Laureate Education (LAUR) 10-K 27 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Feb. 14, 2020	Jun. 28, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-38002
Entity Registrant Name	Laureate Education, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	52-1492296
Entity Address, Address Line One	650 S. 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
Title of 12(b) Security	Class A common stock, par value $0.004 per share
Trading Symbol	LAUR
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1,758
Documents Incorporated by Reference	The registrant incorporates by reference its definitive proxy statement with respect to its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days following the end of its fiscal year, into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10‑K.
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0000912766
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		118,578,038
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		90,814,034

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 3,250,326	$ 3,290,213	$ 3,333,073
Costs and expenses:
Direct costs	2,671,557	2,697,049	2,775,326
General and administrative expenses	252,179	299,264	315,471
Loss on impairment of assets	470	10,030	7,121
Operating income	326,120	283,870	235,155
Interest income	12,209	11,856	11,865
Interest expense	(167,331)	(235,214)	(334,900)
Loss on debt extinguishment	(28,267)	(7,481)	(8,392)
Gain on derivatives	7,277	88,292	28,656
Other income (expense), net	9,222	12,226	(1,892)
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net	(27,081)	(32,564)	3,231
(Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net	(37,751)	254	(10,490)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates	94,398	121,239	(76,767)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(80,656)	(131,771)	92,989
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates, net of tax	219	(2)	152
Income (loss) from continuing operations	13,961	(10,534)	16,374
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $17,539 for 2019, $48,771 for 2018 and $26,176 for 2017	53,941	84,884	77,390
Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, including tax benefit of $33,472 for 2019, $3,466 for 2018 and $0 for 2017	869,762	296,580	0
Net income	937,664	370,930	93,764
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	820	(863)	(2,299)
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	938,484	370,067	91,465
Accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(208)	(62,825)	(298,497)
Gain upon conversion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock	0	74,110	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 938,276	$ 381,352	$ (207,032)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0	$ (1.64)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	4.17	1.79	0.44
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	4.23	1.79	(1.20)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.06	(0.06)	(1.64)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	4.16	1.79	0.44
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 4.22	$ 1.73	$ (1.20)

Consolidated Statements of Op_2

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income from discontinued operations, tax	$ 17,539,000	$ 48,771,000	$ 26,176,000
Tax from gain on sales of discontinued operations	$ 33,472,000	$ 3,466,000	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 937,664	$ 370,930	$ 93,764
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	42,935	(200,006)	120,436
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	(7,950)	13,709	9,875
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $144 and $105, respectively	3,596	(350)	(377)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	38,581	(186,647)	129,934
Comprehensive income	976,245	184,283	223,698
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	953	(1,355)	(4,570)
Comprehensive income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 977,198	$ 182,928	$ 219,128

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 0
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, tax	0
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, tax	0
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes VIE amounts of $157,003 and $158,387, see Note 2)	$ 339,629	$ 387,780
Restricted cash	186,921	195,792
Receivables:
Accounts and notes receivable	432,910	373,855
Other receivables	18,350	11,357
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(190,785)	(159,931)
Receivables, net	260,475	225,281
Income tax receivable	22,416	18,515
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49,686	52,079
Current assets held for sale	83,800	337,686
Total current assets	942,927	1,217,133
Notes receivable, net	9,882	2,397
Property and equipment:
Land	229,663	234,826
Buildings	662,376	645,177
Furniture, equipment and software	952,599	952,117
Leasehold improvements	329,011	356,660
Construction in-progress	57,393	60,919
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,031,823)
Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(974,358)
Property and equipment, net	1,199,219
Property and equipment, net		1,275,341
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	861,878	0
Land use rights, net	1,628	1,552
Goodwill	1,701,495	1,707,089
Other intangible assets:
Tradenames	1,119,454	1,126,244
Other intangible assets, net	1,431	25,429
Deferred costs, net	69,998	66,835
Deferred income taxes	125,417	136,487
Derivative instruments	0	3,259
Other assets	176,326	172,673
Long-term assets held for sale	305,973	1,035,197
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $948,632 and $1,196,813, see Note 2)	6,515,628	6,769,636
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	119,523	65,357
Accrued expenses	214,808	222,162
Accrued compensation and benefits	182,080	194,678
Deferred revenue and student deposits	216,816	193,226
Current portion of operating leases	91,558	0
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases	118,822	100,818
Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies	11,523	23,820
Income taxes payable	25,501	17,864
Derivative instruments	0	4,021
Other current liabilities	25,969	46,621
Current liabilities held for sale	64,204	321,520
Total current liabilities (includes VIE amounts of $142,343 and $207,977, see Note 2)	1,070,804	1,190,087
Long-term operating leases, less current portion	792,358	0
Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion	1,260,317	2,593,094
Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion	9,995	21,571
Deferred compensation	12,744	12,778
Income taxes payable	62,200	90,087
Deferred income taxes	218,378	217,558
Derivative instruments	0	6,656
Other long-term liabilities	147,472	213,600
Long-term liabilities held for sale	124,914	358,863
Total liabilities (includes VIE amounts of $257,199 and $274,744, see Note 2)	3,699,182	4,704,294
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	12,295	14,396
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share – 49,889 shares authorized as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 respectively, no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	3,724,636	3,703,796
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	436,509	(530,919)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,073,981)	(1,112,695)
Treasury stock at cost (16,008 shares held at December 31, 2019 and 0 shares held at December 31, 2018)	(271,106)	0
Total Laureate Education, Inc. stockholders' equity	2,816,963	2,061,079
Noncontrolling interests	(12,812)	(10,133)
Total stockholders' equity	2,804,151	2,050,946
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	6,515,628	6,769,636
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	542	430
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 363	$ 467

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 339,629	$ 387,780
Current assets	942,927	1,217,133
Total assets	6,515,628	6,769,636
Current liabilities	1,070,804	1,190,087
Liabilities	$ 3,699,182	$ 4,704,294
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.001	$ 0.001
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	49,889,000	49,889,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	16,008,000	0
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	700,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	119,575,000	107,450,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	119,575,000	107,450,000
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	175,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	90,831,000	116,865,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	90,831,000	116,865,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 157,003	$ 158,387
Current assets	346,125	483,613
Total assets	948,632	1,196,813
Current liabilities	142,343	207,977
Liabilities	$ 257,199	$ 274,744

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ 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 Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Beneficial Conversion Feature	(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Treasury stock at cost	Non-controlling interests	Previously Reported	Previously ReportedCommon StockClass A Common Stock	Previously ReportedCommon StockClass B Common Stock	Previously ReportedAdditional paid-in capital	Previously Reported(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	Previously ReportedAccumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Previously ReportedTreasury stock at cost	Previously ReportedNon-controlling interests	Restatement Adjustment	Restatement Adjustment(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
Balance of beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016							133,376,000	0	0
Balance, beginning 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
Reclassification of Common stock into Class B common stock on January 31, 2017 (in shares)							(133,376,000)		133,376,000
Reclassification of Common stock into Class B common stock on January 31, 2017	0						$ (534)		$ 534
Issuance of Class A common stock in initial public offering (in shares)								35,000,000
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)								1,229,000	(1,229,000)
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares	$ 0							$ 5	$ (5)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	0
Note exchange transaction (in shares)								18,683,000
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)								140,000	296,000
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 from/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	317			$ (5,183)							$ (5,183)
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock	0				$ (292,450)
Reclassification of Series A Preferred Stock upon conversion						$ 265,368						$ 265,368
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(917)															(917)
Net income	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 (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	9,875													9,875
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $144 and $105, respectively	(377)													(377)
Balance of end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017							0	55,052,000	132,443,000
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2017	1,632,532						$ 0	$ 220	$ 530	3,446,206			(900,986)	(925,556)	$ 0	12,118	$ 1,587,282	$ 220	$ 530	$ 3,446,206	$ (946,236)	$ (925,556)	$ 0	$ 12,118
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adoption of accounting standards																									$ 45,250	$ 45,250
Non-cash stock compensation	10,791									10,791
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)								15,638,000	(15,638,000)
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares	$ 0							$ 63	$ (63)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	0
Vesting of restricted stock and exercise of stock options, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding (in shares)								617,000	60,000
Vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding	$ (2,528)							$ 3	$ 0	(2,531)
Distributions from/to noncontrolling interest holders	334															334
Changes in noncontrolling interests	(23,776)									(471)						(23,305)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(292)									(292)
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock	(61,974)					$ 265,368
Gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock	74,110									74,110
Reclassification of Series A Preferred Stock upon conversion	238,101							$ 144		237,957
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(635)															(635)
Net income	370,930												370,067			863
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	(200,006)													(200,498)		492
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	13,709													13,709
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $144 and $105, respectively	(350)													(350)
Balance of end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018		107,450,000	116,865,000					107,450,000	116,865,000
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2018	2,050,946							$ 430	$ 467	3,703,796			(530,919)	(1,112,695)	0	(10,133)	$ 2,079,890	$ 430	$ 467	$ 3,703,796	$ (501,975)	$ (1,112,695)	$ 0	$ (10,133)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Adoption of accounting standards																									$ 28,944
Non-cash stock compensation	12,994									12,994
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)								26,034,000	(26,034,000)
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares	0							$ 104	$ (104)
Purchase of treasury stock at cost (in shares)								(16,008,000)
Purchase of treasury stock at cost	$ (271,106)														(271,106)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	1,569,000							2,099,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 11,762							$ 8		11,754
Distributions from/to noncontrolling interest holders	1,356															1,356
Changes in noncontrolling interests	(3,700)									(3,700)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(208)									(208)
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock	0
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(370)															(370)
Net income	937,664												938,484			(820)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	42,935													43,068		(133)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	(7,950)													(7,950)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $144 and $105, respectively	3,596													3,596
Balance of end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019		119,575,000	90,831,000					119,575,000	90,831,000
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 2,804,151							$ 542	$ 363	$ 3,724,636			$ 436,509	$ (1,073,981)	$ (271,106)	$ (12,812)

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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	$ 0	$ 144	$ 105

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 937,664	$ 370,930	$ 93,764
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	193,356	239,998	264,742
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets	122,673	0	0
Loss on impairment of assets	43,754	13,110	40,597
Gain on sales and disposal of subsidiaries and property and equipment, net	(796,333)	(292,108)	(5,837)
Gain on derivative instruments	(7,438)	(89,143)	(29,278)
(Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts	(8,772)	14,117	0
Loss on debt extinguishment	28,752	7,481	8,392
Non-cash interest expense	3,535	15,408	49,582
Interest paid on deferred purchase price for acquisitions	(5,305)	(4,463)	(39,419)
Non-cash share-based compensation expense	12,994	10,791	64,788
Bad debt expense	100,829	112,440	124,308
Deferred income taxes	(29,813)	(7,474)	(164,785)
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss	29,186	37,796	4,135
Non-cash loss (gain) from non-income tax contingencies	9,075	6,839	(2,883)
Other, net	(5,341)	(10,297)	3,463
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(163,202)	(83,316)	(129,335)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(42,047)	(39,347)	(60,051)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,574	(7,512)	(30,407)
Income tax receivable/payable, net	(36,220)	48,875	(10,695)
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	(53,152)	52,733	11,076
Net cash provided by operating activities	339,769	396,858	192,157
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(155,641)	(238,046)	(274,063)
Expenditures for deferred costs	(17,701)	(19,866)	(19,717)
Receipts from sales of discontinued operations, net of cash sold, property and equipment and other	1,266,042	375,807	9,831
Settlement of derivatives related to sale of discontinued operations and net investment hedge	12,866	(9,960)	0
Proceeds from property insurance recoveries and corporate-owned life insurance	842	27,356	370
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(1,205)	(17,019)	(835)
Payments from (to) related parties and investments in affiliates	84	(2,778)	(268)
Proceeds from sale of investment	11,473	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	1,116,760	115,494	(284,682)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of original issue discount	1,123,179	485,470	2,898,836
Payments on long-term debt	(2,507,790)	(867,915)	(3,038,946)
Payments of deferred purchase price for acquisitions	(20,157)	(13,650)	(94,891)
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests	(5,761)	(127)	(17,443)
Proceeds from issuance of convertible redeemable preferred stock, net of issuance costs	0	0	55,290
Payment of dividends on Series A Preferred Stock and to noncontrolling interests	0	(11,103)	(19,371)
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of issuance costs	0	0	456,359
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	14,007	0	0
Payments to repurchase common stock	(264,093)	0	0
Withholding of shares to satisfy tax withholding for vested stock awards and exercised stock options	(2,245)	(2,528)	(2,151)
Payments of debt issuance costs and redemption and call premiums for debt modification	(9,091)	(587)	(81,242)
Noncontrolling interest holder's loan to subsidiaries	0	0	943
Distributions (to) from noncontrolling interest holders	(2,026)	311	186
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,673,977)	(410,129)	157,570
Effects of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash	(7,338)	(13,481)	25,906
Change in cash included in current assets held for sale	167,764	(30,915)	(32,983)
Net change in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash	(57,022)	57,827	57,968
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period	583,572	525,745	467,777
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period	$ 526,550	$ 583,572	$ 525,745

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 portfolio 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. The Company completed its initial public offering (IPO) on February 6, 2017 and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol ‘‘LAUR.’’ Discontinued Operations On August 9, 2018 , the Company announced the divestiture of 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. Previously, the Company had announced the divestiture of certain subsidiaries in the Rest of World and Central America & U.S. Campuses segments. After completing all of these announced divestitures, the Company’s remaining principal markets would be Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, along with the Online & Partnerships segment and the institutions in Australia and New Zealand. This represented a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company's operations and financial results. Accordingly, all of the divestitures that were part of this strategic shift, including the divestitures announced on August 9, 2018 and those announced previously, as well as the Company's operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that were managed under a contract that expired on August 31, 2019 and was not renewed, are accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205-20, ‘‘Discontinued Operations’’ (ASC 205). See Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale , for more information. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the footnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements relates to continuing operations. Exploration of Strategic Alternatives As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , on January 27, 2020 , Laureate announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to explore strategic alternatives for each of its businesses to unlock shareholder value. As part of this process, the Company will evaluate all potential options for its remaining businesses, including sales, spin-offs or business combinations. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of this process, including whether it will result in the completion of any transaction, as to the values that may be realized from any potential transaction or as to how long the review process will take.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2019 , the Laureate network includes five VIE institutions in three countries. Of these five institutions, four are included in continuing operations and one is a discontinued operation. 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. 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 loss (income) 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 so 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 that 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 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 $39,005 , $100,227 and $123,237 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , 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. The VIEs in Brazil and Mexico include several not-for-profit foundations that had 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, 2019 2018 2017 Selected Statements of Operations information: Revenues, by segment: Brazil $ — $ — $ 104 Mexico 57 94 — Andean 435,648 441,294 418,019 Revenues 435,705 441,388 418,123 Depreciation and amortization 25,584 25,489 26,899 Operating income (loss), by segment: Brazil 20 (71 ) (1 ) Mexico (333 ) (489 ) (876 ) Andean 50,816 9,692 (4,858 ) Operating income (loss) 50,503 9,132 (5,735 ) Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 55,212 33,199 13,035 Included in 2018 and 2017 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 had in a for-profit, education-related real estate subsidiary of Laureate in Chile. This non-operating investment income, which eliminated in consolidation, totaled $14,331 and $11,696 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. related to VIEs that are included in discontinued operations totaled $9,577 , $86,887 and $30,145 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The following table reconciles the Net income 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, 2019 2018 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.: Variable interest entities $ 55,212 $ 33,199 $ 13,035 Other operations including discontinued operations 840,755 503,149 513,205 Corporate and eliminations 42,517 (166,281 ) (434,775 ) Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 938,484 $ 370,067 $ 91,465 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. December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 VIE Consolidated VIE Consolidated Balance Sheets data: Cash and cash equivalents $ 157,003 $ 339,629 $ 158,387 $ 387,780 Current assets held for sale 16,050 83,800 183,880 337,686 Other current assets 173,072 519,498 141,346 491,667 Total current assets 346,125 942,927 483,613 1,217,133 Goodwill 159,957 1,701,495 168,473 1,707,089 Tradenames 61,691 1,119,454 66,929 1,126,244 Other intangible assets, net — 1,431 — 25,429 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 65,761 861,878 — — Long-term assets held for sale 52,519 305,973 165,087 1,035,197 Other long-term assets 262,579 1,582,470 312,711 1,658,544 Total assets 948,632 6,515,628 1,196,813 6,769,636 Current liabilities held for sale 11,741 64,204 101,320 321,520 Other current liabilities 130,602 1,006,600 106,657 868,567 Long-term operating leases, less current portion 56,571 792,358 — — Long-term liabilities held for sale 29,666 124,914 42,265 358,863 Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities 28,619 1,711,106 24,502 3,155,344 Total liabilities 257,199 3,699,182 274,744 4,704,294 Total stockholders' equity 691,433 2,804,151 922,069 2,050,946 Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 691,433 2,816,963 921,747 2,061,079 The amounts classified as held-for-sale assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 in the table above relate to a VIE that is included in our Central America & U.S. Campuses segment. The amounts classified as held-for-sale assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 in the table above relate to VIEs that were included in our Rest of World, Andean and Central America & U.S. Campuses segments. Refer to Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale , for further discussion. The VIEs' cash balances are generally required to be used only for the benefit of the operations of these VIEs. Chile - Higher Education Law On May 29, 2018, a new Higher Education Law (the New Law) was enacted. Among other things, the New Law prohibits conflicts of interests and related party transactions involving universities and their controlling parties, with certain exceptions. These exceptions include the provision of services that are educational in nature or essential for the university’s purposes. The New Law established a Superintendency of Higher Education, with authority to regulate institutions of higher education and promulgate regulations and procedures implementing the New Law. As of May 29, 2019, the New Law’s provisions regarding related party transactions came into force and the Superintendent has since issued further interpretive guidance and regulations. Immediately prior to these provisions coming into force, each of the Chilean non-profit universities and the relevant Laureate services provider reached an agreement to terminate the prior network services agreement in favor of an open bidding process, wherein unrelated third parties and Laureate-related providers were invited to compete in the provision of the range of services that are essential to the fulfillment of each of their academic missions. Each of the Chilean non-profit universities has completed all of the bidding and contractual processes subsequent to the May 2019 contract terminations. The Company participated in these open bid processes, conducted by a third party, and was judged to have submitted the superior bid in many of them. Awarded contracts entered into force once the applicable university's board approved them or in January 2020, in the case of some of the educational services, due to the academic calendar. Within the ordinary regulatory course of supervision, the Company and the Chilean non-profit universities will continue to interact with the Superintendent to maintain compliance with the New Law. We do not believe that the New Law will change our relationship with our two technical-vocational institutions in Chile that are for-profit entities. Additionally, we will continue to evaluate our accounting treatment of the Chilean non-profit universities to determine whether we can continue to consolidate them. Our continuing evaluation of the impact of the New Law may result in changes to our expectations due to changes in our interpretations of the law, assumptions used, and additional guidance that may be issued. 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 (loss) of affiliates, net of tax , in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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. Cash payments of contingent consideration that are made soon after the consummation of a business combination are classified within investing activities. Cash payments of contingent consideration that are made later than that are classified within financing and operating activities. The portion of the cash payment up to the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration liability (including any measurement-period adjustments) will be classified as a financing outflow, and amounts paid in excess of the acquisition date fair value of that liability will be classified as an operating outflow. 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 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 (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. 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 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 includes cash equivalents 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, accounts and notes receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies, derivative instruments, debt, operating and finance 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. In Brazil, our institutions participate in Fundo de Financiamento ao Estudante do Ensino Superior (FIES), a government-sponsored education subsidy program. During the course of the year, Laureate could have material receivables related to Title IV, the CAE Program and FIES. 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 it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we are entitled in exchange for the goods and services that will be transferred to the student. 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, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 163,670 $ 178,392 $ 165,713 Additions: charges to bad debt expense 94,290 102,877 109,342 Additions: charges to other accounts (a) 9,510 — — Deductions (b) (73,312 ) (117,599 ) (96,663 ) Balance at end of period $ 194,158 $ 163,670 $ 178,392 (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. These facilities include our corporate headquarters, other office locations, and many of Laureate’s higher education facilities. Laureate analyzes each lease agreement to determine whether it should be classified as a finance le

Revenue Revenue

Revenue Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue	Revenue Revenue Recognition Laureate's revenues primarily consist of tuition and educational service revenues. We also generate other revenues from student fees, dormitory/residency fees and other education-related activities. These other revenues are less material to our overall financial results and have a tendency to trend with tuition revenues. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. These revenues are recognized 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. We adopted ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (Topic 606) as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method and elected to apply the standard only to contracts that were not completed as of that date. We recorded a net increase to opening retained earnings of approximately $1,400 as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606, with the impact primarily related to the deferral of costs to obtain a contract which were previously expenses as incurred. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting under ASC Topic 605. We determine revenue recognition through the five-step model prescribed by Topic 606 , as follows: • Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a customer; • Identification of the performance obligations in the contract; • Determination of the transaction price; • Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and • Recognition of revenue when, or as, we satisfy a performance obligation. We assess collectibility on a portfolio basis prior to recording revenue. Generally, students cannot re-enroll for the next academic session without satisfactory resolution of any past-due amounts. 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 as applicable. The following table shows the components of Revenues by reportable segment and as a percentage of total net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 : Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Corporate (1) Total 2019 Tuition and educational services $ 997,130 $ 715,817 $ 1,242,508 $ 201,806 $ 707,963 $ — $ 3,865,224 119 % Other 9,935 101,224 87,479 7,934 50,157 5,069 261,798 8 % Gross revenue 1,007,065 817,041 1,329,987 209,740 758,120 5,069 4,127,022 127 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (428,616 ) (164,195 ) (140,286 ) (19,604 ) (123,995 ) — (876,696 ) (27 )% Total $ 578,449 $ 652,846 $ 1,189,701 $ 190,136 $ 634,125 $ 5,069 $ 3,250,326 100 % 2018 Tuition and educational services $ 1,024,019 $ 701,223 $ 1,202,944 $ 186,049 $ 723,648 $ — $ 3,837,883 117 % Other 11,585 99,015 85,519 8,725 54,499 (8,133 ) 251,210 7 % Gross revenue 1,035,604 800,238 1,288,463 194,774 778,147 (8,133 ) 4,089,093 124 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (381,304 ) (154,104 ) (132,772 ) (16,779 ) (113,921 ) — (798,880 ) (24 )% Total $ 654,300 $ 646,134 $ 1,155,691 $ 177,995 $ 664,226 $ (8,133 ) $ 3,290,213 100 % (1) Includes the elimination of intersegment revenues. Performance Obligations A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of accounting in Topic 606. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation identified in the arrangement based on the relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the adjusted market assessment approach, under which we evaluate the market and estimate the price that a customer would be willing to pay for the goods and services we provide. Our performance obligations are primarily satisfied over time during the course of an academic semester or academic year. Laureate's transaction price is determined based on gross price, net of scholarships and other discounts, refunds, waivers and the fair value of any guarantees made by Laureate related to student financing programs. The majority of our revenue is derived from tuition and educational services agreements with students, and thus, is recognized over time on a weekly straight-line basis over each academic session. We view the knowledge gained by the student as the benefit which the student receives during the academic sessions. We use the output method to recognize tuition and educational services revenue as this method faithfully depicts our performance toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. Dormitory/residency revenues, which are included in the Other line item in the table above, are recognized over time throughout the occupancy period using the output method based on the proportional period of time elapsed which faithfully depicts our performance toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. We have elected the optional exemption to not disclose amounts where the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less. We expect to recognize substantially all revenue on these remaining performance obligations over the next 12 months . Contract Balances The timing of billings, cash collections and revenue recognition results in accounts receivable (contract assets) and deferred revenue and student deposits (contract liabilities) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have various billing and academic cycles and 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 it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we are entitled in exchange for the goods and services that will be transferred to the student. We receive advance payments or deposits from our students before revenue is recognized, which are recorded as contract liabilities in deferred revenue and student deposits. Payment terms vary by university with some universities requiring payment in advance of the academic session and other universities allowing students to pay in installments over the term of the academic session. All of our contract assets are considered accounts receivable and are included within the Accounts and notes receivable balance in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Total accounts receivable from our contracts with students were $432,910 and $373,855 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. All contract asset amounts are classified as current. Contract liabilities in the amount of $216,816 and $193,226 were included within the Deferred revenue and student deposits balance in the current liabilities section of the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Substantially all of the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year was recognized into revenue during the year ended December 31, 2019 . Costs to Obtain a Contract Certain commissions and bonuses earned by third party agents and our employees are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. These costs are deferred and then amortized over the period of benefit which ranges from two to four years . We determined the expected period of benefit, by university, as the expected student enrollment period. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the asset balances were approximately $23,900 and $11,500 , respectively, and the accumulated amortization balances were approximately $12,300 and $4,400 , respectively, both of which are included in Deferred costs, net , in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The associated operating costs of approximately $10,200 and $4,400 , respectively, were recorded in Direct costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. We also pay certain commissions and bonuses where the period of benefit is one year or less . We have elected the practical expedient available in ASC 340-40 whereby any incremental costs of obtaining a contract are recognized as an expense when incurred if the amortization period of the asset that would have been recognized is one year or less . Practical Expedients and Optional Exemptions We elected to adopt this standard using the modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect of adoption recognized at the initial date of application. We have elected to apply the standard only to contracts that are not completed at the initial date of application. As noted above, we recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a student as an expense when incurred in instances where the amortization period of the asset that we would have recognized is one year or less . We have made an accounting policy election to exclude from the measurement of the transaction price all taxes assessed by governmental authorities that are both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transactions and collected by the entity from our customers (e.g., sales, use, value added and excise taxes).

Discontinued Operations and Ass

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale	Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , on August 9, 2018 , the Company announced that it planned to focus on its principal markets and would divest certain of its other markets . The principal markets that would remain (the Continuing Operations) included Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, along with the Online & Partnerships segment and the institutions in Australia and New Zealand. At the time of the announcement on August 9, 2018 , the markets being divested by sale ( the Discontinued Operations) included the institutions in Portugal and Spain, which were 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. The institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were managed under a contract that expired at the end of August 2019 and was not renewed. Accordingly, these institutions were disposed of other than by sale on August 31, 2019 and, beginning in the third quarter of 2019, have been included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. As of December 31, 2019 , one VIE institution in Honduras is included in the Discontinued Operations. The goal of the divestitures was to create a more focused and simplified business model and generate proceeds to be used for further repayment of long-term debt. As described in Note 6 , Dispositions and Asset Sales , and Note 25 , Subsequent Events , a number of sale transactions closed during 2018, 2019 and 2020. The timing and ability to complete any of the remaining transactions is uncertain and will be subject to market and other conditions, which may include regulatory approvals and consents of third parties. Summarized operating results of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Revenues $ 501,739 $ 929,681 $ 1,044,917 Depreciation and amortization 1,185 29,188 63,609 Share-based compensation expense 333 1,053 2,944 Other direct costs 390,778 740,873 823,256 Loss on impairment of assets 43,284 3,080 33,476 Operating income 66,159 155,487 121,632 Other non-operating income (expense) 5,321 (21,832 ) (18,066 ) Pretax income of discontinued operations 71,480 133,655 103,566 Income tax expense (17,539 ) (48,771 ) (26,176 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 53,941 $ 84,884 $ 77,390 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 40,224 $ 169,248 $ 122,907 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (23,646 ) $ (72,636 ) $ (75,776 ) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (53,952 ) $ (20,825 ) $ (81,507 ) 2019 Loss on Impairment of Assets Of the total impairment loss of $43,284 , approximately $25,000 relates to an impairment of long-lived assets at the Costa Rica institutions that was recorded during the third quarter of 2019, in order to write down the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value, per ASC 360-10. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , the Costa Rica institutions were sold on January 10, 2020 . The remaining impairment loss primarily relates to an impairment of long-lived assets at our Honduras institution that was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2019, in order to write down the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value. 2018 Loss on Impairment of Assets In connection with our goodwill impairment testing in the fourth quarter of 2018, we wrote off the remaining goodwill balance of $3,080 associated with our operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are now included in Discontinued Operations. 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 . The assets and liabilities of the Discontinued Operations, which are subject to finalization, have been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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.' In addition to the Discontinued Operations, Centro Universitário do Norte (UniNorte), an institution in the Brazil segment, was classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2018, and was then sold on November 1, 2019 . UniNorte was included in Continuing Operations as it was not part of the strategic shift described above. 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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets of Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents $ 55,401 $ 215,644 Receivables, net 14,762 62,576 Property and equipment, net 182,530 671,121 Goodwill 9,753 131,329 Tradenames 6,890 124,932 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 59,231 — Other assets 52,730 106,326 Subtotal: assets of Discontinued Operations $ 381,297 $ 1,311,928 Other assets classified as Held for Sale: UniNorte Brazil Receivables, net $ — $ 6,983 Property and equipment, net — 16,726 Goodwill — 15,165 Tradenames — 8,146 Other assets — 13,935 Other land and buildings classified as held for sale Property and equipment, net 8,476 — Subtotal: other assets classified as held for sale $ 8,476 $ 60,955 Total assets held for sale $ 389,773 $ 1,372,883 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 14,287 $ 115,969 Operating leases, including current portion 63,304 — Long-term debt, including current portion 55,495 279,612 Other liabilities 56,032 269,558 Subtotal: liabilities of Discontinued Operations $ 189,118 $ 665,139 Other liabilities classified as held for sale: UniNorte Brazil Deferred revenue and student deposits $ — $ 469 Long-term debt, including current portion — 5,370 Other liabilities — 9,405 Subtotal: other liabilities classified as held for sale $ — $ 15,244 Total liabilities held for sale $ 189,118 $ 680,383 Discontinued Operations with Signed Sale Agreements Pending Closure at December 31, 2019 Agreement to Sell NewSchool of Architecture and Design, LLC (NSAD) On June 14, 2019, the Company and Exeter Street Holdings, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a membership interests purchase agreement with Ambow NSAD, Inc. and Ambow Education Holding, Ltd. (the NSAD Buyers) to sell 100% of the outstanding membership interests of NSAD to the NSAD Buyers for a purchase price of one dollar, subject to certain adjustments. In addition, the Company estimates that it will pay subsidies to the NSAD Buyers for continued operations and campus facilities of up to approximately $7,300 . The closing of the sale is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions precedent and is expected to close during the first half of 2020. NSAD is a higher education institution located in California that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and non-degree certificates in design and construction management. Other Matters Inti Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (Inti Holdings) As previously reported, 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 the Company, entered into a sale purchase agreement (as amended on January 17, 2019, the Inti 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 Inti Agreement, Comprehensive agreed to purchase from Exeter Street all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Inti Holdings, and Laureate Asia agreed to 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. The closing of the transaction under the Inti Agreement was subject to certain conditions, including approval by regulators in Malaysia, which approval was obtained on June 24, 2019. On June 25, 2019, the Company notified Comprehensive that the conditions precedent had been duly satisfied and scheduled closing for July 12, 2019. On July 9, 2019, Comprehensive notified the Company that it disagreed with the Company’s position that the conditions precedent had been satisfied and formally moved to terminate the Inti Agreement, an act viewed by the Company as a repudiatory breach of the Inti Agreement. The Company is currently evaluating all options and continues to classify Inti Holdings as a discontinued operation. Dispositions and Asset Sales 2019 Dispositions Sale of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC On February 1, 2019 , the Company completed the sale of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine), in the United States. The total transaction value under the sale agreement was $400,000 . Upon completion of the sale, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $346,400 , which included $11,700 of customary closing adjustments, and was net of $58,100 of debt assumed by the purchaser and $7,200 of fees. The proceeds net of cash sold were approximately $301,800 , which the Company used to repay outstanding indebtedness under its U.S. term loan and revolving credit facility. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $223,000 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of Thailand Operations On February 12, 2019, the Company completed the sale of its interests in Thai Education Holdings Company Limited, a Thailand corporation (TEDCO), and Far East Stamford International Co. Ltd. (FES), a Thailand corporation. TEDCO was the owner of a controlling interest in FES, which was the license holder for Stamford International University, which had three campuses in Thailand. The total purchase price was approximately $35,300 , and net proceeds were approximately $26,400 , net of debt assumed by the buyer and other customary closing adjustments and fees. Of the $26,400 in net proceeds, $22,200 , or $18,800 net of cash sold, was received at closing. The balance of $4,200 was payable upon satisfaction of certain post-closing requirements; the first post-closing requirement was satisfied in May 2019 and the Company received $2,800 . The second post-closing requirement was satisfied in February 2020 and the Company received approximately $1,400 . For the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $10,800 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . Additional Gain on Sale of China Operations On January 25, 2018 , the Company completed the sale of LEI Lie Ying Limited (LEILY). A portion of the purchase price was held back and subject to deduction of any indemnifiable losses payable to the buyer pursuant to the sale purchase agreement. On January 25, 2019, Laureate received HKD 71,463 (approximately $9,100 at date of receipt) for the second and final holdback payment, net of legal fees. Also, as of December 31, 2018, the Company had recorded a liability of approximately $14,300 related to loss contingencies for which the Company had indemnified the buyer. During the first quarter of 2019, the legal matter that this loss contingency related to was settled, with no cost to the Company. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2019, the Company reversed the loss contingency and recognized additional gain on the sale of LEILY of approximately $13,700 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. The remaining liability recorded relates to certain legal fees. Additionally, at the closing of the sale on January 25, 2018 , a portion of the total 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. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has recorded a receivable of approximately $25,900 for the portion of the escrowed amount that the Company expects to receive. Sale of Monash South Africa On April 8, 2019 , the Company completed the sale of its institution in South Africa, Monash South Africa, as well as the sale of the real estate associated with that institution. The transactions consisted of: (i) the transfer by Monash South Africa Limited (MSA), an Australia limited company that is an indirect 75% -owned subsidiary of the Company, to The Independent Institute of Education Limited (IIE), a South Africa limited company that is a subsidiary of ADvTECH Limited, of all of MSA’s assets and certain of its operational liabilities for a sale price of 15,000 South African Rand (ZAR) (subject to customary adjustments) (or approximately $1,100 at the closing date) and (ii) the sale by LEI AMEA Investments B.V., a Netherlands limited company that is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, of all of the shares of Laureate South Africa Pty. Ltd. (LSA), a South Africa limited company, to IIE for a net sale price of approximately ZAR 99,000 (subject to customary adjustments) (or approximately $7,000 at the closing date). In addition, IIE assumed debt of approximately $20,200 . In the aggregate, including working capital adjustments, the Company received approximately $9,000 from the buyer, which approximated the amount of cash sold with the business. The Company recognized a gain for these transactions of approximately $2,300 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of India Operations On May 9, 2019 , LEI Singapore Holdings Pte Limited, a Singapore corporation, Laureate I B.V., a Netherlands private limited company (Laureate I), and Laureate International B.V., a Netherlands private limited company (collectively, the India Sellers), all of which are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, closed a transaction pursuant to the share purchase agreement (the India Agreement), among the India Sellers, Global University Systems India Bidco B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (the India Purchaser) and Global University Systems Holding B.V. (the India Purchaser Guarantor), a Netherlands private limited liability company. Pursuant to the India Agreement, the India Purchaser acquired from the India Sellers all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited, an India corporation (PRS), M-Power Energy India Private Limited (M-Power), an India corporation, and Data Ram Sons Private Limited (Data Ram), an India corporation. As a result of the closing of the transaction, the Company no longer consolidates its network institutions in India, including Creative Arts Education Society (CAES), the operator of Pearl Academy, and University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES). In connection with the India Agreement, certain of the India Sellers also closed a separate transaction with the minority owners of PRS relating to the purchase by them of the minority owners’ 10% interest in PRS. The total purchase price under the India Agreement was $145,600 . The net proceeds received by the India Sellers, before the payment to the 10% minority owners and after transaction fees and taxes, including receipt in July 2019 of certain taxes withheld at closing, were approximately $145,800 , or approximately $77,300 net of cash sold, which the Company used to repay indebtedness under its term loan that had a maturity date of April 2024 (the 2024 Term Loan). The Company recognized a gain for these transactions of approximately $19,500 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of Spain and Portugal Operations On May 31, 2019 , Iniciativas Culturales de España S.L., a Spanish private limited liability company (ICE), and Laureate I, both of which are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, closed a previously announced transaction pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement (the Spain and Portugal Sale Agreement) with Samarinda Investments, S.L., a Spanish limited liability company (Samarinda). Pursuant to the Spain and Portugal Sale Agreement, Samarinda acquired from ICE all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of each of Universidad Europea de Madrid, S.L.U., Iniciativas Educativas de Mallorca, S.L.U., Iniciativa Educativa UEA, S.L.U., Universidad Europea de Canarias, S.L.U., and Universidad Europea de Valencia, S.L.U. (together, the Spain Companies), and Samarinda acquired from Laureate I all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Ensilis—Educação e Formação, Unipessoal, Lda. (the Portugal Company). Three of the Spain Companies are the entities that operate Universidad Europea de Madrid, Universidad Europea de Canarias, and Universidad Europea de Valencia. The Portugal Company is the entity that operates Universidade Europeia, a comprehensive university in Portugal, and Instituto Português de Administração de Marketing (IPAM Lisbon and IPAM Porto), post-secondary schools of marketing in Portugal. The total purchase price under the Spain and Portugal Sale Agreement was EUR 770,000 (or approximately $857,000 at the date of closing), subject to customary closing adjustments. After payment of transaction fees, receipt of working capital and other adjustments, as well as settlement of foreign currency swaps, the total net proceeds received by ICE and Laureate I were approximately $906,000 , or approximately $760,000 net of cash sold, which the Company used to repay indebtedness, including full repayment of the remaining balance outstanding under the 2024 Term Loan. Additionally, the buyer assumed debt of approximately $109,000 . The Company recognized a gain for these transactions of approximately $615,000 , including a tax benefit of approximately $30,000 that relates to the reversal of net deferred tax liabilities, which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of Turkey Operations On August 27, 2019 , Laureate I B.V. and Can Uluslararasi Yatirim Holding A.Ş. (Can Holding), a Turkish company, executed and closed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the Turkey SPA). Pursuant to the Turkey SPA, Can Holding purchased from Laureate I B.V. 100% of the share capital of Education Turkey B.V. (ET), a private limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. ET and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates together have the right to appoint a majority of the Trustees of Bilgi Eğitim ve Kültür Vakfı (Bilgi Foundation). Bilgi Foundation is the sponsor of Istanbul Bilgi University (Bilgi), an institution located in Turkey that the Company previously consolidated under the variable interest entity model. As a result of the closing of the Turkey SPA on August 27, 2019 , the Company no longer consolidates Bilgi. The total purchase price was $90,000 , which consisted of cash proceeds of $75,000 and deferred purchase price of $15,000 in the form of an instrument payable one year after closing. The deferred purchase price carries no stated interest rate. At the date of sale, Bilgi had approximately $89,000 of cash and restricted cash on its balance sheet. The Company recognized a loss for this transaction of approximately $37,700 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) In early October 2019 , the Company closed on the previously announced sale of UIP, in addition to real estate which serves as the campus of UIP, to Universal Knowledge Systems, Inc. and Global Education Services, Inc. (the UIP Buyers). Pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement (the UIP Agreement), the UIP Buyers purchased from the Universidad U Latina, SRL and Education Holding Costa Rica EHCR, SRL (the UIP Sellers) 100% of the ownership interests of UIP, a higher education institution in Panama. Excelencia y Superacion S.A. (EXSUSA), an affiliate of the UIP Buyers, was also party to the UIP Agreement as a guarantor of the UIP Sellers’ obligations under the UIP Agreement. In addition, Desarrollos Urbanos Educativos S. de R.L. (DUE), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into and closed a real estate purchase agreement (the DUE Real Estate Purchase Agreement) with EXSUSA, pursuant to which EXSUSA or its designees purchased the campus real estate. The total enterprise value under the UIP Agreement and the DUE Real Estate Purchase Agreement was approximately $86,750 , and the net proceeds received were approximately $82,000 . The Company recognized a net gain for this transaction of approximately $21,000 , including a tax benefit of approximately $1,500 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of UniNorte On November 1, 2019 , the Company closed on the previously announced sale of its institution UniNorte, a traditional higher education institution in Manaus, Brazil. Under the sale agreement, Cenesup - Centro Nacional de Ensino Superior Ltda., a limited liability company organized under the laws of Brazil (the UniNorte Purchaser) purchased 100% of the quota capital of Sodecam - Sociedade de Desenvolvimento Cultural do Amazonas Ltda., a limited liability company organized under the laws of Brazil, which is the maintaining entity of UniNorte. The Company and Ser Educacional S.A., the parent of the UniNorte Purchaser, are also parties to the Agreement as guarantors of certain obligations of their respective subsidiaries. The Company received cash proceeds of approximately $43,000 , net of transaction costs, and recognized a loss on the transaction of approximately $300 , which is included in (Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net in Continuing Operations as UniNorte was not part of the strategic shift described in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale . Dissolution of Dormant Subsidiaries During the third and fourth quarters of 2019, the Company dissolved several dormant subsidiaries, resulting in the release of accumulated foreign currency translation loss of approximately $37,500 . This loss is included in (Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net in Continuing Operations, as these entities were not part of the strategic shift described in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale . 2018 Dispositions Sale of Cyprus and Italy Operations On January 11, 2018 , we completed the sale of European University-Cyprus Ltd (EUC) and Laureate Italy S.r.L. (Laureate Italy). Upon closing, we received gross proceeds of approximately EUR 232,000 (approximately $275,500 , or approximately $244,300 net of cash sold and net of the approximately $4,100 working capital settlement between the Company and the buyer that was completed during the second quarter of 2018), and recognized a total gain on sale for the year ended December 31, 2018 of approximately $218,000 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . The Company used the proceeds from this transaction, along with borrowings on our revolving credit facility that were subsequently repaid with the China sale proceeds discussed below, to repay $350,000 of the principal balance on our syndicated term loan that had a maturity date of April 2024 (the 2024 Term Loan), as discussed in Note 10 , Debt . Sale of China Operations On January 25, 2018 , we completed the sale of LEI Lie Ying Limited (LEILY) for a total transaction value of Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 1,430,000 (approximately $225,500 at the time of sale), of which RMB 50,000 (approximately $7,900 at the time of sale) will not be paid because certain conditions were not satisfied by the closing date. At closing, the Company received initial gross proceeds totaling approximately $128,800 (approximately $110,800 net of cash sold), net of banker transaction fees and certain taxes and duties totaling approximately $16,000 . Six months after the closing date, the buyer was required to pay to the Company the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) equivalent of RMB 120,000 (the First Holdback Payment). On July 27, 2018, the Company received the First Holdback Payment from the buyer, net of withholding taxes and agreed-upon legal fees, for a net payment of HKD 142,221 or $18,117 at the date of receipt, prior to banker transaction fees. Twelve months after the closing date, the buyer was required to pay to the Company the HKD equivalent of RMB 60,000 (the Second Holdback Payment). On January 25, 2019, Laureate received HKD 71,463 (approximately $9,100 ) for the Second Holdback Payment, net of legal fees. Both the First Holdback Payment and the Second Holdback Payment were 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. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had recorded a receivable for the Second Holdback Payment that was collected in January 2019, as well as a receivable of approximately $25,900 for the portion of the escrowed amount that the Company expects to receive. In addition, the Company had recorded a liability of approximately $14,300 related to loss contingencies for which we have indemnified the buyer. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of LEILY for the year ended December 31, 2018 of approximately $84,000 , including tax effect, which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . Sale of German Operations On April 12, 2018, LEI European Investments B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (LEI BV), and Laureate International B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (Laureate International), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Laureate Education, Inc., executed and closed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the Laureate Germany SPA) with Global University Systems Germany B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (Global University Systems). Pursuant to the Laureate Germany SPA, Global University Systems purchased from LEI BV all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Laureate Germany Holding GmbH and its consolidated institutions, including the University of Applied Sciences Europe and Laureate Academies GmbH (collectively, Laureate Germany), and Laureate International guaranteed the obligations of LEI BV under the Laureate Germany SPA. Upon completion of the sale, LEI BV received gross proceeds of EUR 1,000 (approximately $1,200 at the date of receipt). At the date of sale, Laureate Germany had approximately $12,900 of cash and restricted cash on its balance sheet. In connection with this transaction, the Company contributed capital to Laureate Germany of approximately $3,600 . The Company recognized a loss on the sale of Laureate Germany for the year ended December 31, 2018 of approximately $5,500 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . Sale of Moroccan Operations On November 29, 2017, Laureate Middle East Holdings B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (LMEH), and La Société Maroc Emirats Arabes Unis de Développement, a Morocco company (SOMED and, together with LMEH, the Morocco Sellers), Laureate I B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the Morocco Guarantor), and UPM Pédagogique, a Morocco company (the Morocco Purchaser), entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the Laureate Somed SPA), pursuant to which the Morocco Purchaser agreed to purchase from the Morocco Sellers all of the issued and outstanding capital shares of Laureate Somed Holding, a Morocco company (Laureate Somed), for a total transaction value of 500,000 Moroccan Dirhams, and the Morocco Guarantor agreed to guarantee certain obligations of LMEH under the Laureate Somed SPA. The transaction closed on April 13, 2018 , and LMEH received net proceeds of 300,000 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $32,500 at the date of sale, or approximately $31,100 net of cash sold). The proceeds were used for general debt repayment across the Company rather than repayment of a specific tranche. Prior to the consummation of the sale, LMEH owned approximately 60% of the capital shares of Laureate Somed, while SOMED owned the remaining approximately 40% of the capital shares of Laureate Somed. Laureate Somed is the operator of Université Internationale de Casablanca, a comprehensive campus-based university in Casablanca, Morocco. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of Laureate Somed of approximately $17,400 for the year ended December 31, 2018, which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . Sale of Kendall College, LLC On January 15, 2018, Kendall College, LLC (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. On August 6, 2018, we closed the transaction and Kendall transferred to NLU certain assets, including all of Kendall's education programs, subject to certain conditions, in exchange for consideration of one dollar. Closing of the transaction was subject to prior receipt of regulatory consents, including those of the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission. As part of the agreement, at closing Laureate paid to NLU $14,000 to support NLU’s construction of facilities for the acquired culinary program on NLU’s campus, subject to possible partial recoupment under specified conditions during the 10 -year post-closing period. In addition, at closing Laureate paid approximately $2,100 to NLU for a working capital adjustment and other items provided for under the agreement. This payment was included in the loss on sale, which totaled approximately $17,200 , including tax effect, and is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018. Also, at the closing date of the sale, the cease-use criteria were met for a leased building that was not part of the sale transaction and that has a lease term ending in July 2028. Accordingly, during the third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a liability of approximately $24,000 for the present value of the remaining lease costs, less estimated sublease income, which was charged to loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The transactions described below are included in Continuing Operations, since these 2017 transactions were not part of the strategic shift described in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale . 2017 Asset Sale and Purchase Price Settlement Agreement Ad Portas Asset Sale In November 2017 , we completed the sa

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions We had no material acquisitions in 2019. 2018 Acquisition in Peru On November 5, 2018, Laureate Education Peru, SRL, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the capital stock of Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Privado Red Avansys SAC (Avansys), an institution in Peru, for a total purchase price of approximately 63,000 Peruvian Nuevo Sols (approximately $18,900 at the acquisition date), plus debt assumed. The cash paid at acquisition, net of cash acquired, was $17,019 . We account ed for this acquisition as a business combin ation. For this acquisition, Revenues , Operating income and Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2018. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of all assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: Avansys Current assets $ 3,921 Property and equipment 13,673 Goodwill 4,658 Other long-term assets 815 Total assets acquired 23,067 Current portion of long-term debt 874 Other current liabilities 3,332 Total liabilities assumed 4,206 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 18,861 Debt assumed 874 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 19,735 Net assets acquired $ 18,861 Cash acquired (1,842 ) Net cash paid at acquisition $ 17,019 2018 Summary The amounts recorded for the 2018 acquisition are considered final. None of the goodwill related to the 2018 acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of the acquisition were not material to the Company’s financial results. 2017 Acquisition in 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 ( $835 at the date of acquisition) plus debt assumed of AUD 9,850 ($ 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 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 assumed 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. 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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Nominal Currency Interest Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) $ 20,179 $ 30,912 BRL CDI + 2% IADE Group 1,109 1,141 EUR 3% Faculdade Porto-Alegrense (FAPA) 230 1,943 BRL IGP-M University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) — 11,395 USD 7% Total due to shareholders of acquired companies 21,518 45,391 Less: Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies 11,523 23,820 Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion $ 9,995 $ 21,571 BRL: Brazilian Real CDI: Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (Brazil) EUR: European Euro IGP-M: General Index of Market Prices (Brazil) USD: United States Dollar The aggregate maturities of Due to shareholders of acquired companies as of December 31, 2019 , were as follows: 2020 $ 13,018 2021 11,808 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — Aggregate maturities 24,826 Less: imputed interest discount (3,308 ) Total $ 21,518 UAM Brazil A portion of the UAM Brazil acquisition was financed with a seller note in the amount of BRL 200,808 ( $49,226 at December 31, 2019 ), which was scheduled to be paid in nine equal installments of BRL 22,312 ( $5,470 at December 31, 2019 ), adjusted for inflation based on CDI plus 200 basis points. The initial seven installments were paid during the years ended December 31, 2013 through 2019 . The remaining two installments are due annually on August 31st of each year. On the acquisition date we recorded the note payable at its discounted present value, which is being accreted over the term of the note. As of December 31, 2019 , the carrying value of the note was $20,179 . FAPA In August 2019, the FAPA seller note matured and was settled, with an amount of $230 withheld from the payment. This amount relates to certain contingencies for which we are indemnified by the seller. This amount will remain until the contingencies have been resolved. St. Augustine During the second quarter of 2019, the Company fully repaid the St. Augustine seller note, following the resolution of certain legal matters for which the Company was indemnified by the former owner.

Dispositions and Asset Sales

Dispositions and Asset Sales	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Dispositions and Asset Sales	Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , on August 9, 2018 , the Company announced that it planned to focus on its principal markets and would divest certain of its other markets . The principal markets that would remain (the Continuing Operations) included Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Peru, along with the Online & Partnerships segment and the institutions in Australia and New Zealand. At the time of the announcement on August 9, 2018 , the markets being divested by sale ( the Discontinued Operations) included the institutions in Portugal and Spain, which were 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. The institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were managed under a contract that expired at the end of August 2019 and was not renewed. Accordingly, these institutions were disposed of other than by sale on August 31, 2019 and, beginning in the third quarter of 2019, have been included in Discontinued Operations for all periods presented. As of December 31, 2019 , one VIE institution in Honduras is included in the Discontinued Operations. The goal of the divestitures was to create a more focused and simplified business model and generate proceeds to be used for further repayment of long-term debt. As described in Note 6 , Dispositions and Asset Sales , and Note 25 , Subsequent Events , a number of sale transactions closed during 2018, 2019 and 2020. The timing and ability to complete any of the remaining transactions is uncertain and will be subject to market and other conditions, which may include regulatory approvals and consents of third parties. Summarized operating results of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Revenues $ 501,739 $ 929,681 $ 1,044,917 Depreciation and amortization 1,185 29,188 63,609 Share-based compensation expense 333 1,053 2,944 Other direct costs 390,778 740,873 823,256 Loss on impairment of assets 43,284 3,080 33,476 Operating income 66,159 155,487 121,632 Other non-operating income (expense) 5,321 (21,832 ) (18,066 ) Pretax income of discontinued operations 71,480 133,655 103,566 Income tax expense (17,539 ) (48,771 ) (26,176 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 53,941 $ 84,884 $ 77,390 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 40,224 $ 169,248 $ 122,907 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (23,646 ) $ (72,636 ) $ (75,776 ) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (53,952 ) $ (20,825 ) $ (81,507 ) 2019 Loss on Impairment of Assets Of the total impairment loss of $43,284 , approximately $25,000 relates to an impairment of long-lived assets at the Costa Rica institutions that was recorded during the third quarter of 2019, in order to write down the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value, per ASC 360-10. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , the Costa Rica institutions were sold on January 10, 2020 . The remaining impairment loss primarily relates to an impairment of long-lived assets at our Honduras institution that was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2019, in order to write down the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value. 2018 Loss on Impairment of Assets In connection with our goodwill impairment testing in the fourth quarter of 2018, we wrote off the remaining goodwill balance of $3,080 associated with our operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are now included in Discontinued Operations. 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 . The assets and liabilities of the Discontinued Operations, which are subject to finalization, have been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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.' In addition to the Discontinued Operations, Centro Universitário do Norte (UniNorte), an institution in the Brazil segment, was classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2018, and was then sold on November 1, 2019 . UniNorte was included in Continuing Operations as it was not part of the strategic shift described above. 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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets of Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents $ 55,401 $ 215,644 Receivables, net 14,762 62,576 Property and equipment, net 182,530 671,121 Goodwill 9,753 131,329 Tradenames 6,890 124,932 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 59,231 — Other assets 52,730 106,326 Subtotal: assets of Discontinued Operations $ 381,297 $ 1,311,928 Other assets classified as Held for Sale: UniNorte Brazil Receivables, net $ — $ 6,983 Property and equipment, net — 16,726 Goodwill — 15,165 Tradenames — 8,146 Other assets — 13,935 Other land and buildings classified as held for sale Property and equipment, net 8,476 — Subtotal: other assets classified as held for sale $ 8,476 $ 60,955 Total assets held for sale $ 389,773 $ 1,372,883 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 14,287 $ 115,969 Operating leases, including current portion 63,304 — Long-term debt, including current portion 55,495 279,612 Other liabilities 56,032 269,558 Subtotal: liabilities of Discontinued Operations $ 189,118 $ 665,139 Other liabilities classified as held for sale: UniNorte Brazil Deferred revenue and student deposits $ — $ 469 Long-term debt, including current portion — 5,370 Other liabilities — 9,405 Subtotal: other liabilities classified as held for sale $ — $ 15,244 Total liabilities held for sale $ 189,118 $ 680,383 Discontinued Operations with Signed Sale Agreements Pending Closure at December 31, 2019 Agreement to Sell NewSchool of Architecture and Design, LLC (NSAD) On June 14, 2019, the Company and Exeter Street Holdings, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a membership interests purchase agreement with Ambow NSAD, Inc. and Ambow Education Holding, Ltd. (the NSAD Buyers) to sell 100% of the outstanding membership interests of NSAD to the NSAD Buyers for a purchase price of one dollar, subject to certain adjustments. In addition, the Company estimates that it will pay subsidies to the NSAD Buyers for continued operations and campus facilities of up to approximately $7,300 . The closing of the sale is subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions precedent and is expected to close during the first half of 2020. NSAD is a higher education institution located in California that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and non-degree certificates in design and construction management. Other Matters Inti Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (Inti Holdings) As previously reported, 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 the Company, entered into a sale purchase agreement (as amended on January 17, 2019, the Inti 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 Inti Agreement, Comprehensive agreed to purchase from Exeter Street all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Inti Holdings, and Laureate Asia agreed to 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. The closing of the transaction under the Inti Agreement was subject to certain conditions, including approval by regulators in Malaysia, which approval was obtained on June 24, 2019. On June 25, 2019, the Company notified Comprehensive that the conditions precedent had been duly satisfied and scheduled closing for July 12, 2019. On July 9, 2019, Comprehensive notified the Company that it disagreed with the Company’s position that the conditions precedent had been satisfied and formally moved to terminate the Inti Agreement, an act viewed by the Company as a repudiatory breach of the Inti Agreement. The Company is currently evaluating all options and continues to classify Inti Holdings as a discontinued operation. Dispositions and Asset Sales 2019 Dispositions Sale of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC On February 1, 2019 , the Company completed the sale of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine), in the United States. The total transaction value under the sale agreement was $400,000 . Upon completion of the sale, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $346,400 , which included $11,700 of customary closing adjustments, and was net of $58,100 of debt assumed by the purchaser and $7,200 of fees. The proceeds net of cash sold were approximately $301,800 , which the Company used to repay outstanding indebtedness under its U.S. term loan and revolving credit facility. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $223,000 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of Thailand Operations On February 12, 2019, the Company completed the sale of its interests in Thai Education Holdings Company Limited, a Thailand corporation (TEDCO), and Far East Stamford International Co. Ltd. (FES), a Thailand corporation. TEDCO was the owner of a controlling interest in FES, which was the license holder for Stamford International University, which had three campuses in Thailand. The total purchase price was approximately $35,300 , and net proceeds were approximately $26,400 , net of debt assumed by the buyer and other customary closing adjustments and fees. Of the $26,400 in net proceeds, $22,200 , or $18,800 net of cash sold, was received at closing. The balance of $4,200 was payable upon satisfaction of certain post-closing requirements; the first post-closing requirement was satisfied in May 2019 and the Company received $2,800 . The second post-closing requirement was satisfied in February 2020 and the Company received approximately $1,400 . For the year ended December 31, 2019 , the Company recognized a gain on the sale of approximately $10,800 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . Additional Gain on Sale of China Operations On January 25, 2018 , the Company completed the sale of LEI Lie Ying Limited (LEILY). A portion of the purchase price was held back and subject to deduction of any indemnifiable losses payable to the buyer pursuant to the sale purchase agreement. On January 25, 2019, Laureate received HKD 71,463 (approximately $9,100 at date of receipt) for the second and final holdback payment, net of legal fees. Also, as of December 31, 2018, the Company had recorded a liability of approximately $14,300 related to loss contingencies for which the Company had indemnified the buyer. During the first quarter of 2019, the legal matter that this loss contingency related to was settled, with no cost to the Company. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2019, the Company reversed the loss contingency and recognized additional gain on the sale of LEILY of approximately $13,700 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019. The remaining liability recorded relates to certain legal fees. Additionally, at the closing of the sale on January 25, 2018 , a portion of the total 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. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has recorded a receivable of approximately $25,900 for the portion of the escrowed amount that the Company expects to receive. Sale of Monash South Africa On April 8, 2019 , the Company completed the sale of its institution in South Africa, Monash South Africa, as well as the sale of the real estate associated with that institution. The transactions consisted of: (i) the transfer by Monash South Africa Limited (MSA), an Australia limited company that is an indirect 75% -owned subsidiary of the Company, to The Independent Institute of Education Limited (IIE), a South Africa limited company that is a subsidiary of ADvTECH Limited, of all of MSA’s assets and certain of its operational liabilities for a sale price of 15,000 South African Rand (ZAR) (subject to customary adjustments) (or approximately $1,100 at the closing date) and (ii) the sale by LEI AMEA Investments B.V., a Netherlands limited company that is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, of all of the shares of Laureate South Africa Pty. Ltd. (LSA), a South Africa limited company, to IIE for a net sale price of approximately ZAR 99,000 (subject to customary adjustments) (or approximately $7,000 at the closing date). In addition, IIE assumed debt of approximately $20,200 . In the aggregate, including working capital adjustments, the Company received approximately $9,000 from the buyer, which approximated the amount of cash sold with the business. The Company recognized a gain for these transactions of approximately $2,300 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of India Operations On May 9, 2019 , LEI Singapore Holdings Pte Limited, a Singapore corporation, Laureate I B.V., a Netherlands private limited company (Laureate I), and Laureate International B.V., a Netherlands private limited company (collectively, the India Sellers), all of which are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, closed a transaction pursuant to the share purchase agreement (the India Agreement), among the India Sellers, Global University Systems India Bidco B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (the India Purchaser) and Global University Systems Holding B.V. (the India Purchaser Guarantor), a Netherlands private limited liability company. Pursuant to the India Agreement, the India Purchaser acquired from the India Sellers all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited, an India corporation (PRS), M-Power Energy India Private Limited (M-Power), an India corporation, and Data Ram Sons Private Limited (Data Ram), an India corporation. As a result of the closing of the transaction, the Company no longer consolidates its network institutions in India, including Creative Arts Education Society (CAES), the operator of Pearl Academy, and University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES). In connection with the India Agreement, certain of the India Sellers also closed a separate transaction with the minority owners of PRS relating to the purchase by them of the minority owners’ 10% interest in PRS. The total purchase price under the India Agreement was $145,600 . The net proceeds received by the India Sellers, before the payment to the 10% minority owners and after transaction fees and taxes, including receipt in July 2019 of certain taxes withheld at closing, were approximately $145,800 , or approximately $77,300 net of cash sold, which the Company used to repay indebtedness under its term loan that had a maturity date of April 2024 (the 2024 Term Loan). The Company recognized a gain for these transactions of approximately $19,500 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of Spain and Portugal Operations On May 31, 2019 , Iniciativas Culturales de España S.L., a Spanish private limited liability company (ICE), and Laureate I, both of which are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, closed a previously announced transaction pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement (the Spain and Portugal Sale Agreement) with Samarinda Investments, S.L., a Spanish limited liability company (Samarinda). Pursuant to the Spain and Portugal Sale Agreement, Samarinda acquired from ICE all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of each of Universidad Europea de Madrid, S.L.U., Iniciativas Educativas de Mallorca, S.L.U., Iniciativa Educativa UEA, S.L.U., Universidad Europea de Canarias, S.L.U., and Universidad Europea de Valencia, S.L.U. (together, the Spain Companies), and Samarinda acquired from Laureate I all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Ensilis—Educação e Formação, Unipessoal, Lda. (the Portugal Company). Three of the Spain Companies are the entities that operate Universidad Europea de Madrid, Universidad Europea de Canarias, and Universidad Europea de Valencia. The Portugal Company is the entity that operates Universidade Europeia, a comprehensive university in Portugal, and Instituto Português de Administração de Marketing (IPAM Lisbon and IPAM Porto), post-secondary schools of marketing in Portugal. The total purchase price under the Spain and Portugal Sale Agreement was EUR 770,000 (or approximately $857,000 at the date of closing), subject to customary closing adjustments. After payment of transaction fees, receipt of working capital and other adjustments, as well as settlement of foreign currency swaps, the total net proceeds received by ICE and Laureate I were approximately $906,000 , or approximately $760,000 net of cash sold, which the Company used to repay indebtedness, including full repayment of the remaining balance outstanding under the 2024 Term Loan. Additionally, the buyer assumed debt of approximately $109,000 . The Company recognized a gain for these transactions of approximately $615,000 , including a tax benefit of approximately $30,000 that relates to the reversal of net deferred tax liabilities, which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of Turkey Operations On August 27, 2019 , Laureate I B.V. and Can Uluslararasi Yatirim Holding A.Ş. (Can Holding), a Turkish company, executed and closed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the Turkey SPA). Pursuant to the Turkey SPA, Can Holding purchased from Laureate I B.V. 100% of the share capital of Education Turkey B.V. (ET), a private limited liability company incorporated under the laws of the Netherlands. ET and certain of its direct and indirect subsidiaries and affiliates together have the right to appoint a majority of the Trustees of Bilgi Eğitim ve Kültür Vakfı (Bilgi Foundation). Bilgi Foundation is the sponsor of Istanbul Bilgi University (Bilgi), an institution located in Turkey that the Company previously consolidated under the variable interest entity model. As a result of the closing of the Turkey SPA on August 27, 2019 , the Company no longer consolidates Bilgi. The total purchase price was $90,000 , which consisted of cash proceeds of $75,000 and deferred purchase price of $15,000 in the form of an instrument payable one year after closing. The deferred purchase price carries no stated interest rate. At the date of sale, Bilgi had approximately $89,000 of cash and restricted cash on its balance sheet. The Company recognized a loss for this transaction of approximately $37,700 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of Universidad Interamericana de Panamá (UIP) In early October 2019 , the Company closed on the previously announced sale of UIP, in addition to real estate which serves as the campus of UIP, to Universal Knowledge Systems, Inc. and Global Education Services, Inc. (the UIP Buyers). Pursuant to the sale and purchase agreement (the UIP Agreement), the UIP Buyers purchased from the Universidad U Latina, SRL and Education Holding Costa Rica EHCR, SRL (the UIP Sellers) 100% of the ownership interests of UIP, a higher education institution in Panama. Excelencia y Superacion S.A. (EXSUSA), an affiliate of the UIP Buyers, was also party to the UIP Agreement as a guarantor of the UIP Sellers’ obligations under the UIP Agreement. In addition, Desarrollos Urbanos Educativos S. de R.L. (DUE), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into and closed a real estate purchase agreement (the DUE Real Estate Purchase Agreement) with EXSUSA, pursuant to which EXSUSA or its designees purchased the campus real estate. The total enterprise value under the UIP Agreement and the DUE Real Estate Purchase Agreement was approximately $86,750 , and the net proceeds received were approximately $82,000 . The Company recognized a net gain for this transaction of approximately $21,000 , including a tax benefit of approximately $1,500 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 . Sale of UniNorte On November 1, 2019 , the Company closed on the previously announced sale of its institution UniNorte, a traditional higher education institution in Manaus, Brazil. Under the sale agreement, Cenesup - Centro Nacional de Ensino Superior Ltda., a limited liability company organized under the laws of Brazil (the UniNorte Purchaser) purchased 100% of the quota capital of Sodecam - Sociedade de Desenvolvimento Cultural do Amazonas Ltda., a limited liability company organized under the laws of Brazil, which is the maintaining entity of UniNorte. The Company and Ser Educacional S.A., the parent of the UniNorte Purchaser, are also parties to the Agreement as guarantors of certain obligations of their respective subsidiaries. The Company received cash proceeds of approximately $43,000 , net of transaction costs, and recognized a loss on the transaction of approximately $300 , which is included in (Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net in Continuing Operations as UniNorte was not part of the strategic shift described in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale . Dissolution of Dormant Subsidiaries During the third and fourth quarters of 2019, the Company dissolved several dormant subsidiaries, resulting in the release of accumulated foreign currency translation loss of approximately $37,500 . This loss is included in (Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net in Continuing Operations, as these entities were not part of the strategic shift described in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale . 2018 Dispositions Sale of Cyprus and Italy Operations On January 11, 2018 , we completed the sale of European University-Cyprus Ltd (EUC) and Laureate Italy S.r.L. (Laureate Italy). Upon closing, we received gross proceeds of approximately EUR 232,000 (approximately $275,500 , or approximately $244,300 net of cash sold and net of the approximately $4,100 working capital settlement between the Company and the buyer that was completed during the second quarter of 2018), and recognized a total gain on sale for the year ended December 31, 2018 of approximately $218,000 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . The Company used the proceeds from this transaction, along with borrowings on our revolving credit facility that were subsequently repaid with the China sale proceeds discussed below, to repay $350,000 of the principal balance on our syndicated term loan that had a maturity date of April 2024 (the 2024 Term Loan), as discussed in Note 10 , Debt . Sale of China Operations On January 25, 2018 , we completed the sale of LEI Lie Ying Limited (LEILY) for a total transaction value of Chinese Renminbi (RMB) 1,430,000 (approximately $225,500 at the time of sale), of which RMB 50,000 (approximately $7,900 at the time of sale) will not be paid because certain conditions were not satisfied by the closing date. At closing, the Company received initial gross proceeds totaling approximately $128,800 (approximately $110,800 net of cash sold), net of banker transaction fees and certain taxes and duties totaling approximately $16,000 . Six months after the closing date, the buyer was required to pay to the Company the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) equivalent of RMB 120,000 (the First Holdback Payment). On July 27, 2018, the Company received the First Holdback Payment from the buyer, net of withholding taxes and agreed-upon legal fees, for a net payment of HKD 142,221 or $18,117 at the date of receipt, prior to banker transaction fees. Twelve months after the closing date, the buyer was required to pay to the Company the HKD equivalent of RMB 60,000 (the Second Holdback Payment). On January 25, 2019, Laureate received HKD 71,463 (approximately $9,100 ) for the Second Holdback Payment, net of legal fees. Both the First Holdback Payment and the Second Holdback Payment were 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. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had recorded a receivable for the Second Holdback Payment that was collected in January 2019, as well as a receivable of approximately $25,900 for the portion of the escrowed amount that the Company expects to receive. In addition, the Company had recorded a liability of approximately $14,300 related to loss contingencies for which we have indemnified the buyer. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of LEILY for the year ended December 31, 2018 of approximately $84,000 , including tax effect, which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . Sale of German Operations On April 12, 2018, LEI European Investments B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (LEI BV), and Laureate International B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (Laureate International), both of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of Laureate Education, Inc., executed and closed a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the Laureate Germany SPA) with Global University Systems Germany B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (Global University Systems). Pursuant to the Laureate Germany SPA, Global University Systems purchased from LEI BV all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Laureate Germany Holding GmbH and its consolidated institutions, including the University of Applied Sciences Europe and Laureate Academies GmbH (collectively, Laureate Germany), and Laureate International guaranteed the obligations of LEI BV under the Laureate Germany SPA. Upon completion of the sale, LEI BV received gross proceeds of EUR 1,000 (approximately $1,200 at the date of receipt). At the date of sale, Laureate Germany had approximately $12,900 of cash and restricted cash on its balance sheet. In connection with this transaction, the Company contributed capital to Laureate Germany of approximately $3,600 . The Company recognized a loss on the sale of Laureate Germany for the year ended December 31, 2018 of approximately $5,500 , which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . Sale of Moroccan Operations On November 29, 2017, Laureate Middle East Holdings B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (LMEH), and La Société Maroc Emirats Arabes Unis de Développement, a Morocco company (SOMED and, together with LMEH, the Morocco Sellers), Laureate I B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company and an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the Morocco Guarantor), and UPM Pédagogique, a Morocco company (the Morocco Purchaser), entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the Laureate Somed SPA), pursuant to which the Morocco Purchaser agreed to purchase from the Morocco Sellers all of the issued and outstanding capital shares of Laureate Somed Holding, a Morocco company (Laureate Somed), for a total transaction value of 500,000 Moroccan Dirhams, and the Morocco Guarantor agreed to guarantee certain obligations of LMEH under the Laureate Somed SPA. The transaction closed on April 13, 2018 , and LMEH received net proceeds of 300,000 Moroccan Dirhams (approximately $32,500 at the date of sale, or approximately $31,100 net of cash sold). The proceeds were used for general debt repayment across the Company rather than repayment of a specific tranche. Prior to the consummation of the sale, LMEH owned approximately 60% of the capital shares of Laureate Somed, while SOMED owned the remaining approximately 40% of the capital shares of Laureate Somed. Laureate Somed is the operator of Université Internationale de Casablanca, a comprehensive campus-based university in Casablanca, Morocco. The Company recognized a gain on the sale of Laureate Somed of approximately $17,400 for the year ended December 31, 2018, which is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations . Sale of Kendall College, LLC On January 15, 2018, Kendall College, LLC (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. On August 6, 2018, we closed the transaction and Kendall transferred to NLU certain assets, including all of Kendall's education programs, subject to certain conditions, in exchange for consideration of one dollar. Closing of the transaction was subject to prior receipt of regulatory consents, including those of the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission. As part of the agreement, at closing Laureate paid to NLU $14,000 to support NLU’s construction of facilities for the acquired culinary program on NLU’s campus, subject to possible partial recoupment under specified conditions during the 10 -year post-closing period. In addition, at closing Laureate paid approximately $2,100 to NLU for a working capital adjustment and other items provided for under the agreement. This payment was included in the loss on sale, which totaled approximately $17,200 , including tax effect, and is included in Gain on sales of discontinued operations, net, on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018. Also, at the closing date of the sale, the cease-use criteria were met for a leased building that was not part of the sale transaction and that has a lease term ending in July 2028. Accordingly, during the third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a liability of approximately $24,000 for the present value of the remaining lease costs, less estimated sublease income, which was charged to loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The transactions described below are included in Continuing Operations, since these 2017 transactions were not part of the strategic shift described in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale . 2017 Asset Sale and Purchase Price Settlement Agreement Ad Portas Asset Sale In November 2017 , we completed the sa

Due to Shareholders of Acquired

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies	Acquisitions We had no material acquisitions in 2019. 2018 Acquisition in Peru On November 5, 2018, Laureate Education Peru, SRL, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the capital stock of Instituto de Educación Superior Tecnológico Privado Red Avansys SAC (Avansys), an institution in Peru, for a total purchase price of approximately 63,000 Peruvian Nuevo Sols (approximately $18,900 at the acquisition date), plus debt assumed. The cash paid at acquisition, net of cash acquired, was $17,019 . We account ed for this acquisition as a business combin ation. For this acquisition, Revenues , Operating income and Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. were immaterial for the year ended December 31, 2018. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of all assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: Avansys Current assets $ 3,921 Property and equipment 13,673 Goodwill 4,658 Other long-term assets 815 Total assets acquired 23,067 Current portion of long-term debt 874 Other current liabilities 3,332 Total liabilities assumed 4,206 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 18,861 Debt assumed 874 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 19,735 Net assets acquired $ 18,861 Cash acquired (1,842 ) Net cash paid at acquisition $ 17,019 2018 Summary The amounts recorded for the 2018 acquisition are considered final. None of the goodwill related to the 2018 acquisition is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Pro forma results of operations have not been presented because the effects of the acquisition were not material to the Company’s financial results. 2017 Acquisition in 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 ( $835 at the date of acquisition) plus debt assumed of AUD 9,850 ($ 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 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 assumed 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. 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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Nominal Currency Interest Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) $ 20,179 $ 30,912 BRL CDI + 2% IADE Group 1,109 1,141 EUR 3% Faculdade Porto-Alegrense (FAPA) 230 1,943 BRL IGP-M University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) — 11,395 USD 7% Total due to shareholders of acquired companies 21,518 45,391 Less: Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies 11,523 23,820 Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion $ 9,995 $ 21,571 BRL: Brazilian Real CDI: Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (Brazil) EUR: European Euro IGP-M: General Index of Market Prices (Brazil) USD: United States Dollar The aggregate maturities of Due to shareholders of acquired companies as of December 31, 2019 , were as follows: 2020 $ 13,018 2021 11,808 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — Aggregate maturities 24,826 Less: imputed interest discount (3,308 ) Total $ 21,518 UAM Brazil A portion of the UAM Brazil acquisition was financed with a seller note in the amount of BRL 200,808 ( $49,226 at December 31, 2019 ), which was scheduled to be paid in nine equal installments of BRL 22,312 ( $5,470 at December 31, 2019 ), adjusted for inflation based on CDI plus 200 basis points. The initial seven installments were paid during the years ended December 31, 2013 through 2019 . The remaining two installments are due annually on August 31st of each year. On the acquisition date we recorded the note payable at its discounted present value, which is being accreted over the term of the note. As of December 31, 2019 , the carrying value of the note was $20,179 . FAPA In August 2019, the FAPA seller note matured and was settled, with an amount of $230 withheld from the payment. This amount relates to certain contingencies for which we are indemnified by the seller. This amount will remain until the contingencies have been resolved. St. Augustine During the second quarter of 2019, the Company fully repaid the St. Augustine seller note, following the resolution of certain legal matters for which the Company was indemnified by the former owner.

Business and Geographic Segment

Business and Geographic Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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. 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 73% 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 12 institutions in seven 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 and Peru. In Chile, private universities enroll approximately 72% of post-secondary students and there are government-sponsored student financing programs. In Peru, the public sector plays a significant role, but private universities are increasingly providing the capacity to meet growing demand. As of December 31, 2019, the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment includes institutions in Costa Rica, Honduras 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 U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Title IV programs. The entire Central America & U.S. Campuses segment is included in Discontinued Operations. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , we completed the sale of our operations in Costa Rica on January 10, 2020. The Rest of World segment includes campus-based institutions in Asia Pacific with operations in Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand. Additionally, the Rest of World segment manages one institution in China through a joint venture arrangement and, until August 31, 2019 when the contract expired, the Rest of World segment also managed eight licensed institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The institutions in Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are included in Discontinued Operations. The Online & Partnerships segment includes fully online institutions that offer profession-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. We no longer accept new enrollments at the University of Liverpool and the University of Roehampton , which are in a teach-out process. As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale , a number of our subsidiaries have 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 portion of the Rest of World reportable segment that is included in Discontinued Operations has also been excluded from the segment information for all periods presented. 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 include 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 and disposals of subsidiaries, net , Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net , Other income (expense), net , Gain 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 included 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. The EiP initiative also includes other back- and mid-office areas, as well as certain student-facing activities, expenses associated with streamlining the organizational structure and certain non-recurring costs incurred in connection with the planned dispositions described in Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale , and the completed dispositions described in Note 6 , Dispositions and Asset Sales . Beginning in 2019, EiP also includes expenses associated with an enterprise-wide program aimed at revenue growth. 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 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates , as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Corporate Total 2019 Revenues $ 578,449 $ 652,846 $ 1,189,701 $ 190,136 $ 634,125 $ 5,069 $ 3,250,326 Adjusted EBITDA 82,256 147,807 343,264 32,046 190,920 (149,739 ) 646,554 Depreciation and amortization expense 31,194 31,132 65,142 12,354 29,203 23,146 192,171 Loss on impairment of assets 222 — — — — 248 470 Total assets 1,068,362 1,315,377 1,715,145 194,409 1,303,811 918,524 6,515,628 Expenditures for long-lived assets 23,654 30,239 51,546 10,591 14,825 18,840 149,695 2018 Revenues $ 654,300 $ 646,134 $ 1,155,691 $ 177,995 $ 664,226 $ (8,133 ) $ 3,290,213 Adjusted EBITDA 103,969 143,221 317,126 28,405 194,742 (177,256 ) 610,207 Depreciation and amortization expense 35,532 31,007 70,905 13,915 33,506 25,945 210,810 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — 10,030 — 10,030 Total assets 1,011,391 971,309 1,608,406 196,370 1,308,854 1,673,306 6,769,636 Expenditures for long-lived assets 32,423 31,376 59,493 13,507 21,079 27,280 185,158 2017 Revenues $ 765,746 $ 646,154 $ 1,085,640 $ 161,917 $ 690,374 $ (16,758 ) $ 3,333,073 Adjusted EBITDA 134,205 147,171 301,249 24,182 204,543 (205,934 ) 605,416 Depreciation and amortization expense 35,715 27,990 67,764 17,459 35,440 16,765 201,133 Loss on impairment of assets 3,320 — 2,530 — 255 1,016 7,121 Expenditures for long-lived assets 50,244 38,615 72,098 8,356 23,730 24,001 217,044 As discussed in Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale , 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 segment information for all periods presented. Accordingly, in order to reconcile to total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 in the table above, assets held for sale related to Discontinued Operations of $381,297 and $1,311,928 , respectively, are included in the Corporate amounts. For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments: Brazil $ 82,256 $ 103,969 $ 134,205 Mexico 147,807 143,221 147,171 Andean 343,264 317,126 301,249 Rest of World 32,046 28,405 24,182 Online & Partnerships 190,920 194,742 204,543 Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments 796,293 787,463 811,350 Reconciling items: Corporate (149,739 ) (177,256 ) (205,934 ) Depreciation and amortization expense (192,171 ) (210,810 ) (201,133 ) Loss on impairment of assets (470 ) (10,030 ) (7,121 ) Share-based compensation expense (12,661 ) (9,738 ) (61,844 ) EiP expenses (115,132 ) (95,759 ) (100,163 ) Operating income 326,120 283,870 235,155 Interest income 12,209 11,856 11,865 Interest expense (167,331 ) (235,214 ) (334,900 ) Loss on debt extinguishment (28,267 ) (7,481 ) (8,392 ) Gain on derivatives 7,277 88,292 28,656 Other income (expense), net 9,222 12,226 (1,892 ) Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net (27,081 ) (32,564 ) 3,231 (Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net (37,751 ) 254 (10,490 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates $ 94,398 $ 121,239 $ (76,767 ) 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, 2019 2018 2017 External Revenues Mexico (1) $ 650,593 $ 643,348 $ 644,015 Chile 638,516 654,002 617,213 United States 619,185 627,127 635,637 Brazil (1) 578,433 654,070 765,358 Peru 545,291 493,008 450,719 Other foreign countries 218,308 218,658 220,131 Consolidated total $ 3,250,326 $ 3,290,213 $ 3,333,073 (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, 2019 2018 Long-lived assets Peru $ 354,100 $ 336,898 Chile 287,919 338,187 Mexico 232,380 233,048 Brazil 197,235 198,071 United States 88,108 100,438 Other foreign countries 39,477 68,699 Consolidated total $ 1,199,219 $ 1,275,341

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2017 through December 31, 2019 was composed of the following items: Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 493,373 $ 503,373 $ 272,181 $ 95,617 $ 460,740 $ 1,825,284 Acquisitions — — 4,658 — — 4,658 Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale (15,165 ) — — — — (15,165 ) Impairments — — — — — — Currency translation adjustments (71,756 ) (5,154 ) (22,580 ) (8,198 ) — (107,688 ) Adjustments to prior acquisitions — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 406,452 $ 498,219 $ 254,259 $ 87,419 $ 460,740 $ 1,707,089 Acquisitions 1,333 — — — — 1,333 Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale — — — — — — Impairments — — — — — — Currency translation adjustments (19,625 ) 27,037 (12,932 ) (1,407 ) — (6,927 ) Adjustments to prior acquisitions — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 388,160 $ 525,256 $ 241,327 $ 86,012 $ 460,740 $ 1,701,495 In March 2019, the Company's indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, UAM Brazil, acquired a company in Brazil that, prior to the acquisition, was a vendor providing distance-learning and marketing services to the Company's Brazil operations. The total purchase price was BRL 5,022 ( $1,333 at the date of purchase), which was recorded as Goodwill given the immaterial nature of the acquisition. The acquiree was merged into UAM Brazil. Other Intangible Assets Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was $1,352 , $5,780 and $11,514 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2020 , 2021 , 2022 , 2023 , 2024 and beyond is $787 , $450 , $194 , $0 , $0 and $0 , respectively. The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Subject to amortization: Student rosters $ 67,579 $ (67,579 ) $ — 0.0 Other 24,975 (23,544 ) 1,431 2.1 Not subject to amortization: Tradenames 1,119,454 — 1,119,454 — Total $ 1,212,008 $ (91,123 ) $ 1,120,885 The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Subject to amortization: Student rosters $ 69,540 $ (69,253 ) $ 287 0.9 Other 57,933 (32,791 ) 25,142 11.2 Not subject to amortization: Tradenames 1,126,244 — 1,126,244 — Total $ 1,253,717 $ (102,044 ) $ 1,151,673 The decrease in Other intangible assets in 2019 related primarily to our adoption of ASC Topic 842, which resulted in the reclassification of certain lease intangibles to operating lease ROU assets. Impairment Tests The following table summarizes the Loss on impairment of assets: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Impairments of Goodwill $ — $ — $ — Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net — — 2,696 Impairments of long-lived assets 470 10,030 4,425 Total $ 470 $ 10,030 $ 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 discount rate. 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 tradenames, 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, marginal income tax rates by jurisdiction, the discount rate and the estimated royalty rate. 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. 2018 Loss on Impairment of Assets University of Liverpool Effective September 30, 2018, the University of Liverpool (Liverpool), an institution in our Online & Partnerships segment, elected not to renew its institutional partnership agreement and therefore the existing agreement will terminate in April 2021. Accordingly, Liverpool stopped enrolling new students and began a teach-out process that is expected to be completed in April 2021. As a result, during the third quarter of 2018 we recorded an impairment charge of $10,030 related to fixed assets of this entity that are no longer recoverable based on expected future cash flows. Since Liverpool does not meet the criteria to be classified as held-for-sale or a discontinued operation, its results are reported within continuing operations for all periods presented. 2017 Loss on Impairment of Assets The 2017 impairment charges related to the impairment of a lease intangible, certain modular buildings and software development costs.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Outstanding long-term debt was as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Senior long-term debt: Senior Secured Credit Facility (stated maturity dates of October 2024 as of December 31, 2019 and April 2022 and April 2024 as of December 31, 2018), net of discount $ 202,400 $ 1,321,629 Senior Notes (stated maturity date May 2025) 800,000 800,000 Total senior long-term debt 1,002,400 2,121,629 Other debt: Lines of credit 14,542 37,899 Notes payable and other debt 328,153 503,182 Total senior and other debt 1,345,095 2,662,710 Finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings 100,113 119,443 Total long-term debt and finance leases 1,445,208 2,782,153 Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs 66,069 88,241 Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 118,822 100,818 Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion $ 1,260,317 $ 2,593,094 As of December 31, 2019 , aggregate annual maturities of the senior and other debt, excluding finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings, were as follows: December 31, Senior and Other Debt 2020 $ 112,858 2021 110,279 2022 72,338 2023 41,558 2024 207,553 Thereafter 800,509 Total senior and other debt $ 1,345,095 Senior Secured Credit Facility During the second quarter of 2017, we completed 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 revolving credit facility that had an original borrowing capacity of $385,000 and originally matured in April 2022 (the Revolving Credit Facility), as well as a syndicated term loan of $1,600,000 that had a maturity date of April 26, 2024 (the 2024 Term Loan) . The prior 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 prior term loan that was rolled over by certain lenders into the 2024 Term Loan. Accordingly, that rollover amount was a non-cash transaction. 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. Pursuant to the February 1, 2018 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 were no longer based upon the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio. The amendment effectively reduced the current interest rate margins applicable to the outstanding term loans, which prior to the amendment were based on the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio, by 100 basis points, from 4.50% to 3.50% for LIBOR term loans, and 3.50% to 2.50% for ABR term loans. As of December 31, 2018 , all loans outstanding under the 2024 Term Loan were LIBOR loans and had a total interest rate of 6.03% and the total balance outstanding was $1,228,129 . As discussed in Note 6 , Dispositions and Asset Sales , the sale of St. Augustine was completed on February 1, 2019 and the Company used $340,000 of the net proceeds to repay a portion of the 2024 Term Loan. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company fully repaid the remaining balance outstanding under its 2024 Term Loan, using the proceeds received from the sales of its operations in India, Spain and Portugal, as discussed in Note 6 , Dispositions and Asset Sales . Revolving Credit Facility Pursuant to terms of the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement in 2017, the maturity date for the Revolving Credit Facility was April 26, 2022. On October 7, 2019, the Company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the Third A&R Credit Agreement ). Among other things, the Third A&R Credit Agreement increased the borrowing capacity of our revolving credit facility from $385,000 to $410,000 and extended the maturity date from April 26, 2022 to October 7, 2024 . Under the Third A&R Credit Agreement , the revolving credit facility bears interest at a per annum interest rate, at the option of the Company, at either the LIBO rate or the ABR rate, as defined in the agreement, plus an applicable margin of 2.50% per annum, 2.25% per annum, 2.00% per annum or 1.75% per annum for LIBOR loans, and 1.50% per annum, 1.25% per annum, 1.00% per annum or 0.75% per annum for ABR loans, in each case, based on the Company’s Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the agreement. As a subfacility under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Third A&R Credit Agreement provides for letter of credit commitments in the aggregate amount of $50,000 . The Third A&R 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 the greater of (a) $565,000 or (b) 100% of the consolidated EBITDA of the Company, 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 Third A&R Credit Agreement , on a pro forma basis, does not exceed 2.75 x. As of December 31, 2019 , the Revolving Credit Facility had a total outstanding balance of $202,400 , which consisted of $121,300 of LIBOR Loans that had an average interest rate of 3.61% and $81,100 of ABR loans that had an interest rate of 5.75% . Prior to the Third A&R Credit Agreement , the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at a per annum interest rate, at the option of the Company, at either the LIBO rate or the Alternate Base Rate (ABR) rate plus an applicable margin of 3.75% per annum or 3.50% per annum for LIBO 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, 2018 , the Revolving Credit Facility consisted entirely of ABR loans that had an interest rate of 8.25% , with total outstanding balances of $93,500 . Guarantors of the Senior Secured Credit Facility Laureate Education, Inc. is the borrower under our Senior Secured Credit Facility. All of Laureate’s required United States legal entities, excluding certain subsidiaries that the Company considers dormant based on the lack of activity, Walden University, LLC (Walden), Kendall, NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NewSchool), and National Hispanic University (NHU), 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, 2019 and 2018 , the carrying value of the Walden receivables and intangibles pledged as collateral was $400,484 and $403,658 , respectively. Additionally, not more than 65% of the shares held directly by United States guarantors in non-domestic subsidiaries are pledged as collateral. 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. As of December 31, 2019 , the outstanding balance of our Senior Notes due 2025 was $800,000 . As of December 31, 2018 , the outstanding balance of our Senior Notes due 2025 was also $800,000 . Estimated Fair Value of Debt The estimated fair value of our debt was determined using observable market prices since the majority of our securities, including the Senior Secured Credit Facility and the Senior Notes due 2025, are traded in a brokered market. The fair value of our remaining debt instruments approximates carrying value based on their terms. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Carrying amount Estimated fair value Carrying amount Estimated fair value Total senior and other debt $ 1,345,095 $ 1,406,954 $ 2,662,710 $ 2,675,684 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 then-outstanding 9.250% Senior Notes due 2019 (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 generated gross proceeds of at least $400,000 or 10% of the equity value of the Company (a Qualified Public Offering). 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. The Note Exchange Agreements provided that, within 60 days after the consummation of a Qualified Public Offering, at the option of the Existing Holders or their transferees, Laureate 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. 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 9.250% Senior Notes due 2019 (excluding the Exchanged Notes) was $1,125,443 . The redemption price for the notes 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 . 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. Certain Covenants As of December 31, 2019 , 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 Third A&R Credit Agreement did not change the financial covenant that the Company was previously subject to under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Third A&R 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 to exceed 3.50x as of the last day of each quarter commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2019; provided, that if (i) the Company’s consolidated total debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio 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, 2019 , we were in compliance with the leverage ratio covenant. In addition, indebtedness at some of our locations contain financial maintenance covenants. Debt Modification and Loss on Debt Extinguishment In 2019, the Company recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $28,267 related primarily to the write off of a pro-rata portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs associated with repaid debt balances, as well as the debt discount associated with the 2024 Term Loan. In 2018, Laureate recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $7,481 related to the February 1, 2018 amendment of our Senior Secured Credit Facility and the write-off of a pro-rata portion of the term loan’s remaining deferred financing costs in connection with the $350,000 principal payment. As a result of the 2017 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. 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 $12,025 , $12,542 and $14,100 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we paid and capitalized a total of $8,607 , $513 and $81,097 , respectively, in debt issuance costs. Certain unamortized debt issuance costs were written off in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 in connection with debt agreement amendments as discussed above. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , our unamortized debt issuance costs were $66,069 and $88,241 , 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 at times 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 and repay until those lines mature. At December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the aggregate outstanding balances on our lines of credit were $14,542 and $37,899 , respectively. At December 31, 2019 , we had additional available borrowing capacity under our outstanding lines of credit of $26,059 . At December 31, 2019 , we had one line of credit outstanding that had an interest rate of 7.93% . At December 31, 2018 , interest rates on our lines of credit ranged from 6.50% to 11.00% . Our weighted-average short-term borrowing rate was 7.93% and 8.37% at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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 2025. These loans contain certain financial maintenance covenants and Laureate is in compliance with these covenants. Interest rates on notes payable ranged from 3.23% to 10.25% and 3.97% to 11.25% at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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 and principal repayments were suspended until May 15, 2018. The new refinanced loan carried 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 was established based on the ratio of debt to EBITDA, as defined in the agreement. Beginning May 15, 2016, interest was paid monthly. The outstanding balance of the loan on May 12, 2016 was MXN 2,224,600 ( $120,527 at that date). During the year ended December 31, 2019 , this loan was fully repaid. As of December 31, 2018 , the interest rate on the loan was 11.25% and the outstanding balance on the loan was $102,239 . 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 $79,000 at the time of the loan). The loan carried a variable interest rate based on TIIE plus an applicable margin and was scheduled to mature in August 2020. During December 2017, this loan was paid in full and a new loan in the amount of MXN 1,700,000 (approximately $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 ( 9.06% and 10.50% as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively). Payments on the loan were deferred until December 2018, at which time quarterly principal payments were due, beginning at MXN 42,500 ( $2,242 at December 31, 2019 ) and increasing over the term of the loan to MXN 76,500 ( $4,035 at December 31, 2019 ), with a balloon payment of MXN 425,000 ( $22,419 at December 31, 2019 ) due at maturity. During the year ended December 31, 2019 this loan was reassigned to another wholly owned subsidiary of the company within Mexico. As of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the outstanding balance of this loan was $77,569 and $83,086 , respectively. The Company 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, 2019 and 2018 , the loans had an outstanding balance of $14,542 and $32,886 , respectively, and a weighted average interest rate of 7.93% and 7.97% , respectively. These loans have varying maturity dates with the final payment due in October 2022. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , $0 and $14,409 , 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, 2019 and 2018 , these loans had a balance of $23,480 and $30,172 , respectively. On December 22, 2017, a Laureate subsidiary in Peru entered into an agreement to borrow PEN 247,500 (approximately $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 ( $2,801 at December 31, 2019 ) were due from March 2018 through December 2019. The quarterly payments increase to PEN 14,438 ( $4,357 at December 31, 2019 ) in March 2020 through the loan's maturity in December 2022. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , this loan had a balance of $52,278 and $62,761 , respectively. Laureate had outstanding notes payable at a real estate subsidiary in Chile. As of December 31, 2018 , the outstanding balance on the loans was $51,700 . The interest rates on these loans ranged from 3.97% to 6.20% per annum as of December 31, 2018 . These notes were repayable in installments with the final installment due in August 2028. In February 2019, the Company elected to repay approximately $35,000 of the outstanding principal balance of these notes, and the remaining balance was repaid during the fourth quarter of 2019. On December 20, 2013, Laureate acquired THINK and financed a portion of the purchase price by borrowing AUD 45,000 ( $31,176 at December 31, 2019 ) under a syndicated facility agreement in the form of two term loans of AUD 22,500 each. The syndicated facility agreement also provided for additional borrowings of up to AUD 20,000 ( $13,856 at December 31, 2019 ) under a capital expenditure facility and a working capital facility. The first term loan (Facility A) had a term of five years and principal was payable in quarterly installments of AUD 1,125 ( $779 at December 31, 2019 ) 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 amendment and a repayment of AUD 11,000 (approximately $8,100 at the date of payment), Facility A was amended to be a term loan of AUD 10,000 ( $6,928 at December 31, 2019 ), and principal was repayable in quarterly installments of AUD 833 ( $577 at December 31, 2019 ) beginning on September 30, 2016, with the final balance payable at its maturity date of December 20, 2018. Facility B was amended to be a revolving facility of up to AUD 15,000 ( $10,392 at December 31, 2019 ) and any balance outstanding was repayable at its maturity date of December 20, 2018. The capital expenditure facility and working capital facility provided for total additional borrowings of up to AUD 15,000 ( $10,392 at December 31, 2019 ). 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. In December 2018, these loan facilities were again amended to extend the maturity date from December 20, 2018 to June 30, 2020. Facility A bears interest at a variable rate plus a margin of 2.25% and Facility B bears interest at a variable rate plus a margin of 2.50% . Prior to this amendment, Facilities A and B bore interest at variable rates plus margins of 2.50% and 2.75% , respectively. The capital expenditure facility and working capital facility now provide for total additional borrowings of up to AUD 22,000 ( $15,242 as of December 31, 2019 ). As of December 31, 2019 , the interest rates on Facility A and Facility B were 3.23% and 3.48% , respectively, and as of December 31, 2018 , the interest rates on Facility A and Facility B were 4.31% and 4.56% , respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , $14,433 and $14,673 , respectively, was outstanding under these loan facilities. Laureate acquired Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais Ltda. (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 $110,310 at the borrowing date). The loans require semi-annual principal payments that began at BRL 6,478 ( $1,588 at December 31, 2019 ) in October 2014 and increased to a maximum of BRL 22,027 ( $5,400 at December 31, 2019 ) beginning in October 2017 and continuing through their maturity dates in April 2021. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the outstanding balance of these loans was $16,199 and $28,356 , respectively. Both loans mature on April 15, 2021 and bear interest at an annual variable rate of CDI plus 3.70% (approximately 8.10% and 10.10% at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively). On December 20, 2017, a Laureate subsidiary in Brazil entered into an agreement to borrow BRL 360,000 (approximately $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 ( 6.95% and 8.95% at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively) and matures on December 25, 2022. Quarterly payments in the amount of BRL 13,500 ( $3,309 at December 31, 2019 ) are due from March 2019 through December 2019, at which point the quarterly payments increase to BRL 22,500 ( $5,516 at December 31, 2019 ) from March 2020 through December 2020, then to BRL 27,000 ( $6,619 at December 31, 2019 ) from March 2021 through maturity in December 2022. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , this loan had a balance of $75,013 and $92,690 , respectively. In addition to this loan, the same Laureate subsidiary in Brazil entered into two additional loans during the year ended December 31, 2019 totaling BRL 190,000 (approximately $47,495 at the time of loan). These loans have maturity dates of May 2021 and December 2021 and as of December 31, 2019 have an outstanding balance of $46,577

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases Laureate conducts a significant portion of its operations at leased facilities. These facilities include our corporate headquarters, other office locations, and many of Laureate's higher education facilities. Laureate analyzes each lease agreement to determine whether it should be classified as a finance lease or an operating lease. As a result of adopting ASC Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, we recorded on our balance sheet significant asset and liability balances associated with the operating leases, as described further below. Finance Leases Our finance lease agreements are for property and equipment. The lease assets are included within buildings as well as furniture, equipment and software and the related lease liability is included within debt and finance leases on the consolidated balance sheet. Operating Leases Our operating lease agreements are primarily for real estate space and are included within operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities on the 2019 consolidated balance sheet. The terms of our operating leases vary and generally contain renewal options. Certain of these operating leases provide for increasing rent over the term of the lease. Laureate also leases certain equipment under noncancellable operating leases, which are typically for terms of 60 months or less. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. As discussed in Note 2 , Significant Accounting Policies , ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our variable lease payments consist of non-lease services related to the lease. Variable lease payments are excluded from the ROU assets and lease liabilities and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Many of our lessee agreements include options to extend the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised. On occasion, Laureate has entered into sublease agreements for certain leased office space; however, the sublease income from these agreements is immaterial. Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: Leases Classification December 31, 2019 Assets: Operating Operating lease right-of-use assets, net $ 861,878 Finance Buildings, Furniture, equipment and software, net 54,084 Total leased assets $ 915,962 Liabilities: Current Operating Current portion of operating leases 91,558 Finance Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 4,940 Non-current Operating Long-term operating leases, less current portion 792,358 Finance Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion 53,313 Total lease liabilities $ 942,169 Lease Term and Discount Rate December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease terms Operating leases 9.3 years Finance leases 11.6 years Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 9.50 % Finance leases 8.40 % The components of lease cost were as follows: Lease Cost Classification For the year ended December 31, 2019 Operating lease cost Direct costs $ 172,752 Finance lease cost Amortization of leased assets Direct costs 6,277 Interest on leased assets Interest expense 3,971 Short-term lease costs Direct costs 5,247 Variable lease costs Direct costs 14,983 Sublease income Revenues (4,777 ) Total lease cost $ 198,453 As of December 31, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Maturity of Lease Liability Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 169,592 $ 9,664 Year 2 159,404 9,628 Year 3 151,025 9,234 Year 4 140,569 8,183 Year 5 146,332 6,355 Thereafter 543,266 49,840 Total lease payments $ 1,310,188 $ 92,904 Less: interest and inflation (426,272 ) (34,651 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 883,916 $ 58,253 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Other Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 182,838 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 3,971 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 4,506 Leased assets obtained for new finance lease liabilities $ 39,052 Leased assets obtained for new operating lease liabilities $ 16,684 As previously disclosed in our 2018 Form 10-K, prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 842, rent expense, net of sublease income, for all cancellable and noncancellable leases was $169,172 and $170,099 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2018, by year and in aggregate, under all noncancellable operating leases were as follows: Lease Payments 2019 $ 151,795 2020 142,995 2021 135,426 2022 128,441 2023 119,955 Thereafter 482,220 Total $ 1,160,832
Leases	Leases Laureate conducts a significant portion of its operations at leased facilities. These facilities include our corporate headquarters, other office locations, and many of Laureate's higher education facilities. Laureate analyzes each lease agreement to determine whether it should be classified as a finance lease or an operating lease. As a result of adopting ASC Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, we recorded on our balance sheet significant asset and liability balances associated with the operating leases, as described further below. Finance Leases Our finance lease agreements are for property and equipment. The lease assets are included within buildings as well as furniture, equipment and software and the related lease liability is included within debt and finance leases on the consolidated balance sheet. Operating Leases Our operating lease agreements are primarily for real estate space and are included within operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities on the 2019 consolidated balance sheet. The terms of our operating leases vary and generally contain renewal options. Certain of these operating leases provide for increasing rent over the term of the lease. Laureate also leases certain equipment under noncancellable operating leases, which are typically for terms of 60 months or less. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. As discussed in Note 2 , Significant Accounting Policies , ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our variable lease payments consist of non-lease services related to the lease. Variable lease payments are excluded from the ROU assets and lease liabilities and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Many of our lessee agreements include options to extend the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised. On occasion, Laureate has entered into sublease agreements for certain leased office space; however, the sublease income from these agreements is immaterial. Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: Leases Classification December 31, 2019 Assets: Operating Operating lease right-of-use assets, net $ 861,878 Finance Buildings, Furniture, equipment and software, net 54,084 Total leased assets $ 915,962 Liabilities: Current Operating Current portion of operating leases 91,558 Finance Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 4,940 Non-current Operating Long-term operating leases, less current portion 792,358 Finance Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion 53,313 Total lease liabilities $ 942,169 Lease Term and Discount Rate December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease terms Operating leases 9.3 years Finance leases 11.6 years Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 9.50 % Finance leases 8.40 % The components of lease cost were as follows: Lease Cost Classification For the year ended December 31, 2019 Operating lease cost Direct costs $ 172,752 Finance lease cost Amortization of leased assets Direct costs 6,277 Interest on leased assets Interest expense 3,971 Short-term lease costs Direct costs 5,247 Variable lease costs Direct costs 14,983 Sublease income Revenues (4,777 ) Total lease cost $ 198,453 As of December 31, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Maturity of Lease Liability Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 169,592 $ 9,664 Year 2 159,404 9,628 Year 3 151,025 9,234 Year 4 140,569 8,183 Year 5 146,332 6,355 Thereafter 543,266 49,840 Total lease payments $ 1,310,188 $ 92,904 Less: interest and inflation (426,272 ) (34,651 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 883,916 $ 58,253 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Other Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 182,838 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 3,971 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 4,506 Leased assets obtained for new finance lease liabilities $ 39,052 Leased assets obtained for new operating lease liabilities $ 16,684 As previously disclosed in our 2018 Form 10-K, prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 842, rent expense, net of sublease income, for all cancellable and noncancellable leases was $169,172 and $170,099 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2018, by year and in aggregate, under all noncancellable operating leases were as follows: Lease Payments 2019 $ 151,795 2020 142,995 2021 135,426 2022 128,441 2023 119,955 Thereafter 482,220 Total $ 1,160,832

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Noncontrolling Interest Holder Put 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, 2019 . 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. If the minority put arrangements were all exercised at December 31, 2019 , Laureate would be obligated to pay the noncontrolling interest holders an estimated amount of $10,581 , as summarized in the following table: Nominal Currency First Exercisable Date Estimated Value as of December 31, 2019 redeemable within Reported Noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd (Inti Holdings) - 10.10% MYR Current $ 10,581 $ 10,581 Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements 10,581 10,581 Puttable common stock - not currently redeemable USD * — 1,714 Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 10,581 $ 12,295 * Contingently redeemable MYR: Malaysian Ringgit 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, 2019 , 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 $9,670 at December 31, 2019 ) 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, 2019 , the Company recorded $10,581 for this arrangement in Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity on its Consolidated Balance Sheet. 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, 2019 and 2018 , $1,714 and $1,713 , respectively, of contingently redeemable common stock attributable to director stockholder puts was included in Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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. Contingent Liabilities for Taxes, Indemnification Assets and Other As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , Laureate has recorded cumulative liabilities totaling $44,595 and $52,880 , 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, 2019 and 2018 , $2,893 and $4,999 , 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 (decreases)/increases to operating income for adjustments to non-income tax contingencies and indemnification assets were $(9,393) , $(6,884) , and $2,586 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , Laureate has recorded cumulative liabilities for income tax contingencies of $51,442 and $64,157 , respectively, of which $6,996 and $14,582 , respectively, were classified as held for sale. Income tax contingencies are disclosed further in Note 16 , Income Taxes . As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , indemnification assets primarily related to acquisition contingencies were $69,040 and $82,061 , respectively, of which $0 and $476 , respectively, were classified as held for sale. These indemnification assets primarily cover contingencies for income taxes and taxes other-than-income taxes. We have also recorded a receivable of approximately $19,000 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 from the former owner of one of our Brazil institutions which is guaranteed by future rental payments to the former owner. 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 $49,000 if the outcomes were unfavorable in all cases. 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. Laureate intends to vigorously defend against these matters. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , approximately $31,400 and $29,000 , 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, 2019 and 2018 , approximately $1,000 and $18,000 , respectively, of loss contingencies were classified as liabilities held for sale. The decrease is primarily related to the reversal of loss contingencies recorded in 2018 in connection with the sale of LEILY in China, as discussed in Note 6 , Dispositions and Asset Sales . During the first quarter of 2019, loss contingencies were reversed following the settlement of a legal matter related to LEILY with no cost to the Company, resulting in additional gain on sale. Material Guarantees – Student Financing The accredited Chilean institutions in the Laureate network 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 $474,000 and $499,000 at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , 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, 2019 and 2018 , we recorded $30,887 and $28,254 , respectively, as estimated long-term guarantee liabilities for these obligations. Material Guarantees – Other In conjunction with the purchase of Universidade Potiguar (UNP) in Brazil, 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 its acquired shares to third-party lenders as a guarantee of our payment obligations under the loans that financed a portion of the purchase price. The shares are pledged until full payment of the loans, which mature in April 2021. In connection with a loan agreement entered into by a Laureate subsidiary in Peru, all of the shares of UPN Peru, one of our universities, were pledged to the third-party lender as a guarantee of the payment obligations under the loan. Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Other Commitments As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , Laureate's outstanding letters of credit (LOCs) and surety bonds primarily consisted of the items discussed below. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , we had approximately $127,300 and $139,000 , respectively, posted as LOCs in favor of the DOE. As of December 31, 2019 , the amount required by the DOE to be posted was approximately $125,800 . These LOCs were required to allow Walden and NewSchool, and, in 2018, St. Augustine to participate in the DOE Title IV program. These LOCs are recorded on Walden and a corporate entity and are fully collateralized with cash equivalents and certificates of deposit, which are classified as Restricted cash on our December 31, 2019 and 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , we had EUR 5,036 (approximately $5,600 at December 31, 2019) posted as cash collateral for LOCs related to the Spain Tax Audits, which was recorded in Continuing Operations and classified as Restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The cash collateral is related to the final assessment issued by the Spanish Taxing Authority (STA) in October 2018 for the 2011 to 2013 tax audit period. 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, 2019 and 2018 , the total face amount of these surety bonds was $25,582 and $ 22,204 , respectively. These bonds are fully collateralized with cash, which is classified as Restricted cash on our December 31, 2019 and 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets. 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, 2019
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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Financing receivables $ 28,856 $ 16,531 Allowance for doubtful accounts (5,909 ) (6,395 ) Financing receivables, net of allowances $ 22,947 $ 10,136 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, 2019 Amounts past due less than one year $ 10,687 $ 1,556 $ 12,243 Amounts past due one year or greater 3,295 62 3,357 Total past due (on non-accrual status) 13,982 1,618 15,600 Not past due 12,556 700 13,256 Total financing receivables $ 26,538 $ 2,318 $ 28,856 As of December 31, 2018 Amounts past due less than one year $ 7,618 $ 644 $ 8,262 Amounts past due one year or greater 2,879 192 3,071 Total past due (on non-accrual status) 10,497 836 11,333 Not past due 4,980 218 5,198 Total financing receivables $ 15,477 $ 1,054 $ 16,531 The following is a rollforward of the Allowance for doubtful accounts related to financing receivables for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , grouped by country portfolio: Chile Other Total 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 ) Charge-offs 1,428 54 1,482 Recoveries (675 ) — (675 ) Provision (1,424 ) 17 (1,407 ) Currency adjustments 670 7 677 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (6,108 ) $ (287 ) $ (6,395 ) Charge-offs 1,453 499 1,952 Recoveries — — — Provision (1,479 ) (463 ) (1,942 ) Currency adjustments 480 (4 ) 476 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (5,654 ) $ (255 ) $ (5,909 ) 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, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Pre-Modification Balance Outstanding Post-Modification Balance Outstanding 2019 386 $ 1,537 $ 1,152 2018 469 $ 1,405 $ 1,308 2017 446 $ 2,319 $ 2,109 The preceding table represents accounts modified under the terms of a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2019 , whereas the following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019 that defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2019 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 217 $ 519 The following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 that defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 143 $ 487 The following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 that defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2017 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 200 $ 890

Share-based Compensation and Eq

Share-based Compensation and Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation and Equity	Share-based Compensation and Equity Share-based compensation expense was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Continuing operations Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures $ 3,702 $ (3,026 ) $ 48,601 Restricted stock awards 8,959 12,764 13,243 Total continuing operations $ 12,661 $ 9,738 $ 61,844 Discontinued operations Share-based compensation expense for discontinued operations 333 1,053 2,944 Total continuing and discontinued operations $ 12,994 $ 10,791 $ 64,788 The negative stock options expense in 2018 relates to the reversal of expense for a change in estimate related to certain performance-based stock option awards where the performance target became improbable of achievement, as well as the correction of an immaterial error. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan In August 2007, Laureate's Board of Directors (the Board) 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, 2019 and 2018, 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's determination that Laureate had 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, the Board 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 and Shareholders approved an amendment to increase the total number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2013 Plan by 1,219 , and in December 2016, the Board and Shareholders approved an amendment to increase the total number of shares of common stock issuable under the 2013 Plan by 3,884 . 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. 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. As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , on January 27, 2020 , the Company announced that it would explore strategic alternatives for each of its businesses to unlock shareholder value. Also on January 27, 2020 , in connection with such announcement, the Company's Board of Directors determined that any outstanding awards under the 2007 Plan and the 2013 Plan that are held by a participant at the time that such participant is terminated without cause as of and following January 27, 2020 and before a divestiture, sale, spin-off, or any other similar corporate transaction involving the participant's employing entity will receive the same treatment that such awards would have received upon a qualifying termination on or following a change in control ( i.e., accelerated vesting of unvested equity awards in accordance with the terms of such awards). 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 2019, 2018 and 2017, 698 , 690 and 4,038 , 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 was 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 Company recorded approximately $14,600 of share-based compensation expense for the EPI Options in the first quarter of 2017. The EPI Options were exercisable until December 31, 2019. Prior to their expiration, the EPI options with the exercise price of $17.00 were exercised. The remaining EPI options expired unexercised. Amendment to 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan On June 19, 2017, the Board approved, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment and restatement of 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 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 was 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, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : 2019 2018 2017 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 9,020 $ 18.79 $ 744 9,903 $ 19.30 $ — 10,928 $ 21.81 $ 4,350 Granted 698 14.99 717 14.27 4,283 19.01 Exercised (1,569 ) 16.95 794 — — — — — — Forfeited or expired (2,761 ) 20.06 (1,600 ) 19.92 (5,308 ) 18.34 Outstanding at December 31 5,388 18.18 3,396 9,020 18.79 744 9,903 19.30 — Exercisable at December 31 4,846 18.50 2,136 7,878 19.11 265 8,606 19.38 — Vested and expected to vest 5,274 18.20 3,344 8,990 18.80 722 9,847 19.31 — Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Assumption Range* Exercise Prices Number Weighted Number Weighted Risk-Free Expected Expected Year Ended December 31, 2019 $13.97 - $15.55 944 7.89 524 7.06 1.81% - 3.05% 3.25 - 5.91 38.29% - 64.18% $17.00 - $19.56 3,597 3.12 3,475 2.95 1.38% - 2.94% 2.60 - 10.00 35.20% - 58.84% $21.00 - $21.52 330 1.09 330 1.09 0.68% - 2.61% 3.79 - 6.55 38.16% - 57.79% $22.32 - $31.92 517 1.44 517 1.44 0.60% - 3.03% 3.18 - 6.52 36.93% - 53.80% Year Ended December 31, 2018 $13.97 - $15.55 674 8.31 250 7.98 1.81% - 3.05% 3.25 - 5.91 49.98% - 64.18% $17.00 - $19.56 5,730 3.69 5,013 3.50 0.49% - 2.94% 2.60 - 10.00 36.04% - 69.74% $21.00 - $21.52 1,917 1.39 1,916 1.39 0.68% - 2.60% 2.92 - 6.52 38.16% - 69.74% $22.32 - $31.92 699 2.53 699 2.53 0.60% - 2.93% 4.00 - 6.52 36.93% - 53.80% 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% * The expected dividend yield is zero for all options in all years. The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted was $6.05 , $7.67 and $7.84 per share for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. As of December 31, 2019 , Laureate had $2,891 of unrecognized share-based compensation costs related to stock options outstanding. Of the total unrecognized cost, $2,890 relates to Time Options and $1 relates to Performance Options. The unrecognized Time Options expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average expense period of 1.8 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, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : 2019 2018 2017 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 1,895 $ 15.31 1,650 $ 19.74 1,038 $ 25.97 Granted 1,003 15.10 1,306 14.11 1,337 16.65 Vested (765 ) 16.18 (853 ) 21.66 (328 ) 22.35 Forfeited (882 ) 15.20 (208 ) 17.41 (397 ) 23.33 Non-vested at December 31 1,251 14.69 1,895 15.31 1,650 19.74 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's 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, 2019 , unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards was $7,619 . Of the total unrecognized cost, $4,272 relates to time-based RSUs, $3,289 relates to PSUs and $58 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 1.7 years . Other Stockholders' Equity Transactions Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock In December 2016 and January 2017, the Company issued an aggregate of 400 shares of convertible redeemable preferred stock (the Series A Preferred Stock) for total gross proceeds of $400,000 . The Series A Preferred Stock included a Beneficial Conversion Feature (BCF) that was contingent on a qualified IPO (as defined in the Certificate of Designations governing the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock), which was consummated on February 6, 2017. Accordingly, during the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded the BCF at its estimated fair value as a reduction of the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock and an increase to Additional paid-in capital . The accretion of this BCF and dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock reduced net income available to common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share, as shown in Note 17 , Earnings (Loss) Per Share . The total BCF of $265,368 was accreted using a constant yield approach over a one -year period. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we recorded total accretion of the BCF and dividends of $61,974 and $292,450 , respectively. On April 23, 2018 , all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock were converted into 36,143 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock, par value $0.004 per share. This conversion was treated as a redemption for accounting purposes and resulted in an increase in Additional paid-in capital upon reclassification of the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock. A portion of the fair value of the shares of Class A common stock issued to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock was allocated to the BCF contained in the Series A Preferred Stock. The difference between the remaining fair value of the shares of Class A common stock issued, the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock and fair value of the embedded derivatives resulted in a gain of $74,110 , which was recorded as Additional paid-in capital but included in income available to common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share. Secondary Offerings In November 2018, Wengen, our controlling stockholder , converted 14,088 owned shares of the Company's Class B common stock into an equal number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock and sold the 14,088 shares of Class A common stock to the public at a price of $14.00 per share, prior to underwriting discounts and commissions. Wengen received all of the net proceeds from this offering and no shares of Class A common stock were sold by the Company. In the secondary offering, KKR Capital Markets, an affiliate of KKR who in turn is an affiliate of Wengen, bought approximately 757 shares of Class A common stock. In June 2019, Wengen converted owned shares of the Company's Class B common stock into an equal number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock and sold a total of 10,955 shares of Class A common stock in a secondary offering at a price of $15.3032 per share. Wengen received all of the net proceeds from this offering and no shares of Class A common stock were sold by the Company. In September 2019, Wengen converted owned shares of the Company's Class B common stock into an equal number of shares of the Company's Class A common stock and sold a total of 15,000 shares of Class A common stock in a secondary offering at a price of $16.85 per share, prior to underwriting discounts and commissions. Wengen received all of the net proceeds from this offering and no shares of Class A common stock were sold by the Company. Stock Repurchase Program As previously disclosed, on August 8, 2019 , the Company announced that its board of directors had authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire up to $150,000 of the Company’s Class A common stock. In early October 2019, the Company's stock repurchases reached the authorized limit of $150,000 . On October 14, 2019, the Company's board of directors approved the increase of its existing authorization to repurchase shares of the Company's Class A common stock by $150,000 for a total authorization (including the previously authorized repurchases) of up to $300,000 of the Company's Class A common stock. The Company’s repurchases were made in a block trade, as well as on the open market at prevailing market prices and pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 stock repurchase plan, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). In January 2020, the Company's stock repurchases reached the total authorized limit of $300,000 .

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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. Upon early termination of an effective interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge, unrealized gains or losses are deferred in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of AOCI and are amortized as an adjustment to Interest expense over the period during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. 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. As of December 31, 2019 , we held no derivatives. The reported fair values of our derivatives, which are classified in Derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Long-term assets: Net investment cross currency swaps $ — $ 3,259 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Current liabilities: Cross currency swaps — 4,021 Long-term liabilities: Cross currency and interest rate swaps — 6,656 Total derivative instrument assets $ — $ 3,259 Total derivative instrument liabilities $ — $ 10,677 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Net Investment Hedge - Cross Currency Swaps In December 2017, Laureate entered into two EUR-USD cross currency swaps (net investment hedges) 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 had 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. In April 2019, the Company terminated both EUR-USD cross currency swaps for a net settlement received of $7,679 , which is included in Settlement of derivatives related to sale of discontinued operations and net investment hedge on our consolidated statement of cash flows. The terms of the swaps specified that at maturity on the first swap, Laureate would deliver the notional amount of EUR 50,000 and receive USD $59,210 at an implied exchange rate of 1.1842 and at maturity on the second swap, Laureate would 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 was 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 were 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 . The accumulated gain recognized in AOCI will be deferred from earnings until the sale or liquidation of the hedged investee. As of December 31, 2018 , these swaps had an estimated fair value of $3,259 , which was recorded in Derivative Instruments as a long-term asset. 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 matched the corresponding principal of the 2024 Term Loan borrowings of which these swaps were effectively hedging the interest payments. As such, the notional values amortized annually based on the terms of the agreements to match the principal borrowings as they were repaid. These swaps effectively fixed 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 were fully settled on August 21, 2018, prior to their May 31, 2022 maturity date, with the remaining AOCI to be ratably reclassified into income through Interest expense over the remaining maturity period of the 2024 Term Loans. The cash received at settlement from the swap counterparties was $14,117 , which is included in (Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts on the consolidated statement of cash flows. During the second quarter of 2019, the Company accelerated the reclassification of amounts in AOCI to earnings as a result of the hedged forecasted transactions becoming probable not to occur, due to the full repayment of the 2024 Term Loan in June 2019 using proceeds from the sale of our institutions in Portugal and Spain. The accelerated amounts were a gain of approximately $9,800 and were recorded as a decrease to Interest expense. Prior to settlement of the swaps, they were determined to be 100% effective; therefore, the amount of gain or loss recognized in income on the ineffective portion was $0 . The table below shows the total recorded unrealized (loss) gain in Comprehensive income for the derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The impact of these derivative instruments on Comprehensive income, Interest expense and AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Income Statement Location Gain (Loss) Reclassified Total Consolidated Interest Expense 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Cash flow hedge Interest rate swaps $ (11,818 ) $ 5,772 $ 11,264 Interest expense $ 11,818 $ 2,446 $ (7,584 ) Net investment hedge Cross currency swaps 3,868 7,937 (1,389 ) N/A — — — Total $ (7,950 ) $ 13,709 $ 9,875 $ 11,818 $ 2,446 $ (7,584 ) $ (167,331 ) $ (235,214 ) $ (334,900 ) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments EUR to USD Foreign Currency Swaps - Spain and Portugal In December 2018, Laureate entered into two EUR to USD swap agreements in connection with the signing of the sale agreement for the subsidiaries in Spain and Portugal. The purpose of the swaps was to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exposure on the sale proceeds. The first swap was deal contingent, with the settlement date occurring on the second business day following the completion of the sale. On the settlement date, Laureate delivered the notional amount of EUR 275,000 and received USD $314,573 at a rate of exchange of 1.1439 , which resulted in a realized gain of $5,088 . The second swap was a put/call option with a maturity date of April 8, 2019, where Laureate could put the notional amount of EUR 275,000 and call the USD amount of $310,750 at an exchange rate of 1.13 . Based on expected timing of the sale transaction, the swap was terminated on April 2, 2019, resulting in a payment to the counterparty of $980 that included a deferred premium payment net of proceeds received. The realized gain of $5,088 and the payment of $980 are included in Settlement of derivatives related to sale of discontinued operations and net investment hedge in the consolidated statement of cash flows. As of December 31, 2018 , these swaps had an aggregate estimated fair value of $4,021 , which was recorded in Derivative instruments as a current liability through a charge to unrealized loss on derivatives. These swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. In addition to the swaps above, in order to continue to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exposure on the expected sale proceeds for Spain and Portugal in advance of the May 31, 2019 sale closing date, in April 2019, Laureate also entered into seven EUR to USD swap agreements with a combined notional amount of EUR 375,000 . On the maturity date of May 15, 2019, Laureate paid the EUR notional amount and received a combined total of USD $423,003 at a rate of exchange of 1.128007 , resulting in a gain of $1,644 . In May 2019, Laureate entered into nine EUR to USD swap agreements with a combined notional amount of EUR 532,000 . On the maturity date of June 4, 2019, Laureate paid the EUR notional amount and received a combined total of USD $597,149 at a rate of exchange of 1.122461 , resulting in a realized loss of approximately $565 . The realized gain of $1,644 and the realized loss of $565 are included in Settlement of derivatives related to sale of discontinued operations and net investment hedge on the consolidated statement of cash flows. These swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. 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 with an aggregate notional amount of approximately $31,000 , and converted CLP-denominated, floating-rate debt to fixed-rate UF-denominated debt. The UF is a Chilean inflation-adjusted unit of account. One of the swaps was scheduled to mature on December 1, 2024, and the remaining three were scheduled to mature on July 1, 2025 (the CLP to UF cross currency and interest rate swaps); however, during the first quarter 2019, the Company elected to settle all four swaps for a net cash payment of approximately USD $8,200 . In addition, Chile also elected to repay a portion of the principal balance outstanding for certain notes payable, as discussed in Note 10 , Debt . This payment is included in (Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts on the consolidated statement of cash flows. The CLP to UF cross currency and interest rate swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. As of December 31, 2018 , these swaps had an estimated fair value of $6,656 , which was recorded in Derivative instruments as a long-term liability. MXN to USD Foreign Currency Swaps In September 2019, Laureate entered into three MXN to USD swap agreements with a combined notional amount of MXN 453,146 . During the fourth quarter of 2019, Laureate delivered the notional amount and received USD $23,000 at a rate of exchange of 0.0508 , resulting in a realized loss of $583 . The realized loss is included in (Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts on the consolidated statement of cash flows. These swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. AUD to USD Foreign Currency Swaps In September 2019, Laureate entered into two AUD to USD swap agreements with a combined notional amount of AUD 11,000 . During the fourth quarter ended 2019, Laureate received the notional amount and delivered USD $7,443 at a rate of exchange of 0.6766 USD per 1 AUD, resulting in a realized gain of $45 . The realized gain is included in (Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts on the consolidated statement of cash flows. These swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. EUR to USD Foreign Currency Swaps - Cyprus and Italy In December 2017, the Company entered into a total of six EUR to USD forward exchange swap agreements in connection with the sale of its institutions in Cyprus and Italy. 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, resulting in a total realized loss on derivatives of $9,960 , which was included in Settlement of derivatives related to sale of discontinued operations and net investment hedge on the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018. The swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Derivatives related to Series A Preferred Stock Offering In December 2016 and January 2017, the Company issued shares of convertible redeemable preferred stock (the Series A Preferred Stock) and identified several embedded derivatives related to certain contingent redemption features of the Series A Preferred Stock. These derivatives were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and therefore the changes in estimated fair value were recognized as a component of earnings. The Series A Preferred Stock was converted into Class A common stock on April 23, 2018 . The estimated fair value of these derivatives at the conversion date was approximately $140,300 ; accordingly, the derivative assets were recorded at their estimated fair values through a corresponding gain on derivatives, a component of non-operating income. The increase in fair value of the derivatives can be attributed to the use of the Monte Carlo Simulation Method to value the derivatives prior to the April 23, 2018 conversion date, when the probability of conversion increased to 100% and the valuation inputs became definitive. In connection with the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock into Class A common stock, the carrying value of the derivative assets was reclassified into equity in April 2018. 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, 2019 2018 2017 Unrealized Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred $ — $ (42,140 ) $ 33,294 Cross currency and interest rate swaps 4,021 750 (4,191 ) Interest rate swaps — 173 175 4,021 (41,217 ) 29,278 Realized Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred — 140,320 — Cross currency and interest rate swaps 3,256 (10,811 ) (622 ) 3,256 129,509 (622 ) Total Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred — 98,180 33,294 Cross currency and interest rate swaps 7,277 (10,061 ) (4,813 ) Interest rate swaps — 173 175 Gain on derivatives, net $ 7,277 $ 88,292 $ 28,656 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, 2018 , the estimated fair value of derivatives in a gain position was $3,259 . 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, 2019 , we held no derivatives and thus had no credit risk. 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, 2018 , 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, at a maximum, we believe would approximate their estimated fair value of $10,677 as of December 31, 2018 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Significant components of the Income tax (expense) benefit on earnings from continuing operations were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current: United States $ 17,822 $ (32,861 ) $ 28,091 Foreign (97,722 ) (90,887 ) (97,446 ) State (329 ) (262 ) (400 ) Total current (80,229 ) (124,010 ) (69,755 ) Deferred: United States (6,465 ) 10,537 124,043 Foreign 5,753 (18,137 ) 27,216 State 285 (161 ) 11,485 Total deferred (427 ) (7,761 ) 162,744 Total income tax (expense) benefit $ (80,656 ) $ (131,771 ) $ 92,989 For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , foreign income from continuing operations before income taxes was $242,017 , $664,298 , and $246,303 , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , domestic loss from continuing operations before income taxes was $147,619 , $543,059 , and $323,070 , respectively. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from continuing operations were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards $ 530,647 $ 727,213 Depreciation 57,752 81,194 Deferred revenue 17,544 56,004 Allowance for doubtful accounts 23,515 21,069 Deferred compensation 24,645 30,677 Unrealized loss 75,324 74,982 Nondeductible reserves 42,275 40,584 Interest 16,741 17,652 Operating lease asset 236,084 — Total deferred tax assets 1,024,527 1,049,375 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in subsidiaries 84,880 97,208 Amortization of intangible assets 258,852 253,147 Operating lease liability 230,855 — Other 1,260 1,829 Total deferred tax liabilities 575,847 352,184 Net deferred tax assets 448,680 697,191 Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets (541,641 ) (778,262 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (92,961 ) $ (81,071 ) In the table above, we have updated the prior year balances of the net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards and the valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets, to include certain foreign withholding tax credits that have a full valuation allowance. The valuation allowance rollforward and the rate reconciliation schedule that follow have also been updated to reflect this item. GILTI: Laureate considered the potential impacts of the GILTI provision within the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) on deferred tax assets/liabilities. Laureate elected to account for GILTI as period costs if and when incurred. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, Laureate included in its taxable income GILTI of $182,000 and $165,000 , respectively, for continued operations. Additionally, because there is no incremental cash tax impact of the GILTI inclusion, Laureate is electing to use the incremental cash tax savings approach when determining whether a valuation allowance needs to be recorded against the U.S. NOL due to the GILTI inclusions. Accordingly, the Company has maintained a full valuation allowance on its pre-2017 U.S. NOL. Permanent Reinvestment: Laureate also considered other impacts of the 2017 enactment of the TCJA including, but not limited to, effects on the Company’s indefinite-reinvestment assertion. Laureate previously has not provided deferred taxes on unremitted earnings attributable to international companies that have been considered to be reinvested indefinitely. Laureate analyzed the full effects of the TCJA, and maintained its indefinite-reinvestment assertions for the year ending December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2019 , undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries totaled $2,014,730 . Except as discussed below regarding Peru, all historical earnings are permanently reinvested. A portion of the historical earnings of Peru are no longer needed to be retained in that market. The Company has recorded a deferred tax liability of $2,500 on $50,000 USD of earnings to account for the withholding taxes on this eventual distribution. If the Company were to remove its assertion and distribute the remaining unremitted earnings, we would record approximately $15,900 in additional deferred tax liabilities. The amount of additional deferred tax liabilities recognized could increase if our expectations change based on future developments, including as a result of the announcement on January 27, 2020 to explore strategic alternatives, such that some or all of the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are remitted to the United States in the foreseeable future. During 2018, certain entities and jurisdictions were designated as discontinued operations or held for sale. These entities can no longer assert permanent reinvestment. Thus, an analysis was performed to calculate any deferred taxes required to be recorded on the outside basis which will be recovered upon the sales of these entities. In the third quarter of 2018, we estimated global deferred tax liabilities of $3,200 . The majority of the basis differences can be recovered tax free due to our efficient investment structure, treaty benefits or tax exempt transactions. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we refined this global estimate to $4,800 . During 2019, this deferred tax liability was paid as a result of the sale of India group, for which this liability was previously recorded. As of December 31, 2019 , we estimated $0 deferred tax liabilities on the outside basis for remaining entities designated as discontinued operations or held for sale. Approximately 73.97% our worldwide NOLs and tax credits carryforwards as of December 31, 2019 originated in foreign jurisdictions. It includes withholding tax credits that the Company elected to carryforward in the Netherlands. These credits can be carried forward indefinitely, but due to income available to utilize these credits, they are recorded net of a full valuation allowance. 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. 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, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 778,262 $ 815,689 $ 1,167,927 (Deductions) additions to costs and expenses (a) 11,611 335 7,175 Charges to other accounts Additions — — — Deductions (b) (248,232 ) (37,762 ) (359,413 ) Balance at end of period $ 541,641 $ 778,262 $ 815,689 (a) (Deductions) additions to costs and expenses include amounts related to withholding tax credits recorded for the Netherlands. (b) Deductions include reclassifications and foreign currency translation, and TCJA-related adjustments described in the section below. The reconciliations of the reported Income tax (expense) benefit to the amount that would result by applying the United States federal statutory tax rate of 21% to income from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Tax (expense) benefit at the United States statutory rate $ (19,824 ) $ (25,460 ) $ 16,121 Permanent differences (20,543 ) 20,686 (13,216 ) State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect 4,005 (335 ) (1,154 ) Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate (23,895 ) 16,683 34,711 Change in valuation allowance (35,500 ) (98,414 ) (139,375 ) Effect of tax contingencies 12,966 5,203 11,198 Tax credits 36,981 37,769 47,348 Withholding taxes (6,815 ) (57,190 ) 4,678 U.S. tax on repatriated earnings — — (875 ) Impairments — (649 ) — Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Transition tax on unremitted earnings — — (160,567 ) Tax effect of rate changes — — 82,392 Change in valuation allowance 14,969 9,354 202,758 State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect (4,104 ) (5,350 ) 8,360 GILTI (38,305 ) (34,650 ) — Other (591 ) 582 610 Total income tax (expense) benefit $ (80,656 ) $ (131,771 ) $ 92,989 We have made certain adjustments to the 2017 rate reconciliation above in connection with the allocation of the effects of the TCJA to entities in discontinued operations. The withholding tax amounts shown in the table above include a benefit for 2017 of approximately $30,000 and expense for 2018 of approximately ($27,000) related to the redesignation of certain intercompany loans to reflect the impact in changes in the Company's business, including divestitures and financing. The tax credits amounts shown in the table above include withholding tax credits that the Company recorded in the Netherlands. They are recorded net of a full valuation allowance. The reconciliations of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Beginning of the period $ 60,780 $ 81,073 $ 81,325 Additions for tax positions related to prior years 321 4,379 5,691 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years (2,349 ) (1,541 ) (10,095 ) Additions for tax positions related to current year 9,940 9,725 11,551 Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits (3,150 ) (5,282 ) (7,355 ) Settlements for tax positions related to prior years — (27,574 ) (44 ) End of the period $ 65,542 $ 60,780 $ 81,073 In addition to the amounts shown in the table above, approximately $3,300 of principal was released during 2019 as a result of the sale of India, which was classified as a discontinued operation prior to the sale. Laureate records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of Income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , Laureate recognized interest and penalties related to income taxes of $3,428 , $4,840 , and $5,762 , respectively. Laureate had $24,510 and $26,643 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , Laureate derecognized $5,852 , $15,563 , and $8,584 , respectively, of previously accrued interest and penalties. Approximately $19,917 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 $10,569 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 2009. United States federal and state statutes are generally open back to 2016; however, the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) has the ability to challenge 2005 through 2015 net operating loss carryforwards. Except as discussed below, statutes of other major jurisdictions are open back to 2016 for Brazil, 2013 for Chile and Spain, and 2009 for Mexico. 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 ICE, our Spanish holding company, for EUR 11,051 ( $12,256 at December 31, 2019), including interest, for the 2006 through 2007 period. Laureate 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 ( $19,060 at December 31, 2019), including interest, for those three years. In order to continue the appeals process, we issued cash-collateralized letters of credit for the 2008 to 2010 period assessment amount, plus interest and surcharges. During the second quarter of 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 recorded a provision totaling EUR 37,610 (approximately $42,100 at that date). 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. 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. The Company has appealed both decisions to the National Court. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company made payments to the Spanish Tax Authorities (STA) totaling approximately EUR 29,600 (approximately $36,800 at the time of payment) in order to reduce the amount of future interest that could be incurred as the appeals process continues. The payments were made using the restricted cash that collateralized the letters of credit and reduced the liability that had been recorded for this income tax contingency. In October of 2018, the STA issued a final assessment to ICE for the 2011 through 2013 period totaling approximately EUR 4,100 (approximately $4,500 at December 31, 2019 ), including interest. In February 2019, the Company appealed this assessment to the Highest Administrative Court. As of December 31, 2019 , the Company has posted a cash-collateralized letter of credit of approximately $5,600 for the assessment, plus a surcharge. In May 2019, the Company was notified by the STA that a new tax audit of fiscal years 2014 and 2015 was being initiated. In January 2020, ICE received a final assessment from the STA for the 2014 to 2015 period totaling approximately EUR 4,300 (approximately $4,800 at December 31, 2019 ). ICE plans to appeal this assessment and, in order to appeal, ICE will be required to issue a guarantee to cover the assessment amount. TCJA The TCJA was enacted in December 2017. Among other provisions, the TCJA reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% beginning in 2018, required 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. 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, $82,392 related to the rate change and $53,300 related to the valuation allowance release, net of rate adjustment, on the deferred tax assets other than net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs) that, when realized, may become indefinite-lived NOLs. In 2018, we made adjustments to line items within the 2017 rate reconciliation of approximately $3,600 in connection with the allocation of the effects of the TCJA to entities in discontinued operations. Laureate has completed its accounting for the income tax effects of the TCJA, several of which are detailed immediately below. Transition tax: The transition tax is a tax on previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits (E&P) at December 31, 2017 of certain of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries. To determine the amount of the transition tax, Laureate determined, 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 was able to offset this liability with current year losses and, under alternative minimum tax, up to 90% of the remaining liability, with pre-2017 net operating losses, resulting in a net liability of $3,200 . Additionally, the TCJA repeals the corporate alternative minimum tax prospectively. Thus, Laureate recorded 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. During the fourth quarter of 2018, Laureate updated the calculation of the transition tax for the income tax return filing and made adjustments to the 2017 amounts in connection with the allocation of the effects of the TCJA to entities in discontinued operations. Remeasurement of deferred tax assets/liabilities: Laureate remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities in the fourth quarter of 2017 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 $82,392 . Additionally, Laureate recorded a tax benefit in the fourth quarter of 2017 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 $53,300 . Laureate has analyzed certain aspects of the TCJA, including state conformity, considering additional technical guidance, and refining its calculations, which affected the measurement of these balances or gave rise to new deferred tax amounts. The 2018 blended state tax rates for the U.S., 6.63% (current) and 6.61% (deferred), were calculated using the apportionment percentages from our most recently filed tax returns at that time (2017) and the highest applicable state tax rate. This rate was applied to all items, except that the NOL utilization related to Global Intangibles Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) was 4.11% (deferred) and was applied using the blended rate of only those states that conform to federal GILTI provisions. Valuation Allowance: In 2017, the Company's valuation allowance was changed due to the impact of the TCJA. The major drivers of the change in balance were: impact of the US rate change in the amount of $215,600 , utilization of the prior year NOLs against continued and discontinued operations 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 $53,300

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share 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, and convertible securities using the if-converted method. The following tables summarize the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for continuing operations: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 13,961 $ (10,534 ) $ 16,374 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (99 ) (141 ) (79 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 13,862 (10,675 ) 16,295 Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (208 ) (292 ) 317 Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value — (559 ) (6,358 ) Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock — (61,974 ) (292,450 ) Gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — 74,110 — Distributed and undistributed earnings to participating securities — — (1 ) Subtotal: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock, net, and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (208 ) 11,285 (298,492 ) Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic earnings per share 13,654 610 (282,197 ) Adjusted for: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock — 61,974 — Adjusted for: gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — (74,110 ) — Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share $ 13,654 $ (11,526 ) $ (282,197 ) Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for discontinued operations: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 53,941 $ 84,884 $ 77,390 Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax 869,762 296,580 — Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 919 (722 ) (2,220 ) Allocation of earnings from discontinued operations to participating securities — — (5 ) Net income from discontinued operations for basic and diluted earnings per share $ 924,622 $ 380,742 $ 75,165 Denominator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 221,928 212,769 172,409 Effect of dilutive stock options 27 — — Effect of dilutive restricted stock units 516 — — Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding 222,471 212,769 172,409 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.06 $ — $ (1.64 ) Income from discontinued operations 4.17 1.79 0.44 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 4.23 $ 1.79 $ (1.20 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.06 $ (0.06 ) $ (1.64 ) Income from discontinued operations 4.16 1.79 0.44 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 4.22 $ 1.73 $ (1.20 ) In the calculation of diluted EPS for 2018, the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, which occurred on April 23, 2018, was assumed to have occurred as of the beginning of the period; accordingly, the effects of the accretion and the gain upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock were removed from net income available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share. The following table summarizes the number of stock options, shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) that were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations because the effect would have been antidilutive: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Stock options 8,512 9,387 12,497 Restricted stock and RSUs 6 1,300 986

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions Santa Fe University of Arts and Design (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 April 12, 2017, SFUAD announced that it planned to close after the end of the 2017-2018 academic year; its teach-out plan was subsequently approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and completed in 2018. 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 was maintaining on SFUAD's behalf. The cash collateral for the bond, which was recorded in Restricted cash on our December 31, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet, was funded by SFUAD and therefore was recorded as a payable to SFUAD. During the fourth quarter of 2018, this bond was released and SFUAD was fully repaid. 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 and we paid this affiliate $2,768 during the year ended December 31, 2017 . 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 was also a director of the parent of I/O. Additionally, this director, along with our former CEO, and Sterling Partners (a private equity firm co-founded by the director, our former CEO, and others) maintained an ownership interest in I/O through 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017 we incurred costs for these agreements of approximately $500 . 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 Preferred Stock, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company paid cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock totaling $11,103 and $18,052 , respectively, of which $1,822 and $3,644 , respectively, was paid to KKR and Snow Phipps. As discussed in Note 14 , Share-based Compensation and Equity , on April 23, 2018 , all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock were converted into Class A common stock. As further discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , the buyer of our Costa Rica operations

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 $5,431 , $5,345 , and $5,638 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Non-United States Pension Benefit Plans Laureate has a defined benefit (pension) plan at a non-United States institution. 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 in each year can vary from the subsequent year's actual net periodic benefit cost due to plan amendments and the impacts of foreign currency translation. The unfunded status of this plan is reported as a component of Other current liabilities and Other long-term liabilities. The net periodic benefit cost was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Service cost $ 63 $ 77 $ 75 Interest 119 118 126 Expected return on assets — — — Amortization of prior service costs (57 ) (32 ) 22 Recognition of actuarial items — — (15 ) Curtailment gain (200 ) (47 ) (153 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (75 ) $ 116 $ 55 As discussed in Note 2 , Significant Accounting Policies , on January 1, 2018 Laureate adopted ASU 2017-07. Under the amendments in this ASU, the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is 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 presented on the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if presented. Because the effect of ASU 2017-07 on prior periods presented was insignificant, we did not revise prior periods. Accordingly, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost is included in Direct costs on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and all other components of net periodic benefit cost are included in Other income (expense), net on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the year ended December 31, 2017 , all components of net periodic benefit cost are included in Direct costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The estimated net periodic benefit cost for the year ending December 31, 2020 is approximately $242 . The weighted average assumptions were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate for obligations 8.75% 10.50% 9.25% Discount rate for net periodic benefit costs 10.50% 9.25% 8.50% Rate of compensation increases 4.50% 4.50% 4.50% Expected return in plan assets N/A N/A N/A 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, 2019 2018 2017 Change in PBO: PBO at beginning of year $ 1,173 $ 1,336 $ 1,423 Service cost 63 77 75 Interest 119 118 126 Actuarial loss (gain) 408 (214 ) (171 ) Benefits paid by plan (79 ) (90 ) (33 ) Curtailment gain (200 ) (47 ) (153 ) Foreign exchange 66 (7 ) 69 PBO at end of year $ 1,550 $ 1,173 $ 1,336 Fair value of assets at end of year — — — Unfunded status $ 1,550 $ 1,173 $ 1,336 Amount recognized in AOCI, pre-tax $ (170 ) $ (610 ) $ (439 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 1,550 $ 1,173 $ 1,336 The estimated future benefit payments for the next 10 fiscal years are as follows: For the year ending December 31, 2020 $ 163 2021 173 2022 151 2023 147 2024 136 2025 through 2029 1,178 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, 2019 and 2018 , plan assets included in Other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $4,505 and $4,868 , respectively, and the total plan liabilities reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $6,835 and $7,047 , respectively. Supplemental Employment Retention Agreement (SERA) In November 2007, Laureate established a SERA for one of its then-executive officers. Because 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 received an annual SERA payment of $1,500 . The SERA provided annuity payments to the former executive over the course of his lifetime, and, following the former executive's death in 2018, an annual payment of $1,500 will be made to his spouse for the remainder of her life. The SERA is administered through a Rabbi Trust, and its assets are subject to the claims of creditors. At the inception of the plan, Laureate purchased annuities which provided funds for the SERA obligations until the former executive's death, at which point proceeds from corporate-owned life insurance policies were received and will be used to fund the future SERA obligations. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the total SERA assets were $12,494 and $13,721 , respectively, which were recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in Restricted cash at December 31, 2019 and 2018 . As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 , the total SERA liabilities recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $14,244 and $14,278 , respectively, of which $1,500 each year was recorded in Accrued compensation and benefits , and $12,744 and $12,778 , 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, 2019
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, 2019 , we operate postsecondary educational institutions in the United States (U.S. Institutions). The U.S. Institutions are subject to extensive regulation by federal and state governmental entities as well as accrediting bodies. The U.S. 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, 2018 , the DOE required us to post a letter of credit of approximately $125,800 (an amount equal to 15% of the Title IV program funds received by Laureate in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 ) and remain subject to Heightened Cash Monitoring 1. 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 required, 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, 2019 and 2018 . In recent years, the DOE has proposed or promulgated a substantial number of new regulations that impact our U.S. Institutions, including, but not limited to, borrower defense to repayment, state authorization and financial responsibility. 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, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE) sent to Walden University an information request regarding its doctoral programs and complaints filed by doctoral students as part of a program review that MOHE was conducting. On October 23, 2019, MOHE completed its program review and issued a final report that indicated no findings of noncompliance. As part of its report, MOHE made recommendations for Walden University to develop certain goals and benchmarks with respect to its doctoral programs. Brazilian Regulation We operate 12 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 related offices. The MEC is the highest authority of the higher education system in Brazil and has the power to issue implementing rules, (regulations, notices, and technical advisories governing the conduct of higher education), as well as to regulate and monitor the higher education segment, including aspects like adherence by higher education institutions (HEIs) to the rules for federal education programs like Prouni and the Fundo de Financiamento Estudantil (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 Economico (CADE). As noted, Laureate’s institutions in Brazil participate in the FIES program, which is a federal program established to provide financing to students enrolled in courses in private institutions of higher education that have achieved a minimum satisfactory evaluation according to the National Higher Education Evaluation System (SINAES) and receive a grade of 3 or higher out of 5 on the National Examination of Student Performance (ENADE). Under this basic structure, FIES targets both of the government’s education policy goals: increased access and improved academic quality outcomes. As of December 31, 2019 , approximately 7% of our total students in Brazil participated in FIES, representing approximately 13% of our 2019 Brazil net revenue. As of December 31, 2018 , approximately 11% of our total students in Brazil participated in FIES, representing approximately 20% of our 2018 Brazil net revenue. All of our Brazil HEIs adhere to Prouni, a federal program of tax benefits designed to increase higher education participation rates by making college more affordable. Prouni provides private HEIs 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. HEIs 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 and the number of 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. For the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , our HEIs granted Prouni scholarships of approximately $100,600 , $112,500 , and $115,200 , respectively, that resulted in tax credits. Chilean Regulation - Higher Education Bill As discussed in Note 2 , Significant Accounting Policies , on January 24, 2018, the Chilean Congress passed the New Law, which was enacted in May 2018. See Note 2 , Significant Accounting Policies , for further discussion about the New Law and its impact to Laureate.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, foreign exchange fluctuations 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. Equity securities - preferred stock investment In 2013, Laureate purchased approximately 1,020 shares (the Shares) of preferred stock of a private education company for $5,000 . This equity security did not have a readily determinable fair value. In June 2019, based on interest expressed by an investor to purchase the Shares, Laureate recorded this investment at its estimated fair value and recorded a non-operating gain of approximately $6,100 . In September 2019, Laureate sold the Shares and received cash proceeds of $11,473 , resulting in a total non-operating gain of $6,473 for the year ended December 31, 2019 . The proceeds are included in Proceeds from sale of investment in the consolidated statement of cash flows. As of December 31, 2019 , Laureate did no t hold any financial assets or liabilities that are 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, 2018 were as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Derivative instruments $ 3,259 $ — $ — $ 3,259 Liabilities Derivative instruments $ 10,677 $ — $ — $ 10,677 The changes in our Level 3 Derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2019 were as follows: Balance December 31, 2018 $ (7,418 ) Gain included in earnings: Unrealized gains, net 4,021 Realized gains, net 3,256 Loss included in other comprehensive income (7,950 ) Settlements (4,096 ) Reclassification upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — Reclassification, currency translation adjustment and other 12,187 Balance December 31, 2019 $ — Laureate had no fair value measurements classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2019 . The changes in our Level 3 Derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows: Balance December 31, 2017 $ 34,338 (Loss) gain included in earnings: Unrealized losses, net (41,217 ) Realized gains, net 129,509 Gain included in other comprehensive income 13,709 Settlements (3,306 ) Reclassification upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock (140,320 ) Currency translation adjustment and other (131 ) Balance December 31, 2018 $ (7,418 )

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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: 2019 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 883,152 $ 773,699 $ 992,403 $ 601,072 Operating costs and expenses 727,898 727,969 775,240 693,099 Operating income (loss) $ 155,254 $ 45,730 $ 217,163 $ (92,027 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 51,736 $ (28,526 ) $ 107,820 $ (117,069 ) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (12,531 ) (27,137 ) 30,280 63,329 Gain (loss) on sales of discontinued operations, net of tax 21,372 (41,131 ) 641,516 248,005 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 298 1,568 1,976 (3,022 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 60,875 (95,226 ) 781,592 191,243 Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (472 ) (193 ) 194 263 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 60,403 $ (95,419 ) $ 781,786 $ 191,506 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.24 $ (0.13 ) $ 0.48 $ (0.52 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.04 (0.30 ) 3.00 1.37 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.28 $ (0.43 ) $ 3.48 $ 0.85 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.24 $ (0.13 ) $ 0.48 $ (0.52 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.04 (0.30 ) 3.00 1.37 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.28 $ (0.43 ) $ 3.48 $ 0.85 2018 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 892,451 $ 778,255 $ 1,005,229 $ 614,278 Operating costs and expenses 757,970 749,259 786,235 712,879 Operating income (loss) $ 134,481 $ 28,996 $ 218,994 $ (98,601 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 26,107 $ (40,353 ) $ 174,410 $ (170,698 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 61,333 (37,905 ) 37,542 23,914 (Loss) gain on sales of discontinued operations, net of tax (15,324 ) (18,426 ) 12,003 318,327 Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (548 ) 1,895 456 (2,666 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 71,568 (94,789 ) 224,411 168,877 Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (1,422 ) 324 (4,324 ) (57,403 ) Gain upon conversion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock — — 74,110 — Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 70,146 $ (94,465 ) $ 294,197 $ 111,474 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.11 $ (0.18 ) $ 1.14 $ (1.22 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.20 (0.24 ) 0.23 1.81 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.31 $ (0.42 ) $ 1.37 $ 0.59 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.11 $ (0.18 ) $ 0.78 $ (1.22 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.20 (0.24 ) 0.22 1.81 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.31 $ (0.42 ) $ 1.00 $ 0.59

Other Financial Information

Other Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 gains or 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, 2019 2018 Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Foreign currency translation loss $ (1,084,651 ) $ 326 $ (1,084,325 ) $ (1,127,719 ) $ 459 $ (1,127,260 ) Unrealized gains on derivatives 10,416 — 10,416 18,366 — 18,366 Minimum pension liability adjustment 254 — 254 (3,342 ) — (3,342 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,073,981 ) $ 326 $ (1,073,655 ) $ (1,112,695 ) $ 459 $ (1,112,236 ) 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 in order to 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 (loss) gain, net , of $(32,433) , $(30,272) and $289 in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , 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, 2019 2018 2017 Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 938,484 $ 370,067 $ 91,465 Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests (3,700 ) (471 ) (11,569 ) Change from net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests $ 934,784 $ 369,596 $ 79,896 Write Off of Accounts and Notes Receivable During the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , Laureate wrote off approximately $67,000 , $93,000 and $92,000 , 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, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information Cash interest payments, prior to interest income, for Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations were $188,682 , $234,102 and $384,157 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Net income tax cash payments for Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations were $119,682 , $143,000 and $130,469 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company paid cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock in the amount of $11,103 and $18,052 , respectively. As discussed in Note 14 , Share-based Compensation and Equity , on April 23, 2018 , all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock were converted into shares of the Company’s Class A common stock. Accordingly, the Company did not pay any cash dividends during the year ended December 31, 2019 . Reconciliation of Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as the December 31, 2017 balance. The December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 balances sum to the amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 : For the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 339,629 $ 387,780 $ 319,040 Restricted cash 186,921 195,792 206,705 Total Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 526,550 $ 583,572 $ 525,745

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Sale of Costa Rica Operations On January 10, 2020 , Laureate International B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (Laureate International), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into, and consummated the transactions contemplated by, an Equity Purchase Agreement (the Costa Rica Agreement) with SP Costa Rica Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Costa Rica Buyer). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Costa Rica Buyer purchased from Laureate International (i) all of the equity units of Education Holding Costa Rica, S.R.L., which owns, directly or indirectly, all of the equity units of Lusitania S.R.L., Universidad U Latina, S.R.L. (ULatina) and Universidad Americana UAM, S.R.L. (collectively, Laureate Costa Rica) and (ii) a note due from ULatina to Laureate International. Consideration for the transaction consisted of $15,000 paid at closing and up to $7,000 to be paid within the next two years if Laureate Costa Rica meets certain performance metrics. Additionally, Laureate Costa Rica retained obligations to pay approximately $30,000 in finance lease indebtedness for which the Costa Rica Buyer has no recourse to Laureate International. The Costa Rica Buyer is controlled by certain affiliates of Sterling Capital Partners II, L.P. (Sterling II). Sterling II has the right to designate a director to the Laureate Board of Directors pursuant to a securityholders agreement, and Steven Taslitz currently serves as the Sterling-designated director. Mr. Taslitz did not participate in the Laureate Board of Directors’ consideration of the transaction, which was approved by Laureate's Audit Committee as a related party transaction. Exploration of Strategic Alternatives On January 27, 2020 , Laureate announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to explore strategic alternatives for each of its businesses to unlock shareholder value. As part of this process, the Company will evaluate all potential options for its remaining businesses, including sales, spin-offs or business combinations. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of this process, including whether it will result in the completion of any transaction, as to the values that may be realized from any potential transaction or as to how long the review process will take.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2019 , the Laureate network includes five VIE institutions in three countries. Of these five institutions, four are included in continuing operations and one is a discontinued operation. 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.
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 loss (income) 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 so 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 that 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 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 $39,005 , $100,227 and $123,237 for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , 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 (loss) of affiliates, net of tax , in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
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. Cash payments of contingent consideration that are made soon after the consummation of a business combination are classified within investing activities. Cash payments of contingent consideration that are made later than that are classified within financing and operating activities. The portion of the cash payment up to the acquisition date fair value of the contingent consideration liability (including any measurement-period adjustments) will be classified as a financing outflow, and amounts paid in excess of the acquisition date fair value of that liability will be classified as an operating outflow. 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 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 (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. 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.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash 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 includes cash equivalents 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	Financial Instruments Laureate’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and notes receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, amounts due to shareholders of acquired companies, derivative instruments, debt, operating and finance 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. In Brazil, our institutions participate in Fundo de Financiamento ao Estudante do Ensino Superior (FIES), a government-sponsored education subsidy program. During the course of the year, Laureate could have material receivables related to Title IV, the CAE Program and FIES. 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, foreign exchange fluctuations 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.
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 it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we are entitled in exchange for the goods and services that will be transferred to the student. 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.
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. These facilities include our corporate headquarters, other office locations, and many of Laureate’s higher education facilities. Laureate analyzes each lease agreement to determine whether it should be classified as a finance lease or an operating lease. For operating leases, right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. For finance leases, we initially record the assets and lease liabilities at the present value of the future minimum lease payments. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The significant assumption used in estimating the present value of the lease payments is the incremental borrowing rate. 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 finance leases within depreciation expense. Assets under finance leases are typically amortized over the related lease term using the straight-line method. We recognize operating lease rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 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, accreditation and costs to obtain a contract. 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, 2019 and 2018 , the unamortized balances of online course development costs were $55,728 and $57,065
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill primarily represents the amounts paid by Wengen Alberta, Limited Partnership (Wengen), the Company's controlling stockholder , in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired in the August 2007 leveraged buyout transaction (LBO) (see Note 9 , Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ), plus the excess purchase price over fair value of net assets for businesses acquired after the LBO 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 we perform the second step. In the second step, we calculate 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. 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 of each reporting unit include: (1) the revenue and profitability growth rates and (2) the discount rate.
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 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 tradenames 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. Significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value of indefinite-lived tradenames include: (1) the revenue growth rates; (2) the discount rates; and (3) the estimated royalty rates. 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, in certain cases 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. Upon early termination of an effective interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge, unrealized gains or losses are deferred in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of AOCI and are amortized as an adjustment to Interest expense over the period during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. 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 other revenues from student fees, dormitory/residency fees and other education-related activities. These other revenues are less material to our overall financial results and have a tendency to trend with tuition revenues. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. These revenues are recognized net of scholarships and other discounts, refunds, waivers and the fair value of any guarantees made by Laureate related to student financing programs. Performance Obligations A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of accounting in Topic 606. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation identified in the arrangement based on the relative standalone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. The primary method used to estimate standalone selling price is the adjusted market assessment approach, under which we evaluate the market and estimate the price that a customer would be willing to pay for the goods and services we provide. Our performance obligations are primarily satisfied over time during the course of an academic semester or academic year. Laureate's transaction price is determined based on gross price, net of scholarships and other discounts, refunds, waivers and the fair value of any guarantees made by Laureate related to student financing programs. The majority of our revenue is derived from tuition and educational services agreements with students, and thus, is recognized over time on a weekly straight-line basis over each academic session. We view the knowledge gained by the student as the benefit which the student receives during the academic sessions. We use the output method to recognize tuition and educational services revenue as this method faithfully depicts our performance toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. Dormitory/residency revenues, which are included in the Other line item in the table above, are recognized over time throughout the occupancy period using the output method based on the proportional period of time elapsed which faithfully depicts our performance toward complete satisfaction of the performance obligation. We have elected the optional exemption to not disclose amounts where the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less. We expect to recognize substantially all revenue on these remaining performance obligations over the next 12 months . Contract Balances The timing of billings, cash collections and revenue recognition results in accounts receivable (contract assets) and deferred revenue and student deposits (contract liabilities) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have various billing and academic cycles and 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 it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the consideration to which we are entitled in exchange for the goods and services that will be transferred to the student. We receive advance payments or deposits from our students before revenue is recognized, which are recorded as contract liabilities in deferred revenue and student deposits. Payment terms vary by university with some universities requiring payment in advance of the academic session and other universities allowing students to pay in installments over the term of the academic session.
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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. Because we have only been publicly traded since February 2017, our volatility estimates are based on an average of: (1) a peer group of companies and (2) Laureate's historical volatility. 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 because 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. The related compensation expense recognized is affected by our estimates of the vesting probability of these performance awards. 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. For all continuing operations except one institution in Peru, 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. If our expectations change based on future developments, including as a result of the announcement on January 27, 2020 to explore strategic alternatives, 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. For Peru, we have recognized deferred tax liabilities of approximately $2,500 for the portion of the undistributed foreign earnings that are not expected to be indefinitely reinvested outside the United States.
Contingencies	Contingencies Laureate accrues for contingent obligations when it is probable that a liability has been 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. 2016-13 (ASU 2016-13), Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2016-13, which sets forth a “current expected credit loss” (CECL) model and requires companies to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 applies to financial instruments that are not measured at fair value, including receivables that result from revenue transactions. This ASU is effective for Laureate beginning on January 1, 2020. We do not expect this guidance to have a material impact 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 we do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company's next annual goodwill impairment test will occur as of October 1, 2020. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards ASU No. 2017-12 (ASU 2017-12), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities On August 28, 2017, the 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. We adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019 and the impact was not material. ASU No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842) On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which requires lessees to recognize on their balance sheet a right-of-use (ROU) 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 is equal to the present value of the lease payments. The asset is 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 result in straight-line expense (similar to operating leases prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02) while finance leases result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to capital leases prior to adoption of ASU 2016-02). Laureate adopted ASU 2016-02 as of January 1, 2019 under a modified retrospective method. The standard provided companies with an additional, optional transition method that allowed entities to prospectively apply the requirements by recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. We elected this optional transition method. In accordance with ASC Topic 842 we also elected the package of practical expedients, which permits us to not reassess: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (3) any initial direct costs for any existing leases as of the effective date. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient, which permits entities to use hindsight in determining the lease term and assessing impairment. We elected the practical expedient to combine our lease and related nonlease components for our building leases. Adopting ASU 2016-02 had a material impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as we recorded significant asset and liability balances in connection with our leased properties. The most significant impacts to our Consolidated Financial Statements of adopting this standard are as follows: • The recognition of ROU assets, net, and lease liabilities for operating leases, which totaled $861,878 and $883,916 , respectively, as of December 31, 2019 ; • An increase in 2019 rent expense of approximately $13,000 for continuing operations primarily related to build-to-suit arrangements where Laureate was deemed to be the owner of the construction. Upon adoption of this standard, these arrangements were classified on the balance sheet as operating leases and the related ROU asset is being amortized to rent expense rather than depreciation expense; and • A cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings upon adoption of $28,944 , which is primarily attributable to the reclassification into retained earnings of deferred gain liabilities related to sale-leaseback transactions that were classified as operating leases upon adoption. ASU No. 2018-15 (ASU 2018-15), Intangibles-Goodwill and Other- Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, which addresses the accounting for implementation costs associated with a hosted service. The standard provides amendments to align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). Laureate elected to early adopt ASU 2018-15 on January 1, 2019. The adoption did not have a material effect 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. 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 73% 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 12 institutions in seven 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 and Peru. In Chile, private universities enroll approximately 72% of post-secondary students and there are government-sponsored student financing programs. In Peru, the public sector plays a significant role, but private universities are increasingly providing the capacity to meet growing demand. As of December 31, 2019, the Central America & U.S. Campuses segment includes institutions in Costa Rica, Honduras 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 U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Title IV programs. The entire Central America & U.S. Campuses segment is included in Discontinued Operations. As discussed in Note 25 , Subsequent Events , we completed the sale of our operations in Costa Rica on January 10, 2020. The Rest of World segment includes campus-based institutions in Asia Pacific with operations in Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand. Additionally, the Rest of World segment manages one institution in China through a joint venture arrangement and, until August 31, 2019 when the contract expired, the Rest of World segment also managed eight licensed institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The institutions in Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are included in Discontinued Operations. The Online & Partnerships segment includes fully online institutions that offer profession-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. We no longer accept new enrollments at the University of Liverpool and the University of Roehampton , which are in a teach-out process. As discussed in Note 1 , Description of Business , and Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale , a number of our subsidiaries have 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 portion of the Rest of World reportable segment that is included in Discontinued Operations has also been excluded from the segment information for all periods presented. 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 include 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 and disposals of subsidiaries, net , Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net , Other income (expense), net , Gain 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 included 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. The EiP initiative also includes other back- and mid-office areas, as well as certain student-facing activities, expenses associated with streamlining the organizational structure and certain non-recurring costs incurred in connection with the planned dispositions described in Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale , and the completed dispositions described in Note 6 , Dispositions and Asset Sales . Beginning in 2019, EiP also includes expenses associated with an enterprise-wide program aimed at revenue growth. 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 discount rate. 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 tradenames, 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, marginal income tax rates by jurisdiction, the discount rate and the estimated royalty rate. 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 at leased facilities. These facilities include our corporate headquarters, other office locations, and many of Laureate's higher education facilities. Laureate analyzes each lease agreement to determine whether it should be classified as a finance lease or an operating lease. As a result of adopting ASC Topic 842 on January 1, 2019, we recorded on our balance sheet significant asset and liability balances associated with the operating leases, as described further below. Finance Leases Our finance lease agreements are for property and equipment. The lease assets are included within buildings as well as furniture, equipment and software and the related lease liability is included within debt and finance leases on the consolidated balance sheet. Operating Leases Our operating lease agreements are primarily for real estate space and are included within operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities on the 2019 consolidated balance sheet. The terms of our operating leases vary and generally contain renewal options. Certain of these operating leases provide for increasing rent over the term of the lease. Laureate also leases certain equipment under noncancellable operating leases, which are typically for terms of 60 months or less. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. As discussed in Note 2 , Significant Accounting Policies , ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the estimated present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our variable lease payments consist of non-lease services related to the lease. Variable lease payments are excluded from the ROU assets and lease liabilities and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Many of our lessee agreements include options to extend the lease, which we do not include in our minimum lease terms unless they are reasonably certain to be exercised. On occasion, Laureate has entered into sublease agreements for certain leased office space; however, the sublease income from these agreements is immaterial.
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, and convertible securities using the if-converted method.
Non-United States Pension Benefit Plans	Laureate has a defined benefit (pension) plan at a non-United States institution. 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 in each year can vary from the subsequent year's actual net periodic benefit cost due to plan amendments and the impacts of foreign currency translation. The unfunded status of this plan 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, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The following table reconciles the Net income 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, 2019 2018 2017 Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.: Variable interest entities $ 55,212 $ 33,199 $ 13,035 Other operations including discontinued operations 840,755 503,149 513,205 Corporate and eliminations 42,517 (166,281 ) (434,775 ) Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 938,484 $ 370,067 $ 91,465 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. December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 VIE Consolidated VIE Consolidated Balance Sheets data: Cash and cash equivalents $ 157,003 $ 339,629 $ 158,387 $ 387,780 Current assets held for sale 16,050 83,800 183,880 337,686 Other current assets 173,072 519,498 141,346 491,667 Total current assets 346,125 942,927 483,613 1,217,133 Goodwill 159,957 1,701,495 168,473 1,707,089 Tradenames 61,691 1,119,454 66,929 1,126,244 Other intangible assets, net — 1,431 — 25,429 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 65,761 861,878 — — Long-term assets held for sale 52,519 305,973 165,087 1,035,197 Other long-term assets 262,579 1,582,470 312,711 1,658,544 Total assets 948,632 6,515,628 1,196,813 6,769,636 Current liabilities held for sale 11,741 64,204 101,320 321,520 Other current liabilities 130,602 1,006,600 106,657 868,567 Long-term operating leases, less current portion 56,571 792,358 — — Long-term liabilities held for sale 29,666 124,914 42,265 358,863 Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities 28,619 1,711,106 24,502 3,155,344 Total liabilities 257,199 3,699,182 274,744 4,704,294 Total stockholders' equity 691,433 2,804,151 922,069 2,050,946 Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 691,433 2,816,963 921,747 2,061,079 The VIEs in Brazil and Mexico include several not-for-profit foundations that had 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, 2019 2018 2017 Selected Statements of Operations information: Revenues, by segment: Brazil $ — $ — $ 104 Mexico 57 94 — Andean 435,648 441,294 418,019 Revenues 435,705 441,388 418,123 Depreciation and amortization 25,584 25,489 26,899 Operating income (loss), by segment: Brazil 20 (71 ) (1 ) Mexico (333 ) (489 ) (876 ) Andean 50,816 9,692 (4,858 ) Operating income (loss) 50,503 9,132 (5,735 ) Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 55,212 33,199 13,035
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, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 163,670 $ 178,392 $ 165,713 Additions: charges to bad debt expense 94,290 102,877 109,342 Additions: charges to other accounts (a) 9,510 — — Deductions (b) (73,312 ) (117,599 ) (96,663 ) Balance at end of period $ 194,158 $ 163,670 $ 178,392 (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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Financing receivables $ 28,856 $ 16,531 Allowance for doubtful accounts (5,909 ) (6,395 ) Financing receivables, net of allowances $ 22,947 $ 10,136
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

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue By Segment	The following table shows the components of Revenues by reportable segment and as a percentage of total net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 : Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Corporate (1) Total 2019 Tuition and educational services $ 997,130 $ 715,817 $ 1,242,508 $ 201,806 $ 707,963 $ — $ 3,865,224 119 % Other 9,935 101,224 87,479 7,934 50,157 5,069 261,798 8 % Gross revenue 1,007,065 817,041 1,329,987 209,740 758,120 5,069 4,127,022 127 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (428,616 ) (164,195 ) (140,286 ) (19,604 ) (123,995 ) — (876,696 ) (27 )% Total $ 578,449 $ 652,846 $ 1,189,701 $ 190,136 $ 634,125 $ 5,069 $ 3,250,326 100 % 2018 Tuition and educational services $ 1,024,019 $ 701,223 $ 1,202,944 $ 186,049 $ 723,648 $ — $ 3,837,883 117 % Other 11,585 99,015 85,519 8,725 54,499 (8,133 ) 251,210 7 % Gross revenue 1,035,604 800,238 1,288,463 194,774 778,147 (8,133 ) 4,089,093 124 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (381,304 ) (154,104 ) (132,772 ) (16,779 ) (113,921 ) — (798,880 ) (24 )% Total $ 654,300 $ 646,134 $ 1,155,691 $ 177,995 $ 664,226 $ (8,133 ) $ 3,290,213 100 % (1) Includes the elimination of intersegment revenues.

Discontinued Operations and A_2

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of Major Classes of Assets And Liabilities Reclassified To Held For Sale	Summarized operating results of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Revenues $ 501,739 $ 929,681 $ 1,044,917 Depreciation and amortization 1,185 29,188 63,609 Share-based compensation expense 333 1,053 2,944 Other direct costs 390,778 740,873 823,256 Loss on impairment of assets 43,284 3,080 33,476 Operating income 66,159 155,487 121,632 Other non-operating income (expense) 5,321 (21,832 ) (18,066 ) Pretax income of discontinued operations 71,480 133,655 103,566 Income tax expense (17,539 ) (48,771 ) (26,176 ) Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 53,941 $ 84,884 $ 77,390 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 40,224 $ 169,248 $ 122,907 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (23,646 ) $ (72,636 ) $ (75,776 ) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (53,952 ) $ (20,825 ) $ (81,507 ) December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Assets of Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents $ 55,401 $ 215,644 Receivables, net 14,762 62,576 Property and equipment, net 182,530 671,121 Goodwill 9,753 131,329 Tradenames 6,890 124,932 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 59,231 — Other assets 52,730 106,326 Subtotal: assets of Discontinued Operations $ 381,297 $ 1,311,928 Other assets classified as Held for Sale: UniNorte Brazil Receivables, net $ — $ 6,983 Property and equipment, net — 16,726 Goodwill — 15,165 Tradenames — 8,146 Other assets — 13,935 Other land and buildings classified as held for sale Property and equipment, net 8,476 — Subtotal: other assets classified as held for sale $ 8,476 $ 60,955 Total assets held for sale $ 389,773 $ 1,372,883 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 14,287 $ 115,969 Operating leases, including current portion 63,304 — Long-term debt, including current portion 55,495 279,612 Other liabilities 56,032 269,558 Subtotal: liabilities of Discontinued Operations $ 189,118 $ 665,139 Other liabilities classified as held for sale: UniNorte Brazil Deferred revenue and student deposits $ — $ 469 Long-term debt, including current portion — 5,370 Other liabilities — 9,405 Subtotal: other liabilities classified as held for sale $ — $ 15,244 Total liabilities held for sale $ 189,118 $ 680,383

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 assumed 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 value of all assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition: Avansys Current assets $ 3,921 Property and equipment 13,673 Goodwill 4,658 Other long-term assets 815 Total assets acquired 23,067 Current portion of long-term debt 874 Other current liabilities 3,332 Total liabilities assumed 4,206 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 18,861 Debt assumed 874 Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed $ 19,735 Net assets acquired $ 18,861 Cash acquired (1,842 ) Net cash paid at acquisition $ 17,019

Due to Shareholders of Acquir_2

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Amounts Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies	The aggregate maturities of Due to shareholders of acquired companies as of December 31, 2019 , were as follows: 2020 $ 13,018 2021 11,808 2022 — 2023 — 2024 — Aggregate maturities 24,826 Less: imputed interest discount (3,308 ) Total $ 21,518 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Nominal Currency Interest Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) $ 20,179 $ 30,912 BRL CDI + 2% IADE Group 1,109 1,141 EUR 3% Faculdade Porto-Alegrense (FAPA) 230 1,943 BRL IGP-M University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine) — 11,395 USD 7% Total due to shareholders of acquired companies 21,518 45,391 Less: Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies 11,523 23,820 Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion $ 9,995 $ 21,571 BRL: Brazilian Real CDI: Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (Brazil) EUR: European Euro IGP-M: General Index of Market Prices (Brazil) USD: United States Dollar

Business and Geographic Segme_2

Business and Geographic Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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 Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates , as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Corporate Total 2019 Revenues $ 578,449 $ 652,846 $ 1,189,701 $ 190,136 $ 634,125 $ 5,069 $ 3,250,326 Adjusted EBITDA 82,256 147,807 343,264 32,046 190,920 (149,739 ) 646,554 Depreciation and amortization expense 31,194 31,132 65,142 12,354 29,203 23,146 192,171 Loss on impairment of assets 222 — — — — 248 470 Total assets 1,068,362 1,315,377 1,715,145 194,409 1,303,811 918,524 6,515,628 Expenditures for long-lived assets 23,654 30,239 51,546 10,591 14,825 18,840 149,695 2018 Revenues $ 654,300 $ 646,134 $ 1,155,691 $ 177,995 $ 664,226 $ (8,133 ) $ 3,290,213 Adjusted EBITDA 103,969 143,221 317,126 28,405 194,742 (177,256 ) 610,207 Depreciation and amortization expense 35,532 31,007 70,905 13,915 33,506 25,945 210,810 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — 10,030 — 10,030 Total assets 1,011,391 971,309 1,608,406 196,370 1,308,854 1,673,306 6,769,636 Expenditures for long-lived assets 32,423 31,376 59,493 13,507 21,079 27,280 185,158 2017 Revenues $ 765,746 $ 646,154 $ 1,085,640 $ 161,917 $ 690,374 $ (16,758 ) $ 3,333,073 Adjusted EBITDA 134,205 147,171 301,249 24,182 204,543 (205,934 ) 605,416 Depreciation and amortization expense 35,715 27,990 67,764 17,459 35,440 16,765 201,133 Loss on impairment of assets 3,320 — 2,530 — 255 1,016 7,121 Expenditures for long-lived assets 50,244 38,615 72,098 8,356 23,730 24,001 217,044 As discussed in Note 4 , Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale , 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 segment information for all periods presented. Accordingly, in order to reconcile to total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 in the table above, assets held for sale related to Discontinued Operations of $381,297 and $1,311,928 , respectively, are included in the Corporate amounts. For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments: Brazil $ 82,256 $ 103,969 $ 134,205 Mexico 147,807 143,221 147,171 Andean 343,264 317,126 301,249 Rest of World 32,046 28,405 24,182 Online & Partnerships 190,920 194,742 204,543 Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments 796,293 787,463 811,350 Reconciling items: Corporate (149,739 ) (177,256 ) (205,934 ) Depreciation and amortization expense (192,171 ) (210,810 ) (201,133 ) Loss on impairment of assets (470 ) (10,030 ) (7,121 ) Share-based compensation expense (12,661 ) (9,738 ) (61,844 ) EiP expenses (115,132 ) (95,759 ) (100,163 ) Operating income 326,120 283,870 235,155 Interest income 12,209 11,856 11,865 Interest expense (167,331 ) (235,214 ) (334,900 ) Loss on debt extinguishment (28,267 ) (7,481 ) (8,392 ) Gain on derivatives 7,277 88,292 28,656 Other income (expense), net 9,222 12,226 (1,892 ) Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net (27,081 ) (32,564 ) 3,231 (Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net (37,751 ) 254 (10,490 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates $ 94,398 $ 121,239 $ (76,767 )
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, 2019 2018 2017 External Revenues Mexico (1) $ 650,593 $ 643,348 $ 644,015 Chile 638,516 654,002 617,213 United States 619,185 627,127 635,637 Brazil (1) 578,433 654,070 765,358 Peru 545,291 493,008 450,719 Other foreign countries 218,308 218,658 220,131 Consolidated total $ 3,250,326 $ 3,290,213 $ 3,333,073 (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, 2019 2018 Long-lived assets Peru $ 354,100 $ 336,898 Chile 287,919 338,187 Mexico 232,380 233,048 Brazil 197,235 198,071 United States 88,108 100,438 Other foreign countries 39,477 68,699 Consolidated total $ 1,199,219 $ 1,275,341

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2017 through December 31, 2019 was composed of the following items: Brazil Mexico Andean Rest of World Online & Partnerships Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 493,373 $ 503,373 $ 272,181 $ 95,617 $ 460,740 $ 1,825,284 Acquisitions — — 4,658 — — 4,658 Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale (15,165 ) — — — — (15,165 ) Impairments — — — — — — Currency translation adjustments (71,756 ) (5,154 ) (22,580 ) (8,198 ) — (107,688 ) Adjustments to prior acquisitions — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 406,452 $ 498,219 $ 254,259 $ 87,419 $ 460,740 $ 1,707,089 Acquisitions 1,333 — — — — 1,333 Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale — — — — — — Impairments — — — — — — Currency translation adjustments (19,625 ) 27,037 (12,932 ) (1,407 ) — (6,927 ) Adjustments to prior acquisitions — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 388,160 $ 525,256 $ 241,327 $ 86,012 $ 460,740 $ 1,701,495
Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2019 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Subject to amortization: Student rosters $ 67,579 $ (67,579 ) $ — 0.0 Other 24,975 (23,544 ) 1,431 2.1 Not subject to amortization: Tradenames 1,119,454 — 1,119,454 — Total $ 1,212,008 $ (91,123 ) $ 1,120,885 The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 : Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Subject to amortization: Student rosters $ 69,540 $ (69,253 ) $ 287 0.9 Other 57,933 (32,791 ) 25,142 11.2 Not subject to amortization: Tradenames 1,126,244 — 1,126,244 — Total $ 1,253,717 $ (102,044 ) $ 1,151,673
Schedule of Asset Impairment Charges	The following table summarizes the Loss on impairment of assets: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Impairments of Goodwill $ — $ — $ — Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net — — 2,696 Impairments of long-lived assets 470 10,030 4,425 Total $ 470 $ 10,030 $ 7,121

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Outstanding	Outstanding long-term debt was as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Senior long-term debt: Senior Secured Credit Facility (stated maturity dates of October 2024 as of December 31, 2019 and April 2022 and April 2024 as of December 31, 2018), net of discount $ 202,400 $ 1,321,629 Senior Notes (stated maturity date May 2025) 800,000 800,000 Total senior long-term debt 1,002,400 2,121,629 Other debt: Lines of credit 14,542 37,899 Notes payable and other debt 328,153 503,182 Total senior and other debt 1,345,095 2,662,710 Finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings 100,113 119,443 Total long-term debt and finance leases 1,445,208 2,782,153 Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs 66,069 88,241 Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 118,822 100,818 Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion $ 1,260,317 $ 2,593,094
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Debt	As of December 31, 2019 , aggregate annual maturities of the senior and other debt, excluding finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings, were as follows: December 31, Senior and Other Debt 2020 $ 112,858 2021 110,279 2022 72,338 2023 41,558 2024 207,553 Thereafter 800,509 Total senior and other debt $ 1,345,095
Schedule Estimated Fair Values of Debt	The estimated fair value of our debt was as follows: December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Carrying amount Estimated fair value Carrying amount Estimated fair value Total senior and other debt $ 1,345,095 $ 1,406,954 $ 2,662,710 $ 2,675,684

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Assets And Liabilities	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: Leases Classification December 31, 2019 Assets: Operating Operating lease right-of-use assets, net $ 861,878 Finance Buildings, Furniture, equipment and software, net 54,084 Total leased assets $ 915,962 Liabilities: Current Operating Current portion of operating leases 91,558 Finance Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 4,940 Non-current Operating Long-term operating leases, less current portion 792,358 Finance Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion 53,313 Total lease liabilities $ 942,169 Lease Term and Discount Rate December 31, 2019 Weighted average remaining lease terms Operating leases 9.3 years Finance leases 11.6 years Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 9.50 % Finance leases 8.40 %
Lease, Cost	Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows for the year ended December 31, 2019 : Other Information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 182,838 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 3,971 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 4,506 Leased assets obtained for new finance lease liabilities $ 39,052 Leased assets obtained for new operating lease liabilities $ 16,684 The components of lease cost were as follows: Lease Cost Classification For the year ended December 31, 2019 Operating lease cost Direct costs $ 172,752 Finance lease cost Amortization of leased assets Direct costs 6,277 Interest on leased assets Interest expense 3,971 Short-term lease costs Direct costs 5,247 Variable lease costs Direct costs 14,983 Sublease income Revenues (4,777 ) Total lease cost $ 198,453
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity	As of December 31, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Maturity of Lease Liability Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 169,592 $ 9,664 Year 2 159,404 9,628 Year 3 151,025 9,234 Year 4 140,569 8,183 Year 5 146,332 6,355 Thereafter 543,266 49,840 Total lease payments $ 1,310,188 $ 92,904 Less: interest and inflation (426,272 ) (34,651 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 883,916 $ 58,253
Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	As of December 31, 2019 , maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Maturity of Lease Liability Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 169,592 $ 9,664 Year 2 159,404 9,628 Year 3 151,025 9,234 Year 4 140,569 8,183 Year 5 146,332 6,355 Thereafter 543,266 49,840 Total lease payments $ 1,310,188 $ 92,904 Less: interest and inflation (426,272 ) (34,651 ) Present value of lease liabilities $ 883,916 $ 58,253
Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments And SubLease Income	Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2018, by year and in aggregate, under all noncancellable operating leases were as follows: Lease Payments 2019 $ 151,795 2020 142,995 2021 135,426 2022 128,441 2023 119,955 Thereafter 482,220 Total $ 1,160,832

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest	If the minority put arrangements were all exercised at December 31, 2019 , Laureate would be obligated to pay the noncontrolling interest holders an estimated amount of $10,581 , as summarized in the following table: Nominal Currency First Exercisable Date Estimated Value as of December 31, 2019 redeemable within Reported Noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd (Inti Holdings) - 10.10% MYR Current $ 10,581 $ 10,581 Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements 10,581 10,581 Puttable common stock - not currently redeemable USD * — 1,714 Total redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity $ 10,581 $ 12,295 * Contingently redeemable

Financing Receivables (Tables)

Financing Receivables (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 163,670 $ 178,392 $ 165,713 Additions: charges to bad debt expense 94,290 102,877 109,342 Additions: charges to other accounts (a) 9,510 — — Deductions (b) (73,312 ) (117,599 ) (96,663 ) Balance at end of period $ 194,158 $ 163,670 $ 178,392 (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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Financing receivables $ 28,856 $ 16,531 Allowance for doubtful accounts (5,909 ) (6,395 ) Financing receivables, net of allowances $ 22,947 $ 10,136
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, 2019 Amounts past due less than one year $ 10,687 $ 1,556 $ 12,243 Amounts past due one year or greater 3,295 62 3,357 Total past due (on non-accrual status) 13,982 1,618 15,600 Not past due 12,556 700 13,256 Total financing receivables $ 26,538 $ 2,318 $ 28,856 As of December 31, 2018 Amounts past due less than one year $ 7,618 $ 644 $ 8,262 Amounts past due one year or greater 2,879 192 3,071 Total past due (on non-accrual status) 10,497 836 11,333 Not past due 4,980 218 5,198 Total financing receivables $ 15,477 $ 1,054 $ 16,531
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, 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 , grouped by country portfolio: Chile Other Total 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 ) Charge-offs 1,428 54 1,482 Recoveries (675 ) — (675 ) Provision (1,424 ) 17 (1,407 ) Currency adjustments 670 7 677 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ (6,108 ) $ (287 ) $ (6,395 ) Charge-offs 1,453 499 1,952 Recoveries — — — Provision (1,479 ) (463 ) (1,942 ) Currency adjustments 480 (4 ) 476 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ (5,654 ) $ (255 ) $ (5,909 )
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, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Pre-Modification Balance Outstanding Post-Modification Balance Outstanding 2019 386 $ 1,537 $ 1,152 2018 469 $ 1,405 $ 1,308 2017 446 $ 2,319 $ 2,109 The preceding table represents accounts modified under the terms of a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2019 , whereas the following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019 that defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2019 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 217 $ 519 The following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018 that defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 143 $ 487 The following table represents accounts modified as a TDR between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017 that defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2017 : Number of Financing Receivable Accounts Balance at Default Total 200 $ 890

Share-based Compensation and _2

Share-based Compensation and Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense	Share-based compensation expense was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Continuing operations Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures $ 3,702 $ (3,026 ) $ 48,601 Restricted stock awards 8,959 12,764 13,243 Total continuing operations $ 12,661 $ 9,738 $ 61,844 Discontinued operations Share-based compensation expense for discontinued operations 333 1,053 2,944 Total continuing and discontinued operations $ 12,994 $ 10,791 $ 64,788
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, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : 2019 2018 2017 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 9,020 $ 18.79 $ 744 9,903 $ 19.30 $ — 10,928 $ 21.81 $ 4,350 Granted 698 14.99 717 14.27 4,283 19.01 Exercised (1,569 ) 16.95 794 — — — — — — Forfeited or expired (2,761 ) 20.06 (1,600 ) 19.92 (5,308 ) 18.34 Outstanding at December 31 5,388 18.18 3,396 9,020 18.79 744 9,903 19.30 — Exercisable at December 31 4,846 18.50 2,136 7,878 19.11 265 8,606 19.38 — Vested and expected to vest 5,274 18.20 3,344 8,990 18.80 722 9,847 19.31 —
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, 2019 $13.97 - $15.55 944 7.89 524 7.06 1.81% - 3.05% 3.25 - 5.91 38.29% - 64.18% $17.00 - $19.56 3,597 3.12 3,475 2.95 1.38% - 2.94% 2.60 - 10.00 35.20% - 58.84% $21.00 - $21.52 330 1.09 330 1.09 0.68% - 2.61% 3.79 - 6.55 38.16% - 57.79% $22.32 - $31.92 517 1.44 517 1.44 0.60% - 3.03% 3.18 - 6.52 36.93% - 53.80% Year Ended December 31, 2018 $13.97 - $15.55 674 8.31 250 7.98 1.81% - 3.05% 3.25 - 5.91 49.98% - 64.18% $17.00 - $19.56 5,730 3.69 5,013 3.50 0.49% - 2.94% 2.60 - 10.00 36.04% - 69.74% $21.00 - $21.52 1,917 1.39 1,916 1.39 0.68% - 2.60% 2.92 - 6.52 38.16% - 69.74% $22.32 - $31.92 699 2.53 699 2.53 0.60% - 2.93% 4.00 - 6.52 36.93% - 53.80% 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% * 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, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 : 2019 2018 2017 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 1,895 $ 15.31 1,650 $ 19.74 1,038 $ 25.97 Granted 1,003 15.10 1,306 14.11 1,337 16.65 Vested (765 ) 16.18 (853 ) 21.66 (328 ) 22.35 Forfeited (882 ) 15.20 (208 ) 17.41 (397 ) 23.33 Non-vested at December 31 1,251 14.69 1,895 15.31 1,650 19.74

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2019 December 31, 2018 Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Long-term assets: Net investment cross currency swaps $ — $ 3,259 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Current liabilities: Cross currency swaps — 4,021 Long-term liabilities: Cross currency and interest rate swaps — 6,656 Total derivative instrument assets $ — $ 3,259 Total derivative instrument liabilities $ — $ 10,677
Summary of Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recorded In And Reclassified From Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The table below shows the total recorded unrealized (loss) gain in Comprehensive income for the derivatives designated as hedging instruments. The impact of these derivative instruments on Comprehensive income, Interest expense and AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2019 , 2018 and 2017 were as follows: (Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Income Statement Location Gain (Loss) Reclassified Total Consolidated Interest Expense 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 2019 2018 2017 Cash flow hedge Interest rate swaps $ (11,818 ) $ 5,772 $ 11,264 Interest expense $ 11,818 $ 2,446 $ (7,584 ) Net investment hedge Cross currency swaps 3,868 7,937 (1,389 ) N/A — — — Total $ (7,950 ) $ 13,709 $ 9,875 $ 11,818 $ 2,446 $ (7,584 ) $ (167,331 ) $ (235,214 ) $ (334,900 )
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, 2019 2018 2017 Unrealized Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred $ — $ (42,140 ) $ 33,294 Cross currency and interest rate swaps 4,021 750 (4,191 ) Interest rate swaps — 173 175 4,021 (41,217 ) 29,278 Realized Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred — 140,320 — Cross currency and interest rate swaps 3,256 (10,811 ) (622 ) 3,256 129,509 (622 ) Total Gain (Loss) Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred — 98,180 33,294 Cross currency and interest rate swaps 7,277 (10,061 ) (4,813 ) Interest rate swaps — 173 175 Gain on derivatives, net $ 7,277 $ 88,292 $ 28,656

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of The Income Tax (Expense) Benefit	Significant components of the Income tax (expense) benefit on earnings from continuing operations were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Current: United States $ 17,822 $ (32,861 ) $ 28,091 Foreign (97,722 ) (90,887 ) (97,446 ) State (329 ) (262 ) (400 ) Total current (80,229 ) (124,010 ) (69,755 ) Deferred: United States (6,465 ) 10,537 124,043 Foreign 5,753 (18,137 ) 27,216 State 285 (161 ) 11,485 Total deferred (427 ) (7,761 ) 162,744 Total income tax (expense) benefit $ (80,656 ) $ (131,771 ) $ 92,989
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, 2019 2018 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards $ 530,647 $ 727,213 Depreciation 57,752 81,194 Deferred revenue 17,544 56,004 Allowance for doubtful accounts 23,515 21,069 Deferred compensation 24,645 30,677 Unrealized loss 75,324 74,982 Nondeductible reserves 42,275 40,584 Interest 16,741 17,652 Operating lease asset 236,084 — Total deferred tax assets 1,024,527 1,049,375 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in subsidiaries 84,880 97,208 Amortization of intangible assets 258,852 253,147 Operating lease liability 230,855 — Other 1,260 1,829 Total deferred tax liabilities 575,847 352,184 Net deferred tax assets 448,680 697,191 Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets (541,641 ) (778,262 ) Net deferred tax liabilities $ (92,961 ) $ (81,071 )
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, 2019 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of period $ 778,262 $ 815,689 $ 1,167,927 (Deductions) additions to costs and expenses (a) 11,611 335 7,175 Charges to other accounts Additions — — — Deductions (b) (248,232 ) (37,762 ) (359,413 ) Balance at end of period $ 541,641 $ 778,262 $ 815,689 (a) (Deductions) additions to costs and expenses include amounts related to withholding tax credits recorded for the Netherlands. (b) Deductions include reclassifications and foreign currency translation, and TCJA-related adjustments described in the section below.
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	The reconciliations of the reported Income tax (expense) benefit to the amount that would result by applying the United States federal statutory tax rate of 21% to income from continuing operations before income taxes were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Tax (expense) benefit at the United States statutory rate $ (19,824 ) $ (25,460 ) $ 16,121 Permanent differences (20,543 ) 20,686 (13,216 ) State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect 4,005 (335 ) (1,154 ) Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate (23,895 ) 16,683 34,711 Change in valuation allowance (35,500 ) (98,414 ) (139,375 ) Effect of tax contingencies 12,966 5,203 11,198 Tax credits 36,981 37,769 47,348 Withholding taxes (6,815 ) (57,190 ) 4,678 U.S. tax on repatriated earnings — — (875 ) Impairments — (649 ) — Impact of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Transition tax on unremitted earnings — — (160,567 ) Tax effect of rate changes — — 82,392 Change in valuation allowance 14,969 9,354 202,758 State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect (4,104 ) (5,350 ) 8,360 GILTI (38,305 ) (34,650 ) — Other (591 ) 582 610 Total income tax (expense) benefit $ (80,656 ) $ (131,771 ) $ 92,989
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, 2019 2018 2017 Beginning of the period $ 60,780 $ 81,073 $ 81,325 Additions for tax positions related to prior years 321 4,379 5,691 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years (2,349 ) (1,541 ) (10,095 ) Additions for tax positions related to current year 9,940 9,725 11,551 Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits (3,150 ) (5,282 ) (7,355 ) Settlements for tax positions related to prior years — (27,574 ) (44 ) End of the period $ 65,542 $ 60,780 $ 81,073

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tabl

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2019 2018 2017 Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for continuing operations: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 13,961 $ (10,534 ) $ 16,374 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (99 ) (141 ) (79 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 13,862 (10,675 ) 16,295 Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (208 ) (292 ) 317 Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value — (559 ) (6,358 ) Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock — (61,974 ) (292,450 ) Gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — 74,110 — Distributed and undistributed earnings to participating securities — — (1 ) Subtotal: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock, net, and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (208 ) 11,285 (298,492 ) Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic earnings per share 13,654 610 (282,197 ) Adjusted for: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock — 61,974 — Adjusted for: gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — (74,110 ) — Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share $ 13,654 $ (11,526 ) $ (282,197 ) Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for discontinued operations: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ 53,941 $ 84,884 $ 77,390 Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax 869,762 296,580 — Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 919 (722 ) (2,220 ) Allocation of earnings from discontinued operations to participating securities — — (5 ) Net income from discontinued operations for basic and diluted earnings per share $ 924,622 $ 380,742 $ 75,165 Denominator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 221,928 212,769 172,409 Effect of dilutive stock options 27 — — Effect of dilutive restricted stock units 516 — — Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding 222,471 212,769 172,409 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.06 $ — $ (1.64 ) Income from discontinued operations 4.17 1.79 0.44 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 4.23 $ 1.79 $ (1.20 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.06 $ (0.06 ) $ (1.64 ) Income from discontinued operations 4.16 1.79 0.44 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 4.22 $ 1.73 $ (1.20 )
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation of Earnings Per Share	The following table summarizes the number of stock options, shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (RSUs) that were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations because the effect would have been antidilutive: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Stock options 8,512 9,387 12,497 Restricted stock and RSUs 6 1,300 986

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Summary of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The net periodic benefit cost was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Service cost $ 63 $ 77 $ 75 Interest 119 118 126 Expected return on assets — — — Amortization of prior service costs (57 ) (32 ) 22 Recognition of actuarial items — — (15 ) Curtailment gain (200 ) (47 ) (153 ) Net periodic benefit cost $ (75 ) $ 116 $ 55
Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions	The weighted average assumptions were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Discount rate for obligations 8.75% 10.50% 9.25% Discount rate for net periodic benefit costs 10.50% 9.25% 8.50% Rate of compensation increases 4.50% 4.50% 4.50% Expected return in plan assets N/A N/A N/A
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, 2019 2018 2017 Change in PBO: PBO at beginning of year $ 1,173 $ 1,336 $ 1,423 Service cost 63 77 75 Interest 119 118 126 Actuarial loss (gain) 408 (214 ) (171 ) Benefits paid by plan (79 ) (90 ) (33 ) Curtailment gain (200 ) (47 ) (153 ) Foreign exchange 66 (7 ) 69 PBO at end of year $ 1,550 $ 1,173 $ 1,336 Fair value of assets at end of year — — — Unfunded status $ 1,550 $ 1,173 $ 1,336 Amount recognized in AOCI, pre-tax $ (170 ) $ (610 ) $ (439 ) Accumulated benefit obligation $ 1,550 $ 1,173 $ 1,336
Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments	The estimated future benefit payments for the next 10 fiscal years are as follows: For the year ending December 31, 2020 $ 163 2021 173 2022 151 2023 147 2024 136 2025 through 2029 1,178

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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, 2018 were as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Derivative instruments $ 3,259 $ — $ — $ 3,259 Liabilities Derivative instruments $ 10,677 $ — $ — $ 10,677
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, 2019 were as follows: Balance December 31, 2018 $ (7,418 ) Gain included in earnings: Unrealized gains, net 4,021 Realized gains, net 3,256 Loss included in other comprehensive income (7,950 ) Settlements (4,096 ) Reclassification upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — Reclassification, currency translation adjustment and other 12,187 Balance December 31, 2019 $ — Laureate had no fair value measurements classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2019 . The changes in our Level 3 Derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows: Balance December 31, 2017 $ 34,338 (Loss) gain included in earnings: Unrealized losses, net (41,217 ) Realized gains, net 129,509 Gain included in other comprehensive income 13,709 Settlements (3,306 ) Reclassification upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock (140,320 ) Currency translation adjustment and other (131 ) Balance December 31, 2018 $ (7,418 )

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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: 2019 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 883,152 $ 773,699 $ 992,403 $ 601,072 Operating costs and expenses 727,898 727,969 775,240 693,099 Operating income (loss) $ 155,254 $ 45,730 $ 217,163 $ (92,027 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 51,736 $ (28,526 ) $ 107,820 $ (117,069 ) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (12,531 ) (27,137 ) 30,280 63,329 Gain (loss) on sales of discontinued operations, net of tax 21,372 (41,131 ) 641,516 248,005 Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 298 1,568 1,976 (3,022 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 60,875 (95,226 ) 781,592 191,243 Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (472 ) (193 ) 194 263 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 60,403 $ (95,419 ) $ 781,786 $ 191,506 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.24 $ (0.13 ) $ 0.48 $ (0.52 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.04 (0.30 ) 3.00 1.37 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.28 $ (0.43 ) $ 3.48 $ 0.85 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.24 $ (0.13 ) $ 0.48 $ (0.52 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.04 (0.30 ) 3.00 1.37 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.28 $ (0.43 ) $ 3.48 $ 0.85 2018 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 892,451 $ 778,255 $ 1,005,229 $ 614,278 Operating costs and expenses 757,970 749,259 786,235 712,879 Operating income (loss) $ 134,481 $ 28,996 $ 218,994 $ (98,601 ) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 26,107 $ (40,353 ) $ 174,410 $ (170,698 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 61,333 (37,905 ) 37,542 23,914 (Loss) gain on sales of discontinued operations, net of tax (15,324 ) (18,426 ) 12,003 318,327 Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (548 ) 1,895 456 (2,666 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 71,568 (94,789 ) 224,411 168,877 Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (1,422 ) 324 (4,324 ) (57,403 ) Gain upon conversion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock — — 74,110 — Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 70,146 $ (94,465 ) $ 294,197 $ 111,474 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.11 $ (0.18 ) $ 1.14 $ (1.22 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.20 (0.24 ) 0.23 1.81 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.31 $ (0.42 ) $ 1.37 $ 0.59 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.11 $ (0.18 ) $ 0.78 $ (1.22 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 0.20 (0.24 ) 0.22 1.81 Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.31 $ (0.42 ) $ 1.00 $ 0.59

Other Financial Information (Ta

Other Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (loss) Included In Balance Sheet	The components of these balances were as follows: December 31, 2019 2018 Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Foreign currency translation loss $ (1,084,651 ) $ 326 $ (1,084,325 ) $ (1,127,719 ) $ 459 $ (1,127,260 ) Unrealized gains on derivatives 10,416 — 10,416 18,366 — 18,366 Minimum pension liability adjustment 254 — 254 (3,342 ) — (3,342 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,073,981 ) $ 326 $ (1,073,655 ) $ (1,112,695 ) $ 459 $ (1,112,236 )
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, 2019 2018 2017 Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ 938,484 $ 370,067 $ 91,465 Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests (3,700 ) (471 ) (11,569 ) Change from net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests $ 934,784 $ 369,596 $ 79,896

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as well as the December 31, 2017 balance. The December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 balances sum to the amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 : For the year ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 339,629 $ 387,780 $ 319,040 Restricted cash 186,921 195,792 206,705 Total Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 526,550 $ 583,572 $ 525,745

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)country	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)entitycountry	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2019USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 883,152	$ 773,699	$ 992,403	$ 601,072	$ 892,451	$ 778,255	$ 1,005,229	$ 614,278	$ 3,250,326	$ 3,290,213	$ 3,333,073
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(12,531)	$ (27,137)	$ 30,280	$ 63,329	61,333	$ (37,905)	$ 37,542	$ 23,914	$ 53,941	84,884	77,390
Receivables deemed uncollectible, period									2 years
Deferred online course development costs	55,728				57,065				$ 55,728	57,065
Deferred accreditation costs	2,697				2,734				2,697	2,734
Deferred costs, gross	209,163				184,855				209,163	184,855
Accumulated amortization of deferred costs	139,165				118,020				139,165	118,020
Unamortized balances of deferred financing costs	66,069				88,241				66,069	88,241
Advertising costs									227,399	232,282	222,679
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	861,878				0				861,878	0
Operating lease liabilities	$ 883,916								883,916
Operating lease, expense									$ 13
Minimum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Contract cost, amortization period	2 years								2 years
Maximum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Contract cost, amortization period	4 years								4 years
Peru
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 545,291	493,008	450,719
Undistributed foreign earnings					2,500					2,500
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of consolidated entities (entity) | entity									5
Number of countries with variable interest entities (country) | country	3								3
Revenues									$ 39,005	100,227	123,237
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax									9,577	86,887	30,145
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	$ 65,761				0				$ 65,761	0
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Central America & U.S. Campuses
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Non-operating investment income										14,331	$ 11,696
Continuing operations | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of consolidated entities (entity) | entity									4
Discontinued operations | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of consolidated entities (entity) | entity									1
Commission and Bonuses
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Capitalized contract cost, net	$ 11,573				$ 7,036				$ 11,573	$ 7,036
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon adoption												$ 28,944

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues	$ 883,152	$ 773,699	$ 992,403	$ 601,072	$ 892,451	$ 778,255	$ 1,005,229	$ 614,278	$ 3,250,326	$ 3,290,213	$ 3,333,073
Depreciation and amortization									193,356	239,998	264,742
Operating income (loss), by segment:
Operating income (loss)	155,254	45,730	217,163	(92,027)	134,481	28,996	218,994	(98,601)	326,120	283,870	235,155
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	60,875	$ (95,226)	$ 781,592	$ 191,243	71,568	$ (94,789)	$ 224,411	$ 168,877	938,484	370,067	91,465
Balance Sheets data:
Cash and cash equivalents	339,629				387,780				339,629	387,780	319,040
Current assets held for sale	83,800				337,686				83,800	337,686
Other current assets	519,498				491,667				519,498	491,667
Total current assets	942,927				1,217,133				942,927	1,217,133
Goodwill	1,701,495				1,707,089				1,701,495	1,707,089	1,825,284
Tradenames	1,119,454				1,126,244				1,119,454	1,126,244
Other intangible assets, net	1,431				25,429				1,431	25,429
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	861,878				0				861,878	0
Long-term assets held for sale	305,973				1,035,197				305,973	1,035,197
Other long-term assets	1,582,470				1,658,544				1,582,470	1,658,544
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $948,632 and $1,196,813, see Note 2)	6,515,628				6,769,636				6,515,628	6,769,636
Current liabilities held for sale	64,204				321,520				64,204	321,520
Other current liabilities	1,006,600				868,567				1,006,600	868,567
Long-term operating leases, less current portion	792,358				0				792,358	0
Long-term liabilities held for sale	124,914				358,863				124,914	358,863
Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities	1,711,106				3,155,344				1,711,106	3,155,344
Total liabilities (includes VIE amounts of $257,199 and $274,744, see Note 2)	3,699,182				4,704,294				3,699,182	4,704,294
Total stockholders' equity	2,804,151				2,050,946				2,804,151	2,050,946	1,632,532	$ 664,392
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	2,816,963				2,061,079				2,816,963	2,061,079
Brazil
Balance Sheets data:
Goodwill	388,160				406,452				388,160	406,452	493,373
Mexico
Balance Sheets data:
Goodwill	525,256				498,219				525,256	498,219	503,373
Andean
Balance Sheets data:
Goodwill	241,327				254,259				241,327	254,259	272,181
Operating Segments
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									3,250,326	3,290,213	3,333,073
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $948,632 and $1,196,813, see Note 2)	6,515,628				6,769,636				6,515,628	6,769,636
Operating Segments | Brazil
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									578,449	654,300	765,746
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $948,632 and $1,196,813, see Note 2)	1,068,362				1,011,391				1,068,362	1,011,391
Operating Segments | Mexico
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									652,846	646,134	646,154
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $948,632 and $1,196,813, see Note 2)	1,315,377				971,309				1,315,377	971,309
Operating Segments | Andean
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									1,189,701	1,155,691	1,085,640
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $948,632 and $1,196,813, see Note 2)	1,715,145				1,608,406				1,715,145	1,608,406
Other operations including discontinued operations
Operating income (loss), by segment:
Operating income (loss)									326,120	283,870	235,155
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									840,755	503,149	513,205
Corporate and eliminations
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									5,069	(8,133)	(16,758)
Operating income (loss), by segment:
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									42,517	(166,281)	(434,775)
Balance Sheets data:
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $948,632 and $1,196,813, see Note 2)	918,524				1,673,306				918,524	1,673,306
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									39,005	100,227	123,237
Balance Sheets data:
Cash and cash equivalents	157,003				158,387				157,003	158,387
Current assets held for sale	16,050				183,880				16,050	183,880
Other current assets	173,072				141,346				173,072	141,346
Total current assets	346,125				483,613				346,125	483,613
Goodwill	159,957				168,473				159,957	168,473
Tradenames	61,691				66,929				61,691	66,929
Other intangible assets, net	0				0				0	0
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	65,761				0				65,761	0
Long-term assets held for sale	52,519				165,087				52,519	165,087
Other long-term assets	262,579				312,711				262,579	312,711
Total assets (includes VIE amounts of $948,632 and $1,196,813, see Note 2)	948,632				1,196,813				948,632	1,196,813
Current liabilities held for sale	11,741				101,320				11,741	101,320
Other current liabilities	130,602				106,657				130,602	106,657
Long-term operating leases, less current portion	56,571				0				56,571	0
Long-term liabilities held for sale	29,666				42,265				29,666	42,265
Long-term debt and other long-term liabilities	28,619				24,502				28,619	24,502
Total liabilities (includes VIE amounts of $257,199 and $274,744, see Note 2)	257,199				274,744				257,199	274,744
Total stockholders' equity	691,433				922,069				691,433	922,069
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 691,433				$ 921,747				691,433	921,747
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									435,705	441,388	418,123
Depreciation and amortization									25,584	25,489	26,899
Operating income (loss), by segment:
Operating income (loss)									50,503	9,132	(5,735)
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									55,212	33,199	13,035
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments | Brazil
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									0	0	104
Operating income (loss), by segment:
Operating income (loss)									20	(71)	(1)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments | Mexico
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									57	94	0
Operating income (loss), by segment:
Operating income (loss)									(333)	(489)	(876)
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary | Operating Segments | Andean
Revenues, by segment:
Revenues									435,648	441,294	418,019
Operating income (loss), by segment:
Operating income (loss)									$ 50,816	$ 9,692	$ (4,858)

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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 163,670	$ 178,392	$ 165,713
Additions: charges to bad debt expense	94,290	102,877	109,342
Additions: charges to other accounts	9,510	0	0
Deductions	(73,312)	(117,599)	(96,663)
Balance at end of period	$ 194,158	$ 163,670	$ 178,392

Significant Accounting Polici_7

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Periods (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019
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

Revenue - Schedule of Revenue b

Revenue - Schedule of Revenue by Segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 3,250,326	$ 3,290,213
Percent of net revenues	100.00%	100.00%
Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 3,865,224	$ 3,837,883
Percent of net revenues	119.00%	117.00%
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 261,798	$ 251,210
Percent of net revenues	8.00%	7.00%
Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 4,127,022	$ 4,089,093
Percent of net revenues	127.00%	124.00%
Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 876,696	$ 798,880
Percent of net revenues	(27.00%)	(24.00%)
Operating Segments | Brazil
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 578,449	$ 654,300
Operating Segments | Brazil | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	997,130	1,024,019
Operating Segments | Brazil | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	9,935	11,585
Operating Segments | Brazil | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	1,007,065	1,035,604
Operating Segments | Brazil | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	428,616	381,304
Operating Segments | Mexico
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	652,846	646,134
Operating Segments | Mexico | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	715,817	701,223
Operating Segments | Mexico | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	101,224	99,015
Operating Segments | Mexico | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	817,041	800,238
Operating Segments | Mexico | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	164,195	154,104
Operating Segments | Andean
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	1,189,701	1,155,691
Operating Segments | Andean | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	1,242,508	1,202,944
Operating Segments | Andean | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	87,479	85,519
Operating Segments | Andean | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	1,329,987	1,288,463
Operating Segments | Andean | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	140,286	132,772
Operating Segments | Rest of World
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	190,136	177,995
Operating Segments | Rest of World | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	201,806	186,049
Operating Segments | Rest of World | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	7,934	8,725
Operating Segments | Rest of World | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	209,740	194,774
Operating Segments | Rest of World | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	19,604	16,779
Operating Segments | Online & Partnerships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	634,125	664,226
Operating Segments | Online & Partnerships | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	707,963	723,648
Operating Segments | Online & Partnerships | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	50,157	54,499
Operating Segments | Online & Partnerships | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	758,120	778,147
Operating Segments | Online & Partnerships | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	123,995	113,921
Corporate
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	5,069	(8,133)
Corporate | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Corporate | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	5,069	(8,133)
Corporate | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	5,069	(8,133)
Corporate | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Performance Obligations

Revenue Performance Obligations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2020-01-01
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction	12 months

- Narrative (Details)

- Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable	$ 432,910,000	$ 373,855,000
Deferred revenue and student deposits, current	216,816,000	193,226,000
Capitalized contract cost	23,900,000	11,500,000
Capitalized contract cost, accumulated amortization	12,300	4,400,000
Amortization of capitalized costs	$ 10,200,000	$ 4,400,000
Minimum
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract cost, amortization period	2 years
Maximum
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Contract cost, amortization period	4 years
Commission and Bonuses
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations recognition period	one year or less
Incremental Costs Of Obtaining A Contract With Customer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations recognition period	one year or less
Incremental Cost Of Obtaining A Contract With Students
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligations recognition period	one year or less
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Adoption of accounting standards			$ 28,944,000
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Adoption of accounting standards				$ 1,400,000

Discontinued Operations and A_3

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - 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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 501,739	$ 929,681	$ 1,044,917
Depreciation and amortization	1,185	29,188	63,609
Share-based compensation expense	333	1,053	2,944
Other direct costs	390,778	740,873	823,256
Loss on impairment of assets	43,284	3,080	33,476
Operating income	66,159	155,487	121,632
Other non-operating income (expense)	5,321	(21,832)	(18,066)
Pretax income of discontinued operations	71,480	133,655	103,566
Income tax expense	(17,539)	(48,771)	(26,176)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	53,941	84,884	77,390
Operating cash flows of discontinued operations	40,224	169,248	122,907
Investing cash flows of discontinued operations	(23,646)	(72,636)	(75,776)
Financing cash flows of discontinued operations	$ (53,952)	$ (20,825)	$ (81,507)

Discontinued Operations and A_4

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Loss On Impairment of Assets (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 14, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)subsidiaryinstitution	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of discontinued VIE institutions | institution		1
Long-lived assets		$ 1,199,219	$ 1,275,341
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		43,284	$ 3,080	$ 33,476
Central America & U.S. Campuses
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived assets to be disposed of		$ 25,000
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
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
Exeter Street Holdings, LLC
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percent of ownership disposed of	100.00%
Consideration received from dispositions	$ 7,300
Affiliated Entity
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of campuses		5

Discontinued Operations and A_5

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Schedule of carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities classified as held for sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	$ 389,773	$ 1,372,883
Total liabilities held for sale	189,118	680,383
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	55,401	215,644
Receivables, net	14,762	62,576
Property and equipment, net	182,530	671,121
Goodwill	9,753	131,329
Tradenames	6,890	124,932
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	59,231	0
Other assets	52,730	106,326
Total assets held for sale	381,297	1,311,928
Deferred revenue and student deposits	14,287	115,969
Operating leases, including current portion	63,304	0
Long-term debt, including current portion	55,495	279,612
Other liabilities	56,032	269,558
Total liabilities held for sale	189,118	665,139
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total assets held for sale	8,476	60,955
UniNorte Brazil | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Receivables, net	0	6,983
Property and equipment, net	0	16,726
Goodwill	0	15,165
Tradenames	0	8,146
Other assets	0	13,935
Deferred revenue and student deposits	0	469
Long-term debt, including current portion	0	5,370
Other liabilities	0	9,405
Total liabilities held for sale	0	15,244
Other Land and Buildings | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Property and equipment, net	$ 8,476	$ 0

Acquisitions - Additional Infor

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Details) S/ in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Nov. 05, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 05, 2018PEN (S/)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired					$ 1,205	$ 17,019	$ 835
Avansys
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred in business combination	$ 18,900	S/ 63,000
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	17,019
Debt assumed	$ 874
Careers Australia
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 835	$ 1,107
Debt assumed			$ 7,433	$ 9,850

Acquisitions - Summary of asset

Acquisitions - Summary of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in acquisition (Details) $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Nov. 05, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 1,701,495	$ 1,707,089	$ 1,825,284
Net cash paid at acquisition				$ 1,205	$ 17,019	$ 835
Avansys
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 3,921
Property and equipment	13,673
Goodwill	4,658
Other long-term assets	815
Total assets acquired	23,067
Current portion of long-term debt	874
Other current liabilities	3,332
Total liabilities assumed	4,206
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	18,861
Debt assumed	874
Net assets acquired attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. plus debt assumed	19,735
Net assets acquired	18,861
Cash acquired	(1,842)
Net cash paid at acquisition	$ 17,019
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 assumed		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

Dispositions and Asset Sales (D

Dispositions and Asset Sales (Details) € in Thousands, د.م. in Thousands, ¥ in Thousands, R in Thousands, $ in Thousands

Nov. 01, 2019USD ($)

Oct. 01, 2019USD ($)

Aug. 27, 2019USD ($)

May 31, 2019USD ($)

May 09, 2019USD ($)

Apr. 08, 2019USD ($)

Feb. 12, 2019USD ($)campus

Feb. 01, 2019USD ($)

Jan. 25, 2019USD ($)

Jan. 25, 2019HKD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018CNY (¥)

Jul. 27, 2018USD ($)

Jul. 27, 2018HKD ($)

Apr. 13, 2018USD ($)

Apr. 13, 2018MAD (د.م.)

Apr. 12, 2018USD ($)

Apr. 12, 2018EUR (€)

Feb. 01, 2018USD ($)

Jan. 25, 2018USD ($)

Jan. 25, 2018CNY (¥)

Jan. 25, 2018HKD ($)

Jan. 15, 2018USD ($)

Jan. 11, 2018USD ($)

Jan. 11, 2018EUR (€)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Nov. 30, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

May 31, 2019EUR (€)

Apr. 08, 2019ZAR (R)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)

Nov. 29, 2017MAD (د.م.)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

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

Payments on long-term debt

$ 2,507,790,000

$ 867,915,000

$ 3,038,946,000

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$ 583,572,000

$ 525,745,000

526,550,000

583,572,000

525,745,000

$ 467,777,000

(Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net

(37,751,000)

254,000

(10,490,000)

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

370,000

635,000

917,000

Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests

5,761,000

127,000

17,443,000

Receipts from sales of discontinued operations, net of cash sold, property and equipment and other

1,266,042,000

375,807,000

9,831,000

St. Augustine | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 400,000,000

European University–Cyprus Ltd And Laureate Italy S.r.L. | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

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

Net proceeds from divestiture

$ 275,500,000

€ 232,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

$ 244,300,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

218,000,000

Working capital settlement

$ 4,100,000

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

$ 55,000,000

Cash consideration received from dispositions

17,784,000

(Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net

20,300,000

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]

(Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net

(10,300,000)

Receipts from sales of discontinued operations, net of cash sold, property and equipment and other

$ 9,300,000

LEI Lie Ying Limited | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

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

Net proceeds from divestiture

$ 128,800,000

¥ 1,430,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

225,500,000

110,800,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ 13,700,000

84,000,000

Proceeds from second holdback payment

$ 9,100,000

$ 71,463

¥ 60,000

9,100,000

$ 71,463

Amounts of material contingent liabilities remaining

14,300,000

$ 14,300,000

14,300,000

Amount receivable, noncurrent

25,900,000

Proceeds not received as conditions not met at closing

$ 7,900,000

¥ 50,000

Payment term, first payment due after the closing date

6 months

6 months

6 months

Proceeds from first holdback payment

$ 18,117,000

$ 142,221

$ 120,000,000

Payment term, second payment due after the closing date

12 months

12 months

12 months

Monash South Africa (MSA) | 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

$ 1,100,000

R 15,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operation, debt

$ 20,200,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operations, percent of ownership sold

75.00%

Monash South Africa Limited And LEI AMEA Investments B.V. | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

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

Net proceeds from divestiture

$ 9,000,000

Sodecam - Sociedade De Desenvolvimento Cultural Do Amazonas Ltda [Member] | 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

$ 43,000,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ (300,000)

Dormant Subsidiaries [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

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

Accumulated foreign currency translation gain (losses)

(37,500,000)

Laureate South Africa Pty Ltd (LSA) | 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

7,000,000

R 99,000

Laureate Germany Holding GmbH | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

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

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

(5,500,000)

Capital consideration contributed

$ 3,600,000

Laureate Somed Holding | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

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

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

17,400,000

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 | د.م.

د.م. 500,000

Net proceeds from divestiture

$ 32,500,000

د.م. 300,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

$ 31,100,000

Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan

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

Payments on long-term debt

$ 350,000,000

Exeter Street Holdings, LLC | St. Augustine | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale

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

Net proceeds from divestiture

346,400,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operation, closing adjustments

11,700,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operation, debt

58,100,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operation, fees

7,200,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

$ 301,800,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ 223,000,000

LEI Singapore Holdings Pte Limited, Laureate I B.V.,Laureate International B.V. | Pearl Retail Solutions Private Limited | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 145,600,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operation, closing adjustments

145,800,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

$ 77,300,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operations, percent of ownership sold

10.00%

Iniciativas Culturales de Espãna S.L., (“ICE”), and Laureate I B.V | Ensilis—Educação e Formação, Unipessoal, Lda | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 857,000,000

€ 770,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operation, debt

109,000,000

LEI European Investments B.V. (LEI BV) | Laureate Germany Holding GmbH | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

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

Net proceeds from divestiture

1,200,000

€ 1,000

Laureate Germany

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

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$ 12,900,000

Universidad U Latina, SRL and Education Holding Costa Rica EHCR, SRL | UIP. Excelencia y Superacion S.A. (EXUSA) | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 86,750,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

$ 82,000,000

Disposal group, not discontinued operation, percent of ownership disposed of

100.00%

Bilgi Egitim Ve Kultur Vakfi (Bilgi Foundation)

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

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$ 89,000,000

Laureate Somed Holding | Laureate Middle East Holdings B.V. | 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]

Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent

60.00%

La Société Maroc Emirats Arabes Unis de Développement | 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]

Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent

40.00%

Stamford International University | China YuHua Education Investment Limited

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 35,300,000

Number of campuses | campus

3

Stamford International University | LEI Singapore Holdings Pte Limited, Laureate I B.V.,Laureate International B.V.

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

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ 2,300,000

Construction Contracts | Payment Guarantee | Kendall College

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

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

(17,200,000)

Payment for guarantor obligation, construction contract

$ 14,000,000

Guarantor obligation, term

P10Y

Payment for guarantor obligation, working capital adjustment

$ 2,100,000

Remaining Lease Costs Minus Sublease Income | Payment Guarantee | Kendall College

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

Guarantor obligations, amount of loan

$ 24,000,000

Affiliated Entity | Laureate I B.V. | Education Turkey B.V. | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale

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

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ 21,000,000

Discontinued operation, tax (expense) benefit from provision for (gain) loss on disposal

$ 1,500,000

Affiliated Entity | Stamford International University | China YuHua Education Investment Limited

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

Consideration received from dispositions

2,800,000

Disposal group, contingent liability

1,400,000

$ 4,200,000

Affiliated Entity | Stamford International University | LEI Singapore Holdings Pte Limited, Laureate I B.V.,Laureate International B.V.

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

Net proceeds from divestiture

22,200,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

18,800,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ 19,500,000

10,800,000

Proceeds from divestiture, net of debt assumed by purchaser

$ 26,400,000

Affiliated Entity

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

Number of campuses

5

Affiliated Entity | LEI Lie Ying Limited | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations

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

Disposal transaction fees

$ 16,000,000

Affiliated Entity | Iniciativas Culturales de Espãna S.L., (“ICE”), and Laureate I B.V

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

Net proceeds from divestiture

906,000,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

760,000,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

615,000,000

Discontinued operation, tax (expense) benefit from provision for (gain) loss on disposal

$ 30,000,000

Affiliated Entity | Laureate I B.V. | Education Turkey B.V. | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale

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

Consideration received from dispositions

90,000,000

Net proceeds from divestiture

75,000,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

(37,700,000)

Disposal group, contingent liability

$ 15,000,000

Disposal group, including discontinued operations, percent of ownership sold

100.00%

Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated | Repurchase Of Chilean Non-controlling Interest

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

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

36,247,000

Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests

$ 6,085,000

Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated | Services And Intellectual Property Contractual Arrangements

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

Other revenues from transactions with related party

$ 864,000

13,927,000

UDLA Ecuador | Majority-Owned Subsidiary, Unconsolidated | Chilean Real Estate Subsidiary

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

Payments of dividends

$ 1,242,000

Due to Shareholders of Acquir_3

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies - Summary of Amounts Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies		$ 21,518	$ 45,391
Less: Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies		11,523	23,820
Due to shareholders of acquired companies, less current portion		9,995	21,571
Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies		20,179	30,912
IADE Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies		$ 1,109	1,141
Interest Rate %		3.00%
Faculdade Porto-Alegrense (FAPA)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies			1,943
Repayments of Related Party Debt	$ 230
University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, LLC (St. Augustine)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total due to shareholders of acquired companies		$ 0	$ 11,395
Interest Rate %		7.00%
Notes Payable, Related Party | Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) | Certificados de Depósitos Interbancários (CDI)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		2.00%

Due to Shareholders of Acquir_4

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies - Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies (Details) - Related Party Notes Payable $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	$ 13,018
2021	11,808
2022	0
2023	0
2024	0
Aggregate maturities	24,826
Less: imputed interest discount	(3,308)
Total	$ 21,518

Due to Shareholders of Acquir_5

Due to Shareholders of Acquired Companies - Additional Information (Details)	Sep. 12, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)installment	Dec. 31, 2019BRL (R$)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)installment	Dec. 31, 2019BRL (R$)installment	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 12, 2014BRL (R$)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable			$ 21,518,000		$ 21,518,000		$ 45,391,000
Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable			20,179,000		20,179,000		30,912,000
Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM Brazil) | Related Party Notes Payable
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Loan amount			$ 49,226,000		$ 49,226,000	R$ 200808000
Number of periodic payments (installment) | installment			9		9	9
Periodic principal payment			$ 5,470,000	R$ 22312000
Number of periodic installment payments made during the period (installment) | installment					7
Number of periodic payment installments remaining (installment) | installment			2		2	2
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%
IADE Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable			$ 0		$ 0		11,395,000
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%
Faculdade-Porto-Alegrense (FAPA)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable							$ 1,943,000
Liability settled		$ 230,000

Business and Geographic Segme_3

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)campuseducational_institutionstatesegment	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments (segment) | segment	6
Number of additional operating segments created (segment) | segment	3
Assets | $	$ 6,515,628	$ 6,769,636
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution	12
Number of states in which entity operates (state) | state	7
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of campuses of postsecondary educational institutions (campus) | campus	40
Number of licensed institutions managed through joint venture arrangements (licensed institution) | educational_institution	2
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets | $	$ 381,297	$ 1,311,928

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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 883,152	$ 773,699	$ 992,403	$ 601,072	$ 892,451	$ 778,255	$ 1,005,229	$ 614,278	$ 3,250,326	$ 3,290,213	$ 3,333,073
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									796,293	787,463	811,350
Loss on impairment of assets						10,030			43,754	13,110	40,597
Total assets	6,515,628				6,769,636				6,515,628	6,769,636
Reconciling items:
Loss on impairment of assets						(10,030)			(43,754)	(13,110)	(40,597)
Share-based compensation expense									(12,994)	(10,791)	(64,788)
Operating income	155,254	$ 45,730	$ 217,163	$ (92,027)	134,481	$ 28,996	$ 218,994	$ (98,601)	326,120	283,870	235,155
Interest income									12,209	11,856	11,865
Interest expense									(167,331)	(235,214)	(334,900)
Loss on debt extinguishment									(28,267)	(7,481)	(8,392)
Gain on derivatives									7,277	88,292	28,656
Other (expense) income, net									9,222	12,226	(1,892)
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net									(27,081)	(32,564)	3,231
(Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net									(37,751)	254	(10,490)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income (loss) of affiliates									94,398	121,239	(76,767)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									3,250,326	3,290,213	3,333,073
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									646,554	610,207	605,416
Depreciation and amortization expense									192,171	210,810	201,133
Loss on impairment of assets									470	10,030	7,121
Total assets	6,515,628				6,769,636				6,515,628	6,769,636
Expenditures for long-lived assets									149,695	185,158	217,044
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(192,171)	(210,810)	(201,133)
Loss on impairment of assets									(470)	(10,030)	(7,121)
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									5,069	(8,133)	(16,758)
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									(149,739)	(177,256)	(205,934)
Depreciation and amortization expense									23,146	25,945	16,765
Loss on impairment of assets									248	0	1,016
Total assets	918,524				1,673,306				918,524	1,673,306
Expenditures for long-lived assets									18,840	27,280	24,001
Reconciling items:
Corporate									(149,739)	(177,256)	(205,934)
Depreciation and amortization expense									(23,146)	(25,945)	(16,765)
Loss on impairment of assets									(248)	0	(1,016)
Reconciling items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense									192,171	210,810	201,133
Loss on impairment of assets									470	10,030	7,121
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(192,171)	(210,810)	(201,133)
Loss on impairment of assets									(470)	(10,030)	(7,121)
Share-based compensation expense									(12,661)	(9,738)	(61,844)
EiP expenses									(115,132)	(95,759)	(100,163)
Operating income									326,120	283,870	235,155
Interest income									12,209	11,856	11,865
Interest expense									(167,331)	(235,214)	(334,900)
Loss on debt extinguishment									(28,267)	(7,481)	(8,392)
Gain on derivatives									7,277	88,292	28,656
Other (expense) income, net									9,222	12,226	(1,892)
Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain, net									(27,081)	(32,564)	3,231
(Loss) gain on sales and disposals of subsidiaries, net									(37,751)	254	(10,490)
Brazil | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									578,449	654,300	765,746
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									82,256	103,969	134,205
Depreciation and amortization expense									31,194	35,532	35,715
Loss on impairment of assets									222	0	3,320
Total assets	1,068,362				1,011,391				1,068,362	1,011,391
Expenditures for long-lived assets									23,654	32,423	50,244
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(31,194)	(35,532)	(35,715)
Loss on impairment of assets									(222)	0	(3,320)
Mexico | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									652,846	646,134	646,154
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									147,807	143,221	147,171
Depreciation and amortization expense									31,132	31,007	27,990
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	0
Total assets	1,315,377				971,309				1,315,377	971,309
Expenditures for long-lived assets									30,239	31,376	38,615
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(31,132)	(31,007)	(27,990)
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	0
Andean | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,189,701	1,155,691	1,085,640
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									343,264	317,126	301,249
Depreciation and amortization expense									65,142	70,905	67,764
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	2,530
Total assets	1,715,145				1,608,406				1,715,145	1,608,406
Expenditures for long-lived assets									51,546	59,493	72,098
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(65,142)	(70,905)	(67,764)
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	(2,530)
Rest of World | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									190,136	177,995	161,917
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									32,046	28,405	24,182
Depreciation and amortization expense									12,354	13,915	17,459
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	0
Total assets	194,409				196,370				194,409	196,370
Expenditures for long-lived assets									10,591	13,507	8,356
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(12,354)	(13,915)	(17,459)
Loss on impairment of assets									0	0	0
Online & Partnerships | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									634,125	664,226	690,374
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									190,920	194,742	204,543
Depreciation and amortization expense									29,203	33,506	35,440
Loss on impairment of assets									0	10,030	255
Total assets	$ 1,303,811				$ 1,308,854				1,303,811	1,308,854
Expenditures for long-lived assets									14,825	21,079	23,730
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(29,203)	(33,506)	(35,440)
Loss on impairment of assets									$ 0	$ (10,030)	$ (255)

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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 883,152	$ 773,699	$ 992,403	$ 601,072	$ 892,451	$ 778,255	$ 1,005,229	$ 614,278	$ 3,250,326	$ 3,290,213	$ 3,333,073
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									650,593	643,348	644,015
Chile
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									638,516	654,002	617,213
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									619,185	627,127	635,637
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									578,433	654,070	765,358
Peru
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									545,291	493,008	450,719
Other foreign countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 218,308	$ 218,658	$ 220,131

Business and Geographic Segme_6

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 1,199,219	$ 1,275,341
Peru
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	354,100	336,898
Chile
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	287,919	338,187
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	232,380	233,048
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	197,235	198,071
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	88,108	100,438
Other foreign countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 39,477	$ 68,699

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Change in the Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		$ 1,707,089,000	$ 1,825,284,000
Acquisitions		1,333,000	4,658,000
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale		0	(15,165,000)
Impairments		0	0
Currency translation adjustments		(6,927,000)	(107,688,000)
Adjustments to prior acquisitions		0	0
Balance, end of period		1,701,495,000	1,707,089,000
Brazil
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		406,452,000	493,373,000
Acquisitions	$ 5,022,000	1,333,000	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale		0	(15,165,000)
Impairments		0	0
Currency translation adjustments		(19,625,000)	(71,756,000)
Adjustments to prior acquisitions		0	0
Balance, end of period		388,160,000	406,452,000
Mexico
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		498,219,000	503,373,000
Acquisitions		0	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale		0	0
Impairments		0	0
Currency translation adjustments		27,037,000	(5,154,000)
Adjustments to prior acquisitions		0	0
Balance, end of period		525,256,000	498,219,000
Andean
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		254,259,000	272,181,000
Acquisitions		0	4,658,000
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale		0	0
Impairments		0	0
Currency translation adjustments		(12,932,000)	(22,580,000)
Adjustments to prior acquisitions		0	0
Balance, end of period		241,327,000	254,259,000
Rest of World
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		87,419,000	95,617,000
Acquisitions		0	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale		0	0
Impairments		0	0
Currency translation adjustments		(1,407,000)	(8,198,000)
Adjustments to prior acquisitions		0	0
Balance, end of period		86,012,000	87,419,000
Online & Partnerships
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period		460,740,000	460,740,000
Acquisitions		0	0
Reclassification to Long-term assets held for sale		0	0
Impairments		0	0
Currency translation adjustments		0	0
Adjustments to prior acquisitions		0	0
Balance, end of period		$ 460,740,000	$ 460,740,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense for intangible assets		$ 1,352	$ 5,780	$ 11,514
2020		787
2021		450
2022		194
2023		0
2024		0
Thereafter		0
Asset Impairment Charges	$ 10,030	$ 43,754	$ 13,110	$ 40,597

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Subject to amortization:
Accumulated Amortization	$ (91,123)	$ (102,044)
Total	1,431	25,429
Not subject to amortization:
Tradenames	1,119,454	1,126,244
Gross Carrying Amount	1,212,008	1,253,717
Net Carrying Amount	1,120,885	1,151,673
Tradenames
Not subject to amortization:
Tradenames	1,119,454	1,126,244
Student rosters
Subject to amortization:
Gross Carrying Amount	67,579	69,540
Accumulated Amortization	(67,579)	(69,253)
Total	$ 0	$ 287
Not subject to amortization:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs)	0 days	27 days
Other
Subject to amortization:
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 24,975	$ 57,933
Accumulated Amortization	(23,544)	(32,791)
Total	$ 1,431	$ 25,142
Not subject to amortization:
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs)	2 years 1 month 6 days	11 years 2 months 12 days

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Asset Impairment Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairments of Goodwill		$ 0	$ 0
Total	$ 10,030	43,754	13,110	$ 40,597
Continuing operations
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairments of Goodwill		0	0	0
Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net		0	0	2,696
Impairments of long-lived assets		470	10,030	4,425
Total		470	10,030	$ 7,121
Rest of World
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairments of Goodwill		$ 0	$ 0

Debt - Schedule of Long-term De

Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings	$ 100,113
Capital lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings		$ 119,443
Total long-term debt and finance leases	1,445,208	2,782,153
Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs	66,069	88,241
Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance leases	118,822	100,818
Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion	1,260,317	2,593,094
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	800,000	800,000
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	14,542	37,899
Notes payable and other debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	328,153	503,182
Senior and Other Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	1,345,095	2,662,710
Senior Long-term Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	1,002,400	2,121,629
Secured Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 202,400	$ 1,321,629

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate An

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Debt (Details) - Senior and Other Debt $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2020	$ 112,858
2021	110,279
2022	72,338
2023	41,558
2024	207,553
Thereafter	800,509
Total	$ 1,345,095

Debt - Debt Refinancing and Sen

Debt - Debt Refinancing and Senior Notes Due 2019 Exchange Transaction (Details)

Oct. 07, 2019

Oct. 06, 2019

Feb. 01, 2019USD ($)

Feb. 01, 2018USD ($)

Aug. 11, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares

Apr. 26, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 01, 2017USD ($)

Apr. 15, 2016USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)

Feb. 06, 2017$ / shares

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchase payments of long term debt

$ 2,507,790,000

$ 867,915,000

$ 3,038,946,000

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

Revolving Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Borrowing under credit facility

121,300,000

Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Borrowing under credit facility

81,100,000

New Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period One

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

3.75%

New Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period Two

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

3.50%

New Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate Base Rate (ABR) | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period One

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

2.75%

New Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate Base Rate (ABR) | Debt Instrument, Covenant, Period Two

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

2.50%

New Credit Agreement | Term Loan One | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

2.50%

New Credit Agreement | Term Loan One | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

1.50%

New Credit Agreement | Term Loan Two | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

2.25%

New Credit Agreement | Term Loan Two | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

1.25%

New Credit Agreement | Term Loan Three | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

2.00%

New Credit Agreement | Term Loan Three | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

1.00%

New Credit Agreement | Term Loan Four | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

1.75%

New Credit Agreement | Term Loan Four | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

0.75%

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayments of debt

$ 340,000,000

$ 1,239,000

Incremental borrowing capacity

$ 565,000,000

Senior Secured Credit Facility | Secured Credit Facility

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total senior and other debt

$ 202,400,000

1,321,629,000

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum borrowing capacity

$ 50,000,000

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Borrowing under credit facility

$ 93,500,000

Interest rate

8.25%

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

3.61%

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Alternate Base Rate (ABR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

5.75%

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio

275.00%

Senior Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total senior and other debt

$ 800,000,000

$ 800,000,000

Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2019

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest rate

9.25%

Repurchase price, percent

104.625%

104.625%

Debt outstanding

$ 1,125,443,000

Redemption price

1,177,495,000

Principal amount redeemed

$ 1,205,630,000

Amount of debt to be exchanged

$ 250,000,000

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%

Lines of credit

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total interest rate

7.93%

Total senior and other debt

$ 14,542,000

37,899,000

Debt outstanding

14,542,000

$ 37,899,000

Lines of credit | Minimum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total interest rate

6.50%

Lines of credit | Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total interest rate

11.00%

Lines of credit | Secured Credit Facility | Walden University

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Receivables and intangibles pledged as collateral

$ 400,484,000

$ 403,658,000

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

$ 410,000,000

$ 385,000,000

Lines of credit | New Credit Facilities | Term Loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum borrowing capacity

$ 1,600,000,000

Borrowing under credit facility

$ 1,228,129,000

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 | Term Loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repayments of debt

350,000,000

Repurchase payments of long term debt

$ 350,000,000

Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total interest rate

6.03%

Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Minimum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

2.50%

3.50%

Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan | Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Basis spread on variable rate

3.50%

4.50%

Decrease in basis spread on variable rate

0.01

Debt - Schedule Estimated Fair

Debt - Schedule Estimated Fair Values of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Carrying amount
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 1,345,095	$ 2,662,710
Estimated fair value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 1,406,954	$ 2,675,684

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	Feb. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on debt extinguishment		$ 28,267	$ 7,481	$ 8,392
Deferred financing costs		$ 8,607	$ 513	81,097
Convertible Debt | Exchanged Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs				70,800
Convertible Debt | Exchanged Notes | General and Administrative Expense
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on modification of debt				$ 22,800
Lines of credit | Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of debt	$ 350,000

Debt - Debt Issuance Costs (Det

Debt - Debt Issuance Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-cash interest expense	$ 12,025	$ 12,542	$ 14,100
Deferred financing costs	8,607	513	$ 81,097
Unamortized balances of deferred financing costs	$ 66,069	$ 88,241

Debt - Other Debt (Details)

Debt - Other Debt (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2017PEN (S/)	Dec. 20, 2017BRL (R$)	May 12, 2016USD ($)loan	May 11, 2016loan	Sep. 12, 2014USD ($)loan	Dec. 20, 2013AUD ($)loan	Oct. 31, 2017BRL (R$)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016AUD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014BRL (R$)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)campus	Dec. 31, 2019MXN ($)campus	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019PEN (S/)	Dec. 31, 2019BRL (R$)	Dec. 31, 2019MXN ($)	Feb. 28, 2019USD ($)	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]
Promissory notes payable	$ 45,391,000											$ 21,518,000		$ 45,391,000
Repayments of long-term debt												2,507,790,000		867,915,000	$ 3,038,946,000
Sale-leaseback assets															10,333,000
Sale-leaseback financings															$ 15,673,000
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 37,899,000											14,542,000		$ 37,899,000
Available borrowing capacity												$ 26,059,000
Total interest rate												7.93%				7.93%	7.93%	7.93%
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate	8.37%											7.93%		8.37%		7.93%	7.93%	7.93%
Lines of credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	6.50%													6.50%
Lines of credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	11.00%													11.00%
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 22,500,000
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility							$ 45,000,000					$ 31,176,000
Number of term loans (loan) | loan							2
Incremental borrowing capacity							$ 20,000,000					13,856,000
Repayments of long-term debt									$ 8,100,000	$ 11,000,000
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity							22,500,000
Basis spread on variable rate									2.50%	2.50%
Quarterly principal payments							$ 1,125,000					779,000
Financed note term							5 years
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 22,500,000
Basis spread on variable rate									2.75%	2.75%
Financed note term							5 years
Lines of credit | Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility										$ 15,000,000		10,392,000
Lines of credit | Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing under credit facility	$ 14,673,000											14,433,000		$ 14,673,000
Incremental borrowing capacity										$ 22,000,000		15,242,000
Lines of credit | Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									2.25%	2.25%
Quarterly principal payments										$ 833,000		577,000
Borrowing under credit facility										$ 10,000,000		$ 6,928,000
Interest rate												3.23%	3.23%	4.31%
Lines of credit | Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Term Loan Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate									2.50%	2.50%
Lines of credit | Amended Syndicated Facility Agreement | THINK | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate												3.48%	3.48%	4.56%
Notes payable and other debt | Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas Educacionais (FMU)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	10.10%											8.10%		10.10%		8.10%	8.10%	8.10%
Number of loans outstanding (loan) | loan						2
Debt outstanding	$ 28,356,000											$ 16,199,000		$ 28,356,000
Loan amount						$ 110,310,000																						R$ 259139000
Quarterly principal payments	5,400,000							R$ 22027000			R$ 6478000	1,588,000
Notes payable and other debt | Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 30,172,000											$ 23,480,000		$ 30,172,000
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%	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%	8.70%	8.70%
Notes payable and other debt | Secured Notes Payable | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	3.97%											3.23%		3.97%		3.23%	3.23%	3.23%
Notes payable and other debt | Secured Notes Payable | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	11.25%											10.25%		11.25%		10.25%	10.25%	10.25%
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	11.25%													11.25%
Number of loans outstanding (loan) | loan				1	2
Debt outstanding	$ 102,239,000			$ 120,527,000										$ 102,239,000											$ 2,224,600,000
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated in 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	10.50%													10.50%
Debt outstanding	$ 83,086,000													$ 83,086,000
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												$ 77,569,000
Loan amount	89,000,000													89,000,000						$ 1,700,000,000
Balloon payment												$ 22,419,000						$ 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												9.06%	9.06%
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments												$ 2,242,000	$ 42,500,000
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments												4,035,000	$ 76,500,000
Notes payable and other debt | Financing of Construction of Campuses | Peru
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 32,886,000											$ 14,542,000		$ 32,886,000					$ 35,000,000
Number of financed campuses (campus) | campus												2	2
Weighted average short term borrowing rate	7.97%											7.93%		7.97%		7.93%	7.93%	7.93%
Promissory notes payable	$ 14,409,000													$ 14,409,000
Notes payable and other debt | Financing of Construction of Campuses | Peru | Investor
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Promissory notes payable												$ 0
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Peru
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	62,761,000											52,278,000		62,761,000
Loan amount																					$ 76,000,000	S/ 247,500,000
Balloon payment												4,357,000				S/ 14,438,000
Interest rate																					6.62%	6.62%
Periodic principal payment		S/ 9,281,000										2,801,000
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Brazil
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	92,690,000											$ 75,013,000		$ 92,690,000
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]
Basis spread on variable rate			2.55%									6.95%	6.95%	8.95%
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									$ 3,309,000
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									5,516,000
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									6,619,000
Notes payable and other debt | Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary | Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding	$ 51,700,000													$ 51,700,000
Notes payable and other debt | Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary | Minimum | Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	3.97%													3.97%
Notes payable and other debt | Notes Payable of Real Estate Subsidiary | Maximum | Chile
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate	6.20%													6.20%
Loans Payable | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Brazil
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding												46,577,000
Loan amount												$ 47,495,000					R$ 190000000

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Net rent expense	$ 169,172	$ 170,099
Equipment
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Term of operating lease contract			60 months

Leases Leases Assets and Liabil

Leases Leases Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Operating	$ 861,878	$ 0
Finance	54,084
Total leased assets	915,962
Current
Operating	91,558	0
Finance	4,940
Non-current
Operating	792,358	$ 0
Finance	53,313
Total lease liabilities	$ 942,169

Leases Lease Term and Discount

Leases Lease Term and Discount Rate (Details)	Dec. 31, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease terms
Operating leases	9 years 3 months 18 days
Finance leases	11 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases	9.50%
Finance leases	8.40%

Leases Components of Lease Expe

Leases Components of Lease Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 172,752
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets	6,277
Interest on leased assets	3,971
Short-term Lease, Cost	5,247
Variable Lease, Cost	14,983
Sublease Income	(4,777)
Total lease cost	$ 198,453

Leases Schedule of Minimum Leas

Leases Schedule of Minimum Lease Payments and Sublease Income (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Operating Leases
Year 1	$ 169,592
Year 2	159,404
Year 3	151,025
Year 4	140,569
Year 5	146,332
Thereafter	543,266
Total lease payments	1,310,188
Less: interest and inflation	(426,272)
Present value of lease liabilities	883,916
Finance Leases
Year 1	9,664
Year 2	9,628
Year 3	9,234
Year 4	8,183
Year 5	6,355
Thereafter	49,840
Total lease payments	92,904
Less: interest and inflation	(34,651)
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 58,253

Leases Other Information (Detai

Leases Other Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Cash Flow, Operating Activities, Lessee [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 182,838
Operating cash flows from finance leases	3,971
Financing cash flows from finance leases	4,506
Leased assets obtained for new finance lease liabilities	39,052
Leased assets obtained for new operating lease liabilities	$ 16,684

Leases Schedule of future minim

Leases Schedule of future minimum lease payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 151,795
2020	142,995
2021	135,426
2022	128,441
2023	119,955
Thereafter	482,220
Total	$ 1,160,832

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Noncontrolling Interest Holder Put Agreements (Details) RM in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)campusoption	Dec. 31, 2019MYR (RM)campus	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 12,295		$ 14,396
INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Number of campuses of higher education institutions (campus) | campus	5	5
Puttable Common Stock | INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 10,581
Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements	$ 10,581
Number of options (option) | option	1
Option exercise term	30 days	30 days
Purchase price multiple of EBITDA	8	8
Income before income tax, depreciation and amortization	$ 9,670	RM 40,000
Additional purchase price multiple of EBITDA	6	6
Option expiration term	30 days	30 days
Puttable Non-controlling Interest
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 10,581
Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements	10,581
Puttable common stock - not currently redeemable
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	1,714		$ 1,713
Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements	0
Puttable Arrangements - Common and Preferred Stock
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	12,295
Total noncontrolling interest holder put arrangements	$ 10,581
INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd | Puttable Common Stock
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent	10.10%

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Loss Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 12, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term indemnification assets			$ 69,040	$ 82,061
UAM Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent		49.00%	10.00%
Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible contingency loss			$ 49,000
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term indemnification assets			0	476
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Sales-type and direct financing leases, lease receivable			19,000	19
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			31,400	29,000
Pending Litigation | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded			$ 1,000	18,000
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			$ (9,393)	(6,884)	$ 2,586
Income Tax Contingencies
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded			51,442	64,157
Income Tax Contingencies | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded			6,996	14,582
Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others | Chile
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, noncurrent			30,887	28,254
Guarantee amount, maximum potential amount of payments			474,000	499,000
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			44,595	52,880
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Taxes, Other-Than-Income Tax | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, noncurrent			$ 2,893	$ 4,999

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies - Standby Letters of Credit, Surety Bonds and Other Commitments (Details) € in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Surety Bond
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee amount, maximum potential amount of payments		$ 25,582,000		$ 22,204,000
Cash Collateralized Letter Of Credit - Spain Tax Audits
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		5,600,000	€ 5,036
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		127,300,000		139,000,000
Amount required by the DOE to be posted		$ 125,800,000		$ 125,800,000

Financing Receivables - Schedul

Financing Receivables - Schedule of Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing receivables	$ 28,856	$ 16,531
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(5,909)	(6,395)	$ (6,472)	$ (7,086)
Financing receivables, net of allowances	$ 22,947	$ 10,136

Financing Receivables - Summary

Financing Receivables - Summary of Aging of Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Total past due (on non-accrual status)	$ 15,600	$ 11,333
Not past due	13,256	5,198
Total financing receivables	28,856	16,531
Chile
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Total past due (on non-accrual status)	13,982	10,497
Not past due	12,556	4,980
Total financing receivables	26,538	15,477
Other
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Total past due (on non-accrual status)	1,618	836
Not past due	700	218
Total financing receivables	2,318	1,054
Financing Receivables, Less Than One Year Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	12,243	8,262
Financing Receivables, Less Than One Year Past Due | Chile
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	10,687	7,618
Financing Receivables, Less Than One Year Past Due | Other
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	1,556	644
Financing Receivables, More Than One Year Past Due
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	3,357	3,071
Financing Receivables, More Than One Year Past Due | Chile
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	3,295	2,879
Financing Receivables, More Than One Year Past Due | Other
Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items]
Amount past due	$ 62	$ 192

Financing Receivables - Allowan

Financing Receivables - Allowance For Credit Losses Rollforward (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (6,395)	$ (6,472)	$ (7,086)
Charge-offs	1,952	1,482	2,238
Recoveries	0	(675)	(24)
Provision	(1,942)	(1,407)	(1,088)
Currency adjustments	476	677	(512)
Ending balance	(5,909)	(6,395)	(6,472)
Chile
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(6,108)	(6,107)	(6,209)
Charge-offs	1,453	1,428	1,910
Recoveries	0	(675)	(24)
Provision	(1,479)	(1,424)	(1,309)
Currency adjustments	480	670	(475)
Ending balance	(5,654)	(6,108)	(6,107)
Other
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(287)	(365)	(877)
Charge-offs	499	54	328
Recoveries	0	0	0
Provision	(463)	17	221
Currency adjustments	(4)	7	(37)
Ending balance	$ (255)	$ (287)	$ (365)

Financing Receivables - Summa_2

Financing Receivables - Summary of Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)loan	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)loan
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing receivable, modifications, number of contracts (loan) | loan	386	469	446
Financing receivable, modifications, pre-modification recorded investment	$ 1,537	$ 1,405	$ 2,319
Financing receivable, modifications, post-modification recorded investment	$ 1,152	$ 1,308	$ 2,109
Financing receivable, modifications, subsequent default, number of contracts (loan) | loan	217	143	200
Financing receivable, modifications, subsequent default, recorded investment	$ 519	$ 487	$ 890

Share-based Compensation and _3

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Summary of Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation		$ 12,994	$ 10,791	$ 64,788
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation	$ 15,000
Continuing operations
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation		12,661	9,738	61,844
Continuing operations | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation		3,702	(3,026)	48,601
Continuing operations | Restricted stock awards
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation		8,959	12,764	13,243
Discontinued operations
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation		$ 333	$ 1,053	$ 2,944

Share-based Compensation and _4

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Incentive Plans (Details) - shares	Jun. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2007	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted in the period (in shares)					698,000	717,000	4,283,000
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period					1 year 9 months 18 days
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures | Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award requisite service period					5 years
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures | 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 | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance (in shares)				9,232,000
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)					698,000	690,000	4,038,000
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 | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period	10 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures | 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 and _5

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Stock Option Grant (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted in the period (in shares)					698,000	717,000	4,283,000
Exercise price of stock options granted in the period (in dollars per share)					$ 14.99	$ 14.27	$ 19.01
Stock compensation expense					$ 12,994	$ 10,791	$ 64,788
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense				$ 15,000
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures | 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 | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures | Class B Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense			$ 14,600

Share-based Compensation and _6

Share-based Compensation and Equity - 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 and _7

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Equity Award Modifications (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jun. 19, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices (in dollars per share)			$ 19.30	$ 18.18	$ 18.79	$ 19.30	$ 21.81
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)			9,903	5,388	9,020	9,903	10,928
Stock compensation expense				$ 12,994	$ 10,791	$ 64,788
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options				$ 2,891
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
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 | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
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

Share-based Compensation and _8

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Summary of Stock Options Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Options
Outstanding, of period (in shares)	9,020	9,903	10,928
Granted (in shares)	698	717	4,283
Exercised (in shares)	(1,569)	0	0
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(2,761)	(1,600)	(5,308)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	5,388	9,020	9,903
Exercisable (in shares)	4,846	7,878	8,606
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	5,274	8,990	9,847
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.79	$ 19.30	$ 21.81
Granted (in dollars per share)	14.99	14.27	19.01
Exercised (in dollars per share)	16.95	0	0
Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share)	20.06	19.92	18.34
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	18.18	18.79	19.30
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	18.50	19.11	19.38
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$ 18.20	$ 18.80	$ 19.31
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of period	$ 744	$ 0	$ 4,350
Exercised	794	0	0
Outstanding, end of period	3,396	744	0
Exercisable intrinsic value	2,136	265	0
Vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value	$ 3,344	$ 722	$ 0

Share-based Compensation and _9

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Summary of Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 18.18	$ 18.79	$ 19.30	$ 21.81
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	5,388,000	9,020,000	9,903,000	10,928,000
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	4,846,000	7,878,000	8,606,000
$13.97 - $15.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	944
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	7 years 10 months 20 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	524
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	7 years 21 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	1.81%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	3.05%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	38.29%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	64.18%
$13.97 - $15.55 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 13.97
Expected Terms in Years	3 years 2 months 30 days
$13.97 - $15.55 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 15.55
Expected Terms in Years	5 years 10 months 28 days
$17.00 - $19.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	3,597
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	3 years 1 month 13 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	3,475
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	2 years 11 months 12 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	1.38%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	2.94%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	35.20%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	58.84%
$17.00 - $19.56 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 17
Expected Terms in Years	2 years 7 months 6 days
$17.00 - $19.56 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 19.56
Expected Terms in Years	10 years
$21.00 - $21.52
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	330
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	1 year 1 month 2 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	330
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	1 year 1 month 2 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	0.68%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	2.61%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	38.16%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	57.79%
$21.00 - $21.52 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 21
Expected Terms in Years	3 years 9 months 14 days
$21.00 - $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
$22.32 - $31.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	517
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	1 year 5 months 8 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	517
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	1 year 5 months 8 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	0.60%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	3.03%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	36.93%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	53.80%
$22.32 - $31.92 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 22.32
Expected Terms in Years	3 years 2 months 5 days
$22.32 - $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
$13.97 - $15.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		674,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		8 years 3 months 21 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		250,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		7 years 11 months 23 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.181%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		3.05%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		49.80%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		64.18%
$13.97 - $15.55 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 13.97
Expected Terms in Years		3 years 2 months 30 days
$13.97 - $15.55 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 15.55
Expected Terms in Years		5 years 10 months 28 days
$17.00 - $19.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		5,730,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		3 years 8 months 8 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		5,013,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		3 years 6 months
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.49%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		2.94%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		36.04%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		69.74%
$17.00 - $19.56 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 17
Expected Terms in Years		2 years 7 months 6 days
$17.00 - $19.56 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 19.56
Expected Terms in Years		6 years 8 months 2 days
$21.00 - $21.52
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		1,917,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		1 year 4 months 20 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		1,916,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		1 year 4 months 20 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.68%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		2.60%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		38.16%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		69.74%
$21.00 - $21.52 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 21
Expected Terms in Years		2 years 11 months 1 day
$21.00 - $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 7 days
$22.32 - $31.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		699,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		2 years 6 months 10 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		699,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		2 years 6 months 10 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.60%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		2.93%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		36.93%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		53.08%
$22.32 - $31.92 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 22.32
Expected Terms in Years		4 years
$22.32 - $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
$14.58 - $19.56
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)			6,500,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			4 years 6 months 29 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)			5,549,000
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			33.10%
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
$21.00 - $21.28
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)			693,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			2 years 2 months 4 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)			347,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			20 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 2 days
$21.32 - $21.52
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)			1,776,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			2 years 1 month 20 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)			1,776,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			2 years 1 month 20 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
$21.68 - $22.32
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)			221,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			1 year 11 months 8 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)			221,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			1 year 11 months 8 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
$22.88 - $31.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)			713,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			3 years 9 months 3 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)			713,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)			3 years 9 months 3 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
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Share-based Compensation and_10

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Stock Option Activity Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jun. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 6.05	$ 7.67	$ 7.84
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 2,891
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 year 9 months 18 days
Employee Stock Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 2,890
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 1
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 year 8 months 12 days
Stock compensation costs not yet recognized, awards other than options		$ 7,619
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		4,272
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		3,289
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		$ 58
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 | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
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 | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
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
Tranche One | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award requisite service period		5 years
Tranche One | 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Tranche Two | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award requisite service period			3 years
Tranche Two | 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years

Share-based Compensation and_11

Share-based Compensation and Equity - 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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Shares
Non-vested, beginning of period (in shares)	1,895	1,650	1,038
Granted (in shares)	1,003	1,306	1,337
Vested (in shares)	(765)	(853)	(328)
Forfeited (in shares)	(882)	(208)	(397)
Non-vested, end of period (in shares)	1,251	1,895	1,650
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 15.31	$ 19.74	$ 25.97
Granted (in dollars per share)	15.10	14.11	16.65
Vested (in dollars per share)	16.18	21.66	22.35
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	15.20	17.41	23.33
Non-vested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 14.69	$ 15.31	$ 19.74

Share-based Compensation and_12

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Other Stockholders' Equity Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

Apr. 23, 2018

Dec. 04, 2016

Sep. 30, 2019

Jun. 30, 2019

Nov. 30, 2018

Dec. 31, 2018

Sep. 30, 2018

Jun. 30, 2018

Mar. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity

$ 0

$ (61,974)

$ 0

Gain upon conversion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock

$ 0

$ 0

$ (74,110)

$ 0

$ 0

74,110

0

Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity

(292,450)

Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Beneficial Conversion Feature

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity

$ 265,368

Class A Common Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)

$ 0.004

$ 0.004

$ 0.004

$ 0.004

Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)

0

0

Private Placement

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Net proceeds from initial public offering

$ 400,000

Private Placement | Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Sale of stock, number of shares agreed to be issued in transaction (in shares)

400,000

Secondary Offering | Class A Common Stock | KKR Capital Markets

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Stock issued in secondary offering (in shares)

757,000

Additional paid-in capital | Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Accretion to redemption value

$ (61,974)

$ (292,450)

Additional paid-in capital | Series A Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock - Beneficial Conversion Feature

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Accretion period

1 year

Common Stock | Class A Common Stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares (in shares)

36,143,000

26,034,000

15,638,000

1,229,000

Stock issued in secondary offering (in shares)

35,000,000

Common Stock | Class A Common Stock | Wengen

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Reclassification of Series A Preferred Stock upon conversion (in shares)

14,088,000

Sale price of stock (in dollars per share)

$ 14

Majority Shareholder | Class A Common Stock | Wengen Alberta

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Sale price of stock (in dollars per share)

$ 16.85

$ 15.3032

Majority Shareholder | Secondary Offering | Class A Common Stock | Wengen Alberta

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)

15,000

10,955

Share-based Compensation and_13

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - Common Class A - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 14, 2019	Aug. 08, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased	150,000,000	150,000,000
Authorized amount		$ 150,000
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased	300,000,000

Derivative Instruments - Summar

Derivative Instruments - Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative assets
Derivative instruments	$ 0	$ 3,259
Derivative liabilities
Total derivative instrument assets	0	3,259
Total derivative instrument liabilities	0	10,677
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cross currency swaps
Derivative assets
Derivative instruments	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross currency swaps
Derivative liabilities
Derivative liability, current	0	4,021
Derivative liability, noncurrent	$ 0	$ 6,656

Derivative Instruments - Deriva

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Narrative (Details) € in Thousands	Aug. 21, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017derivative_instrument	May 31, 2017USD ($)derivative_instrument
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative assets				$ 0		$ 3,259,000
Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)				(11,818,000)
Net Investment Cross Currency Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)				3,868,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)				0
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Cross Currency Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative assets						$ 3,259,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative assets				$ 0
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, cash received on hedge	$ 14,117,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
General fair value hedge information, hedge effectiveness threshold				100.00%	100.00%
Number of interest rate derivatives held (derivative instrument) | derivative_instrument								4
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap, Instrument One
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								$ 100,000,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap, Instrument Two
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								100,000,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap, Instrument Three
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								200,000,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging | Interest Rate Swap, Instrument Four
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								$ 300,000,000
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Net Investment Cross Currency Swaps
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | derivative_instrument							2
General fair value hedge information, hedge effectiveness threshold				100.00%	100.00%
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)				$ 0
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument One
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, cash received on hedge		$ 7,679,000
Derivative, notional amount				$ 59,210,000	€ 50,000
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
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%
Interest Expense | Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Cash Flow Hedging
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Cash flow hedge, reclassification for discontinuance, before tax			$ 9,800,000

Derivative Instruments - Summ_2

Derivative Instruments - Summary of Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recorded In and Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	$ (7,950)
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	11,818
Interest expense	(167,331)	$ (235,214)	$ (334,900)
Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	(11,818)
Interest rate swaps | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	11,818
Net investment cross currency swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	3,868
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	0
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)		13,709	9,875
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)		2,446	(7,584)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Interest rate swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	$ 0
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)		5,772	11,264
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Interest rate swaps | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)		2,446	(7,584)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net investment cross currency swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)		7,937	(1,389)
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)		$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Instruments - Deri_2

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details)	Jun. 04, 2019USD ($)$ / €	May 15, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 16, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)swap$ / €	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019AUD ($)swap	Sep. 30, 2019MXN ($)swap	May 31, 2019USD ($)$ / €	May 31, 2019EUR (€)$ / €	May 01, 2019swap	Apr. 30, 2019EUR (€)swap	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)swap$ / €	Apr. 23, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017EUR (€)swap	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative assets					$ 0		$ 0	$ 3,259,000
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments:
Derivative [Line Items]
Realized gain (loss)							7,277,000	$ 88,292,000	$ 28,656,000
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swap								2						9		2
Derivative liability, current					0		0	$ 4,021,000
Derivative liability, noncurrent					0		0	6,656,000
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swap																		6
Derivative, notional amount | €																		€ 200,000,000
Unrealized gain on derivatives				$ 9,960,000
Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred
Derivative [Line Items]
Realized gain (loss)							0	98,180,000	$ 33,294,000
Fair value of derivative assets																	$ 140,300,000
Probability of conversion of convertible security																	100.00%
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swap															7
Derivative, notional amount	$ 597,149,000											$ 423,003,000	€ 532,000,000		€ 375,000,000
Derivative, swap type, variable price | $ / €	1.122461											1.128007	1.128007
Unrealized gain on derivatives	$ 565,000	$ (1,644,000)
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Swap 1
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								$ 314,573,000								€ 275,000,000
Derivative, swap type, variable price | $ / €								1.1439								1.1439
Unrealized gain on derivatives			$ (5,088,000)
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Maturing April 8, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount								$ 310,750,000								€ 275,000,000
Derivative, swap type, variable price | $ / €								1.13								1.13
Derivative, cost of hedge			$ 980,000
Chile, Pesos | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount																			$ 31,000
Derivative, cost of hedge						$ 8,200,000
Derivative, number of instruments held (derivative instrument) | swap																			4
Chile, Pesos | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Maturing December 1, 2024
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, number of instruments held (derivative instrument) | swap																			1
Chile, Pesos | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Maturing July 1, 2025
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, number of instruments held (derivative instrument) | swap																			3
Mexico, Pesos | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swap										3	3
Derivative, notional amount					$ 23,000,000		$ 23,000,000				$ 453,146,000
Derivative, swap type, variable price					0.0508		0.0508
Realized gain (loss)					$ (583,000)
Australia, Dollars | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swap										2	2
Derivative, notional amount					7,443,000		$ 7,443,000			$ 11,000,000
Derivative, swap type, variable price										0.6766	0.6766
Realized gain (loss)					$ 45,000

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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	$ 4,021	$ (41,217)	$ 29,278
Realized Gain (Loss)	3,256	129,509	(622)
Total Gain (Loss)	7,277	88,292	28,656
Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0	(42,140)	33,294
Realized Gain (Loss)	0	140,320	0
Total Gain (Loss)	0	98,180	33,294
Cross currency and interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	4,021	750	(4,191)
Realized Gain (Loss)	3,256	(10,811)	(622)
Total Gain (Loss)	7,277	(10,061)	(4,813)
Interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0	173	175
Total Gain (Loss)	$ 0	$ 173	$ 175

Derivative Instruments - Credit

Derivative Instruments - Credit Risk and Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Feature (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative asset	$ 0	$ 3,259
Derivative liability	$ 0	$ 10,677

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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current:
United States	$ 17,822	$ (32,861)	$ 28,091
Foreign	(97,722)	(90,887)	(97,446)
State	(329)	(262)	(400)
Total current	(80,229)	(124,010)	(69,755)
Deferred:
United States	(6,465)	10,537	124,043
Foreign	5,753	(18,137)	27,216
State	285	(161)	11,485
Total deferred	(427)	(7,761)	162,744
Total income tax (expense) benefit	$ (80,656)	$ (131,771)	$ 92,989

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) € in Thousands, shares in Thousands	Jun. 29, 2012USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2012EUR (€)	Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Oct. 31, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2018EUR (€)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2013audit	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign income from continuing operations before income taxes													$ 242,017,000	$ 664,298,000	$ 246,303,000
Domestic loss from continuing operations before income taxes													147,619,000	543,059,000	$ 323,070,000
Additional taxable income related to GILTI													182,000,000	165,000,000
Undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries													2,014,730,000
TCJA, transition tax provisional liability offset, percent												90.00%			90.00%
TCJA, transition tax provisional liability									$ 4,800,000			$ 3,200,000	$ 0	$ 4,800,000	$ 3,200,000					$ 3,200,000
NOLs and tax credits carryforwards, percent													73.97%						73.97%
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares) | shares													221,928	212,769	172,409
Period for cumulative loss position														3 years
Benefits from change in tax rate law															$ 215,600,000
Utilization of prior year taxes carryforwards															53,600,000
Adjustment for intercompany loans, tax expense (benefit)														$ 27,000,000	(30,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits released from sale													$ 3,300,000
Interest and penalties related to income taxes													3,428,000	4,840,000	5,762,000
Accrued interest and penalties									26,643,000				24,510,000	26,643,000
Decrease in previously accrued interest and penalties													5,852,000	15,563,000	8,584,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective income tax rate													19,917,000
Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations													10,569,000
TCJA, estimated income tax benefit															135,700,000
Tax effect of rate changes													0	$ 0	82,392,000
Deferred tax asset, provision income expense (benefit), net of adjustment															(53,300,000)
TCJA, blended state tax rates, current														6.63%
TCJA, blended state tax rates, deferred														6.61%
TCJA, blended state tax rates, GILTI, deferred														4.11%
TCJA, adjustment to line items														$ 3,600,000
Transition tax on unremitted earnings												$ 149,800,000
Income tax expense													80,656,000	131,771,000	(92,989,000)
Transition tax on unremitted earnings									0				0		$ 160,567,000
Peru
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries									50,000,000					50,000,000
Undistributed foreign earnings									2,500,000					2,500,000
Deferred tax liability not recognized, but would be recorded if assertion was removed									$ 15,900,000					$ 15,900,000
Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Number of tax audits (audit) | audit																		2
Possible loss from tax audits	$ 12,256,000	€ 11,051					$ 19,060,000	€ 17,187
Income tax expense																$ 42,100,000	€ 37,610
Income taxes paid										$ 36,800,000	€ 29,600
Cash Collateralized Letter Of Credit - Spain Tax Audits
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount													$ 5,600,000						€ 5,036
Tax Year 2011 Through 2013 | Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Possible loss from tax audits					$ 4,500,000	€ 4,100
Subsequent Event | Tax Year 2014 Through 2015 [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Possible loss from tax audits			$ 4,800,000	€ 4,300

Income Taxes - Schedule of Co_2

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards	$ 530,647	$ 727,213
Depreciation	57,752	81,194
Deferred revenue	17,544	56,004
Allowance for doubtful accounts	23,515	21,069
Deferred compensation	24,645	30,677
Unrealized loss	75,324	74,982
Nondeductible reserves	42,275	40,584
Interest	16,741	17,652
Operating lease asset	236,084	0
Total deferred tax assets	1,024,527	1,049,375
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment in subsidiaries	84,880	97,208
Amortization of intangible assets	258,852	253,147
Operating lease liability	230,855	0
Other	1,260	1,829
Total deferred tax liabilities	575,847	352,184
Net deferred tax assets	448,680	697,191
Valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets	(541,641)	(778,262)
Net deferred tax liabilities	$ (92,961)	$ (81,071)

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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 778,262	$ 815,689	$ 1,167,927
(Deductions) additions to costs and expenses	11,611	335	7,175
Additions: charges to other accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	(248,232)	(37,762)	(359,413)
Balance at end of period	$ 541,641	$ 778,262	$ 815,689

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, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax (expense) benefit at the United States statutory rate		$ (19,824)	$ (25,460)	$ 16,121
Permanent differences		(20,543)	20,686	(13,216)
State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect		4,005	(335)	(1,154)
Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate		(23,895)	16,683	34,711
Change in valuation allowance		(35,500)	(98,414)	(139,375)
Effect of tax contingencies		12,966	5,203	11,198
Tax credits		36,981	37,769	47,348
Withholding taxes		(6,815)	(57,190)	4,678
U.S. tax on repatriated earnings		0	0	(875)
Impairments		0	(649)	0
Transition tax on unremitted earnings	$ 0	0		(160,567)
Tax effect of rate changes		0	0	82,392
Change in valuation allowance		14,969	9,354	202,758
State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect		(4,104)	(5,350)	8,360
GILTI		(38,305)	(34,650)	0
Other		(591)	582	610
Total income tax (expense) benefit		$ (80,656)	$ (131,771)	$ 92,989

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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning of the period	$ 60,780	$ 81,073	$ 81,325
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	321	4,379	5,691
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	(2,349)	(1,541)	(10,095)
Additions for tax positions related to current year	9,940	9,725	11,551
Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	(3,150)	(5,282)	(7,355)
Settlements for tax positions related to prior years	0	(27,574)	(44)
End of the period	$ 65,542	$ 60,780	$ 81,073

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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations	$ 51,736	$ (28,526)	$ 107,820	$ (117,069)	$ 26,107	$ (40,353)	$ 174,410	$ (170,698)	$ 13,961	$ (10,534)	$ 16,374
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests									(99)	(141)	(79)
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									13,862	(10,675)	16,295
Numerator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity									(208)	(292)	317
Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value									0	(559)	(6,358)
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock									0	(61,974)	0
Gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock									0	74,110	0
Distributed and undistributed earnings to participating securities									0	0	(1)
Subtotal: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock, net, and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity									(208)	11,285	(298,492)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic earnings per share									13,654	610	(282,197)
Adjusted for: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock									0	61,974	0
Adjusted for: gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock									0	(74,110)	0
Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share									13,654	(11,526)	(282,197)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(12,531)	(27,137)	30,280	63,329	61,333	(37,905)	37,542	23,914	53,941	84,884	77,390
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 21,372	$ (41,131)	$ 641,516	$ 248,005	$ (15,324)	$ (18,426)	$ 12,003	$ 318,327	869,762	296,580	0
Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests									919	(722)	(2,220)
Allocation of earnings from discontinued operations to participating securities									0	0	(5)
Net income from discontinued operations for basic and diluted earnings per share									$ 924,622	$ 380,742	$ 75,165
Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									221,928	212,769	172,409
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									222,471	212,769	172,409
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24	$ (0.13)	$ 0.48	$ (0.52)	$ 0.11	$ (0.18)	$ 1.14	$ (1.22)	$ 0.06	$ 0	$ (1.64)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.04	(0.30)	3	1.37	0.20	(0.24)	0.23	1.81	4.17	1.79	0.44
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	0.28	(0.43)	3.48	0.85	0.31	(0.42)	1.37	0.59	4.23	1.79	(1.20)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.24	(0.13)	0.48	(0.52)	0.11	(0.18)	0.78	(1.22)	0.06	(0.06)	(1.64)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.04	(0.30)	3	1.37	0.20	(0.24)	0.22	1.81	4.16	1.79	0.44
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ (0.43)	$ 3.48	$ 0.85	$ 0.31	$ (0.42)	$ 1	$ 0.59	$ 4.22	$ 1.73	$ (1.20)
Stock options
Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Effect of dilutive stock (in shares)									27	0	0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Effect of dilutive stock (in shares)									516	0	0
Puttable Arrangements - Common and Preferred Stock
Numerator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity											$ (5,183)
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
Numerator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock											(292,450)
Adjusted for: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock											$ 292,450

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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	8,512	9,387	12,497
Restricted stock and RSUs
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	6	1,300	986

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Feb. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Class A Common Stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction (in shares)	0	0
Series A Preferred Stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid						$ 11,103	$ 18,052
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)				60,000
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid						$ 1,822	3,644
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)				15,000
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
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
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
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)			3,571,000
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

Benefit Plans - Additional Info

Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			62 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2007participant	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
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		$ 5,431	$ 5,345	$ 5,638
Estimated net periodic benefit cost		242
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, noncurrent		$ 12,744	12,778
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		$ 4,505	4,868
Deferred compensation plan liabilities		6,835	7,047
Supplemental Employment Retention Agreement | Deferred Profit Sharing | Executive Officer
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets		12,494	13,721
Deferred compensation plan liabilities		14,244	14,278
Number of participants in retention agreement | participant	1
Funding of deferred compensations					$ 1,500
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, current		1,500
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, noncurrent		$ 12,744	$ 12,778

Benefit Plans - Summary of Net

Benefit Plans - Summary of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 63	$ 77	$ 75
Interest	119	118	126
Expected return on assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service costs	(57)	(32)	22
Recognition of actuarial items	0	0	(15)
Curtailment gain	(200)	(47)	(153)
Net periodic benefit cost	$ (75)	$ 116	$ 55

Benefit Plans - Summary of Weig

Benefit Plans - Summary of Weighted Average Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Discount rate for obligations	8.75%	10.50%	9.25%
Discount rate for net periodic benefit costs	10.50%	9.25%	8.50%
Rate of compensation increases	4.50%	4.50%	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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Change in PBO:
PBO at beginning of year	$ 1,173	$ 1,336	$ 1,423
Service cost	63	77	75
Interest	119	118	126
Actuarial loss	408	(214)	(171)
Benefits paid by plan	(79)	(90)	(33)
Curtailment gain	(200)	(47)	(153)
Foreign exchange	66	(7)	69
PBO at end of year	1,550	1,173	1,336
Fair value of assets at end of year	0	0	0
Unfunded status	1,550	1,173	1,336
Amount recognized in AOCI, pre-tax	(170)	(610)	(439)
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 1,550	$ 1,173	$ 1,336

Benefit Plans - Schedule of Est

Benefit Plans - Schedule of Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
2020	$ 163
2021	173
2022	151
2023	147
2024	136
2025 through 2029	$ 1,178

Legal and Regulatory Matters -

Legal and Regulatory Matters - United States Postsecondary Education Regulation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
United States
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of funds received	15.00%
Kendall College, St. Augustine, Walden University, and NewSchool of Architecture and Design
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Amount required by the DOE to be posted	$ 125,800	$ 125,800

Legal and Regulatory Matters _2

Legal and Regulatory Matters - Brazilian Regulation (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)educational_institution	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 883,152	$ 773,699	$ 992,403	$ 601,072	$ 892,451	$ 778,255	$ 1,005,229	$ 614,278	$ 3,250,326	$ 3,290,213	$ 3,333,073
Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution									12
Percentage of students enrolled in government programs									7.00%	11.00%
Percentage of funds received									13.00%	20.00%
Revenues									$ 578,433	$ 654,070	765,358
Brazil | Grant
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 100,600	$ 112,500	$ 115,200

Fair Value Measurement - Narrat

Fair Value Measurement - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		$ 0			$ 3,259
Derivative liability		0			10,677
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		0			3,259
Derivative liability		0			10,677
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset					3,259
Derivative liability					10,677
Level 3 fair value measurement		0			$ (7,418)	$ 34,338
Coursera Inc | Series B Preferred Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Share purchase (in shares)			1,020
Payment to acquire investment			$ 5,000
Gain on sale of investment	$ 6,100	$ 6,473
Fair value of an investment				$ 11,473

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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 0	$ 3,259
Derivative liability	0	10,677
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0	3,259
Derivative liability	$ 0	10,677
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		0
Derivative liability		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		0
Derivative liability		0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		3,259
Derivative liability		$ 10,677

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, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ (7,418)	$ 34,338
Gain included in earnings:
Unrealized Gain (Loss)	4,021	41,217
Realized Gain (Loss)	3,256	(129,509)
Loss included in other comprehensive income	(7,950)	13,709
Settlements	(4,096)	(3,306)
Reclassification upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock		(140,320)
Reclassification, currency translation adjustment and other	12,187	(131)
Balance, end of period	$ 0	$ (7,418)

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 883,152	$ 773,699	$ 992,403	$ 601,072	$ 892,451	$ 778,255	$ 1,005,229	$ 614,278	$ 3,250,326	$ 3,290,213	$ 3,333,073
Operating costs and expenses	727,898	727,969	775,240	693,099	757,970	749,259	786,235	712,879
Operating income	155,254	45,730	217,163	(92,027)	134,481	28,996	218,994	(98,601)	326,120	283,870	235,155
Income (loss) from continuing operations	51,736	(28,526)	107,820	(117,069)	26,107	(40,353)	174,410	(170,698)	13,961	(10,534)	16,374
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $17,539 for 2019, $48,771 for 2018 and $26,176 for 2017	(12,531)	(27,137)	30,280	63,329	61,333	(37,905)	37,542	23,914	53,941	84,884	77,390
Gain (loss) on sales of discontinued operations, net of tax	21,372	(41,131)	641,516	248,005	(15,324)	(18,426)	12,003	318,327	869,762	296,580	0
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	298	1,568	1,976	(3,022)	(548)	1,895	456	(2,666)	820	(863)	(2,299)
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	60,875	(95,226)	781,592	191,243	71,568	(94,789)	224,411	168,877	938,484	370,067	91,465
Accretion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock and other redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	(472)	(193)	194	263	(1,422)	324	(4,324)	(57,403)	(208)	(62,825)	(298,497)
Gain upon conversion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock					0	0	74,110	0	0	(74,110)	0
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$ 60,403	$ (95,419)	$ 781,786	$ 191,506	$ 70,146	$ (94,465)	$ 294,197	$ 111,474	$ 938,276	$ 381,352	$ (207,032)
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.24	$ (0.13)	$ 0.48	$ (0.52)	$ 0.11	$ (0.18)	$ 1.14	$ (1.22)	$ 0.06	$ 0	$ (1.64)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.04	(0.30)	3	1.37	0.20	(0.24)	0.23	1.81	4.17	1.79	0.44
Basic earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	0.28	(0.43)	3.48	0.85	0.31	(0.42)	1.37	0.59	4.23	1.79	(1.20)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	0.24	(0.13)	0.48	(0.52)	0.11	(0.18)	0.78	(1.22)	0.06	(0.06)	(1.64)
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0.04	(0.30)	3	1.37	0.20	(0.24)	0.22	1.81	4.16	1.79	0.44
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28	$ (0.43)	$ 3.48	$ 0.85	$ 0.31	$ (0.42)	$ 1	$ 0.59	$ 4.22	$ 1.73	$ (1.20)

Other Financial Information - S

Other Financial Information - Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Included in Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 2,804,151	$ 2,050,946	$ 1,632,532	$ 664,392
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,073,981)	(1,112,695)	$ (925,556)	$ (1,052,055)
Foreign currency translation loss, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,084,651)	(1,127,719)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,416	18,366
Minimum pension liability adjustment, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	254	(3,342)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	326	459
Foreign currency translation loss, AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	326	459
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	(1,073,655)	(1,112,236)
Foreign currency translation loss, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,084,325)	(1,127,260)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,416	18,366
Minimum pension liability adjustment, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 254	$ (3,342)

Other Financial Information - A

Other Financial Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Write off of accounts and notes receivable	$ 67,000	$ 93,000	$ 92,000
Foreign currency translation loss, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Currency exchange adjustments attributable to intercompany loans	$ (32,433)	$ (30,272)	$ 289

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, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 60,875	$ (95,226)	$ 781,592	$ 191,243	$ 71,568	$ (94,789)	$ 224,411	$ 168,877	$ 938,484	$ 370,067	$ 91,465
Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests									(3,700)	(23,776)	(36,617)
Change from net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests									934,784	369,596	79,896
Additional paid-in capital
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests									$ (3,700)	$ (471)	$ (11,569)

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stockholders' Equity Note [Line Items]
Cash interest payments	$ 188,682	$ 234,102	$ 384,157
Net income tax cash payments	$ 119,682	143,000	130,469
Series A Preferred Stock
Stockholders' Equity Note [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid		$ 11,103	$ 18,052

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_4

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 339,629	$ 387,780	$ 319,040
Restricted cash	186,921	195,792	206,705
Total Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	$ 526,550	$ 583,572	$ 525,745	$ 467,777

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 10, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Finance lease obligations		$ 58,253
Subsequent Event | Education Holding Costa Rica, S.R.L. | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Laureate Costa Rica
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration received from dispositions	$ 15,000
Disposal group, contingent liability	$ 7,000
Disposal group, contingent liability, period	2 years
Finance lease obligations	$ 30,000