| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 24, 2022 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000912766 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 24, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Laureate Education, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-38002 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 52-1492296 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 78 SW 7th Street |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 900 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Miami |
| Entity Address, State or Province | FL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 33130 |
| City Area Code | (413) |
| Local Phone Number | 931-8764 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common stock, par value $0.004 per share |
| Trading Symbol | LAUR |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
