	49,582	46,195	55,786
Interest paid on deferred purchase price for acquisitions	(39,419)	0	0
Non-cash share-based compensation expense	64,788	38,809	39,021
Bad debt expense	124,308	108,019	107,162
Deferred income taxes	(164,785)	(30,150)	(15,563)
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain)	4,135	(67,946)	124,487
Non-cash (gain) loss from non-income tax contingencies	(2,883)	17,360	182
Other, net	3,463	5,949	2,583
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Restricted cash	3,824	(7,686)	(932)
Receivables	(129,335)	(110,693)	(225,027)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(60,051)	(17,594)	(15,533)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(30,407)	688	15,237
Income tax receivable/payable, net	(10,695)	(36,762)	13,673
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	11,076	(29,557)	105,131
Net cash provided by operating activities	130,756	184,570	170,486
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(274,063)	(240,258)	(344,056)
Expenditures for deferred costs	(19,717)	(16,436)	(22,802)
Receipts from sale of subsidiary and property and equipment, net	9,831	554,441	204,076
Settlement of derivatives related to sale of subsidiaries	0	(5,663)	0
Property insurance recoveries	370	3,623	2,198
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(835)	0	(6,705)
Payment of contingent consideration for acquisitions	0	0	(1,275)
Payments (to) from related parties and affiliates	(268)	1,590	8,896
Change in restricted cash and investments	(39,848)	(28,063)	(15,452)
Proceeds from sale or maturity of available-for-sale securities, net	0	0	1,478
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(324,530)	269,234	(173,642)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of original issue discount	2,898,836	708,827	628,512
Payments on long-term debt	(3,038,946)	(1,421,379)	(528,025)
Payments of deferred purchase price for acquisitions	(94,891)	(22,236)	(25,582)
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests	(17,443)	(25,665)	(5,351)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible redeemable preferred stock, net of issuance costs	55,290	329,142	0
Payment of dividends on Series A Preferred Stock and to noncontrolling interests	(19,371)	(1,505)	(20,472)
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of issuance costs	456,359	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	253	2,040
Withholding of shares to satisfy tax withholding for vested stock awards and exercised stock options	(2,151)	(1,725)	(3,868)
Payments of debt issuance costs	(16,017)	(11,582)	(13,020)
Noncontrolling interest holder's loan to subsidiaries	943	802	2,772
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders	186	(654)	(2,582)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	222,795	(445,722)	34,424
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash	19,987	4,619	(22,407)
Change in cash included in current assets held for sale	(24,226)	3,858	(37,658)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	24,782	16,559	(28,797)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	295,785	279,226	308,023
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 320,567	$ 295,785	$ 279,226

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Laureate Education, Inc. and subsidiaries (hereinafter Laureate, we, us, our, or the Company) provide higher education programs and services to students through an international network of licensed universities and higher education institutions (institutions). Laureate's programs are provided through institutions that are campus-based and internet-based, or through electronically distributed educational programs (online). On October 1, 2015, we redomiciled in Delaware as a public benefit corporation as a demonstration of our long-term commitment to our mission to benefit our students and society. On February 6, 2017, the Company completed an initial public offering (IPO) of shares of its Class A common stock, a newly established class of the Company’s common stock of which 700,000 shares were authorized and, as of February 1, 2017, the Company's shares became listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol ‘‘LAUR’’. The Company sold 35,000 shares of its Class A common stock in the IPO at a price of $14.00 per share, resulting in net proceeds to the Company, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by us, of $456,359 . On January 31, 2017, in connection with our IPO, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was accepted for filing by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and effective upon such filing, a 4 to 1 reverse stock split for our common stock was consummated and each share of our common stock then outstanding was automatically reclassified into one fourth of one share of Class B Common Stock, a newly established class of the Company’s common stock, with any resulting fractional shares rounded down to the next whole share. These financial statements reflect the reverse stock split. As previously disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017, and as further discussed in Note 7 , Business and Geographic Segment Information , effective August 1, 2017, we changed our operating segments in order to realign our segments according to how our chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses performance. The segment changes resulted in Laureate increasing its number of operating segments from three to six , and is consistent with our goal of flattening our organizational structure to improve decision speed and operating effectiveness. The change includes the creation of three operating segments (Brazil, Mexico and Andean & Iberian) from the previous Latin America (LatAm) segment. Our institutions in Spain and Portugal (Iberian) have moved from the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific (EMEAA) segment and combined with our institutions in Chile and Peru to form the Andean & Iberian segment. In addition, our institutions in Central America, which were previously part of the LatAm segment, have combined with our campus-based institutions in the United States, which were previously part of the GPS segment, to form the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment. The Online & Partnerships segment consists of the online institutions that were previously part of the GPS segment. We have renamed our Andean & Iberian segment as Andean and our EMEAA segment as Rest of World. In summary, our six operating segments are as follows: • Brazil; • Mexico; • Andean; • Central America & U.S. Campuses; • Rest of World; and • Online & Partnerships. This change has been reflected in the segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017. As required, the segment information presented for comparative purposes for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 has also been revised to reflect this change. Discontinued Operations As reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the 2017 Form 10-K), in 2017 the Company announced the divestiture of certain subsidiaries in our Rest of World and Central America & U.S. Campuses segments. On August 9, 2018 , the Company announced that it plans to divest additional subsidiaries located in Europe, Asia and Central America, which are included in the Rest of World, Andean and Central America & U.S. Campuses segments. After completing all of the announced divestitures, the Company’s remaining principal markets will be Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, along with the Online & Partnerships segment and the institutions in Australia and New Zealand. This represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results. Accordingly, all of the divestitures that are part of this strategic shift, including the divestitures announced on August 9, 2018 and those announced previously, are now accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205-20, ‘‘Discontinued Operations.’’ See Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , for more information. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the footnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements relates to continuing operations.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Principles of Consolidation and Investments in Affiliates General Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all accounts of Laureate, our majority-owned subsidiaries, and educational institutions that are part of our network and, although not owned by Laureate, are variable interest entities (VIEs) pursuant to ASC Topic 810-10, "Consolidation." As of December 31, 2017 the Laureate network includes 12 VIE institutions in eight countries. Of these 12 institutions, five are included in continuing operations and seven are discontinued operations. Laureate has determined it is the "primary beneficiary" of these VIEs, as such term is defined in ASC 810-10-20, and has consolidated the financial results of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of these VIEs in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. As discussed further in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , our number of VIE institutions in discontinued operations was reduced by one in January 2018 following the sale of LEI Lie Ying Limited (LEILY). Noncontrolling Interests A noncontrolling interest is the portion of a subsidiary that is not attributable to us either directly or indirectly. A noncontrolling interest can also be referred to as a minority interest. We recognize noncontrolling interest holders’ share of equity and net income or loss separately in Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the VIEs in our network, we generally do not recognize a noncontrolling interest. A noncontrolling interest is only recognized when a VIE's economics are shared with a third party (e.g., when the transferor of the control of the VIE retained a portion of the economics associated with it). The Variable Interest Entity (VIE) Arrangements Laureate consolidates in its financial statements certain internationally based educational organizations that do not have shares or other equity ownership interests. Although these educational organizations may be considered not-for-profit entities in their home countries and they are operated in compliance with their respective not-for-profit legal regimes, we believe they do not meet the definition of a not-for-profit entity under GAAP, and therefore we treat them as "for-profit" entities for accounting purposes. These entities generally cannot declare dividends or distribute their net assets to the entities that control them. Under ASC 810-10, "Consolidation," we have determined that these institutions are VIEs and that Laureate is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs because we have, as further described herein: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly affect their educational and economic performance and (2) the right to receive economic benefits from contractual and other arrangements with the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. We account for the acquisition of the right to control a VIE in accordance with ASC 805, "Business Combinations." As with all of our educational institutions, the VIE institutions' primary source of income is tuition fees paid by students, for which the students receive educational services and goods that are proportionate to the prices charged. Laureate maintains control of these VIEs through our rights to designate a majority of the governing entities' board members, through which we have the legal ability to direct the activities of the entities. Laureate maintains a variable interest in these VIEs through mutual contractual arrangements at market rates and terms that provide them with necessary products and services, and/or intellectual property, and has the ability to enter into additional such contractual arrangements at market rates and terms. We also have the ability to transfer our rights to govern these VIEs, or the entities that possess those rights, to other parties, which could yield a return if and when these rights are transferred. We generally do not have legal entitlement to distribute the net assets of the VIEs. Generally, in the event of liquidation or the sale of the net assets of the VIEs, the net proceeds can only be transferred either to another VIE institution with similar purposes or to the government. In the unlikely case of liquidation or a sale of the net assets of the VIE, we may be able to retain the residual value by naming another Laureate-controlled VIE resident in the same jurisdiction as the recipient, if one exists; however we generally cannot name a for-profit entity as the recipient. Moreover, because the institution generally would be required to provide for the continued education of its students, liquidation would not be a likely course of action and would be unlikely to result in significant residual assets available for distribution. However, we operate our VIEs as going concern enterprises, maintain control in perpetuity, and have the ability to provide additional contractual arrangements for educational and other services priced at up to market rates with Laureate-controlled service companies. Typically, we are not legally obligated to make additional investments in the VIE institutions. Laureate for-profit entities provide necessary products and services, and/or intellectual property, to all institutions in the Laureate International Universities network, including the VIE institutions, through contractual arrangements at market rates and terms, which are accretive to Laureate. We periodically modify the rates we charge under these arrangements to ensure that they are priced at or below fair market value and to add additional services. If it is determined that contractual arrangements with any institution are not on market terms, it could have an adverse regulatory impact on such institution. We believe these arrangements improve the quality of the academic curriculum and the students' educational experience. There are currently four types of contractual arrangements: (i) intellectual property (IP) royalty arrangements; (ii) network fee arrangements; (iii) management service arrangements; and (iv) lease arrangements. (i) Under the IP royalty arrangements, institutions in the Laureate International Universities network pay to Laureate royalty payments for the use of Laureate's tradename and best practice policies and procedures. (ii) Institutions in the Laureate International Universities network gain access to other network resources, including academic content, support with curriculum design, online programs, professional development, student exchange and access to dual degree programs, through network fee arrangements whereby the institutions pay stipulated fees to Laureate for such access. (iii) Institutions in the Laureate International Universities network contract with Laureate and pay fees under management services agreements for the provision of support and managerial services including access to management, legal, tax, finance, accounting, treasury and other services, which in some cases Laureate provides through shared service arrangements in certain jurisdictions. (iv) Laureate for-profit entities, including for-profit entities in which the VIEs are investors, own various campus real estate properties and have entered into long-term lease contracts with the respective institutions in the Laureate International Universities network, whereby they pay market-based rents for the use of the properties in the conduct of their educational operations. Revenues recognized by Laureate's for-profit entities from these contractual arrangements with our consolidated VIEs, including those in continuing operations and discontinued operations, were $123,237 , $113,276 and $106,005 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These revenues are eliminated in consolidation. Under our accounting policy, we allocate all of the income or losses of these VIEs to Laureate unless there is a noncontrolling interest where the economics of the VIE are shared with a third party. The income or losses of these VIEs allocated to Laureate represent the earnings after deducting charges related to contractual arrangements with our for-profit entities as described above. We believe that the income remaining at the VIEs after these charges accretes value to our rights to control these entities. Laureate's VIEs are generally exempt from income taxes. As a result, the VIEs generally do not record deferred tax assets or liabilities or recognize any income tax expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements. No deferred taxes are recognized by the for-profit service companies for the remaining income in these VIEs as the legal status of these entities generally prevents them from declaring dividends or making distributions to their sponsors. However, these for-profit service companies record income taxes related to revenues from their contractual arrangements with these VIEs. Risks in relation to the VIEs We believe that all of the VIE institutions in the Laureate network are operated in full compliance with local law and that the contractual arrangements with the VIEs are legally enforceable; however, these VIEs are subject to regulation by various agencies based on the requirements of local jurisdictions. These agencies, as well as local legislative bodies, review and update laws and regulations as they deem necessary or appropriate. We cannot predict the form of any laws that may be enacted, or regulations that ultimately may be adopted in the future, or what effects they might have on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If local laws or regulations were to change, if the VIEs were found to be in violation of existing local laws or regulations, or if the regulators were to question the financial sustainability of the VIEs and/or whether the contractual arrangements were at fair value, local government agencies could, among other actions: • revoke the business licenses and/or accreditations of the VIE institutions; • void or restrict related-party transactions, such as the contractual arrangements between Laureate and the VIE institutions; • impose fines that significantly impact business performance or other requirements with which the VIEs may not be able to comply; • require Laureate to change the VIEs' governance structures, such that Laureate would no longer maintain control of the activities of the VIEs; or • disallow a transfer of our rights to govern these VIEs, or the entities that possess those rights, to a third party for consideration. Laureate's ability to conduct our business would be negatively affected if local governments were to carry out any of the aforementioned or other similar actions. In any such case, Laureate may no longer be able to consolidate the VIEs. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , in January 2018 a bill was passed by the Chilean Congress and, assuming that it passes review by the Constitutional Court, it is expected to be signed into law by the President of Chile. Once the bill becomes law, it will prohibit for-profit organizations, such as Laureate, from controlling the boards of universities in Chile. As a result, the Company currently expects that it will be required to deconsolidate its three Chilean non-profit universities, which are included in the Andean segment, as early as the first quarter of 2018. The VIEs in Brazil and Mexico include several not-for-profit foundations that have insignificant revenues and operating expenses. Selected Consolidated Statements of Operations information for VIEs that are included in continuing operations was as follows, net of the charges related to the above-described contractual arrangements: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Selected Statements of Operations information: Revenues, by segment: Brazil $ 104 $ — $ — Mexico — — 9 Andean 418,019 380,111 363,369 Rest of World — 20,206 32,993 Revenues 418,123 400,317 396,371 Depreciation and amortization 26,899 28,351 29,529 Operating (loss) income, by segment: Brazil (1 ) (80 ) (18 ) Mexico (876 ) (967 ) (1,330 ) Andean (4,858 ) (17,120 ) (12,837 ) Rest of World — 4,201 4,316 Operating loss (5,735 ) (13,966 ) (9,869 ) Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 13,035 3,309 4,911 Included in net income for the VIEs in the table above is non-operating investment income that was recorded by three of the Chilean institutions relating to investments that these institutions have in a for-profit, education-related real estate subsidiary of Laureate in Chile. This non-operating investment income, which eliminated in consolidation, totaled $11,696 , $11,061 and $10,297 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. related to VIEs that are included in discontinued operations totaled $30,145 , $29,724 and $6,627 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The following table reconciles the Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. as presented in the table above, to the amounts in our Consolidated Statements of Operations: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.: Variable interest entities $ 13,035 $ 3,309 $ 4,911 Other operations including discontinued operations 513,205 550,058 125,363 Corporate and eliminations (434,775 ) (181,520 ) (446,522 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 91,465 $ 371,847 $ (316,248 ) The following table presents selected assets and liabilities of the consolidated VIEs. Except for Goodwill, the assets in the table below include the assets that can be used only to settle the obligations for the VIEs. The liabilities in the table are liabilities for which the creditors of the VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of Laureate. Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet amounts for these VIEs were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 VIE Consolidated VIE Consolidated Balance Sheets data: Cash and cash equivalents $ 100,971 $ 320,567 $ 72,540 $ 295,785 Current assets held for sale 170,229 324,668 125,250 261,864 Other current assets 136,115 643,459 124,420 558,217 Total current assets 407,315 1,288,694 322,210 1,115,866 Goodwill 183,812 1,828,365 171,233 1,786,554 Tradenames 74,484 1,167,302 68,922 1,153,348 Other intangible assets, net — 35,779 — 46,035 Long-term assets held for sale 369,375 1,224,672 361,781 1,169,634 Other long-term assets 384,593 1,846,473 384,967 1,791,097 Total assets 1,419,579 7,391,285 1,309,113 7,062,534 Current liabilities held for sale 183,166 451,569 191,489 433,529 Other current liabilities 157,981 923,020 129,433 1,006,768 Long-term liabilities held for sale 84,760 405,747 84,477 395,945 Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities 23,654 3,609,670 18,898 4,205,067 Total liabilities 449,561 5,390,006 424,297 6,041,309 Total stockholders' equity 970,018 1,587,282 884,816 664,392 Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 948,966 1,575,164 866,997 632,210 Included in the December 31, 2017 VIE cash balance in the table above is approximately $101,000 of cash held at the three Chilean VIEs. The amounts classified as held-for-sale assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 in the table above relate to VIEs that are included in our Rest of World, Andean and Central America & U.S. Campuses segments. Refer to Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , for further discussion. The VIEs' cash balances are generally required to be used only for the benefit of the operations of these VIEs. Affiliates When Laureate exercises significant influence over an affiliated entity, but does not control the entity, we account for our investments using the equity method of accounting. Significant influence occurs generally through ownership, directly or indirectly, of at least 20% and up to 50% of the voting interests. Under the equity method of accounting, Laureate records the proportionate share of these investments in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our proportionate share of income or loss related to these investments is recorded in Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax , in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity investments in which we do not exercise significant influence, generally through ownership of less than 20% of the voting rights, are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Under the cost method of accounting, the investment is carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other assets and income is recognized when dividends are received. Impairments are recognized for an equity or cost method investment when and if the investment suffers an other-than-temporary decline in value. At that time, the investment is adjusted to its new fair value and the difference is recognized as a loss in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For equity method investments, this impairment loss is included in Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax . Business Combinations Effective January 1, 2009, Laureate adopted the accounting guidance for business combinations as prescribed by ASC 805, "Business Combinations." When we complete a business combination, all tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and all liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value. Any excess purchase price is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. If Laureate acquires less than 100% of an entity (a partial acquisition) and consolidates the entity upon acquisition, all assets and liabilities, including noncontrolling interests, are recorded at their estimated fair value. When a partial acquisition results in Laureate obtaining control of an entity, Laureate remeasures any previously existing investment in the entity at fair value and records a gain or loss. Partial acquisitions in which Laureate’s control does not change are accounted for as equity transactions. Revenues and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements commencing on the date of acquisition. Laureate accounts for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Certain acquisitions require the payment of contingent amounts of purchase consideration if specified operating results are achieved in periods subsequent to the acquisition date. For acquisitions consummated on or after January 1, 2009, we record such contingent consideration at fair value on the acquisition date, with subsequent adjustments recognized in Direct costs in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classify the subsequent cash payments of contingencies that are recorded at the acquisition date within financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Contingent consideration arrangements related to acquisitions consummated prior to January 1, 2009 result in additional goodwill being recorded upon settlement of the underlying contingencies, with the settlement of these contingencies by transfer of cash classified within investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Laureate generally obtains indemnification from the sellers of the higher education institutions upon acquisition for various contingent liabilities that may arise and are related to pre-acquisition events in order to protect itself from economic losses arising from such exposures. Prior to January 1, 2009, we did not record indemnification assets related to any liabilities recorded as part of the purchase price allocation. Instead, an indemnification asset was recorded when the seller was obligated to make a payment under the indemnification and the amount was determined to be reasonably assured of collection. In cases in which the contingent liability was extinguished for an amount less than originally established or the related statute of limitations lapses such that the contingent amount was no longer required to be paid, the remaining liability was reversed, and any difference between the liability's carrying value and settlement amount was recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For acquisitions consummated on or after January 1, 2009, we recognize an indemnification asset at the same time and on the same basis as the related indemnified item, subject to any contractual limitations and to the extent that collection is reasonably assured, in accordance with ASC 805. When indemnified, subsequent changes in the indemnified item are offset by changes in the indemnification asset. We assess the realizability of the indemnification assets each reporting period. The Company records changes in uncertain income tax positions as a component of Income tax benefit (expense) , while related changes to the indemnification asset are included in Operating income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the principal portion of non-income tax contingencies, as well as changes in any related indemnification asset, are included in Operating income. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity In certain cases, Laureate initially purchases a majority ownership interest in a company and uses various put and call arrangements with the noncontrolling interest holders that require or enable us to purchase all or a portion of the remaining minority ownership at a later date. The nature of these Minority Put Arrangements and our accounting for the redeemable noncontrolling interests are discussed below. Minority Put Arrangements Minority Put Arrangements give noncontrolling interest holders the right to require Laureate to purchase their shares (i.e., Put option). The Put option price is generally established by multiplying an agreed-upon earnings measurement of the acquired company by a negotiated factor within a specified time frame. The future earnings measurement is based on an agreed-upon set of rules that are not necessarily consistent with GAAP, which we refer to as “non-GAAP earnings.” Laureate accounts for all of these Minority Put Arrangements as temporary equity in an account presented between liabilities and equity called Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This classification is appropriate because the instruments are contingently redeemable based on events outside Laureate’s control. This accounting treatment is in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Redeemable noncontrolling interests are accreted to their redemption value (Put value) over the period from the date of issuance to the first date on which the Put option is exercisable. The change in Put value is recorded against Additional paid-in capital since Laureate has an Accumulated deficit. If Laureate had retained earnings, then the change in Put value would be recorded against retained earnings. In a computation of earnings per share, the accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests to their redemption value would be a reduction of earnings available to common stockholders. Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses The United States Dollar (USD) is the functional currency of Laureate and our subsidiaries operating in the United States. Our subsidiaries’ financial statements are maintained in their functional currencies. The functional currency of each of our foreign subsidiaries is the currency of the economic environment in which the subsidiary primarily does business. Our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements are translated into USD using the exchange rates applicable to the dates of the financial statements. Assets and liabilities are translated into USD using the period-end spot foreign exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at the weighted-average exchange rates in effect during the period. Equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Laureate has certain intercompany loans that are deemed to have the characteristics of a long-term investment. That is, the settlement of the intercompany loan is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future. Transaction gains and losses related to these types of loans are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Transaction gains and losses related to all other intercompany loans are included in Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For any transaction that is in a currency different from the entity’s functional currency, Laureate records a gain or loss based on the difference between the exchange rate at the transaction date and the exchange rate at the transaction settlement date (or rate at period end, if unsettled) as Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Cash and Cash Equivalents Laureate considers all highly liquid investments that are purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash and Investments Laureate’s United States institutions participate in the United States Department of Education (DOE) Title IV student financing assistance lending programs (Title IV programs). Restricted cash and investments includes cash equivalents and short-term investments held to collateralize standby letters of credit in favor of the DOE. Letters of credit are required by the DOE in order to allow our United States institutions to participate in the Title IV program. In addition, Laureate may at times have restricted cash in escrow pending potential acquisition transactions, hold a United States deposit for a letter of credit in lieu of a surety bond, or otherwise have cash that is not immediately available for use in current operations. Financial Instruments Laureate’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, accounts and notes receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies, derivative instruments, debt, capital lease obligations, and redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the exception of debt, as discussed in Note 10 , Debt . Additional information about fair value is provided in Note 21 , Fair Value Measurement . Our cash accounts are maintained with high-quality financial institutions with no significant concentration in any one institution. Our accounts receivable are not concentrated with any one significant customer. Our United States institutions participate in the DOE Title IV program and certain Chilean institutions in the Laureate network participate in a government-sponsored student financing program known as the Crédito con Aval del Estado, the CAE Program. During the course of the year, Laureate could have material receivables related to Title IV and the CAE Program. Accounts and Notes Receivable We recognize student receivables when an academic session begins, although students generally enroll in courses prior to the start of the academic session. Receivables are recognized only to the extent that amounts are due and collection is reasonably assured. Laureate offers long-term financing through note receivable agreements with students at certain of our institutions. These notes receivable generally are not collateralized. Non-interest bearing, long-term student receivables are recorded at present value using a discount rate approximating the unsecured borrowing rate for an individual. Differences between the present value and the principal amount of long-term student receivables are accreted through Interest income over their terms. Occasionally, certain of our institutions have sold certain long-term student receivables to local financial institutions without recourse. These transactions were deemed sales of receivables and the receivables were derecognized from our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain Chilean institutions in the Laureate network also participate in the CAE Program. In this program, these institutions provide guarantees to third-party financing institutions for tuition loans made to qualifying students. Refer to Note 12 , Commitments and Contingencies , for further discussion of this program. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables are deemed to be uncollectible when they have been outstanding for two years , or earlier when collection efforts have ceased, at which time they are written off. Prior to that, Laureate records an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce our receivables to their net realizable value. Our allowance estimation methodology is based on the age of the receivables, the status of past-due amounts, historical collection trends, current economic conditions and student enrollment status. In the event that current collection trends differ from historical trends, an adjustment is made to the allowance account and bad debt expense. The reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of the Allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 169,014 $ 132,149 $ 136,898 Additions: charges to bad debt expense 111,003 98,564 97,067 Additions: charges to other accounts (a) — 6,589 — Deductions (b) (97,052 ) (68,288 ) (101,816 ) Balance at end of period $ 182,965 $ 169,014 $ 132,149 (a) Charges to other accounts includes reclassifications. (b) Deductions includes accounts receivable written off against the allowance (net of recoveries), reclassifications, and foreign currency translation. The beginning and ending balances of the Allowance for doubtful accounts include the current portion, as shown on the face of Consolidated Balance Sheets, in addition to the noncurrent portion that is included in Notes receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Property and Equipment, and Leased Assets Property and equipment includes land, buildings, furniture, equipment, software, library books, leasehold improvements, and construction in-progress. We record property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Software that is developed for internal use is classified within the line item titled Furniture, equipment and software in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Assets under construction are recorded in Construction in-progress until they are available for use. Interest is capitalized as a component of the cost of projects during the construction period. We conduct a significant portion of our operations at leased facilities. Laureate analyzes each lease agreement to determine whether it should be classified as a capital or an operating lease. We recognize operating lease rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected term of each lease. In some instances, we enter into arrangements in which the landlord will construct real estate assets to be used for our business operations. In some cases, we are responsible for construction cost overruns or nonstandard tenant improvements. Laureate reviews these leases to determine whether we bear substantially all of the construction period risks and, therefore, should be considered for accounting purposes to be the "owner" of the real estate project. If we are deemed to be the owner we are required to capitalize the construction costs on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Upon completion of the project, we perform a sale-leaseback analysis pursuant to guidance on accounting for leases to determine if we can remove the assets from our Consolidated Balance Sheet. For some of these leases, we are considered to have “continuing involvement,” which precludes us from derecognizing the assets from our Consolidat

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , on August 9, 2018 , the Company announced that it plans to focus on its principal markets and will divest of its other markets . The principal markets that will remain (the Continuing Operations) include Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, along with the Online & Partnerships segment and the institutions in Australia and New Zealand. The markets to be divested ( the Discontinued Operations) include the institutions in Portugal and Spain, which are part of the Andean segment, all remaining institutions in the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment, and all remaining institutions in the Rest of World segment, except for Australia, New Zealand and the managed institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China. Included in the Discontinued Operations are seven VIE entities. The divestitures are expected to create a more focused and simplified business model and generate proceeds that will be used for further repayment of long-term debt. The timing and ability to complete any of these transactions is uncertain, and will be subject to market and other conditions, which may include regulatory approvals and consents of third parties. As described in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , several sale transactions have already closed during 2018. Summarized operating results of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Revenues $ 992,113 $ 942,329 $ 891,885 Depreciation and amortization 60,409 65,073 72,941 Share-based compensation expense 2,944 2,957 3,178 Other direct costs 780,490 758,617 737,881 Loss on impairment of assets 33,476 23,465 — Operating income 114,794 92,217 77,885 Other non-operating expense (17,373 ) (28,210 ) (47,164 ) Pretax income of discontinued operations 97,421 64,007 30,721 Income tax expense (24,495 ) (30,561 ) (22,367 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 72,926 $ 33,446 $ 8,354 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 120,026 $ 105,858 $ 88,241 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (81,484 ) $ (47,935 ) $ (70,508 ) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (78,014 ) $ (35,127 ) $ 97,605 2017 Loss on Impairment of Assets Of the total $33,476 of impairments shown in the table above, approximately $17,400 relates to impairment of tradenames and other long-lived assets at two subsidiaries in our Central America & U.S. Campuses segment and approximately $16,100 relates to impairment of other long-lived assets for several subsidiaries in our Rest of World segment which, per ASC 360-10, were required to be recorded at the lower of their carrying values or their estimated 'fair values less costs to sell' and were written down to a carrying value of $0 . 2016 Loss on Impairment of Assets Upon completion of our impairment testing for 2016, we recorded a total impairment loss of $23,465 in our Rest of World segment. We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $4,163 related to our institutions in Germany and $19,302 at Monash South Africa (MSA). The assets and liabilities of the Discontinued Operations, which are subject to finalization, have been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , in accordance with ASC 205. The assets and liabilities are recorded at the lower of their carrying values or their estimated 'fair values less costs to sell.' The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale are presented in the following table: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 197,898 $ 169,180 Receivables, net 83,045 61,800 Property and equipment, net 830,408 790,169 Goodwill 159,042 147,910 Tradenames 156,746 154,286 Other assets 122,201 108,153 Total assets held for sale $ 1,549,340 $ 1,431,498 Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 223,163 $ 184,429 Long-term debt, including current portion 319,473 351,124 Other liabilities 314,680 293,921 Total liabilities held for sale $ 857,316 $ 829,474 Signed Sale Agreements for Discontinued Operations European University – Cyprus Ltd (EUC) and Laureate Italy S.r.L. (Laureate Italy) On November 22, 2017, we signed a share purchase agreement with Galileo Global Education Midco S.à R.L., a Luxembourg limited liability company (Galileo), to sell our operations in Cyprus and Italy which are part of our Rest of World segment. Pursuant to the agreement, Galileo will purchase from LEI European Investments B.V., a Netherlands private limited company and wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of EUC and Laureate Italy. Under the sale agreement, Laureate International B.V., also a wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, will guarantee the obligations of the selling entity. EUC is the corporate entity that operates European University Cyprus, a leading fully comprehensive university in Cyprus, and Laureate Italy is the parent company of Nuova Accademia, S.r.L., which operates Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano (NABA) and Domus Academy, which collectively make up one of the largest private fine arts academies in Milan, Italy. The transaction value under the agreement was 225,000 Euros (EUR) (approximately US $267,000 at December 31, 2017 ), subject to customary closing adjustments. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , we closed the sale on January 11, 2018 . For the year ended December 31, 2017 , EUC and Laureate Italy, which are included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, collectively had $87,800 in revenue, $18,200 in operating income and $2,600 in depreciation and amortization and as of December 31, 2017 collectively had approximately 9,500 students. Laureate Somed Education Holding S.A. (Laureate Somed) On November 29, 2017 , Laureate Middle East Holdings B.V. (LMEH), a Netherlands company and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate Education, Inc. (Laureate), and La Société Maroc Emirats Arabes Unis de Développement (SOMED), a Morocco company (LMEH and SOMED, together, the sellers of Laureate Somed), Laureate I B.V. (the Guarantor), a Netherlands company and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, and UPM Pédagogique, a Morocco company (UPM), entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which UPM will purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Laureate Somed, a Morocco company, for a total transaction value of 500,000 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) (approximately US $53,000 at December 31, 2017 ), subject to customary adjustments at closing, and the Guarantor will guarantee certain obligations of LMEH under the Agreement. Laureate Somed is the operator of Université Internationale de Casablanca, a comprehensive campus-based university in Casablanca, Morocco. LMEH owns approximately 60% of the share capital of Laureate Somed, while SOMED owns the remaining approximately 40% of the share capital of Laureate Somed. The parties expect that the transaction will close by the end of the first quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , Laureate Somed, which is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, had $11,500 in revenue, an operating loss of $(800) and $1,100 in depreciation and amortization and as of December 31, 2017 had approximately 2,200 students. Inti Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (Inti Holdings) On December 11, 2017 , Exeter Street Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysia corporation (Exeter Street), and Laureate Education Asia Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (Laureate Asia), both of which are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Laureate, entered into a sale purchase agreement with Comprehensive Education Pte. Ltd., a Singapore corporation (Comprehensive, the purchaser) that is an affiliate of Affinity Equity Partners, a private equity firm based in Hong Kong. Pursuant to the sale purchase agreement, Comprehensive will purchase from Exeter Street all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Inti Holdings, and Laureate Asia will guarantee certain obligations of Exeter Street. Inti Holdings is the indirect owner of INTI University and Colleges, a higher education institution with five campuses in Malaysia (INTI). In connection with the sale purchase agreement, Exeter Street entered into a separate agreement with the current minority owner of the equity of Inti Holdings relating to the purchase by Exeter Street of the minority owner’s 10.10% interest in Inti Holdings, the closing of which is a precondition to the closing of the transactions under the sale purchase agreement. The total purchase price, including the payment to the current minority owner, will be $180,000 . The net transaction value to Laureate under the agreement will be $161,800 , subject to customary closing adjustments, and the parties expect that the transaction will close by the end of the second quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , INTI, which is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, had $69,900 in revenue, $9,200 in operating income and $4,800 in depreciation and amortization and as of December 31, 2017 had approximately 16,700 students. LEI Lie Ying Limited (LEILY) On December 27, 2017, LEI China Limited, a Hong Kong private limited company (LEI China), a wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, entered into a share purchase agreement with China YuHua Education Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation (YuHua), a wholly owned subsidiary of China YuHua Education Corporation Limited. Pursuant to the sale purchase agreement, YuHua will purchase from LEI China all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of LEILY, a Hong Kong private limited company. LEILY is the legal and beneficial owner of a 70% equity interest in Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd., a Sino-foreign equity joint venture organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China, which in turn owns 100% of the sponsorship or equity interests in the following entities: Hunan International Economics University (HIEU); Hunan Lie Ying Mechanic School; Hunan Lie Ying Property Management Co., Ltd.; and Hunan International Economics University Vocational Skills Training Center (collectively, the Entities). HIEU and Hunan Lie Ying Mechanic School are VIEs and are considered one institution for purposes of our institution count. The transaction value under the sale purchase agreement is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) equivalent of Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 1,430,000 (approximately US $218,000 at December 31, 2017 ), subject to certain adjustments. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , we closed the sale on January 25, 2018 . For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Entities, in which the Company has a 70% equity interest and which are included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, collectively had $64,500 in revenue, $21,200 in operating income and $6,100 in depreciation and amortization and as of December 31, 2017 collectively had approximately 29,100 students. Kendall College, LLC (Kendall) As discussed further in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , on January 15, 2018 we entered into an asset purchase agreement for Kendall, which is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. Dispositions and Asset Sales All of the transactions described below are included in Continuing Operations, since these transactions were not part of the strategic shift described in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 3 , Discontinued Operations . 2017 Asset Sale and Purchase Price Settlement Agreement Ad Portas Asset Sale In November 2017 , we completed the sale of an asset group at Ad Portas, a for-profit real estate subsidiary in our Andean segment, to UDLA Ecuador, a licensed institution in Ecuador that was formerly consolidated into Laureate. This asset group included property and equipment and was previously classified as assets held for sale in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017. We received total consideration of approximately $55,000 , which included cash proceeds of $17,784 , and recognized an operating gain on the sale of this property and equipment of approximately $20,300 . Contemporaneous with this transaction, we also repurchased UDLA Ecuador's noncontrolling interest in a Chilean real estate subsidiary of Laureate; see Note 18 , Related Party Transactions . Purchase Price Settlement Agreement for Swiss Hospitality Management Schools In December 2017, we reached a final purchase price settlement agreement with Eurazeo, the buyer of our Swiss hospitality management schools in 2016 as described further below, and made a payment to Eurazeo of approximately $9,300 . This payment is included in Receipts from sale of subsidiary and property and equipment, net on the 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The total settlement amount was approximately $10,300 , which we recognized as (Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net , in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 , as it represented an adjustment of the sale purchase price. 2016 Dispositions and Asset Sales Sale of Glion and Les Roches Hospitality Management Schools On March 15, 2016, we signed an agreement with Eurazeo, a publicly traded French investment company, to sell Glion Institute of Higher Education (Glion) and Les Roches International School of Hotel Management (Les Roches) for a total transaction value of approximately CHF 380,000 (approximately $385,000 at the signing date), subject to certain adjustments. The sale included the operations of Glion in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the operations of Les Roches in Switzerland and the United States, Haute école spécialisée Les Roches-Gruyère SA (LRG) in Switzerland, Les Roches Jin Jiang in China, Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) in Jordan and Les Roches Marbella in Spain. Closing of the transaction was subject to regulatory approvals, including by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and other customary conditions and provisions. The transaction closed on June 14, 2016 and we received total net proceeds of approximately $332,800 , net of cash sold of $14,500 , and after adjustments for liabilities assumed by the buyer and transaction-related costs. In September 2016, Laureate received additional proceeds from the buyer of approximately $5,800 after finalization of the working capital adjustment required by the purchase agreement, resulting in a total non-taxable gain on sale of approximately $249,400 . In addition, on the June 14, 2016 closing date, we settled the deal-contingent forward exchange swap agreement for a payment of $10,297 . We provided certain back-office services to Glion and Les Roches for a period of time. As noted above, in December 2017 we reached a final purchase price settlement agreement with Eurazeo of approximately $10,300 . Sale of Institutions in France On April 19, 2016, Laureate announced that it had signed an agreement for the transfer of control of LIUF SAS (LIUF), the French holding entity, to Apax Partners, a leading private equity firm in French-speaking European countries. Management obtained approval for this transaction on April 6, 2016. The French anti-trust authority also approved the transaction, and closing took place on July 20, 2016. LIUF comprised five institutions, including two VIE institutions, with a total student population of approximately 7,500 : • École Supérieure du Commerce Extérieur (ESCE); • Institut Français de Gestion (IFG); • European Business School (EBS); • École Centrale d’Electronique (ECE); and • Centre d’Études Politiques et de la Communication (CEPC). The value of the transaction was EUR 201,000 (approximately $228,000 at the signing date), subject to certain adjustments. At closing on July 20, 2016, we received total net proceeds of approximately $207,000 , net of cash sold of $3,400 , and after adjustments for liabilities assumed by the buyer and transaction-related costs, resulting in a non-taxable gain on sale of approximately $148,700 . In addition, in July 2016 we settled the forward exchange swap agreements related to this sale, resulting in total proceeds of $4,634 . 2015 Dispositions and Asset Sales Glion and Les Roches During the fourth quarter of 2014, our Rest of World segment entered into a sale-leaseback agreement for a portion of the campuses of two of our former institutions in Switzerland, Glion and Les Roches. In the first quarter of 2015, the sale of the assets was completed and Laureate received net proceeds of approximately $182,000 , resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $36,000 , which was deferred and will be recognized into income over the lease term of 20 years from the sale date. A portion of the net proceeds was used to repay mortgage debt related to the asset group. During the year ended December 31, 2015, Laureate recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $932 as a result of mortgage breakage fees that were paid in connection with the repayment of the mortgage debt. As discussed above, we sold Glion and Les Roches in 2016; as part of the sale agreement we are still a guarantor under this lease and therefore continue to recognize the gain that was deferred in 2015 into income over the lease term. However, the Company has certain indemnifications in the event that we are required to make payments under the guarantee.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Included in the discussion below are acquisitions of entities in Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations. 2017 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2017 , Laureate consummated the business acquisition outlined below, which is included in our Consolidated Financial Statements commencing from the date of acquisition. Australia In June 2017, our Rest of World segment acquired the assets and business of the nursing division of Careers Australia (CA Nursing), a vocational institution in Australia, for a cash purchase price of Australian Dollar (AUD) 1,107 (US $835 at the date of acquisition) plus debt assumed of AUD 9,850 (US $ 7,433 at the acquisition date). We account ed for this acquisition as a business combin ation. For this acquisition, Revenues , Operating income and Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2017. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of all assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: CA Nursing Current assets $ 2,552 Property and equipment 9,581 Goodwill 3,584 Other intangible assets 3,293 Total assets acquired 19,010 Current portion of long-term debt 166 Other current liabilities 8,997 Long-term debt, less current portion 7,267 Other long-term liabilities 1,745 Total liabilities 18,175 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 835 Debt assumed 7,433 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 8,268 Net assets acquired $ 835 Net cash paid at acquisition $ 835 2017 Summary The amounts recorded for the 2017 acquisition are considered final. None of the goodwill related to the 2017 acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Pro forma results of operations for the acquisition completed during 2017 have not been presented because the effects of that acquisition were not material to the Company’s financial results. 2016 Transactions University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) On March 24, 2016, the noncontrolling interest holders of St. Augustine notified Laureate of their election to exercise their put option, which required Laureate to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interest of 20% . Accordingly, this noncontrolling interest became a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument on the put option exercise date and was recognized as a liability at its estimated redemption value in accordance with ASC 480, "Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity." Under the terms of the agreement, the put option purchase price is based on 7.0 times Adjusted EBITDA of St. Augustine, as defined in the agreement, for the twelve months ended as of the last day of the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to the date on which notice of exercise is given multiplied by the percentage interest being acquired. In June 2016, we acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling interest in St. Augustine for a purchase price of $24,997 . This payment was included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Uni IBMR In 2015, we entered into a commitment to purchase the remaining 10% minority interest in Uni IBMR for a purchase price of BRL 2,500 . The agreement closed on March 10, 2016 and we paid BRL 2,500 (US $668 at the payment date), which was included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Additional purchase price could be paid post closing if certain contingent sale conditions are met. 2015 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2015, Laureate consummated the business acquisitions outlined below, which are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements commencing from the dates of acquisition. Australia In July 2015, our Rest of World segment acquired the assets and the business of Chifley Business School (CBS) in Australia for a cash purchase price of AUD 600 (US $464 at the acquisition date), plus debt assumed of AUD 1,000 (US $772 at the acquisition date). We accounted for this as a business combination. Payment of the debt was made in two installments of AUD 500 (US $386 at the acquisition date), in January 2016 and January 2017. For this acquisition, Revenues, Operating income and Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2015. Portugal On March 27, 2015, we acquired a group of higher education institutions and other entities in Portugal that we collectively referred to as IADE Group. The total purchase price of IADE Group was $10,403 , which included an initial cash payment of $6,476 , a seller note of $3,238 and a deferred payment of $689 related to a working capital settlement. The purchase of IADE Group allowed Laureate to expand its existing presence in Portugal. The goodwill recorded for IADE Group was related to the incremental value this acquisition brings to the Laureate International Universities network and Laureate's existing operations in Portugal by expanding our presence and adding synergies to Laureate's operations. For this acquisition, Revenues of $8,194 , Operating income of $971 and Net income of $806 are included Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of IADE Group and CBS from the dates of acquisition. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the dates of acquisition: IADE Group CBS Total Current assets $ 1,476 $ 4 $ 1,480 Property and equipment 335 33 368 Goodwill 5,980 989 6,969 Tradenames 6,071 342 6,413 Other intangible assets 1,616 — 1,616 Long-term indemnification assets 2,084 — 2,084 Other long-term assets 518 — 518 Total assets acquired 18,080 1,368 19,448 Current portion of long-term debt — 386 386 Other current liabilities 3,124 132 3,256 Long-term debt, less current portion — 386 386 Other long-term liabilities 4,553 — 4,553 Total liabilities 7,677 904 8,581 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 10,403 464 10,867 Debt assumed — 772 772 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 10,403 $ 1,236 $ 11,639 Net assets acquired $ 10,403 $ 464 $ 10,867 Cash acquired (235 ) — (235 ) Seller notes and deferred payments (3,927 ) — (3,927 ) Net cash paid at acquisition $ 6,241 $ 464 $ 6,705 2015 Summary For all of the 2015 acquisitions, the allocations of purchase price consideration are no longer subject to revision, as the measurement period has closed. No material adjustments were made during 2016 to complete the allocations of purchase price consideration. None of the goodwill related to the 2015 acquisitions is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. As part of the purchase price allocations for the 2015 acquisitions, Laureate recorded liabilities for taxes other-than-income tax related contingencies of $571 and labor contingencies of $1,466 . In addition, we recorded total long-term indemnification assets of $2,084 . Pro forma results of operations for the acquisitions completed during 2015 have not been presented because the effects of those acquisitions were not material to the Company’s financial results. Other 2015 Transactions India In April 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 5% noncontrolling interest in M-Power for a purchase price of $2,852 . This payment was included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Malaysia During the year ended December 31, 2015, we acquired an additional 2.7% noncontrolling interest in INTI Malaysia for $2,499 . This payment was included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This transaction increased Laureate's ownership interest in INTI to approximately 90% . Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies The amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies generally arise in connection with Laureate’s acquisition of a majority or all of the ownership interest of these companies. Promissory notes payable to the sellers of acquired companies, referred to as “seller notes,” are commonly used as a means of payment for business acquisitions. Seller note payments are classified as Payments of deferred purchase price for acquisitions within financing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies, currencies, and interest rates applied were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Nominal Currency Interest Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) $ 45,206 $ 52,043 BRL CDI + 2% University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC 11,550 11,550 USD 7% Monash South Africa (MSA) 9,571 8,318 AUD n/a Faculdade Porto-Alegrense (FAPA) 3,084 2,973 BRL IGP-M IADE Group 2,374 2,755 EUR 3% Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU) — 100,382 BRL CDI Total due to shareholders of acquired companies 71,785 178,021 Less: Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies 34,745 111,681 Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion $ 37,040 $ 66,340 AUD: Australian Dollar CDI: Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (Brazil) BRL: Brazilian Real IGP-M: General Index of Market Prices (Brazil) EUR: European Euro USD: United States Dollar The aggregate maturities of Due to shareholders of acquired companies as of December 31, 2017 , were as follows: 2018 $ 35,257 2019 14,081 2020 12,939 2021 11,752 2022 — Aggregate maturities 74,029 Less: imputed interest discount (2,244 ) Total $ 71,785 UAM Brazil A portion of the acquisition was financed with a seller note in the amount of BRL 200,808 (US $60,479 at December 31, 2017 ), which is scheduled to be paid in nine equal installments of BRL 22,312 (US $6,720 at December 31, 2017 ), adjusted for inflation based on CDI plus 200 basis points. The initial five installments were paid during the years ended December 31, 2013 through 2017 . The remaining four installments are due annually on August 31st of each year. The eighth and ninth installments are subject to acceleration and will be paid on August 31, 2019 , along with the seventh installment, if a certain financial performance target is achieved in 2018 , as described in the purchase agreement. On the closing date we recorded the note payable at its discounted present value, which will be accreted over the term of the note. As of December 31, 2017 , the carrying value of the note was $45,206 . St. Augustine On November 21, 2013 , Laureate initially acquired 80% of the ownership and voting rights of St. Augustine. A portion of the purchase price was financed with a five -year seller note in the amount of $14,000 . The promissory note incurs interest at an annual rate of 7% , which is payable quarterly beginning on January 1, 2014 , and the entire principal balance is payable on November 21, 2018 . During 2015 this note payable and a receivable from the former owner were reduced by $2,450 following the resolution of certain pre-acquisition matters, leaving a remaining principal balance of $11,550 . In 2016 , Laureate acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling interest in St. Augustine, as discussed in Note 4 , Acquisitions . Although St. Augustine is included in Discontinued Operations, this promissory note is the legal obligation of a corporate entity, and therefore is included in Continuing Operations. FMU At the acquisition date of FMU on September 12, 2014 , Laureate financed a portion of the purchase price with promissory notes payable to the seller of BRL 250,000 . These seller notes matured on September 12, 2017 and the principal and interest were fully repaid in the amount of BRL 358,606 (US $114,578 at the date of payment). The interest portion is classified in operating cash flows and included in the $39,419 of Interest paid on deferred purchase price for acquisitions on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Dispositions and Asset Sales

Dispositions and Asset Sales	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Dispositions and Asset Sales	Discontinued Operations As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , on August 9, 2018 , the Company announced that it plans to focus on its principal markets and will divest of its other markets . The principal markets that will remain (the Continuing Operations) include Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, along with the Online & Partnerships segment and the institutions in Australia and New Zealand. The markets to be divested ( the Discontinued Operations) include the institutions in Portugal and Spain, which are part of the Andean segment, all remaining institutions in the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment, and all remaining institutions in the Rest of World segment, except for Australia, New Zealand and the managed institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China. Included in the Discontinued Operations are seven VIE entities. The divestitures are expected to create a more focused and simplified business model and generate proceeds that will be used for further repayment of long-term debt. The timing and ability to complete any of these transactions is uncertain, and will be subject to market and other conditions, which may include regulatory approvals and consents of third parties. As described in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , several sale transactions have already closed during 2018. Summarized operating results of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Revenues $ 992,113 $ 942,329 $ 891,885 Depreciation and amortization 60,409 65,073 72,941 Share-based compensation expense 2,944 2,957 3,178 Other direct costs 780,490 758,617 737,881 Loss on impairment of assets 33,476 23,465 — Operating income 114,794 92,217 77,885 Other non-operating expense (17,373 ) (28,210 ) (47,164 ) Pretax income of discontinued operations 97,421 64,007 30,721 Income tax expense (24,495 ) (30,561 ) (22,367 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 72,926 $ 33,446 $ 8,354 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 120,026 $ 105,858 $ 88,241 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (81,484 ) $ (47,935 ) $ (70,508 ) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (78,014 ) $ (35,127 ) $ 97,605 2017 Loss on Impairment of Assets Of the total $33,476 of impairments shown in the table above, approximately $17,400 relates to impairment of tradenames and other long-lived assets at two subsidiaries in our Central America & U.S. Campuses segment and approximately $16,100 relates to impairment of other long-lived assets for several subsidiaries in our Rest of World segment which, per ASC 360-10, were required to be recorded at the lower of their carrying values or their estimated 'fair values less costs to sell' and were written down to a carrying value of $0 . 2016 Loss on Impairment of Assets Upon completion of our impairment testing for 2016, we recorded a total impairment loss of $23,465 in our Rest of World segment. We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $4,163 related to our institutions in Germany and $19,302 at Monash South Africa (MSA). The assets and liabilities of the Discontinued Operations, which are subject to finalization, have been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , in accordance with ASC 205. The assets and liabilities are recorded at the lower of their carrying values or their estimated 'fair values less costs to sell.' The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale are presented in the following table: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 197,898 $ 169,180 Receivables, net 83,045 61,800 Property and equipment, net 830,408 790,169 Goodwill 159,042 147,910 Tradenames 156,746 154,286 Other assets 122,201 108,153 Total assets held for sale $ 1,549,340 $ 1,431,498 Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 223,163 $ 184,429 Long-term debt, including current portion 319,473 351,124 Other liabilities 314,680 293,921 Total liabilities held for sale $ 857,316 $ 829,474 Signed Sale Agreements for Discontinued Operations European University – Cyprus Ltd (EUC) and Laureate Italy S.r.L. (Laureate Italy) On November 22, 2017, we signed a share purchase agreement with Galileo Global Education Midco S.à R.L., a Luxembourg limited liability company (Galileo), to sell our operations in Cyprus and Italy which are part of our Rest of World segment. Pursuant to the agreement, Galileo will purchase from LEI European Investments B.V., a Netherlands private limited company and wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of EUC and Laureate Italy. Under the sale agreement, Laureate International B.V., also a wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, will guarantee the obligations of the selling entity. EUC is the corporate entity that operates European University Cyprus, a leading fully comprehensive university in Cyprus, and Laureate Italy is the parent company of Nuova Accademia, S.r.L., which operates Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano (NABA) and Domus Academy, which collectively make up one of the largest private fine arts academies in Milan, Italy. The transaction value under the agreement was 225,000 Euros (EUR) (approximately US $267,000 at December 31, 2017 ), subject to customary closing adjustments. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , we closed the sale on January 11, 2018 . For the year ended December 31, 2017 , EUC and Laureate Italy, which are included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, collectively had $87,800 in revenue, $18,200 in operating income and $2,600 in depreciation and amortization and as of December 31, 2017 collectively had approximately 9,500 students. Laureate Somed Education Holding S.A. (Laureate Somed) On November 29, 2017 , Laureate Middle East Holdings B.V. (LMEH), a Netherlands company and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate Education, Inc. (Laureate), and La Société Maroc Emirats Arabes Unis de Développement (SOMED), a Morocco company (LMEH and SOMED, together, the sellers of Laureate Somed), Laureate I B.V. (the Guarantor), a Netherlands company and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, and UPM Pédagogique, a Morocco company (UPM), entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which UPM will purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Laureate Somed, a Morocco company, for a total transaction value of 500,000 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) (approximately US $53,000 at December 31, 2017 ), subject to customary adjustments at closing, and the Guarantor will guarantee certain obligations of LMEH under the Agreement. Laureate Somed is the operator of Université Internationale de Casablanca, a comprehensive campus-based university in Casablanca, Morocco. LMEH owns approximately 60% of the share capital of Laureate Somed, while SOMED owns the remaining approximately 40% of the share capital of Laureate Somed. The parties expect that the transaction will close by the end of the first quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , Laureate Somed, which is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, had $11,500 in revenue, an operating loss of $(800) and $1,100 in depreciation and amortization and as of December 31, 2017 had approximately 2,200 students. Inti Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (Inti Holdings) On December 11, 2017 , Exeter Street Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysia corporation (Exeter Street), and Laureate Education Asia Limited, a Hong Kong corporation (Laureate Asia), both of which are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Laureate, entered into a sale purchase agreement with Comprehensive Education Pte. Ltd., a Singapore corporation (Comprehensive, the purchaser) that is an affiliate of Affinity Equity Partners, a private equity firm based in Hong Kong. Pursuant to the sale purchase agreement, Comprehensive will purchase from Exeter Street all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Inti Holdings, and Laureate Asia will guarantee certain obligations of Exeter Street. Inti Holdings is the indirect owner of INTI University and Colleges, a higher education institution with five campuses in Malaysia (INTI). In connection with the sale purchase agreement, Exeter Street entered into a separate agreement with the current minority owner of the equity of Inti Holdings relating to the purchase by Exeter Street of the minority owner’s 10.10% interest in Inti Holdings, the closing of which is a precondition to the closing of the transactions under the sale purchase agreement. The total purchase price, including the payment to the current minority owner, will be $180,000 . The net transaction value to Laureate under the agreement will be $161,800 , subject to customary closing adjustments, and the parties expect that the transaction will close by the end of the second quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , INTI, which is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, had $69,900 in revenue, $9,200 in operating income and $4,800 in depreciation and amortization and as of December 31, 2017 had approximately 16,700 students. LEI Lie Ying Limited (LEILY) On December 27, 2017, LEI China Limited, a Hong Kong private limited company (LEI China), a wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, entered into a share purchase agreement with China YuHua Education Investment Limited, a British Virgin Islands corporation (YuHua), a wholly owned subsidiary of China YuHua Education Corporation Limited. Pursuant to the sale purchase agreement, YuHua will purchase from LEI China all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of LEILY, a Hong Kong private limited company. LEILY is the legal and beneficial owner of a 70% equity interest in Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd., a Sino-foreign equity joint venture organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China, which in turn owns 100% of the sponsorship or equity interests in the following entities: Hunan International Economics University (HIEU); Hunan Lie Ying Mechanic School; Hunan Lie Ying Property Management Co., Ltd.; and Hunan International Economics University Vocational Skills Training Center (collectively, the Entities). HIEU and Hunan Lie Ying Mechanic School are VIEs and are considered one institution for purposes of our institution count. The transaction value under the sale purchase agreement is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) equivalent of Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 1,430,000 (approximately US $218,000 at December 31, 2017 ), subject to certain adjustments. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , we closed the sale on January 25, 2018 . For the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Entities, in which the Company has a 70% equity interest and which are included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, collectively had $64,500 in revenue, $21,200 in operating income and $6,100 in depreciation and amortization and as of December 31, 2017 collectively had approximately 29,100 students. Kendall College, LLC (Kendall) As discussed further in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , on January 15, 2018 we entered into an asset purchase agreement for Kendall, which is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. Dispositions and Asset Sales All of the transactions described below are included in Continuing Operations, since these transactions were not part of the strategic shift described in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 3 , Discontinued Operations . 2017 Asset Sale and Purchase Price Settlement Agreement Ad Portas Asset Sale In November 2017 , we completed the sale of an asset group at Ad Portas, a for-profit real estate subsidiary in our Andean segment, to UDLA Ecuador, a licensed institution in Ecuador that was formerly consolidated into Laureate. This asset group included property and equipment and was previously classified as assets held for sale in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017. We received total consideration of approximately $55,000 , which included cash proceeds of $17,784 , and recognized an operating gain on the sale of this property and equipment of approximately $20,300 . Contemporaneous with this transaction, we also repurchased UDLA Ecuador's noncontrolling interest in a Chilean real estate subsidiary of Laureate; see Note 18 , Related Party Transactions . Purchase Price Settlement Agreement for Swiss Hospitality Management Schools In December 2017, we reached a final purchase price settlement agreement with Eurazeo, the buyer of our Swiss hospitality management schools in 2016 as described further below, and made a payment to Eurazeo of approximately $9,300 . This payment is included in Receipts from sale of subsidiary and property and equipment, net on the 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The total settlement amount was approximately $10,300 , which we recognized as (Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net , in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 , as it represented an adjustment of the sale purchase price. 2016 Dispositions and Asset Sales Sale of Glion and Les Roches Hospitality Management Schools On March 15, 2016, we signed an agreement with Eurazeo, a publicly traded French investment company, to sell Glion Institute of Higher Education (Glion) and Les Roches International School of Hotel Management (Les Roches) for a total transaction value of approximately CHF 380,000 (approximately $385,000 at the signing date), subject to certain adjustments. The sale included the operations of Glion in Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the operations of Les Roches in Switzerland and the United States, Haute école spécialisée Les Roches-Gruyère SA (LRG) in Switzerland, Les Roches Jin Jiang in China, Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) in Jordan and Les Roches Marbella in Spain. Closing of the transaction was subject to regulatory approvals, including by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and other customary conditions and provisions. The transaction closed on June 14, 2016 and we received total net proceeds of approximately $332,800 , net of cash sold of $14,500 , and after adjustments for liabilities assumed by the buyer and transaction-related costs. In September 2016, Laureate received additional proceeds from the buyer of approximately $5,800 after finalization of the working capital adjustment required by the purchase agreement, resulting in a total non-taxable gain on sale of approximately $249,400 . In addition, on the June 14, 2016 closing date, we settled the deal-contingent forward exchange swap agreement for a payment of $10,297 . We provided certain back-office services to Glion and Les Roches for a period of time. As noted above, in December 2017 we reached a final purchase price settlement agreement with Eurazeo of approximately $10,300 . Sale of Institutions in France On April 19, 2016, Laureate announced that it had signed an agreement for the transfer of control of LIUF SAS (LIUF), the French holding entity, to Apax Partners, a leading private equity firm in French-speaking European countries. Management obtained approval for this transaction on April 6, 2016. The French anti-trust authority also approved the transaction, and closing took place on July 20, 2016. LIUF comprised five institutions, including two VIE institutions, with a total student population of approximately 7,500 : • École Supérieure du Commerce Extérieur (ESCE); • Institut Français de Gestion (IFG); • European Business School (EBS); • École Centrale d’Electronique (ECE); and • Centre d’Études Politiques et de la Communication (CEPC). The value of the transaction was EUR 201,000 (approximately $228,000 at the signing date), subject to certain adjustments. At closing on July 20, 2016, we received total net proceeds of approximately $207,000 , net of cash sold of $3,400 , and after adjustments for liabilities assumed by the buyer and transaction-related costs, resulting in a non-taxable gain on sale of approximately $148,700 . In addition, in July 2016 we settled the forward exchange swap agreements related to this sale, resulting in total proceeds of $4,634 . 2015 Dispositions and Asset Sales Glion and Les Roches During the fourth quarter of 2014, our Rest of World segment entered into a sale-leaseback agreement for a portion of the campuses of two of our former institutions in Switzerland, Glion and Les Roches. In the first quarter of 2015, the sale of the assets was completed and Laureate received net proceeds of approximately $182,000 , resulting in a gain on sale of approximately $36,000 , which was deferred and will be recognized into income over the lease term of 20 years from the sale date. A portion of the net proceeds was used to repay mortgage debt related to the asset group. During the year ended December 31, 2015, Laureate recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $932 as a result of mortgage breakage fees that were paid in connection with the repayment of the mortgage debt. As discussed above, we sold Glion and Les Roches in 2016; as part of the sale agreement we are still a guarantor under this lease and therefore continue to recognize the gain that was deferred in 2015 into income over the lease term. However, the Company has certain indemnifications in the event that we are required to make payments under the guarantee.

Due to Shareholders of Acquired

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies	Acquisitions Included in the discussion below are acquisitions of entities in Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations. 2017 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2017 , Laureate consummated the business acquisition outlined below, which is included in our Consolidated Financial Statements commencing from the date of acquisition. Australia In June 2017, our Rest of World segment acquired the assets and business of the nursing division of Careers Australia (CA Nursing), a vocational institution in Australia, for a cash purchase price of Australian Dollar (AUD) 1,107 (US $835 at the date of acquisition) plus debt assumed of AUD 9,850 (US $ 7,433 at the acquisition date). We account ed for this acquisition as a business combin ation. For this acquisition, Revenues , Operating income and Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2017. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of all assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: CA Nursing Current assets $ 2,552 Property and equipment 9,581 Goodwill 3,584 Other intangible assets 3,293 Total assets acquired 19,010 Current portion of long-term debt 166 Other current liabilities 8,997 Long-term debt, less current portion 7,267 Other long-term liabilities 1,745 Total liabilities 18,175 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 835 Debt assumed 7,433 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 8,268 Net assets acquired $ 835 Net cash paid at acquisition $ 835 2017 Summary The amounts recorded for the 2017 acquisition are considered final. None of the goodwill related to the 2017 acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Pro forma results of operations for the acquisition completed during 2017 have not been presented because the effects of that acquisition were not material to the Company’s financial results. 2016 Transactions University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) On March 24, 2016, the noncontrolling interest holders of St. Augustine notified Laureate of their election to exercise their put option, which required Laureate to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interest of 20% . Accordingly, this noncontrolling interest became a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument on the put option exercise date and was recognized as a liability at its estimated redemption value in accordance with ASC 480, "Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity." Under the terms of the agreement, the put option purchase price is based on 7.0 times Adjusted EBITDA of St. Augustine, as defined in the agreement, for the twelve months ended as of the last day of the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to the date on which notice of exercise is given multiplied by the percentage interest being acquired. In June 2016, we acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling interest in St. Augustine for a purchase price of $24,997 . This payment was included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Uni IBMR In 2015, we entered into a commitment to purchase the remaining 10% minority interest in Uni IBMR for a purchase price of BRL 2,500 . The agreement closed on March 10, 2016 and we paid BRL 2,500 (US $668 at the payment date), which was included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Additional purchase price could be paid post closing if certain contingent sale conditions are met. 2015 Acquisitions During the year ended December 31, 2015, Laureate consummated the business acquisitions outlined below, which are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements commencing from the dates of acquisition. Australia In July 2015, our Rest of World segment acquired the assets and the business of Chifley Business School (CBS) in Australia for a cash purchase price of AUD 600 (US $464 at the acquisition date), plus debt assumed of AUD 1,000 (US $772 at the acquisition date). We accounted for this as a business combination. Payment of the debt was made in two installments of AUD 500 (US $386 at the acquisition date), in January 2016 and January 2017. For this acquisition, Revenues, Operating income and Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2015. Portugal On March 27, 2015, we acquired a group of higher education institutions and other entities in Portugal that we collectively referred to as IADE Group. The total purchase price of IADE Group was $10,403 , which included an initial cash payment of $6,476 , a seller note of $3,238 and a deferred payment of $689 related to a working capital settlement. The purchase of IADE Group allowed Laureate to expand its existing presence in Portugal. The goodwill recorded for IADE Group was related to the incremental value this acquisition brings to the Laureate International Universities network and Laureate's existing operations in Portugal by expanding our presence and adding synergies to Laureate's operations. For this acquisition, Revenues of $8,194 , Operating income of $971 and Net income of $806 are included Income from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the operating results of IADE Group and CBS from the dates of acquisition. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the dates of acquisition: IADE Group CBS Total Current assets $ 1,476 $ 4 $ 1,480 Property and equipment 335 33 368 Goodwill 5,980 989 6,969 Tradenames 6,071 342 6,413 Other intangible assets 1,616 — 1,616 Long-term indemnification assets 2,084 — 2,084 Other long-term assets 518 — 518 Total assets acquired 18,080 1,368 19,448 Current portion of long-term debt — 386 386 Other current liabilities 3,124 132 3,256 Long-term debt, less current portion — 386 386 Other long-term liabilities 4,553 — 4,553 Total liabilities 7,677 904 8,581 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 10,403 464 10,867 Debt assumed — 772 772 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 10,403 $ 1,236 $ 11,639 Net assets acquired $ 10,403 $ 464 $ 10,867 Cash acquired (235 ) — (235 ) Seller notes and deferred payments (3,927 ) — (3,927 ) Net cash paid at acquisition $ 6,241 $ 464 $ 6,705 2015 Summary For all of the 2015 acquisitions, the allocations of purchase price consideration are no longer subject to revision, as the measurement period has closed. No material adjustments were made during 2016 to complete the allocations of purchase price consideration. None of the goodwill related to the 2015 acquisitions is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. As part of the purchase price allocations for the 2015 acquisitions, Laureate recorded liabilities for taxes other-than-income tax related contingencies of $571 and labor contingencies of $1,466 . In addition, we recorded total long-term indemnification assets of $2,084 . Pro forma results of operations for the acquisitions completed during 2015 have not been presented because the effects of those acquisitions were not material to the Company’s financial results. Other 2015 Transactions India In April 2015, the Company acquired the remaining 5% noncontrolling interest in M-Power for a purchase price of $2,852 . This payment was included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Malaysia During the year ended December 31, 2015, we acquired an additional 2.7% noncontrolling interest in INTI Malaysia for $2,499 . This payment was included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. This transaction increased Laureate's ownership interest in INTI to approximately 90% . Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies The amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies generally arise in connection with Laureate’s acquisition of a majority or all of the ownership interest of these companies. Promissory notes payable to the sellers of acquired companies, referred to as “seller notes,” are commonly used as a means of payment for business acquisitions. Seller note payments are classified as Payments of deferred purchase price for acquisitions within financing activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies, currencies, and interest rates applied were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Nominal Currency Interest Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) $ 45,206 $ 52,043 BRL CDI + 2% University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC 11,550 11,550 USD 7% Monash South Africa (MSA) 9,571 8,318 AUD n/a Faculdade Porto-Alegrense (FAPA) 3,084 2,973 BRL IGP-M IADE Group 2,374 2,755 EUR 3% Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU) — 100,382 BRL CDI Total due to shareholders of acquired companies 71,785 178,021 Less: Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies 34,745 111,681 Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion $ 37,040 $ 66,340 AUD: Australian Dollar CDI: Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (Brazil) BRL: Brazilian Real IGP-M: General Index of Market Prices (Brazil) EUR: European Euro USD: United States Dollar The aggregate maturities of Due to shareholders of acquired companies as of December 31, 2017 , were as follows: 2018 $ 35,257 2019 14,081 2020 12,939 2021 11,752 2022 — Aggregate maturities 74,029 Less: imputed interest discount (2,244 ) Total $ 71,785 UAM Brazil A portion of the acquisition was financed with a seller note in the amount of BRL 200,808 (US $60,479 at December 31, 2017 ), which is scheduled to be paid in nine equal installments of BRL 22,312 (US $6,720 at December 31, 2017 ), adjusted for inflation based on CDI plus 200 basis points. The initial five installments were paid during the years ended December 31, 2013 through 2017 . The remaining four installments are due annually on August 31st of each year. The eighth and ninth installments are subject to acceleration and will be paid on August 31, 2019 , along with the seventh installment, if a certain financial performance target is achieved in 2018 , as described in the purchase agreement. On the closing date we recorded the note payable at its discounted present value, which will be accreted over the term of the note. As of December 31, 2017 , the carrying value of the note was $45,206 . St. Augustine On November 21, 2013 , Laureate initially acquired 80% of the ownership and voting rights of St. Augustine. A portion of the purchase price was financed with a five -year seller note in the amount of $14,000 . The promissory note incurs interest at an annual rate of 7% , which is payable quarterly beginning on January 1, 2014 , and the entire principal balance is payable on November 21, 2018 . During 2015 this note payable and a receivable from the former owner were reduced by $2,450 following the resolution of certain pre-acquisition matters, leaving a remaining principal balance of $11,550 . In 2016 , Laureate acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling interest in St. Augustine, as discussed in Note 4 , Acquisitions . Although St. Augustine is included in Discontinued Operations, this promissory note is the legal obligation of a corporate entity, and therefore is included in Continuing Operations. FMU At the acquisition date of FMU on September 12, 2014 , Laureate financed a portion of the purchase price with promissory notes payable to the seller of BRL 250,000 . These seller notes matured on September 12, 2017 and the principal and interest were fully repaid in the amount of BRL 358,606 (US $114,578 at the date of payment). The interest portion is classified in operating cash flows and included in the $39,419 of Interest paid on deferred purchase price for acquisitions on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Business and Geographic Segment

Business and Geographic Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business and Geographic Segment Information	Business and Geographic Segment Information Laureate’s educational services are offered through six operating segments: Brazil, Mexico, Andean, Central America & U.S. Campuses, Rest of World and Online & Partnerships. Laureate determines its operating segments based on information utilized by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. As previously disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017, effective August 1, 2017, we changed our operating segments in order to realign our segments according to how our chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses performance. The change includes the creation of three operating segments (Brazil, Mexico and Andean & Iberian) from the previous Latin America (LatAm) segment. Our institutions in Spain and Portugal (Iberian) have moved from the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific (EMEAA) segment and combined with our institutions in Chile and Peru to form the Andean & Iberian segment. In addition, our institutions in Central America, which were previously part of the LatAm segment, have combined with our campus-based institutions in the United States, which were previously part of the GPS segment, to form the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment. The Online & Partnerships segment consists of the online institutions that were previously part of the GPS segment. This change has been reflected in the segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017. As required, the segment information presented for comparative purposes for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 has also been revised to reflect this change. We have renamed our Andean & Iberian segment as Andean and our EMEAA segment as Rest of World. As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, a number of our subsidiaries met the requirements to be classified as discontinued operations, including the entire Central America & U.S. Campuses segment . As a result, the operations of the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment have been excluded from the segment information for all periods presented. In addition, the portions of the Andean and Rest of World reportable segments that are included in Discontinued Operations have also been excluded from the segment information for all periods presented. Our campus-based segments generate revenues by providing an education that emphasizes professional-oriented fields of study with undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Our educational offerings are increasingly utilizing online and hybrid (a combination of online and in-classroom) courses and programs to deliver their curriculum. Many of our largest campus-based operations are in developing markets which are experiencing a growing demand for higher education based on favorable demographics and increasing secondary completion rates, driving increases in participation rates and resulting in continued growth in the number of higher education students. Traditional higher education students (defined as 18-24 year olds) have historically been served by public universities, which have limited capacity and are often underfunded, resulting in an inability to meet the growing student demand and employer requirements. This supply and demand imbalance has created a market opportunity for private sector participants. Most students finance their own education. However, there are some government-sponsored student financing programs which are discussed below. These campus-based segments include Brazil, Mexico, Andean, Central America & U.S. Campuses and Rest of World. Specifics related to each of these campus-based segments and our Online & Partnerships segment are discussed below: In Brazil, approximately 75% of post-secondary students are enrolled in private higher education institutions. While the federal government defines the national curricular guidelines, institutions are licensed to operate by city. Laureate owns 13 institutions in eight states throughout Brazil, with a particularly strong presence in the competitive São Paulo market. Many students finance their own education while others rely on the government-sponsored programs such as Prouni and FIES. Public universities in Mexico enroll approximately two-thirds of students attending post-secondary education. However, many public institutions are faced with capacity constraints or the quality of the education is considered low. Laureate owns two institutions and is present throughout the country with a footprint of over 40 campuses. Each institution in Mexico has a national license. Students in our Mexican institutions typically finance their own education. The Andean segment includes institutions in Chile, Peru, Portugal and Spain. In Chile, private universities enroll approximately 80% of post-secondary students. In Peru, the public sector plays a significant role but private universities are increasingly providing the capacity to meet growing demand. In Spain and Portugal, the high demand for post-secondary education places capacity constraints on the public sector, pushing students to turn to the private sector for high-quality education. Chile has government-sponsored student financing programs, while in the other countries students generally finance their own education. The institutions in Portugal and Spain are included in Discontinued Operations. The Central America & U.S. Campuses segment includes institutions in Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and the United States. Students in Central America typically finance their own education while students in the United States finance their education in a variety of ways, including Title IV programs. The entire Central America & U.S. Campuses segment is included in Discontinued Operations. The Rest of World segment includes institutions in the European countries of Cyprus, Germany, Italy and Turkey, as well as locations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific consisting of campus-based institutions with operations in Australia, China, India, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, South Africa and Thailand. Additionally, Rest of World manages eight licensed institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and manages one additional institution in China through a joint venture arrangement. The institutions in the Rest of World segment are included in Discontinued Operations, except for Australia, New Zealand and the managed institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China. The Online & Partnerships segment includes fully online institutions operating globally that offer professionally-oriented degree programs in the United States through Walden University (Walden), a U.S.-based accredited institution, and through the University of Liverpool and the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom. These online institutions primarily serve working adults with undergraduate and graduate degree program offerings. Students in the United States finance their education in a variety of ways, including Title IV programs. Intersegment transactions are accounted for in a similar manner as third-party transactions and are eliminated in consolidation. The “Corporate” amounts presented in the following tables includes corporate charges that were not allocated to our reportable segments and adjustments to eliminate intersegment items. We evaluate segment performance based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP performance measure defined as Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, adding back the following items: (Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net , Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net , Other (expense) income, net , Gain (loss) on derivatives , Loss on debt extinguishment , Interest expense , Interest income , Depreciation and amortization expense, Loss on impairment of assets, Share-based compensation expense and expenses related to our Excellence-in-Process (EiP) initiative. EiP is an enterprise-wide initiative to optimize and standardize Laureate’s processes, creating vertical integration of procurement, information technology, finance, accounting and human resources. It includes the establishment of regional shared services organizations (SSOs) around the world, as well as improvements to the Company's system of internal controls over financial reporting. We have also expanded the EiP initiative into other back- and mid-office areas, as well as certain student-facing activities. Certain non-recurring costs incurred in connection with the planned dispositions described in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , are also included in EiP. The increased EiP expenses during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 relates primarily to severance costs that are predominantly contractual termination benefits recognized in accordance with ASC 712, ‘‘Compensation—Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.’’ When we review Adjusted EBITDA on a segment basis, we exclude intercompany revenues and expenses, related to network fees and royalties between our segments, which eliminate in consolidation. We use total assets as the measure of assets for reportable segments. The following tables provide financial information for our reportable segments, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates , as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Corporate Total 2017 Revenues $ 765,746 $ 646,154 $ 1,085,640 $ 214,720 $ 690,374 $ (16,758 ) $ 3,385,876 Adjusted EBITDA 134,205 147,171 301,249 32,411 204,543 (204,108 ) 615,471 Depreciation and amortization expense 35,715 27,990 67,764 20,659 35,440 16,765 204,333 Loss on impairment of assets 3,320 — 2,530 — 257 1,014 7,121 Total assets 1,256,364 969,400 1,714,819 225,429 1,294,147 1,931,126 7,391,285 Expenditures for long-lived assets 50,244 38,615 72,098 9,697 23,730 24,001 218,385 2016 Revenues $ 690,804 $ 626,011 $ 969,717 $ 330,423 $ 704,976 $ (20,067 ) $ 3,301,864 Adjusted EBITDA 95,442 143,741 225,538 53,352 208,237 (145,893 ) 580,417 Depreciation and amortization expense 35,695 26,273 68,050 21,668 38,452 9,668 199,806 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — — — — Total assets 1,245,264 972,171 1,579,581 227,071 1,297,798 1,740,649 7,062,534 Expenditures for long-lived assets 29,332 28,081 80,396 8,126 29,275 33,621 208,831 2015 Revenues $ 672,917 $ 678,193 $ 913,388 $ 452,937 $ 707,998 $ (25,659 ) $ 3,399,774 Adjusted EBITDA 81,322 150,136 201,794 52,080 191,019 (127,586 ) 548,765 Depreciation and amortization expense 34,261 35,156 64,389 30,953 37,161 8,085 210,005 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — — — — Expenditures for long-lived assets 36,730 34,715 132,156 23,089 33,842 21,879 282,411 As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , a number of our entities have been classified as Discontinued Operations and their assets have been classified as assets held for sale and excluded from the the segment information for all periods presented. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, total assets held for sale of $1,549,340 and $1,431,498 , respectively, are included in the Corporate amounts above. For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments: Brazil $ 134,205 $ 95,442 $ 81,322 Mexico 147,171 143,741 150,136 Andean 301,249 225,538 201,794 Rest of World 32,411 53,352 52,080 Online & Partnerships 204,543 208,237 191,019 Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments 819,579 726,310 676,351 Reconciling items: Corporate (204,108 ) (145,893 ) (127,586 ) Depreciation and amortization expense (204,333 ) (199,806 ) (210,005 ) Loss on impairment of assets (7,121 ) — — Share-based compensation expense (61,844 ) (35,852 ) (35,843 ) EiP expenses (100,180 ) (54,082 ) (43,845 ) Operating income 241,993 290,677 259,072 Interest income 11,865 14,414 9,474 Interest expense (334,901 ) (390,391 ) (367,284 ) Loss on debt extinguishment (8,392 ) (17,363 ) (1,263 ) Gain (loss) on derivatives 28,656 (6,084 ) (2,607 ) Other (expense) income, net (1,892 ) 457 (423 ) Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net 2,539 77,299 (128,299 ) (Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net (10,490 ) 398,081 — (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ (70,622 ) $ 367,090 $ (231,330 ) Geographic Information No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of Laureate’s consolidated revenues. Revenues from customers by geographic area, primarily generated by students enrolled at institutions in those areas, were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 External Revenues (1) Brazil $ 765,358 $ 690,377 $ 672,372 Mexico 644,015 624,939 678,030 United States 635,637 633,471 632,773 Chile 617,213 564,592 536,530 Peru 450,719 389,815 356,684 Other foreign countries 272,934 398,670 523,385 Consolidated total $ 3,385,876 $ 3,301,864 $ 3,399,774 (1) Excludes intercompany revenues and therefore does not agree to the table above Long-lived assets are composed of Property and equipment, net. Laureate’s long-lived assets of continuing operations by geographic area were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Long-lived assets Chile $ 387,422 $ 367,856 Peru 327,908 299,014 Brazil 245,781 252,289 Mexico 237,109 218,531 United States 104,995 116,390 Other foreign countries 77,202 107,385 Consolidated total $ 1,380,417 $ 1,361,465

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The change in the net carrying amount of Goodwill from December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2017 was composed of the following items: Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Other Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 417,938 $ 578,350 $ 246,375 $ 246,980 $ 459,786 $ 2,015 $ 1,951,444 Acquisitions — — — — — — — Dispositions — — — (148,264 ) — — (148,264 ) Impairments — — — — — — — Currency translation adjustments 83,117 (97,365 ) 7,536 (9,914 ) — — (16,626 ) Adjustments to prior acquisitions — — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 501,055 $ 480,985 $ 253,911 $ 88,802 $ 459,786 $ 2,015 $ 1,786,554 Acquisitions — — — 3,584 — — 3,584 Dispositions — — — — — — — Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale — — — — — (2,015 ) (2,015 ) Impairments — — — — — — — Currency translation adjustments (7,682 ) 22,388 18,270 6,312 954 — 40,242 Adjustments to prior acquisitions — — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 493,373 $ 503,373 $ 272,181 $ 98,698 $ 460,740 $ — $ 1,828,365 Other Intangible Assets Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was $11,514 , $11,176 and $14,349 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , 2022 and beyond is $6,052 , $3,744 , $3,124 , $2,877 , $2,562 and $17,420 , respectively. The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2017 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Subject to amortization: Student rosters $ 80,564 $ (79,005 ) $ 1,559 1.9 Other 65,970 (31,750 ) 34,220 11.4 Not subject to amortization: Tradenames 1,167,302 — 1,167,302 — Total $ 1,313,836 $ (110,755 ) $ 1,203,081 The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2016 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Subject to amortization: Student rosters $ 77,763 $ (74,269 ) $ 3,494 3.0 Other 65,062 (22,521 ) 42,541 11.5 Not subject to amortization: Tradenames 1,153,348 — 1,153,348 — Total $ 1,296,173 $ (96,790 ) $ 1,199,383 Impairment Tests The following table summarizes the Loss on impairment of assets: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net $ 2,696 $ — $ — Impairments of long-lived assets 4,425 — — Total $ 7,121 $ — $ — We perform annual impairment tests of our non-amortizable intangible assets, which consist of Goodwill and Tradenames, in the fourth quarter of each year. The impairment charges discussed below were recorded to reduce the assets' carrying values to fair value. For the purposes of our annual impairment testing of the Company's goodwill, fair value measurements were determined primarily using the income approach, based largely on inputs that are not observable to active markets, which would be deemed “Level 3” fair value measurements as defined in Note 21 , Fair Value Measurement . These inputs include our expectations about future revenue growth and profitability, marginal income tax rates by jurisdiction, and the rate at which the cash flows should be discounted in order to determine this fair value estimate. Where a market approach is used, the inputs also include publicly available data about our competitors' financial ratios and transactions. For purposes of our annual impairment testing of the Company’s indefinite-lived tradename assets, fair value measurements were determined using the income approach, based largely on inputs that are not observable to active markets, which would be deemed “Level 3” fair value measurements as defined in Note 21 , Fair Value Measurement . These inputs include our expectations about future revenue growth and profitability, marginal income tax rates by jurisdiction, and the rate at which the cash flows should be discounted in order to determine the fair value estimate for indefinite-lived tradenames using a relief-from-royalty method. We use publicly available information and proprietary third-party arm’s length agreements that Laureate has entered into with various licensors in determining certain assumptions to assist us in estimating fair value using market participant assumptions.

Land Use Rights

Land Use Rights	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Land Use Rights	Land Use Rights The Company has acquired rights to use certain properties for a period of 20 years . The carrying value of land use rights recorded of $1,572 and $1,509 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, related entirely to our Mexico segment. The land use rights recorded at net carrying value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Cost $ 1,787 $ 1,710 Less: Accumulated amortization (215 ) (201 ) Land use rights, net $ 1,572 $ 1,509 Approximately $44,800 and $43,800 of land use rights is included in the held-for-sale assets recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. For further description of the held-for-sale amounts, see Note 3 , Discontinued Operations ; the carrying value of the land use rights is included within "Other long-term assets" in the table in that footnote. Amortization expense of land use rights was $5 , $5 and $9 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 , amortization expense related to land use rights for the next five years and thereafter is as follows: 2018 $ 5 2019 5 2020 5 2021 5 2022 5 Thereafter 1,547 Total $ 1,572

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Outstanding long-term debt was as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Senior long-term debt: Senior Secured Credit Facility (stated maturity dates April 2022 and April 2024 as of December 31, 2017; stated maturity dates June 2018, June 2019 and March 2021 as of December 31, 2016), net of discount $ 1,625,344 $ 1,497,869 Senior Notes (stated maturity dates May 2025 as of December 31, 2017 and September 2019 as of December 31, 2016), net of discount 800,000 1,388,036 Total senior long-term debt 2,425,344 2,885,905 Other debt: Lines of credit 42,195 47,833 Notes payable and other debt 593,268 421,040 Total senior and other debt 3,060,807 3,354,778 Capital lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings 139,758 144,646 Total long-term debt 3,200,565 3,499,424 Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs 105,299 42,184 Less: current portion of long-term debt 121,870 95,968 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 2,973,396 $ 3,361,272 As of December 31, 2017 , aggregate annual maturities of the senior and other debt, excluding capital lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings, were as follows: December 31, Senior and Other Debt 2018 $ 115,468 2019 103,894 2020 129,334 2021 138,316 2022 181,609 Thereafter 2,406,842 Total 3,075,463 Less: discount, net (14,656 ) Total senior and other debt $ 3,060,807 Debt Refinancing During the second quarter of 2017, the Company completed refinancing transactions that resulted in repayment of the previous senior credit facility and the redemption of the 9.250% Senior Notes due 2019 (the Senior Notes due 2019) (other than $250,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2019 that the Company exchanged on April 21, 2017 for substantially identical but non-redeemable notes issued under a new indenture (the Exchanged Notes)). Senior Notes On April 26, 2017, we completed an offering of $800,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (the Senior Notes due 2025).The Senior Notes due 2025 were issued at par and will mature on May 1, 2025. Interest on the Senior Notes due 2025 is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1, and the first interest payment date was November 1, 2017. We may redeem the Senior Notes due 2025, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 1, 2020, at redemption prices starting at 106.188% of the principal amount thereof and decreasing from there each year thereafter until May 1, 2023, plus accrued and unpaid interest. From and after May 1, 2023, we may redeem all or part of the Senior Notes due 2025 at a redemption price of 100% , plus accrued and unpaid interest. We may also redeem up to 40% of the Senior Notes due 2025 using the proceeds of certain equity offerings completed before May 1, 2020, at a redemption price equal to 108.250% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to May 1, 2020, we may redeem the Senior Notes due 2025, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus a ‘‘make-whole’’ premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest. On April 28, 2017, the Company elected to redeem all of its outstanding Senior Notes due 2019 (other than the Exchanged Notes) and on May 31, 2017 (the Redemption Date), the Senior Notes due 2019 (other than the Exchanged Notes) were redeemed. As described further below, the Exchanged Notes were redeemed on August 11, 2017 . The aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Senior Notes due 2019 (excluding the Exchanged Notes) was $1,125,443 . The redemption price for the Senior Notes due 2019 that were redeemed was equal to 104.625% of the principal amount thereof, for a total redemption price of $1,177,495 , plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest to the Redemption Date, for an aggregate payment to holders of the Senior Notes of $1,205,630 . As of December 31, 2017 , the outstanding balance of our senior notes was $800,000 , which consisted entirely of the Senior Notes due 2025. As of December 31, 2016 , the outstanding balance under our Senior Notes due 2019 was $1,388,036 , net of a debt discount. Senior Secured Credit Facility Substantially concurrently with the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2025, we consummated a refinancing of our Senior Secured Credit Facility by means of an amendment and restatement of the existing amended and restated credit agreement (the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) to provide a new revolving credit facility of $385,000 maturing in April 2022 (the Revolving Credit Facility) and a new syndicated term loan of $1,600,000 maturing in April 2024 (the 2024 Term Loan) . The old senior credit facility was fully repaid, and that repayment amount is included in Payments on long-term debt in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 , with the exception of approximately $283,000 of loan principal related to the old term loan that was rolled over by certain lenders into the 2024 Term Loan. Accordingly, that rollover amount was a non-cash transaction. As a subfacility under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for letter of credit commitments in the aggregate amount of $141,000 . The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also provides, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, for incremental revolving and term loan facilities, at the request of the Company, not to exceed $300,000 plus additional amounts so long as both immediately before and after giving effect to such incremental facilities the Company’s Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, on a pro forma basis, does not exceed 2.75 x. The maturity date for the Revolving Credit Facility is April 26, 2022 and the maturity date for the 2024 Term Loan is April 26, 2024. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a per annum interest rate, at the option of the Borrower, at either the LIBOR rate or the Alternate Base Rate (ABR) rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% per annum or 3.50% per annum for LIBOR rate loans, and 2.75% per annum or 2.50% per annum for ABR rate loans, in each case, based on the Company’s Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2017 , the Revolving Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $52,000 . The 2024 Term Loan bears interest at a per annum rate, at the option of the Borrower, at either the LIBOR rate or the ABR rate plus an applicable margin of 4.50% per annum or 4.25% per annum for LIBOR rate loans, and 3.50% per annum or 3.25% per annum for ABR rate loans, in each case, based on the Company’s Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio. As of December 31, 2017 , all loans outstanding under the 2024 Term Loan were LIBOR loans and had a total interest rate of 6.07% . A discount equal to 1% of the 2024 Term Loan's original principal amount, or $16,000 , was paid at issuance and will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan. The 2024 Term Loan amortizes at an annual amount equal to 1% of the original principal amount of the 2024 Term Loan, which annual amount is payable in quarterly payments, with the remaining unpaid principal amount payable on the maturity date. Quarterly principal payments on the 2024 Term Loan commenced June 30, 2017. On or prior to October 26, 2017, except for prepayments made from transactions expressly permitted, the 2024 Term Loan could have been prepaid at price equal to 101% of the principal amount prepaid. After October 26, 2017, the 2024 Term Loan can be prepaid at price equal to 100% of the principal amount prepaid. As of December 31, 2017, the 2024 Term Loan had an outstanding balance of $1,573,344 . As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , on February 1, 2018 we amended our Senior Secured Credit Facility to reduce the interest rate on the 2024 Term Loan by 100 basis points, from 4.50% to 3.50% for LIBOR term loans, and 3.50% to 2.50% for ABR term loans. Laureate Education, Inc. is the borrower under our Senior Secured Credit Facility. All of Laureate’s required United States legal entities, excluding Walden University, LLC (Walden), Kendall, NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NewSchool), National Hispanic University (NHU) and St. Augustine, are guarantors of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, and all of the guarantors’ assets, both real and intangible, are pledged as collateral. Certain Walden assets are also pledged as collateral, including all of Walden’s United States receivables other than Title IV student loans, all of its copyrights, patents, and trademarks. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying value of the Walden receivables and intangibles pledged as collateral was $411,411 and $409,971 , respectively. Additionally, not more than 65% of the shares held directly by United States guarantors in non-domestic subsidiaries are pledged as collateral. Estimated Fair Value of Debt The estimated fair value of our debt was determined using observable market prices, as the majority of our securities, including the Senior Secured Credit Facility and the Senior Notes due 2025, are traded in a brokered market, as were the Senior Notes due 2019 prior to their redemption. The fair value of our remaining debt instruments approximates carrying value based on their terms. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , our long-term debt was classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy, based on the frequency and volume of trading in the brokered market. The estimated fair value of our debt was as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying amount Estimated fair value Carrying amount Estimated fair value Total senior and other debt $ 3,060,807 $ 3,117,437 $ 3,354,778 $ 3,382,186 Senior Notes due 2019 - Note Exchange Transaction On April 15, 2016 , Laureate entered into separate, privately negotiated note exchange agreements (the Note Exchange Agreements) with certain existing holders (the Existing Holders) of the Senior Notes due 2019 pursuant to which we agreed to exchange (the Note Exchange) $250,000 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2019 for shares of the Company's Class A common stock. The exchange was to be completed within one year and one day after the consummation of an initial public offering of our common stock that generates gross proceeds of at least $400,000 or 10% of the equity value of the Company (a Qualified Public Offering). As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , on February 6, 2017, the Company completed an initial public offering of its Class A common stock at a price per share of $14.00 that qualified as a Qualified Public Offering. On August 2, 2017, we sent notices to the holders of these notes indicating that the closing of the exchange contemplated by the Note Exchange Agreements would be consummated on Friday, August 11, 2017 . On August 11, 2017 , Laureate issued 18,683 shares of Class A common stock, which was equal to 104.625% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2019 to be exchanged, or $261,600 , divided by $14.00 , the initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock in the Qualified Public Offering. Upon completion of the Note Exchange, the Company also paid approximately $11,100 to the exchanging holders, an amount equal to the interest and special interest accrued with respect to the Exchanged Notes to, but excluding, the date of consummation of the Note Exchange. Shares of our Class A common stock issued in the Note Exchange are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. The Note Exchange Agreements also provided that, within 60 days after the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering, at the option of the Existing Holders or their transferees, we would repurchase up to an additional $62,500 aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2019 at the redemption price set forth in Section 3.07 of the indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2019 that is applicable as of the date of pricing of the Qualified Public Offering, plus accrued and unpaid interest and special interest. On March 1, 2017, in accordance with the terms of the Note Exchange Agreements, we repurchased Senior Notes due 2019 with an aggregate principal amount of $22,556 at a repurchase price of 104.625% of the aggregate principal amount, for a total payment of $23,599 ; the difference was recognized as Loss on debt extinguishment along with the portion of unamortized debt issuance costs that were written off. Certain Covenants As of December 31, 2017 , our senior long-term debt contained certain negative covenants including, among others: (1) limitations on additional indebtedness; (2) limitations on dividends; (3) limitations on asset sales, including the sale of ownership interests in subsidiaries and sale-leaseback transactions; and (4) limitations on liens, guarantees, loans or investments. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides, solely with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility, that the Company shall not permit its Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, to exceed 4.50x as of the last day of each quarter ending June 30, 2017 through September 30, 2017, 3.75x as of the last day of each quarter ending December 31, 2017 through March 31, 2018, and 3.50x as of the last day of each quarter ending June 30, 2018 and thereafter. However, the agreement also provides that if (i) the Company’s Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, is not greater than 4.75 x as of such date and (ii) less than 25% of the Revolving Credit Facility is utilized as of that date, then such financial covenant shall not apply. As of December 31, 2017 , these conditions were satisfied and, therefore, we were not subject to the leverage ratio covenant. In addition, notes payable at some of our locations contain financial maintenance covenants. Debt Modification and Loss on Debt Extinguishment As a result of the refinancing transactions and the note exchange transaction described above, Laureate recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $8,392 during the year ended December 31, 2017 related primarily to the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs associated with certain lenders that did not participate in the new debt instruments. In addition, approximately $22,800 was charged to General and administrative expenses related to new third-party costs paid in connection with the portion of the refinancing transactions that was deemed to be a modification. Also in connection with the refinancing transactions, approximately $70,800 of new deferred financing costs were capitalized, which related primarily to the excess of the redemption price over the principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2019 that were redeemed and the call premium that applied to a portion of the repaid senior credit facilities. During the year ended December 31, 2016 , Laureate recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $17,363 . In connection with the Note Exchange Agreements in the second quarter of 2016, we recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $1,681 related to the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs and discount. In connection with the Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, in the third quarter of 2016 we recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $15,682 related to the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , Laureate recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $1,263 , of which $932 was related to mortgage breakage fees paid as a part of the Swiss sale-leaseback transaction discussed in Note 5 , Dispositions and Asset Sales , and $331 which was related to the July 2015 extension of the maturity date for the revolving line of credit facility under the Senior Secured Credit Facility, as discussed above. Debt Issuance Costs Amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of debt discounts that are recorded in Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled approximately $14,100 , $23,100 and $25,200 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we paid and capitalized a total of $81,097 , $11,559 and $11,942 , respectively, in debt issuance costs. Certain unamortized debt issuance costs were written off in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 in connection with debt agreement amendments as discussed above. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , our unamortized debt issuance costs were $105,299 and $42,184 , respectively. Currency and Interest Rate Swaps The interest and principal payments for Laureate’s senior long-term debt arrangements are to be paid primarily in USD. Our ability to make debt service payments is subject to fluctuations in the value of the USD relative to foreign currencies, because a majority of our operating cash used to make these payments is generated by subsidiaries with functional currencies other than USD. As part of our overall risk management policies, Laureate has entered into foreign currency swap contracts and interest rate swap contracts. See also Note 15 , Derivative Instruments . Other Debt Lines of Credit Individual Laureate subsidiaries have the ability to borrow pursuant to unsecured lines of credit and similar short-term borrowing arrangements (collectively, lines of credit). The lines of credit are available for working capital purposes and enable us to borrow for and repay until those lines mature. Interest rates on our lines of credit ranged from 6.50% to 9.51% at December 31, 2017 , and 6.50% to 9.51% at December 31, 2016 . Our weighted-average short-term borrowing rate was 7.97% and 7.97% at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Laureate’s aggregate lines of credit (outstanding balances plus available borrowing capacity) were $88,138 and $104,546 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the aggregate outstanding balances on our lines of credit were $42,195 and $47,833 , respectively. Accordingly, the available borrowing capacity under our lines of credit was $45,943 and $56,713 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Notes Payable Notes payable include mortgages payable that are secured by certain fixed assets. The notes payable have varying maturity dates and repayment terms through 2028. These loans contain certain financial maintenance covenants and Laureate is in compliance with these covenants. Interest rates on notes payable ranged from 3.96% to 10.79% and 3.25% to 18.53% at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. On May 12, 2016, two outstanding loans at Universidad del Valle de México (UVM Mexico) that originated in 2007 and 2012 and were both scheduled to mature in May 2021 were refinanced and combined into one loan. The maturity date of the combined loan was extended to May 15, 2023. Principal repayments were suspended until May 15, 2018. The new refinanced loan carries a variable interest rate based on the 28-day Mexican Interbanking Offer Rate (TIIE), plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin for the interest calculation is established based on the ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined in the agreement. Interest is paid monthly commencing on May 15, 2016. The outstanding balance of the loan on May 12, 2016 was MXN 2,224,600 (US $120,527 at that date). As of December 31, 2017 , the interest rate on the loan was 10.72% and the outstanding balance on the loan was $112,625 . As of December 31, 2016 , the interest rate on the loan was 8.94% and the outstanding balance on the loan was $107,793 . In addition to the loans above, in August 2015, UVM Mexico entered into an agreement with a bank for a loan of MXN 1,300,000 (approximately US $79,000 at the time of the loan). The loan carried a variable interest rate based on TIIE plus an applicable margin ( 8.09% at December 31, 2016 ) and was scheduled to mature in August 2020. As of December 31, 2016 the outstanding balance of this loan was $62,992 . During December 2017, this loan was paid in full and a new loan in the amount of MXN 1,700,000 (approximately US $89,000 at the time of the loan) was obtained. The new loan matures in December 2023 and carries a variable interest rate based on TIIE, plus an applicable margin, which is established based on the ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined in the agreement ( 10.02% as of December 31, 2017 ). Payments on the loan are deferred until December 2018, at which time quarterly principal payments are due, beginning at MXN 42,500 (US $2,152 at December 31, 2017 ) and increasing over the term of the loan to MXN 76,500 (US $3,873 at December 31, 2017 ), with a balloon payment of MXN 425,000 (US $21,516 at December 31, 2017 ) due at maturity. As of December 31, 2017 , the outstanding balance of this loan was $86,065 . The Company has also obtained financing to fund the construction of two new campuses at one of our institutions in Peru, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the loans had an outstanding balance of $42,195 and $47,833 , respectively, and a weighted average interest rate of 7.97% and 7.97% , respectively. These loans have varying maturity dates with the final payment due in October 2022. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $19,162 and $22,365 , respectively, of the outstanding balances on the loans were payable to an institutional investor that is a minority shareholder of Laureate. Laureate has outstanding notes payable at Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN), one of our institutions in Peru. These loans all have interest rates ranging from 7.85% to 8.70% and varying maturity dates through December 2024. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , these loans had a balance of $38,641 and $44,452 , respectively. On December 22, 2017, a Laureate subsidiary in Peru entered into an agreement to borrow PEN 247,500 (approximately US $76,000 at the agreement date). The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.62% per annum and matures in December 2022. Quarterly payments in the amount of PEN 9,281 (US $2,864 at December 31, 2017 ) are due from March 2018 through December 2019. The quarterly payments increase to PEN 14,438 (US $4,455 at December 31, 2017 ) in March 2020 through the loan's maturity in December 2022. As of December 31, 2017 , no payments have been made on this loan and it had a balance of $76,365 . Laureate has outstanding notes payable at a real estate subsidiary in Chile. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the outstanding balance on the loans was $67,120 and $62,695 , respectively. The interest rates on these loans range from 3.96% to 6.89% per annum as of December 31, 2017 and from 4.80% to 8.08% per annum as of December 31, 2016 . These notes are repayable in installments with the final installment due in August 2028. On December 20, 2013, Laureate acquired THINK and financed a portion of the purchase price by borrowing AUD 45,000 (US $34,749 at December 31, 2017 ) under a syndicated facility agreement in the form of two te rm loans of AUD 22,500 each. The syndicated facility agreement also provided for additional borrowings of up to AUD 20,000 (US $15,444 at December 31, 2017 ) u nder a capital expenditure facility and a working c apital facility. The first term loan (Facility A) had a term of five years and principal was payable in quarterly installments of AUD 1,125 (US $869 at December 31, 2017 ) beginning on March 31, 2014. The second term loan (Facility B) had a term of five years and the total principal balance of AUD 22,500 was payable at its maturity date of December 20, 2018. In June 2016, these loan facilities were amended and restated. As a result of this amendme nt and a repayment of AUD 11,000 (approximately US $8,100 at the date of payment), Facility A was amended to be a term loan of AUD 10,000 (US $7,722 at December 31, 2017 ), and principal is repayable in quarterly installments of AUD 833 (US $643 at December 31, 2017 ) beginning on September 30, 2016. Facility A bears interest at a variable rate plus a margin of 2.50% , and the final balance is payable at its maturity date of December 20, 2018. Facility B was amended to be a revolving facility of up to AUD 15,000 (US $11,583 at December 31, 2017 ) and any balance outstanding is repayable at its maturity date of December 20, 2018. Facility B bears interest at a variable rate plus a margin of 2.75% . The capital expenditure facility and working c apital facility provided for total additional borrowings of up to AUD 15,000 (US $11,583 at December 31, 2017 ). In October 2017, these loan facilities were further amended to provide the lender a security interest in all of the assets of Laureate's Australian operations. In addition, Facility A was converted from a term loan to a loan with a balloon payment due at maturity. As of December 31, 2017 , the interest rates on F acility A and Facility B were 4.25% and 4.50% , respectively, and as of December 31, 2016 , the interest rates on Facility A and Facility B were 4.29% and 4.55% , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $16,087 and $16,753 , respectively, was outstanding under these loan facilities. Laureate acquired FMU on September 12, 2014 and financed a portion of the purchase price by borrowing amounts under two loans that totaled BRL 259,139 (approximately US $110,310 at the borrowing date). The loans require semi-annual principal payments beginning at BRL 6,478 in October 2014 and increasing to a maximum of BRL 22,027 beginning in October 2017 and continuing through their maturity dates in April 2021. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the outstanding balance of these loans was $46,438 and $59,841 , respectively. Both loans mature on April 15, 2021 and bear interest at an annual variable rate of CDI plus 3.7% (approximately 10.6% and 17% at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively). On December 20, 2017, a Laureate subsidiary in Brazil entered into an agreement to borrow BRL 360,000 (approximately US $110,000 at the time of the loan). The loan is collateralized by real estate and certain trade receivables in Brazil. The loan bears interest at an annual variable rate of CDI plus 2.55% per annum ( 9.44% at December 31, 2017 ) and matures on December 25, 2022. Quarterly payments in the amount of BRL 13,500 (US $4,065 at December 31, 2017 ) are due from March 2019 through December 2019, at which point the quarterly payments increase to BRL 22,500 (US $6,777 at December 31, 2017 ) from March 2020 through December 2020, then to BRL 27,000 (US $8,132 at December 31, 2017 ) from March 2021 through maturity in December 2022. As of December 31, 2017 , no payments have been made on this loan and it had a balance of $108,424 . Capital Lease Obligations and Sale-Leaseback Financings Capital leases and sale-leaseback financings, primarily relating to real estate obligations, are included in debt and have been recorded using interest rates ranging from 1.00% to 42.87% . During 2017 and 2016, we had additions to assets and liabilities recorded as sale-leaseback financings and build-to-suit arrangements of $8,788 and $9,712 , respectively. We had assets under capital leases and sale-leaseback financings, net of accumulated amortization, of $101,189 and $108,351 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 a portion of the capital lease assets are recorded in assets held for sale; see Note 3 , Discontinued Operations . The amortization expense for capital lease assets is recorded in Depreciation and amortization expense. The aggregate maturities of our total future value and present value of the minimum capital lease payments and payments related to sale-leaseback financings at December 31, 2017 were as follows: Future Value of Payments Interest Present Value of Payments 2018 $ 24,262 $ 17,860 $ 6,402 2019 33,559 17,723 15,836 2020 23,785 16,776 7,009 2021 28,372 15,270 13,102 2022 28,784 13,511 15,273 Thereafter 116,037 33,901 82,136 Total $ 254,799 $ 115,041 $ 139,758

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Laureate conducts a significant portion of its operations from leased facilities. These facilities include our corporate headquarters, other office locations, and many of Laureate’s higher education facilities. The terms of these operating leases vary and generally contain renewal options. Some of the operating leases provide for increasing rents over the terms of the leases. Laureate also leases certain equipment under noncancellable operating leases, which are typically for terms of 60 months or less. Total rent expense under these leases is recognized ratably over the initial term of each lease. Any difference between the rent payment and the straight-line expense is recorded as an adjustment to the liability or as a prepaid asset. Laureate has entered into sublease agreements for certain leased office space. These agreements allow us to annually adjust rental income to be received for increases in gross operating rent and related expenses. Future minimum lease payments and sublease income at December 31, 2017 , by year and in the aggregate, under all noncancellable operating leases and subleases are as follows: Lease Payments Sublease Income 2018 $ 154,909 $ 40 2019 142,947 — 2020 133,033 — 2021 126,324 — 2022 121,225 — Thereafter 541,444 — Total $ 1,219,882 $ 40 Rent expense, net of sublease income, for all cancellable and noncancellable leases was $170,099 , $171,215 and $191,581 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Noncontrolling Interest Holder Put Arrangements and Company Call Arrangements The following section provides a summary table and description of the various noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements, which relate to Discontinued Operations, that Laureate had outstanding as of December 31, 2017 . Laureate has elected to accrete changes in the arrangements’ redemption values over the period from the date of issuance to the earliest redemption date. The redeemable noncontrolling interests are recorded at the greater of the accreted redemption value or the traditional noncontrolling interest. Until the first exercise date, the put instruments’ reported values may be lower than the final amounts that will be required to settle the minority put arrangements. As of December 31, 2017 , the carrying value of all noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements was $ 11,435 . If the minority put arrangements were all exercised at December 31, 2017 , Laureate would be obligated to pay the noncontrolling interest holders an estimated amount of $11,435 , as summarized in the following table: Nominal Currency First Exercisable Date Estimated Value as of December 31, 2017 redeemable within Reported Noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd (Inti Holdings) - 10.10% MYR Current $ 9,436 $ 9,436 Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited (Pearl) - 10% INR Current 1,938 1,938 Stamford International University (STIU) - Puttable preferred stock of TEDCO THB Current 61 61 Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements 11,435 11,435 Puttable common stock - not currently redeemable USD * — 2,286 Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 11,435 $ 13,721 * Contingently redeemable MYR: Malaysian Ringgit INR: Indian Rupee THB: Thai Baht Laureate’s noncontrolling interest put arrangements are specified in agreements with each noncontrolling interest holder. The terms of these agreements determine the measurement of the redemption value of the put options based on a non-GAAP measure of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA, or recurring EBITDA), the definition of which varies for each particular contract. Commitments and contingencies are generally denominated in foreign currencies. Inti Holdings As part of the acquisition of INTI, formerly known as Future Perspective, Sdn Bhd, a higher education institution with five campuses in Malaysia, the noncontrolling interest holders of INTI had put options denominated in MYR to require the Company to purchase the remaining noncontrolling interest. As of December 31, 2017 , there is one put option remaining for the holder of the 10.10% minority interest. The put option for the 10.10% noncontrolling interest holder is exercisable for the 30 -day period commencing after issuance of the audited financial statements for each of the years ending December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2025. The holder may exercise his option to sell all of his equity interest to the Company for a purchase price that is equal to defined multiples of recurring EBITDA. Purchase price multiples have been defined as eight times up to the first MYR 40,000 (approximately $9,800 at December 31, 2017 ) of EBITDA plus six times EBITDA above this amount. This put option expires after the 30 -day period related to delivery of the 2025 audited financial statements. As of December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded $9,436 for this arrangement in Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity on its Consolidated Balance Sheet. As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , on December 11, 2017 we signed a sale purchase agreement to sell Inti Holdings, the indirect owner of INTI. In connection with the sale purchase agreement, we entered into a separate agreement with the current minority owner of the equity of Inti Holdings relating to the purchase of the minority owner’s 10.10% interest in Inti Holdings, the closing of which is a precondition to the closing of the transactions under the sale purchase agreement. The purchase of the minority owner’s 10.10% interest is contingent on the sale purchase agreement being completed. Pearl As part of the acquisition of Pearl, the minority owners had a put option to require Laureate to purchase the remaining 45% noncontrolling interest, and Laureate has a call option to require the minority owners to sell to Laureate up to 35% of the total equity of Pearl that is still owned by the noncontrolling interest holders (i.e. approximately 78% of the remaining 45% noncontrolling interest). On June 19, 2017, Laureate and the noncontrolling interest holders of Pearl amended the put and call option agreements in order to clarify certain aspects of the formula for determining the purchase price of the noncontrolling interests. The modifications to the agreement resulted in the exclusion of certain campus costs and liabilities in the purchase price calculation. On July 11, 2017 , the noncontrolling interest holders of Pearl notified Laureate of their election to exercise their put option for a portion of their total noncontrolling interest, which required Laureate to purchase an additional 35% equity interest in Pearl. The purchase price for the 35% equity interest, which was agreed to by the parties, was approximately $11,400 and was paid in October 2017. The remaining 10% puttable equity interest that is still held by the minority owners is recorded at its estimated redemption value of $1,938 . The call option had no impact on the Company's financial statements as of December 31, 2017 . Puttable Common Stock - Director Stockholder Put (Not Currently Redeemable) Each of the individual director stockholders of Laureate has entered into a stockholder’s agreement with Laureate and Wengen. The director stockholder's agreement makes all shares of common stock subject to a stockholder put option at the fair market value of the stock. The stockholder put option is only exercisable upon the loss of capacity to serve as a director due to death or disability (as defined in the stockholder’s agreement). The director stockholder put option expires only upon a change in control of Laureate. Since the put option can only be exercised upon death or disability, we account for the common stock as contingently redeemable equity instruments that are not currently redeemable and for which redemption is not probable. Accordingly, the redeemable equity instruments are presented in temporary equity based on their initial measurement amount, as required by ASC 480-10-S99, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity - SEC Materials.” No subsequent adjustment of the initial measurement amounts for these contingently redeemable securities is necessary unless the redemption of these securities becomes probable. Accordingly, the amount presented as temporary equity for the contingently redeemable common stock outstanding is its issuance-date fair value. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $2,286 and $3,125 , respectively, of contingently redeemable common stock attributable to director stockholder puts was included in Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock Offering On December 4, 2016, we signed a subscription agreement with six investors, including Kohlberg, Kravis and Roberts Co. L.P. (KKR) and Snow Phipps Group LLC (Snow Phipps), both of which are affiliates of ours, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell to those investors an aggregate of 400 shares of a new series of our convertible redeemable preferred stock (the Series A Preferred Stock), consisting of 23 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock and 377 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, in a private offering for total net proceeds of approximately $383,000 . The closing of this transaction, for 343 shares, occurred on December 20, 2016 and we received net proceeds, after issuance costs, of approximately $328,000 . One investor funded a portion of its purchase price for 57 shares, equal to $57,000 (approximately $55,000 net of issuance costs), in January 2017. The issuance costs are being accreted to the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock over the five -year redemption period. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock compound quarterly and, if not paid in shares of Series A Preferred Stock on a quarterly basis or in cash accrue, as and if declared by the board of directors of the Company, on each share of Series A Preferred Stock as follows: (i) from the issue date and continuing through and including the second anniversary of the issue date, 10.0% per year; (ii) from the second anniversary of the issue date and continuing through and including the third anniversary of the issue date, 13.0% per year; and (iii) from the third anniversary of the issue date and thereafter, 16.0% per year. Unless we elect to pay the dividend in cash, dividends are automatically paid to the holder thereof in shares of Series A Preferred Stock or accrue. For any period in which dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are paid in cash, the dividend rate is reduced by 75 basis points. The 400 total shares of Series A Preferred Stock comprises 23 shares of Series A-1 and 377 shares of Series A-2. The Certificate of Designations prohibits the Company from declaring dividends (other than stock dividends to junior securities that are subordinated in all respects to the dividends payable to shares of Series A Preferred Stock, all in accordance the Certificate of Designations) on any other class or series of its capital stock as long as the Series A Preferred Stock is outstanding. The defined dividend rate in the Certificate of Designations for the Series A-2 includes a provision that requires the Company to pay a higher rate than the dividend rates described above if any dividends greater than those rates are paid on the Company’s Class A common stock. However, in the calculation of earnings per share, while the Series A-2 are deemed for accounting purposes only to be participating securities, we do not expect any impact on diluted earnings per share since the possibility of these shares receiving the higher rate dividend is considered remote. Each holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock may elect to convert all of its shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of our Class A common stock upon the closing of a sale of the Company or Wengen and in the event Wengen no longer exclusively controls the Company, in each case at a 15% discount to the implied equity value of the Company at the closing of the applicable transaction. In addition, both the Company and each holder of shares of Series A Preferred Stock may elect to convert all of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock into shares of our Class A common stock at any time after our initial public offering commencing on the earlier to occur of one day following the first anniversary of the closing of our initial public offering and the Follow-on Conversion Date (as defined in the Certificate of Designations). The shares of Series A Preferred Stock shall generally convert at a 15% discount to the lesser of the price per share at which the Company’s shares of Class A common stock were sold to the public in the Company’s initial public offering or the 30 day trailing price per share of our Class A common stock, but in no case shall the conversion price be less than 75% of the price at which the shares of our Class A common stock are sold to the public. The number of shares of Class A Common Stock expected to be issued upon the conversion of all the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock is between approximately 35,300 and 40,000 shares. As described in Note 1 , Description of Business , the Company consummated a qualified initial public offering (QIPO) on February 6, 2017. The Certificate of Designations defined a QIPO as an initial underwritten public offering of common stock by the Company on or prior to August 15, 2017 with net cash proceeds to the Company of not less than $450,000 . In certain circumstances, the Company and the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock have the right to delay a conversion for a period of 90 days following a proposed conversion date. We are not permitted to convert any shares of Series A Preferred Stock until there is an effective registration statement available to the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock which provide the holders the opportunity to register at least an amount of shares of our Class A common stock equal to the Priority Amount, as defined in the Certificate of Designations. The QIPO generated net cash proceeds of approximately $456,500 . The shares of Series A Preferred Stock are redeemable at our option at any time (subject to certain limitations involving the price of our Class A common stock) and by the holders after the fifth anniversary of the issue date at a redemption price per share equal to 1.15 multiplied by the sum of the issue amount per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. If we fail to redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock when required after the fifth anniversary of the issue date, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to certain remedies, including the ability to take control of a majority of our Board of Directors and cause a sale of the Company and/or cause us to raise debt or equity capital in an amount sufficient to redeem the remaining outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock will be accreted up to its stated redemption value using a constant yield approach. The Series A Preferred Stock includes a Beneficial Conversion Feature (BCF) that was contingent on a QIPO, as defined above, which was consummated on February 6, 2017. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded the BCF at its estimated fair value of $261,794 as a reduction of the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock and an increase to Additional Paid-In Capital. Beginning in the first quarter of 2017, the accretion of this BCF reduces net income available to common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share, as shown in Note 17 , Earnings (Loss) Per Share . During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company recorded additional BCF of $3,574 related to the paid-in-kind dividends. The total BCF of $265,368 will be accreted using a constant yield approach over a one -year period. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , we have recorded total accretion on the Series A Preferred Stock of $292,450 , and as of December 31, 2017 the Series A Preferred Stock had a carrying value of $400,276 . As of December 31, 2016 , prior to the January 2017 funding of purchase price for the additional 57 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, and prior to the IPO and the recording of the IPO-contingent BCF, the Series A Preferred Stock had a carrying value of $332,957 . Other Loss Contingencies Laureate is subject to legal actions arising in the ordinary course of its business. In management's opinion, we have adequate legal defenses, insurance coverage and/or accrued liabilities with respect to the eventuality of such actions. We do not believe that any settlement would have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Note 20 , Legal and Regulatory Matters , for a discussion of certain matters. Contingent Liabilities for Taxes As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , Laureate has recorded cumulative liabilities totaling $77,258 and $69,088 , respectively, for taxes other-than-income tax, principally payroll-tax-related uncertainties recorded at the time of an acquisition. Included in these amounts, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $7,240 and $7,181 , respectively, were classified as held for sale.The changes in this recorded liability are related to acquisitions, interest and penalty accruals, changes in tax laws, expirations of statutes of limitations, settlements and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The terms of the statutes of limitations on these contingencies vary but can be up to 10 years . These liabilities were included in current and long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the recorded values of non-income tax contingencies impact operating income and interest expense, while changes in the related indemnification assets impact only operating income. The total increases/(decreases) to operating income for adjustments to non-income tax contingencies and indemnification assets were $2,586 , $(18,963) and $(3,965) for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , Laureate has recorded cumulative liabilities for income tax contingencies of $103,189 and $103,471 , respectively, of which $9,300 and $6,786 , respectively, were classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , indemnification assets primarily related to acquisition contingencies were $98,493 and $97,606 , respectively, of which $935 and $1,202 , respectively, were classified as held for sale. These indemnification assets primarily covered contingencies for income taxes and taxes other-than-income taxes. In addition, we have identified certain contingencies, primarily tax-related, that we have assessed as being reasonably possible of loss, but not probable of loss, and could have an adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations if the outcomes are unfavorable. In most cases, Laureate has received indemnifications from the former owners and/or noncontrolling interest holders of the acquired businesses for contingencies, and therefore, we do not believe we will sustain an economic loss even if we are required to pay these additional amounts. In cases where we are not indemnified, the unrecorded contingencies are not individually material and are primarily in Brazil. In the aggregate, we estimate that the reasonably possible loss for these unrecorded contingencies in Brazil could be up to approximately $55,000 if the outcomes were unfavorable in all cases. Income tax contingencies are disclosed and discussed further in Note 16 , Income Taxes . Other Loss Contingencies Laureate has accrued liabilities for certain civil actions against our institutions, a portion of which existed prior to our acquisition of these entities. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , approximately $18,000 and $15,000 , respectively, of loss contingencies were included in Other long-term liabilities and Other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $4,000 and $3,000 , respectively, of loss contingencies were classified as liabilities held for sale. Laureate intends to vigorously defend against these lawsuits. HIEU, our institution in China, is named as one of five defendants in a civil case involving a loan transaction that was entered into by certain former noncontrolling interest holders of HIEU as borrowers, and was allegedly guaranteed by HIEU. The amount of the loan is approximately $29,000 , including interest and penalties. The former noncontrolling interest holders are the primary defendants in this civil case, with HIEU added in its alleged role as guarantor. Due to developments in the case that occurred during the second quarter of 2017, we determined that the probability of incurring a loss in this legal matter is reasonably possible as of December 31, 2017 , but not probable, and therefore a liability has not been recorded. The Changsha Intermediate Court issued judgment on October 25, 2017 which dismissed this claim. The plaintiffs have appealed to the Higher People's Court of Hainan Province. As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , in December 2017 we entered into an agreement to sell LEILY, the entity that is the beneficial owner of a 70% equity interest in Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd., which in turn owns 100% of the sponsorship or equity interests in the Entities, a group of entities that includes HIEU. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , we completed the sale of LEILY in January 2018. Material Guarantees – Student Financing Chile The accredited Chilean institutions in the Laureate network also participate in a government-sponsored student financing program known as Crédito con Aval del Estado (the CAE Program). The CAE Program was formally implemented by the Chilean government in 2006 to promote higher education in Chile for lower socio-economic level students in good academic standing. The CAE Program involves tuition financing and guarantees that are provided by our institutions and the government. As part of the CAE Program, these institutions provide guarantees which result in contingent liabilities to third-party financing institutions, beginning at 90% of the tuition loans made directly to qualified students enrolled through the CAE Program and declining to 60% over time. The guarantees by these institutions are in effect during the period in which the student is enrolled , and the guarantees are assumed entirely by the government upon the student’s graduation. When a student leaves one of Laureate's institutions and enrolls in another CAE-qualified institution, the Laureate institution will remain guarantor of the tuition loans that have been granted up to the date of transfer, and until the student's graduation from a CAE-qualified institution. The maximum potential amount of payments our institutions could be required to make under the CAE Program was approximately $527,000 and $479,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. This maximum potential amount assumes that all students in the CAE Program do not graduate, so that our guarantee would not be assigned to the government, and that all students default on the full amount of the CAE-qualified loan balances. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we recorded $27,073 and $20,636 , respectively, as estimated long-term guarantee liabilities for these obligations. Material Guarantees – Other In conjunction with the purchase of UNP, Laureate pledged all of the acquired shares as a guarantee of our payments of rents as they become due. In the event that we default on any payment, the pledge agreement provides for a forfeiture of the relevant pledged shares. In the event of forfeiture, Laureate may be required to transfer the books and management of UNP to the former owners. Laureate acquired the remaining 49% ownership interest in UAM Brazil in April 2013. As part of the agreement to purchase the 49% ownership interest, Laureate pledged 49% of its total shares in UAM Brazil as a guarantee of our payment obligations under the purchase agreement. In the event that we default on any payment, the agreement provides for a forfeiture of the pledged shares. In connection with the purchase of FMU on September 12, 2014 , Laureate pledged 75% of the acquired shares to third-party lenders as a guarantee of our payment obligations under the loans that financed a portion of the purchase price. Laureate pledged the remaining 25% of the acquired shares to the sellers as a guarantee of our payment obligations under the purchase agreement for the seller notes . In the event that we default on any payment of the loans or seller notes, the purchase agreement provides for a forfeiture of the relevant pledged shares. After the payment of the seller notes in September 2017, as discussed in Note 6 , Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies , the shares pledged to the sellers were pledged to the third-party lenders until full payment of the loans, which mature in April 2021. Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Other Commitments As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , Laureate's outstanding letters of credit (LOCs) and surety bonds primarily consisted of the items discussed below. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had approximately $136,900 and $105,600 , respectively, posted as LOCs in favor of the DOE. These LOCs were required to allow Walden, Kendall, NewSchool, and St. Augustine to continue participating in the DOE Title IV program and are recorded on Walden and a corporate entity. These LOCs are fully collateralized with cash equivalents and certificates of deposit, which are classified as Restricted cash and investments on our December 31, 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , we had $39,505 and $34,746 , respectively, posted as cash-collateral for LOCs related to the Spain Tax Audits. See Note 16 , Income Taxes , for further detail. The cash collateral for these LOCs was recorded in Continuing Operations and was classified as Restricted cash and investments on our December 31, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet. As part of our normal operations, our insurers issue surety bonds on our behalf, as required by various state education authorities in the United States. We are obligated to reimburse our insurers for any payments made by the insurers under the surety bonds. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the total face amount of these surety bonds was $13,980 and $ 12,162 , respectively. These bonds are fully collateralized with cash, which is classified as Restricted cash and investments on our December 31, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet. In November 2016, in order to continue participating in Prouni, a federal program that offers tax benefits designed to increase higher education participation rates in Brazil, UAM Brazil posted a guarantee in the amount of $15,300 . In connection with the issuance of the guarantee, UAM Brazil obtained a non-collateralized surety bond from a third party in order to secure the guarantee. The cost of the surety bond was $1,400 , of which half was reimbursed by the former owner of UAM Brazil, and is being amortized over the five -year term. The Company believes that this matter will not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Financing Receivables

Financing Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivables	Financing Receivables Laureate’s financing receivables consist primarily of trade receivables related to student tuition financing programs with an initial term in excess of one year. We have offered long-term financing through the execution of note receivable agreements with students at some of our institutions. Our disclosures include financing receivables that are classified in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as both current and long-term, reported in accordance with ASC 310, “Receivables.” Laureate’s financing receivables balances were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Financing receivables $ 20,380 $ 26,591 Allowance for doubtful accounts (6,472 ) (7,086 ) Financing receivables, net of allowances $ 13,908 $ 19,505 We do not purchase financing receivables in the ordinary course of our business. We may sell certain receivables that are significantly past due. No material amounts of financing receivables were sold during the periods reported herein. Delinquency is the primary indicator of credit quality for our financing receivables. Receivable balances are considered delinquent when contractual payments on the loan become past due. Delinquent financing receivables are placed on non-accrual status for interest income. The accrual of interest is resumed when the financing receivable becomes contractually current and when collection of all remaining amounts due is reasonably assured. We record an Allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce our financing receivables to their net realizable value. The Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the age of the receivables, the status of past-due amounts, historical collection trends, current economic conditions, and student enrollment status. Each of our institutions evaluates its balances for potential impairment. We consider impaired loans to be those that are past due one year or greater, and those that are modified as a troubled debt restructuring (TDR). The aging of financing receivables grouped by country portfolio was as follows: Chile Other Total As of December 31, 2017 Amounts past due less than one year $ 6,800 $ 921 $ 7,721 Amounts past due one year or greater 3,551 201 3,752 Total past due (on non-accrual status) 10,351 1,122 11,473 Not past due 8,494 413 8,907 Total financing receivables $ 18,845 $ 1,535 $ 20,380 As of December 31, 2016 Amounts past due less than one year $ 8,711 $ 344 $ 9,055 Amounts past due one year or greater 3,899 230 4,129 Total past due (on non-accrual status) 12,610 574 13,184 Not past due 11,758 1,649 13,407 Total financing receivables $ 24,368 $ 2,223 $ 26,591 The following is a rollforward of the Allowance for doubtful accounts related to financing receivables for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , grouped by country portfolio: Chile Other Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (11,063 ) $ (1,478 ) $ (12,541 ) Charge-offs 3,648 211 3,859 Recoveries — 4 4 Provision (1,105 ) 153 (952 ) Currency adjustments 1,280 248 1,528 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (7,240 ) $ (862 ) $ (8,102 ) Charge-offs 4,631 110 4,741 Recoveries — (90 ) (90 ) Provision (3,304 ) (54 ) (3,358 ) Currency adjustments (296 ) 19 (277 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (6,209 ) $ (877 ) $ (7,086 ) Charge-offs 1,910 328 2,238 Recoveries (24 ) — (24 ) Provision (1,309 ) 221 (1,088 ) Currency adjustments (475 ) (37 ) (512 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (6,107 ) $ (365 ) $ (6,472 ) Restructured Receivables A TDR is a financing receivable in which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and Laureate has granted an economic concession to the student debtor that we would not otherwise consider. When we modify financing receivables in a TDR, Laureate typically offers the student debtor an extension of the loan maturity and/or a reduction in the accrued interest balance. In certain situations, we may offer to restructure a financing receivable in a manner that ultimately results in the forgiveness of contractually specified principal balances. Our only TDRs are in Chile. The number of financing receivable accounts and the pre- and post-modification account balances modified under the terms of a TDR during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Pre-Modification Balance Outstanding Post-Modification Balance Outstanding 2017 446 $ 2,319 $ 2,109 2016 676 $ 3,665 $ 3,165 2015 1044 $ 5,251 $ 4,796 The preceding table represents accounts modified under the terms of a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2017 , whereas the following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2017 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 200 $ 890 The following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2016 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 360 $ 1,352 The following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2015 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 705 $ 2,864

Share-based Compensation

Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Continuing operations Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures $ 48,601 $ 25,008 $ 20,637 Restricted stock awards 13,243 10,106 10,305 Total non-cash stock compensation 61,844 35,114 30,942 Deferred compensation arrangement — 738 4,901 Total continuing operations $ 61,844 $ 35,852 $ 35,843 Discontinued operations Share-based compensation expense for discontinued operations 2,944 2,957 3,178 Total continuing and discontinued operations $ 64,788 $ 38,809 $ 39,021 Share-based Deferred Compensation Arrangement Immediately prior to August 17, 2007 (the LBO), Laureate's then-Chief Executive Officer and another then-member of the Board of Directors held vested equity-based awards which they exchanged on the LBO for unfunded, nonqualified share-based deferred compensation arrangements. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Laureate recorded share-based compensation expense for this deferred compensation arrangement of $0 , $738 , and $4,901 , respectively. On December 29, 2015, we paid the participants a total amount of $87,117 , including $6,117 in interest. The payment consisted of $37,071 in cash and $50,046 in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2019. As of December 31, 2015, the total liability recorded for the deferred compensation arrangement was $17,463 , which was payable on September 17, 2016. The participants in the deferred compensation arrangement agreed to extend the payment that was due on September 17, 2016 (the 2016 Executive DCP Obligation), until December 30, 2016. On December 30, 2016, we satisfied the 2016 Executive DCP Obligation by paying the participants a total amount of approximately $18,200 , including interest. The payment consisted of approximately $7,749 in cash and $10,453 aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2019. As discussed in Note 10 , Debt , all Senior Notes due 2019 were redeemed during 2017. Following the satisfaction of the 2016 Executive DCP Obligation, the Company’s obligations under the DCPs were satisfied in full. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan In August 2007, the Board of Directors approved the Laureate Education, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (2007 Plan). The total shares authorized under the 2007 Plan were 9,232 . Shares that were forfeited, terminated, canceled, allowed to expire unexercised, withheld to satisfy tax withholding, or repurchased were available for re-issuance. Any awards that were not vested upon termination of employment for any reason were forfeited. Upon voluntary or involuntary termination without cause (including death or disability), the grantee (or the estate) has a specified period of time after termination to exercise options vested on or prior to termination. The 2007 Plan’s restricted stock awards have a claw-back feature whereby all vested shares, or the gross proceeds from the sale of those shares, must be returned to Laureate for no consideration if the employee does not abide by the agreed-upon restrictive covenants such as covenants not to compete and covenants not to solicit. As of December 31, 2017, all outstanding awards that were granted under the 2007 Plan are fully vested. Stock Options Under 2007 Plan Stock option awards under the 2007 Plan have a contractual life of 10 years and were granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Laureate’s stock at the date of grant. Our option agreements generally divided each option grant equally into options that were subject to time-based vesting (Time Options) and options that were eligible for vesting based on achieving pre-determined performance targets (Performance Options). The Time Options generally vested ratably on the first through fifth grant date anniversary. The Performance Options were divided into tranches and were eligible to vest annually upon the Board of Directors’ determination that Laureate has attained the performance targets. Compensation expense was recognized over the period during which the employee was required to provide service in exchange for the award, which was usually the vesting period. For Time Options, expense was recognized ratably over the five -year vesting period. For Performance Options, expense was recognized under a graded expense attribution method, to the extent that it was probable that the stated annual performance target would be achieved and options would vest for any year. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan On June 13, 2013, Laureate's Board of Directors approved the Laureate Education, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2013 Plan), as a successor plan to Laureate’s 2007 Plan. The 2013 Plan became effective in June 2013, following approval by the stockholders of Laureate. No awards have been made under the 2007 Plan since the 2013 Plan has been effective. Under the 2013 Plan, the Company may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, unrestricted common stock or restricted stock (collectively, "stock awards"), unrestricted stock units or restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards, to eligible individuals on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the 2013 Plan. As of the effective date, the total number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2013 Plan were 7,521 , which is equal to the sum of (i) 7,074 shares plus (ii) 447 shares of common stock that were still available for issuance under Laureate’s 2007 Plan. In September 2015, the Board of Directors approved an amendment to increase the total number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2013 Plan by 1,219 . Shares that are forfeited, terminated, canceled, allowed to expire unexercised, withheld to satisfy tax withholding, or repurchased are available for re-issuance. Any awards that have not vested upon termination of employment for any reason are forfeited. Holders of restricted stock shall have all of the rights of a stockholder of common stock including, without limitation, the right to vote and the right to receive dividends. However, dividends declared payable on performance-based restricted stock shall be subjected to forfeiture at least until achievement of the applicable performance target related to such shares of restricted stock. Any accrued but unpaid dividends on unvested restricted stock shall be forfeited upon termination of employment. Holders of stock units do not have any rights of a stockholder of common stock and are not entitled to receive dividends. All awards outstanding under the 2013 Plan terminate upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Laureate. The 2013 Plan will remain in effect until the earlier of (a) the earliest date as of which all awards granted under the Plan have been satisfied in full or terminated and no shares of common stock are available to be granted or (b) June 12, 2023. Stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units granted under the 2013 Plan have provisions for accelerated vesting if there is a change in control of Laureate. As defined in the 2013 Plan, a change in control means the first of the following to occur: i) a change in ownership of Laureate or Wengen or ii) a change in the ownership of assets of Laureate. A change in ownership of Laureate or Wengen shall occur on the date that more than 50% of the total voting power of the capital stock of Laureate is sold or more than 50% of the partnership interests of Wengen is sold in a single or a series of related transactions. A change in the ownership of assets of Laureate would occur if 80% or more of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of Laureate are sold during a 12-month period. The gross fair market value of Laureate is determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. Upon consummation of the change in control and an employee’s “qualifying termination” (as defined in the employee's award agreement): a) those time-based stock options and stock appreciation rights that would have vested and become exercisable on or prior to the third anniversary of the effective time of change in control would become fully vested and immediately exercisable; b) those performance-based stock options and stock appreciation rights that would have vested and become exercisable had Laureate achieved the performance targets in the three fiscal years ending coincident with or immediately subsequent to the effective time of such change in control, excluding the portion of awards that would have vested only pursuant to any catch-up provisions, would become fully vested and immediately exercisable; c) those time-based restricted stock awards that would have become vested and free of forfeiture risk and lapse restriction on or prior to the third anniversary of the effective time of such change in control would become fully vested and immediately exercisable; d) those performance-based restricted stock awards that would have vested and become free of forfeiture risk and lapse restrictions had Laureate achieved the target performance in the three fiscal years ending coincident with or immediately subsequent to the effective time of such change in control would become fully vested and immediately exercisable; e) those time-based restricted stock units that would have become vested or earned on or prior to the third anniversary of the effective time of such change in control would become vested and earned and be settled in cash or shares of common stock as promptly as practicable; and f) those performance-based restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units that would have become vested or earned had Laureate achieved the target performance in the three fiscal years ending coincident with or immediately subsequent to the effective time of such change in control would become vested and earned and be settled in cash or shares of common stock as promptly as practicable. After giving effect to the foregoing change in control acceleration, any remaining unvested time-based and performance-based stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance share units shall be forfeited for no consideration. Share Increase for 2013 Plan In December 2016, the Board of Directors and Shareholders approved an amendment to increase the total number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2013 Plan by 3,884 . Stock Options Under 2013 Plan Stock option awards under the 2013 Plan generally have a contractual term of 10 years and are granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of Laureate’s stock at the date of grant. These options typically vest over a period of five or three years . Of the options granted in 2017, 2016 and 2015, 4,038 , 254 and 1,073 , respectively, are Time Options and the remainder are Performance Options. The Performance Options granted under the 2013 Plan are eligible for vesting based on achieving annual pre-determined Equity Value performance targets or Adjusted EBITDA targets, as defined in the plan, and the continued service of the employee. Some of the performance based awards include a catch-up provision, allowing the grantee to vest in any year in which a target is missed if a following year's target is achieved as long as the following year is within eight years from the grant date. Compensation expense is recognized over the period during which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is usually the vesting period. For Time Options, expense is recognized ratably over the five -year or three -year vesting period. For Performance Options, expense is recognized under a graded expense attribution method, to the extent that it is probable that the stated annual earnings target will be achieved and options will vest for any year. We assess the probability of each option tranche vesting throughout the life of each grant. Executive Profits Interests - Stock Option Grant On January 31, 2017, in connection with the Executive Profits Interests (EPI) agreement, we granted our then-CEO options (the EPI Options) to purchase 2,773 shares of our Class B common stock. The EPI Options vested upon consummation of the IPO on February 6, 2017 . The exercise price of the EPI Options is equal to (i) $17.00 with respect to 50% of the shares of Class B common stock subject to the EPI Option and (ii) $21.32 with respect to 50% of the shares of Class B common stock subject to the EPI Option. The EPI Options are exercisable until December 31, 2019. The Company recorded approximately $14,600 of share-based compensation expense for the EPI Options in the first quarter of 2017. Amendment to 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan On June 19, 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors (the Board) approved, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment and restatement of the Laureate Education, Inc. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the 2013 Plan). Among other things, the amendment (i) increases the number of shares of Class A common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards under the 2013 Plan to 14,714 ; (ii) adds performance metrics, the ability to grant cash awards, and annual limits on grants, intended to qualify awards as performance-based awards that are not subject to certain limits on tax deductibility of compensation payable to certain executives; and (iii) extends the term of the 2013 Plan to June 18, 2027, the day before the 10th anniversary of the date of adoption of the amendment. On June 19, 2017, the holder of the majority of the voting power of the Company's outstanding stock (the Majority Holder) approved by written consent the amended and restated 2013 Plan and it became effective. Equity Award Modifications Stock Option Repricings In June 2016, we modified all outstanding stock options that were granted under the 2013 Plan, except for stock options that were granted during 2016. The exercise price of the modified options was adjusted to $23.20 , the estimated fair market value of our stock at the date of modification. As a result, we modified the exercise price of approximately 5,338 stock options that were granted under the 2013 Plan. This modification resulted in incremental stock compensation expense during the second quarter of approximately $6,000 for options that were vested at the modification date. Additionally, approximately $5,000 of incremental stock compensation expense related to options that were not yet vested at the modification date will be recognized over the remaining vesting period. On June 19, 2017 , the Board and the Majority Holder approved a stock option repricing (the Option Repricing). Pursuant to the Option Repricing, the exercise price of each Relevant Option (as defined below) was amended to reduce such exercise price to the average closing price of a share of the Company's Class A common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market over the 20 calendar-day period following the mailing of the Notice and Information Statement to our stockholders. The average closing price of the Company's Class A common stock over such 20 -day period was $17.44 ; accordingly, the exercise price of the Relevant Options was adjusted to $17.44 . Relevant Options were all outstanding stock options as of June 19, 2017 (vested or unvested) to acquire shares of Class B common stock granted under the 2013 Plan during calendar years 2013 through 2016, and totaled approximately 5,300 options. Since the modification of the terms of the awards occurred on June 19, 2017 , the Company recorded incremental stock compensation expense during the second quarter of 2017 of approximately $5,100 for options that were vested at the modification date. Additionally, approximately $2,500 of incremental stock compensation expense related to options that were not yet vested at the modification date is being recognized over the remaining vesting period. Stock Option Modifications During the third and fourth quarters of 2017, we extended the post-employment exercise periods of vested stock options for several executives in connection with their separation from the Company. We accounted for the extension as a modification of an equity award under ASC 718. Accordingly, we recognized incremental stock compensation expense of approximately $15,000 in 2017. Stock Option Activity for 2007 and 2013 Plans The following tables summarize the stock option activity and the assumptions used to record the related share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 2016 2015 Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 1 10,928 $ 21.81 $ 4,350 11,427 $ 26.12 $ 20,339 10,919 $ 25.84 $ 48,851 Granted 4,283 $ 19.01 303 $ 23.29 1,447 $ 26.72 Exercised — $ — $ — (245 ) $ 19.57 $ 899 (460 ) $ 18.76 $ 3,365 Forfeited or expired (5,308 ) $ 18.34 (557 ) $ 23.78 (479 ) $ 28.52 Outstanding at December 31 9,903 $ 19.30 $ — 10,928 $ 21.81 $ 4,350 11,427 $ 26.12 $ 20,339 Exercisable at December 31 8,606 $ 19.38 $ — 9,004 $ 21.48 $ 4,350 8,293 $ 24.32 $ 20,328 Vested and expected to vest 9,847 $ 19.31 $ — 10,790 $ 21.79 $ 4,350 11,110 $ 26.08 $ 20,339 Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Assumption Range* Exercise Prices Number Weighted Number Weighted Risk-Free Expected Expected Year Ended December 31, 2017 $14.58 - $19.56 6,500 4.58 5,549 4.22 0.33% - 3.31% 2.03 -10.00 32.18% - 69.74% $21.00 - $21.28 693 2.18 347 0.66 0.43% - 3.60% 2.11 - 6.67 33.24% - 57.79% $21.32 - $21.52 1,776 2.14 1,776 2.14 0.68% - 2.61% 3.38 - 6.55 38.16% - 69.74% $21.68 - $22.32 221 1.94 221 1.94 0.57% - 3.03% 2.18 - 6.52 36.78% - 52.47% $22.88 - $31.92 713 3.76 713 3.76 0.73% - 2.86% 4.00 - 6.52 39.03% - 53.80% Year Ended December 31, 2016 $18.36 - $19.56 3,601 0.80 3,601 0.80 0.32% - 4.20% 1.90 - 6.95 26.85% - 52.47% $20.16 - $21.28 353 1.66 353 1.66 0.42% - 3.60% 2.11 - 6.52 33.24% - 52.47% $21.48 - $21.52 438 3.81 438 3.81 0.68% - 2.63% 3.38 - 6.58 38.16% - 52.47% $21.68 - $22.32 320 3.10 320 3.10 0.57% - 3.03% 2.18 - 6.52 36.78% - 52.47% $22.40 - $31.92 6,216 7.07 4,291 6.71 0.73% - 2.86% 4.00 - 7.12 39.03% - 58.84% Year Ended December 31, 2015 $18.36 - $19.56 3,790 1.80 3,790 1.80 0.32% - 4.20% 1.90 - 6.95 26.85% - 52.47% $20.16 - $21.28 353 2.70 353 2.70 0.42% - 3.60% 2.11 - 6.52 33.24% - 52.47% $21.48 - $21.52 516 4.80 512 4.80 0.68% - 2.63% 3.38 - 6.58 38.16% - 52.47% $21.68 - $22.32 344 4.10 344 4.10 0.57% - 3.03% 2.18 - 6.52 36.78% - 52.47% $22.88 - $31.92 2,634 8.20 1,108 7.14 0.73% - 2.86% 4.00 - 6.52 39.03% - 58.84% $34.52 3,788 7.80 2,184 7.80 1.76% - 2.07% 6.02 - 7.12 51.51% - 53.51% * The expected dividend yield is zero for all options in all years. The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted was $7.84 , $12.03 , and $13.80 per share for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017, Laureate had $8,914 of unrecognized share-based compensation costs related to stock options outstanding. Of the total unrecognized cost, $7,149 relates to Time Options and $1,765 relates to Performance Options. The unrecognized Time Options expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average expense period of 1.4 years . Non-Vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units The following table summarizes the non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 2016 2015 Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at January 1 1,038 $ 25.97 865 $ 29.6 694 $ 32.48 Granted 1,337 $ 16.65 655 $ 23.27 449 $ 26.28 Vested (328 ) $ 22.35 (386 ) $ 29.36 (215 ) $ 31.48 Forfeited (397 ) $ 23.33 (96 ) $ 26.51 (63 ) $ 31.08 Non-vested at December 31 1,650 $ 19.74 1,038 $ 25.97 865 $ 29.6 Restricted stock units granted under the 2013 Plan consist of time-based restricted stock units (RSU), performance-based restricted stock units (PSU) and market condition-based restricted stock units with various vesting periods over the next three to five years . PSUs are eligible to vest annually upon the Board of Directors' determination that the annual performance targets are met. The performance targets are the same as for Performance Options, as defined in the 2013 Plan except for targets set for certain PSUs granted in 2016. The vesting percentage for those PSUs is based on LEI’s attainment of a performance level: threshold, target, maximum or a percentage between the “Threshold” and “Target; Maximum” which is determined by linear interpolation, provided that continued employment is required through the date the attainment of target is approved by the Compensation Committee. The PSUs granted from 2013 to February 2016 include a catch-up provision, allowing the grantee to vest in any year in which a target is missed if a following year's target is obtained as long as the following year is within eight years from the grant date. During the fourth quarter of 2017, Laureate granted a small number of restricted stock units where vesting is based on the fulfillment of both a service condition and the achievement of a Laureate stock price hurdle during the performance period, which is considered to be a market condition. The fair value of the non-vested restricted stock awards in the table above is measured using the fair value of Laureate’s common stock on the date of grant or the most recent modification date whichever is later. As of December 31, 2017, unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards was $17,249 . Of the total unrecognized cost, $6,505 relates to time-based restricted stock and RSUs, $9,701 relates to PSUs and $1,043 related to market-condition-based restricted stock units. This unrecognized expense for time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units will be recognized over a weighted-average expense period of 1.3 years .

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments In the normal course of business, our operations are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency values and interest rate changes. We may seek to control a portion of these risks through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative instruments. The interest and principal payments for Laureate’s senior long-term debt arrangements are to be paid primarily in USD. Our ability to make debt payments is subject to fluctuations in the value of the USD against foreign currencies, since a majority of our operating cash used to make these payments is generated by subsidiaries with functional currencies other than USD. As part of our overall risk management policies, Laureate has at times entered into foreign currency swap contracts and floating-to-fixed interest rate swap contracts. In addition, we occasionally enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the impact of other non-functional currency-denominated receivables and payables. We do not enter into speculative or leveraged transactions, nor do we hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. We generally intend to hold our derivatives until maturity. Laureate reports all derivatives at fair value. These contracts are recognized as either assets or liabilities, depending upon the derivative’s fair value. Gains or losses associated with the change in the fair value of these swaps are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations on a current basis over the term of the contracts, unless designated and effective as a hedge. For swaps that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges, gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of the swaps are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) and amortized into earnings as a component of Interest expense over the term of the related hedged items. For derivatives that are both designated and effective as net investment hedges, gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of the derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of AOCI. The reported fair values of our derivatives, which are classified in Derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Long-term assets: Interest rate swaps $ 6,046 $ — Current liabilities: Interest rate swaps — 5,218 Long-term liabilities: Net investment cross currency swaps 1,451 — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Long-term assets: Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred Stock 42,140 4,464 Current liabilities: Interest rate swaps 179 — Cross currency and interest rate swaps 4,279 — Long-term liabilities: Cross currency and interest rate swaps 7,939 7,420 Interest rate swaps — 330 Total derivative instrument assets $ 48,186 $ 4,464 Total derivative instrument liabilities $ 13,848 $ 12,968 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Cash Flow Hedge - 2024 Term Loan Interest Rate Swaps In May 2017, Laureate entered into, and designated as cash flow hedges, four pay-fixed, receive-floating amortizing interest rate swaps with notional amounts of $100,000 , $100,000 , $200,000 and $300,000 , respectively. These notional amounts match the corresponding principal of the 2024 Term Loan borrowings of which these swaps are effectively hedging the interest payments. As such, the notional values amortize annually based on the terms of the agreements to match the principal borrowings as they are repaid. Refer to Note 10 , Debt , for further information regarding the underlying borrowings. These swaps effectively fix the floating interest rate on the term loan to reduce exposure to variability in cash flows attributable to changes in the USD-LIBOR-BBA swap rate. All four swaps have an effective date of May 31, 2017 and mature on May 31, 2022. The terms of the swaps require Laureate to pay interest on the basis of fixed rates of 1.756% , 1.796% , 1.796% and 1.763% on the $100,000 , $100,000 , $200,000 and $300,000 notional values, respectively. Laureate will receive interest for all four swaps on the basis of one-month USD-LIBOR-BBA, with a floor of 1% . The swaps are determined to be 100% effective; therefore, the amount of gain or loss recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments was $0 . During the next 12 months, an immaterial amount is expected to be reclassified from AOCI into income. As of December 31, 2017 , these interest rate swaps had an estimated fair value of $6,046 , which was recorded in Derivative instruments as a long-term asset. Cash Flow Hedge - Interest Rate Swaps In September 2011, Laureate entered into two forward interest rate swap agreements that were designated as cash flow hedges. The swaps effectively fixed interest rates on existing variable-rate borrowings in order to manage our exposure to future interest rate volatility. Both swaps had an effective date of June 30, 2014 and matured on June 30, 2017. The gain or loss on these swaps was deferred in AOCI and then reclassified into earnings as a component of Interest expense in the same periods during which the hedged forecasted transactions affected earnings. During the second quarter of 2017, all of the gain or loss previously deferred in AOCI had been recognized in earnings since the swaps had matured. As of December 31, 2016 , these interest rate swaps had an estimated fair value of $5,218 . Net Investment Hedge - Cross Currency Swaps In December 2017, Laureate entered into two EUR-USD cross currency swaps to hedge the foreign currency exchange volatility on operations of our Euro functional currency subsidiaries and better match our cash flows with the currencies in which our debt obligations are denominated. Both swaps have an effective date of December 22, 2017 and a maturity date of November 2, 2020, and were designated at inception as effective net investment hedges. At maturity on the first swap Laureate will deliver the notional amount of EUR 50,000 and receive USD $59,210 at an implied exchange rate of 1.1842 . At maturity on the second swap Laureate will deliver the notional amount of EUR 50,000 and receive USD $59,360 at an implied exchange rate of 1.1872 . Semiannually until maturity, Laureate is obligated to pay 5.63% and receive 8.25% on EUR 50,000 and USD $59,210 , respectively, on the first swap and pay 5.6675% and receive 8.25% on EUR 50,000 and USD $59,360 , respectively, on the second swap. The swaps are determined to be 100% effective; therefore, the amount of gain or loss recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments was $0 . As of December 31, 2017 , these swaps had an estimated fair value of $1,451 , which was recorded in Derivative Instruments as a long-term liability. The table below shows the total recorded unrealized gain (loss) in Comprehensive income (loss) for the derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The impact of these derivative instruments on Comprehensive income (loss), Interest expense and AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Gain (Loss) Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Income Statement Location Loss Reclassified 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps $ 11,264 $ 8,032 $ 5,629 Interest expense $ (7,584 ) $ (10,660 ) $ (10,660 ) Net investment cross currency swaps (1,389 ) — — N/A — — — Total $ 9,875 $ 8,032 $ 5,629 $ (7,584 ) $ (10,660 ) $ (10,660 ) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Derivatives related to Series A Preferred Stock Offering The Company identified several embedded derivatives associated with the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock as discussed in Note 12 , Commitments and Contingencies . The embedded derivatives are related to certain contingent redemption features of the Series A Preferred Stock. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the estimated fair values of these derivatives were assets of $42,140 and $4,464 , respectively, and were recorded in Derivative instruments as long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the first quarter of 2017, $4,382 was bifurcated from the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock and recorded as derivative assets. The increase in estimated fair value during the year ended December 31, 2017 of $33,294 was recorded as an unrealized gain on derivatives in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. These derivatives are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes thus the changes in estimated fair value are recognized as a component of earnings. THINK Interest Rate Swaps Laureate acquired THINK on December 20, 2013, and financed a portion of the purchase price by borrowing AUD 45,000 (US $34,749 at December 31, 2017 ) under a syndicated facility agreement in the form of two term loans of AUD 22,500 each. The terms of the syndicated facility agreement required THINK to enter into an interest rate swap within 45 days from the agreement's December 20, 2013 effective date, in order to convert at least 50% of the AUD 45,000 of term loan debt from a variable interest rate based on the BBSY bid rate, an Australia bank rate, to a fixed interest rate. Accordingly, on January 31, 2014, THINK executed an interest rate swap agreement with an original notional amount of AUD 22,500 to satisfy this requirement and converted AUD 22,500 (US $17,375 at December 31, 2017) of the variable rate component of the term loan debt to a fixed interest rate of 3.86% . The notional amount of the swap decreases quarterly based on the terms of the agreement, and the swap matures on December 20, 2018. This interest rate swap was not designated as a hedge for accounting purposes, and had an estimated fair value of $179 and $330 at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, which was recorded in Derivative instruments as a current liability at December 31, 2017 and a long-term liability at December 31, 2016 . EUR to USD Foreign Currency Swaps In December 2017, the Company entered into a total of six EUR to USD forward exchange swap agreements in connection with the sale of EUC and Laureate Italy, as discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations . The purpose of the swaps was to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exposure on the sale proceeds. The swaps had an aggregate notional amount of EUR 200,000 and matured on January 16, 2018. The swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. As of December 31, 2017 , these swaps had an estimated fair value of $4,279 , which was recorded in Derivative instruments as a current liability. CLP to Unidad de Fomento (UF) Cross Currency and Interest Rate Swaps The cross currency and interest rate swap agreements are intended to provide a better correlation between our debt obligations and operating currencies. In 2010, one of our subsidiaries in Chile entered into four cross currency and interest rate swap agreements. One of the swaps matures on December 1, 2024, and the remaining three mature on July 1, 2025 (the CLP to UF cross currency and interest rate swaps). The UF is a Chilean inflation-adjusted unit of account. The four swaps have an aggregate notional amount of approximately $31,000 , and convert CLP-denominated, floating-rate debt to fixed-rate UF-denominated debt. The CLP to UF cross currency and interest rate swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , these swaps had an estimated fair value of $7,939 and $7,420 , respectively, which was recorded in Derivative instruments as a long-term liability. Components of the reported Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Unrealized Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred $ 33,294 $ 1,735 $ — Cross currency and interest rate swaps (4,191 ) (873 ) (2,133 ) Interest rate swaps 175 84 145 29,278 946 (1,988 ) Realized Loss Cross currency and interest rate swaps (622 ) (6,811 ) (407 ) Interest rate swaps — (219 ) (212 ) (622 ) (7,030 ) (619 ) Total Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred 33,294 1,735 — Cross currency and interest rate swaps (4,813 ) (7,684 ) (2,540 ) Interest rate swaps 175 (135 ) (67 ) Gain (loss) on derivatives, net $ 28,656 $ (6,084 ) $ (2,607 ) The realized loss on derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily from a deal-contingent forward exchange swap agreement related to the sale of our Swiss and associated institutions, partially offset by a realized gain from foreign exchange forward contracts related to the sale of institutions in France that matured in July 2016. Credit Risk and Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features Laureate’s derivatives expose us to credit risk to the extent that the counterparty may possibly fail to perform its contractual obligation. The amount of our credit risk exposure is equal to the fair value of the derivative when any of the derivatives are in a net gain position. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , the estimated fair values of derivatives in a gain position were $48,186 and $4,464 , respectively; however, this carrying value relates mostly to the redemption rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, which do not expose us to credit risk. Our counterparty credit risk is currently limited to the 2024 Term Loan Interest Rate Swaps with aggregate fair values in a gain position of $6,046 as of December 31, 2017 . Laureate has limited its credit risk by only entering into derivative transactions with highly rated major financial institutions. We have not entered into collateral agreements with our derivatives' counterparties. At December 31, 2017 , one institution which was rated Aa3, four institutions which were rated A1 and one institution which was rated A3 by the global rating agency of Moody's Investors Service accounted for all of Laureate's derivative credit risk exposure. Laureate's agreements with its derivative counterparties contain a provision under which we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to a default on the indebtedness. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , we had not breached any default provisions and had not posted any collateral related to these agreements. If we had breached any of these provisions, we could have been required to settle the obligations under the derivative agreements for an amount that we believe would approximate their estimated fair value of $13,848 as of December 31, 2017 and $12,968 as of December 31, 2016 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Significant components of the Income tax benefit (expense) on earnings from continuing operations were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current: United States $ 28,091 $ 2,285 $ (7,174 ) Foreign (99,127 ) (69,609 ) (104,514 ) State (400 ) (166 ) (392 ) Total current (71,436 ) (67,490 ) (112,080 ) Deferred: United States 124,043 (2,226 ) (2,919 ) Foreign 27,216 32,786 18,735 State 11,485 2,490 900 Total deferred 162,744 33,050 16,716 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 91,308 $ (34,440 ) $ (95,364 ) For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , foreign income from continuing operations before income taxes was $252,448 , $879,257 and $86,877 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , domestic loss from continuing operations before income taxes was $323,070 , $512,167 and $318,207 , respectively. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from continuing operations were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 674,088 $ 936,931 Depreciation 99,455 89,629 Deferred revenue 56,651 50,187 Allowance for doubtful accounts 25,525 28,767 Deferred compensation 42,684 60,972 Unrealized loss 56,857 70,930 Nondeductible reserves 40,001 34,146 Interest 17,457 9,172 Other 923 1,735 Total deferred tax assets 1,013,641 1,282,469 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in subsidiaries 101,437 94,691 Amortization of intangible assets 295,410 353,490 Total deferred tax liabilities 396,847 448,181 Net deferred tax assets 616,794 834,288 Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets (711,767 ) (1,090,710 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (94,973 ) $ (256,422 ) The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) was enacted in December 2017. Among other things, the TCJA reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on previously unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 118, which provides guidance on accounting for enactment effects of the TCJA. SAB 118 provides a measurement period of up to one year from the TCJA’s enactment date for companies to complete their accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, to the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJA is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in its financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in its financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the TCJA. In connection with Laureate’s initial analysis of the impact of the enactment of the TCJA, the Company recorded a net tax benefit of $135,700 in the fourth quarter of 2017. Of this amount, $82,400 relates to the rate change and $53,400 relates to the valuation allowance release, net of rate adjustment, on the deferred tax assets other than net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) that, when realized, will become indefinite-lived NOLs. For various reasons that are discussed more fully below, including the issuance of additional technical and interpretive guidance, Laureate has not completed its accounting for the income tax effects of certain elements of the TCJA, such as Global low-taxed income (GILTI) and permanent reinvestment. However, with respect to the transition tax and remeasurement of deferred taxes, Laureate was able to make reasonable estimates of the TCJA’s effects and, recorded provisional amounts. Transition tax: The transition tax is a tax on previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits (E&P) of certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. To determine the amount of the transition tax, Laureate must determine, in addition to other factors, the amount of post-1986 E&P of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. Further, the transition tax is based in part on the amount of those earnings held in cash and other specified assets. Laureate was able to make a reasonable estimate of the transition tax and recorded a provisional obligation resulting in additional tax expense of $149,800 in the fourth quarter of 2017. However, Laureate is able to offset this liability with current year losses and, under alternative minimum tax, up to 90% of the remaining liability, with existing net operating losses, resulting in a net liability of $3,200 . Additionally, the TCJA repeals the corporate alternative minimum tax prospectively. Thus, Laureate will also record a deferred tax asset for an amount equal to the payable under the alternative minimum tax, resulting in no net income tax expense related to the transition tax. The Company is continuing to gather additional information and will consider additional technical guidance to more precisely compute and account for the amount of the transition tax. This amount may change when Laureate finalizes the calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and finalizes the amounts held in cash or other specified assets. Remeasurement of deferred tax assets/liabilities: Laureate remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21% under the TCJA and recorded a tax benefit in the amount of $82,400 . Additionally, Laureate recorded a tax benefit related to the valuation allowance release, net of rate adjustment, on the deferred tax assets other than NOLs that, when realized, will become indefinite-lived NOLs in the amount of $53,400 . Laureate is still analyzing certain aspects of the TCJA, including state conformity, considering additional technical guidance, and refining its calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. Permanent Reinvestment: Laureate also is considering other impacts of the 2017 enactment of the TCJA including, but not limited to, effects on the Company’s indefinite-reinvestment assertion. As discussed further below, Laureate previously has not provided deferred taxes on unremitted earnings attributable to international companies that have been considered to be reinvested indefinitely. Laureate is still analyzing the full effects of the TCJA, which may cause some reassessment of previous indefinite-reinvestment assertions with respect to certain jurisdictions. GILTI: Laureate is considering the potential impacts of the GILTI provision within the TCJA on deferred tax assets/liabilities. Currently, Laureate has not yet elected a policy as to whether it will recognize deferred taxes for basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI or whether Laureate will account for GILTI as period costs if and when incurred. Laureate is not aware of other elements of the TCJA for which the Company was not yet able to make reasonable estimates of the enactment impact and for which it would continue accounting for them in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of the tax laws in effect before the TCJA. At December 31, 2017 , and 2016 , undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries totaled $2,081,927 and $1,827,228 , respectively. We have not recognized deferred tax liabilities for these undistributed earnings because we believe that they will be indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States. These earnings could become subject to additional taxes if they are remitted as dividends, loaned to us or to one of our United States affiliates, or if we sold our interests in the subsidiaries. It is not practicable for us to determine the amount of additional taxes that might be payable on the unremitted earnings. As noted above the impact of the enactment of the TCJA on the indefinite-reinvestment assertion has not been finalized and the position is therefore provisional as of December 31, 2017. Approximately 74.53% ( 54.27% federal and 20.26% states) of our worldwide NOLs as of December 31, 2017 originated in the United States, derived from both federal and various state jurisdictions. The United States federal NOLs will begin to expire in 2027. The valuation allowance relates to the uncertainty surrounding the realization of tax benefits primarily attributable to NOLs of the parent company and of certain foreign subsidiaries, and future deductible temporary differences that are available only to offset future taxable income of subsidiaries in certain jurisdictions. The Company assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets by examining all available evidence, both positive and negative. A valuation allowance is recorded if negative evidence outweighs positive evidence. A company’s three -year cumulative loss position is significant negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets are realizable. Accounting guidance restricts the amount of reliance the Company can place on projected taxable income to support the recovery of the deferred tax assets. In 2017, the Company's valuation allowance was changed due to the impact of the TCJA. The major drivers of the change in balance are: impact of the US rate change in the amount of $215,600 , utilization of the prior year NOLs in the amount of $53,600 and valuation allowance release, net of rate adjustment, on the deferred tax assets other than NOLs that when realized will become indefinite-lived NOLs in the amount of $53,400 . The reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,090,710 $ 1,033,216 $ 940,245 (Deductions) additions to costs and expenses (19,530 ) 44,116 150,054 Additions: charges to other accounts (a) — 13,378 — Deductions (b) (359,413 ) — (57,083 ) Balance at end of period $ 711,767 $ 1,090,710 $ 1,033,216 (a) Charges to other accounts includes reclassifications and foreign currency translation. (b) Deductions include reclassifications and foreign currency translation, TCJA-related adjustments described in the paragraph above and reclassifications related to held-for-sale entities. The reconciliations of the reported Income tax benefit (expense) to the amount that would result by applying the United States federal statutory tax rate of 35% to income from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Tax benefit (expense) at the United States statutory rate $ 24,718 $ (128,482 ) $ 80,966 Permanent differences (21,628 ) (21,636 ) (15,003 ) State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect (1,154 ) 1,510 330 Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate 34,652 71,347 10,770 Change in valuation allowance (115,470 ) (47,863 ) (139,291 ) Effect of tax contingencies 10,980 26,610 (32,326 ) Tax credits 19,829 19,399 25,842 Withholding taxes 3,901 (26,163 ) (24,459 ) U.S. tax on repatriated earnings (875 ) (67,796 ) (1,451 ) Impairments — — (36 ) Sale of subsidiaries — 139,335 — Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Transition tax on unremitted earnings (149,800 ) — — Tax effect of rate changes 82,392 — — Change in valuation allowance 194,794 — — State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect 8,360 — — Other 609 (701 ) (706 ) Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 91,308 $ (34,440 ) $ (95,364 ) The reconciliations of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Beginning of the period $ 82,852 $ 77,179 $ 64,199 Additions for tax positions related to prior years 5,997 12,812 30,325 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years (10,095 ) (3,440 ) (12,350 ) Additions for tax positions related to current year 11,551 14,795 47 Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits (7,355 ) (10,514 ) (4,697 ) Settlements for tax positions related to prior years (44 ) (7,980 ) (345 ) End of the period $ 82,906 $ 82,852 $ 77,179 Laureate records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of Income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Laureate recognized interest and penalties related to income taxes of $5,985 , $8,318 and $15,333 , respectively. Laureate had $39,058 and $39,123 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, Laureate derecognized $8,584 , $25,056 and $7,539 , respectively, of previously accrued interest and penalties. Approximately $54,800 of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, will affect the effective income tax rate. It is reasonably possible that Laureate’s unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within the next 12 months by up to approximately $12,100 as a result of the lapse of statutes of limitations and as a result of the final settlement and resolution of outstanding tax matters in various jurisdictions. Laureate and various subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction, and in various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, Laureate is no longer subject to United States federal, state and local, or foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. United States federal and state statutes are generally open back to 2014; however, the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) has the ability to challenge 2005 through 2013 net operating loss carryforwards. Statutes of other major jurisdictions, such as Brazil, Chile and Spain are open back to 2013, and Mexico is open back to 2008. ICE Audit During 2010 and 2013, Laureate was notified by the Spain Tax Authorities (STA) that two tax audits of our Spanish subsidiaries were being initiated for 2006 through 2007, and for 2008 through 2010, respectively. On June 29, 2012, the STA issued a final assessment to Iniciativas Culturales de España, S.L. (ICE), our Spanish holding company, for EUR 11,051 (US $13,118 at December 31, 2017), including interest, for the 2006 through 2007 period. Laureate has appealed this final assessment related to the 2006 through 2007 period and issued a cash-collateralized letter of credit in July 2012, in order to continue the appeal process. In October 2015, the STA issued a final assessment to ICE for the 2008 through 2010 period for approximately EUR 17,187 (approximately US $20,401 at December 31, 2017), including interest, for those three years. In order to continue the appeals process, we have issued cash-collateralized letters of credit for the 2008 to 2010 period assessment amount, plus interest and surcharges. In total, as of December 31, 2017 we have issued cash-collateralized letters of credit for the ICE tax audit matters of EUR 33,282 (US $39,505 at December 31, 2017), as also described in Note 12 , Commitments and Contingencies . During the quarter ended June 30, 2015, the Company reassessed its position regarding the ICE tax audit matters as a result of recent adverse decisions from the Spanish Supreme Court and the Spanish National Court on cases for taxpayers with similar facts and determined that it could no longer support a more-likely-than-not position. As a result, during 2015, the Company has recorded a provision totaling EUR 37,610 (approximately US $42,100 ) for the period January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2016. The Company plans to continue the appeals process for the periods already audited and assessed. During the second quarter of 2016, we were notified by the STA that tax audits of the Spanish subsidiaries were also being initiated for 2011 and 2012, and in July 2017 the tax audit was extended to include 2013; no assessments have yet been issued for these years. Also, during the second quarter of 2016, the Regional Administrative Court issued a decision against the Company on its appeal. The Company has further appealed at the Highest Administrative Court level, which appeal was rejected on January 23, 2018. The Company has appealed both decisions to the National Court. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company made payments to the STA totaling approximately EUR 29,600 (approximately US $35,100 at December 31, 2017) in order to reduce the amount of future interest that could be incurred as the appeals process continues. The payments were made using cash that collateralized the letters of credit discussed above. Chile Tax Reform On September 29, 2014, Chile enacted major income tax law changes. The significant change affecting the Company was the increase in income tax rates, which were retroactive to January 2014. The tax rates are increasing from 21% to 22.5% in 2015, 24% in 2016, 25.5% in 2017 and 27% in 2018 and beyond. Deferred taxes were revalued and a benefit of approximately $2,967 , $850 , $2,700 and $6,100 was recorded in 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Prior to 2015, the law also included two alternative methods for computing shareholder-level income taxation. During 2015, the law changed to include one method for computing shareholder-level income taxation.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , on January 31, 2017 our common stock was reclassified into shares of Class B common stock and, on February 6, 2017, we completed our IPO of Class A common stock. Other than voting rights, the Class B common stock has the same rights as the Class A common stock and therefore both are treated as the same class of stock for purposes of the earnings per share calculation. Laureate computes basic earnings per share (EPS) by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if share-based compensation awards, contingently issuable shares, and convertible securities were exercised or converted into common stock. To calculate the diluted EPS, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other share-based compensation arrangements determined using the treasury stock method. The following tables summarize the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for continuing operations: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 20,838 $ 332,740 $ (324,199 ) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 804 $ 1,393 $ 623 Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 21,642 $ 334,133 $ (323,576 ) Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity 317 263 (13,041 ) Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value (6,358 ) 33 6,879 Accretion of redemption value of Series A Preferred Stock (292,450 ) (1,719 ) — Distributed and undistributed earnings to participating securities (1 ) (98 ) (11 ) Subtotal: accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (298,492 ) (1,521 ) (6,173 ) Net (loss) income from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share $ (276,850 ) $ 332,612 $ (329,749 ) Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for discontinued operations: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 72,926 33,446 8,354 (Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (3,103 ) 4,268 (1,026 ) Allocation of earnings from discontinued operations to participating securities (5 ) (16 ) — Net income from discontinued operations for basic and diluted earnings per share 69,818 37,698 7,328 Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 172,409 133,295 132,950 Effect of dilutive stock options — 833 — Effect of dilutive restricted stock units — 278 — Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding 172,409 134,406 132,950 Basic earnings (loss) per share: (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (1.60 ) $ 2.50 $ (2.49 ) Income from discontinued operations 0.40 0.28 0.05 Basic (loss) earnings per share $ (1.20 ) $ 2.78 $ (2.44 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (1.60 ) $ 2.48 $ (2.49 ) Income from discontinued operations 0.40 0.28 0.05 Diluted (loss) earnings per share $ (1.20 ) $ 2.76 $ (2.44 ) The shares of Class A common stock that would be issued upon completion of the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock are not included in the calculation of diluted EPS as the effect would have been antidilutive. The following table summarizes the number of stock options and shares of restricted stock that were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations because the effect would have been antidilutive: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Stock options 12,497 5,773 10,743 Restricted stock 986 181 430

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions Corporate Santa Fe University of Arts and Design (SFUAD) SFUAD is owned by Wengen, our controlling stockholder. Laureate is affiliated with SFUAD, but does not own or control it and, accordingly, SFUAD is not included in the financial results of Laureate. On May 18, 2016, SFUAD announced that it had signed an agreement to be acquired by a private education provider with a global network of colleges and universities that focus on art and design education. This agreement was terminated by the parties thereto on March 29, 2017. On April 12, 2017, SFUAD announced that it plans to close after the end of the 2017-2018 academic year and will work with its students on a phased teach-out and transfer process for students who are eligible to complete their degrees by May 2018 and appropriate transfer opportunities for other students. The teach-out plan has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). As of December 31, 2017, Laureate had a payable to SFUAD of approximately $1,250 related to a surety bond issued to the New Mexico Higher Education Department that Laureate is maintaining on SFUAD's behalf. The cash collateral for the bond, which is recorded in Restricted cash and investments on our December 31, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet, was funded by SFUAD and therefore is recorded as a payable to SFUAD. Transactions between Laureate and Affiliates, Wengen, Directors and a Former Executive During the first quarter of 2017, Laureate made a charitable contribution of $2,000 to the Sylvan Laureate Foundation, a non-profit foundation that supports programs designed to promote education and best practices and principles in teaching. The payment was accrued in prior periods. An affiliate of one of the Wengen investors acted as a financial adviser in connection with our IPO and our 2017 debt refinancing; we paid this affiliate $2,768 for its services during the year ended December 31, 2017 . During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 , we paid this affiliate $185 and $700 , respectively for services rendered in connection with the Company's refinancing of its debt and new debt issuances. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company paid in full a note payable to a former executive of approximately $4,280 , which represented the original note payable of $3,771 plus accrued interest. As previously disclosed in our 2016 Form 10-K, the note payable was issued in 2014 in exchange for vested share-based compensation and was payable upon consummation of the IPO. We have agreements in place with I/O Data Centers, LLC and affiliates (I/O) pursuant to which I/O provides modular data center solutions to the Company. One of our directors is also a director of the parent of I/O. Additionally, this director, our former CEO, and Sterling Partners (a private equity firm co-founded by the director, our former CEO, and others) maintain an ownership interest in I/O. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, we incurred costs for these agreements of approximately $500 , $900 , and $500 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2015, we made payments of $196 to a consulting firm that works with one of the Wengen investors and its portfolio companies, for consulting services provided in connection with our EiP initiative. No payments were made in 2016 or 2017. As part of our initial public offering in February 2017, an affiliate of one of the Wengen investors purchased from the underwriters 3,571 shares of Class A common stock at the initial public offering price. As part of the issuance and sale of shares of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock in December 2016, KKR and Snow Phipps, affiliates of Wengen, purchased from the Company 60 and 15 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company paid cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock totaling $18,052 , of which $3,644 was paid to KKR and Snow Phipps. On December 16, 2015, Laureate entered into a term loan agreement with Wengen, its controlling stockholder, for approximately $11,000 . The note payable accrued interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus 4.25% , with a 1.25% floor on the LIBOR, and interest was payable quarterly. The term of the loan was three years , with the last payment due on December 31, 2018. Early repayment was permitted under the loan agreement, and the loan was fully repaid during the year ended December 31, 2016. Andean Transactions between Laureate and Entities Affiliated with a Former Executive For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , Laureate made payments of $639 , $617 and $497 , respectively, for clinical studies and $0 , $0 and $158 , respectively, for consulting and market research to companies that are affiliated with an individual who served as one of our executives until the third quarter of 2014. Ecuador Transactions between Laureate and a VIE formerly consolidated UDLA Ecuador is an institution in Ecuador that was formerly consolidated into Laureate. In the fourth quarter of 2012, Laureate deconsolidated UDLA Ecuador as a result of a law that caused us to lose the ability to control that institution. In prior years, UDLA Ecuador made capital contributions to an education-related real estate subsidiary of Laureate in Chile. As of December 31, 2016 , UDLA Ecuador's noncontrolling interest in this Chilean real estate subsidiary was approximately $22,000 . As discussed in Note 5 , Dispositions and Asset Sales , in November 2017 we completed the sale of certain property and equipment to UDLA Ecuador. Contemporaneous with that transaction, we also repurchased UDLA Ecuador's noncontrolling interest in the Chilean real estate subsidiary for a purchase price of $36,247 , which included a cash payment of $6,085 . The payment is included in Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Chilean real estate subsidiary made dividend payments to UDLA Ecuador of $1,242 , $955 and $1,047 , respectively, related to this investment. Certain for-profit entities of Laureate continue to provide services and/or intellectual property to UDLA Ecuador through contractual arrangements at market rates. However, only earnings that are realized through these various contractual arrangements are being recognized by the Company. During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the total amounts recognized through these contractual arrangements, primarily as other revenues, were $13,927 , $13,970 and $13,879 , respectively. As of December 31, 2016 , we had payables to UDLA Ecuador of $9,190 and receivables from UDLA Ecuador of $3,273 . In connection with the November 2017 transactions described above, we extended certain of the aforementioned contractual arrangements with UDLA Ecuador. However, any future revenues from these contractual arrangements will only be recognized if received. Rest of World Morocco Transactions between Laureate and Noncontrolling Interest Holder of Laureate Somed Education Holding SA (Laureate Somed) Laureate Somed is 60% owned and consolidated by Laureate and is the entity that operates Université Internationale de Casablanca, our institution in Morocco. The 40% noncontrolling interest holder of Laureate Somed has made loans to Laureate Somed, and as of December 31, 2016 , we had a related party payable of $7,936 to the noncontrolling interest holder for the outstanding balance of and accrued interest on these loans, all of which was recorded as current and included in Current assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the maturity dates of five loans made by the noncontrolling interest holder were extended. The first loan was made by the noncontrolling interest holder in December 2013 and the maturity date was extended from December 2016 to December 2018. The second loan was made by the noncontrolling interest holder in March 2015 and the maturity date was extended from September 2016 to September 2019. The third loan was made by the noncontrolling interest holder in June 2015 and the maturity date was extended from December 2016 to December 2018. The fourth loan was made by the noncontrolling interest holder in April 2014 and the maturity date was extended from April 2017 to April 2019. The fifth loan was made by the noncontrolling interest holder in October 2015 and the maturity date was extended from April 2017 to October 2019. The total outstanding balance of these five loans, including accrued interest, at the extension dates was MAD 74,262 (US $7,885 at December 31, 2017 ). Each of these loans bears an interest rate of 4.5% per annum. As of December 31, 2017 , we had total related party payables of $8,953 to the noncontrolling interest holder of Laureate Somed for the outstanding balance on these loans plus accrued interest, of which $3,016 and $5,937 was recorded as current and noncurrent, respectively, and included in Current assets held for sale and Long-term assets held for sale , respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Laureate Somed is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , on November 29, 2017 , the Company, along with the noncontrolling interest holder, entered into an agreement to sell Laureate Somed. The sale is expected to close during the first half of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions. China Transactions between China businesses and Noncontrolling Interest Holders of HIEU A portion of real property that HIEU had paid for, including land and buildings, was mortgaged as collateral for corporate loans that an entity controlled by certain noncontrolling interest holders of HIEU had entered into with third-party banks. In December 2013, the noncontrolling interest holders of HIEU signed an agreement with Laureate and committed to: (1) remove all encumbrances on HIEU’s real property no later than September 30, 2014 and (2) cause the entity to complete the transfer of title relating to the encumbered real property to HIEU no later than December 31, 2014. Under the terms of this agreement, the noncontrolling interest holders also agreed to pay any and all transfer taxes, fees and other costs that are required in connection with the removal of the encumbrances and the transfer of titles, which are estimated to be approximately $2,000 . As collateral for their performance under the agreement, the noncontrolling interest holders pledged to Laureate their 30% equity interest in the sponsoring entity of HIEU. The noncontrolling interest holders of HIEU did not complete their commitment to remove the encumbrances over the real property or complete the transfer of the real property. Under the terms of the agreement, Laureate had the right to receive the sale proceeds of the noncontrolling interest holders' 30% equity interest, up to the amount owing to it under the equity pledge, in priority to other creditors of the noncontrolling interest holders. On February 22, 2016, certain creditors of the noncontrolling interest holders initiated an enforcement process against the noncontrolling interest holders and requested the court to auction a portion of the equity interest of the noncontrolling interest holders (being a 22.8% interest in the sponsoring entity of HIEU). A court auction process was held on August 21, 2017. At that auction, Guangdong Nanbo Education Investment Co. Ltd successfully bid approximately RMB 508,000 (approximately $77,000 as of December 31, 2017 ) for the shares being auctioned. As the registered pledgee, Laureate had the right to receive the sale proceeds of the noncontrolling interest holders' equity interest, up to the amount owing to it under the equity pledge, in priority to other creditors of the noncontrolling interest holders. However, as of December 31, 2017 , no formal judgment had been given by the court as to whether they would recognize Laureate's right to receive these sale proceeds. As of both December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , Laureate’s net carrying value of the encumbered real property was approximately $12,000 . As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , in December 2017 we entered into an agreement to sell LEILY, the entity that is the beneficial owner of a 70% equity interest in Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd., which in turn owns 100% of the sponsorship or equity interests in the Entities, a group of entities that includes HIEU. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , we completed the sale of LEILY in January 2018 and, as a result, we do not expect to receive any of the sale proceeds resulting from the court auction of the noncontrolling interest holders' equity interest discussed above. The sold entities are included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. Dubai Transactions between Laureate and Laureate-Obeikan Ltd. Laureate-Obeikan Ltd., is a joint venture in Dubai that is 50% owned by Laureate and consolidated. During the first quarter of 2016, we entered into an agreement for the assignment of amounts due to Laureate-Obeikan Ltd. from Higher Institute for Paper and Industrial Technologies (HIPIT), a third party, to Obeikan Paper Industries (OPI), a related-party subsidiary of the noncontrolling interest holder of Laureate-Obeikan Ltd., in the amount of Saudi Riyals (SAR) 14,279 (US $3,807 at December 31, 2017 ) as a settlement of amounts owed from OPI to an affiliate of HIPIT. As of December 31, 2016 , the amount receivable was $2,245 . During 2017, installments totaling SAR 6,000 (approximately US $1,600 at December 31, 2017 ) were paid and amounts totaling SAR 2,500 (approximately US $645 at December 31, 2017 ) were written off. In December 2017, management agreed to reduce the outstanding amounts due from OPI by offsetting against amounts owed by the Company to Obeikan subsidiaries, which resulted in no remaining net receivable as of December 31, 2017 . Malaysia Dividends to Noncontrolling Interest Holders During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , INTI made contractual dividend payments to its noncontrolling interest holders of $77 , $550 and $450 , respectively, which were included within Payments of dividends in the financing activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , on December 11, 2017 we signed a sale purchase agreement to sell Inti Holdings, the indirect owner of INTI. Inti Holdings is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. South Africa Transactions between Laureate and Noncontrolling Interest Holder of Monash South Africa (MSA) As of December 31, 2016 , Laureate had a related party payable recorded that was owed to the noncontrolling interest holder of MSA in the amount of $2,020 . During the first quarter of 2017, we received an additional loan from the noncontrolling interest holder in the amount of $943 . The loan matures in January 2026 and bears interest at a rate of 10.5% per annum. As of December 31, 2017 , the total related party payable due to the noncontrolling interest holder was $3,371 . MSA is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. Central America & U.S. Campuses United States Transactions between Laureate and Noncontrolling Interest Holder of St. Augustine During the year ended December 31, 2015, St. Augustine made tax distributions to its 20% noncontrolling interest holder of $3,952 , as provided for in St. Augustine's operating agreement, which were included in Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders in the financing activities section of the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. No tax distributions were made in 2016 or 2017. As discussed in Note 4 , Acquisitions , in June 2016 we acquired the remaining 20% noncontrolling interest in St. Augustine for a purchase price of $24,997 . In December 2017, Laureate agreed to pay additional purchase price of $370 to the former minority owner of St. Augustine as a final settlement of certain matters; the payment was made in January 2018. St. Augustine is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented.

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	Benefit Plans Domestic Defined Contribution Retirement Plan Laureate sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan in the United States under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan offers employees a traditional “pre-tax” 401(k) option and an “after-tax” Roth 401(k) option, providing the employees with choices and flexibility for their retirement savings. All employees are eligible to participate in the plan after meeting certain service requirements. Participants may contribute up to a maximum of 80% of their annual compensation and 100% of their annual cash bonus, as defined and subject to certain annual limitations. Laureate may, at its discretion, make matching contributions that are allocated to eligible participants. The matching on the “after-tax” Roth contributions is the same as the matching on the traditional “pre-tax” contributions. Laureate made discretionary contributions in cash to this plan of $5,638 , $4,737 and $4,501 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Non-United States Pension Benefit Plans Laureate has defined benefit (pension) plans at several non-United States institutions. The projected benefit obligation (PBO) is determined as the actuarial present value as of the measurement date of all benefits calculated by the pension benefit formula for employee service rendered. The amount of benefits to be paid depends on a number of future events incorporated into the pension benefit formula, including estimates of the average life expectancy of employees/survivors and average years of service rendered. The PBO is measured based on assumptions concerning future interest rates and future employee compensation levels. The expected net periodic benefit cost for Laureate in each year can vary from the subsequent year's actual net periodic benefit cost due to the acquisition of entities with plans, plan amendments, and the impacts of foreign currency translation. The combined unfunded status of these plans is reported as a component of Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities. The net periodic benefit cost for those entities with pension plans was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Service cost $ 661 $ 1,884 $ 4,408 Interest 165 318 730 Expected return on assets — (138 ) (400 ) Amortization of prior service costs 22 279 903 Recognition of actuarial items (261 ) — — Curtailment gain (153 ) — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 434 $ 2,343 $ 5,641 The estimated net periodic benefit cost for the year ending December 31, 2018 is approximately $538 . The weighted average assumptions were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate for obligations 5.25-9.25% 8.50% 0.75-7.50% Discount rate for net periodic benefit costs 4.75-8.50% 0.75-7.50% 1.00%-7.00% Rate of compensation increases 4.50-5.00% 4.50% 2.00-4.50% Expected return in plan assets N/A N/A 0.75% The change in PBO, change in plan assets and funded (unfunded) status for those entities with pension plans were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 Change in PBO: PBO at beginning of year $ 1,421 $ 61,559 Service cost 661 1,884 Interest 165 318 Actuarial loss (237 ) (10 ) Benefits paid by plan (124 ) (598 ) Participants contributions — 1,024 Curtailment gain (153 ) (18,474 ) Settlements — (44,234 ) Administrative expenses — — Foreign exchange 71 (48 ) PBO at end of year $ 1,804 $ 1,421 Change in plan assets: Fair value of assets at beginning of year $ — $ 41,783 Actual return on assets — 344 Employer contributions — 1,276 Participant contributions — 1,025 Benefits paid by plan — (367 ) Administrative expenses — — Settlements — (44,234 ) Foreign exchange — 173 Fair value of assets at end of year $ — $ — Unfunded status $ 1,804 $ 1,421 Actuarial loss $ (439 ) $ (278 ) Prior service cost — 20 Amount recognized in AOCI, pre-tax $ (439 ) $ (258 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 1,804 $ 1,421 As discussed in Note 5 , Dispositions and Asset Sales , we completed the sale of our hospitality management school entities in June 2016 and the sale of our French entities in July 2016. Certain institutions that were a part of these sales had pension plans and the 2016 curtailment gain and settlement lines presented in the table above relate to the removal of these plans as a result of the sales. The pension plans related to the hospitality management schools also represented substantially all of the pension plan assets as of the beginning of 2016. The Company estimates that employer contributions to plan assets during 2018 will be approximately the same as during the year ended December 31, 2017 . The estimated future benefit payments for the next 10 fiscal years are as follows: For the year ending December 31, 2018 $ 206 2019 190 2020 209 2021 227 2022 233 2023 through 2027 1,826 Laureate Education, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan Laureate maintains a deferred compensation plan to provide certain executive employees and members of our Board of Directors with the opportunity to defer their salaries, bonuses, and Board of Directors retainers and fees in order to accumulate funds for retirement on a pre-tax basis. Participants are 100% vested in their respective deferrals and the earnings thereon. Laureate does not make contributions to the plan or guarantee returns on the investments. Although plan investments and participant deferrals are kept in a separate trust account, the assets remain Laureate’s property and are subject to claims of general creditors. The plan assets are recorded at fair value with the earnings (losses) on those assets recorded in Other income (expense). The plan liabilities are recorded at the contractual value, with the changes in value recorded in operating expenses. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , plan assets included in Other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $11,568 and $10,449 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the plan liabilities reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $18,746 and $16,036 , respectively. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , $11,896 and $943 , respectively, of the total plan liability was classified as a current liability; the remainder was noncurrent and recorded in Other long-term liabilities . The increase in the current liability in 2017 relates to several participants who retired during the fourth quarter of 2017 and are required to receive distributions of their plan balances in 2018. The Company plans to fund at least approximately $5,200 of the 2018 plan distributions with operating cash, rather than using the plan assets. Supplemental Employment Retention Agreement In November 2007, Laureate established a Supplemental Employment Retention Agreement (SERA) for one of its executive officers. Since Laureate achieved certain Pro-rata EBITDA targets, as defined in the SERA, from 2007 to 2011 and this officer remained employed through December 31, 2012, this individual receives an annual SERA payment of $1,500 . The SERA provides annuity payments to the executive over the course of his lifetime, and annuity payments would be made to his spouse for the course of her life in the event of the executive's death on or prior to December 31, 2026. The SERA is administered through a Rabbi Trust, and its assets are subject to the claims of creditors. Laureate has purchased annuities to provide funds for our future SERA obligations. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the total SERA assets were $6,898 and $8,621 , respectively, which were recorded in Other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the total SERA liability recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets was $15,970 and $15,628 , respectively, of which $1,500 and $1,500 , respectively, was recorded in Accrued compensation and benefits , and $14,470 and $14,128 , respectively, was recorded in Deferred compensation . Mexico Profit-Sharing The Fiscal Reform that was enacted in Mexico in December 2013 subjects Laureate's Mexico entities to corporate income tax and also requires them to comply with profit-sharing legislation, whereby 10% of the taxable income of Laureate's Mexican entities will be set aside as employee compensation.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

Legal and Regulatory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
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. United States Postsecondary Education Regulation Through our Online & Partnerships and Central America & U.S. Campuses segments, as of December 31, 2017 we operate four postsecondary educational institutions in the United States (U.S. Institutions) and provide contractual services to another. The U.S. Institutions are subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental entities as well as accrediting bodies. The Higher Education Act (HEA), and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the DOE, subject the U.S. Institutions to ongoing regulatory review and scrutiny. The U.S. Institutions must also comply with a myriad of requirements in order to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs under the HEA (Title IV programs). In particular, to participate in the Title IV programs under currently effective DOE regulations, an institution must be authorized to offer its educational programs by the relevant state agencies in the states in which it is located, accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the DOE, and also certified by the DOE. In determining whether to certify an institution, the DOE closely examines an institution’s administrative and financial capability to administer Title IV program funds. Based on Laureate’s consolidated audited financial statements for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, the DOE required us to increase our letter of credit to approximately $136,900 (an amount equal to 15% of the Title IV program funds received by Laureate in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016) and remain subject to heightened cash monitoring. The DOE also required us to comply with additional notification and reporting requirements. We have provided the DOE with a letter of credit in the amount of approximately $136,900 , and we are complying with the additional requirements. See Note 12 , Commitments and Contingencies , for further description of the outstanding DOE letters of credit as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Under the HEA, proprietary schools generally are eligible to participate in Title IV programs in respect of educational programs that lead to “gainful employment in a recognized occupation.” On October 30, 2014, the DOE published regulations to define “gainful employment,” which became effective on July 1, 2015. Continued compliance with the gainful employment regulations could increase our cost of doing business, reduce our enrollments and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Historically, the concept of “gainful employment” has not been defined in detail. The regulations require each educational program offered by a proprietary institution to achieve threshold rates in two debt measure categories: an annual debt-to-annual earnings (DTE) ratio and an annual debt-to-discretionary income (DTI) ratio. An educational program must achieve a DTE ratio at or below 8% or a DTI ratio at or below 20% to be considered “passing.” An educational program with a DTE ratio greater than 8% but less than or equal to 12% or a DTI ratio greater than 20% but less than or equal to 30% is considered to be “in the zone.” An educational program with a DTE ratio greater than 12% and a DTI ratio greater than 30% is considered “failing.” An educational program will cease to be eligible for students to receive Title IV program funds if its DTE and DTI ratios are failing in two out of any three consecutive award years or if both of those rates are failing or in the zone for four consecutive award years. In January 2017, the DOE issued final DTE rates to institutions. Among the Classification of Instructional Programs reported within NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Kendall College and Walden University, the DOE has indicated that we had one that failed and five in the zone. St. Augustine had no programs that failed or were in the zone. The percentage of students enrolled in the educational program that failed represents approximately 1% of the students currently enrolled in our U.S. Institutions. The percentage of students enrolled in the educational programs that were in the zone represents approximately 5% . We are currently examining and implementing options for each of these programs and their students. We are discontinuing the program that failed. For one of the programs in the zone, we conducted an alternate salary survey and are appealing the zone score to the DOE. The failure of any program or programs offered by any of our U.S. Institutions to satisfy any gainful employment regulations could render that program or programs ineligible for Title IV program funds. If a particular educational program ceased to become eligible for Title IV program funds, either because it fails to prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation or due to other factors, we may choose to cease offering that program. It is possible that several programs offered by our schools may be adversely affected by the regulations due to lack of specialized program accreditation or certification in the states in which such institutions are based. We also could be required to make changes to certain programs at our U.S. Institutions or to increase student loan repayment efforts in order to comply with the rule or to avoid the uncertainty associated with such compliance. On June 16, 2017, the DOE published a notice of intent to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop proposed revisions to the gainful employment regulations. The DOE held negotiated rulemaking sessions on the gainful employment rule in December 2017 and February 2018, and will hold another negotiated rulemaking session in March 2018. If issued, any new gainful employment regulations would be effective July 1, 2019. We cannot predict with any certainty the outcome of the negotiated rulemaking or the extent to which revised gainful employment regulations may differ from the current regulations. On November 1, 2016, as part of its defense to repayment (DTR) rulemaking, the DOE issued a rule to revise its general standards of financial responsibility to include various actions and events that would require institutions to provide the DOE with irrevocable letters of credit upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. In June 2017, however, the DOE announced an indefinite delay in implementing the rule and its intent to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to develop proposed revisions to these regulations. The DOE held negotiated rulemaking sessions in November 2017, January 2018 and February 2018 regarding the DTR regulations. The DOE and negotiators failed to reach consensus on revised DTR regulations, and the DOE is now expected to issue revised DTR regulations for comment by the summer of 2018, with the rules becoming final by November 1, 2018. If issued, any new DTR regulations would be effective July 1, 2019. If we are required to repay the DOE for any successful DTR claims by students who attended our U.S. Institutions, or we are required to obtain additional letters of credit or increase our current letter of credit, it could materially affect our business, financial conditions and results of operations. Changes in or new interpretations of applicable laws, DOE rules, or regulations could have a material adverse effect on the U.S. Institutions’ eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs. State Higher Education Agency Program Review for Walden University On September 8, 2016, as part of a program review that the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE) is conducting of Walden University’s doctoral programs, MOHE sent to Walden University an information request regarding its doctoral programs and complaints filed by doctoral students. We have been informed by MOHE that, in an effort to better understand the context, background and issues related to doctoral student complaints in Minnesota, MOHE is initiating a full review of doctoral programs for certain institutions registered in Minnesota. MOHE has informed us that it expects to issue a report regarding its program review in 2018. We cannot predict the outcome of this matter. However, if MOHE makes an adverse determination, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Brazilian Regulation We operate 13 post-secondary education institutions in Brazil. The responsibility of the federal government in regulating, monitoring and evaluating higher education institutions and undergraduate programs is exercised by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (the MEC), along with a number of related federal agencies and offices. The MEC is the highest authority of the higher education system in Brazil and has the power to: regulate and monitor the federal system of higher education in terms of its quality and standards, confirm decisions regarding the accreditation and reaccreditation of institutions of higher education; confirm evaluation criteria; confirm regulatory proposals; and issue and implement rules that govern the delivery of higher education services, including aspects like adherence by higher education institutions to the rules for federal education subsidy programs like Pronatec, Prouni and the Fundo de Financiamento ao Estudante do Ensino Superior (the FIES program, or FIES), through one or more of which all of our institutions enroll students. Additionally, Brazilian law requires that almost all change-of-control transactions by Laureate receive the prior approval of the Brazilian antitrust authority, the Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econˆomica (CADE). As noted, Laureate’s institutions in Brazil participate in the FIES program, which targets students from low socio-economic backgrounds enrolled at private post-secondary institutions. In December 2017, a new FIES reform was implemented by the Provisional Presidential Decree ( Medida Provisória ) n. 785/2017, which amended the FIES legal statute (Law n. 10.260/2001). The current FIES offer conditions were consolidated for the selection rules for the first half of 2018. The traditional FIES financing program continues to be offered to about one third of vacancies announced for the program in the first half of 2018. For the traditional offering, the candidate should have family income of up to three times the minimum wage and, although the previous 18-month grace period was eliminated, financing will have an interest rate of zero and will be adjusted by inflation only. The risk is borne by a new guarantee fund - called FG-FIES - which may have public contributions of up to BRL 3,000,000, and contributions from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which range from 13% of the program-funded tuition revenue for the first year, between 10% and 25% for the second to fifth year (according to delinquency-related variances), and at least 10% from the sixth year on. The second financing offer - called P-FIES - has two variables, according to the funding sources (a. Constitutional/Regional Development Funds or b. the BNDES). The distribution of vacancies for this modality favors programs offered in corresponding regional limits. This FIES offer will be operated strictly by financial agents, who will also bear the risks of the operation. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 16% of our total students in Brazil participate in FIES, representing approximately 24% of our 2017 Brazil net revenue. All of our Brazil HEIs adhere to Prouni. Prouni is a federal program of tax benefits designed to increase higher education participation rates by making college more affordable. HEI may join Prouni by signing a term of membership valid for ten years and renewable for the same period. This term of membership shall include the number of scholarships to be offered in each program, unit and class, and a percentage of scholarships for degree programs to be given to indigenous and Afro-Brazilians. To join Prouni, an educational institution must maintain a certain relationship between the number of scholarships granted to regular paying students. The relationship between the number of scholarships and regular paying students is tested annually. If this relationship is not observed during a given academic year due to the departure of students, the institution must adjust the number of scholarships in a proportional manner the following academic year. Prouni provides private HEI with an exemption from certain federal taxes in exchange for granting partial and full scholarships to low-income students enrolled in traditional and technology undergraduate programs. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, our HEI granted Prouni scholarships of approximately $115,200 , $83,900 and $55,000 , respectively, that resulted in tax credits. Turkish Regulation and Internal Investigation Through our Rest of World segment, we operate Istanbul Bilgi University (Bilgi), a network institution located in Turkey that consolidates under the variable interest entity model. Bilgi is established as a Foundation University under the Turkish higher education law, sponsored by the Bilgi Foundation. As such, it is subject to regulation, supervision and inspection by Turkish Higher Education Council (the YÖK). Under the “Ordinance Concerned with Amendment to Foundation High Education Institutions” (the Ordinance), the YÖK has authority to inspect accounts, transactions, activities and assets of Foundation Universities, as well as their academic units, programs, projects and subjects. The Ordinance establishes a progressive series of five remedies that the YÖK can take in the event it finds a violation of the Ordinance, ranging from (1) a warning and request for correction to (2) the suspension of the Foundation University’s ability to establish new academic units or programs to (3) limiting the number of students the Foundation University can admit, including ceasing new admissions, to (4) provisional suspension of the Foundation University’s license to (5) cancellation of the Foundation University’s license. Since the promulgation of the Ordinance, the YÖK has canceled the licenses of 15 Foundation Universities. The Ordinance specifies that Foundation Universities cannot be established by foundations in order to gain profit for themselves, and prohibits specified types of fund transfers from Foundation Universities to their sponsoring foundation, with certain exceptions for payments made under contractual arrangements for various goods and services that are provided at or below current market rates. Bilgi has entered into contractual arrangements with a subsidiary of the Company to provide Bilgi with management, operational and student services and certain intellectual property at fair market rates, and certain affiliates of the Company are members of the board of trustees of the Bilgi Foundation. The YÖK conducts annual audits of the operations of Bilgi. During the fourth quarter of 2014, we recorded an operating expense of $18,000 (the value of 40,000 Turkish Liras at the date of donation) for a donation by our network institution in Turkey to a charitable foundation. We believed the donation was encouraged by the Turkish government to further a public project supported by the government and expected that it would enhance the position and ongoing operations of our institution in Turkey. The Company has learned that the charitable foundation which received the donation disbursed the funds at the direction of a former senior executive at our network institution in Turkey and other external individuals to a third party without our knowledge or approval. In June 2016, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors initiated an internal investigation into this matter with the assistance of external counsel. The investigation concerns the facts surrounding the donation, violations of the Company’s policies, and possible violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other applicable laws in what appears to be a fraud perpetrated by the former senior executive at our network institution in Turkey and other external individuals. This includes an investigation to determine if the diversion was part of a scheme to misappropriate the funds and whether any portion of the funds was paid to government officials. We have not identified that any other officers or employees outside of Turkey were involved in the diversion of the intended donation. Although we are pursuing efforts to recover the diverted funds, including through legal proceedings, there is no assurance that we will be successful. We have been advised by Turkish counsel that, under Turkish law, a Foundation University may not make payments that cause a decrease in the university’s wealth or do not otherwise benefit the university. Given the uncertainty of recovery of the diverted donation and to mitigate any potential regulatory issues in Turkey relating to the donation, certain Laureate-owned entities that are members of the foundation that controls our network institution in Turkey have contributed an amount of approximately $13,000 (the value of 40,000 Turkish Liras on November 4, 2016, the date of contribution) to our network institution in Turkey to reimburse it for the donation. As a result of the investigation, which is ongoing, in 2016 we took steps to remove the former senior executive at our network institution in Turkey. Because of the complex organizational structure in Turkey, this took approximately one month and during that period our access to certain aspects of the business including the financial and other records of the university was interrupted. The former senior executive is now no longer affiliated with our network institution and we again have access to the financial and other records of the university. In September 2016, we voluntarily disclosed the investigation to the DOJ and the SEC. The Company is fully cooperating with these agencies in their investigations and inquiries relating to this matter. The Company has internal controls and compliance policies and procedures that are designed to prevent misconduct of this nature and support compliance with laws and best practices throughout its global operations. The Company is taking steps to enhance these internal controls and compliance policies and procedures. The investigations relating to the donation are ongoing, and we cannot predict the outcome at this time, or the impact, if any, to the Company’s consolidated financial statements or predict how the resulting consequences, if any, may impact our internal controls and compliance policies and procedures, business, ability or right to operate in Turkey, results of operations or financial position. If we are found to have violated the FCPA or other laws applicable to us, we may be subject to criminal and civil penalties and other remedial measures, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. On April 18, 2017, Bilgi received from the YÖK the results of the 2015-2016 annual audit (the 2015-2016 Annual Audit). The 2015-2016 Annual Audit report requires, among other things, that (i) with respect to the 2017-2018 academic year, there be a reduction in the quota for the number of new students permitted to be admitted into Bilgi’s degree programs and (ii) Bilgi be reimbursed, not later than October 18, 2017, approximately $29,000 for payments previously made by Bilgi to a subsidiary of the Company for certain management, operational and student services, and intellectual property. The Company and Bilgi believe the charges to Bilgi for these services were at fair value and Bilgi has contested the findings of the 2015-2016 Annual Audit that they constituted an improper wealth transfer. Demands also were made in the 2015-2016 Annual Audit for the return or payment to Bilgi, by October 18, 2017, of other amounts involving approximately $8,000 . These deadlines have been extended to April 16, 2018. In the meantime, the YÖK has been conducting a supplemental audit, the results of which have not been released. Bilgi has appealed the YÖK’s decision to the Turkish court system and has not been reimbursed for any of the payments made to the Company’s subsidiary for the services described above. As the Company currently consolidates Bilgi under the variable interest entity model, if the Company is unable to provide services under its contracts with Bilgi and receive the economic benefits from those contracts as a result of the determinations in the 2015-2016 Annual Audit, deconsolidation of Bilgi could be required. Deconsolidation, if required, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, including possible write-off of all or a portion of the Company’s investment in Bilgi and a reduction in operating income. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , Bilgi had total assets of approximately $112,000 and $83,000 , respectively, and total liabilities of $84,000 and $63,000 , respectively. Total liabilities include approximately $37,000 and $19,000 of net intercompany liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, Bilgi generated approximately $101,000 and $106,000 , respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenue and approximately $28,000 and $26,000 , respectively, of the Company’s consolidated operating income and incurred approximately $6,000 and $6,000 , respectively, of depreciation and amortization expense. If the YÖK were to determine that any administrators of Bilgi have directly taken any actions or supported any activities that are intended to harm the integrity of the state, the license of the university could be canceled. Political instability in Turkey could lead to changes in laws affecting Bilgi or result in modifications to the current interpretations and enforcement of the Ordinance or other laws and regulations by the YÖK. Any such actions by the YÖK, including the actions in relation to the conduct of the 2015-2016 Annual Audit, or the 2016-2017 annual audit, which is currently taking place, or any supplemental audit, and the reimbursement of amounts described above, could have a material adverse impact on Bilgi's future growth or its ability to remain in operation, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Bilgi is one of the subsidiaries that the Company plans to divest; accordingly, it is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. See Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , for further description. Chilean Regulation - Higher Education Bill On January 24, 2018, a new Higher Education Law (the New Law) was passed by the Chilean Congress and, assuming that it passes review by the Constitutional Court, it is expected to be signed into law by the President of Chile as early as the first quarter of 2018. See Note 25 , Subsequent Events , for further discussion about the New Law and its impact to Laureate.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement	Fair Value Measurement Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to settle a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards utilize a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels, which are described below: • Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability; • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. These levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk of liquidity associated with the financial assets or liabilities disclosed. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement, as required under ASC 820-10, "Fair Value Measurement." Derivative instruments – Laureate uses derivative instruments as economic hedges for bank debt and interest rate risk. Their values are derived using valuation models commonly used for derivatives. These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, forward-price yield curves, notional quantities, measures of volatility and correlations of such inputs. Our valuation models also reflect measurements for credit risk. Laureate concluded that the fair values of our derivatives are based on unobservable inputs, or Level 3 assumptions. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company's derivative instruments is our own credit risk. Holding other inputs constant, a significant increase (decrease) in our own credit risk would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement for the Company's derivative instruments. Laureate’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 were as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Derivative instruments $ 48,186 $ — $ — $ 48,186 Liabilities Derivative instruments $ 13,848 $ — $ — $ 13,848 Laureate’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Derivative instruments $ 4,464 $ — $ — $ 4,464 Liabilities Derivative instruments $ 12,968 $ — $ — $ 12,968 The changes in our Level 3 Derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2017 were as follows: Balance December 31, 2016 $ (8,504 ) Gain (loss) included in earnings: Unrealized gains, net 29,278 Realized losses, net (622 ) Included in other comprehensive income 9,875 Included in issuance of Series A convertible redeemable Preferred Stock 4,382 Settlements 622 Currency translation adjustment (693 ) Balance December 31, 2017 $ 34,338 Unrealized gain, net relating to derivatives held at December 31, 2017 $ 29,278 The changes in our Level 3 Derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows: Total Assets (Liabilities) Balance December 31, 2015 $ (19,776 ) Gain (loss) included in earnings: Unrealized gains, net 946 Realized losses, net (7,030 ) Included in other comprehensive income 8,032 Included in issuance of Series A convertible redeemable Preferred Stock 2,729 Settlements 7,030 Currency translation adjustment (435 ) Balance December 31, 2016 $ (8,504 ) Unrealized gain, net relating to derivatives held at December 31, 2016 $ 946 The following table presents quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurements of the Company's assets/(liabilities) classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2017 : Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range/Input Value Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred Stock $ 42,140 Monte Carlo Simulation Method Credit Risk 5.07 % Derivative instruments - cross currency and interest rate swaps $ (7,802 ) Discounted Cash Flow Credit Risk 4.37 %

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following quarterly financial information reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods. Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Per share amounts may not sum due to rounding. Summarized quarterly operating data were as follows: 2017 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 951,189 $ 818,601 $ 1,017,108 $ 598,978 Operating costs and expenses 811,073 793,741 821,061 718,008 Operating income (loss) $ 140,116 $ 24,860 $ 196,047 $ (119,030 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 171,631 $ (67,180 ) $ 83,154 $ (166,767 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 28,879 (36,309 ) 33,943 46,413 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (4,664 ) 5,531 (712 ) (2,454 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 195,846 (97,958 ) 116,385 (122,808 ) Accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (106,347 ) (84,059 ) (69,211 ) (38,875 ) Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 89,499 $ (182,017 ) $ 47,174 $ (161,683 ) Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.34 $ (0.82 ) $ 0.09 $ (1.34 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.14 (0.20 ) 0.19 0.29 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.48 $ (1.02 ) $ 0.28 $ (1.05 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.34 $ (0.82 ) $ 0.09 $ (1.34 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.14 (0.20 ) 0.19 0.29 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.48 $ (1.02 ) $ 0.28 $ (1.05 ) 2016 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 894,416 $ 770,833 $ 978,493 $ 658,122 Operating costs and expenses 768,513 715,957 805,850 720,867 Operating income (loss) $ 125,903 $ 54,876 $ 172,643 $ (62,745 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 23,634 $ 120,198 $ 325,541 $ (136,633 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 14,829 (39,268 ) 23,698 34,187 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,844 5,387 (1,849 ) (721 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 41,307 $ 86,317 $ 347,390 $ (103,167 ) Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.13 $ 0.94 $ 2.43 $ (1.02 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.14 (0.28 ) 0.17 0.26 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.27 $ 0.66 $ 2.60 $ (0.76 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.13 $ 0.94 $ 2.42 $ (1.02 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.14 (0.28 ) 0.17 0.26 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.27 $ 0.66 $ 2.59 $ (0.76 )

Other Financial Information

Other Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Other Financial Information	Other Financial Information Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income AOCI in our Consolidated Balance Sheets includes the accumulated translation adjustments arising from translation of foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements, the unrealized losses on derivatives designated as effective hedges, and the accumulated net gains or losses that are not recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost for our minimum pension liability. The components of these balances were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Foreign currency translation loss $ (927,221 ) $ (33 ) $ (927,254 ) $ (1,044,222 ) $ (2,304 ) $ (1,046,526 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives 4,657 — 4,657 (5,218 ) — (5,218 ) Minimum pension liability adjustment (2,992 ) — (2,992 ) (2,615 ) — (2,615 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (925,556 ) $ (33 ) $ (925,589 ) $ (1,052,055 ) $ (2,304 ) $ (1,054,359 ) Laureate reports changes in AOCI in our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. See also Note 15 , Derivative Instruments , and Note 19 , Benefit Plans , for the effects of reclassifications out of AOCI into net income. Foreign Currency Exchange of Certain Intercompany Loans Laureate periodically reviews its investment and cash repatriation strategies to ensure that we meet our liquidity requirements in the United States. Laureate recognized currency exchange adjustments attributable to intercompany loans that are not designated as indefinitely invested as Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net , of $289 , $45,761 and $(116,028) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Supplemental Schedule for Transactions with Noncontrolling Interest Holders Transactions with noncontrolling interest holders had the following effects on the equity attributable to Laureate: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 91,465 $ 371,847 $ (316,248 ) (Decrease) increase in equity for purchases of noncontrolling interests (11,569 ) 1,003 (1,554 ) Change from net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests $ 79,896 $ 372,850 $ (317,802 ) Write Off of Accounts and Notes Receivable During the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , Laureate wrote off approximately $93,000 , $78,000 and $72,000 , respectively, of fully reserved accounts and notes receivable that were deemed uncollectible.

Supplemental Cash Flow Informat

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash interest payments for Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations were $384,290 , $367,334 and $351,430 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Net income tax cash payments for Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations were $130,469 , $128,709 and $108,295 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2017 , the Company paid cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock in the amount of $18,052 . On November 6, 2015, Laureate's Board of Directors declared a cash distribution totaling $18,975 , which represented approximately $0.14264 per share of common stock. The cash distribution was paid from capital in excess of par value, following shareholders' approval.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Sale of Cyprus and Italy On January 11, 2018 , we completed the sale of EUC and Laureate Italy. See also Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , for description of the sale agreement. Upon closing, we received gross proceeds of approximately EUR 232,000 (approximately $275,000 at December 31, 2017 ). As discussed further below, the Company used the proceeds from this transaction, along with borrowings on our revolving credit facility, to repay $350,000 of principal balance on the 2024 Term Loan. Sale of China Operations On January 25, 2018 , the sale of LEILY was completed; see also Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , for description of the sale agreement. Of the total transaction value of RMB 1,430,000 (approximately HKD 1,706,000 , or US $218,000 at December 31, 2017 ) , RMB 50,000 (approximately HKD 60,000 , or US $7,600 ) will not be paid since certain conditions were not satisfied by the closing date. At closing, the Company received initial proceeds of HKD 745,000 (approximately US $95,000 at December 31, 2017 or approximately RMB 625,000 ), net of banker transaction fees paid of approximately HKD 23,000 (approximately RMB 20,000 or US $3,000 ). Also at closing, payment of RMB 214,840 (approximately HKD 256,000 , or US $33,000 ) was paid by an affiliate of the buyer to Laureate Investment Consulting Co., Ltd. (Laureate Shanghai), a wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, for assignment of Laureate Shanghai’s creditor’s right over a debt owed by HIEU. This payment was net of certain taxes and duties totaling approximately RMB 86,000 (approximately HKD 102,000 , or US $13,000 ). Six months after the closing date, the buyer is required to pay to the Company the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) equivalent of RMB 120,000 (the First Holdback Payment, approximately US $18,300 at December 31, 2017 ). Twelve months after the closing date, the buyer is required to pay to the Company the HKD equivalent of RMB 60,000 (the Second Holdback Payment, approximately US $9,150 at December 31, 2017 ). Both the First Holdback Payment and the Second Holdback Payment are subject to deduction of any indemnifiable losses payable by the Company to the buyer pursuant to the sale purchase agreement. The remainder of the transaction value was paid into an escrow account and will be distributed to the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of the escrow agreement. Signing of Asset Purchase Agreement for Kendall On January 15, 2018 , Kendall, an Illinois limited liability company and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, The Dining Room at Kendall NFP, an Illinois not for profit corporation, National Louis University, an Illinois not for profit corporation (NLU), and Laureate, solely as guarantor of certain of Kendall’s obligations thereunder, entered into an asset purchase agreement. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement at the closing of the transaction, Kendall will transfer to NLU certain assets, including all of Kendall's educational programs, subject to certain conditions, in exchange for consideration of one dollar. As part of the agreement, at the closing Laureate will pay to NLU up to $14,000 to support NLU’s construction of facilities for the acquired culinary program on Kendall’s campus, subject to possible partial recoupment under specified conditions during the 10 year post-closing period. In addition, following the signing of the asset purchase agreement, in January 2018 Laureate paid NLU $500 to reimburse NLU for its expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by the sale purchase agreement. Closing of the transaction is subject to prior receipt of regulatory consents, including those of the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission, which consents do not contain certain conditions that would not be acceptable to NLU or to Kendall, and the Company anticipates that the closing will occur during the second half of 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , Kendall, which is included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented, had approximately $23,300 in revenue, an operating loss of approximately $23,000 and approximately $1,700 in depreciation and amortization, and as of December 31, 2017 , had approximately 1,100 students. Chile - Higher Education Bill On January 24, 2018, a new Higher Education Law (the New Law) was passed by the Chilean Congress and, assuming that it passes review by the Constitutional Court, it is expected to be signed into law by the President of Chile as early as the first quarter of 2018. Among other things, the New Law will prohibit for-profit organizations, such as Laureate, from controlling the boards of universities in Chile. The New Law also prohibits conflicts of interests and related party transactions with notable exceptions, including the provision of services that are educational in nature or essential for the university’s purposes. The New Law provides for a transition period of one year for related party transactions and two years for control. The incoming Chilean presidential administration will have the responsibility to both interpret the legislative mandates and implement new compliance processes. The Company is currently reviewing the impact the New Law will have on its Chilean operations, including the extent to which it will affect existing contractual relationships that the Company maintains with its Chilean non-profit universities. As a result of the New Law, the Company currently expects that it will be required to deconsolidate its three Chilean non-profit universities, which are accounted for as variable interest entities, and its Chilean real estate subsidiary, although the Company expects it will retain an approximately 30% equity ownership interest in the real estate subsidiary. The deconsolidation could happen as early as the first quarter of 2018. The Company currently expects that the deconsolidation will result in a one-time write-off of the carrying value of the net assets between approximately $600,000 and $850,000 and a decrease between approximately $410,000 and $430,000 in revenues on an annualized basis. The Company’s continuing evaluation of the impact of the New Law may result in changes to its expectations due to changes in the Company’s interpretations of the law, assumptions used, and additional guidance that may be issued. There is no assurance that the New Law will not have additional material adverse effects on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Company. While we believe that all of our institutions in Chile are operating in full compliance with Chilean law, we cannot predict the extent or outcome of any educational reforms that may be implemented in Chile. The Company does not believe the New Law will change its relationship with its two tech/voc institutions in Chile that are for-profit entities. However, it is possible that the Chilean government will adopt additional laws that affect for-profit tech/voc institutions and their relationships with their owners. Depending upon how these reforms are defined and implemented, there could be a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Any additional disruption to our operations in Chile would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Similar reforms in other countries in which we operate could also have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Amendment to Senior Secured Credit Facility - 2024 Term Loan On February 1, 2018 , we amended our Senior Secured Credit Facility to reduce the interest rate on the 2024 Term Loan. In connection with this transaction, we also repaid $350,000 of the principal balance of the 2024 Term Loan in addition to $1,239 of accrued interest using the proceeds from the sale of our Cyprus and Italy operations, along with borrowings on our revolving credit facility that were subsequently repaid with the China sale proceeds. As a result of the $350,000 repayment, there will be no further quarterly principal payments required and the remaining balance will be due at maturity. Pursuant to this amendment, the interest rate margins applicable to the 2024 Term Loan were amended to 3.50% for LIBOR term loans and 2.50% for ABR term loans and such interest rate margins will no longer be based upon the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio. The amendment effectively reduces the current interest rate margins applicable to the outstanding term loans, which prior to the amendment was based on the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio as discussed in Note 10 , Debt , by 100 basis points, from 4.50% to 3.50% for LIBOR term loans, and 3.50% to 2.50% for ABR term loans. The amended credit agreement also provides for a prepayment premium with respect to the outstanding term loans. The prepayment premium equals one percent ( 1% ) of the amount of the term loans that are subject to certain repricing transactions occurring on or prior to August 1, 2018.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
General	General Our Consolidated Financial Statements include all accounts of Laureate, our majority-owned subsidiaries, and educational institutions that are part of our network and, although not owned by Laureate, are variable interest entities (VIEs) pursuant to ASC Topic 810-10, "Consolidation." As of December 31, 2017 the Laureate network includes 12 VIE institutions in eight countries. Of these 12 institutions, five are included in continuing operations and seven are discontinued operations. Laureate has determined it is the "primary beneficiary" of these VIEs, as such term is defined in ASC 810-10-20, and has consolidated the financial results of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows of these VIEs in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. As discussed further in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , our number of VIE institutions in discontinued operations was reduced by one in January 2018 following the sale of LEI Lie Ying Limited (LEILY). Noncontrolling Interests A noncontrolling interest is the portion of a subsidiary that is not attributable to us either directly or indirectly. A noncontrolling interest can also be referred to as a minority interest. We recognize noncontrolling interest holders’ share of equity and net income or loss separately in Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the VIEs in our network, we generally do not recognize a noncontrolling interest. A noncontrolling interest is only recognized when a VIE's economics are shared with a third party (e.g., when the transferor of the control of the VIE retained a portion of the economics associated with it). The Variable Interest Entity (VIE) Arrangements Laureate consolidates in its financial statements certain internationally based educational organizations that do not have shares or other equity ownership interests. Although these educational organizations may be considered not-for-profit entities in their home countries and they are operated in compliance with their respective not-for-profit legal regimes, we believe they do not meet the definition of a not-for-profit entity under GAAP, and therefore we treat them as "for-profit" entities for accounting purposes. These entities generally cannot declare dividends or distribute their net assets to the entities that control them. Under ASC 810-10, "Consolidation," we have determined that these institutions are VIEs and that Laureate is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs because we have, as further described herein: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly affect their educational and economic performance and (2) the right to receive economic benefits from contractual and other arrangements with the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. We account for the acquisition of the right to control a VIE in accordance with ASC 805, "Business Combinations." As with all of our educational institutions, the VIE institutions' primary source of income is tuition fees paid by students, for which the students receive educational services and goods that are proportionate to the prices charged. Laureate maintains control of these VIEs through our rights to designate a majority of the governing entities' board members, through which we have the legal ability to direct the activities of the entities. Laureate maintains a variable interest in these VIEs through mutual contractual arrangements at market rates and terms that provide them with necessary products and services, and/or intellectual property, and has the ability to enter into additional such contractual arrangements at market rates and terms. We also have the ability to transfer our rights to govern these VIEs, or the entities that possess those rights, to other parties, which could yield a return if and when these rights are transferred. We generally do not have legal entitlement to distribute the net assets of the VIEs. Generally, in the event of liquidation or the sale of the net assets of the VIEs, the net proceeds can only be transferred either to another VIE institution with similar purposes or to the government. In the unlikely case of liquidation or a sale of the net assets of the VIE, we may be able to retain the residual value by naming another Laureate-controlled VIE resident in the same jurisdiction as the recipient, if one exists; however we generally cannot name a for-profit entity as the recipient. Moreover, because the institution generally would be required to provide for the continued education of its students, liquidation would not be a likely course of action and would be unlikely to result in significant residual assets available for distribution. However, we operate our VIEs as going concern enterprises, maintain control in perpetuity, and have the ability to provide additional contractual arrangements for educational and other services priced at up to market rates with Laureate-controlled service companies. Typically, we are not legally obligated to make additional investments in the VIE institutions. Laureate for-profit entities provide necessary products and services, and/or intellectual property, to all institutions in the Laureate International Universities network, including the VIE institutions, through contractual arrangements at market rates and terms, which are accretive to Laureate. We periodically modify the rates we charge under these arrangements to ensure that they are priced at or below fair market value and to add additional services. If it is determined that contractual arrangements with any institution are not on market terms, it could have an adverse regulatory impact on such institution. We believe these arrangements improve the quality of the academic curriculum and the students' educational experience. There are currently four types of contractual arrangements: (i) intellectual property (IP) royalty arrangements; (ii) network fee arrangements; (iii) management service arrangements; and (iv) lease arrangements. (i) Under the IP royalty arrangements, institutions in the Laureate International Universities network pay to Laureate royalty payments for the use of Laureate's tradename and best practice policies and procedures. (ii) Institutions in the Laureate International Universities network gain access to other network resources, including academic content, support with curriculum design, online programs, professional development, student exchange and access to dual degree programs, through network fee arrangements whereby the institutions pay stipulated fees to Laureate for such access. (iii) Institutions in the Laureate International Universities network contract with Laureate and pay fees under management services agreements for the provision of support and managerial services including access to management, legal, tax, finance, accounting, treasury and other services, which in some cases Laureate provides through shared service arrangements in certain jurisdictions. (iv) Laureate for-profit entities, including for-profit entities in which the VIEs are investors, own various campus real estate properties and have entered into long-term lease contracts with the respective institutions in the Laureate International Universities network, whereby they pay market-based rents for the use of the properties in the conduct of their educational operations. Revenues recognized by Laureate's for-profit entities from these contractual arrangements with our consolidated VIEs, including those in continuing operations and discontinued operations, were $123,237 , $113,276 and $106,005 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These revenues are eliminated in consolidation. Under our accounting policy, we allocate all of the income or losses of these VIEs to Laureate unless there is a noncontrolling interest where the economics of the VIE are shared with a third party. The income or losses of these VIEs allocated to Laureate represent the earnings after deducting charges related to contractual arrangements with our for-profit entities as described above. We believe that the income remaining at the VIEs after these charges accretes value to our rights to control these entities. Laureate's VIEs are generally exempt from income taxes. As a result, the VIEs generally do not record deferred tax assets or liabilities or recognize any income tax expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements. No deferred taxes are recognized by the for-profit service companies for the remaining income in these VIEs as the legal status of these entities generally prevents them from declaring dividends or making distributions to their sponsors. However, these for-profit service companies record income taxes related to revenues from their contractual arrangements with these VIEs.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling Interests A noncontrolling interest is the portion of a subsidiary that is not attributable to us either directly or indirectly. A noncontrolling interest can also be referred to as a minority interest. We recognize noncontrolling interest holders’ share of equity and net income or loss separately in Noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the VIEs in our network, we generally do not recognize a noncontrolling interest. A noncontrolling interest is only recognized when a VIE's economics are shared with a third party (e.g., when the transferor of the control of the VIE retained a portion of the economics associated with it).
The Variable Interest Entity (VIE) Arrangements	The Variable Interest Entity (VIE) Arrangements Laureate consolidates in its financial statements certain internationally based educational organizations that do not have shares or other equity ownership interests. Although these educational organizations may be considered not-for-profit entities in their home countries and they are operated in compliance with their respective not-for-profit legal regimes, we believe they do not meet the definition of a not-for-profit entity under GAAP, and therefore we treat them as "for-profit" entities for accounting purposes. These entities generally cannot declare dividends or distribute their net assets to the entities that control them. Under ASC 810-10, "Consolidation," we have determined that these institutions are VIEs and that Laureate is the primary beneficiary of these VIEs because we have, as further described herein: (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly affect their educational and economic performance and (2) the right to receive economic benefits from contractual and other arrangements with the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. We account for the acquisition of the right to control a VIE in accordance with ASC 805, "Business Combinations." As with all of our educational institutions, the VIE institutions' primary source of income is tuition fees paid by students, for which the students receive educational services and goods that are proportionate to the prices charged. Laureate maintains control of these VIEs through our rights to designate a majority of the governing entities' board members, through which we have the legal ability to direct the activities of the entities. Laureate maintains a variable interest in these VIEs through mutual contractual arrangements at market rates and terms that provide them with necessary products and services, and/or intellectual property, and has the ability to enter into additional such contractual arrangements at market rates and terms. We also have the ability to transfer our rights to govern these VIEs, or the entities that possess those rights, to other parties, which could yield a return if and when these rights are transferred. We generally do not have legal entitlement to distribute the net assets of the VIEs. Generally, in the event of liquidation or the sale of the net assets of the VIEs, the net proceeds can only be transferred either to another VIE institution with similar purposes or to the government. In the unlikely case of liquidation or a sale of the net assets of the VIE, we may be able to retain the residual value by naming another Laureate-controlled VIE resident in the same jurisdiction as the recipient, if one exists; however we generally cannot name a for-profit entity as the recipient. Moreover, because the institution generally would be required to provide for the continued education of its students, liquidation would not be a likely course of action and would be unlikely to result in significant residual assets available for distribution. However, we operate our VIEs as going concern enterprises, maintain control in perpetuity, and have the ability to provide additional contractual arrangements for educational and other services priced at up to market rates with Laureate-controlled service companies. Typically, we are not legally obligated to make additional investments in the VIE institutions. Laureate for-profit entities provide necessary products and services, and/or intellectual property, to all institutions in the Laureate International Universities network, including the VIE institutions, through contractual arrangements at market rates and terms, which are accretive to Laureate. We periodically modify the rates we charge under these arrangements to ensure that they are priced at or below fair market value and to add additional services. If it is determined that contractual arrangements with any institution are not on market terms, it could have an adverse regulatory impact on such institution. We believe these arrangements improve the quality of the academic curriculum and the students' educational experience. There are currently four types of contractual arrangements: (i) intellectual property (IP) royalty arrangements; (ii) network fee arrangements; (iii) management service arrangements; and (iv) lease arrangements. (i) Under the IP royalty arrangements, institutions in the Laureate International Universities network pay to Laureate royalty payments for the use of Laureate's tradename and best practice policies and procedures. (ii) Institutions in the Laureate International Universities network gain access to other network resources, including academic content, support with curriculum design, online programs, professional development, student exchange and access to dual degree programs, through network fee arrangements whereby the institutions pay stipulated fees to Laureate for such access. (iii) Institutions in the Laureate International Universities network contract with Laureate and pay fees under management services agreements for the provision of support and managerial services including access to management, legal, tax, finance, accounting, treasury and other services, which in some cases Laureate provides through shared service arrangements in certain jurisdictions. (iv) Laureate for-profit entities, including for-profit entities in which the VIEs are investors, own various campus real estate properties and have entered into long-term lease contracts with the respective institutions in the Laureate International Universities network, whereby they pay market-based rents for the use of the properties in the conduct of their educational operations. Revenues recognized by Laureate's for-profit entities from these contractual arrangements with our consolidated VIEs, including those in continuing operations and discontinued operations, were $123,237 , $113,276 and $106,005 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. These revenues are eliminated in consolidation. Under our accounting policy, we allocate all of the income or losses of these VIEs to Laureate unless there is a noncontrolling interest where the economics of the VIE are shared with a third party. The income or losses of these VIEs allocated to Laureate represent the earnings after deducting charges related to contractual arrangements with our for-profit entities as described above. We believe that the income remaining at the VIEs after these charges accretes value to our rights to control these entities. Laureate's VIEs are generally exempt from income taxes. As a result, the VIEs generally do not record deferred tax assets or liabilities or recognize any income tax expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements. No deferred taxes are recognized by the for-profit service companies for the remaining income in these VIEs as the legal status of these entities generally prevents them from declaring dividends or making distributions to their sponsors. However, these for-profit service companies record income taxes related to revenues from their contractual arrangements with these VIEs. Risks in relation to the VIEs We believe that all of the VIE institutions in the Laureate network are operated in full compliance with local law and that the contractual arrangements with the VIEs are legally enforceable; however, these VIEs are subject to regulation by various agencies based on the requirements of local jurisdictions. These agencies, as well as local legislative bodies, review and update laws and regulations as they deem necessary or appropriate. We cannot predict the form of any laws that may be enacted, or regulations that ultimately may be adopted in the future, or what effects they might have on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If local laws or regulations were to change, if the VIEs were found to be in violation of existing local laws or regulations, or if the regulators were to question the financial sustainability of the VIEs and/or whether the contractual arrangements were at fair value, local government agencies could, among other actions: • revoke the business licenses and/or accreditations of the VIE institutions; • void or restrict related-party transactions, such as the contractual arrangements between Laureate and the VIE institutions; • impose fines that significantly impact business performance or other requirements with which the VIEs may not be able to comply; • require Laureate to change the VIEs' governance structures, such that Laureate would no longer maintain control of the activities of the VIEs; or • disallow a transfer of our rights to govern these VIEs, or the entities that possess those rights, to a third party for consideration. Laureate's ability to conduct our business would be negatively affected if local governments were to carry out any of the aforementioned or other similar actions. In any such case, Laureate may no longer be able to consolidate the VIEs.
Affiliates	Affiliates When Laureate exercises significant influence over an affiliated entity, but does not control the entity, we account for our investments using the equity method of accounting. Significant influence occurs generally through ownership, directly or indirectly, of at least 20% and up to 50% of the voting interests. Under the equity method of accounting, Laureate records the proportionate share of these investments in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our proportionate share of income or loss related to these investments is recorded in Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax , in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Equity investments in which we do not exercise significant influence, generally through ownership of less than 20% of the voting rights, are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Under the cost method of accounting, the investment is carried at cost on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Other assets and income is recognized when dividends are received. Impairments are recognized for an equity or cost method investment when and if the investment suffers an other-than-temporary decline in value. At that time, the investment is adjusted to its new fair value and the difference is recognized as a loss in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For equity method investments, this impairment loss is included in Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax .
Business Combinations	Business Combinations Effective January 1, 2009, Laureate adopted the accounting guidance for business combinations as prescribed by ASC 805, "Business Combinations." When we complete a business combination, all tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and all liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value. Any excess purchase price is recorded as goodwill. Transaction costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. If Laureate acquires less than 100% of an entity (a partial acquisition) and consolidates the entity upon acquisition, all assets and liabilities, including noncontrolling interests, are recorded at their estimated fair value. When a partial acquisition results in Laureate obtaining control of an entity, Laureate remeasures any previously existing investment in the entity at fair value and records a gain or loss. Partial acquisitions in which Laureate’s control does not change are accounted for as equity transactions. Revenues and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements commencing on the date of acquisition. Laureate accounts for acquired businesses using the acquisition method of accounting. Certain acquisitions require the payment of contingent amounts of purchase consideration if specified operating results are achieved in periods subsequent to the acquisition date. For acquisitions consummated on or after January 1, 2009, we record such contingent consideration at fair value on the acquisition date, with subsequent adjustments recognized in Direct costs in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classify the subsequent cash payments of contingencies that are recorded at the acquisition date within financing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Contingent consideration arrangements related to acquisitions consummated prior to January 1, 2009 result in additional goodwill being recorded upon settlement of the underlying contingencies, with the settlement of these contingencies by transfer of cash classified within investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Laureate generally obtains indemnification from the sellers of the higher education institutions upon acquisition for various contingent liabilities that may arise and are related to pre-acquisition events in order to protect itself from economic losses arising from such exposures. Prior to January 1, 2009, we did not record indemnification assets related to any liabilities recorded as part of the purchase price allocation. Instead, an indemnification asset was recorded when the seller was obligated to make a payment under the indemnification and the amount was determined to be reasonably assured of collection. In cases in which the contingent liability was extinguished for an amount less than originally established or the related statute of limitations lapses such that the contingent amount was no longer required to be paid, the remaining liability was reversed, and any difference between the liability's carrying value and settlement amount was recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. For acquisitions consummated on or after January 1, 2009, we recognize an indemnification asset at the same time and on the same basis as the related indemnified item, subject to any contractual limitations and to the extent that collection is reasonably assured, in accordance with ASC 805. When indemnified, subsequent changes in the indemnified item are offset by changes in the indemnification asset. We assess the realizability of the indemnification assets each reporting period. The Company records changes in uncertain income tax positions as a component of Income tax benefit (expense) , while related changes to the indemnification asset are included in Operating income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Changes in the principal portion of non-income tax contingencies, as well as changes in any related indemnification asset, are included in Operating income.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Equity In certain cases, Laureate initially purchases a majority ownership interest in a company and uses various put and call arrangements with the noncontrolling interest holders that require or enable us to purchase all or a portion of the remaining minority ownership at a later date. The nature of these Minority Put Arrangements and our accounting for the redeemable noncontrolling interests are discussed below. Minority Put Arrangements Minority Put Arrangements give noncontrolling interest holders the right to require Laureate to purchase their shares (i.e., Put option). The Put option price is generally established by multiplying an agreed-upon earnings measurement of the acquired company by a negotiated factor within a specified time frame. The future earnings measurement is based on an agreed-upon set of rules that are not necessarily consistent with GAAP, which we refer to as “non-GAAP earnings.” Laureate accounts for all of these Minority Put Arrangements as temporary equity in an account presented between liabilities and equity called Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This classification is appropriate because the instruments are contingently redeemable based on events outside Laureate’s control. This accounting treatment is in accordance with ASC 480-10-S99, “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity.” Redeemable noncontrolling interests are accreted to their redemption value (Put value) over the period from the date of issuance to the first date on which the Put option is exercisable. The change in Put value is recorded against Additional paid-in capital since Laureate has an Accumulated deficit. If Laureate had retained earnings, then the change in Put value would be recorded against retained earnings. In a computation of earnings per share, the accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests to their redemption value would be a reduction of earnings available to common stockholders.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses	Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses The United States Dollar (USD) is the functional currency of Laureate and our subsidiaries operating in the United States. Our subsidiaries’ financial statements are maintained in their functional currencies. The functional currency of each of our foreign subsidiaries is the currency of the economic environment in which the subsidiary primarily does business. Our foreign subsidiaries’ financial statements are translated into USD using the exchange rates applicable to the dates of the financial statements. Assets and liabilities are translated into USD using the period-end spot foreign exchange rates. Income and expenses are translated at the weighted-average exchange rates in effect during the period. Equity accounts are translated at historical exchange rates. The effects of these translation adjustments are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Laureate has certain intercompany loans that are deemed to have the characteristics of a long-term investment. That is, the settlement of the intercompany loan is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future. Transaction gains and losses related to these types of loans are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Transaction gains and losses related to all other intercompany loans are included in Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. For any transaction that is in a currency different from the entity’s functional currency, Laureate records a gain or loss based on the difference between the exchange rate at the transaction date and the exchange rate at the transaction settlement date (or rate at period end, if unsettled) as Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Laureate considers all highly liquid investments that are purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Fair Value Measurement	Financial Instruments Laureate’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, accounts and notes receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies, derivative instruments, debt, capital lease obligations, and redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity. The fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets with the exception of debt, as discussed in Note 10 , Debt . Additional information about fair value is provided in Note 21 , Fair Value Measurement . Our cash accounts are maintained with high-quality financial institutions with no significant concentration in any one institution. Our accounts receivable are not concentrated with any one significant customer. Our United States institutions participate in the DOE Title IV program and certain Chilean institutions in the Laureate network participate in a government-sponsored student financing program known as the Crédito con Aval del Estado, the CAE Program. During the course of the year, Laureate could have material receivables related to Title IV and the CAE Program. Fair Value Measurement Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to settle a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Accounting standards utilize a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels, which are described below: • Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability; • Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. These levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk of liquidity associated with the financial assets or liabilities disclosed. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement, as required under ASC 820-10, "Fair Value Measurement." Derivative instruments – Laureate uses derivative instruments as economic hedges for bank debt and interest rate risk. Their values are derived using valuation models commonly used for derivatives. These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, forward-price yield curves, notional quantities, measures of volatility and correlations of such inputs. Our valuation models also reflect measurements for credit risk. Laureate concluded that the fair values of our derivatives are based on unobservable inputs, or Level 3 assumptions. The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the Company's derivative instruments is our own credit risk. Holding other inputs constant, a significant increase (decrease) in our own credit risk would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement for the Company's derivative instruments.
Restricted Cash and Investments	Restricted Cash and Investments Laureate’s United States institutions participate in the United States Department of Education (DOE) Title IV student financing assistance lending programs (Title IV programs). Restricted cash and investments includes cash equivalents and short-term investments held to collateralize standby letters of credit in favor of the DOE. Letters of credit are required by the DOE in order to allow our United States institutions to participate in the Title IV program. In addition, Laureate may at times have restricted cash in escrow pending potential acquisition transactions, hold a United States deposit for a letter of credit in lieu of a surety bond, or otherwise have cash that is not immediately available for use in current operations.
Accounts and Notes Receivable	Accounts and Notes Receivable We recognize student receivables when an academic session begins, although students generally enroll in courses prior to the start of the academic session. Receivables are recognized only to the extent that amounts are due and collection is reasonably assured. Laureate offers long-term financing through note receivable agreements with students at certain of our institutions. These notes receivable generally are not collateralized. Non-interest bearing, long-term student receivables are recorded at present value using a discount rate approximating the unsecured borrowing rate for an individual. Differences between the present value and the principal amount of long-term student receivables are accreted through Interest income over their terms. Occasionally, certain of our institutions have sold certain long-term student receivables to local financial institutions without recourse. These transactions were deemed sales of receivables and the receivables were derecognized from our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain Chilean institutions in the Laureate network also participate in the CAE Program. In this program, these institutions provide guarantees to third-party financing institutions for tuition loans made to qualifying students.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables are deemed to be uncollectible when they have been outstanding for two years , or earlier when collection efforts have ceased, at which time they are written off. Prior to that, Laureate records an allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce our receivables to their net realizable value. Our allowance estimation methodology is based on the age of the receivables, the status of past-due amounts, historical collection trends, current economic conditions and student enrollment status. In the event that current collection trends differ from historical trends, an adjustment is made to the allowance account and bad debt expense.
Property and Equipment, and Leased Assets	Property and Equipment, and Leased Assets Property and equipment includes land, buildings, furniture, equipment, software, library books, leasehold improvements, and construction in-progress. We record property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Software that is developed for internal use is classified within the line item titled Furniture, equipment and software in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. Assets under construction are recorded in Construction in-progress until they are available for use. Interest is capitalized as a component of the cost of projects during the construction period. We conduct a significant portion of our operations at leased facilities. Laureate analyzes each lease agreement to determine whether it should be classified as a capital or an operating lease. We recognize operating lease rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected term of each lease. In some instances, we enter into arrangements in which the landlord will construct real estate assets to be used for our business operations. In some cases, we are responsible for construction cost overruns or nonstandard tenant improvements. Laureate reviews these leases to determine whether we bear substantially all of the construction period risks and, therefore, should be considered for accounting purposes to be the "owner" of the real estate project. If we are deemed to be the owner we are required to capitalize the construction costs on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Upon completion of the project, we perform a sale-leaseback analysis pursuant to guidance on accounting for leases to determine if we can remove the assets from our Consolidated Balance Sheet. For some of these leases, we are considered to have “continuing involvement,” which precludes us from derecognizing the assets from our Consolidated Balance Sheet when construction is complete (a failed sale-leaseback). In conjunction with these leases, we capitalize the construction costs on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and also record financing obligations representing payments owed to the landlord. We do not report rent expense for the properties which are owned for accounting purposes. For capital leases, we initially record the assets at the lower of fair value or the present value of the future minimum lease payments, excluding executory costs. If the lease agreement includes a legal obligation that requires the leased premises to be returned in a predetermined condition, we recognize an asset retirement obligation and a corresponding depreciating asset, when such an asset exists. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements, including structural improvements, are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term, including reasonably-assured renewals or purchase options that are considered likely to be exercised. Laureate includes the amortization of assets recorded under capital leases within depreciation expense. Assets under capital leases are typically amortized over the related lease term using the straight-line method. Depreciation and amortization periods are as follows: Buildings 10-50 years Furniture, equipment and software 2-10 years Leasehold improvements 2-25 years
Land Use Rights	Land Use Rights Certain of our institutions have obtained land use rights for certain time periods from government authorities. Land use rights allow us to use the land to build our campus facilities. Upon expiry of a land use right, it will either be renewed or the land will be returned to the government authority. Land use rights are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and any recognized impairment loss. Amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the respective term of the land use right agreement, and is recorded as rent expense within Direct costs in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Direct and Deferred Costs	Direct and Deferred Costs Direct costs reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations represent the cost of operations, including selling and administrative expenses, which are directly attributable to specific business units. Deferred costs on the Consolidated Balance Sheets consist primarily of direct costs associated with online course development and accreditation. Deferred costs associated with the development of online educational programs are capitalized after technological feasibility has been established. Deferred online course development costs are amortized to Direct costs on a straight-line basis over the estimated period that the associated products are expected to generate revenues. Deferred online course development costs are evaluated on a quarterly basis through review of the corresponding course catalog. If a course is no longer listed or offered in the current course catalog, then the costs associated with its development are written off. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the unamortized balances of online course development costs were $57,995 and $52,510 , respectively. Laureate defers direct and incremental third-party costs incurred for obtaining initial accreditation and for the renewal of accreditations. These accreditation costs are amortized to Direct costs over the life of the accreditation on a straight-line basis.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs were paid as a result of certain debt transactions and are presented as a deduction from debt. These debt issuance costs are amortized over the term of the associated debt instruments. The amortization expense is recognized as a component of Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill primarily represents the amounts paid by Wengen Alberta, Limited Partnership (Wengen) in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired in the merger transaction (see Note 8 , Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ), plus the excess purchase price over fair value of net assets for businesses acquired after the merger transaction. Goodwill is evaluated annually as of October 1st each year for impairment at the reporting unit level, in accordance with ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.” We also evaluate goodwill for impairment on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate that the asset may be impaired. Goodwill is impaired when the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. A reporting unit is defined as a component of an operating segment for which discrete financial information is available and regularly reviewed by management of the segment. We have not made material changes to the methodology used to assess impairment loss during the past three fiscal years. We have the option of first performing a qualitative assessment (i.e., step zero) before calculating the fair value of the reporting unit (i.e., step one of the two-step fair value-based impairment test). If we determine on the basis of qualitative factors that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step impairment test is required. If we do not perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit or determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, a quantitative two-step fair value-based test is performed. In the first step, we estimate the fair value of each reporting unit, utilizing a weighted combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market multiples analysis. If the recorded net assets of the reporting unit are less than the reporting unit’s estimated fair value, then there is no goodwill deemed to be impaired. If the recorded net assets of the reporting unit exceed its estimated fair value, then goodwill is potentially impaired and Laureate calculates the implied fair value of goodwill, by deducting the estimated fair value of all tangible and identifiable intangible net assets of the reporting unit from the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. If the recorded amount of goodwill exceeds this implied fair value, the difference is recognized as a Loss on impairment of assets in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our valuation approach utilizes a weighted combination of a discounted cash flow analysis and a market multiples analysis, where available. The discounted cash flow analysis relies on historical data and internal estimates, which are developed as a part of our long-range plan process, and includes an estimate of terminal value based on these expected cash flows using the generally accepted Gordon Dividend Growth formula, which derives a valuation using an assumed perpetual annuity based on the reporting unit’s residual cash flows. The discount rate is based on the generally accepted Weighted Average Cost of Capital methodology, and is derived using a cost of equity based on the generally accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model and a cost of debt based on the typical rate paid by market participants. The market multiples analysis utilizes multiples of business enterprise value to revenues, operating income and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of comparable publicly traded companies and multiples based on fair value transactions where public information is available. Significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value include: (1) discount and growth rates, and (2) our long-range plan which includes enrollment, pricing, planned capital expenditures and operating margins. Management reviews the sum of the estimated fair value of all Laureate’s reporting units to Laureate’s enterprise value to corroborate the results of its weighted combination approach to determining fair value.
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets Other intangible assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets include acquired indefinite-lived Tradenames, which are valued using the relief-from-royalty method. This method estimates the amount of royalty expense that we would expect to incur if the assets were licensed from a third party. We use publicly available information and proprietary third-party arm’s length agreements that Laureate has entered into with various licensors in determining certain assumptions to assist us in estimating fair value using market participant assumptions. Any costs incurred to internally develop new tradenames are expensed as incurred. Accreditations are not considered a separate unit of account and their values are embedded in the cash flows generated by the institution, which are used to value its tradename. The Company does not believe accreditations have significant value on their own due to the fact that they are neither exclusive nor scarce, and the direct costs associated with obtaining accreditations are not material. Indefinite-lived intangibles are evaluated annually as of October 1st each year for impairment as well as on an interim basis if events or changes in circumstances between annual tests indicate that the asset may be impaired. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets generally requires a new determination of the fair value of the intangible asset using the relief-from-royalty method. If the fair value of the intangible asset is less than its carrying value, the intangible asset is adjusted to its new estimated fair value, and an impairment loss is recognized. Other intangible assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets also include intangible assets with finite useful lives such as acquired student rosters and non-compete agreements. We use the income approach to establish the asset values of these intangible assets. The cost of finite-lived intangible assets is amortized on a straight-line basis over the intangible assets’ estimated useful lives.
Long-lived Assets	Long-lived Assets Long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets may not be fully recoverable. These events or changes in circumstances may include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration of operating results, a change in regulatory environment, changes in business plans, or adverse changes in anticipated future cash flows. If an impairment indicator is present, we evaluate recoverability by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the assets. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the impairment recognized is the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. Fair value is generally determined by the discounted cash flow method. The discount rate used in any estimate of discounted cash flows is the rate commensurate with a similar investment of similar risk.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments In the normal course of business, our operations have significant exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency values and interest rate changes. Accordingly, Laureate mitigates a portion of these risks through a risk-management program that includes the use of derivative financial instruments (derivatives). Laureate selectively enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the earnings impact related to receivables and payables that are denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, Laureate uses interest rate swaps to mitigate certain risks associated with floating-rate debt arrangements. We do not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor do we hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. Laureate reports all derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, including any identified embedded derivatives. Realized and unrealized gains and/or losses resulting from derivatives are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, unless designated and effective as a hedge. For derivatives that are both designated and effective as cash flow hedges, gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of the derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and amortized over the term of the related hedged items. For derivatives that are both designated and effective as net investment hedges, gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of the derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In the normal course of business, our operations are exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency values and interest rate changes. We may seek to control a portion of these risks through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative instruments. The interest and principal payments for Laureate’s senior long-term debt arrangements are to be paid primarily in USD. Our ability to make debt payments is subject to fluctuations in the value of the USD against foreign currencies, since a majority of our operating cash used to make these payments is generated by subsidiaries with functional currencies other than USD. As part of our overall risk management policies, Laureate has at times entered into foreign currency swap contracts and floating-to-fixed interest rate swap contracts. In addition, we occasionally enter into foreign exchange forward contracts to reduce the impact of other non-functional currency-denominated receivables and payables. We do not enter into speculative or leveraged transactions, nor do we hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes. We generally intend to hold our derivatives until maturity. Laureate reports all derivatives at fair value. These contracts are recognized as either assets or liabilities, depending upon the derivative’s fair value. Gains or losses associated with the change in the fair value of these swaps are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations on a current basis over the term of the contracts, unless designated and effective as a hedge. For swaps that are designated and effective as cash flow hedges, gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of the swaps are recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) and amortized into earnings as a component of Interest expense over the term of the related hedged items. For derivatives that are both designated and effective as net investment hedges, gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of the derivatives are recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of AOCI.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Laureate’s revenues primarily consist of tuition and educational service revenues. We also generate revenues from student fees, dormitory/residency fees, and education-related activities. Revenues are reported net of scholarships and other discounts, refunds, waivers and the fair value of any guarantees made by Laureate related to student financing programs. Laureate’s institutions have various billing and academic cycles. Collectibility is determined on a student-by-student basis at the time of enrollment. Generally, students cannot re-enroll for the next academic session without satisfactory resolution of any past-due amounts. Tuition revenues are recognized ratably on a weekly straight-line basis over each academic session. Deferred revenue and student deposits on our Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of tuition paid prior to the start of academic sessions and unearned tuition amounts recorded as accounts receivable after an academic session begins. If a student withdraws from an institution, Laureate’s obligation to issue a refund depends on the refund policy at that institution and the timing of the student’s withdrawal. Generally, our refund obligations are reduced over the course of the academic term. We record refunds as a reduction of Deferred revenue and student deposits, as applicable. Once a student withdraws, the Company recognizes revenue on a cash basis as collectibility is not reasonably assured. Dormitory revenues are recognized over the occupancy period. Revenues from the sale of educational products are generally recognized upon delivery and when collectibility is reasonably assured. Student fees and other revenues, which include revenues from contractual arrangements with unconsolidated institutions, are recognized as earned over the appropriate service period.
Advertising	Advertising Laureate expenses advertising costs as incurred.
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense is based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” Laureate recognizes share-based compensation expense, less estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for time based awards and graded vesting basis for performance based awards. Laureate estimates forfeitures based on historical activity, expected employee turnover, and other qualitative factors which are adjusted for changes in estimates and award vesting. All expenses for an award will be recognized by the time it becomes fully vested. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock options. This option valuation model requires the use of subjective assumptions, including the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock, the expected stock price volatility, and the expected term of the option. Prior to the IPO, the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock was based on third-party valuations. After our IPO, the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock is based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date. Our volatility estimates are based on a peer group of companies. We estimate the expected term of awards to be the weighted average mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term. We use this method to estimate the expected term since we do not have sufficient historical exercise data. Laureate has granted restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, and performance awards for which the vesting is based on annual performance metrics of the Company. For interim periods, we use our year-to-date actual results, financial forecasts, and other available information to estimate the probability of the award vesting based on the performance metrics. In one case, Laureate granted a small number of restricted stock units where vesting is based on the fulfillment of both a service condition and a market condition; a Monte Carlo simulation method was used to estimate the grant date fair value these awards.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Laureate records the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recorded with respect to temporary differences in the accounting treatment of items for GAAP financial reporting purposes and for income tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period in which the new rate is enacted. Where, based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established for the amount that, in management's judgment, is sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. A tax position must meet a minimum probability threshold before a financial statement benefit is recognized. The minimum threshold is defined as a tax position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the applicable taxing authority, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position and having full knowledge of all relevant information. We earn a significant portion of our income from subsidiaries located in countries outside the United States. Deferred tax liabilities have not been recognized for undistributed foreign earnings because management believes that the earnings will be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States under the Company's planned tax neutral methods. Our assertion that earnings from our foreign operations will be indefinitely reinvested is supported by projected working capital and long-term capital plans in each foreign subsidiary location in which the earnings are generated. Additionally, we believe that we have the ability to indefinitely reinvest foreign earnings based on our domestic operation's cash repatriation strategies, projected cash flows, projected working capital and liquidity, and the expected availability of capital within the debt or equity markets. As described further in Note 16 , Income Taxes , this assertion is provisional as of December 31, 2017 . If our expectations change based on future developments, including further evaluation of the impacts of tax reform legislation, such that some or all of the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries may be remitted to the United States in the foreseeable future, we will be required to recognize deferred tax expense and liabilities on those amounts.
Contingencies	Contingencies Laureate accrues for contingent obligations when it is probable that a liability is incurred and the amount or range of amounts is reasonably estimable. As new facts become known to management, the assumptions related to a contingency are reviewed and adjustments are made, as necessary. Any legal costs incurred related to contingencies are expensed as incurred.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted and Adopted	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-12 (ASU 2017-12), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities On August 28, 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2017-12, which contains significant amendments to the hedge accounting model. The new guidance is intended to simplify the application of hedge accounting and should allow for more hedging strategies to qualify for hedge accounting. ASU 2017-12 also amends the presentation and disclosure requirements and changes how companies assess effectiveness. Public business entities like Laureate will have until the end of the first quarter in which a hedge is designated to perform an initial assessment of a hedge’s effectiveness. After initial qualification, the new guidance permits a qualitative effectiveness assessment for certain hedges instead of a quantitative test, such as a regression analysis, if the company can reasonably support an expectation of high effectiveness throughout the term of the hedge. An initial quantitative test to establish that the hedge relationship is highly effective is still required. The effective date of this ASU for Laureate is January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period or fiscal year before the effective date. However, if the guidance is early adopted in an interim period, any adjustments would be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. Laureate is still evaluating whether to early adopt this ASU. ASU No. 2017-07 (ASU 2017-07), Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07 in order to improve the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net period post retirement benefit cost. Under current GAAP, these costs comprise several components that reflect different aspects of an employer's financial arrangements as well as the cost of benefits provided to employees, and are aggregated for reporting purposes. Under the amendments in this Update, the service cost component of net period benefit cost is to be disaggregated and reported in the same line item(s) as other compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period, and the remaining components are to be presented on the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if presented. This ASU was effective for Laureate on January 1, 2018. We do not expect that this ASU will have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU No. 2017-04 (ASU 2017-04), Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 in order to simplify the test for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2, which measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Under the amendments in this ASU, an entity should perform its annual goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. However, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This ASU is effective for Laureate beginning on January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are still evaluating the impact of ASU 2017-04 on our Consolidated Financial Statements and whether we will early adopt this ASU for goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2018. ASU No. 2016-18 (ASU 2016-18), Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 in order to address the diversity that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows. The amendments in this ASU require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU apply to all entities that have restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents and are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. This ASU was effective for Laureate beginning January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2016-18 will result in a change in presentation within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As required, Laureate will retrospectively apply the guidance in this ASU beginning with the Form 10-Q issued for the period ending March 31, 2018. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, our operating cash inflows (outflows) included $3,824 , $(7,686) and $(932) , respectively, related to changes in restricted cash, and our investing cash outflows included $(39,848) , $(28,063) , and $(15,452) , respectively, related to changes in restricted cash. ASU No. 2016-16 (ASU 2016-16), Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16 in order to improve the accounting for income tax consequences for intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Under current GAAP, the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer is prohibited until the asset has been sold to a third party. The amendments in this ASU state that an entity should recognize income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer when the transfer occurs. This aligns the recognition of income tax consequences for intra-entity transfers of assets with International Financing Reporting Standards (IFRS). ASU 2016-16 is effective for Laureate beginning on January 1, 2018. The amendments in this ASU should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company does not expect it to have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU No. 2016-15 (ASU 2016-15), Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 in order to address the diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows, and other Topics. This standard addresses the following eight specific cash flow issues: Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies (COLIs) (including bank-owned life insurance policies (BOLIs)); distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The amendments in this update apply to all entities, including both business entities and not-for-profit entities that are required to present a statement of cash flows under Topic 230. This ASU was effective for Laureate beginning January 1, 2018. We have evaluated the potential impact of this update and do not expect that it will have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. ASU No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842) On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02. Lessees will need to recognize on their balance sheet a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct costs and uneven rent payments. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) while finance leases will result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). Classification will be based on criteria that are largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting, but without explicit bright lines. The standard is effective for Laureate beginning January 1, 2019. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We have completed our diagnostic assessment and have established a cross-functional implementation team which is in the process of identifying changes to our accounting policies, business processes, systems and internal controls in preparation for the implementation. We anticipate that ASU 2016-02 will have a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as we will record significant asset and liability balances in connection with our leased properties. We are still evaluating the impact to our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We do not currently plan to early adopt this ASU. ASU No. 2014-09, (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, ‘‘Revenue Recognition’’ and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new revenue standard is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for Laureate) and allows either a full retrospective adoption to all periods presented or a modified retrospective adoption approach with the cumulative effect of initial application of the revised guidance recognized at the date of initial application. We have completed our diagnostic assessment and our policies and processes relating to this ASU, which we adopted effective January 1, 2018. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to result in a significant change to our method of recognizing tuition revenues. We adopted the new standard using the modified retrospective method, and the cumulative effect of adoption to retained earnings on January 1, 2018 was approximately $2,000. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards ASU No. 2015-17 (ASU 2015-17), Income Taxes (Topic 740) In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 as a part of the Simplification Initiative and in response to concerns that the current requirement that entities separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts results in little or no benefit to users of the financial statements. The amendments in this ASU aim to simplify this presentation by requiring that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 was effective for Laureate beginning January 1, 2017 and we adopted this guidance on a retrospective basis. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2017 all deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as noncurrent and we reclassified current deferred tax assets and liabilities of approximately $101,500 and $5,300 , respectively, as of December 31, 2016 to noncurrent. ASU No. 2016-09 (ASU 2016-09), Compensation—Stock compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 as part of its initiative to reduce complexity in accounting standards. The areas for simplification in this ASU involve several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance was effective for Laureate beginning January 1, 2017. Laureate has elected to continue estimating forfeitures when determining the amount of share-based compensation expense to be recognized each period. The Company adopted this standard prospectively in the first quarter of 2017 and it did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business and Geographic Segment Information	Laureate’s educational services are offered through six operating segments: Brazil, Mexico, Andean, Central America & U.S. Campuses, Rest of World and Online & Partnerships. Laureate determines its operating segments based on information utilized by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. As previously disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2017, effective August 1, 2017, we changed our operating segments in order to realign our segments according to how our chief operating decision maker allocates resources and assesses performance. The change includes the creation of three operating segments (Brazil, Mexico and Andean & Iberian) from the previous Latin America (LatAm) segment. Our institutions in Spain and Portugal (Iberian) have moved from the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific (EMEAA) segment and combined with our institutions in Chile and Peru to form the Andean & Iberian segment. In addition, our institutions in Central America, which were previously part of the LatAm segment, have combined with our campus-based institutions in the United States, which were previously part of the GPS segment, to form the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment. The Online & Partnerships segment consists of the online institutions that were previously part of the GPS segment. This change has been reflected in the segment information for the year ended December 31, 2017. As required, the segment information presented for comparative purposes for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 has also been revised to reflect this change. We have renamed our Andean & Iberian segment as Andean and our EMEAA segment as Rest of World. As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, a number of our subsidiaries met the requirements to be classified as discontinued operations, including the entire Central America & U.S. Campuses segment . As a result, the operations of the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment have been excluded from the segment information for all periods presented. In addition, the portions of the Andean and Rest of World reportable segments that are included in Discontinued Operations have also been excluded from the segment information for all periods presented. Our campus-based segments generate revenues by providing an education that emphasizes professional-oriented fields of study with undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Our educational offerings are increasingly utilizing online and hybrid (a combination of online and in-classroom) courses and programs to deliver their curriculum. Many of our largest campus-based operations are in developing markets which are experiencing a growing demand for higher education based on favorable demographics and increasing secondary completion rates, driving increases in participation rates and resulting in continued growth in the number of higher education students. Traditional higher education students (defined as 18-24 year olds) have historically been served by public universities, which have limited capacity and are often underfunded, resulting in an inability to meet the growing student demand and employer requirements. This supply and demand imbalance has created a market opportunity for private sector participants. Most students finance their own education. However, there are some government-sponsored student financing programs which are discussed below. These campus-based segments include Brazil, Mexico, Andean, Central America & U.S. Campuses and Rest of World. Specifics related to each of these campus-based segments and our Online & Partnerships segment are discussed below: In Brazil, approximately 75% of post-secondary students are enrolled in private higher education institutions. While the federal government defines the national curricular guidelines, institutions are licensed to operate by city. Laureate owns 13 institutions in eight states throughout Brazil, with a particularly strong presence in the competitive São Paulo market. Many students finance their own education while others rely on the government-sponsored programs such as Prouni and FIES. Public universities in Mexico enroll approximately two-thirds of students attending post-secondary education. However, many public institutions are faced with capacity constraints or the quality of the education is considered low. Laureate owns two institutions and is present throughout the country with a footprint of over 40 campuses. Each institution in Mexico has a national license. Students in our Mexican institutions typically finance their own education. The Andean segment includes institutions in Chile, Peru, Portugal and Spain. In Chile, private universities enroll approximately 80% of post-secondary students. In Peru, the public sector plays a significant role but private universities are increasingly providing the capacity to meet growing demand. In Spain and Portugal, the high demand for post-secondary education places capacity constraints on the public sector, pushing students to turn to the private sector for high-quality education. Chile has government-sponsored student financing programs, while in the other countries students generally finance their own education. The institutions in Portugal and Spain are included in Discontinued Operations. The Central America & U.S. Campuses segment includes institutions in Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and the United States. Students in Central America typically finance their own education while students in the United States finance their education in a variety of ways, including Title IV programs. The entire Central America & U.S. Campuses segment is included in Discontinued Operations. The Rest of World segment includes institutions in the European countries of Cyprus, Germany, Italy and Turkey, as well as locations in the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific consisting of campus-based institutions with operations in Australia, China, India, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, South Africa and Thailand. Additionally, Rest of World manages eight licensed institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and manages one additional institution in China through a joint venture arrangement. The institutions in the Rest of World segment are included in Discontinued Operations, except for Australia, New Zealand and the managed institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and China. The Online & Partnerships segment includes fully online institutions operating globally that offer professionally-oriented degree programs in the United States through Walden University (Walden), a U.S.-based accredited institution, and through the University of Liverpool and the University of Roehampton in the United Kingdom. These online institutions primarily serve working adults with undergraduate and graduate degree program offerings. Students in the United States finance their education in a variety of ways, including Title IV programs. Intersegment transactions are accounted for in a similar manner as third-party transactions and are eliminated in consolidation. The “Corporate” amounts presented in the following tables includes corporate charges that were not allocated to our reportable segments and adjustments to eliminate intersegment items. We evaluate segment performance based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP performance measure defined as Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, adding back the following items: (Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net , Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net , Other (expense) income, net , Gain (loss) on derivatives , Loss on debt extinguishment , Interest expense , Interest income , Depreciation and amortization expense, Loss on impairment of assets, Share-based compensation expense and expenses related to our Excellence-in-Process (EiP) initiative. EiP is an enterprise-wide initiative to optimize and standardize Laureate’s processes, creating vertical integration of procurement, information technology, finance, accounting and human resources. It includes the establishment of regional shared services organizations (SSOs) around the world, as well as improvements to the Company's system of internal controls over financial reporting. We have also expanded the EiP initiative into other back- and mid-office areas, as well as certain student-facing activities. Certain non-recurring costs incurred in connection with the planned dispositions described in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , are also included in EiP. The increased EiP expenses during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 relates primarily to severance costs that are predominantly contractual termination benefits recognized in accordance with ASC 712, ‘‘Compensation—Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits.’’ When we review Adjusted EBITDA on a segment basis, we exclude intercompany revenues and expenses, related to network fees and royalties between our segments, which eliminate in consolidation. We use total assets as the measure of assets for reportable segments.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	We perform annual impairment tests of our non-amortizable intangible assets, which consist of Goodwill and Tradenames, in the fourth quarter of each year. The impairment charges discussed below were recorded to reduce the assets' carrying values to fair value. For the purposes of our annual impairment testing of the Company's goodwill, fair value measurements were determined primarily using the income approach, based largely on inputs that are not observable to active markets, which would be deemed “Level 3” fair value measurements as defined in Note 21 , Fair Value Measurement . These inputs include our expectations about future revenue growth and profitability, marginal income tax rates by jurisdiction, and the rate at which the cash flows should be discounted in order to determine this fair value estimate. Where a market approach is used, the inputs also include publicly available data about our competitors' financial ratios and transactions. For purposes of our annual impairment testing of the Company’s indefinite-lived tradename assets, fair value measurements were determined using the income approach, based largely on inputs that are not observable to active markets, which would be deemed “Level 3” fair value measurements as defined in Note 21 , Fair Value Measurement . These inputs include our expectations about future revenue growth and profitability, marginal income tax rates by jurisdiction, and the rate at which the cash flows should be discounted in order to determine the fair value estimate for indefinite-lived tradenames using a relief-from-royalty method. We use publicly available information and proprietary third-party arm’s length agreements that Laureate has entered into with various licensors in determining certain assumptions to assist us in estimating fair value using market participant assumptions.
Leases	Laureate conducts a significant portion of its operations from leased facilities. These facilities include our corporate headquarters, other office locations, and many of Laureate’s higher education facilities. The terms of these operating leases vary and generally contain renewal options. Some of the operating leases provide for increasing rents over the terms of the leases. Laureate also leases certain equipment under noncancellable operating leases, which are typically for terms of 60 months or less. Total rent expense under these leases is recognized ratably over the initial term of each lease. Any difference between the rent payment and the straight-line expense is recorded as an adjustment to the liability or as a prepaid asset. Laureate has entered into sublease agreements for certain leased office space. These agreements allow us to annually adjust rental income to be received for increases in gross operating rent and related expenses.
Financing Receivables	Laureate’s financing receivables consist primarily of trade receivables related to student tuition financing programs with an initial term in excess of one year. We have offered long-term financing through the execution of note receivable agreements with students at some of our institutions. Our disclosures include financing receivables that are classified in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as both current and long-term, reported in accordance with ASC 310, “Receivables.”
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	Delinquency is the primary indicator of credit quality for our financing receivables. Receivable balances are considered delinquent when contractual payments on the loan become past due. Delinquent financing receivables are placed on non-accrual status for interest income. The accrual of interest is resumed when the financing receivable becomes contractually current and when collection of all remaining amounts due is reasonably assured. We record an Allowance for doubtful accounts to reduce our financing receivables to their net realizable value. The Allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the age of the receivables, the status of past-due amounts, historical collection trends, current economic conditions, and student enrollment status. Each of our institutions evaluates its balances for potential impairment. We consider impaired loans to be those that are past due one year or greater, and those that are modified as a troubled debt restructuring (TDR).
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Laureate computes basic earnings per share (EPS) by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that would occur if share-based compensation awards, contingently issuable shares, and convertible securities were exercised or converted into common stock. To calculate the diluted EPS, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, and other share-based compensation arrangements determined using the treasury stock method.
Non-United States Pension Benefit Plans	Laureate has defined benefit (pension) plans at several non-United States institutions. The projected benefit obligation (PBO) is determined as the actuarial present value as of the measurement date of all benefits calculated by the pension benefit formula for employee service rendered. The amount of benefits to be paid depends on a number of future events incorporated into the pension benefit formula, including estimates of the average life expectancy of employees/survivors and average years of service rendered. The PBO is measured based on assumptions concerning future interest rates and future employee compensation levels. The expected net periodic benefit cost for Laureate in each year can vary from the subsequent year's actual net periodic benefit cost due to the acquisition of entities with plans, plan amendments, and the impacts of foreign currency translation. The combined unfunded status of these plans is reported as a component of Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of variable interest entities	The VIEs in Brazil and Mexico include several not-for-profit foundations that have insignificant revenues and operating expenses. Selected Consolidated Statements of Operations information for VIEs that are included in continuing operations was as follows, net of the charges related to the above-described contractual arrangements: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Selected Statements of Operations information: Revenues, by segment: Brazil $ 104 $ — $ — Mexico — — 9 Andean 418,019 380,111 363,369 Rest of World — 20,206 32,993 Revenues 418,123 400,317 396,371 Depreciation and amortization 26,899 28,351 29,529 Operating (loss) income, by segment: Brazil (1 ) (80 ) (18 ) Mexico (876 ) (967 ) (1,330 ) Andean (4,858 ) (17,120 ) (12,837 ) Rest of World — 4,201 4,316 Operating loss (5,735 ) (13,966 ) (9,869 ) Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 13,035 3,309 4,911 Included in net income for the VIEs in the table above is non-operating investment income that was recorded by three of the Chilean institutions relating to investments that these institutions have in a for-profit, education-related real estate subsidiary of Laureate in Chile. This non-operating investment income, which eliminated in consolidation, totaled $11,696 , $11,061 and $10,297 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. related to VIEs that are included in discontinued operations totaled $30,145 , $29,724 and $6,627 for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The following table reconciles the Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. as presented in the table above, to the amounts in our Consolidated Statements of Operations: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.: Variable interest entities $ 13,035 $ 3,309 $ 4,911 Other operations including discontinued operations 513,205 550,058 125,363 Corporate and eliminations (434,775 ) (181,520 ) (446,522 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 91,465 $ 371,847 $ (316,248 ) The following table presents selected assets and liabilities of the consolidated VIEs. Except for Goodwill, the assets in the table below include the assets that can be used only to settle the obligations for the VIEs. The liabilities in the table are liabilities for which the creditors of the VIEs do not have recourse to the general credit of Laureate. Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet amounts for these VIEs were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 VIE Consolidated VIE Consolidated Balance Sheets data: Cash and cash equivalents $ 100,971 $ 320,567 $ 72,540 $ 295,785 Current assets held for sale 170,229 324,668 125,250 261,864 Other current assets 136,115 643,459 124,420 558,217 Total current assets 407,315 1,288,694 322,210 1,115,866 Goodwill 183,812 1,828,365 171,233 1,786,554 Tradenames 74,484 1,167,302 68,922 1,153,348 Other intangible assets, net — 35,779 — 46,035 Long-term assets held for sale 369,375 1,224,672 361,781 1,169,634 Other long-term assets 384,593 1,846,473 384,967 1,791,097 Total assets 1,419,579 7,391,285 1,309,113 7,062,534 Current liabilities held for sale 183,166 451,569 191,489 433,529 Other current liabilities 157,981 923,020 129,433 1,006,768 Long-term liabilities held for sale 84,760 405,747 84,477 395,945 Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities 23,654 3,609,670 18,898 4,205,067 Total liabilities 449,561 5,390,006 424,297 6,041,309 Total stockholders' equity 970,018 1,587,282 884,816 664,392 Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 948,966 1,575,164 866,997 632,210
Schedule of balances of the allowance for doubtful accounts	The reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of the Allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 169,014 $ 132,149 $ 136,898 Additions: charges to bad debt expense 111,003 98,564 97,067 Additions: charges to other accounts (a) — 6,589 — Deductions (b) (97,052 ) (68,288 ) (101,816 ) Balance at end of period $ 182,965 $ 169,014 $ 132,149 (a) Charges to other accounts includes reclassifications. (b) Deductions includes accounts receivable written off against the allowance (net of recoveries), reclassifications, and foreign currency translation. The beginning and ending balances of the Allowance for doubtful accounts include the current portion, as shown on the face of Consolidated Balance Sheets, in addition to the noncurrent portion that is included in Notes receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Laureate’s financing receivables balances were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Financing receivables $ 20,380 $ 26,591 Allowance for doubtful accounts (6,472 ) (7,086 ) Financing receivables, net of allowances $ 13,908 $ 19,505
Schedule of depreciation and amortization periods	Depreciation and amortization periods are as follows: Buildings 10-50 years Furniture, equipment and software 2-10 years Leasehold improvements 2-25 years
Schedule of components of revenue	The following table shows the components of Revenues as a percentage of total net revenue for the periods presented: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Tuition and educational services $ 3,874,402 114 % $ 3,648,244 110 % $ 3,650,138 107 % Student fees 88,108 3 % 77,860 2 % 83,805 2 % Dormitory / residency 6,118 — % 42,555 1 % 62,006 2 % Other 170,344 5 % 154,699 5 % 168,230 5 % Gross revenue 4,138,972 122 % 3,923,358 118 % 3,964,179 116 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (753,096 ) (22 )% (621,494 ) (18 )% (564,405 ) (16 )% Total $ 3,385,876 100 % $ 3,301,864 100 % $ 3,399,774 100 %

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of major classes of assets and liabilities reclassified to held for sale	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale are presented in the following table: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Cash and cash equivalents $ 197,898 $ 169,180 Receivables, net 83,045 61,800 Property and equipment, net 830,408 790,169 Goodwill 159,042 147,910 Tradenames 156,746 154,286 Other assets 122,201 108,153 Total assets held for sale $ 1,549,340 $ 1,431,498 Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 223,163 $ 184,429 Long-term debt, including current portion 319,473 351,124 Other liabilities 314,680 293,921 Total liabilities held for sale $ 857,316 $ 829,474 Summarized operating results of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the year ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Revenues $ 992,113 $ 942,329 $ 891,885 Depreciation and amortization 60,409 65,073 72,941 Share-based compensation expense 2,944 2,957 3,178 Other direct costs 780,490 758,617 737,881 Loss on impairment of assets 33,476 23,465 — Operating income 114,794 92,217 77,885 Other non-operating expense (17,373 ) (28,210 ) (47,164 ) Pretax income of discontinued operations 97,421 64,007 30,721 Income tax expense (24,495 ) (30,561 ) (22,367 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 72,926 $ 33,446 $ 8,354 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 120,026 $ 105,858 $ 88,241 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (81,484 ) $ (47,935 ) $ (70,508 ) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (78,014 ) $ (35,127 ) $ 97,605

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of the estimated fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of all assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: CA Nursing Current assets $ 2,552 Property and equipment 9,581 Goodwill 3,584 Other intangible assets 3,293 Total assets acquired 19,010 Current portion of long-term debt 166 Other current liabilities 8,997 Long-term debt, less current portion 7,267 Other long-term liabilities 1,745 Total liabilities 18,175 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 835 Debt assumed 7,433 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 8,268 Net assets acquired $ 835 Net cash paid at acquisition $ 835 The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the dates of acquisition: IADE Group CBS Total Current assets $ 1,476 $ 4 $ 1,480 Property and equipment 335 33 368 Goodwill 5,980 989 6,969 Tradenames 6,071 342 6,413 Other intangible assets 1,616 — 1,616 Long-term indemnification assets 2,084 — 2,084 Other long-term assets 518 — 518 Total assets acquired 18,080 1,368 19,448 Current portion of long-term debt — 386 386 Other current liabilities 3,124 132 3,256 Long-term debt, less current portion — 386 386 Other long-term liabilities 4,553 — 4,553 Total liabilities 7,677 904 8,581 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 10,403 464 10,867 Debt assumed — 772 772 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 10,403 $ 1,236 $ 11,639 Net assets acquired $ 10,403 $ 464 $ 10,867 Cash acquired (235 ) — (235 ) Seller notes and deferred payments (3,927 ) — (3,927 ) Net cash paid at acquisition $ 6,241 $ 464 $ 6,705

Due to Shareholders of Acquir_2

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies	The amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies, currencies, and interest rates applied were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Nominal Currency Interest Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) $ 45,206 $ 52,043 BRL CDI + 2% University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC 11,550 11,550 USD 7% Monash South Africa (MSA) 9,571 8,318 AUD n/a Faculdade Porto-Alegrense (FAPA) 3,084 2,973 BRL IGP-M IADE Group 2,374 2,755 EUR 3% Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU) — 100,382 BRL CDI Total due to shareholders of acquired companies 71,785 178,021 Less: Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies 34,745 111,681 Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion $ 37,040 $ 66,340 AUD: Australian Dollar CDI: Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (Brazil) BRL: Brazilian Real IGP-M: General Index of Market Prices (Brazil) EUR: European Euro USD: United States Dollar The aggregate maturities of Due to shareholders of acquired companies as of December 31, 2017 , were as follows: 2018 $ 35,257 2019 14,081 2020 12,939 2021 11,752 2022 — Aggregate maturities 74,029 Less: imputed interest discount (2,244 ) Total $ 71,785

Business and Geographic Segme_2

Business and Geographic Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment financial information	The following tables provide financial information for our reportable segments, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates , as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Corporate Total 2017 Revenues $ 765,746 $ 646,154 $ 1,085,640 $ 214,720 $ 690,374 $ (16,758 ) $ 3,385,876 Adjusted EBITDA 134,205 147,171 301,249 32,411 204,543 (204,108 ) 615,471 Depreciation and amortization expense 35,715 27,990 67,764 20,659 35,440 16,765 204,333 Loss on impairment of assets 3,320 — 2,530 — 257 1,014 7,121 Total assets 1,256,364 969,400 1,714,819 225,429 1,294,147 1,931,126 7,391,285 Expenditures for long-lived assets 50,244 38,615 72,098 9,697 23,730 24,001 218,385 2016 Revenues $ 690,804 $ 626,011 $ 969,717 $ 330,423 $ 704,976 $ (20,067 ) $ 3,301,864 Adjusted EBITDA 95,442 143,741 225,538 53,352 208,237 (145,893 ) 580,417 Depreciation and amortization expense 35,695 26,273 68,050 21,668 38,452 9,668 199,806 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — — — — Total assets 1,245,264 972,171 1,579,581 227,071 1,297,798 1,740,649 7,062,534 Expenditures for long-lived assets 29,332 28,081 80,396 8,126 29,275 33,621 208,831 2015 Revenues $ 672,917 $ 678,193 $ 913,388 $ 452,937 $ 707,998 $ (25,659 ) $ 3,399,774 Adjusted EBITDA 81,322 150,136 201,794 52,080 191,019 (127,586 ) 548,765 Depreciation and amortization expense 34,261 35,156 64,389 30,953 37,161 8,085 210,005 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — — — — Expenditures for long-lived assets 36,730 34,715 132,156 23,089 33,842 21,879 282,411 As discussed in Note 3 , Discontinued Operations , a number of our entities have been classified as Discontinued Operations and their assets have been classified as assets held for sale and excluded from the the segment information for all periods presented. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, total assets held for sale of $1,549,340 and $1,431,498 , respectively, are included in the Corporate amounts above. For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments: Brazil $ 134,205 $ 95,442 $ 81,322 Mexico 147,171 143,741 150,136 Andean 301,249 225,538 201,794 Rest of World 32,411 53,352 52,080 Online & Partnerships 204,543 208,237 191,019 Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments 819,579 726,310 676,351 Reconciling items: Corporate (204,108 ) (145,893 ) (127,586 ) Depreciation and amortization expense (204,333 ) (199,806 ) (210,005 ) Loss on impairment of assets (7,121 ) — — Share-based compensation expense (61,844 ) (35,852 ) (35,843 ) EiP expenses (100,180 ) (54,082 ) (43,845 ) Operating income 241,993 290,677 259,072 Interest income 11,865 14,414 9,474 Interest expense (334,901 ) (390,391 ) (367,284 ) Loss on debt extinguishment (8,392 ) (17,363 ) (1,263 ) Gain (loss) on derivatives 28,656 (6,084 ) (2,607 ) Other (expense) income, net (1,892 ) 457 (423 ) Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net 2,539 77,299 (128,299 ) (Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net (10,490 ) 398,081 — (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ (70,622 ) $ 367,090 $ (231,330 )
Schedule of revenue from customers by geographical area	Revenues from customers by geographic area, primarily generated by students enrolled at institutions in those areas, were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 External Revenues (1) Brazil $ 765,358 $ 690,377 $ 672,372 Mexico 644,015 624,939 678,030 United States 635,637 633,471 632,773 Chile 617,213 564,592 536,530 Peru 450,719 389,815 356,684 Other foreign countries 272,934 398,670 523,385 Consolidated total $ 3,385,876 $ 3,301,864 $ 3,399,774 (1) Excludes intercompany revenues and therefore does not agree to the table above
Schedule of long-lived assets by geographic areas	Long-lived assets are composed of Property and equipment, net. Laureate’s long-lived assets of continuing operations by geographic area were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Long-lived assets Chile $ 387,422 $ 367,856 Peru 327,908 299,014 Brazil 245,781 252,289 Mexico 237,109 218,531 United States 104,995 116,390 Other foreign countries 77,202 107,385 Consolidated total $ 1,380,417 $ 1,361,465

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of change in the net carrying amount of goodwill	The change in the net carrying amount of Goodwill from December 31, 2015 through December 31, 2017 was composed of the following items: Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Other Total Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 417,938 $ 578,350 $ 246,375 $ 246,980 $ 459,786 $ 2,015 $ 1,951,444 Acquisitions — — — — — — — Dispositions — — — (148,264 ) — — (148,264 ) Impairments — — — — — — — Currency translation adjustments 83,117 (97,365 ) 7,536 (9,914 ) — — (16,626 ) Adjustments to prior acquisitions — — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 501,055 $ 480,985 $ 253,911 $ 88,802 $ 459,786 $ 2,015 $ 1,786,554 Acquisitions — — — 3,584 — — 3,584 Dispositions — — — — — — — Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale — — — — — (2,015 ) (2,015 ) Impairments — — — — — — — Currency translation adjustments (7,682 ) 22,388 18,270 6,312 954 — 40,242 Adjustments to prior acquisitions — — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 493,373 $ 503,373 $ 272,181 $ 98,698 $ 460,740 $ — $ 1,828,365
Summary of identifiable intangible assets	The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2017 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Subject to amortization: Student rosters $ 80,564 $ (79,005 ) $ 1,559 1.9 Other 65,970 (31,750 ) 34,220 11.4 Not subject to amortization: Tradenames 1,167,302 — 1,167,302 — Total $ 1,313,836 $ (110,755 ) $ 1,203,081 The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2016 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Subject to amortization: Student rosters $ 77,763 $ (74,269 ) $ 3,494 3.0 Other 65,062 (22,521 ) 42,541 11.5 Not subject to amortization: Tradenames 1,153,348 — 1,153,348 — Total $ 1,296,173 $ (96,790 ) $ 1,199,383
Schedule of asset impairment charges	The following table summarizes the Loss on impairment of assets: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net $ 2,696 $ — $ — Impairments of long-lived assets 4,425 — — Total $ 7,121 $ — $ —

Land Use Rights (Tables)

Land Use Rights (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of land use rights recorded at net carrying value	The land use rights recorded at net carrying value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets are summarized as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Cost $ 1,787 $ 1,710 Less: Accumulated amortization (215 ) (201 ) Land use rights, net $ 1,572 $ 1,509
Schedule of amortization expense related to land use rights	As of December 31, 2017 , amortization expense related to land use rights for the next five years and thereafter is as follows: 2018 $ 5 2019 5 2020 5 2021 5 2022 5 Thereafter 1,547 Total $ 1,572

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt outstanding	Outstanding long-term debt was as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Senior long-term debt: Senior Secured Credit Facility (stated maturity dates April 2022 and April 2024 as of December 31, 2017; stated maturity dates June 2018, June 2019 and March 2021 as of December 31, 2016), net of discount $ 1,625,344 $ 1,497,869 Senior Notes (stated maturity dates May 2025 as of December 31, 2017 and September 2019 as of December 31, 2016), net of discount 800,000 1,388,036 Total senior long-term debt 2,425,344 2,885,905 Other debt: Lines of credit 42,195 47,833 Notes payable and other debt 593,268 421,040 Total senior and other debt 3,060,807 3,354,778 Capital lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings 139,758 144,646 Total long-term debt 3,200,565 3,499,424 Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs 105,299 42,184 Less: current portion of long-term debt 121,870 95,968 Long-term debt, less current portion $ 2,973,396 $ 3,361,272
Schedule of aggregate maturities of debt	As of December 31, 2017 , aggregate annual maturities of the senior and other debt, excluding capital lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings, were as follows: December 31, Senior and Other Debt 2018 $ 115,468 2019 103,894 2020 129,334 2021 138,316 2022 181,609 Thereafter 2,406,842 Total 3,075,463 Less: discount, net (14,656 ) Total senior and other debt $ 3,060,807
Schedule estimated fair values of debt	The estimated fair value of our debt was as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying amount Estimated fair value Carrying amount Estimated fair value Total senior and other debt $ 3,060,807 $ 3,117,437 $ 3,354,778 $ 3,382,186
Schedule of aggregate maturities of our total future value and present value of the minimum capital lease payments and payments related to sale-leaseback	The aggregate maturities of our total future value and present value of the minimum capital lease payments and payments related to sale-leaseback financings at December 31, 2017 were as follows: Future Value of Payments Interest Present Value of Payments 2018 $ 24,262 $ 17,860 $ 6,402 2019 33,559 17,723 15,836 2020 23,785 16,776 7,009 2021 28,372 15,270 13,102 2022 28,784 13,511 15,273 Thereafter 116,037 33,901 82,136 Total $ 254,799 $ 115,041 $ 139,758

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum lease payments and sublease income	Future minimum lease payments and sublease income at December 31, 2017 , by year and in the aggregate, under all noncancellable operating leases and subleases are as follows: Lease Payments Sublease Income 2018 $ 154,909 $ 40 2019 142,947 — 2020 133,033 — 2021 126,324 — 2022 121,225 — Thereafter 541,444 — Total $ 1,219,882 $ 40

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of redeemable noncontrolling interest	If the minority put arrangements were all exercised at December 31, 2017 , Laureate would be obligated to pay the noncontrolling interest holders an estimated amount of $11,435 , as summarized in the following table: Nominal Currency First Exercisable Date Estimated Value as of December 31, 2017 redeemable within Reported Noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd (Inti Holdings) - 10.10% MYR Current $ 9,436 $ 9,436 Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited (Pearl) - 10% INR Current 1,938 1,938 Stamford International University (STIU) - Puttable preferred stock of TEDCO THB Current 61 61 Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements 11,435 11,435 Puttable common stock - not currently redeemable USD * — 2,286 Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 11,435 $ 13,721 * Contingently redeemable MYR: Malaysian Ringgit INR: Indian Rupee THB: Thai Baht

Financing Receivables (Tables)

Financing Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of financing receivable	The reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of the Allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 169,014 $ 132,149 $ 136,898 Additions: charges to bad debt expense 111,003 98,564 97,067 Additions: charges to other accounts (a) — 6,589 — Deductions (b) (97,052 ) (68,288 ) (101,816 ) Balance at end of period $ 182,965 $ 169,014 $ 132,149 (a) Charges to other accounts includes reclassifications. (b) Deductions includes accounts receivable written off against the allowance (net of recoveries), reclassifications, and foreign currency translation. The beginning and ending balances of the Allowance for doubtful accounts include the current portion, as shown on the face of Consolidated Balance Sheets, in addition to the noncurrent portion that is included in Notes receivable, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Laureate’s financing receivables balances were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Financing receivables $ 20,380 $ 26,591 Allowance for doubtful accounts (6,472 ) (7,086 ) Financing receivables, net of allowances $ 13,908 $ 19,505
Summary of aging of financing receivables by country	The aging of financing receivables grouped by country portfolio was as follows: Chile Other Total As of December 31, 2017 Amounts past due less than one year $ 6,800 $ 921 $ 7,721 Amounts past due one year or greater 3,551 201 3,752 Total past due (on non-accrual status) 10,351 1,122 11,473 Not past due 8,494 413 8,907 Total financing receivables $ 18,845 $ 1,535 $ 20,380 As of December 31, 2016 Amounts past due less than one year $ 8,711 $ 344 $ 9,055 Amounts past due one year or greater 3,899 230 4,129 Total past due (on non-accrual status) 12,610 574 13,184 Not past due 11,758 1,649 13,407 Total financing receivables $ 24,368 $ 2,223 $ 26,591
Summary of allowance for credit losses on financing receivables	The following is a rollforward of the Allowance for doubtful accounts related to financing receivables for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , grouped by country portfolio: Chile Other Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ (11,063 ) $ (1,478 ) $ (12,541 ) Charge-offs 3,648 211 3,859 Recoveries — 4 4 Provision (1,105 ) 153 (952 ) Currency adjustments 1,280 248 1,528 Balance at December 31, 2015 $ (7,240 ) $ (862 ) $ (8,102 ) Charge-offs 4,631 110 4,741 Recoveries — (90 ) (90 ) Provision (3,304 ) (54 ) (3,358 ) Currency adjustments (296 ) 19 (277 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (6,209 ) $ (877 ) $ (7,086 ) Charge-offs 1,910 328 2,238 Recoveries (24 ) — (24 ) Provision (1,309 ) 221 (1,088 ) Currency adjustments (475 ) (37 ) (512 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 $ (6,107 ) $ (365 ) $ (6,472 )
Summary of troubled debt restructuring	The number of financing receivable accounts and the pre- and post-modification account balances modified under the terms of a TDR during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Pre-Modification Balance Outstanding Post-Modification Balance Outstanding 2017 446 $ 2,319 $ 2,109 2016 676 $ 3,665 $ 3,165 2015 1044 $ 5,251 $ 4,796 The preceding table represents accounts modified under the terms of a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2017 , whereas the following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2017 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 200 $ 890 The following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2016 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 360 $ 1,352 The following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2015 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 705 $ 2,864

Share-based Compensation (Table

Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of share-based compensation expense	Share-based compensation expense was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Continuing operations Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures $ 48,601 $ 25,008 $ 20,637 Restricted stock awards 13,243 10,106 10,305 Total non-cash stock compensation 61,844 35,114 30,942 Deferred compensation arrangement — 738 4,901 Total continuing operations $ 61,844 $ 35,852 $ 35,843 Discontinued operations Share-based compensation expense for discontinued operations 2,944 2,957 3,178 Total continuing and discontinued operations $ 64,788 $ 38,809 $ 39,021
Summary of stock options activity	The following tables summarize the stock option activity and the assumptions used to record the related share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 2016 2015 Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding at January 1 10,928 $ 21.81 $ 4,350 11,427 $ 26.12 $ 20,339 10,919 $ 25.84 $ 48,851 Granted 4,283 $ 19.01 303 $ 23.29 1,447 $ 26.72 Exercised — $ — $ — (245 ) $ 19.57 $ 899 (460 ) $ 18.76 $ 3,365 Forfeited or expired (5,308 ) $ 18.34 (557 ) $ 23.78 (479 ) $ 28.52 Outstanding at December 31 9,903 $ 19.30 $ — 10,928 $ 21.81 $ 4,350 11,427 $ 26.12 $ 20,339 Exercisable at December 31 8,606 $ 19.38 $ — 9,004 $ 21.48 $ 4,350 8,293 $ 24.32 $ 20,328 Vested and expected to vest 9,847 $ 19.31 $ — 10,790 $ 21.79 $ 4,350 11,110 $ 26.08 $ 20,339
Summary of stock option plans, by exercise price range	Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Assumption Range* Exercise Prices Number Weighted Number Weighted Risk-Free Expected Expected Year Ended December 31, 2017 $14.58 - $19.56 6,500 4.58 5,549 4.22 0.33% - 3.31% 2.03 -10.00 32.18% - 69.74% $21.00 - $21.28 693 2.18 347 0.66 0.43% - 3.60% 2.11 - 6.67 33.24% - 57.79% $21.32 - $21.52 1,776 2.14 1,776 2.14 0.68% - 2.61% 3.38 - 6.55 38.16% - 69.74% $21.68 - $22.32 221 1.94 221 1.94 0.57% - 3.03% 2.18 - 6.52 36.78% - 52.47% $22.88 - $31.92 713 3.76 713 3.76 0.73% - 2.86% 4.00 - 6.52 39.03% - 53.80% Year Ended December 31, 2016 $18.36 - $19.56 3,601 0.80 3,601 0.80 0.32% - 4.20% 1.90 - 6.95 26.85% - 52.47% $20.16 - $21.28 353 1.66 353 1.66 0.42% - 3.60% 2.11 - 6.52 33.24% - 52.47% $21.48 - $21.52 438 3.81 438 3.81 0.68% - 2.63% 3.38 - 6.58 38.16% - 52.47% $21.68 - $22.32 320 3.10 320 3.10 0.57% - 3.03% 2.18 - 6.52 36.78% - 52.47% $22.40 - $31.92 6,216 7.07 4,291 6.71 0.73% - 2.86% 4.00 - 7.12 39.03% - 58.84% Year Ended December 31, 2015 $18.36 - $19.56 3,790 1.80 3,790 1.80 0.32% - 4.20% 1.90 - 6.95 26.85% - 52.47% $20.16 - $21.28 353 2.70 353 2.70 0.42% - 3.60% 2.11 - 6.52 33.24% - 52.47% $21.48 - $21.52 516 4.80 512 4.80 0.68% - 2.63% 3.38 - 6.58 38.16% - 52.47% $21.68 - $22.32 344 4.10 344 4.10 0.57% - 3.03% 2.18 - 6.52 36.78% - 52.47% $22.88 - $31.92 2,634 8.20 1,108 7.14 0.73% - 2.86% 4.00 - 6.52 39.03% - 58.84% $34.52 3,788 7.80 2,184 7.80 1.76% - 2.07% 6.02 - 7.12 51.51% - 53.51% * The expected dividend yield is zero for all options in all years.
Summary of non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units activity	The following table summarizes the non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units activity for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 2016 2015 Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at January 1 1,038 $ 25.97 865 $ 29.6 694 $ 32.48 Granted 1,337 $ 16.65 655 $ 23.27 449 $ 26.28 Vested (328 ) $ 22.35 (386 ) $ 29.36 (215 ) $ 31.48 Forfeited (397 ) $ 23.33 (96 ) $ 26.51 (63 ) $ 31.08 Non-vested at December 31 1,650 $ 19.74 1,038 $ 25.97 865 $ 29.6

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of fair value of derivatives instruments	The reported fair values of our derivatives, which are classified in Derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Long-term assets: Interest rate swaps $ 6,046 $ — Current liabilities: Interest rate swaps — 5,218 Long-term liabilities: Net investment cross currency swaps 1,451 — Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Long-term assets: Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred Stock 42,140 4,464 Current liabilities: Interest rate swaps 179 — Cross currency and interest rate swaps 4,279 — Long-term liabilities: Cross currency and interest rate swaps 7,939 7,420 Interest rate swaps — 330 Total derivative instrument assets $ 48,186 $ 4,464 Total derivative instrument liabilities $ 13,848 $ 12,968
Summary of unrealized gain (loss) recorded in and reclassified from accumulated comprehensive income (loss)	The table below shows the total recorded unrealized gain (loss) in Comprehensive income (loss) for the derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The impact of these derivative instruments on Comprehensive income (loss), Interest expense and AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were as follows: Gain (Loss) Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Income Statement Location Loss Reclassified 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Interest rate swaps $ 11,264 $ 8,032 $ 5,629 Interest expense $ (7,584 ) $ (10,660 ) $ (10,660 ) Net investment cross currency swaps (1,389 ) — — N/A — — — Total $ 9,875 $ 8,032 $ 5,629 $ (7,584 ) $ (10,660 ) $ (10,660 )
Components of the reported gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Components of the reported Gain (loss) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Unrealized Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred $ 33,294 $ 1,735 $ — Cross currency and interest rate swaps (4,191 ) (873 ) (2,133 ) Interest rate swaps 175 84 145 29,278 946 (1,988 ) Realized Loss Cross currency and interest rate swaps (622 ) (6,811 ) (407 ) Interest rate swaps — (219 ) (212 ) (622 ) (7,030 ) (619 ) Total Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred 33,294 1,735 — Cross currency and interest rate swaps (4,813 ) (7,684 ) (2,540 ) Interest rate swaps 175 (135 ) (67 ) Gain (loss) on derivatives, net $ 28,656 $ (6,084 ) $ (2,607 )

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of the Income tax (expense) benefit	Significant components of the Income tax benefit (expense) on earnings from continuing operations were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current: United States $ 28,091 $ 2,285 $ (7,174 ) Foreign (99,127 ) (69,609 ) (104,514 ) State (400 ) (166 ) (392 ) Total current (71,436 ) (67,490 ) (112,080 ) Deferred: United States 124,043 (2,226 ) (2,919 ) Foreign 27,216 32,786 18,735 State 11,485 2,490 900 Total deferred 162,744 33,050 16,716 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 91,308 $ (34,440 ) $ (95,364 )
Schedule of components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from continuing operations were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $ 674,088 $ 936,931 Depreciation 99,455 89,629 Deferred revenue 56,651 50,187 Allowance for doubtful accounts 25,525 28,767 Deferred compensation 42,684 60,972 Unrealized loss 56,857 70,930 Nondeductible reserves 40,001 34,146 Interest 17,457 9,172 Other 923 1,735 Total deferred tax assets 1,013,641 1,282,469 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in subsidiaries 101,437 94,691 Amortization of intangible assets 295,410 353,490 Total deferred tax liabilities 396,847 448,181 Net deferred tax assets 616,794 834,288 Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets (711,767 ) (1,090,710 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (94,973 ) $ (256,422 )
Summary of Valuation Allowance	The reconciliations of the beginning and ending balances of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,090,710 $ 1,033,216 $ 940,245 (Deductions) additions to costs and expenses (19,530 ) 44,116 150,054 Additions: charges to other accounts (a) — 13,378 — Deductions (b) (359,413 ) — (57,083 ) Balance at end of period $ 711,767 $ 1,090,710 $ 1,033,216 (a) Charges to other accounts includes reclassifications and foreign currency translation. (b) Deductions include reclassifications and foreign currency translation, TCJA-related adjustments described in the paragraph above and reclassifications related to held-for-sale entities.
Schedule of effective income tax rate reconciliation	The reconciliations of the reported Income tax benefit (expense) to the amount that would result by applying the United States federal statutory tax rate of 35% to income from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Tax benefit (expense) at the United States statutory rate $ 24,718 $ (128,482 ) $ 80,966 Permanent differences (21,628 ) (21,636 ) (15,003 ) State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect (1,154 ) 1,510 330 Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate 34,652 71,347 10,770 Change in valuation allowance (115,470 ) (47,863 ) (139,291 ) Effect of tax contingencies 10,980 26,610 (32,326 ) Tax credits 19,829 19,399 25,842 Withholding taxes 3,901 (26,163 ) (24,459 ) U.S. tax on repatriated earnings (875 ) (67,796 ) (1,451 ) Impairments — — (36 ) Sale of subsidiaries — 139,335 — Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Transition tax on unremitted earnings (149,800 ) — — Tax effect of rate changes 82,392 — — Change in valuation allowance 194,794 — — State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect 8,360 — — Other 609 (701 ) (706 ) Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 91,308 $ (34,440 ) $ (95,364 )
Schedule of beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits	The reconciliations of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Beginning of the period $ 82,852 $ 77,179 $ 64,199 Additions for tax positions related to prior years 5,997 12,812 30,325 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years (10,095 ) (3,440 ) (12,350 ) Additions for tax positions related to current year 11,551 14,795 47 Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits (7,355 ) (10,514 ) (4,697 ) Settlements for tax positions related to prior years (44 ) (7,980 ) (345 ) End of the period $ 82,906 $ 82,852 $ 77,179

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tabl

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted	The following tables summarize the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for continuing operations: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 20,838 $ 332,740 $ (324,199 ) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests $ 804 $ 1,393 $ 623 Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 21,642 $ 334,133 $ (323,576 ) Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity 317 263 (13,041 ) Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value (6,358 ) 33 6,879 Accretion of redemption value of Series A Preferred Stock (292,450 ) (1,719 ) — Distributed and undistributed earnings to participating securities (1 ) (98 ) (11 ) Subtotal: accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (298,492 ) (1,521 ) (6,173 ) Net (loss) income from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic and diluted earnings per share $ (276,850 ) $ 332,612 $ (329,749 ) Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for discontinued operations: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax 72,926 33,446 8,354 (Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (3,103 ) 4,268 (1,026 ) Allocation of earnings from discontinued operations to participating securities (5 ) (16 ) — Net income from discontinued operations for basic and diluted earnings per share 69,818 37,698 7,328 Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 172,409 133,295 132,950 Effect of dilutive stock options — 833 — Effect of dilutive restricted stock units — 278 — Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding 172,409 134,406 132,950 Basic earnings (loss) per share: (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (1.60 ) $ 2.50 $ (2.49 ) Income from discontinued operations 0.40 0.28 0.05 Basic (loss) earnings per share $ (1.20 ) $ 2.78 $ (2.44 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (1.60 ) $ 2.48 $ (2.49 ) Income from discontinued operations 0.40 0.28 0.05 Diluted (loss) earnings per share $ (1.20 ) $ 2.76 $ (2.44 )
Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	The following table summarizes the number of stock options and shares of restricted stock that were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations because the effect would have been antidilutive: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Stock options 12,497 5,773 10,743 Restricted stock 986 181 430

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Summary of net periodic benefit costs	The net periodic benefit cost for those entities with pension plans was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Service cost $ 661 $ 1,884 $ 4,408 Interest 165 318 730 Expected return on assets — (138 ) (400 ) Amortization of prior service costs 22 279 903 Recognition of actuarial items (261 ) — — Curtailment gain (153 ) — — Net periodic benefit cost $ 434 $ 2,343 $ 5,641
Summary of weighted average assumptions	The weighted average assumptions were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Discount rate for obligations 5.25-9.25% 8.50% 0.75-7.50% Discount rate for net periodic benefit costs 4.75-8.50% 0.75-7.50% 1.00%-7.00% Rate of compensation increases 4.50-5.00% 4.50% 2.00-4.50% Expected return in plan assets N/A N/A 0.75%
Summary of change in projected benefit obligations, in plan assets and funded (unfunded) status	The change in PBO, change in plan assets and funded (unfunded) status for those entities with pension plans were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 Change in PBO: PBO at beginning of year $ 1,421 $ 61,559 Service cost 661 1,884 Interest 165 318 Actuarial loss (237 ) (10 ) Benefits paid by plan (124 ) (598 ) Participants contributions — 1,024 Curtailment gain (153 ) (18,474 ) Settlements — (44,234 ) Administrative expenses — — Foreign exchange 71 (48 ) PBO at end of year $ 1,804 $ 1,421 Change in plan assets: Fair value of assets at beginning of year $ — $ 41,783 Actual return on assets — 344 Employer contributions — 1,276 Participant contributions — 1,025 Benefits paid by plan — (367 ) Administrative expenses — — Settlements — (44,234 ) Foreign exchange — 173 Fair value of assets at end of year $ — $ — Unfunded status $ 1,804 $ 1,421 Actuarial loss $ (439 ) $ (278 ) Prior service cost — 20 Amount recognized in AOCI, pre-tax $ (439 ) $ (258 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 1,804 $ 1,421
Schedule of estimated future benefit payments	The Company estimates that employer contributions to plan assets during 2018 will be approximately the same as during the year ended December 31, 2017 . The estimated future benefit payments for the next 10 fiscal years are as follows: For the year ending December 31, 2018 $ 206 2019 190 2020 209 2021 227 2022 233 2023 through 2027 1,826

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	Laureate’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 were as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Derivative instruments $ 48,186 $ — $ — $ 48,186 Liabilities Derivative instruments $ 13,848 $ — $ — $ 13,848 Laureate’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2016 were as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Derivative instruments $ 4,464 $ — $ — $ 4,464 Liabilities Derivative instruments $ 12,968 $ — $ — $ 12,968
Summary of the change in Level 3 derivatives instruments	The changes in our Level 3 Derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2017 were as follows: Balance December 31, 2016 $ (8,504 ) Gain (loss) included in earnings: Unrealized gains, net 29,278 Realized losses, net (622 ) Included in other comprehensive income 9,875 Included in issuance of Series A convertible redeemable Preferred Stock 4,382 Settlements 622 Currency translation adjustment (693 ) Balance December 31, 2017 $ 34,338 Unrealized gain, net relating to derivatives held at December 31, 2017 $ 29,278 The changes in our Level 3 Derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows: Total Assets (Liabilities) Balance December 31, 2015 $ (19,776 ) Gain (loss) included in earnings: Unrealized gains, net 946 Realized losses, net (7,030 ) Included in other comprehensive income 8,032 Included in issuance of Series A convertible redeemable Preferred Stock 2,729 Settlements 7,030 Currency translation adjustment (435 ) Balance December 31, 2016 $ (8,504 ) Unrealized gain, net relating to derivatives held at December 31, 2016 $ 946
Fair value inputs, assets, quantitative information	The following table presents quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurements of the Company's assets/(liabilities) classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2017 : Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range/Input Value Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred Stock $ 42,140 Monte Carlo Simulation Method Credit Risk 5.07 % Derivative instruments - cross currency and interest rate swaps $ (7,802 ) Discounted Cash Flow Credit Risk 4.37 % The following table presents quantitative information regarding the significant unobservable inputs utilized in the fair value measurements of the Company's assets/(liabilities) classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2017 : Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range/Input Value Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred Stock $ 42,140 Monte Carlo Simulation Method Credit Risk 5.07 % Derivative instruments - cross currency and interest rate swaps $ (7,802 ) Discounted Cash Flow Credit Risk 4.37 %

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of quarterly financial data	The following quarterly financial information reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods. Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Per share amounts may not sum due to rounding. Summarized quarterly operating data were as follows: 2017 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 951,189 $ 818,601 $ 1,017,108 $ 598,978 Operating costs and expenses 811,073 793,741 821,061 718,008 Operating income (loss) $ 140,116 $ 24,860 $ 196,047 $ (119,030 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 171,631 $ (67,180 ) $ 83,154 $ (166,767 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 28,879 (36,309 ) 33,943 46,413 Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (4,664 ) 5,531 (712 ) (2,454 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 195,846 (97,958 ) 116,385 (122,808 ) Accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (106,347 ) (84,059 ) (69,211 ) (38,875 ) Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 89,499 $ (182,017 ) $ 47,174 $ (161,683 ) Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.34 $ (0.82 ) $ 0.09 $ (1.34 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.14 (0.20 ) 0.19 0.29 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.48 $ (1.02 ) $ 0.28 $ (1.05 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.34 $ (0.82 ) $ 0.09 $ (1.34 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.14 (0.20 ) 0.19 0.29 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.48 $ (1.02 ) $ 0.28 $ (1.05 ) 2016 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 894,416 $ 770,833 $ 978,493 $ 658,122 Operating costs and expenses 768,513 715,957 805,850 720,867 Operating income (loss) $ 125,903 $ 54,876 $ 172,643 $ (62,745 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 23,634 $ 120,198 $ 325,541 $ (136,633 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 14,829 (39,268 ) 23,698 34,187 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,844 5,387 (1,849 ) (721 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 41,307 $ 86,317 $ 347,390 $ (103,167 ) Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.13 $ 0.94 $ 2.43 $ (1.02 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.14 (0.28 ) 0.17 0.26 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.27 $ 0.66 $ 2.60 $ (0.76 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.13 $ 0.94 $ 2.42 $ (1.02 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.14 (0.28 ) 0.17 0.26 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.27 $ 0.66 $ 2.59 $ (0.76 )

Other Financial Information (Ta

Other Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Summary of other comprehensive income (loss) included in balance sheet	The components of these balances were as follows: December 31, 2017 2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Foreign currency translation loss $ (927,221 ) $ (33 ) $ (927,254 ) $ (1,044,222 ) $ (2,304 ) $ (1,046,526 ) Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives 4,657 — 4,657 (5,218 ) — (5,218 ) Minimum pension liability adjustment (2,992 ) — (2,992 ) (2,615 ) — (2,615 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (925,556 ) $ (33 ) $ (925,589 ) $ (1,052,055 ) $ (2,304 ) $ (1,054,359 )
Summary of transactions with noncontrolling interest holders	Transactions with noncontrolling interest holders had the following effects on the equity attributable to Laureate: For the years ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 91,465 $ 371,847 $ (316,248 ) (Decrease) increase in equity for purchases of noncontrolling interests (11,569 ) 1,003 (1,554 ) Change from net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests $ 79,896 $ 372,850 $ (317,802 )

Description of Business - Addit

Description of Business - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 06, 2017$ / sharesshares	Jan. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017segmentshares	Aug. 15, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017segment	Dec. 31, 2017segmentshares	Aug. 11, 2017$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2016shares
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)				0			0		175,000,000
Reverse stock split		0.25
Number of operating segments (segment) | segment				6		3	6
Class A Common Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)				700,000,000			700,000,000		0
IPO | Class A Common Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	700,000,000
Shares sold in initial public offering (in shares)	35,000,000
Sale price of common stock in IPO (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14							$ 14
Net proceeds from initial public offering | $			$ 456,359		$ 456,500

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2018entity	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)countryentity	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)countryentity	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 951,189,000	$ 818,601,000	$ 1,017,108,000	$ 598,978,000	$ 894,416,000	$ 770,833,000	$ 978,493,000	$ 658,122,000	$ 3,385,876,000	$ 3,301,864,000	$ 3,399,774,000
Cash and cash equivalents		320,567,000				295,785,000				$ 320,567,000	295,785,000
Receivables deemed uncollectible, period										2 years
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense		28,879,000	$ (36,309,000)	$ 33,943,000	$ 46,413,000	14,829,000	$ (39,268,000)	$ 23,698,000	$ 34,187,000	$ 72,926,000	33,446,000	8,354,000
Deferred online course development costs		57,995,000				52,510,000				57,995,000	52,510,000
Deferred accreditation costs		2,936,000				2,472,000				2,936,000	2,472,000
Deferred costs, gross		164,552,000				146,087,000				164,552,000	146,087,000
Accumulated amortization of deferred costs		(103,621,000)				(91,105,000)				(103,621,000)	(91,105,000)
Unamortized balances of deferred financing costs		105,299,000				42,184,000				105,299,000	42,184,000
Advertising costs										222,724,000	221,482,000	226,659,000
Restricted cash included in operating cash inflows (outflows)										3,824,000	(7,686,000)	(932,000)
Restricted cash included in investing cash outflows										(39,848,000)	(28,063,000)	(15,452,000)
Cumulative effect of adoption to retained earnings		(946,236,000)				(1,037,701,000)				(946,236,000)	(1,037,701,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in current deferred tax assets						101,500,000					101,500,000
Decrease in current deferred tax liabilities						5,300,000					5,300,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Pro Forma | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative effect of adoption to retained earnings		$ 2,000,000								2,000,000
Chile
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues										$ 617,213,000	564,592,000	536,530,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of consolidated entities (entity) | entity										12
Number of countries with variable interest entities (country) | country		8								8
Revenues										$ 123,237,000	113,276,000	106,005,000
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 100,971,000				$ 72,540,000				100,971,000	72,540,000
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense										30,145	29,724	6,627
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Chile
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 101,000,000								$ 101,000,000
Number of entities with cash balances (entity) | entity		3								3
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Subsequent Event
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of VIE entities sold (entity) | entity	1
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Central America & U.S. Campuses
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Non-operating investment income										$ 11,696,000	$ 11,061,000	$ 10,297,000
Continuing Operations | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of consolidated entities (entity) | entity										5
Discontinued Operations | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of consolidated entities (entity) | entity										7

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues	$ 951,189	$ 818,601	$ 1,017,108	$ 598,978	$ 894,416	$ 770,833	$ 978,493	$ 658,122	$ 3,385,876	$ 3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Depreciation and amortization									264,742	264,879	282,946
Operating (loss) income, by segment:
Operating loss	140,116	24,860	196,047	(119,030)	125,903	54,876	172,643	(62,745)	241,993	290,677	259,072
Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	195,846	$ (97,958)	$ 116,385	$ (122,808)	41,307	$ 86,317	$ 347,390	$ (103,167)	91,465	371,847	(316,248)
Balance Sheets data:
Cash and cash equivalents	320,567				295,785				320,567	295,785
Current assets held for sale	324,668				261,864				324,668	261,864
Other current assets	643,459				558,217				643,459	558,217
Total current assets (includes VIE amounts of $407,315 and $322,210, see Note 2)	1,288,694				1,115,866				1,288,694	1,115,866
Goodwill	1,828,365				1,786,554				1,828,365	1,786,554	1,951,444	$ 6,969
Tradenames	1,167,302				1,153,348				1,167,302	1,153,348
Other intangible assets, net	35,779				46,035				35,779	46,035
Long-term assets held for sale	1,224,672				1,169,634				1,224,672	1,169,634
Other long-term assets	1,846,473				1,791,097				1,846,473	1,791,097
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	7,391,285				7,062,534				7,391,285	7,062,534
Current liabilities held for sale	451,569				433,529				451,569	433,529
Other current liabilities	923,020				1,006,768				923,020	1,006,768
Long-term liabilities held for sale	405,747				395,945				405,747	395,945
Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities	3,609,670				4,205,067				3,609,670	4,205,067
Total liabilities (includes VIE amounts of $449,561 and $424,297, see Note 2)	5,390,006				6,041,309				5,390,006	6,041,309
Total stockholders' equity	1,587,282				664,392				1,587,282	664,392	355,426		$ 1,056,548
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	1,575,164				632,210				1,575,164	632,210
Brazil
Balance Sheets data:
Goodwill	493,373				501,055				493,373	501,055	417,938
Mexico
Balance Sheets data:
Goodwill	503,373				480,985				503,373	480,985	578,350
Andean
Balance Sheets data:
Goodwill	272,181				253,911				272,181	253,911	246,375
Rest of World
Balance Sheets data:
Goodwill	98,698				88,802				98,698	88,802	246,980
Operating Segments
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									3,385,876	3,301,864	3,399,774
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	7,391,285				7,062,534				7,391,285	7,062,534
Operating Segments | Brazil
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									765,746	690,804	672,917
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	1,256,364				1,245,264				1,256,364	1,245,264
Operating Segments | Mexico
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									646,154	626,011	678,193
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	969,400				972,171				969,400	972,171
Operating Segments | Andean
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									1,085,640	969,717	913,388
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	1,714,819				1,579,581				1,714,819	1,579,581
Operating Segments | Rest of World
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									214,720	330,423	452,937
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	225,429				227,071				225,429	227,071
Other operations including discontinued operations
Operating (loss) income, by segment:
Operating loss									241,993	290,677	259,072
Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									513,205	550,058	125,363
Corporate and eliminations
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									(16,758)	(20,067)	(25,659)
Operating (loss) income, by segment:
Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									(434,775)	(181,520)	(446,522)
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	1,931,126				1,740,649				1,931,126	1,740,649
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									123,237	113,276	106,005
Balance Sheets data:
Cash and cash equivalents	100,971				72,540				100,971	72,540
Current assets held for sale	170,229				125,250				170,229	125,250
Other current assets	136,115				124,420				136,115	124,420
Total current assets (includes VIE amounts of $407,315 and $322,210, see Note 2)	407,315				322,210				407,315	322,210
Goodwill	183,812				171,233				183,812	171,233
Tradenames	74,484				68,922				74,484	68,922
Other intangible assets, net	0				0				0	0
Long-term assets held for sale	369,375				361,781				369,375	361,781
Other long-term assets	384,593				384,967				384,593	384,967
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $1,419,579 and $1,309,113, see Note 2)	1,419,579				1,309,113				1,419,579	1,309,113
Current liabilities held for sale	183,166				191,489				183,166	191,489
Other current liabilities	157,981				129,433				157,981	129,433
Long-term liabilities held for sale	84,760				84,477				84,760	84,477
Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities	23,654				18,898				23,654	18,898
Total liabilities (includes VIE amounts of $449,561 and $424,297, see Note 2)	449,561				424,297				449,561	424,297
Total stockholders' equity	970,018				884,816				970,018	884,816
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 948,966				$ 866,997				948,966	866,997
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									418,123	400,317	396,371
Depreciation and amortization									26,899	28,351	29,529
Operating (loss) income, by segment:
Operating loss									(5,735)	(13,966)	(9,869)
Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									13,035	3,309	4,911
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments | Brazil
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									104	0	0
Operating (loss) income, by segment:
Operating loss									(1)	(80)	(18)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments | Mexico
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									0	0	9
Operating (loss) income, by segment:
Operating loss									(876)	(967)	(1,330)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments | Andean
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									418,019	380,111	363,369
Operating (loss) income, by segment:
Operating loss									(4,858)	(17,120)	(12,837)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments | Rest of World
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									0	20,206	32,993
Operating (loss) income, by segment:
Operating loss									$ 0	$ 4,201	$ 4,316

Significant Accounting Polici_6

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Balances of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 169,014	$ 132,149	$ 136,898
Additions: charges to bad debt expense	111,003	98,564	97,067
Additions: charges to other accounts	0	6,589	0
Deductions	(97,052)	(68,288)	(101,816)
Balance at end of period	$ 182,965	$ 169,014	$ 132,149

Significant Accounting Polici_7

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Periods (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Buildings | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization periods	10 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization periods	50 years
Furniture, equipment and software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization periods	2 years
Furniture, equipment and software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization periods	10 years
Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization periods	2 years
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization periods	25 years

Significant Accounting Polici_8

Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Product Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Revenue	$ 3,385,876	$ 3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Tuition and educational services
Product Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk	114.00%	110.00%	107.00%
Revenue	$ 3,874,402	$ 3,648,244	$ 3,650,138
Student fees
Product Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk	3.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Revenue	$ 88,108	$ 77,860	$ 83,805
Dormitory / residency
Product Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk	0.00%	1.00%	2.00%
Revenue	$ 6,118	$ 42,555	$ 62,006
Other
Product Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Revenue	$ 170,344	$ 154,699	$ 168,230
Gross revenue
Product Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk	122.00%	118.00%	116.00%
Revenue	$ 4,138,972	$ 3,923,358	$ 3,964,179
Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Product Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk	22.00%	18.00%	16.00%
Revenue	$ 753,096	$ 621,494	$ 564,405

Discontinued Operations - Summa

Discontinued Operations - Summarized operating results of the Discontinued Operations (Details) - Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 992,113	$ 942,329	$ 891,885
Depreciation and amortization	60,409	65,073	72,941
Share-based compensation expense	2,944	2,957	3,178
Other direct costs	780,490	758,617	737,881
Loss on impairment of assets	33,476	23,465	0
Operating income	114,794	92,217	77,885
Other non-operating expense	(17,373)	(28,210)	(47,164)
Pretax income of discontinued operations	97,421	64,007	30,721
Income tax expense	(24,495)	(30,561)	(22,367)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	72,926	33,446	8,354
Operating cash flows of discontinued operations	120,026	105,858	88,241
Investing cash flows of discontinued operations	(81,484)	(47,935)	(70,508)
Financing cash flows of discontinued operations	$ (78,014)	$ (35,127)	$ 97,605

Discontinued Operations - Loss

Discontinued Operations - Loss On Impairment of Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)subsidiaryinstitution	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of discontinued VIE institutions | institution	7
Long-lived assets	$ 1,380,417	$ 1,361,465
Loss on impairment of assets	40,597	23,465	$ 0
Impairments	0	0
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairments of long-lived assets	$ 33,476	23,465	$ 0
Central America & U.S. Campuses | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries with impaired long-lived assets (subsidiary) | subsidiary	2
Central America & U.S. Campuses | Tradenames
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of	$ 17,400
Rest of World
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	0
Loss on impairment of assets		23,465
Impairments	0	0
Rest of World | GERMANY
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairments		4,163
Rest of World | Monash South Africa (MSA)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairments		$ 19,302
Rest of World | Tradenames
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of	$ 16,100

Discontinued Operations - Sched

Discontinued Operations - Schedule of carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale (Details) - Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 197,898	$ 169,180
Receivables, net	83,045	61,800
Property and equipment, net	830,408	790,169
Goodwill	159,042	147,910
Tradenames	156,746	154,286
Other assets	122,201	108,153
Total assets held for sale	1,549,340	1,431,498
Deferred revenue and student deposits	223,163	184,429
Long-term debt, including current portion	319,473	351,124
Other liabilities	314,680	293,921
Total liabilities held for sale	$ 857,316	$ 829,474

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Details) € in Thousands, د.م. in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)campusstundent	Dec. 27, 2017	Dec. 11, 2017USD ($)	Nov. 29, 2017MAD (د.م.)	Nov. 22, 2017EUR (€)
INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of campuses of higher education institutions (campus) | campus	5
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent	10.00%
Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd | HIEU; Hunan Lie Ying Mechanic School; Hunan Lie Ying Property Management Co., Ltd.; And Hunan International Economics University Vocational Skills Training Center
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent		100.00%
LEI Lie Ying Limited | Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent		70.00%
European University–Cyprus Ltd And Laureate Italy S.r.L. | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration received from dispositions	$ 267,000				€ 225,000
Revenues	87,800
Operating income (loss) of the disposal groups	18,200
Depreciation and amortization	$ 2,600
Number of students within the institution (student) | stundent	9,500
Laureate Somed Holding | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration received from dispositions	$ 53,000			د.م. 500,000
Revenues	11,500
Operating income (loss) of the disposal groups	(800)
Depreciation and amortization	$ 1,100
Number of students within the institution (student) | stundent	2,200
Laureate Somed Holding | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Laureate Middle East Holdings B.V.
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent	60.00%
Laureate Somed Holding | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations | La Société Maroc Emirats Arabes Unis de Développement
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent	40.00%
INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Consideration received from dispositions			$ 161,800
Revenues	$ 69,900
Operating income (loss) of the disposal groups	9,200
Depreciation and amortization	$ 4,800
Number of students within the institution (student) | stundent	16,700
Consideration including portion attributable to minority owners received from dispositions			$ 180,000
LEI Lie Ying Limited | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 64,500
Operating income (loss) of the disposal groups	21,200
Depreciation and amortization	$ 6,100
Number of students within the institution (student) | stundent	29,100
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent	70.00%

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) R$ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 24, 2016	Mar. 10, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 10, 2016BRL (R$)	Mar. 27, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017AUD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017AUD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2016AUD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)installment	Jul. 31, 2015AUD ($)installment	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015BRL (R$)	Apr. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired														$ 6,705	$ 835	$ 0	$ 6,705
Debt assumed														772
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests															17,443	25,665	5,351
Seller notes and deferred payments														3,927
Liabilities recorded for tax other-than-income tax contingencies																	571
Liabilities recorded for labor contingencies																	1,466
Long-term indemnification assets												$ 2,084		$ 2,084	$ 98,493	$ 97,606	$ 2,084
Careers Australia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired					$ 835	$ 1,107
Debt assumed					$ 7,433	$ 9,850
Uni IBMR
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred in business combination | R$																		R$ 2500
Payments to acquisition		$ 668	R$ 2500
Ownership percentage acquired in business combinations																	10.00%
Chifley Business School
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired							$ 386	$ 500		$ 386	$ 500	464	$ 600
Debt assumed												$ 772	$ 1,000
Number of payment tranches | installment												2	2
IADE-Instituto de Artes Visuais Design e Marketing, S.A.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt assumed				$ 3,238
Consideration transferred in business combination				10,403
Payments to acquisition				6,476
Seller notes and deferred payments				$ 689
Revenues																	$ 8,194
Operating income of acquiree																	971
Net income of acquiree																	806
M-Power
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquisition																	2,852
Ownership percentage acquired in business combinations																			5.00%
INTI Malaysia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquisition																	$ 2,499
Ownership percentage acquired in business combinations																	2.70%
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent																	90.00%
St. Augustine | Puttable Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchase price multiple of EBITDA	7
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, interest acquired	20.00%
St. Augustine | Puttable Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, interest acquired									20.00%
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests									$ 24,997

Acquisitions - Summary of asse

Acquisitions - Summary of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in acquisition (Details) $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 27, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017AUD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets				$ 1,480	$ 1,480
Property and equipment				368	368
Goodwill				6,969	6,969	$ 1,828,365	$ 1,786,554	$ 1,951,444
Tradenames				6,413	6,413
Other intangible assets				1,616	1,616
Long-term indemnification assets				2,084	2,084	98,493	97,606	2,084
Other long-term assets				518	518
Total assets acquired				19,448	19,448
Current portion of long-term debt				386	386
Other current liabilities				3,256	3,256
Long-term debt, less current portion				386	386
Other long-term liabilities				4,553	4,553
Total liabilities				8,581	8,581
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.				10,867	10,867
Debt assumed					772
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed				11,639	11,639
Net assets acquired				10,867	10,867
Cash acquired					(235)
Seller notes and deferred payments					(3,927)
Net cash paid at acquisition					6,705	$ 835	$ 0	$ 6,705
Careers Australia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets		$ 2,552
Property and equipment		9,581
Goodwill		3,584
Other intangible assets		3,293
Total assets acquired		19,010
Current portion of long-term debt		166
Other current liabilities		8,997
Long-term debt, less current portion		7,267
Other long-term liabilities		1,745
Total liabilities		18,175
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.		835
Debt assumed		7,433	$ 9,850
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed		8,268
Net assets acquired		835
Net cash paid at acquisition		$ 835	$ 1,107
IADE Group Portugal
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 1,476
Property and equipment	335
Goodwill	5,980
Tradenames	6,071
Other intangible assets	1,616
Long-term indemnification assets	2,084
Other long-term assets	518
Total assets acquired	18,080
Current portion of long-term debt	0
Other current liabilities	3,124
Long-term debt, less current portion	0
Other long-term liabilities	4,553
Total liabilities	7,677
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	10,403
Debt assumed	0
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed	10,403
Net assets acquired	10,403
Cash acquired	(235)
Seller notes and deferred payments	(3,927)
Net cash paid at acquisition	$ 6,241
CBS Australia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets				4	4
Property and equipment				33	33
Goodwill				989	989
Tradenames				342	342
Other intangible assets				0	0
Long-term indemnification assets				0	0
Other long-term assets				0	0
Total assets acquired				1,368	1,368
Current portion of long-term debt				386	386
Other current liabilities				132	132
Long-term debt, less current portion				386	386
Other long-term liabilities				0	0
Total liabilities				904	904
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.				464	464
Debt assumed				772
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed				1,236	1,236
Net assets acquired				464	$ 464
Cash acquired				0
Seller notes and deferred payments				0
Net cash paid at acquisition				$ 464

Dispositions and Asset Sales (D

Dispositions and Asset Sales (Details) € in Thousands, stundent in Thousands, SFr in Thousands, $ in Thousands

Jul. 20, 2016USD ($)

Jun. 14, 2016USD ($)

Apr. 19, 2016USD ($)stundenteducational_institution

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014educational_institution

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Apr. 19, 2016EUR (€)

Mar. 15, 2016USD ($)

Mar. 15, 2016CHF (SFr)

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net

$ (10,490)

$ 398,081

$ 0

Receipts from sale of subsidiary and property and equipment, net

9,831

554,441

204,076

Settlement of derivatives related to sale of subsidiaries

0

5,663

0

Loss on debt extinguishment

8,392

$ 17,363

1,263

Switzerland and Glion Institutions

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Proceeds from sale of assets

$ 182,000

Gain from sale and leaseback transaction

$ 36,000

Term of lease contract

20 years

Loss on debt extinguishment

$ 932

Ad Portis | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 55,000

Cash consideration received from dispositions

17,784

(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net

$ 20,300

Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches International School of Hotel Management | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Settlement of derivatives related to sale of subsidiaries

$ 10,297

Glion Institute of Higher Education and Les Roches International School of Hotel Management | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 385,000

SFr 380,000

(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net

$ 249,400

$ (10,300)

Receipts from sale of subsidiary and property and equipment, net

$ 9,300

Net proceeds from dispositions

332,800

$ 5,800

Cash sold in disposition

$ 14,500

LIUF SAS | Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Settlement of derivatives related to sale of subsidiaries

$ 4,634

LIUF SAS | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 228,000

€ 201,000

(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net

$ 148,700

Net proceeds from dispositions

207,000

Cash sold in disposition

$ 3,400

Number of educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution

5

Number of students within the institution (student) | stundent

7,500

LIUF SAS | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Number of educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution

2

Rest of World | Switzerland, Glion And Les Roches | Switzerland and Glion Institutions

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

Number of educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution

2

Due to Shareholders of Acquir_3

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies - Summary of Amounts Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies (Details) R$ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 12, 2014BRL (R$)	Nov. 21, 2013USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies	$ 71,785	$ 178,021
Less: Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies	34,745	111,681
Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion	37,040	66,340
Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies		52,043
Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) | Related Party Notes Payable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies	$ 45,206
Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) | Related Party Notes Payable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies	$ 11,550	11,550	$ 11,550		$ 14,000
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) | Related Party Notes Payable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest Rate %	7.00%				7.00%
Monash South Africa (MSA)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies	$ 9,571	8,318
Faculdade Porto-Alegrense (FAPA)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies	3,084	2,973
IADE Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies	$ 2,374	2,755
IADE Group | Related Party Notes Payable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Interest Rate %	3.00%
Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies	$ 0	$ 100,382		R$ 250000

Due to Shareholders of Acquir_4

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate maturities	$ 3,200,565	$ 3,499,424
Related Party Notes Payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	35,257
2,019	14,081
2,020	12,939
2,021	11,752
2,022	0
Aggregate maturities	74,029
Less: imputed interest discount	(2,244)
Total	$ 71,785

Due to Shareholders of Acquir_5

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies - Additional Information (Details)

Sep. 12, 2017USD ($)

Sep. 12, 2017BRL (R$)

Sep. 12, 2014USD ($)

Nov. 21, 2013USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)installment

Dec. 31, 2017BRL (R$)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)installment

Dec. 31, 2017BRL (R$)installment

Sep. 12, 2014BRL (R$)

Dec. 31, 2013installment

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Promissory notes payable

$ 71,785,000

$ 178,021,000

$ 71,785,000

Interest paid on deferred purchase price for acquisitions

(39,419,000)

0

$ 0

Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Promissory notes payable

52,043,000

Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) | Related Party Notes Payable

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Loan amount

60,479,000

$ 60,479,000

R$ 200808000

Number of periodic payments (installment) | installment

9

Periodic principal payment

$ 6,720,000

R$ 22312000

Number of periodic installment payments made during the period (installment) | installment

5

Number of periodic payment installments remaining (installment) | installment

4

4

4

Promissory notes payable

$ 45,206,000

$ 45,206,000

Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) | Related Party Notes Payable

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

2.00%

2.00%

Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) | Notes Payable

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

2.00%

2.00%

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Promissory notes payable

$ 14,000,000

$ 11,550,000

$ 11,550,000

11,550,000

$ 11,550,000

Ownership percentage acquired in business combinations

80.00%

20.00%

Decrease to note payables

$ 2,450,000

University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) | Related Party Notes Payable

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Financed note term

5 years

Interest rate

7.00%

7.00%

7.00%

7.00%

Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Promissory notes payable

$ 0

$ 100,382,000

$ 0

R$ 250000000

Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU) | Related Party Notes Payable

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Liability settled

$ 114,578,000

R$ 358606000

Interest paid on deferred purchase price for acquisitions

$ (39,419,000)

Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU) | Notes Payable

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Loan amount

$ 110,310,000

R$ 259139000

Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU) | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) | Notes Payable

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

3.70%

Business and Geographic Segme_3

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	5 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segmentstatelicensed_institution	Jun. 30, 2017segment	Jul. 31, 2017segment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segmentcampusstatelicensed_institutioneducational_institution	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments (segment) | segment	6		3	6
Number of additional operating segments created (segment) | segment		3
Assets | $	$ 7,391,285			$ 7,391,285	$ 7,062,534
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution				13
Number of states in which entity operates (state) | state	8			8
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution				2
Number of campuses of postsecondary educational institutions (campus) | campus				40
Saudi Arabia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of licensed institutions managed through joint venture arrangements (licensed institution) | licensed_institution	8			8
China
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of licensed institutions managed through joint venture arrangements (licensed institution) | licensed_institution	1			1
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets | $	$ 1,549,340			$ 1,549,340	$ 1,431,498

Business and Geographic Segme_4

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 951,189	$ 818,601	$ 1,017,108	$ 598,978	$ 894,416	$ 770,833	$ 978,493	$ 658,122	$ 3,385,876	$ 3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									819,579	726,310	676,351
Loss on impairment of assets									40,597	23,465	0
Total assets	7,391,285				7,062,534				7,391,285	7,062,534
Reconciling items:
Loss on impairment of assets									(40,597)	(23,465)	0
Operating income	140,116	$ 24,860	$ 196,047	$ (119,030)	125,903	$ 54,876	$ 172,643	$ (62,745)	241,993	290,677	259,072
Interest income									11,865	14,414	9,474
Interest expense									(334,901)	(390,391)	(367,284)
Loss on debt extinguishment									(8,392)	(17,363)	(1,263)
Gain (loss) on derivatives									28,656	(6,084)	(2,607)
Other (expense) income, net									(1,892)	457	(423)
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net									2,539	77,299	(128,299)
(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net									(10,490)	398,081	0
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates									(70,622)	367,090	(231,330)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									3,385,876	3,301,864	3,399,774
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									615,471	580,417	548,765
Depreciation and amortization expense									204,333	199,806	210,005
Loss on impairment of assets									7,121	0	0
Total assets	7,391,285				7,062,534				7,391,285	7,062,534
Expenditures for long-lived assets									218,385	208,831	282,411
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(204,333)	(199,806)	(210,005)
Loss on impairment of assets									(7,121)	0	0
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									(16,758)	(20,067)	(25,659)
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									(204,108)	(145,893)	(127,586)
Depreciation and amortization expense									16,765	9,668	8,085
Loss on impairment of assets									1,014	0	0
Total assets	1,931,126				1,740,649				1,931,126	1,740,649
Expenditures for long-lived assets									24,001	33,621	21,879
Reconciling items:
Corporate									204,108	145,893	127,586
Depreciation and amortization expense									(16,765)	(9,668)	(8,085)
Loss on impairment of assets									(1,014)	0	0
Reconciling items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense									204,333	199,806	210,005
Loss on impairment of assets									7,121	0	0
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(204,333)	(199,806)	(210,005)
Loss on impairment of assets									(7,121)	0	0
Share-based compensation expense									(61,844)	(35,852)	(35,843)
EiP expenses									(100,180)	(54,082)	(43,845)
Operating income									241,993	290,677	259,072
Interest income									11,865	14,414	9,474
Interest expense									(334,901)	(390,391)	(367,284)
Loss on debt extinguishment									(8,392)	(17,363)	(1,263)
Gain (loss) on derivatives									28,656	(6,084)	(2,607)
Other (expense) income, net									(1,892)	457	(423)
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net									2,539	77,299	(128,299)
(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net									(10,490)	398,081	0
Brazil | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									765,746	690,804	672,917
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									134,205	95,442	81,322
Depreciation and amortization expense									35,715	35,695	34,261
Loss on impairment of assets									3,320	0	0
Total assets	1,256,364				1,245,264				1,256,364	1,245,264
Expenditures for long-lived assets									50,244	29,332	36,730
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(35,715)	(35,695)	(34,261)
Loss on impairment of assets									(3,320)	0	0
Mexico | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									646,154	626,011	678,193
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									147,171	143,741	150,136
Depreciation and amortization expense									27,990	26,273	35,156
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	0
Total assets	969,400				972,171				969,400	972,171
Expenditures for long-lived assets									38,615	28,081	34,715
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(27,990)	(26,273)	(35,156)
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	0
Andean | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,085,640	969,717	913,388
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									301,249	225,538	201,794
Depreciation and amortization expense									67,764	68,050	64,389
Loss on impairment of assets									2,530	0	0
Total assets	1,714,819				1,579,581				1,714,819	1,579,581
Expenditures for long-lived assets									72,098	80,396	132,156
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(67,764)	(68,050)	(64,389)
Loss on impairment of assets									(2,530)	0	0
Rest of World
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Loss on impairment of assets										23,465
Reconciling items:
Loss on impairment of assets										(23,465)
Rest of World | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									214,720	330,423	452,937
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									32,411	53,352	52,080
Depreciation and amortization expense									20,659	21,668	30,953
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	0
Total assets	225,429				227,071				225,429	227,071
Expenditures for long-lived assets									9,697	8,126	23,089
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(20,659)	(21,668)	(30,953)
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	0
Online & Partnerships | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									690,374	704,976	707,998
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									204,543	208,237	191,019
Depreciation and amortization expense									35,440	38,452	37,161
Loss on impairment of assets									257	0	0
Total assets	$ 1,294,147				$ 1,297,798				1,294,147	1,297,798
Expenditures for long-lived assets									23,730	29,275	33,842
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(35,440)	(38,452)	(37,161)
Loss on impairment of assets									$ (257)	$ 0	$ 0

Business and Geographic Segme_5

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue from Customers by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total	$ 951,189	$ 818,601	$ 1,017,108	$ 598,978	$ 894,416	$ 770,833	$ 978,493	$ 658,122	$ 3,385,876	$ 3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total									765,358	690,377	672,372
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total									644,015	624,939	678,030
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total									635,637	633,471	632,773
Chile
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total									617,213	564,592	536,530
Peru
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total									450,719	389,815	356,684
Other foreign countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total									$ 272,934	$ 398,670	$ 523,385

Business and Geographic Segme_6

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 1,380,417	$ 1,361,465
Chile
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	387,422	367,856
Peru
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	327,908	299,014
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	245,781	252,289
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	237,109	218,531
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	104,995	116,390
Other foreign countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 77,202	$ 107,385

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Change in the Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 1,786,554	$ 1,951,444
Acquisitions	3,584	0
Dispositions	0	(148,264)
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale	(2,015)
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	40,242	(16,626)
Adjustments to prior acquisitions	0	0
Balance, end of period	1,828,365	1,786,554
Brazil
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	501,055	417,938
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale	0
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	(7,682)	83,117
Adjustments to prior acquisitions	0	0
Balance, end of period	493,373	501,055
Mexico
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	480,985	578,350
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale	0
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	22,388	(97,365)
Adjustments to prior acquisitions	0	0
Balance, end of period	503,373	480,985
Andean
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	253,911	246,375
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale	0
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	18,270	7,536
Adjustments to prior acquisitions	0	0
Balance, end of period	272,181	253,911
Rest of World
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	88,802	246,980
Acquisitions	3,584	0
Dispositions	0	(148,264)
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale	0
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	6,312	(9,914)
Adjustments to prior acquisitions	0	0
Balance, end of period	98,698	88,802
Online & Partnerships
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	459,786	459,786
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale	0
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	954	0
Adjustments to prior acquisitions	0	0
Balance, end of period	460,740	459,786
Other
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	2,015	2,015
Acquisitions	0	0
Dispositions	0	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale	(2,015)
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	0	0
Adjustments to prior acquisitions	0	0
Balance, end of period	$ 0	$ 2,015

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense for intangible assets	$ 11,514	$ 11,176	$ 14,349
Estimated future amortization expense, 2018	6,052
Estimated future amortization expense, 2019	3,744
Estimated future amortization expense, 2020	3,124
Estimated future amortization expense, 2021	2,877
Estimated future amortization expense, 2022	2,562
Estimated future amortization expense, thereafter	$ 17,420

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Subject to amortization:
Accumulated Amortization	$ (110,755)	$ (96,790)
Total	35,779	46,035
Not subject to amortization:
Tradenames	1,167,302	1,153,348
Gross Carrying Amount, Total	1,313,836	1,296,173
Net Carrying Amount, Total	1,203,081	1,199,383
Tradenames
Not subject to amortization:
Tradenames	1,167,302	1,153,348
Student rosters
Subject to amortization:
Gross Carrying Amount	80,564	77,763
Accumulated Amortization	(79,005)	(74,269)
Total	$ 1,559	$ 3,494
Not subject to amortization:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs)	1 year 10 months 24 days	3 years
Other
Subject to amortization:
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 65,970	$ 65,062
Accumulated Amortization	(31,750)	(22,521)
Total	$ 34,220	$ 42,541
Not subject to amortization:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs)	11 years 4 months 24 days	11 years 6 months

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Asset Impairment Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Total	$ 40,597	$ 23,465	$ 0
Continuing Operations
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net	2,696	0	0
Impairments of long-lived assets	4,425	0	0
Total	$ 7,121	$ 0	$ 0

Land Use Rights - Additional In

Land Use Rights - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Land use rights term	20 years
Land use rights, net	$ 1,572	$ 1,509
Amortization expense	5	5	$ 9
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Land use rights, net	44,800	43,800
Mexico
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Land use rights, net	$ 1,572	$ 1,509

Land Use Rights - Summary of La

Land Use Rights - Summary of Land Use Rights Recorded at net Carrying Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Cost	$ 1,787	$ 1,710
Less: Accumulated amortization	(215)	(201)
Total	$ 1,572	$ 1,509

Land Use Rights - Schedule of A

Land Use Rights - Schedule of Amortization Expense Related to Land Use Rights (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,018	$ 5
2,019	5
2,020	5
2,021	5
2,022	5
Thereafter	1,547
Total	$ 1,572	$ 1,509

Debt - Schedule of Long-term De

Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Capital lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings	$ 139,758	$ 144,646
Total long-term debt	3,200,565	3,499,424
Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs	105,299	42,184
Less: current portion of long-term debt	121,870	95,968
Long-term debt, less current portion	2,973,396	3,361,272
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	800,000	1,388,036
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	42,195	47,833
Total long-term debt	42,195	47,833
Notes payable and other debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	593,268	421,040
Senior and Other Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	3,060,807	3,354,778
Total long-term debt	3,075,463
Senior Long-term Debt | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	2,425,344	2,885,905
Secured Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 1,625,344	$ 1,497,869

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate An

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Senior and Other Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate maturities	$ 3,200,565	$ 3,499,424
Senior and Other Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2,018	115,468
2,019	103,894
2,020	129,334
2,021	138,316
2,022	181,609
Thereafter	2,406,842
Aggregate maturities	3,075,463
Less: discount, net	(14,656)
Total	$ 3,060,807

Debt - Debt Refinancing and Sen

Debt - Debt Refinancing and Senior Notes Due 2019 Exchange Transaction (Details)	Feb. 01, 2018	Aug. 11, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Apr. 26, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 21, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 15, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017	Feb. 06, 2017$ / shares
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding							$ 3,200,565,000	$ 3,499,424,000
Deferred financing costs							81,097,000	11,559,000	$ 11,942,000
Repurchase payments of long term debt							3,038,946,000	1,421,379,000	$ 528,025,000
Class A Common Stock
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required amount of proceeds received in public offering for exchange agreement to occur						$ 400,000,000
Gross proceeds from initial public offering, percent of equity value						10.00%
Class A Common Stock | IPO
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Sale price of common stock in IPO (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 14									$ 14
Senior Secured Credit Facility | Secured Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt							1,625,344,000	1,497,869,000
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility							52,000,000
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility			$ 141,000,000
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Incremental borrowing capacity			$ 300,000,000
Debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio			275.00%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt							800,000,000	1,388,036,000
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate										9.25%
Amount of debt to be exchanged						$ 250,000,000
Repurchase price, percent		104.625%
Debt outstanding		$ 1,125,443,000
Redemption price		1,177,495,000
Principal amount redeemed		$ 1,205,630,000
Shares converted (in shares) | shares		18,683,000
Common stock shares issuable, percentage of aggregate principal amount		104.625%
Amount to be divided by initial public offering price per share, to determine number of shares authorized for exchange		$ 261,600,000
Payment for interest and special interest accrued		$ 11,100,000
Period for repurchase of additional principal amount						60 days
Amount able to be purchased after IPO						$ 62,500,000
Repurchase of aggregate principal amount					$ 22,556,000
Repurchase payments of long term debt					$ 23,599,000
Senior Notes | The Senior Notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding			$ 800,000,000
Senior Notes | The Senior Notes due 2025 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			8.25%
Repurchase price, percent			106.188%
Senior Notes | The Senior Notes due 2025 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repurchase price, percent			100.00%
Senior Notes | The Senior Notes due 2025 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repurchase price, percent			108.25%
Percentage of principal amount redeemed			40.00%
Senior Notes | The Senior Notes due 2025 | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repurchase price, percent			100.00%
Convertible Debt | Exchanged Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt to be exchanged				$ 250,000,000
Deferred financing costs							70,800,000
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding							42,195,000	47,833,000
Total senior and other debt							$ 42,195,000	$ 47,833,000
Lines of credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate							9.51%	9.51%
Lines of credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate							6.50%	6.50%
Lines of credit | Secured Credit Facility | Walden University
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Receivables and intangibles pledged as collateral							$ 411,411,000	$ 409,971,000
Lines of credit | Secured Credit Facility | United States Guarantors
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of collateral pledged (no more than)							65.00%
Lines of credit | New Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility			$ 385,000,000
Lines of credit | New Credit Facilities | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility			$ 1,600,000,000
Borrowing under credit facility							$ 1,573,344,000
Lines of credit | Senior Secured Credit Facility | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amount of debt converted							$ 283,000,000
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.50%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			2.50%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.75%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			2.75%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of discount rate			1.00%
Deferred financing costs			$ 16,000,000
Percentage of amortization of debt discount			1.00%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount outstanding prepayment			101.00%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal amount outstanding prepayment			100.00%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate							6.07%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			4.50%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Maximum | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repurchase price, percent	1.00%
Basis spread on variable rate	3.50%
Decrease in basis spread on variable rate	0.01
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.50%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Minimum | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			4.25%
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Minimum | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.25%

Debt - Schedule Estimated Fair

Debt - Schedule Estimated Fair Values of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Carrying amount
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 3,060,807	$ 3,354,778
Estimated fair value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 3,117,437	$ 3,382,186

Debt - Certain Covenants (Detai

Debt - Certain Covenants (Details) - Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement	Apr. 26, 2017
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of utilized line of credit	25.00%
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio	4.75
Lines of credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required minimum Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio	4.5
Lines of credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required minimum Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio	3.75
Lines of credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required minimum Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio	3.5

Debt - Debt Modification and Lo

Debt - Debt Modification and Loss on Debt Extinguishment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs			$ 81,097	$ 11,559	$ 11,942
Loss on debt extinguishment			8,392	$ 17,363	1,263
Switzerland and Glion Institutions
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on debt extinguishment					932
Convertible Debt | Exchanged Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write off of deferred debt issuance costs		$ 1,681	8,392
Deferred financing costs			70,800
Convertible Debt | Exchanged Notes | General and Administrative Expense
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on modification of debt			$ 22,800
Convertible Debt | Fifth Amendment and Restated Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write off of deferred debt issuance costs	$ 15,682
Lines of credit | Senior Secured Credit Facility | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Write off of deferred debt issuance costs					$ 331

Debt - Debt Issuance Costs (Det

Debt - Debt Issuance Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-cash interest expense	$ 14,100	$ 23,100	$ 25,200
Deferred financing costs	81,097	11,559	$ 11,942
Unamortized balances of deferred financing costs	$ 105,299	$ 42,184

Debt - Other Debt (Details)

Debt - Other Debt (Details)	Dec. 22, 2017PEN (S/)	Dec. 20, 2017BRL (R$)	May 12, 2016USD ($)loan	Sep. 12, 2014USD ($)loan	Dec. 20, 2013AUD ($)loan	Oct. 31, 2017BRL (R$)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016AUD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014BRL (R$)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)campus	Dec. 31, 2017MXN ($)campus	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012loan	Dec. 31, 2017MXN ($)	Dec. 22, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2017PEN (S/)	Dec. 20, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 20, 2017BRL (R$)	May 12, 2016MXN ($)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015MXN ($)	Sep. 12, 2014BRL (R$)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding										$ 3,200,565,000		$ 3,499,424,000
Repayments of long-term debt										3,038,946,000		1,421,379,000	$ 528,025,000
Promissory notes payable										71,785,000		178,021,000
Sale-leaseback assets										8,788,000		10,333,000
Sale-leaseback financings										9,712,000		15,673,000
Net capital lease assets										101,189,000		108,351,000
Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable										$ 0		$ 100,382,000											R$ 250000000
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate										7.97%		7.97%			7.97%
Aggregate lines of credit										$ 88,138,000		$ 104,546,000
Debt outstanding										42,195,000		47,833,000
Available borrowing capacity										$ 45,943,000		$ 56,713,000
Lines of credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										6.50%		6.50%			6.50%
Lines of credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										9.51%		9.51%			9.51%
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility					$ 22,500,000
Borrowing under credit facility					22,500,000
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt							$ 8,100,000	$ 11,000,000
Borrowing under credit facility					$ 45,000,000					$ 34,749,000
Number of term loans (loan) | loan					2
Incremental borrowing capacity					$ 20,000,000					15,444,000
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility					22,500,000
Quarterly principal payments					1,125,000					869,000
Borrowing under credit facility					$ 22,500,000
Financed note term					5 years
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity under credit facility					$ 22,500,000
Financed note term					5 years
Lines of credit | Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility										16,087,000		$ 16,753,000
Incremental borrowing capacity								$ 15,000,000		11,583,000
Lines of credit | Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate							2.50%	2.50%
Quarterly principal payments								$ 833,000		643,000
Borrowing under credit facility								$ 10,000,000		$ 7,722,000
Interest rate										4.25%	4.25%	4.29%
Lines of credit | Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate							2.75%	2.75%
Borrowing under credit facility								$ 15,000,000		$ 11,583,000
Interest rate										4.50%	4.50%	4.55%
Notes payable and other debt | Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										10.60%		17.00%			10.60%
Number of loans outstanding (loan) | loan				2
Debt outstanding										$ 46,438,000		$ 59,841,000
Loan amount				$ 110,310,000																			R$ 259139000
Quarterly principal payments | R$						R$ 22027000			R$ 6478000
Notes payable and other debt | Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding										$ 38,641,000		$ 44,452,000
Notes payable and other debt | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) | Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				3.70%
Notes payable and other debt | Minimum | Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate										7.85%					7.85%
Notes payable and other debt | Maximum | Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate										8.70%					8.70%
Notes payable and other debt | Secured Notes Payable | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										3.96%		3.25%			3.96%
Notes payable and other debt | Secured Notes Payable | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										10.79%		18.53%			10.79%
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										10.72%		8.94%			10.72%
Number of loans outstanding (loan) | loan			1											2
Debt outstanding			$ 120,527,000							$ 112,625,000		$ 107,793,000								$ 2,224,600,000
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated in 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate												8.09%
Debt outstanding												$ 62,992,000
Loan amount																					$ 79,000,000	$ 1,300,000,000
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding										86,065,000
Loan amount										89,000,000					$ 1,700,000,000
Balloon payment										$ 21,516,000					$ 425,000,000
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 | Mexican Interbanking Offer Rate (TIIE)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate										10.02%	10.02%
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments										$ 2,152,000	$ 42,500,000
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments										3,873,000	$ 76,500,000
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Peru
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt										0
Debt outstanding										76,365,000
Loan amount																$ 76,000,000	S/ 247,500,000
Balloon payment										4,455,000							S/ 14,438,000
Interest rate																6.62%	6.62%
Periodic principal payment	S/ 9,281,000									2,864,000
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Brazil
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding										108,424,000
Loan amount																		$ 110,000,000	R$ 360000000
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Brazil | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt										$ 0
Basis spread on variable rate		2.55%								9.44%	9.44%
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Brazil | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) | Payment Period One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Periodic principal payment		R$ 13500000								$ 4,065,000
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Brazil | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) | Payment Period Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Periodic principal payment		22,500,000								6,777,000
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Brazil | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI) | Payment Period Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Periodic principal payment		R$ 27000000								$ 8,132,000
Notes payable and other debt | Financing of Construction of Campuses | Peru
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average short term borrowing rate										7.97%		7.97%			7.97%
Debt outstanding										$ 42,195,000		$ 47,833,000
Number of financed campuses (campus) | campus										2	2
Promissory notes payable												22,365,000
Notes payable and other debt | Financing of Construction of Campuses | Peru | Investor
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable										$ 19,162,000
Notes payable and other debt | Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary | Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding										$ 67,120,000		$ 62,695,000
Notes payable and other debt | Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary | Minimum | Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										3.96%		4.80%			3.96%
Notes payable and other debt | Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary | Maximum | Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										6.89%		8.08%			6.89%
Capital Lease Obligations | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										1.00%					1.00%
Capital Lease Obligations | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate										42.87%					42.87%

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Ma

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Our Total Future Value and Present value of the Minimum Capital Lease Payments and Payments Related to Sale-leaseback (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Future Value of Payments
2,018	$ 24,262
2,019	33,559
2,020	23,785
2,021	28,372
2,022	28,784
Thereafter	116,037
Total	254,799
Interest
2,018	17,860
2,019	17,723
2,020	16,776
2,021	15,270
2,022	13,511
Thereafter	33,901
Total	115,041
Present Value of Payments
2,018	6,402
2,019	15,836
2,020	7,009
2,021	13,102
2,022	15,273
Thereafter	82,136
Total	$ 139,758

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Future minimum lease payments	$ 1,219,882
Future minimum sublease income	40
Net rent expense	$ 170,099	$ 171,215	$ 191,581
Equipment
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Term of operating lease contract	60 months

Leases - Schedule of Minimum Le

Leases - Schedule of Minimum Lease Payments and Sublease Income (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Lease Payments
2,018	$ 154,909
2,019	142,947
2,020	133,033
2,021	126,324
2,022	121,225
Thereafter	541,444
Total	1,219,882
Sublease Income
2,018	40
2,019	0
2,020	0
2,021	0
2,022	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 40

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Noncontrolling Interest Holder Put Agreements and Company Call Arrangements (Details) RM in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jul. 11, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)campusoption	Dec. 31, 2017MYR (RM)campus	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2016
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		$ 917		$ 613	$ 4,613
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent		10.10%
INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of campuses of higher education institutions (campus) | campus		5	5
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent		10.00%
Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited and Creative Arts Education Society
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent						45.00%
Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent		10.00%
Puttable Non-controlling Interest
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity		$ 11,435
Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements		11,435
Puttable Common Stock
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity		9,436
Puttable Common Stock | INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity		9,436
Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements		$ 9,436
Number of options (option) | option		1
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent		10.10%
Option exercise term		30 days	30 days
Purchase price multiple of EBITDA		8	8
Income before income tax, depreciation and amortization		$ 9,800	RM 40,000
Additional purchase price multiple of EBITDA		6	6
Option expiration term		30 days	30 days
Puttable Common Stock | Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited and Creative Arts Education Society
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent	10.00%					45.00%
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, interest acquired	35.00%
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	$ 11,400
Puttable Common Stock | Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity		$ 1,938
Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements		1,938
Callable Noncontrolling Interest, Common Stock | Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited and Creative Arts Education Society
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent						35.00%
Percentage of noncontrolling interest of ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners						78.00%
Puttable common stock - not currently redeemable
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity		2,286		$ 3,125
Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements		$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Summary of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent allowed to be sold	10.00%
Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent allowed to be sold	10.00%
Puttable Common Stock
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Reported Value	$ 9,436
Puttable Common Stock | INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Estimated Value as of December 31, 2017 redeemable within 12-months:	9,436
Reported Value	$ 9,436
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent allowed to be sold	10.10%
Puttable Common Stock | Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Estimated Value as of December 31, 2017 redeemable within 12-months:	$ 1,938
Reported Value	1,938
Puttable Preferred Stock | Stamford International University
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Estimated Value as of December 31, 2017 redeemable within 12-months:	61
Reported Value	61
Puttable Non-controlling Interest
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Estimated Value as of December 31, 2017 redeemable within 12-months:	11,435
Reported Value	11,435
Puttable common stock - not currently redeemable
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Estimated Value as of December 31, 2017 redeemable within 12-months:	0
Reported Value	2,286	$ 3,125
Puttable Arrangements - Common and Preferred Stock
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Estimated Value as of December 31, 2017 redeemable within 12-months:	11,435
Reported Value	$ 13,721	$ 23,876

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock Offering (Details) $ in Thousands	Feb. 06, 2017shares	Dec. 20, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 04, 2016USD ($)investorshares	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Aug. 15, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Stock conversion discount to implied equity value							15.00%
Period for conversion of stock after first anniversary of initial public offering							1 day
Stock conversion price per share, trailing period							30 days
Maximum percentage of conversion price at which shares of stock are sold to the public							75.00%
Option to delay conversion, period							90 days
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity								$ (263)	$ 13,041
Additional paid-in capital
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity								(263)	$ 13,041
Minimum
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Shares expected to convert (in shares) | shares							35,300,000
Maximum
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Shares expected to convert (in shares) | shares							40,000,000
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Basis point decrease in dividends accrual rate			0.0075
Redemption price per share, multiple			1.15
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity							$ 292,450	1,719
Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity							400,276	332,957
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock | Additional paid-in capital
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity							292,450	$ 1,719
Accretion to redemption value							292,450
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock | Redeemable Preferred Stock, Dividend Accrual Period, Period One
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock accrual rate			10.00%
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock | Redeemable Preferred Stock, Dividend Accrual Period, Period Two
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock accrual rate			13.00%
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock | Redeemable Preferred Stock, Dividend Accrual Period, Period Three
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock accrual rate			16.00%
Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Beneficial Conversion Feature
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity							(265,368)
Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Beneficial Conversion Feature | Additional paid-in capital
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Beneficial conversion feature of preferred stock					$ 261,794		3,574
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity							$ (265,368)
Accretion period							1 year
Private Placement
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Number of investors (investor) | investor			6
Net proceeds from sale of stock		$ 328,000	$ 383,000	$ 55,000
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares		343,000						57,000
Sale of stock, amount financed				$ 57,000
Sale of stock redemption period			5 years
Private Placement | Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares agreed to be issued in transaction (in shares) | shares			400,000
Private Placement | Series A-1 Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares agreed to be issued in transaction (in shares) | shares			23,000
Private Placement | Series A-2 Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares agreed to be issued in transaction (in shares) | shares			377,000
IPO | Class A Common Stock
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of stock					$ 456,359	$ 456,500
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares	35,000,000
IPO | Class A Common Stock | Minimum
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of stock						$ 450,000

Commitments and Contingencies_4

Commitments and Contingencies - Other Loss Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 12, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)defendant	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2017	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term indemnification assets			$ 98,493	$ 97,606	$ 2,084		$ 2,084
UAM Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent		49.00%
Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible contingency loss			55,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term indemnification assets			935	1,202
Repayment Guarantee for Loans that Financed a Portion of the Purchase Price
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of shares as guarantee of payment obligations	75.00%
Repayment Guarantee for Obligations Under the Purchase Agreement for the Seller Notes
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of shares as guarantee of payment obligations	25.00%
Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded			18,000	15,000
Pending Litigation | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded			$ 4,000	3,000
Pending Litigation | Hunan International Economics University (HIEU)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of defendants (defendant) | defendant			5
Pending Litigation | Hunan International Economics University (HIEU) | Financial Guarantee
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, amount of loan			$ 29,000
Taxes, Other-Than-Income Tax
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, statues of limitations			10 years
Taxes, Other-Than-Income Tax And Indemnification Assets
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Increases/(decreases) to operating income for adjustments to non-income tax contingencies and indemnification assets			$ 2,586	(18,963)	$ (3,965)
Income Tax Contingencies
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded			103,189	103,471
Income Tax Contingencies | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded			9,300	6,786
Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others | Chile
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, noncurrent			27,073	20,636
Guarantee amount, maximum potential amount of payments			527,000	479,000
Guarantee Obligations
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percent of shares of company acquired in a business combination, used as a guarantee		49.00%
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Taxes, Other-Than-Income Tax
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, noncurrent			77,258	69,088
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Taxes, Other-Than-Income Tax | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, noncurrent			$ 7,240	$ 7,181
Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd | LEI Lie Ying Limited
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent						70.00%
HIEU; Hunan Lie Ying Mechanic School; Hunan Lie Ying Property Management Co., Ltd.; And Hunan International Economics University Vocational Skills Training Center | Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent						100.00%

Commitments and Contingencies_5

Commitments and Contingencies - Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Other Commitments (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Surety Bond
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee amount, maximum potential amount of payments		$ 13,980,000	$ 12,162,000
Cash Collateralized Letter Of Credit - Spain Tax Audits
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		39,505,000	34,746,000
Non-Collateralized Surety Bond - UAM Brazil | Surety Bond
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee amount, maximum potential amount of payments	$ 15,300,000
Cost of surety bond	$ 1,400,000
Guarantor obligation, term	P5Y
Kendall College, St. Augustine, Walden University, and NewSchool of Architecture and Design
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		$ 136,900,000	$ 105,600,000

Financing Receivables - Schedul

Financing Receivables - Schedule of Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing receivables	$ 20,380	$ 26,591
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(6,472)	(7,086)	$ (8,102)	$ (12,541)
Financing receivables, net of allowances	$ 13,908	$ 19,505

Financing Receivables - Summary

Financing Receivables - Summary of Aging of Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total past due (on non-accrual status)	$ 11,473	$ 13,184
Not past due	8,907	13,407
Total financing receivables	20,380	26,591
Chile
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total past due (on non-accrual status)	10,351	12,610
Not past due	8,494	11,758
Total financing receivables	18,845	24,368
Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Total past due (on non-accrual status)	1,122	574
Not past due	413	1,649
Total financing receivables	1,535	2,223
Financing Receivables, Less Than One Year Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	7,721	9,055
Financing Receivables, Less Than One Year Past Due | Chile
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	6,800	8,711
Financing Receivables, Less Than One Year Past Due | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	921	344
Financing Receivables, More Than One Year Past Due
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	3,752	4,129
Financing Receivables, More Than One Year Past Due | Chile
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	3,551	3,899
Financing Receivables, More Than One Year Past Due | Other
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	$ 201	$ 230

Financing Receivables - Allowan

Financing Receivables - Allowance For Credit Losses Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (7,086)	$ (8,102)	$ (12,541)
Charge-offs	2,238	4,741	3,859
Recoveries	(24)	(90)	4
Provision	(1,088)	(3,358)	(952)
Currency adjustments	(512)	(277)	1,528
Ending balance	(6,472)	(7,086)	(8,102)
Chile
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(6,209)	(7,240)	(11,063)
Charge-offs	1,910	4,631	3,648
Recoveries	(24)	0	0
Provision	(1,309)	(3,304)	(1,105)
Currency adjustments	(475)	(296)	1,280
Ending balance	(6,107)	(6,209)	(7,240)
Other
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(877)	(862)	(1,478)
Charge-offs	328	110	211
Recoveries	0	(90)	4
Provision	221	(54)	153
Currency adjustments	(37)	19	248
Ending balance	$ (365)	$ (877)	$ (862)

Financing Receivables - Summa_2

Financing Receivables - Summary of Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)loan
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing receivable, modifications, number of contracts (loan) | loan	446	676	1,044,000
Financing receivable, modifications, pre-modification recorded investment	$ 2,319	$ 3,665	$ 5,251
Financing receivable, modifications, post-modification recorded investment	$ 2,109	$ 3,165	$ 4,796
Financing receivable, modifications, subsequent default, number of contracts (loan) | loan	200	360	705
Financing receivable, modifications, subsequent default, recorded investment	$ 890	$ 1,352	$ 2,864

Share-based Compensation - Summ

Share-based Compensation - Summary of Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total continuing operations		$ 64,788	$ 38,809	$ 39,021
Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation	$ 15,000
Continuing Operations
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation		61,844	35,114	30,942
Deferred compensation arrangement		0	738	4,901
Total continuing operations		61,844	35,852	35,843
Continuing Operations | Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation		48,601	25,008	20,637
Continuing Operations | Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation		13,243	10,106	10,305
Discontinued Operations
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items]
Total continuing operations		$ 2,944	$ 2,957	$ 3,178

Share-based Compensation - Shar

Share-based Compensation - Share-based Deferred Compensation Arrangement (Details) - Deferred Compensation, Share-based Payments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2016	Dec. 29, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total deferred compensation	$ 18,200	$ 87,117
Interest on share-based compensation arrangements		6,117
Payments to employees	7,749	37,071
Deferred compensation liability			$ 17,463
Senior Notes Due 2019 | Senior Notes
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payments to employees	$ 10,453	$ 50,046

Share-based Compensation - Ince

Share-based Compensation - Incentive Plans (Details) - shares	Jun. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted in the period (in shares)					4,283,000	303,000	1,447,000
Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period					1 year 4 months 24 days
Employee Time Options | Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award requisite service period					5 years
Employee Time Options | Tranche Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award requisite service period					3 years
2007 Stock Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Awards granted (in shares)								0
2007 Stock Incentive Plan | Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares)				9,232,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period				10 years
Award vesting period				5 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	7,521,000
Number of additional shares authorized (in shares)		3,884,000	1,219,000
Options granted in the period (in shares)					4,038,000	254,000	1,073,000
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, And Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Accelerated vesting, change in ownership percentage	50.00%
Change In ownership, percentage of gross fair value of assets sold in 12 months period					80.00%
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, And Restricted Stock Units | Wengen
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Accelerated vesting, change in ownership percentage	50.00%
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award catch up period	8 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Performance Shares | Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Performance Shares | Tranche Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Performance Shares | Tranche Three
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Employee Time Options | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Employee Time Options | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	5 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan - Available Under the 2013 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	7,074,000
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan - Available Under the 2007 Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for grant (in shares)	447,000

Share-based Compensation - Stoc

Share-based Compensation - Stock Option Grant (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted in the period (in shares)					4,283,000	303,000	1,447,000
Exercise price of stock options granted in the period (in dollars per share)					$ 19.01	$ 23.29	$ 26.72
Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense				$ 15,000
Employee Time Options | Class B Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense		$ 5,100
Chief Executive Officer | Executive Profits Interests | Class B Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted in the period (in shares)	2,773,000
Chief Executive Officer | Executive Profits Interests | Class B Common Stock | Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price of stock options granted in the period (in dollars per share)	$ 17
Percent of options subject to exercise price range	50.00%
Chief Executive Officer | Executive Profits Interests | Class B Common Stock | Tranche Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise price of stock options granted in the period (in dollars per share)	$ 21.32
Percent of options subject to exercise price range	50.00%
Chief Executive Officer | Executive Profits Interests | Employee Time Options | Class B Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense			$ 14,600

Share-based Compensation - Amen

Share-based Compensation - Amendment to 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Details)	Jun. 19, 2017shares
Amended And Restated, The 2013 Plan | Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares)	14,714,000

Share-based Compensation - Equi

Share-based Compensation - Equity Award Modifications (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 19, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options					$ 8,914
Exercise prices (in dollars per share)					$ 19.30	$ 21.81	$ 26.12	$ 25.84
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)					9,903	10,928	11,427	10,919
Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense					$ 15,000
Class A Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average stock closing price period	20 days
Exercise prices (in dollars per share)	$ 17.44
Class A Common Stock | Weighted Average
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.44
Class B Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	5,300
Class B Common Stock | Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense			$ 5,100
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options					$ 2,500
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices (in dollars per share)		$ 23.20		$ 23.20
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares affected in modification of stock options (in shares)		5,338
Stock compensation expense				$ 6,000
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 5,000		$ 5,000

Share-based Compensation - Su_2

Share-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Options Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Options
Outstanding, of period (in shares)	10,928	11,427	10,919
Granted (in shares)	4,283	303	1,447
Exercised (in shares)	0	(245)	(460)
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(5,308)	(557)	(479)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	9,903	10,928	11,427
Exercisable (in shares)	8,606	9,004	8,293
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	9,847	10,790	11,110
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 21.81	$ 26.12	$ 25.84
Granted (in dollars per share)	19.01	23.29	26.72
Exercised (in dollars per share)	0	19.57	18.76
Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share)	18.34	23.78	28.52
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	19.30	21.81	26.12
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	19.38	21.48	24.32
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$ 19.31	$ 21.79	$ 26.08
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of period	$ 4,350	$ 20,339	$ 48,851
Exercised	0	899	3,365
Outstanding, end of period	0	4,350	20,339
Exercisable intrinsic value	0	4,350	20,328
Vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value	$ 0	$ 4,350	$ 20,339

Share-based Compensation - Su_3

Share-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range (Details) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 19.30	$ 21.81	$ 26.12	$ 25.84
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	9,903	10,928	11,427	10,919
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	8,606	9,004	8,293
$14.58 - $19.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	6,500
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	4 years 6 months 29 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	5,549
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	4 years 2 months 19 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	0.33%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	3.31%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	32.18%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	69.74%
$14.58 - $19.56 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 14.58
Expected Terms in Years	2 years 11 days
$14.58 - $19.56 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 19.56
Expected Terms in Years	10 years
$18.36 - $19.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		3,601	3,790
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		9 months 18 days	1 year 9 months 18 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		3,601	3,790
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		9 months 18 days	1 year 9 months 18 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.32%	0.32%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		4.20%	4.20%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		26.85%	26.85%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		52.47%	52.47%
$18.36 - $19.56 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 18.36	$ 18.36
Expected Terms in Years		1 year 10 months 24 days	1 year 10 months 24 days
$18.36 - $19.56 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 19.56	$ 19.56
Expected Terms in Years		6 years 11 months 12 days	6 years 11 months 12 days
$21.00 - $21.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	693
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	2 years 2 months 5 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	347
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	7 months 28 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	0.43%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	3.60%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	33.24%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	57.79%
$21.00 - $21.28 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 21
Expected Terms in Years	2 years 1 month 9 days
$21.00 - $21.28 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 21.28
Expected Terms in Years	6 years 8 months 1 day
$20.16 - $21.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		353	353
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		1 year 7 months 28 days	2 years 8 months 12 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		353	353
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		1 year 7 months 28 days	2 years 8 months 12 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.42%	0.42%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		3.60%	3.60%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		33.24%	33.24%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		52.47%	52.47%
$20.16 - $21.28 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 20.16	$ 20.16
Expected Terms in Years		2 years 1 month 9 days	2 years 1 month 9 days
$20.16 - $21.28 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 21.28	$ 21.28
Expected Terms in Years		6 years 6 months 7 days	6 years 6 months 7 days
$21.32 - $21.52
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	1,776
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	2 years 1 month 21 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	1,776
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	2 years 1 month 21 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	0.68%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	2.61%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	38.16%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	69.74%
$21.32 - $21.52 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 21.32
Expected Terms in Years	3 years 4 months 17 days
$21.32 - $21.52 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 21.52
Expected Terms in Years	6 years 6 months 18 days
$21.48 - $21.52
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		438	516
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		3 years 9 months 22 days	4 years 9 months 18 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		438	512
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		3 years 9 months 22 days	4 years 9 months 18 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.68%	0.68%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		2.63%	2.63%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		38.16%	38.16%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		52.47%	52.47%
$21.48 - $21.52 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 21.48	$ 21.48
Expected Terms in Years		3 years 4 months 17 days	3 years 4 months 17 days
$21.48 - $21.52 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 21.52	$ 21.52
Expected Terms in Years		6 years 6 months 29 days	6 years 6 months 29 days
$21.68 - $22.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	221
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	1 year 11 months 9 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	221
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	1 year 11 months 9 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	0.57%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	3.03%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	36.78%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	52.47%
$21.68 - $22.32 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 21.68
Expected Terms in Years	2 years 2 months 4 days
$21.68 - $22.32 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 22.32
Expected Terms in Years	6 years 6 months 7 days
$21.68 - $22.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		320	344
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		3 years 1 month 6 days	4 years 1 month 6 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		320	344
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		3 years 1 month 6 days	4 years 1 month 6 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.57%	0.57%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		3.03%	3.03%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		36.78%	36.78%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		52.47%	52.47%
$21.68 - $22.32 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 21.68	$ 21.68
Expected Terms in Years		2 years 2 months 4 days	2 years 2 months 4 days
$21.68 - $22.32 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 22.32	$ 22.32
Expected Terms in Years		6 years 6 months 7 days	6 years 6 months 7 days
$22.88 - $31.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	713
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	3 years 9 months 4 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	713
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	3 years 9 months 4 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	0.73%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	2.86%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	39.03%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	53.80%
$22.88 - $31.92 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 22.88
Expected Terms in Years	4 years
$22.88 - $31.92 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 31.92
Expected Terms in Years	6 years 6 months 7 days
$22.40 - $31.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		6,216	2,634
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		7 years 26 days	8 years 2 months 12 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		4,291	1,108
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		6 years 8 months 16 days	7 years 1 month 21 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.73%	0.73%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		2.86%	2.86%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		39.03%	39.03%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		58.84%	58.84%
$22.40 - $31.92 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 22.40	$ 22.40
Expected Terms in Years		4 years	4 years
$22.40 - $31.92 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 31.92	$ 31.92
Expected Terms in Years		7 years 1 month 13 days	6 years 6 months 7 days
34.52
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices			$ 34.52
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)			3,788
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			7 years 9 months 18 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)			2,184
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			7 years 9 months 18 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum			1.76%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum			2.07%
Expected Volatility, Minimum			51.51%
Expected Volatility, Maximum			53.51%
34.52 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected Terms in Years			6 years 7 days
34.52 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected Terms in Years			7 years 1 month 13 days
Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Share-based Compensation - St_2

Share-based Compensation - Stock Option Activity Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jun. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 7.84	$ 12.03	$ 13.80
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 8,914
Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 year 4 months 24 days
Employee Stock Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 7,149
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 1,765
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 year 3 months 18 days
Stock compensation costs not yet recognized, awards other than options		$ 17,249
Time Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation costs not yet recognized, awards other than options		6,505
Performance Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation costs not yet recognized, awards other than options		9,701
Market Based Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation costs not yet recognized, awards other than options		$ 1,043
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options					$ 5,000
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award catch up period	8 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award catch up period	8 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Minimum | Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Minimum | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Maximum | Employee Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	5 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Maximum | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	5 years

Share-based Compensation - Su_4

Share-based Compensation - Summary of Non-vested Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Shares
Non-vested, beginning of period (in shares)	1,038	865	694
Granted (in shares)	1,337	655	449
Vested (in shares)	(328)	(386)	(215)
Forfeited (in shares)	(397)	(96)	(63)
Non-vested, end of period (in shares)	1,650	1,038	865
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 25.97	$ 29.6	$ 32.48
Granted (in dollars per share)	16.65	23.27	26.28
Vested (in dollars per share)	22.35	29.36	31.48
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	23.33	26.51	31.08
Non-vested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 19.74	$ 25.97	$ 29.6

Derivative Instruments - Summar

Derivative Instruments - Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative assets
Derivative instruments	$ 48,186	$ 4,464
Derivative liabilities
Total derivative instrument assets	48,186	4,464
Total derivative instrument liabilities	13,848	12,968
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Interest rate swaps
Derivative assets
Derivative instruments	6,046	0
Derivative liabilities
Derivative liability, current	0	5,218
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net investment cross currency swaps
Derivative liabilities
Derivative liability, noncurrent	1,451	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities
Derivative liability, current	179	0
Derivative liability, noncurrent	0	330
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross currency and interest rate swaps
Derivative liabilities
Derivative liability, current	4,279	0
Derivative liability, noncurrent	7,939	7,420
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred Stock
Derivative assets
Derivative instruments	$ 42,140	$ 4,464

Derivative Instruments - Deriva

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)derivative_instrument	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)derivative_instrument	May 31, 2017USD ($)derivative_instrument	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2011derivative_instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative assets	$ 48,186,000			$ 4,464,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedging	0
Fair value of derivative assets	6,046,000			0
Derivative liability, current	0			5,218,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net investment cross currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, noncurrent	1,451,000			$ 0
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest rate swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of interest rate derivatives held (derivative instrument) | derivative_instrument			4		2
Derivative, floor interest rate			1.00%
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap, Instrument One
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount			$ 100,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate			1.756%
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap, Instrument Two
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount			$ 100,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate			1.796%
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap, Instrument Three
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount			$ 200,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate			1.796%
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap, Instrument Four
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount			$ 300,000,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate			1.763%
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Net investment cross currency swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gain or (loss) recognized in income on the ineffective portion of derivative instruments designated as hedging	$ 0
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | derivative_instrument	2	2
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument One
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 59,210,000	€ 50,000,000
Implied exchange rate	1.1842	1.1842
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument One | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Swaption interest rate	5.63%	5.63%
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument One | United States of America, Dollars
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Swaption interest rate	8.25%	8.25%
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Two
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 59,360,000	€ 50,000,000
Implied exchange rate	1.1872	1.1872
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Two | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Swaption interest rate	5.6675%	5.6675%
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Two | United States of America, Dollars
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Swaption interest rate	8.25%	8.25%

Derivative Instruments - Summ_2

Derivative Instruments - Summary of Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recorded In and Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	$ 9,875	$ 8,032	$ 5,629
Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	(7,584)	(10,660)	(10,660)
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	11,264	8,032	5,629
Interest rate swaps | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	(7,584)	(10,660)	(10,660)
Net investment cross currency swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	(1,389)	0	0
Loss Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Instruments - Deri_2

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 20, 2013AUD ($)loan	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)derivative_instrument	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)derivative_instrument	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2014AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)derivative_instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative assets			$ 48,186		$ 4,464
Lines of credit | Term Loan Two | Syndicated Facility Agreement
Derivative [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility	$ 22,500,000
THINK | Lines of credit | Term Loan | Syndicated Facility Agreement
Derivative [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility	$ 45,000,000		34,749
Number of term loans (loan) | loan	2
Days to enter into interest rate swap (within)	45 days
Required percentage of term loan to be converted to fixed interest rate (at least)	50.00%
THINK | Lines of credit | Term Loan One | Syndicated Facility Agreement
Derivative [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility	$ 22,500,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred Stock
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative assets			42,140		4,464
Included in issuance of Series A convertible redeemable Preferred Stock		$ 4,382
Unrealized gain on derivatives			33,294
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability, noncurrent			0		330
Derivative liability, current			179		0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Interest rate swaps | THINK
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount						$ 22,500,000
Variable interest converted			17,375			$ 22,500,000
Derivative, fixed interest rate						3.86%
Derivative liability, noncurrent			$ 179		330
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount | €				€ 200,000,000
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | derivative_instrument			6	6
Derivative liability, current			$ 4,279
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross currency and interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative liability, noncurrent			7,939		7,420
Derivative liability, current			4,279		0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross currency and interest rate swaps | Chile
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount							$ 31,000
Derivative liability, noncurrent			$ 7,939		$ 7,420
Derivative, number of instruments held (derivative instrument) | derivative_instrument							4
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Maturing December 1, 2024 | Chile
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, number of instruments held (derivative instrument) | derivative_instrument							1
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Maturing July 1, 2025 | Chile
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, number of instruments held (derivative instrument) | derivative_instrument							3

Derivative Instruments - Realiz

Derivative Instruments - Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) - Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$ 29,278	$ 946	$ (1,988)
Realized Loss	(622)	(7,030)	(619)
Total Gain (Loss)	28,656	(6,084)	(2,607)
Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred Stock
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	33,294	1,735	0
Total Gain (Loss)	33,294	1,735	0
Cross currency and interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	(4,191)	(873)	(2,133)
Realized Loss	(622)	(6,811)	(407)
Total Gain (Loss)	(4,813)	(7,684)	(2,540)
Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	175	84	145
Realized Loss	0	(219)	(212)
Total Gain (Loss)	$ 175	$ (135)	$ (67)

Derivative Instruments - Credit

Derivative Instruments - Credit Risk and Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Feature (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 48,186	$ 4,464
Fair value of derivative assets	48,186	4,464
Derivative liability	13,848	12,968
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative assets	$ 6,046	$ 0

Income Taxes - Schedule of Comp

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of the Income Tax (Expense) Benefit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current:
United States	$ 28,091	$ 2,285	$ (7,174)
Foreign	(99,127)	(69,609)	(104,514)
State	(400)	(166)	(392)
Total current	(71,436)	(67,490)	(112,080)
Deferred:
United States	124,043	(2,226)	(2,919)
Foreign	27,216	32,786	18,735
State	11,485	2,490	900
Total deferred	162,744	33,050	16,716
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$ 91,308	$ (34,440)	$ (95,364)

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 29, 2012USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2012EUR (€)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013audit	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign income from continuing operations before income taxes								$ 252,448	$ 879,257		$ 86,877
Domestic loss from continuing operations before income taxes								323,070	512,167		318,207
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, estimated income tax benefit							$ 135,700
Tax effect of rate changes							82,400	82,392	0		0
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, valuation allowance on deferred tax asset, estimated income tax benefit							53,400
Transition tax on unremitted earnings							(149,800)
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, transition tax provisional liability							3,200	3,200
Undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries							2,081,927	$ 2,081,927	$ 1,827,228
Percent of operating loss carryforwards									74.53%					74.53%
Period for cumulative loss position								3 years
Benefits from change in tax rate law								$ 215,600
Utilization of prior year taxes carryforwards								53,600
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance							711,767	711,767	$ 1,090,710
Interest and penalties related to income taxes								5,985	8,318		15,333
Accrued interest and penalties							39,058	39,058	39,123
Decrease in previously accrued interest and penalties								8,584	25,056		7,539
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective income tax rate							54,800	54,800
Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations							$ 12,100	12,100
Provisions for losses from tax audits								(91,308)	34,440		95,364
Chile
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Benefits from change in tax rate law								$ 2,967	$ 850		$ 2,700	$ 6,100
Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Percent of operating loss carryforwards									54.27%					54.27%
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Percent of operating loss carryforwards									20.26%					20.26%
Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Number of tax audits (audit) | audit													2
Possible loss from tax audits	$ 13,118	€ 11,051	$ 20,401	€ 17,187
Letters of credit outstanding, amount									$ 39,505					€ 33,282
Provisions for losses from tax audits									$ 42,100	€ 37,610
Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain | Subsequent Event
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income taxes paid					$ 35,100	€ 29,600

Income Taxes - Schedule of Co_2

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 674,088	$ 936,931
Depreciation	99,455	89,629
Deferred revenue	56,651	50,187
Allowance for doubtful accounts	25,525	28,767
Deferred compensation	42,684	60,972
Unrealized loss	56,857	70,930
Nondeductible reserves	40,001	34,146
Interest	17,457	9,172
Other	923	1,735
Total deferred tax assets	1,013,641	1,282,469
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment in subsidiaries	101,437	94,691
Amortization of intangible assets	295,410	353,490
Total deferred tax liabilities	396,847	448,181
Net deferred tax assets	616,794	834,288
Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets	(711,767)	(1,090,710)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (94,973)	$ (256,422)

Income Taxes - Reconciliations

Income Taxes - Reconciliations Valuation Allowance on Deferred Tax Assets (Details) - Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,090,710	$ 1,033,216	$ 940,245
Additions: charges to bad debt expense	(19,530)	44,116	150,054
Additions: charges to other accounts	0	13,378	0
Deductions	(359,413)	0	(57,083)
Balance at end of period	$ 711,767	$ 1,090,710	$ 1,033,216

Income Taxes - Reconciliation_2

Income Taxes - Reconciliations of the Reported Income Tax Expense by Applying United States federal Statutory Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax benefit (expense) at the United States statutory rate		$ 24,718	$ (128,482)	$ 80,966
Permanent differences		(21,628)	(21,636)	(15,003)
State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect		(1,154)	1,510	330
Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate		34,652	71,347	10,770
Change in valuation allowance		(115,470)	(47,863)	(139,291)
Effect of tax contingencies		10,980	26,610	(32,326)
Tax credits		19,829	19,399	25,842
Withholding taxes		3,901	(26,163)	(24,459)
U.S. tax on repatriated earnings		(875)	(67,796)	(1,451)
Impairments		0	0	(36)
Sale of subsidiaries		0	139,335	0
Transition tax on unremitted earnings		(149,800)	0	0
Tax effect of rate changes	$ 82,400	82,392	0	0
Change in valuation allowance		194,794	0	0
State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect		8,360	0	0
Other		609	(701)	(706)
Total income tax benefit (expense)		$ 91,308	$ (34,440)	$ (95,364)

Income Taxes - Schedule of Begi

Income Taxes - Schedule of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning of the period	$ 82,852	$ 77,179	$ 64,199
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	5,997	12,812	30,325
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	(10,095)	(3,440)	(12,350)
Additions for tax positions related to current year	11,551	14,795	47
Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	(7,355)	(10,514)	(4,697)
Settlements for tax positions related to prior years	(44)	(7,980)	(345)
End of the period	$ 82,906	$ 82,852	$ 77,179

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Sum

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Summary of Earnings (Loss) Per Share Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 171,631	$ (67,180)	$ 83,154	$ (166,767)	$ 23,634	$ 120,198	$ 325,541	$ (136,633)	$ 20,838	$ 332,740	$ (324,199)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									804	1,393	623
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									21,642	334,133	(323,576)
Numerator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value									(6,358)	33	6,879
Distributed and undistributed earnings to participating securities									(1)	(98)	(11)
Subtotal: accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity									(298,492)	(1,521)	(6,173)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic earnings per share									(276,850)	332,612	(329,749)
Net (loss) income from continuing operations available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share									(276,850)	332,612	(329,749)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense	$ 28,879	$ (36,309)	$ 33,943	$ 46,413	$ 14,829	$ (39,268)	$ 23,698	$ 34,187	72,926	33,446	8,354
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									(3,103)	4,268	(1,026)
Allocation of earnings from discontinued operations to participating securities									(5)	(16)	0
Net income from discontinued operations for basic earnings per share									69,818	37,698	7,328
Net income from discontinued operations for diluted earnings per share									$ 69,818	$ 37,698	$ 7,328
Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									172,409	133,295	132,950
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									172,409	134,406	132,950
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ (0.82)	$ 0.09	$ (1.34)	$ 0.13	$ 0.94	$ 2.43	$ (1.02)	$ (1.60)	$ 2.50	$ (2.49)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.14	(0.20)	0.19	0.29	0.14	(0.28)	0.17	0.26	0.40	0.28	0.05
Basic (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.48	(1.02)	0.28	(1.05)	0.27	0.66	2.60	(0.76)	(1.20)	2.78	(2.44)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.34	(0.82)	0.09	(1.34)	0.13	0.94	2.42	(1.02)	(1.60)	2.48	(2.49)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.14	(0.20)	0.19	0.29	0.14	(0.28)	0.17	0.26	0.40	0.28	0.05
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ (1.02)	$ 0.28	$ (1.05)	$ 0.27	$ 0.66	$ 2.59	$ (0.76)	$ (1.20)	$ 2.76	$ (2.44)
Stock options
Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Effect of dilutive stock (in shares)									0	833	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Effect of dilutive stock (in shares)									0	278	0
Puttable Arrangements - Common and Preferred Stock
Numerator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Accretion of temporary equity									$ 317	$ 263	$ (13,041)
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
Numerator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Accretion of temporary equity									$ (292,450)	$ (1,719)	$ 0

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Ant

Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	12,497	5,773	10,743
Restricted stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	986	181	430

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) ر.س in Thousands, د.م. in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands	Feb. 06, 2017shares	Feb. 22, 2016CNY (¥)	Dec. 16, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2017shares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)shares	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2017SAR (ر.س)loan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2017	Jan. 19, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 19, 2017MAD (د.م.)	Mar. 31, 2016SAR (ر.س)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests								$ 32,182,000				$ 12,118,000		$ 32,182,000
Purchase of noncontrolling interest												917,000		613,000	$ 4,613,000
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests												17,443,000		25,665,000	5,351,000
Payment of dividends to noncontrolling interests												19,371,000		1,505,000	20,472,000
Payments of deferred purchase price for acquisitions												$ (94,891,000)		$ (22,236,000)	(25,582,000)
Laureate Somed Education Holdings SA
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent												60.00%
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent								40.00%						40.00%
INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent												10.00%
Class A Common Stock | IPO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares	35,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid												$ 18,052,000
Affiliated Entity | INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payment of dividends to noncontrolling interests												77,000		$ 550,000	450,000
Affiliated Entity | Series A Preferred Stock | KKR And Snow Phipps
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares								60,000
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid												3,644,000
Affiliated Entity | Series A-2 Preferred Stock | KKR And Snow Phipps
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares								15,000
Majority Shareholder | Notes Payable | Wengen
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Note payable to related party			$ 11,000,000
Term of related party loan			3 years
Majority Shareholder | Notes Payable | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Wengen
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			4.25%
Floor interest rate			1.25%
Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated | Chilean Real Estate Subsidiary | UDLA Ecuador
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments of dividends												1,242,000		955,000	1,047,000
Transactions Between Laureate And Santa Fe University of Arts and Design (SFUAD) | Affiliated Entity | Santa Fe University of Arts and Design (SFUAD)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to related party												1,250,000
Transaction Between Laureate and Sylvan Laureate Foundation | Affiliated Entity | Sylvan Laureate Foundation
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, amounts of transaction											$ 2,000,000
Transaction Between Laureate And An Affiliate Of One Of The Wengen Investors | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, amounts of transaction												2,768,000		185,000	700,000
Transaction Between Laureate And An Affiliate Of One Of The Wengen Investors | Affiliated Entity | Class A Common Stock | IPO
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares) | shares							3,571,000
Related Party Notes Payable | Former Executive Officer
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Note payable to a former executive											$ 4,280,000
Note payable to related party																				$ 3,771,000
Transaction Between Laureate and I/O Data Centers, LLC (I/O) | Affiliated Entity | I/O Data Centers, LLC And Affiliates
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Costs incurred in transactions with related party												500,000		900,000	500,000
Consulting Services Associated With EiP Initiative | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, amounts of transaction												0		0	196,000
Consulting And Market Research | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments for services from related parties												0		0	158,000
Clinical Studies | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments for services from related parties												639,000		617,000	497,000
Chilean Real Estate Transactions | Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated | UDLA Ecuador
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests								$ 22,000,000						22,000,000
Repurchase Of Chilean Non-controlling Interest | Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Purchase of noncontrolling interest					$ 36,247,000
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests					$ 6,085,000
Transactions Between Laureate and a VIE Formerly Consolidated | Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other revenues from transactions with related party												13,927,000		13,970,000	13,879,000
Transactions Between Laureate and a VIE Formerly Consolidated | Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated | UDLA Ecuador
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to related party								9,190,000						9,190,000
Due from related parties								3,273,000						3,273,000
Transactions between Laureate and Noncontrolling Interest Holder of Laureate Somed Education Holding SA | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to related party								7,936,000				$ 8,953,000		7,936,000			$ 7,885,000	د.م. 74,262
Number of loans made by noncontrolling interest holders (loan) | loan												5	5
Related party loan, interest rate												4.50%	4.50%
Due to related parties, current												$ 3,016,000
Due to related parties, noncurrent												5,937,000
Transactions between China businesses and Noncontrolling Interest Holders of Hunan International Economics University | Affiliated Entity | Hunan International Economics University
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related party transaction, amounts of transaction										$ 2,000,000
Noncontrolling equity interest pledged in agreement										30.00%
Encumbered real property, carrying value								12,000,000				12,000,000		12,000,000
Transactions between China businesses and Noncontrolling Interest Holders of Hunan International Economics University | Affiliated Entity | Hunan International Economics University | Pending Litigation
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Damages sought, noncontrolling interest, ownership by noncontrolling owners		22.80%
Amount awarded to other party in the auction		¥ 508,000										$ 77,000,000
Laureate-Obeikan Ltd | Corporate Joint Venture [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in equity method investment												50.00%
Transactions Between Laureate and Laureate-Obeikan Ltd. | Corporate Joint Venture [Member] | Laureate-Obeikan Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to related party												$ 3,807,000							ر.س 14,279
Note payable to a former executive												1,600,000	ر.س 6,000
Due from related parties								2,245,000				0		2,245,000
Due to related parties, amounts written offs												645,000	ر.س 2,500
Transactions between Laureate and Noncontrolling Interest Holder of Monash South Africa (MSA) | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Due to related party								$ 2,020,000				3,371,000		2,020,000
Related party loan, interest rate											10.50%
Payments of deferred purchase price for acquisitions											$ 943,000
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests						$ 24,997,000						$ 0		$ 0	$ 3,952,000
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent															20.00%
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, interest acquired									20.00%
HIEU; Hunan Lie Ying Mechanic School; Hunan Lie Ying Property Management Co., Ltd.; And Hunan International Economics University Vocational Skills Training Center | Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent																100.00%
Hunan Lie Ying Industry Co., Ltd | LEI Lie Ying Limited
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent																70.00%
Subsequent Event | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) | Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests				$ 370,000

Benefit Plans - Additioal Infor

Benefit Plans - Additioal Information (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				62 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2007participant	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Maximum contributions of annual participants compensation, percent			80.00%
Maximum contributions of participants bonuses, percent			100.00%
Discretionary contributions by employer			$ 5,638	$ 4,737	$ 4,501
Net periodic benefit cost			434	2,343	$ 5,641
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, noncurrent			$ 14,470	14,128
Executive Officers and Board of Directors
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of vested deferred compensation			100.00%
Deferred compensation plan assets			$ 11,568	10,449
Deferred compensation plan liabilities			18,746	16,036
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, current			11,896	943
Forecast
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit cost		$ 538
Forecast | Executive Officers and Board of Directors
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Funding of deferred compensations		$ 5,200
Supplemental Employment Retention Agreement | Deferred Profit Sharing | Executive Officer
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets			6,898	8,621
Deferred compensation plan liabilities			15,970	15,628
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, current			1,500	1,500
Funding of deferred compensations						$ 1,500
Number of participants in retention agreement | participant	1
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, noncurrent			$ 14,470	$ 14,128

Benefit Plans - Summary of Net

Benefit Plans - Summary of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 661	$ 1,884	$ 4,408
Interest	165	318	730
Expected return on assets	0	(138)	(400)
Amortization of prior service costs	22	279	903
Recognition of actuarial items	(261)	0	0
Curtailment gain	(153)	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 434	$ 2,343	$ 5,641

Benefit Plans - Summary of Weig

Benefit Plans - Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate for obligations		8.50%
Rate of compensation increases		4.50%
Expected return in plan assets			0.75%
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate for obligations	5.25%		0.75%
Discount rate for net periodic benefit costs	4.75%	0.75%	1.00%
Rate of compensation increases	4.50%		2.00%
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate for obligations	9.25%		7.50%
Discount rate for net periodic benefit costs	8.50%	7.50%	7.00%
Rate of compensation increases	5.00%		4.50%

Benefit Plans - Summary of Chan

Benefit Plans - Summary of Change in Projected Benefit Obligations, in Plan Assets and Funded (Unfunded) Status (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in PBO:
PBO at beginning of year	$ 1,421	$ 61,559
Service cost	661	1,884	$ 4,408
Interest	165	318	730
Actuarial loss	(237)	(10)
Benefits paid by plan	(124)	(598)
Participants contributions	0	1,024
Curtailment gain	(153)	(18,474)
Settlements	0	(44,234)
Administrative expenses	0	0
Foreign exchange	71	(48)
PBO at end of year	1,804	1,421	61,559
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year	0	41,783
Actual return on assets	0	344
Employer contributions	0	1,276
Participant contributions	0	1,025
Benefits paid by plan	0	(367)
Administrative expenses	0	0
Settlements	0	(44,234)
Foreign exchange	0	173
Fair value of assets at end of year	0	0	$ 41,783
Unfunded status	1,804	1,421
Actuarial loss	(439)	(278)
Prior service cost	0	20
Amount recognized in AOCI, pre-tax	(439)	(258)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 1,804	$ 1,421

Benefit Plans - Schedule of Est

Benefit Plans - Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
2,018	$ 206
2,019	190
2,020	209
2,021	227
2,022	233
2023 through 2027	$ 1,826

Legal and Regulatory Matters -

Legal and Regulatory Matters - United States Postsecondary Education Regulation (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)educational_institutionprogram	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Kendall College, St. Augustine, Walden University, and NewSchool of Architecture and Design
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount | $	$ 136,900	$ 105,600
United States
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution	4
Percentage of funds received		15.00%
Number of failed programs (program)	1
Number of in the zone programs (program)	5
Percentage of students enrolled in failed programs	1.00%
Percentage of students enrolled in zone programs	5.00%

Legal and Regulatory Matters _2

Legal and Regulatory Matters - Brazilian Regulation (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)educational_institution	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 951,189	$ 818,601	$ 1,017,108	$ 598,978	$ 894,416	$ 770,833	$ 978,493	$ 658,122	$ 3,385,876	$ 3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution									13
Percentage of students enrolled in government programs									16.00%
Percentage of funds received									24.00%
Revenues									$ 765,358	690,377	672,372
Grant | Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 115,200	$ 83,900	$ 55,000

Legal and Regulatory Matters _3

Legal and Regulatory Matters - Turkish Regulation and Internal Investigation (Details) ₺ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Nov. 04, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014TRY (₺)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)license	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Assets		$ 7,391,285				$ 7,062,534						$ 7,391,285	$ 7,062,534
Liabilities		5,390,006				6,041,309						5,390,006	6,041,309
Revenues		951,189	$ 818,601	$ 1,017,108	$ 598,978	894,416	$ 770,833	$ 978,493	$ 658,122			3,385,876	3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Operating loss		140,116	$ 24,860	$ 196,047	$ (119,030)	125,903	$ 54,876	$ 172,643	$ (62,745)			241,993	290,677	259,072
Kendall College, St. Augustine, Walden University, and NewSchool of Architecture and Design
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		136,900				105,600						136,900	105,600
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Assets		1,419,579				1,309,113						1,419,579	1,309,113
Liabilities		449,561				424,297						449,561	424,297
Revenues												$ 123,237	113,276	$ 106,005
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Istanbul Bilgi University
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of licenses canceled by higher education council (license) | license												15
Charitable contributions	$ 13,000									$ 18,000	₺ 40,000
Required reimbursement from related party													29,000
Required reimbursement, other activities													8,000
Assets		112,000				83,000						$ 112,000	83,000
Liabilities		84,000				63,000						84,000	63,000
Revenues												101,000	106,000
Operating loss												28,000	26,000
Depreciation and amortization												6,000	6,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Istanbul Bilgi University | Consolidation Eliminations
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Due to related party		$ 37,000				$ 19,000						$ 37,000	$ 19,000

Fair Value Measurement - Summar

Fair Value Measurement - Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 48,186	$ 4,464
Derivative liability	13,848	12,968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	48,186	4,464
Derivative liability	13,848	12,968
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Derivative liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	0
Derivative liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	48,186	4,464
Derivative liability	$ 13,848	$ 12,968

Fair Value Measurement - Change

Fair Value Measurement - Change in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - Level 3 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ (8,504)	$ (19,776)
Gain (loss) included in earnings:
Unrealized gains, net	29,278	946
Realized losses, net	(622)	(7,030)
Included in other comprehensive income	9,875	8,032
Included in issuance of Series A convertible redeemable Preferred Stock	4,382	2,729
Settlements	622	7,030
Currency translation adjustment	(693)	(435)
Balance, end of period	$ 34,338	$ (8,504)

Fair Value Measurement - Quanti

Fair Value Measurement - Quantitative Information Related to Significant Unobservable Inputs Utilized to Calculate Fair Value (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] (Deprecated 2018-01-31)
Derivative asset	$ 48,186	$ 4,464
Derivative liability	13,848	$ 12,968
Level 3 | Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] (Deprecated 2018-01-31)
Derivative liability	(7,802)
Level 3 | Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] (Deprecated 2018-01-31)
Derivative asset	$ 42,140
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk | Level 3 | Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities | Discounted Cash Flow
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] (Deprecated 2018-01-31)
Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0437
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk | Level 3 | Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets | Monte Carlo Simulation Method
Fair Value Inputs, Liabilities, Quantitative Information [Line Items] (Deprecated 2018-01-31)
Derivative Liability, Measurement Input	0.0507

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 951,189	$ 818,601	$ 1,017,108	$ 598,978	$ 894,416	$ 770,833	$ 978,493	$ 658,122	$ 3,385,876	$ 3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Operating costs and expenses	811,073	793,741	821,061	718,008	768,513	715,957	805,850	720,867
Operating income	140,116	24,860	196,047	(119,030)	125,903	54,876	172,643	(62,745)	241,993	290,677	259,072
Income (loss) from continuing operations	171,631	(67,180)	83,154	(166,767)	23,634	120,198	325,541	(136,633)	20,838	332,740	(324,199)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense	28,879	(36,309)	33,943	46,413	14,829	(39,268)	23,698	34,187	72,926	33,446	8,354
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,664)	5,531	(712)	(2,454)	2,844	5,387	(1,849)	(721)	(2,299)	5,661	(403)
Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	195,846	(97,958)	116,385	(122,808)	$ 41,307	$ 86,317	$ 347,390	$ (103,167)	91,465	371,847	(316,248)
Accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(106,347)	(84,059)	(69,211)	(38,875)					(298,497)	(1,537)	(6,173)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$ 89,499	$ (182,017)	$ 47,174	$ (161,683)					$ (207,032)	$ 370,310	$ (322,421)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.34	$ (0.82)	$ 0.09	$ (1.34)	$ 0.13	$ 0.94	$ 2.43	$ (1.02)	$ (1.60)	$ 2.50	$ (2.49)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.14	(0.20)	0.19	0.29	0.14	(0.28)	0.17	0.26	0.40	0.28	0.05
Basic (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	0.48	(1.02)	0.28	(1.05)	0.27	0.66	2.60	(0.76)	(1.20)	2.78	(2.44)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.34	(0.82)	0.09	(1.34)	0.13	0.94	2.42	(1.02)	(1.60)	2.48	(2.49)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.14	(0.20)	0.19	0.29	0.14	(0.28)	0.17	0.26	0.40	0.28	0.05
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ (1.02)	$ 0.28	$ (1.05)	$ 0.27	$ 0.66	$ 2.59	$ (0.76)	$ (1.20)	$ 2.76	$ (2.44)

Other Financial Information - S

Other Financial Information - Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Included in Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 1,587,282	$ 664,392	$ 355,426	$ 1,056,548
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(925,556)	(1,052,055)	$ (952,677)	$ (579,041)
Foreign currency translation loss, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(927,221)	(1,044,222)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,657	(5,218)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,992)	(2,615)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(33)	(2,304)
Foreign currency translation loss, AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(33)	(2,304)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Minimum pension liability adjustment, AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(925,589)	(1,054,359)
Foreign currency translation loss, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(927,254)	(1,046,526)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	4,657	(5,218)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (2,992)	$ (2,615)

Other Financial Information - A

Other Financial Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Currency exchange adjustments attributable to intercompany loans	$ 289	$ 45,761	$ (116,028)
Write off of accounts and notes receivable	$ 93,000	$ 78,000	$ 72,000

Other Financial Information -_2

Other Financial Information - Summary of Transactions with Noncontrolling Interest Holders (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 195,846	$ (97,958)	$ 116,385	$ (122,808)	$ 41,307	$ 86,317	$ 347,390	$ (103,167)	$ 91,465	$ 371,847	$ (316,248)
Changes in noncontrolling interests									(36,617)	3,104	(3,365)
Change from net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests									79,896	372,850	(317,802)
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Changes in noncontrolling interests									$ (11,569)	$ 1,003	$ (1,554)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Nov. 06, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Line Items]
Cash interest payments		$ 384,290	$ 367,334	$ 351,430
Net income tax cash payments		130,469	$ 128,709	$ 108,295
Cash distributions declared	$ 18,975
Cash dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14264
Series A Preferred Stock
Stockholders' Equity Note [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid		$ 18,052

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) € in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 25, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 25, 2018CNY (¥)	Jan. 25, 2018HKD ($)	Jan. 15, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 11, 2018EUR (€)	Apr. 26, 2017	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)educational_institution	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)stundent	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 25, 2018CNY (¥)	Jan. 25, 2018HKD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 951,189	$ 818,601	$ 1,017,108	$ 598,978	$ 894,416	$ 770,833	$ 978,493	$ 658,122		$ 3,385,876	$ 3,301,864	$ 3,399,774
Operating loss									$ (140,116)	$ (24,860)	$ (196,047)	$ 119,030	$ (125,903)	$ (54,876)	$ (172,643)	$ 62,745		(241,993)	(290,677)	(259,072)
Depreciation and amortization																		264,742	264,879	282,946
Cash interest payments																		384,290	367,334	351,430
Chile
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revenues																		617,213	$ 564,592	$ 536,530
Subsidiaries | Chile | Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution								3
Ownership percentage in equity method investment								30.00%
Subsidiaries | Chile | Minimum | Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Write-off of net assets due to deconsolidation								$ 600,000
Decrease in revenue due to deconsolidation																	$ 410,000
Subsidiaries | Chile | Maximum | Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Write-off of net assets due to deconsolidation								$ 850,000
Decrease in revenue due to deconsolidation																	$ 430,000
Kendall College | Guarantor Subsidiaries
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Revenues																		23,300
Operating loss																		23,000
Depreciation and amortization																		$ 1,700
Number of students within the institution (student) | stundent																		1,100
Lines of credit | Term Loan | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Minimum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate							3.50%
Lines of credit | Term Loan | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Maximum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate							4.50%
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | European University–Cyprus Ltd And Laureate Italy S.r.L.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net proceeds from dispositions																		$ 275,000
Subsequent Event | Payment Guarantee | Construction Contracts | Kendall College
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Guarantor obligations, amount of loan					$ 14,000
Guarantor obligation, term					P10Y
Payments for transaction fees of guarantor agreement					$ 500
Subsequent Event | Lines of credit | Term Loan | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayments of debt	$ 350,000
Cash interest payments	$ 1,239
Subsequent Event | Lines of credit | Term Loan | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Minimum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
Subsequent Event | Lines of credit | Term Loan | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Maximum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	3.50%
Repurchase price, percent	1.00%
Subsequent Event | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | European University–Cyprus Ltd And Laureate Italy S.r.L.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net proceeds from dispositions | €						€ 232,000
Subsequent Event | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | LEI Lie Ying Limited
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net proceeds from dispositions		$ 95,000	¥ 625,000	$ 745,000
Disposal transaction fees		3,000	20,000	23,000
Proceeds from first holdback payment		18,300	120,000
Proceeds from second holdback payment		9,150	60,000
Subsequent Event | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | LEI Lie Ying Limited | Affiliated Entity
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net proceeds from dispositions		33,000	214,840	256,000
Disposal transaction fees		13,000	86,000	102,000
Subsequent Event | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | LEI Lie Ying Limited
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration received from dispositions		218,000																			¥ 1,430,000	$ 1,706,000
Consideration adjustments from dispositions		$ 7,600	¥ 50,000	$ 60,000