| Cover | Oct. 21, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 21, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 001-38002 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Laureate Education, Inc. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000912766 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 52-1492296 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 650 South Exeter Street |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Baltimore |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 21202 |
| City Area Code | 410 |
| Local Phone Number | 843-6100 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A common stock, par value $0.004 per share |
| Trading Symbol | LAUR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
