Laureate Education (LAUR) 10-K 25 Feb 21 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Feb. 12, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
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
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 1,119
Documents Incorporated by Reference	The registrant incorporates by reference its definitive proxy statement with respect to its 2021 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	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Central Index Key	0000912766
Class A Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		108,169,831
Class B Common Stock
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		90,790,449

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,024,917	$ 1,212,070	$ 1,144,574
Costs and expenses:
Direct costs	802,458	949,471	904,002
General and administrative expenses	199,790	226,331	267,364
Loss on impairment of assets	351,971	248	0
Operating (loss) income	(329,302)	36,020	(26,792)
Interest income	2,169	3,294	2,814
Interest expense	(100,894)	(125,042)	(188,431)
Loss on debt extinguishment	(610)	(22,601)	(7,481)
(Loss) gain on derivatives	(25,980)	8,300	88,476
Other (expense) income, net	(2,420)	8,922	10,598
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net	13,474	(8,125)	695
Loss on disposals of subsidiaries, net	(7,276)	(20,429)	0
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates	(450,839)	(119,661)	(120,121)
Income tax benefit (expense)	130,069	(31,041)	(71,196)
Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax	172	219	0
Loss from continuing operations	(320,598)	(150,483)	(191,317)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $114,257, $33,681 and $105,880, respectively	(298,104)	1,088,147	562,247
Net (loss) income	(618,702)	937,664	370,930
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,371	820	(863)
Net (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	(613,331)	938,484	370,067
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity and, for 2018, Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock	149	(208)	(62,825)
Gain upon conversion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock	0	0	74,110
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$ (613,182)	$ 938,276	$ 381,352
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (1.53)	$ (0.68)	$ (0.85)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(1.40)	4.91	2.64
Basic (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	(2.93)	4.23	1.79
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	(1.53)	(0.68)	(0.91)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	(1.40)	4.91	2.64
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ (2.93)	$ 4.23	$ 1.73

Consolidated Statements of Op_2

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Tax from gain on sales of discontinued operations	$ 114,257	$ 33,681	$ 105,880

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (618,702)	$ 937,664	$ 370,930
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	133,827	42,935	(200,006)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax of $0 for all years	0	(7,950)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of tax			13,709
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $0 and $144, respectively	(1,200)	3,596	(350)
Total other comprehensive income	132,627	38,581	(186,647)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(486,075)	976,245	184,283
Net comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,739	953	(1,355)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ (481,336)	$ 977,198	$ 182,928

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, tax	0	0	0
Minimum pension liability adjustment, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ (144)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 750,147	$ 61,576
Restricted cash	117,151	36,241
Receivables:
Accounts and notes receivable	138,738	123,132
Other receivables	49,835	12,394
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(76,694)	(60,465)
Receivables, net	111,879	75,061
Income tax receivable	14,564	6,833
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,079	29,811
Current assets held for sale	434,966	706,544
Total current assets	1,443,786	916,066
Notes receivable, net	1,321	353
Property and equipment:
Land	126,228	135,813
Buildings	351,480	351,232
Furniture, equipment and software	494,079	494,713
Leasehold improvements	121,683	124,429
Construction in-progress	7,254	33,719
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(522,240)	(499,276)
Property and equipment, net	578,484	640,630
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	462,767	521,764
Land use rights, net	1,548	1,628
Goodwill	574,832	606,483
Tradenames, net	225,573	562,137
Deferred costs, net	17,623	24,704
Deferred income taxes	130,567	49,422
Other assets	51,924	72,251
Long-term assets held for sale	1,482,469	3,100,985
Total assets	4,970,894	6,496,423
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	41,073	63,427
Accrued expenses	95,743	103,591
Accrued compensation and benefits	64,089	100,688
Deferred revenue and student deposits	47,180	54,849
Current portion of operating leases	44,631	42,039
Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases	95,818	48,139
Current portion of due to shareholders of acquired companies	0	1,109
Income taxes payable	29,682	14,737
Derivative instruments	17,680	0
Other current liabilities	15,109	14,050
Current liabilities held for sale	353,550	602,426
Total current liabilities	804,555	1,045,055
Long-term operating leases, less current portion	474,507	516,979
Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion	899,898	1,103,302
Deferred compensation	13,425	12,744
Income taxes payable	36,078	47,767
Deferred income taxes	86,368	170,363
Derivative instruments	8,144	0
Other long-term liabilities	33,555	31,300
Long-term liabilities held for sale	348,706	752,467
Total liabilities	2,705,236	3,679,977
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	1,724	12,295
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share – 49,889 shares authorized as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 respectively, no shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	3,760,029	3,724,636
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	(176,822)	436,509
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(941,986)	(1,073,981)
Treasury stock at cost (22,043 shares held at December 31, 2020 and 16,008 shares held at December 31, 2019)	(365,316)	(271,106)
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	2,276,816	2,816,963
Noncontrolling interests	(12,882)	(12,812)
Total stockholders' equity	2,263,934	2,804,151
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	4,970,894	6,496,423
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	548	542
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 363	$ 363

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
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)	22,043,000	16,008,000
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.004	$ 0.004
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	700,000,000	700,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	137,162,000	135,583,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	115,119,000	119,575,000
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)	90,792,000	90,831,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	90,792,000	90,831,000

Consolidated Statements of Stoc

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Common StockClass A Common Stock	Common StockClass B Common Stock	Additional paid-in capital	(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Treasury stock at cost	Non-controlling interests	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted BalanceCommon StockClass A Common Stock	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted BalanceCommon StockClass B Common Stock	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted BalanceAdditional paid-in capital	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted Balance(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted BalanceAccumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted BalanceTreasury stock at cost	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjusted BalanceNon-controlling interests
Balance of beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017				55,052,000	132,443,000									55,052,000	132,443,000
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,587,282			$ 220	$ 530	$ 3,446,206	$ (946,236)	$ (925,556)	$ 0	$ 12,118	$ 45,250	$ 45,250	$ 1,632,532	$ 220	$ 530	$ 3,446,206	$ (900,986)	$ (925,556)	$ 0	$ 12,118
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash stock compensation	10,791					10,791
Conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares (in shares)				15,638,000	(15,638,000)
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares	0			$ 63	$ (63)
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		(2,531)
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding (in shares)	0
Distributions from/to noncontrolling interest holders	$ 334									334
Change 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)					(61,974)
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 (Loss)	370,930						370,067			863
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	(200,006)							(200,498)		492
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax of $0	13,709							13,709
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $0 and $144, 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)	$ 28,944	$ 28,944	$ 2,079,890	$ 430	$ 467	$ 3,703,796	$ (501,975)	$ (1,112,695)	$ 0	$ (10,133)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash stock compensation	12,994					12,994
Conversion of Class B Shares into 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 and vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding (in shares)	1,569,000			2,099,000
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding	$ 11,762			$ 8		11,754
Distributions from/to noncontrolling interest holders	1,356									1,356
Change 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 (Loss)	937,664						938,484			(820)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	42,935							43,068		(133)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax of $0	(7,950)							(7,950)
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $0 and $144, 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)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Non-cash stock compensation	13,298					13,298
Conversion of Class B Shares into Class A Shares (in shares)				39,000	(39,000)
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares	0
Purchase of treasury stock at cost (in shares)				(6,035,000)
Purchase of treasury stock at cost	$ (94,210)								(94,210)
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding (in shares)	860,000			1,540,000
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding	$ 24,562			$ 6		24,556
Change in noncontrolling interests	861					(2,610)				3,471
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	149					149
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock	0
Reclassification of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	1,198									1,198
Net Income (Loss)	(618,702)						(613,331)			(5,371)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $0 for all years	133,827							133,195		632
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $0, $0 and $144, respectively	(1,200)							1,200
Balance of end of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2020		115,119,000	90,792,000	115,119,000	90,792,000
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2020	$ 2,263,934			$ 548	$ 363	$ 3,760,029	$ (176,822)	$ (941,986)	$ (365,316)	$ (12,882)

Consolidated Statements of St_2

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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	0	(144)
Net Income (Loss)	$ (618,702)	937,664	370,930
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax of $0		$ (7,950)	$ 13,709

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net (loss) income	$ (618,702)	$ 937,664	$ 370,930
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	143,516	193,356	239,998
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets	80,203	122,673	0
Total Chile impairment	790,229	940	13,110
Gain on sales and disposal of subsidiaries and property and equipment, net	(22,756)	(753,519)	(292,108)
Loss (gain) on derivative instruments	25,980	(7,438)	(89,143)
(Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts	(626)	(8,772)	14,117
Loss on debt extinguishment	610	28,752	7,481
Non-cash interest expense	17,450	3,535	15,408
Interest paid on deferred purchase price for acquisitions	(3,969)	(5,305)	(4,463)
Non-cash share-based compensation expense	13,298	12,994	10,791
Bad debt expense	117,867	100,829	112,440
Deferred income taxes	(185,652)	(29,813)	(7,474)
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss	26,344	29,186	37,796
Non-cash loss from non-income tax contingencies	3,059	9,075	6,839
Other, net	408	(5,341)	(10,297)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(323,036)	(163,202)	(83,316)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(28,504)	(42,047)	(39,347)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(47,200)	5,574	(7,512)
Income tax receivable/payable, net	99,563	(36,220)	48,875
Deferred revenue and other liabilities	171,474	(53,152)	52,733
Net cash provided by operating activities	259,556	339,769	396,858
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment	(74,624)	(155,641)	(238,046)
Expenditures for deferred costs	(14,538)	(17,701)	(19,866)
Receipts from sales of discontinued operations, net of cash sold, property and equipment and other	676,569	1,266,042	375,807
Settlement of derivatives related to sale of discontinued operations and net investment hedge	0	12,866	(9,960)
Proceeds from property insurance recoveries and corporate-owned life insurance	0	842	27,356
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(1,205)	(17,019)
Payments (to) from related parties and investments in affiliates	(7)	84	(2,778)
Proceeds from sale of investment	0	11,473	0
Net cash provided by investing activities	587,400	1,116,760	115,494
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of original issue discount	528,382	1,123,179	485,470
Payments on long-term debt	(705,353)	(2,507,790)	(867,915)
Payments of deferred purchase price for acquisitions	(5,680)	(20,157)	(13,650)
Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests	(13,716)	(5,761)	(127)
Payment of dividends on Series A Preferred Stock and to noncontrolling interests	0	0	(11,103)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	25,716	14,007	0
Payments to repurchase common stock	(99,523)	(264,093)	0
Withholding of shares to satisfy tax withholding for vested stock awards and exercised stock options	(1,154)	(2,245)	(2,528)
Payments of debt issuance costs	(779)	(9,091)	(587)
Distributions (to) from noncontrolling interest holders	(609)	(2,026)	311
Net cash used in financing activities	(272,716)	(1,673,977)	(410,129)
Effects of exchange rate changes on Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash	(546)	5,070	8,998
Change in cash included in current assets held for sale	195,787	184,578	(109,546)
Net change in Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash	769,481	(27,800)	1,675
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at beginning of period	97,817	125,617	123,942
Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash at end of period	$ 867,298	$ 97,817	$ 125,617

Description of Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 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). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have temporarily transitioned the educational delivery method at all of our campus-based institutions to be online and are leveraging our existing technologies and learning platforms to serve students outside the traditional classroom setting. We are domiciled in Delaware as a public benefit corporation, 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 In 2017 and 2018, the Company announced the divestiture of certain subsidiaries located in Europe, Asia and Central America, which were included in the following segments: Peru (formerly Andean), Central America (formerly Central America & U.S. Campuses), and Rest of World. 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. 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, 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, were accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 205-20, “Discontinued Operations” (ASC 205). On January 27, 2020, we announced that our board of directors had authorized the Company to explore strategic alternatives for each of its businesses to unlock shareholder value. As a result of these efforts to explore strategic alternatives, d uring the third quarter of 2020, the Company announced that it had completed a sale of its operations in Chile and had signed agreements to sell its operations in Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Walden University, its fully online higher education institution in the United States. This also represented a strategic shift that had a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. As such, Chile, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, and Walden also have been accounted for as discontinued operations for all periods presented in accordance with ASC 205. The sale of Australia and New Zealand was completed on November 3, 2020 . For Laureate’s institutions in Mexico and Peru, the board decided after a thorough evaluation of all strategic options, including a potential sale, to continue to operate these assets under Laureate management. Accordingly, Mexico and Peru represent our Continuing Operations. The decision to focus on a regional operating model in Mexico and Peru at this time does not preclude further engagement with potential buyers for those businesses. See Note 4, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale, and Note 6, Dispositions, for more information. Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the footnotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements relates to Continuing Operations.

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 an educational institution that is part of our network and, although not owned by Laureate, is a variable interest entity (VIE) pursuant to ASC Topic 810-10, "Consolidation." As of December 31, 2020, the Laureate network includes one VIE institution in Honduras, which is a discontinued operation. Laureate has determined it is the “primary beneficiary” of this VIE, 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 this VIE 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. Affiliates When Laureate exercises significant influence over an affiliated entity, but does not control the entity, we account for our investments using the equity method of accounting. Significant influence occurs generally through ownership, directly or indirectly, of at least 20% and up to 50% of the voting interests. Under the equity method of accounting, Laureate records the proportionate share of these investments in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our proportionate share of income or loss related to these investments is recorded in Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Business Combinations Laureate accounts 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. At the date of acquisition, 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. 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 Restricted cash includes cash equivalents held to collateralize standby letters of credit. In addition, Laureate may at times have restricted cash in escrow, 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. Laureate’s United States institution, Walden University (Walden), participates in the United States Department of Education (DOE) Title IV student financing assistance lending programs (Title IV programs). A letter of credit is required by the DOE in order to allow Walden to participate in the Title IV program. As of December 31, 2020, the restricted cash used to collateralize this letter of credit was held by a corporate entity. As of December 31, 2019, the restricted cash used to collateralize the letter of credit was primarily held by Walden. Because Walden is classified as a discontinued operation, its restricted cash balances were included in Current assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Financial Instruments Laureate’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and notes receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, derivative instruments, debt, and operating and finance lease obligations. 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 9, Debt. Additional information about fair value is provided in Note 19, 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. 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 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, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 60,465 $ 43,491 $ 39,176 Additions: charges to bad debt expense 44,707 20,324 23,107 Deductions (a) (28,478) (3,350) (18,792) Balance at end of period $ 76,694 $ 60,465 $ 43,491 (a) Deductions include 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 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 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, 2020 and 2019, the unamortized balances of online course development costs were $15,258 and $22,326, respectively. Laureate defers direct and incremental third-party costs incurred for obtaining initial accreditation and for the renewal of accreditations. These accreditation costs are amortized to Direct costs over the life of the accreditation on a straight-line basis. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the unamortized balances of accreditation costs were $241 and $287, respectively. As discussed in Note 3, Revenue, Laureate also defers certain commissions and bonuses earned by third party agents and our employees that are considered incremental and recoverable costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. These costs are amortized over the period of benefit which ranges from two At December 31, 2020 and 2019, Laureate’s total Deferred costs were $33,361 and $39,465, respectively, with accumulated amortization of $(15,738) and $(14,761), respectively. Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs were paid as a result of certain debt transactions and are presented as a deduction from debt. These debt issuance costs are amortized over the term of the associated debt instruments. The amortization expense is recognized as a component of Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the unamortized balances of deferred financing costs were $53,292 and $62,911, respectively. Goodwill, Other Intangible Assets and Long-lived Assets 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 8, 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. For example, during the second quarter of 2020, we recorded an impairment of the goodwill that was part of the Chile reporting unit, as disclosed in Note 4, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale. 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. On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU requires entities to calculate goodwill impairment as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Under the updated guidance, the Company continues to have the option of first performing a qualitative goodwill impairment assessment (i.e., step zero) in order to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The requirement to perform a qualitative assessment for a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount is eliminated. Based on the qualitative assessment, if we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not 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 fair value-based test is performed. We estimate the fair value of each reporting unit, and, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit is less than the reporting unit’s estimated fair value, then there is no goodwill impairment. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, then goodwill is impaired and the difference between the reporting unit's carrying amount and its fair value is recognized as a loss on impairment of assets in the consolidated statements of operations. We completed our annual impairment testing, and no impairments of goodwill were identified. Our valuation approach to estimate the fair value of a reporting unit 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 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. Other intangible assets also include the Laureate tradename, which during the third quarter of 2020 was determined to no longer have an indefinite life and is being amortized over a five-year useful life. 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. Long-lived Assets Long-lived 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 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). 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. For further description, see Note 3, Revenue. Advertising Laureate expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $45,318, $53,819 and $52,537 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and are recorded in Direct costs in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. 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 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. This involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions by management with respect to the potential outcome of positions taken on tax returns that may be reviewed by tax authorities. 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 $100 for the portion of the un

Revenue Revenue

Revenue Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Mexico Peru Corporate (1) Total 2020 Tuition and educational services $ 634,956 $ 482,977 $ — $ 1,117,933 109 % Other 81,764 41,869 7,432 131,065 13 % Gross revenue 716,720 524,846 7,432 1,248,998 122 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (182,113) (41,968) — (224,081) (22) % Total $ 534,607 $ 482,878 $ 7,432 $ 1,024,917 100 % 2019 Tuition and educational services $ 715,817 $ 526,112 $ — $ 1,241,929 102 % Other 101,224 54,020 12,473 167,717 14 % Gross revenue 817,041 580,132 12,473 1,409,646 116 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (164,195) (33,381) — (197,576) (16) % Total $ 652,846 $ 546,751 $ 12,473 $ 1,212,070 100 % 2018 Tuition and educational services $ 701,223 $ 472,754 $ — $ 1,173,977 103 % Other 99,015 51,485 2,072 152,572 13 % Gross revenue 800,238 524,239 2,072 1,326,549 116 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (154,104) (27,871) — (181,975) (16) % Total $ 646,134 $ 496,368 $ 2,072 $ 1,144,574 100 % (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 $138,738 and $123,132 a s of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. All contract asset amounts are classified as current. Contract liabilities in the amount of $47,180 and $54,849 w ere included within the Deferred revenue and student deposits balance in the current liabilities section of the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Substantially all of the contract liability balance at the beginning of the year was recognized into revenue during the year ended December 31, 2020. 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 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, 2020
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, the Company's remaining principal markets are Mexico and Peru (the Continuing Operations). All remaining markets are being divested (the Discontinued Operations). As described in Note 6, Dispositions, a number of sale transactions closed during 2020, 2019 and 2018. In the tables below, certain classification changes have been made to the prior year amounts in order to conform to the current year presentation. On the Consolidated Statements of Operations, the results from the Discontinued Operations, which in prior periods were presented in two lines, have been combined into one line called (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for all periods presented. Summarized operating results and cash flows of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Revenues $ 1,674,602 $ 2,539,995 $ 3,075,320 Depreciation and amortization expense (60,378) (111,376) (155,430) Share-based compensation expense (3,050) (2,669) (4,217) Other direct costs (1,313,258) (2,026,187) (2,436,416) Loss on impairment of assets (438,258) (691) (13,112) Other non-operating expense (68,553) (70,719) (91,132) Gain on sale of discontinued operations before taxes, net 25,048 793,475 293,114 Pretax (loss) income of discontinued operations (183,847) 1,121,828 668,127 Income tax expense (114,257) (33,681) (105,880) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (298,104) $ 1,088,147 $ 562,247 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 288,271 $ 315,406 $ 396,042 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (48,428) $ (99,725) $ (169,082) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (969) $ (103,583) $ (61,622) 2020 Impairments and Losses Recognized on Held-For-Sale Disposal Groups Chile As described in Note 1, Description of Business, the Company is exploring strategic alternatives for each of its businesses and, as part of that process, the Company is evaluating all potential options for its remaining businesses, including sales, spin-offs or business combinations. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company received and considered information regarding the market valuation for control of its Chilean operations, which was both a reporting unit and an asset group. In a divestiture scenario, this market feedback revealed the range of values that could be expected to be offered by potential investors, and this range of values was lower than carrying value. The reasons for this included uncertainties that market participants had around operating higher education institutions in Chile related to the challenging political and regulatory environment and the possibility that a new Chilean constitution could become effective as early as the summer of 2022. These uncertainties particularly affected the views of market participants (as well as the views of the Company) about operating a not-for-profit education institution in Chile. After assessing these factors, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of its Chile reporting unit was less than its carrying value. Accordingly, the Company performed an impairment test of the long-lived assets that were part of the Chile reporting unit. Because Chile had not yet met the held-for-sale criteria as of June 30, 2020, the long-lived assets other than goodwill were evaluated for impairment under the held-and-used model, based on the probability-weighted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. Goodwill was also evaluated for impairment. The projections used in the impairment testing included key assumptions around the effect of regulatory uncertainties on the future cash flows expected to be generated, reducing the estimates of those cash flows. In addition, the projections incorporated assumptions around growth rates, tax rates and discount rates. The inputs used were not observable to active markets and were therefore deemed “Level 3” inputs in the fair value hierarchy. As a result of the impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Chile asset group exceeded its fair value by approximately $418,000 and recorded an impairment charge in that amount during the second quarter of 2020, as follows: Goodwill and tradenames $ 238,400 Land and buildings 80,600 Other long-lived assets 36,500 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 62,500 Total Chile impairment $ 418,000 In addition, the Company had recorded within stockholders’ equity, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, approximately $293,000 of accumulated foreign currency translation losses associated with the Chilean operations. As discussed further in Note 6, Dispositions, the Company completed the divestiture of its Chilean operations during the third quarter of 2020 and, as a result, these accumulated foreign currency translation losses were recognized as part of the loss on sale. Honduras During the second quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $10,000 related to the Honduras disposal group, which was classified as a Discontinued Operation, in order to write down the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value at that time, in accordance with ASC 360-10, “Impairment and Disposal of Long-lived Assets” (ASC 360-10). During the third quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an additional loss of approximately $10,000 related to the Honduras disposal group, in order to adjust the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value based on the sale agreement for the institution that was signed in October 2020, as discussed further below. Brazil As discussed further below, during the third quarter of 2020, the Company signed an agreement to sell its Brazil operations and, as a result, Brazil was classified as a Discontinued Operation for all periods presented. In connection with this decision to sell Brazil, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $190,000 in order to write down the carrying value of the Brazil disposal group to its estimated fair value less costs to sell, as required by ASC 360-10. The estimated fair value was based on an offer received from a market participant. Because the held-for-sale criteria were met during the third quarter, the carrying value used to evaluate the Brazil business included the accumulated foreign currency translation losses associated with Brazil, resulting in this loss. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an additional loss of approximately $15,000 in order to adjust the carrying value of the Brazil disposal group to its estimated fair value less costs to sell as of December 31, 2020. 2019 Losses Recognized on Held-For-Sale Disposal Groups During 2019, the Company recognized total losses of approximately $43,000 related to the write-down of held-for-sale disposal groups. Of this amount, approximately $25,000 relates to the Costa Rica disposal group and 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 6, Dispositions, the Costa Rica institutions were sold on January 10, 2020 . The remaining loss relates to a write down of the carrying value of our Honduras disposal group that was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2019, in order to reduce the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value at that time. 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. During 2018 we also recorded an impairment charge of $10,030 for the University of Liverpool (Liverpool), an institution in our Online & Partnerships segment that is now included in Discontinued Operations. The impairment was caused by Liverpool's decision not to renew its institutional partnership agreement and to stop enrolling new students and begin a teach-out process. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge related to the fixed assets of this entity that were no longer recoverable based on expected future cash flows. The assets and liabilities of the Discontinued Operations, which are subject to finalization, have been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, in accordance with ASC 205. The assets and liabilities are recorded at the lower of their carrying values or their estimated 'fair values less costs to sell.' The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale are presented in the following table: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets of Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents $ 270,164 $ 333,455 Receivables, net 113,386 209,704 Property and equipment, net 259,471 784,198 Goodwill and tradenames 1,202,496 1,668,971 Operating lease assets 136,806 399,345 Other assets 183,742 446,532 Valuation allowance on held-for-sale disposal groups (248,630) (43,079) Subtotal: assets of Discontinued Operations $ 1,917,435 $ 3,799,126 Other assets classified as Held for Sale Property and equipment, net — 8,403 Subtotal: other assets classified as held for sale $ — $ 8,403 Total assets held for sale $ 1,917,435 $ 3,807,529 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 87,793 $ 176,255 Operating leases, including current portion 151,413 388,202 Long-term debt, seller notes and finance leases, including current portion 171,451 304,355 Other liabilities 291,599 486,081 Total liabilities held for sale $ 702,256 $ 1,354,893 Discontinued Operations with Signed Sale Agreements Pending Closure at December 31, 2020 Brazil Operations On November 2, 2020, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Ânima Holding S.A. (Anima) for the sale of its Brazilian operations. The transaction value is approximately 4,400,000 Brazilian Reals (approximately $765,000 at the time of signing), including 3,800,000 Brazilian Reals (approximately $660,700 at the time of signing) in cash consideration, which is subject to certain adjustments, and the assumption of net indebtedness. Under the agreement with Anima, the Company will be entitled to receive up to 203,000 Brazilian Reals (approximately $35,300 at the time of signing) in additional cash consideration if certain metrics are achieved following the closing. The transaction is targeted to close by the end of the second quarter of 2021. Walden On September 11, 2020, Laureate entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the Walden Sale Agreement) with Adtalem Global Education Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Walden Purchaser). Pursuant to the Walden Sale Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to the Walden Purchaser all of the issued and outstanding equity interest in Walden e-Learning, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and its subsidiary, Walden University, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (together with Walden e-Learning, LLC, the Walden Group), in exchange for a purchase price of $1,480,000 in cash, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Walden Sale Agreement. The closing of this transaction is expected to occur toward the end of 2021 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval by the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission and required antitrust approvals. Under certain specified circumstances, the Walden Purchaser may be required to pay the Company a termination fee of $88,000, including if the Walden Purchaser terminates the Walden Sale Agreement as a result of the imposition by the U.S. Department of Education of certain specified restrictions, or if Laureate terminates the Walden Sale Agreement as a result of the Walden Purchaser’s failure to consummate the transaction upon satisfaction of the closing conditions. Honduras On October 13, 2020, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Fundación Nasser, a not-for-profit foundation in Honduras, to transfer control of its operations in Honduras for total cash consideration of approximately $29,800, prior to closing costs. The buyer will also assume indebtedness which, as of December 31, 2020, was approximately $29,500. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approval, and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2021. 2020 Dispositions 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 owned, directly or indirectly, all of the equity units of Lusitania S.R.L., Universidad ULatina, 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 met certain performance metrics. One of the performance metrics was finalized during the second quarter of 2020 and did not result in any additional proceeds to the Company; the maximum additional proceeds that the Company could receive if the remaining performance metric is met is $5,000. The proceeds received, net of cash sold, transaction fees and a working capital adjustment that was completed during the second quarter of 2020, were approximately $1,800. 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. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $25,000 on the held-for-sale Costa Rica disposal group, in order to write down the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value, per ASC 360-10. Upon completion of the sale in January 2020 and after including the working capital adjustment, the Company recognized additional pre-tax loss of approximately $18,600, which related to subsequent changes in net carrying values. Accordingly, the total loss on the sale of Costa Rica was approximately $43,600 and is included in loss from discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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. Sale of NewSchool of Architecture and Design, LLC (NSAD) On March 6, 2020, the Company completed the sale of NSAD. Under the terms of the membership interests purchase agreement, Exeter Street Holdings, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, sold 100% of the outstanding membership interests of NSAD to Ambow NSAD, Inc. and Ambow Education Holding, Ltd. (the NSAD Buyers) for a purchase price of one dollar, subject to certain adjustments. NSAD is a higher education institution located in California that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and non-degree certificates in design and construction management. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to pay subsidies to the NSAD Buyers totaling approximately $7,300, of which all but $2,800 was settled at the closing date. The remaining subsidy of $2,800 is being paid to the NSAD Buyers ratably on a quarterly basis over the next four years. The Company recognized a pre-tax loss on the sale of approximately $5,900, which is included in loss from discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Sale of China Operations-Receipt of Escrow On January 25, 2018, the Company completed the sale of LEI Lie Ying Limited in China. At the closing of the sale on January 25, 2018, a portion of the total transaction value was paid into an escrow account, to be distributed to the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of the escrow agreement. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had recorded a receivable of approximately $25,900 for the portion of the escrowed amount that the Company expected to receive. Per the terms of the escrow agreement, in June 2020, the Company received approximately 141,647 Hong Kong Dollars (approximately $18,300 at the date of receipt) from the escrow, which was offset against the receivable recorded, and is included in receipts from sales of discontinued operations within investing activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Under the terms of the agreement, the remaining escrow receivable amount was due in late January 2021. The Company is pursuing collection and considers the net receivable remaining to be fully collectable. Divestiture of Chilean Operations On September 10, 2020, Laureate International and Laureate I, B.V., each a Netherlands private limited liability company (together, the LDES Sellers), and Servicios Regionales Universitarios LE, S.C., a Mexican company (sociedad civil) (together with the LDES Sellers, the Controlling Entities), all of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, entered into a Master Agreement (the Chile Agreement) with Fundación Educación y Cultura, a Chilean non-for-profit foundation (the Chile Buyer). Pursuant to the Chile Agreement, as of September 11, 2020, Laureate completed the divestiture of its operations in Chile through the transfer of control of its not-for-profit institutions, Universidad Andrés Bello, Universidad de Las Américas and Universidad Viña del Mar, to the Chile Buyer, and the sale of its for-profit operations, which includes the sale of Instituto Profesional AIEP to Universidad Andrés Bello. The not-for-profit institutions were consolidated by Laureate under the variable interest entity model. The cash proceeds received at closing, prior to transaction fees, were approximately $195,300. In addition, the purchase price includes a note receivable of $21,500 that is payable one year from the date of divestiture. At the closing date, the Chilean operations had a cash balance (cash sold) of approximately $288,000 that was transferred to the Chile Buyer as part of the transaction. This divestiture resulted in a pre-tax loss of approximately $338,200, which related primarily to the accumulated foreign currency translation losses associated with the Chilean operations. The loss is recorded in loss from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. As discussed in Note 4, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale, during the second quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $418,000 related to the long-lived assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill of the Chilean operations, in order to write down the carrying value of the Chilean operations assets to its estimated fair value. Inti Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (Inti Holdings) On February 28, 2020, Exeter Street Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysia corporation (the Malaysia Seller), and LEI Holdings, LTD., a Hong Kong corporation (the Malaysia Seller Guarantor), each of which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, entered into a Share Sale & Purchase Agreement (the Malaysia Sale Agreement) with HOPE Education Group (Hong Kong) Company Limited (the Malaysia Purchaser) and HOPE Education Group Co. Ltd. (the Malaysia Purchaser Guarantor). Pursuant to the Malaysia Sale Agreement, the Malaysia Purchaser would purchase from the Malaysia Seller all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Inti Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysia corporation (Inti Holdings), the Malaysia Seller’s Guarantor would guarantee certain obligations of the Malaysia Seller and the Malaysia Purchaser’s Guarantor would guarantee certain obligations of the Malaysia Purchaser. Inti Holdings was the indirect owner of INTI University and Colleges, a higher education institution with five campuses in Malaysia. In connection with the Malaysia Sale Agreement, the Malaysia Seller entered into a separate agreement with the current minority owner of the equity of Inti Holdings relating to the purchase by the Malaysia Seller of the minority owner’s 10.10% interest in Inti Holdings, the closing of which was a precondition to the closing of the transaction under the Malaysia Sale Agreement. The sale of Inti Holdings was completed on September 29, 2020. The total purchase price, including the payment to the current minority owner, was $140,000. The closing of the transaction was subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by regulators in Malaysia. At the time of the signing of the Malaysia Sale Agreement in February 2020, the Malaysia Purchaser paid to the Malaysia Seller a cash deposit of $5,000, which the Company initially recorded as a liability pending the closing of the sale, and which was recognized as part of the gain on sale upon the closing of the transaction in September 2020. The cash proceeds received, prior to transaction fees and net of approximately $19,500 of cash sold, were approximately $116,300 and are included in Receipts from sales of discontinued operations, net of cash sold, property and equipment and other within investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2020. In addition, the Malaysia Purchaser withheld $4,200 for taxes that the Company collected in February 2021. The payment to the minority owner for their 10.10% interest in Inti Holdings, which totaled approximately $13,700, was made in early October 2020. An additional $420, which represents the minority owner’s share of the taxes that were withheld as noted above, will be paid to the minority owner following receipt by the Company. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately $47,900, which is included in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Divestiture of Turkey Operations: Receipt of Portion of Deferred Consideration As previously disclosed, in August 2019, the Company completed the divestiture of its operations in Turkey. The total consideration included a deferred payment of $15,000 in the form of an instrument that was payable one year after closing. At the time of the divestiture, the Company determined that this deferred amount would be recognized if collected. In early October 2020, the Company received $8,436 of the deferred consideration and recognized this as a reduction to the loss on the sale of control of the Turkish operations. The outstanding amount was due in January 2021, and the Company is pursuing collection. Australia and New Zealand Operations On July 29, 2020, LEI AMEA Investments B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (the ANZ Seller), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Company, solely as guarantor of certain of the ANZ Seller’s obligations thereunder, entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the ANZ Purchase Agreement) with SEI Newco Inc., a Delaware corporation (the ANZ Purchaser), and Strategic Education, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the ANZ Purchaser’s Guarantor). Pursuant to the ANZ Purchase Agreement, the ANZ Seller has agreed to sell to the ANZ Purchaser all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of (i) LEI Higher Education Holdings Pty Ltd, an Australian private company and the direct owner of Torrens University Australia, (ii) LEI Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, an Australian private company and the indirect owner of Think Education, (iii) LESA Education Services Holdings Pty Ltd, an Australian private company, and (iv) LEI New Zealand, a New Zealand company and the indirect owner of Media Design School (collectively, the ANZ Target Companies). The ANZ Purchaser’s Guarantor will guarantee the obligations of the ANZ Purchaser. The closing of the transaction occurred on November 3, 2020, following completion of the required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The proceeds received, net of cash sold and transaction fees, were approximately $624,200. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately $555,800, which is included in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Campus Guadalajara Norte Sale In November 2020, an agreement was signed between Universidad del Valle de Mexico, SC (UVM) and Grupo Dalton for the sale of the land and buildings of Campus Guadalajara Norte, after a decision was made to relocate all students from the Campus Guadalajara Norte to the nearby Campus Zapopan in Jalisco, Mexico. The total purchase price was approximately $13,900, prior to transaction fees. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has received approximately $7,000 of the total purchase price, with the outstanding amount of approximately $6,900 to be paid before the one-year anniversary of the signing of the agreement. The Company recognized a pre-tax operating gain on the sale of this property and equipment of approximately $5,800, which is included in Direct costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Additional Gain on Sale of China Operations As discussed further below, 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations 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 expected to receive; the majority of this receivable was collected in 2020, as described above. 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations 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, i

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions We had no material acquisitions in 2019 or 2020. 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 (loss) income and Net (loss) 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.

Dispositions

Dispositions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Dispositions	Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale As discussed in Note 1, Description of Business, the Company's remaining principal markets are Mexico and Peru (the Continuing Operations). All remaining markets are being divested (the Discontinued Operations). As described in Note 6, Dispositions, a number of sale transactions closed during 2020, 2019 and 2018. In the tables below, certain classification changes have been made to the prior year amounts in order to conform to the current year presentation. On the Consolidated Statements of Operations, the results from the Discontinued Operations, which in prior periods were presented in two lines, have been combined into one line called (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for all periods presented. Summarized operating results and cash flows of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Revenues $ 1,674,602 $ 2,539,995 $ 3,075,320 Depreciation and amortization expense (60,378) (111,376) (155,430) Share-based compensation expense (3,050) (2,669) (4,217) Other direct costs (1,313,258) (2,026,187) (2,436,416) Loss on impairment of assets (438,258) (691) (13,112) Other non-operating expense (68,553) (70,719) (91,132) Gain on sale of discontinued operations before taxes, net 25,048 793,475 293,114 Pretax (loss) income of discontinued operations (183,847) 1,121,828 668,127 Income tax expense (114,257) (33,681) (105,880) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (298,104) $ 1,088,147 $ 562,247 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 288,271 $ 315,406 $ 396,042 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (48,428) $ (99,725) $ (169,082) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (969) $ (103,583) $ (61,622) 2020 Impairments and Losses Recognized on Held-For-Sale Disposal Groups Chile As described in Note 1, Description of Business, the Company is exploring strategic alternatives for each of its businesses and, as part of that process, the Company is evaluating all potential options for its remaining businesses, including sales, spin-offs or business combinations. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company received and considered information regarding the market valuation for control of its Chilean operations, which was both a reporting unit and an asset group. In a divestiture scenario, this market feedback revealed the range of values that could be expected to be offered by potential investors, and this range of values was lower than carrying value. The reasons for this included uncertainties that market participants had around operating higher education institutions in Chile related to the challenging political and regulatory environment and the possibility that a new Chilean constitution could become effective as early as the summer of 2022. These uncertainties particularly affected the views of market participants (as well as the views of the Company) about operating a not-for-profit education institution in Chile. After assessing these factors, the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of its Chile reporting unit was less than its carrying value. Accordingly, the Company performed an impairment test of the long-lived assets that were part of the Chile reporting unit. Because Chile had not yet met the held-for-sale criteria as of June 30, 2020, the long-lived assets other than goodwill were evaluated for impairment under the held-and-used model, based on the probability-weighted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. Goodwill was also evaluated for impairment. The projections used in the impairment testing included key assumptions around the effect of regulatory uncertainties on the future cash flows expected to be generated, reducing the estimates of those cash flows. In addition, the projections incorporated assumptions around growth rates, tax rates and discount rates. The inputs used were not observable to active markets and were therefore deemed “Level 3” inputs in the fair value hierarchy. As a result of the impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Chile asset group exceeded its fair value by approximately $418,000 and recorded an impairment charge in that amount during the second quarter of 2020, as follows: Goodwill and tradenames $ 238,400 Land and buildings 80,600 Other long-lived assets 36,500 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 62,500 Total Chile impairment $ 418,000 In addition, the Company had recorded within stockholders’ equity, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, approximately $293,000 of accumulated foreign currency translation losses associated with the Chilean operations. As discussed further in Note 6, Dispositions, the Company completed the divestiture of its Chilean operations during the third quarter of 2020 and, as a result, these accumulated foreign currency translation losses were recognized as part of the loss on sale. Honduras During the second quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $10,000 related to the Honduras disposal group, which was classified as a Discontinued Operation, in order to write down the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value at that time, in accordance with ASC 360-10, “Impairment and Disposal of Long-lived Assets” (ASC 360-10). During the third quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an additional loss of approximately $10,000 related to the Honduras disposal group, in order to adjust the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value based on the sale agreement for the institution that was signed in October 2020, as discussed further below. Brazil As discussed further below, during the third quarter of 2020, the Company signed an agreement to sell its Brazil operations and, as a result, Brazil was classified as a Discontinued Operation for all periods presented. In connection with this decision to sell Brazil, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $190,000 in order to write down the carrying value of the Brazil disposal group to its estimated fair value less costs to sell, as required by ASC 360-10. The estimated fair value was based on an offer received from a market participant. Because the held-for-sale criteria were met during the third quarter, the carrying value used to evaluate the Brazil business included the accumulated foreign currency translation losses associated with Brazil, resulting in this loss. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an additional loss of approximately $15,000 in order to adjust the carrying value of the Brazil disposal group to its estimated fair value less costs to sell as of December 31, 2020. 2019 Losses Recognized on Held-For-Sale Disposal Groups During 2019, the Company recognized total losses of approximately $43,000 related to the write-down of held-for-sale disposal groups. Of this amount, approximately $25,000 relates to the Costa Rica disposal group and 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 6, Dispositions, the Costa Rica institutions were sold on January 10, 2020 . The remaining loss relates to a write down of the carrying value of our Honduras disposal group that was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2019, in order to reduce the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value at that time. 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. During 2018 we also recorded an impairment charge of $10,030 for the University of Liverpool (Liverpool), an institution in our Online & Partnerships segment that is now included in Discontinued Operations. The impairment was caused by Liverpool's decision not to renew its institutional partnership agreement and to stop enrolling new students and begin a teach-out process. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge related to the fixed assets of this entity that were no longer recoverable based on expected future cash flows. The assets and liabilities of the Discontinued Operations, which are subject to finalization, have been classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, in accordance with ASC 205. The assets and liabilities are recorded at the lower of their carrying values or their estimated 'fair values less costs to sell.' The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities that were classified as held for sale are presented in the following table: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets of Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents $ 270,164 $ 333,455 Receivables, net 113,386 209,704 Property and equipment, net 259,471 784,198 Goodwill and tradenames 1,202,496 1,668,971 Operating lease assets 136,806 399,345 Other assets 183,742 446,532 Valuation allowance on held-for-sale disposal groups (248,630) (43,079) Subtotal: assets of Discontinued Operations $ 1,917,435 $ 3,799,126 Other assets classified as Held for Sale Property and equipment, net — 8,403 Subtotal: other assets classified as held for sale $ — $ 8,403 Total assets held for sale $ 1,917,435 $ 3,807,529 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 87,793 $ 176,255 Operating leases, including current portion 151,413 388,202 Long-term debt, seller notes and finance leases, including current portion 171,451 304,355 Other liabilities 291,599 486,081 Total liabilities held for sale $ 702,256 $ 1,354,893 Discontinued Operations with Signed Sale Agreements Pending Closure at December 31, 2020 Brazil Operations On November 2, 2020, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement with Ânima Holding S.A. (Anima) for the sale of its Brazilian operations. The transaction value is approximately 4,400,000 Brazilian Reals (approximately $765,000 at the time of signing), including 3,800,000 Brazilian Reals (approximately $660,700 at the time of signing) in cash consideration, which is subject to certain adjustments, and the assumption of net indebtedness. Under the agreement with Anima, the Company will be entitled to receive up to 203,000 Brazilian Reals (approximately $35,300 at the time of signing) in additional cash consideration if certain metrics are achieved following the closing. The transaction is targeted to close by the end of the second quarter of 2021. Walden On September 11, 2020, Laureate entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the Walden Sale Agreement) with Adtalem Global Education Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Walden Purchaser). Pursuant to the Walden Sale Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell to the Walden Purchaser all of the issued and outstanding equity interest in Walden e-Learning, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company and its subsidiary, Walden University, LLC, a Florida limited liability company and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (together with Walden e-Learning, LLC, the Walden Group), in exchange for a purchase price of $1,480,000 in cash, subject to certain adjustments set forth in the Walden Sale Agreement. The closing of this transaction is expected to occur toward the end of 2021 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval by the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission and required antitrust approvals. Under certain specified circumstances, the Walden Purchaser may be required to pay the Company a termination fee of $88,000, including if the Walden Purchaser terminates the Walden Sale Agreement as a result of the imposition by the U.S. Department of Education of certain specified restrictions, or if Laureate terminates the Walden Sale Agreement as a result of the Walden Purchaser’s failure to consummate the transaction upon satisfaction of the closing conditions. Honduras On October 13, 2020, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Fundación Nasser, a not-for-profit foundation in Honduras, to transfer control of its operations in Honduras for total cash consideration of approximately $29,800, prior to closing costs. The buyer will also assume indebtedness which, as of December 31, 2020, was approximately $29,500. The transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approval, and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2021. 2020 Dispositions 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 owned, directly or indirectly, all of the equity units of Lusitania S.R.L., Universidad ULatina, 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 met certain performance metrics. One of the performance metrics was finalized during the second quarter of 2020 and did not result in any additional proceeds to the Company; the maximum additional proceeds that the Company could receive if the remaining performance metric is met is $5,000. The proceeds received, net of cash sold, transaction fees and a working capital adjustment that was completed during the second quarter of 2020, were approximately $1,800. 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. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $25,000 on the held-for-sale Costa Rica disposal group, in order to write down the carrying value of those assets to their estimated fair value, per ASC 360-10. Upon completion of the sale in January 2020 and after including the working capital adjustment, the Company recognized additional pre-tax loss of approximately $18,600, which related to subsequent changes in net carrying values. Accordingly, the total loss on the sale of Costa Rica was approximately $43,600 and is included in loss from discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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. Sale of NewSchool of Architecture and Design, LLC (NSAD) On March 6, 2020, the Company completed the sale of NSAD. Under the terms of the membership interests purchase agreement, Exeter Street Holdings, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, sold 100% of the outstanding membership interests of NSAD to Ambow NSAD, Inc. and Ambow Education Holding, Ltd. (the NSAD Buyers) for a purchase price of one dollar, subject to certain adjustments. NSAD is a higher education institution located in California that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and non-degree certificates in design and construction management. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to pay subsidies to the NSAD Buyers totaling approximately $7,300, of which all but $2,800 was settled at the closing date. The remaining subsidy of $2,800 is being paid to the NSAD Buyers ratably on a quarterly basis over the next four years. The Company recognized a pre-tax loss on the sale of approximately $5,900, which is included in loss from discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Sale of China Operations-Receipt of Escrow On January 25, 2018, the Company completed the sale of LEI Lie Ying Limited in China. At the closing of the sale on January 25, 2018, a portion of the total transaction value was paid into an escrow account, to be distributed to the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions of the escrow agreement. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had recorded a receivable of approximately $25,900 for the portion of the escrowed amount that the Company expected to receive. Per the terms of the escrow agreement, in June 2020, the Company received approximately 141,647 Hong Kong Dollars (approximately $18,300 at the date of receipt) from the escrow, which was offset against the receivable recorded, and is included in receipts from sales of discontinued operations within investing activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Under the terms of the agreement, the remaining escrow receivable amount was due in late January 2021. The Company is pursuing collection and considers the net receivable remaining to be fully collectable. Divestiture of Chilean Operations On September 10, 2020, Laureate International and Laureate I, B.V., each a Netherlands private limited liability company (together, the LDES Sellers), and Servicios Regionales Universitarios LE, S.C., a Mexican company (sociedad civil) (together with the LDES Sellers, the Controlling Entities), all of which are indirect, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company, entered into a Master Agreement (the Chile Agreement) with Fundación Educación y Cultura, a Chilean non-for-profit foundation (the Chile Buyer). Pursuant to the Chile Agreement, as of September 11, 2020, Laureate completed the divestiture of its operations in Chile through the transfer of control of its not-for-profit institutions, Universidad Andrés Bello, Universidad de Las Américas and Universidad Viña del Mar, to the Chile Buyer, and the sale of its for-profit operations, which includes the sale of Instituto Profesional AIEP to Universidad Andrés Bello. The not-for-profit institutions were consolidated by Laureate under the variable interest entity model. The cash proceeds received at closing, prior to transaction fees, were approximately $195,300. In addition, the purchase price includes a note receivable of $21,500 that is payable one year from the date of divestiture. At the closing date, the Chilean operations had a cash balance (cash sold) of approximately $288,000 that was transferred to the Chile Buyer as part of the transaction. This divestiture resulted in a pre-tax loss of approximately $338,200, which related primarily to the accumulated foreign currency translation losses associated with the Chilean operations. The loss is recorded in loss from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. As discussed in Note 4, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale, during the second quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $418,000 related to the long-lived assets, indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill of the Chilean operations, in order to write down the carrying value of the Chilean operations assets to its estimated fair value. Inti Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd. (Inti Holdings) On February 28, 2020, Exeter Street Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysia corporation (the Malaysia Seller), and LEI Holdings, LTD., a Hong Kong corporation (the Malaysia Seller Guarantor), each of which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Laureate, entered into a Share Sale & Purchase Agreement (the Malaysia Sale Agreement) with HOPE Education Group (Hong Kong) Company Limited (the Malaysia Purchaser) and HOPE Education Group Co. Ltd. (the Malaysia Purchaser Guarantor). Pursuant to the Malaysia Sale Agreement, the Malaysia Purchaser would purchase from the Malaysia Seller all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Inti Education Holdings Sdn. Bhd., a Malaysia corporation (Inti Holdings), the Malaysia Seller’s Guarantor would guarantee certain obligations of the Malaysia Seller and the Malaysia Purchaser’s Guarantor would guarantee certain obligations of the Malaysia Purchaser. Inti Holdings was the indirect owner of INTI University and Colleges, a higher education institution with five campuses in Malaysia. In connection with the Malaysia Sale Agreement, the Malaysia Seller entered into a separate agreement with the current minority owner of the equity of Inti Holdings relating to the purchase by the Malaysia Seller of the minority owner’s 10.10% interest in Inti Holdings, the closing of which was a precondition to the closing of the transaction under the Malaysia Sale Agreement. The sale of Inti Holdings was completed on September 29, 2020. The total purchase price, including the payment to the current minority owner, was $140,000. The closing of the transaction was subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by regulators in Malaysia. At the time of the signing of the Malaysia Sale Agreement in February 2020, the Malaysia Purchaser paid to the Malaysia Seller a cash deposit of $5,000, which the Company initially recorded as a liability pending the closing of the sale, and which was recognized as part of the gain on sale upon the closing of the transaction in September 2020. The cash proceeds received, prior to transaction fees and net of approximately $19,500 of cash sold, were approximately $116,300 and are included in Receipts from sales of discontinued operations, net of cash sold, property and equipment and other within investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2020. In addition, the Malaysia Purchaser withheld $4,200 for taxes that the Company collected in February 2021. The payment to the minority owner for their 10.10% interest in Inti Holdings, which totaled approximately $13,700, was made in early October 2020. An additional $420, which represents the minority owner’s share of the taxes that were withheld as noted above, will be paid to the minority owner following receipt by the Company. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately $47,900, which is included in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Divestiture of Turkey Operations: Receipt of Portion of Deferred Consideration As previously disclosed, in August 2019, the Company completed the divestiture of its operations in Turkey. The total consideration included a deferred payment of $15,000 in the form of an instrument that was payable one year after closing. At the time of the divestiture, the Company determined that this deferred amount would be recognized if collected. In early October 2020, the Company received $8,436 of the deferred consideration and recognized this as a reduction to the loss on the sale of control of the Turkish operations. The outstanding amount was due in January 2021, and the Company is pursuing collection. Australia and New Zealand Operations On July 29, 2020, LEI AMEA Investments B.V., a Netherlands private limited liability company (the ANZ Seller), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Company, solely as guarantor of certain of the ANZ Seller’s obligations thereunder, entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement (the ANZ Purchase Agreement) with SEI Newco Inc., a Delaware corporation (the ANZ Purchaser), and Strategic Education, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the ANZ Purchaser’s Guarantor). Pursuant to the ANZ Purchase Agreement, the ANZ Seller has agreed to sell to the ANZ Purchaser all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of (i) LEI Higher Education Holdings Pty Ltd, an Australian private company and the direct owner of Torrens University Australia, (ii) LEI Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, an Australian private company and the indirect owner of Think Education, (iii) LESA Education Services Holdings Pty Ltd, an Australian private company, and (iv) LEI New Zealand, a New Zealand company and the indirect owner of Media Design School (collectively, the ANZ Target Companies). The ANZ Purchaser’s Guarantor will guarantee the obligations of the ANZ Purchaser. The closing of the transaction occurred on November 3, 2020, following completion of the required regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The proceeds received, net of cash sold and transaction fees, were approximately $624,200. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of approximately $555,800, which is included in income (loss) from discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. Campus Guadalajara Norte Sale In November 2020, an agreement was signed between Universidad del Valle de Mexico, SC (UVM) and Grupo Dalton for the sale of the land and buildings of Campus Guadalajara Norte, after a decision was made to relocate all students from the Campus Guadalajara Norte to the nearby Campus Zapopan in Jalisco, Mexico. The total purchase price was approximately $13,900, prior to transaction fees. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has received approximately $7,000 of the total purchase price, with the outstanding amount of approximately $6,900 to be paid before the one-year anniversary of the signing of the agreement. The Company recognized a pre-tax operating gain on the sale of this property and equipment of approximately $5,800, which is included in Direct costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Additional Gain on Sale of China Operations As discussed further below, 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations 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 expected to receive; the majority of this receivable was collected in 2020, as described above. 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 income (loss) from discontinued operations 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, i

Business and Geographic Segment

Business and Geographic Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business and Geographic Segment Information	Business and Geographic Segment Information Laureate’s educational services are offered through two reportable segments: Mexico and Peru (formerly Andean). Following the September 2020 sale of Chile, the former Andean segment is now called the Peru segment. Laureate determines its segments based on information utilized by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. Our segments generate revenues by providing an education that emphasizes profession-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 onli ne and in-classroom) courses and programs to deliver their curriculum. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we h ave temporarily tran sitioned the educational delivery method at all of our institutions to be online and are leveraging our existing technologies and learning platforms to serve students outside of the traditional classroom setting. The Mexico and Peru markets are characterized by what we believe is a significant imbalance between supply and demand. The demand for higher education is large and growing and is fueled by several demographic and economic factors, including a growing middle class, global growth in services and technology-related industries and recognition of the significant personal and economic benefits gained by graduates of higher education institutions. The target demographics are primarily 18- to 24-year-olds in the countries in which we compete. We compete with other private higher education institutions on the basis of price, educational quality, reputation and location. We believe that we compare favorably with competitors because of our focus on quality, professional-oriented curriculum and the competitive advantages provided by our network. There are a number of private and public institutions in both of the countries in which we operate, and it is difficult to predict how the markets will evolve and how many competitors there will be in the future. We expect competition to increase as the Mexican and Peruvian markets mature. Essentially all of our revenues were generated from private pay sources as there are no material government-sponsored loan programs in Mexico or Peru. Specifics related to both of our reportable segments are discussed below. Private education providers in Mexico constitute 35% of the total higher-education market. The private sector plays a meaningful role in higher education, bridging supply and demand imbalances created by a lack of capacity at public universities. Laureate owns two institutions and is present throughout the country with a footprint of over 35 campuses. Each institution in Mexico has a national license. Students in our Mexican institutions typically finance their own education. In Peru, private universities are increasingly providing the capacity to meet growing demand and constitute 72% of the total higher-education market. Laureate owns three institutions in Peru. 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. As a result, the discontinued operations have 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 on disposals of subsidiaries, net, Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net, Other (expense) income, net, (Loss) 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. 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 Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Mexico Peru Corporate Total 2020 Revenues $ 534,607 $ 482,878 $ 7,432 $ 1,024,917 Adjusted EBITDA 112,917 189,488 (96,708) 205,697 Depreciation and amortization expense 29,032 26,962 27,139 83,133 Loss on impairment of assets 989 — 350,982 351,971 Total assets 1,278,198 623,294 3,069,402 4,970,894 Expenditures for long-lived assets 13,377 18,505 8,376 40,258 2019 Revenues $ 652,846 $ 546,751 $ 12,473 $ 1,212,070 Adjusted EBITDA 147,807 197,828 (142,014) 203,621 Depreciation and amortization expense 31,132 27,703 23,145 81,980 Loss on impairment of assets — — 248 248 Total assets 1,315,377 643,473 4,537,573 6,496,423 Expenditures for long-lived assets 30,239 23,837 18,825 72,901 2018 Revenues $ 646,134 $ 496,368 $ 2,072 $ 1,144,574 Adjusted EBITDA 143,221 169,213 (172,875) 139,559 Depreciation and amortization expense 31,007 27,615 25,945 84,567 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — Expenditures for long-lived assets 31,376 28,847 27,279 87,502 In order to reconcile to total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 in the table above, assets held for sale related to Discontinued Operations of $1,917,435 and $3,799,126, respectively, are included in the Corporate amounts. For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments: Mexico $ 112,917 $ 147,807 $ 143,221 Peru 189,488 197,828 169,213 Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments 302,405 345,635 312,434 Reconciling items: Corporate (96,708) (142,014) (172,875) Depreciation and amortization expense (83,133) (81,980) (84,567) Loss on impairment of assets (351,971) (248) — Share-based compensation expense (10,248) (10,325) (6,575) EiP expenses (89,647) (75,048) (75,209) Operating loss (329,302) 36,020 (26,792) Interest income 2,169 3,294 2,814 Interest expense (100,894) (125,042) (188,431) Loss on debt extinguishment (610) (22,601) (7,481) (Loss) gain on derivatives (25,980) 8,300 88,476 Other (expense) income, net (2,420) 8,922 10,598 Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net 13,474 (8,125) 695 Loss on disposals of subsidiaries, net (7,276) (20,429) — Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ (450,839) $ (119,661) $ (120,121) 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, 2020 2019 2018 External Revenues (1) Mexico $ 532,530 $ 650,593 $ 643,348 Peru 482,819 545,291 493,008 United States 9,509 15,189 7,720 Other foreign countries 59 997 498 Consolidated total $ 1,024,917 $ 1,212,070 $ 1,144,574 (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, 2020 2019 Long-lived assets Mexico $ 229,613 $ 232,380 Peru 323,020 354,100 United States 25,851 54,150 Consolidated total $ 578,484 $ 640,630

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2018 through December 31, 2020 was composed of the following items: Mexico Peru Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 498,219 $ 80,300 $ 578,519 Acquisitions — — — Impairments — — — Currency translation adjustments 27,037 927 27,964 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 525,256 $ 81,227 $ 606,483 Acquisitions — — — Impairments — — — Currency translation adjustments (25,006) (6,645) (31,651) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 500,250 $ 74,582 $ 574,832 Tradenames and Other Intangible Assets Amortization expense for intangible assets includes only the finite-lived tradename, as all other intangible assets subject to amortization were fully amortized as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Amortization expense was $7,583, $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for the finite-lived tradename for the years ending December 31, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and beyond is $25,928, $12,954, $12,954, $12,954, $9,715 and $0, respectively. The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2020: Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Tradenames Finite-lived tradename $ 82,088 $ (7,583) $ 74,505 4.8 Indefinite-lived tradenames 151,068 — 151,068 — Total tradenames 233,156 (7,583) 225,573 Other intangible assets Student rosters 20,239 (20,239) — — Other 1,699 (1,699) — — Total $ 255,094 $ (29,521) $ 225,573 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) Tradenames Finite-lived tradename $ — $ — $ — — Indefinite-lived tradenames 562,137 — 562,137 — Total tradenames 562,137 — 562,137 Other intangible assets Student rosters $ 21,358 $ (21,358) $ — — Other 1,792 (1,792) — — Total $ 585,287 $ (23,150) $ 562,137 Impairment Tests The following table summarizes the Loss on impairment of assets: For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Impairments of Tradenames $ 320,000 $ — $ — Impairments of Goodwill — — — Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net — — — Impairments of long-lived assets 31,971 248 — Total $ 351,971 $ 248 $ — We perform annual impairment tests of our non-amortizable intangible assets, which consist of goodwill and indefinite-lived 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 are 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 19, 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 19, 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. Impairment of Finite-Lived Tradename (Laureate Tradename) During the third quarter of 2020, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $320,000 on the Laureate tradename, an intangible asset. As described in Note 1, Description of Business, the Company had previously announced that it would explore strategic alternatives for each of its businesses, and, during the third quarter, the Company announced that it had completed a sale of its operations in Chile and that it had signed agreements to sell its operations in Brazil, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Walden University. Because of these events, the Company determined that the useful life of the Laureate tradename asset was no longer indefinite, and, in accordance with ASC 350-30-35-17, the Company tested the asset for impairment. The Company estimated the fair value of the tradename asset using the relief-from-royalty method, based on the projected revenues for each business over the estimated period that each business would remain part of the Laureate network. As a result of the impairment test, the Company concluded that the estimated fair value of the Laureate tradename was less than its carrying value by approximately $320,000 and recorded an impairment charge for that amount. The significant assumptions used in estimating the fair value included: (1) the estimates of revenue projections, including the period of those projections; (2) the discount rates; and (3) the estimated royalty rate. The inputs used were not observable to active markets and are therefore deemed “Level 3” inputs in the fair value hierarchy. The decrease in the fair value of the tradename was primarily caused by the shortened duration of the estimated future revenues. As of December 31, 2020, the finite-lived Laureate tradename has a net carrying amount of $74,505 and is being amortized over five years, its estimated useful life. New events or changes in circumstances, such as the signing of additional sale agreements, may be indicators of impairment that would require the Company to perform additional impairment tests. Impairment of Brazil E2G Software Assets As part of a transformation initiative for the enrollment to graduation cycle (E2G) that started several years ago, the Company began developing a solution to standardize the information systems and processes in Brazil. During development, those costs that qualified for capitalization as internal-use software were classified within Construction in-progress on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, a portion of the Brazil E2G project costs were deemed to be implementation costs of a hosting arrangement and were capitalized within Other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These capitalized costs were recorded on our Brazil and Corporate segments, as most of the Brazil E2G expenditures were made by Corporate. During the second qu arter of 2020, the Company determined that it was no longer probable that the Brazil E2G project would be completed and placed into service, and that the likelihood that a potential buyer of the Brazil business would utilize this system was low due to its cost and associated complexities. As stated in ASC 350-40-35-3, there is a presumption that uncompleted software has a fair value of $0. Accordingly, during the second quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an impairment charge to fully write off the Brazil E2G project assets. Approximately $23,800 of the impairment charge was related to assets recorded on the Corporate segment and is therefore included in Continuing Operations. The remaining portion of the impairment charge, approximately $3,300, related to assets recorded on the Brazil segment and is therefore included in Discontinued Operations.

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Outstanding long-term debt was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Senior long-term debt: Senior Secured Credit Facility (stated maturity date October 2024) $ — $ 202,400 Senior Notes (stated maturity date May 2025) 798,725 800,000 Total senior long-term debt 798,725 1,002,400 Other debt: Lines of credit 59,014 14,542 Notes payable and other debt 138,630 169,308 Total senior and other debt 996,369 1,186,250 Finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings 52,639 28,102 Total long-term debt and finance leases 1,049,008 1,214,352 Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs 53,292 62,911 Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 95,818 48,139 Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion $ 899,898 $ 1,103,302 As of December 31, 2020 , 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 2021 $ 90,388 2022 38,243 2023 39,148 2024 28,102 2025 800,488 Thereafter — Total senior and other debt $ 996,369 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). 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 discussed in Note 6, Dispositions, 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. 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 2.75x. In March 2020, we fully drew down the $410,000 Revolving Credit Facility, in order to increase our cash position and preserve financial flexibility in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the fourth quarter of 2020, following the sale of our operations in Australia and New Zealand, the Company fully repaid the outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility. As such, as of December 31, 2020, the Revolving Credit Facility had a total outstanding balance of $0. 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%. 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 Walden, National Hispanic University (NHU), and certain subsidiaries that the Company considers dormant based on the lack of activity, 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, 2020 and 2019, the carrying value of the Walden receivables and intangibles pledged as collateral was $407,267 and $400,484, 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. 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. On October 13, 2020, the Company announced the commencement of a cash tender offer (the First Asset Sale Offer) to purchase up to $300,000 aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2025, at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the purchase date. The First Asset Sale Offer was made pursuant to the indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2025 as a result of the Company's sale of its operations in Chile and Malaysia. The First Asset Sale Offer expired on November 10, 2020. On November 16, 2020, the Company purchased $775 aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, of the Senior Notes due 2025 that were validly tendered as of the expiration of the First Asset Sale Offer. On November 12, 2020, following the expiration of the First Asset Sale Offer, the Company announced the commencement of a cash tender offer (the Second Asset Sale Offer) to purchase up to $650,000 aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes due 2025, at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the purchase date. The Second Asset Sale Offer was made pursuant to the indenture governing the Senior Notes due 2025 as a result of the Company's sale of its operations in Australia and New Zealand. The Second Asset Sale Offer expired on December 10, 2020. On December 14, 2020, the Company purchased $500 aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, of the Senior Notes due 2025 that were validly tendered as of the expiration of the Second Asset Sale Offer. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our Senior Notes due 2025 had an outstanding balance of $798,725 and $800,000, respectively. 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying amount Estimated fair value Carrying amount Estimated fair value Total senior and other debt $ 996,369 $ 1,043,294 $ 1,186,250 $ 1,248,110 Certain Covenants As of December 31, 2020, 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 provides, solely with respect to the revolving credit facility, that the Company shall not permit its Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Third A&R Credit Agreement, to exceed 3.50x as of the last day of each quarter commencing with the quarter ending December 31, 2019 and thereafter. The agreement also provides that if (i) the Company’s Consolidated Total Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio, as defined in the Third A&R Credit Agreement, is not greater than 4.75x 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, 2020, these conditions were satisfied and, therefore, we were not subject to the leverage ratio. In addition, indebtedness at some of our locations contain financial maintenance covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2020. Debt Modification and Loss on Debt Extinguishment In 2020, the Company recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $610 related primarily to the write off of a pro-rata portion of the unamortized deferred financing costs associated with repaid debt balances. In 2019, the Company recorded a Loss on debt extinguishment of $22,601 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. 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 $10,103, $10,370 and $11,187 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we paid and capitalized a total of $669, $1,368 and $61, respectively, in debt issuance costs. Certain unamortized debt issuance costs were written off in 2020, 2019 and 2018 in connection with early repayment of debt balances and debt agreement amendments, as discussed above. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our unamortized debt issuance costs were $53,292 and $62,911, 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 13, 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, 2020 and 2019, the aggregate outstanding balances on our lines of credit were $59,014 and $14,542, respectively. At December 31, 2020, we had zero additional available borrowing capacity under our outstanding lines of credit. At December 31, 2020, interest rates on our lines of credit ranged from 2.10% to 7.93%. At December 31, 2019, we had one line of credit outstanding that had an interest rate of 7.93%. Our weighted-average short-term borrowing rate was 6.13% and 7.93% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, 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. Interest rates on notes payable ranged from 2.10% to 10.25% and 5.75% to 10.25% at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In August 2015, Universidad del Valle de México (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 the 28-day Mexican Interbanking Offer Rate (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 was scheduled to mature in December 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2019, this loan was reassigned to Estrater, S.A. de C.V., SOFOM ENR (Estrater), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company within Mexico. The loan 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 (5.98% and 9.06% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively). Quarterly principal payments on the loan commenced in December 2018, beginning at MXN 42,500 ($2,139 at December 31, 2020) and increasing over the term of the loan to MXN 76,500 ($3,850 at December 31, 2020), with a balloon payment of MXN 425,000 ($21,388 at December 31, 2020) due at maturity. In June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Esrater and the lender agreed to defer the quarterly loan payments for six months, until December 2020, after which, the principal and interest payments resumed in accordance to the original agreement. Under the terms of the deferral agreement, the maturity date of the loan was extended by six months to June 22, 2024. As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance of this loan was $68,013 and $77,569, 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 (UPC). As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, one loan remained outstanding, and had an outstanding balance of $13,361 and $14,542, respectively. The remaining loan carries an interest rate of 7.93% and was originally scheduled to mature in October 2022. Principal payments, plus accrued and unpaid interest, are made semi-annually in April and October. During the COVID-19 pandemic, UPC and the lending bank agreed to defer the scheduled 2020 principal payments for one year (the deferral period), and agreed to extend the loan maturity date by one year to October 2023. During the deferral period, the quarterly interest payments will continue per the terms of the original agreement, and the quarterly principal payments will resume in April 2021. Laureate has outstanding notes payable at Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN), one of our institutions in Peru. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, these loans had interest rates ranging from 2.10% to 7.85% and 7.85% to 8.70%, respectively, and had varying maturity dates through January 2022 and December 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, these loans had a balance of $12,694 and $23,480, 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 was originally scheduled to mature in December 2022. Quarterly payments in the amount of PEN 9,281 ($2,573 at December 31, 2020) were due from March 2018 through December 2019. The quarterly payments increased to PEN 14,438 ($4,003 at December 31, 2020) in March 2020 through the loan's maturity. In June 2020, the Laureate subsidiary and the lender agreed to defer the quarterly principal payments for one year (the deferral period), and agreed to extend the maturity date of the loan by one year to December 2023. During the deferral period, the quarterly interest payments will continue per the terms of the original agreement, and the quarterly principal payments will resume in June 2021. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, this loan had a balance of $44,029 and $52,278, respectively.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 sheets. 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 consolidated balance sheets. 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 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Leases Classification 2020 2019 Assets: Operating Operating lease right-of-use assets, net $ 462,767 $ 521,764 Finance Buildings, Furniture, equipment and software, net 49,237 25,962 Total leased assets $ 512,004 $ 547,726 Liabilities: Current Operating Current portion of operating leases 44,631 42,039 Finance Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 5,430 2,314 Non-current Operating Long-term operating leases, less current portion 474,507 516,979 Finance Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion 47,209 25,788 Total lease liabilities $ 571,777 $ 587,120 Lease Term and Discount Rate 2020 2019 Weighted average remaining lease terms Operating leases 9.9 years 6.5 years Finance leases 14.5 years 5.3 years Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 9.20 % 6.13 % Finance leases 9.50 % 4.50 % The components of lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: Lease Cost Classification 2020 2019 Operating lease cost Direct costs $ 68,488 $ 75,622 Finance lease cost Amortization of leased assets Direct costs 4,484 2,609 Interest on leased assets Interest expense 2,750 1,831 Short-term lease costs Direct costs 1,121 904 Variable lease costs Direct costs (877) 2,595 Sublease income Revenues (890) (2,826) Total lease cost $ 75,076 $ 80,735 Rent Concessions The Company has taken actions with respect to certain of its existing leases, including engaging with landlords to discuss rent deferrals, as well as other rent concessions. Consistent with the updated guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in April 2020, the Company has elected the practical expedient for rent concessions where the total payments required by the modified contract are substantially the same or less than the total payments required by the original contract. In those cases, the Company treated the rent concessions as if there were no modification to the lease contract and accounted for these rent concessions as variable lease payments. As of December 31, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Maturity of Lease Liability Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 91,461 $ 9,724 Year 2 87,231 9,143 Year 3 84,988 8,448 Year 4 83,941 6,319 Year 5 82,191 4,915 Thereafter 338,167 85,403 Total lease payments $ 767,979 $ 123,952 Less: interest and inflation (248,841) (71,314) Present value of lease liabilities $ 519,138 $ 52,638 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Other Information 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 69,881 $ 75,196 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 2,750 $ 1,831 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 2,736 $ 1,267 Leased assets obtained for new finance lease liabilities $ 27,757 $ 24,774 Leased assets obtained for new operating lease liabilities $ 13,565 $ 10,038
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 sheets. 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 consolidated balance sheets. 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 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Leases Classification 2020 2019 Assets: Operating Operating lease right-of-use assets, net $ 462,767 $ 521,764 Finance Buildings, Furniture, equipment and software, net 49,237 25,962 Total leased assets $ 512,004 $ 547,726 Liabilities: Current Operating Current portion of operating leases 44,631 42,039 Finance Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 5,430 2,314 Non-current Operating Long-term operating leases, less current portion 474,507 516,979 Finance Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion 47,209 25,788 Total lease liabilities $ 571,777 $ 587,120 Lease Term and Discount Rate 2020 2019 Weighted average remaining lease terms Operating leases 9.9 years 6.5 years Finance leases 14.5 years 5.3 years Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 9.20 % 6.13 % Finance leases 9.50 % 4.50 % The components of lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: Lease Cost Classification 2020 2019 Operating lease cost Direct costs $ 68,488 $ 75,622 Finance lease cost Amortization of leased assets Direct costs 4,484 2,609 Interest on leased assets Interest expense 2,750 1,831 Short-term lease costs Direct costs 1,121 904 Variable lease costs Direct costs (877) 2,595 Sublease income Revenues (890) (2,826) Total lease cost $ 75,076 $ 80,735 Rent Concessions The Company has taken actions with respect to certain of its existing leases, including engaging with landlords to discuss rent deferrals, as well as other rent concessions. Consistent with the updated guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in April 2020, the Company has elected the practical expedient for rent concessions where the total payments required by the modified contract are substantially the same or less than the total payments required by the original contract. In those cases, the Company treated the rent concessions as if there were no modification to the lease contract and accounted for these rent concessions as variable lease payments. As of December 31, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Maturity of Lease Liability Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 91,461 $ 9,724 Year 2 87,231 9,143 Year 3 84,988 8,448 Year 4 83,941 6,319 Year 5 82,191 4,915 Thereafter 338,167 85,403 Total lease payments $ 767,979 $ 123,952 Less: interest and inflation (248,841) (71,314) Present value of lease liabilities $ 519,138 $ 52,638 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Other Information 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 69,881 $ 75,196 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 2,750 $ 1,831 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 2,736 $ 1,267 Leased assets obtained for new finance lease liabilities $ 27,757 $ 24,774 Leased assets obtained for new operating lease liabilities $ 13,565 $ 10,038

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies 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, 2020 and 2019, Laureate has recorded cumulative liabilities totaling $38,355 and $44,595, 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, 2020 and 2019, $37,794 and $41,560, 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 decrease to operating income for adjustments to non-income tax contingencies and indemnification assets was $5,619, $6,381, and $4,166 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. In addition, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, Laureate has recorded cumulative liabilities for income tax contingencies of $40,668 and $51,442, respectively, of which $11,752 and $21,429, respectively, were classified as held for sale. Income tax contingencies are disclosed further in Note 14, Income Taxes. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, indemnification assets primarily related to acquisition contingencies were $55,940 and $69,040, respectively, of which $40,877 and $46,284, 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 receivables, which are classified as held for sale, of approximately $14,000 and $19,000 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, 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, 2020 and 2019, approximately $8,300 and $5,800, 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, 2020 and 2019, approximately $23,800 and $26,300, respectively, of loss contingencies were classified as liabilities held for sale. Material Guarantees – Other 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, 2020 and 2019, Laureate's outstanding letters of credit (LOCs) and surety bonds primarily consisted of the items discussed below. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had approximately $83,600 and $127,300, respectively, posted as an LOC in favor of the DOE. This LOC was required to allow Walden and, in 2019, NSAD, to participate in the DOE Title IV program. As of December 31, 2020, the restricted cash used to collateralize this letter of credit was held by a corporate entity. As of December 31, 2019, the restricted cash used to collateralize the letter of credit was primarily held by Walden. Because Walden is classified as a discontinued operation, its restricted cash balances were included in Current assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had EUR 9,443 (approximately $11,500 at December 31, 2020) and EUR 5,036 (approximately $5,500 at December 31, 2019), respectively, posted as cash collateral for LOCs related to the Spain Tax Audits. This was recorded in Continuing Operations and classified as Restricted cash on our December 31, 2020 and 2019 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The cash collateral is related to final assessments issued by the Spanish Taxing Authority (STA) in October 2018 and January 2020 to Iniciativas Culturales de España, S.L. (ICE). In addition, on March 11, 2020, ICE received a preliminary assessment of approximately EUR 21,600 (approximately $26,400 at December 31, 2020), related to the STA’s extension of their audit to review withholding taxes on income earned by nonresidents. This assessment is not final, and ICE intends to challenge the assessment before the STA. ICE was formerly our Spanish holding company; during the second quarter of 2020, ICE was migrated to the Netherlands and its name was changed to Laureate Netherlands Holding B.V. 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, 2020 and 2019, the total face amount of these surety bonds, which are fully collateralized with cash, was $17,094 and $25,582, respectively. 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

Share-based Compensation and Eq

Share-based Compensation and Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Continuing operations Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures $ 1,291 $ 3,101 $ (3,610) Restricted stock awards 8,957 7,224 10,184 Total continuing operations $ 10,248 $ 10,325 $ 6,574 Discontinued operations Share-based compensation expense for discontinued operations 3,050 2,669 4,217 Total continuing and discontinued operations $ 13,298 $ 12,994 $ 10,791 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. 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. As of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, all outstanding awards that were granted under the 2007 Plan are fully vested. 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 three three 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 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. 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. 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 2020 2019 2018 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 5,388 $ 18.18 $ 3,396 9,020 $ 18.79 $ 744 9,903 $ 19.30 $ — Granted — — 698 14.99 717 14.27 Exercised (860) 17.60 2,353 (1,569) 16.95 794 — — — Forfeited or expired (1,100) 19.66 (2,761) 20.06 (1,600) 19.92 Outstanding at December 31 3,428 17.85 159 5,388 18.18 3,396 9,020 18.79 744 Exercisable at December 31 3,292 17.97 159 4,846 18.50 2,136 7,878 19.11 265 Vested and expected to vest 3,426 17.85 159 5,274 18.20 3,344 8,990 18.80 722 Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Assumption Range* Exercise Prices Number Weighted Number Weighted Risk-Free Expected Expected Year Ended December 31, 2020 $13.97 - $15.55 748 6.84 625 6.58 1.99% - 3.05% 3.25 - 5.91 38.29% - 64.18% $16.38 - $17.89 2,247 2.72 2,235 2.68 1.38% -2.34% 3.20 - 7.12 35.20% - 58.84% $21.00 146 0.70 146 0.70 1.81% 4.00 57.79% $22.88 - $31.92 287 0.76 287 0.76 0.73% - 2.86% 4.00 - 6.52 39.03% - 53.80% 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% * The expected dividend yield is zero for all options in all years. The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted was $0.00, $6.05 and $7.67 per share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, Laureate had $821 of unrecognized share-based compensation costs related to stock options outstanding. Of the total unrecognized cost, $821 relates to Time Options and $0 relates to Performance Options. The unrecognized Time Options expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average expense period of 0.1 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 2020 2019 2018 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 1,251 $ 14.69 1,895 $ 15.31 1,650 $ 19.74 Granted 969 15.80 1,003 15.10 1,306 14.11 Vested (861) 14.11 (765) 16.18 (853) 21.66 Forfeited (359) 15.95 (882) 15.20 (208) 17.41 Non-vested at December 31 1,000 15.81 1,251 14.69 1,895 15.31 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 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, 2020, unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards was $8,300. Of the total unrecognized cost, $5,331 relates to time-based RSUs, $2,967 relates to PSUs and $2 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 1.0 year. 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 15, Earnings (Loss) Per Share. The total BCF of $265,368 was accreted using a constant yield approach over a one-year period. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded total accretion of the BCF and dividends of $61,974. 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 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 repurchased 1,619 shares of its outstanding Class A common stock for a total purchase price of $29,203 and reached the total authorized limit of $300,000.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. The reported fair values of our derivatives, which are classified in Derivative instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, were as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Current liabilities: Cross currency swaps $ 17,680 $ — Long-term liabilities: Cross currency swaps 8,144 — Total derivative instrument assets $ — $ — Total derivative instrument liabilities $ 25,824 $ — 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 the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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. 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 for the year ended December 31, 2018. 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: (Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Income Statement Location Gain Reclassified Total Consolidated Interest Expense 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Cash flow hedge Interest rate swaps $ — $ (11,818) $ 5,772 Interest expense $ — $ 11,818 $ 2,446 Net investment hedge Cross currency swaps — 3,868 7,937 N/A — — — Total $ — $ (7,950) $ 13,709 $ — $ 11,818 $ 2,446 $ (100,894) $ (125,042) $ (188,431) Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments BRL to USD Foreign Currency Swaps In November 2020, in connection with the signing of the sale agreement for its Brazilian operations, Laureate entered into six BRL-to-USD swap agreements. The purpose of these swaps is to mitigate the risk of foreign currency exposure on the expected proceeds from the sale. Four of the swaps are put/call options with a maturity date of May 13, 2021, where Laureate can put the combined notional amount of BRL 1,875,000 and call a combined USD amount of $343,783 at an exchange rate of 5.4540 BRL per 1 USD. The terms of these options include deferred premium payments from Laureate to the counterparties of $18,294, which were paid in full in January 2021. The remaining two swaps are deal contingent, with the settlement date occurring on the second business day following the completion of the aforementioned sale. On the settlement date, Laureate will deliver the combined notional amount of BRL 1,900,000 (BRL 950,000 for each swap) and receive an amount in USD equal to each swap's notional amount multiplied by each swap's contract rate of exchange at the settlement date. For one of the swaps, the contract rate of exchange has a possible range of 5.484143 - 5.678624 BRL per 1 USD, and the maturity date is December 31, 2021. For the other swap, the contract rate of exchange has a possible range of 5.44706 - 5.63255 BRL per 1 USD, and the maturity date is January 3, 2022. As of December 31, 2020, these swaps had an aggregate fair value of $25,824, of which $17,680 was recorded in Derivative instruments as a current liability and $8,144 was recorded in Derivative instruments as a long-term liability through a charge to unrealized loss on derivatives. These swaps are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. AUD to USD Foreign Currency Swaps In March 2020, Laureate entered into an AUD-to-USD swap agreement with a maturity date of April 15, 2020, in connection with an intercompany funding transaction. The terms of the swap stated that on the maturity date, Laureate would deliver the notional amount of AUD 21,000 and receive USD $13,713 at a rate of exchange of 0.6530 USD per 1 AUD. On April 8, 2020, Laureate entered into a net settlement agreement for this swap to deliver USD $12,999 and receive the notional amount of AUD 21,000 at a rate of exchange of 0.6190 USD per 1 AUD. This net settlement was executed on April 15, 2020, which resulted in a realized gain and proceeds received of $714. This amount is included in (Loss) gain on derivatives on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, and is included in (Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2020. This swap was not designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. On April 8, 2020, Laureate entered into a new AUD-to-USD swap agreement with a notional amount of AUD 21,000. On the maturity date of June 15, 2020, Laureate delivered the notional amount and received USD $12,921 at a rate of exchange of 0.6153 USD per 1 AUD, resulting in a realized loss of $1,340. This amount is included in (Loss) gain on derivatives on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 and is included in (Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2020. This swap was not designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. 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 on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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 for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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. This payment is included in (Payments for) proceeds from settlement of derivative contracts on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2019. The CLP to UF cross currency and interest rate swaps were not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. 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 for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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 for the year ended December 31, 2019. 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, 2020 2019 2018 Unrealized (Loss) Gain Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred $ — $ — $ (42,140) Cross currency and interest rate swaps (25,354) 4,022 257 Total unrealized (loss) gain (25,354) 4,022 (41,883) Realized (Loss) Gain Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred — — 140,320 Cross currency and interest rate swaps (626) 4,278 (9,961) Total realized (loss) gain (626) 4,278 130,359 Total (Loss) Gain Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred — — 98,180 Cross currency and interest rate swaps (25,980) 8,300 (9,704) (Loss) gain on derivatives, net $ (25,980) $ 8,300 $ 88,476 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, 2020, the estimated fair value of derivatives in a gain position was $0. 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, 2020, two institutions which were rated A1 and one institution which was rated A2 by the global rating agency of Moody's Investors Service accounted for all of Laureate's derivative credit risk exposure. Laureate's agreements with its derivative counterparties contain a provision under which we could be declared in default on our derivative obligations if repayment of the underlying indebtedness is accelerated by the lender due to a default on the indebtedness. As of December 31, 2020, 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 $25,824 as of December 31, 2020.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Current: United States $ 6,391 $ 17,493 $ (33,123) Foreign (72,660) (77,421) (72,667) State — — — Total current (66,269) (59,928) (105,790) Deferred: United States 124,718 22,337 29,619 Foreign 25,612 6,265 4,814 State 46,008 285 161 Total deferred 196,338 28,887 34,594 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 130,069 $ (31,041) $ (71,196) For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, foreign (loss) income from Continuing Operations before income taxes was $(250,910), $2,358, and $391,038, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, domestic loss from Continuing Operations before income taxes was $199,928, $122,019, and $511,159, respectively. Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities arising from Continuing Operations were as follows: December 31, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards $ 410,456 $ 335,325 Depreciation 45,717 38,532 Deferred revenue 10,913 13,587 Allowance for doubtful accounts 13,552 9,772 Deferred compensation 16,997 20,551 Unrealized loss 3,128 5,395 Nondeductible reserves 24,835 27,062 Interest 32,282 8,630 Operating lease asset 140,500 158,189 Total deferred tax assets 698,380 617,043 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in subsidiaries 71,183 86,906 Amortization of intangible assets 133,091 175,386 Operating lease liability 127,131 148,436 Other 1,918 3,137 Total deferred tax liabilities 333,323 413,865 Net deferred tax assets 365,057 203,178 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (320,858) (324,119) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 44,199 $ (120,941) The 2019 column of the table above was recast to remove deferred taxes now classified as held for sale. During 2020, the Company amended the partnership agreement of one of its subsidiaries that owned intellectual property, such that the s ubsidiary became subject to tax in the Netherlands, and conducted an internal restructuring of its Dutch subsidiaries. Additionally, during the year there was an impairment event for book purposes in the Netherlands, affecting the value of its i ntellectual property . The net result was a tax benefit of approximately $19,000 that represents the book-and-tax basis difference of the intellectual property, measured based on the intellectual property’s fair value. In the effective tax rate reconciliation table below, this net benefit is reflected in two components. The first component is simply a benefit from pretax loss at the United States statutory tax rate of $51,000. The second component of $32,000 is primarily the tax-effected difference between the book basis being impaired and the tax basis, net of uncertain tax positions, being established during the year. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. The CARES Act provides a substantial stimulus and assistance package intended to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including tax relief and government loans, grants and investments. The CARES Act did not have a significant impact on Laureate’s Continuing Operations for the year ended December 31, 2020. We continue to monitor any effects that may result from the CARES Act as well as any similar stimulus legislation enacted in other jurisdictions where Laureate has material operations. In July 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department released final regulations addressing global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI). Among other changes, these regulations provide an election to exclude certain foreign income of foreign corporations from GILTI if such income is deemed high-taxed in a foreign jurisdiction. These elective provisions may be applied retroactively and accordingly require significant analysis of the potential financial statement impacts. During the third quarter of 2020, the Company recorded a discrete tax benefit of approximately $70,900 related to 2018 and 2019. Laureate previously has not provided deferred taxes on unremitted earnings attributable to international companies that have been considered to be reinvested indefinitely. As of December 31, 2020, undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries totaled $610,800. 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 $100 on $2,000 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 $18,800 in additional deferred tax liabilities. The amount of additional deferred tax liabilities recognized could increase if our expectations change based on future developments such that some or all of the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are remitted to the United States in the foreseeable future. The Company has $634,200 of US federal net operating loss carryforwards that expire from 2035 to 2036 and $67,600 of US federal net operating loss carryforwards that do not expire. The Company has $168,100 of deferred tax asset for US state net operating loss carryforwards that expire from 2021 to 2040 and $7,500 of deferred tax asset for US state net operating loss carryforwards that do not expire. The Company has $509,200 of foreign net operating loss carryforwards that expire from 2023 to 2030. The Company has $152,700 of tax credit carryforwards that do not expire and $76,400 of interest carryforwards that do not expire. The Company assesses the realizability of deferred tax assets by examining all available evidence, both positive and negative. Accounting guidance restricts the amount of reliance the Company can place on projected taxable income to support the recovery of the deferred tax assets when a company is in a three-year cumulative loss position. A valuation allowance is recorded when the company is not able to identify a source of income to support realization of the deferred tax asset on a more-likely-than-not basis. 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, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 324,119 $ 562,944 $ 624,487 (Deductions) additions from tax expense from continuing operations (19,879) 2,427 (61,373) Charges to other accounts Additions 16,618 — — Deductions — (241,252) (170) Balance at end of period $ 320,858 $ 324,119 $ 562,944 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, 2020 2019 2018 Tax benefit at the United States statutory rate $ 94,676 $ 19,566 $ 17,456 Permanent differences (24,184) (7,693) 6,008 Global Intangible Low Taxed Income 70,965 (38,305) (35,631) Netherlands intellectual property restructuring (32,425) — — State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect 36,343 5,783 4,445 Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate (5,534) (25,228) 33,451 Change in valuation allowance 3,241 (25,337) (46,171) Effect of tax contingencies 2,706 11,635 2,215 Tax credits (2,302) 26,436 — Withholding taxes (13,254) (869) (52,064) Other (163) 2,971 (905) Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 130,069 $ (31,041) $ (71,196) The reconciliations of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Beginning of the period $ 56,395 $ 50,900 $ 69,801 Additions for tax positions related to prior years 3,582 — 1,640 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years — (1,338) (199) Additions for tax positions related to current year 327,142 8,585 8,731 Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations (1,836) (1,752) (1,500) Settlements for tax positions related to prior years — — (27,573) End of the period $ 385,283 $ 56,395 $ 50,900 Laureate records interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of Income tax expense. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Laureate recognized interest and penalties related to income taxes of $1,402, $2,587, and $2,762, respectively. Laureate had $14,731 and $16,513 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Laureate derecognized $4,458, $6,920, and $11,523, respectively, of previously accrued interest and penalties. Approximately $264,526 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 $13,265 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 2010. United States federal and state statutes are generally open back to 2017; however, the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) has the ability to challenge 2005 through 2016 net operating loss carryforwards. Except as discussed below, statutes of other major jurisdictions are open back to 2014 for Spain and 2010 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 ($13,500 at December 31, 2020), 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 ($21,000 at December 31, 2020), 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 $5,000 at December 31, 2020), including interest. In February 2019, the Company appealed this assessment to the Highest Administrative Court. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has posted a cash-collateralized letter of credit of approximately $5,500 for the assessment, plus a surcharge. In May 2019, the Company was notified by the STA

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share Our common stock has a dual class structure, consisting of Class A common stock and Class B 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, 2020 2019 2018 Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for continuing operations: Loss from continuing operations $ (320,598) $ (150,483) $ (191,317) Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 17 (98) (141) Loss from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. (320,581) (150,581) (191,458) Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity 149 (208) (292) Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value — — (559) Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock — — (61,974) Gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — — 74,110 Subtotal: accretion of reedemable noncontrolling interests and equity, and, for 2018, Series A Preferred Stock, net 149 (208) 11,285 Net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic earnings per share (320,432) (150,789) (180,173) Adjusted for: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock — — 61,974 Adjusted for: gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — — (74,110) Net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share $ (320,432) $ (150,789) $ (192,309) Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for discontinued operations: (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (298,104) 1,088,147 562,247 Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 5,354 918 (722) Net (loss) income from discontinued operations for basic and diluted earnings per share $ (292,750) $ 1,089,065 $ 561,525 Denominator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 209,710 221,928 212,769 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Loss from continuing operations $ (1.53) $ (0.68) $ (0.85) (Loss) income from discontinued operations (1.40) 4.91 2.64 Basic (loss) earnings per share $ (2.93) $ 4.23 $ 1.79 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Loss from continuing operations $ (1.53) $ (0.68) $ (0.91) (Loss) income from discontinued operations (1.40) 4.91 2.64 Diluted (loss) earnings per share $ (2.93) $ 4.23 $ 1.73 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, 2020 2019 2018 Stock options 4,040 8,740 9,387 Restricted stock and RSUs 1,021 1,090 1,300

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions 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 year ended December 31, 2018, the Company paid cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock totaling $11,103, of which $1,822, was paid to KKR and Snow Phipps. As discussed in Note 12, 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 discussed in Note 6, Dispositions, the buyer of our Costa Rica operations is controlled by certain affiliates of Sterling Capital Partners II, L.P., an entity that has the right to designate a director to the Laureate Board of Directors pursuant to a securityholders agreement.

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 $4,636, $5,431, and $5,345 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 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, 2020 and 2019, plan assets included in Other assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $3,055 and $4,505, respectively, and the total plan liabilities reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $6,192 and $6,835, 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, 2020 and 2019, the total SERA assets were $11,037 and $12,494, respectively, which were recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets in Restricted cash at December 31, 2020 and 2019. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the total SERA liabilities recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets were $14,925 and $14,244, respectively, of which $1,500 each year was recorded in Accrued compensation and benefits, and $13,425 and $12,744, 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, 2020
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. Our institutions are subject to uncertain and varying laws and regulations, and any changes to these laws or regulations or their application to us may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Continuing Operations Mexican Regulation– COVID-19 Update Administrative activities have resumed at half of our campuses. Face-to-face educational activities will not be permitted to resume at any campus until the region (municipality or state) in which it is located is assigned a green color code under the country’s color-coded sanitary alert system, which is updated on a biweekly basis. Peruvian Regulation– COVID-19 Update Peru’s national sanitary emergency has been extended until March 2021. In addition, due to the second wave of COVID-19, effective from January 31 until February 28, 2021, Peru entered into a region-by-region confinement plan, which includes a total curfew of vehicles and individuals in the whole department of Lima, among others. The economic reactivation plan has been suspended for many activities (mostly malls and restaurants presential attention) during the confinement period, including presential practices classes and some administrative tasks. The government has announced that face-to-face classes may resume this year, initially semi-presential; however, the actual resumption of classes will depend upon COVID-19 infection rates at such time. Discontinued Operations Brazilian Regulation We operate 10 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, 2020, approximately 4% of our students in Brazil participated in FIES, representing approximately 8.5% of our 2020 Brazil revenues. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 7% of our total students in Brazil participated in FIES, representing approximately 13% of our 2019 Brazil revenues. 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018, our HEIs granted Prouni scholarships of approximately $75,700, $100,600 and $112,500, respectively, that resulted in tax credits. COVID-19 Update In response to the transition from face-to-face classes to online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, legislative assemblies in several Brazilian states passed laws requiring schools to discount tuition. With respect to the states in which we operate, only Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and Paraiba passed such laws. However, because injunctions were granted to suspend the effects of such laws in Rio de Janeiro and Paraiba, mandatory discounts only were applied to classes taken at our Bahia campuses. The constitutionality of the aforementioned laws was challenged both in state courts and the Supreme Court. By the end of 2020, the Supreme Court had ruled on the first round of cases – including the Bahia case –, declaring the mandatory discount laws to be at odds with the Brazilian constitution. The same outcome is expected for the remaining cases. As of August 2020, Provisional Presidential Act n. 934/2020 has been converted to Law n. 14,040. Accordingly, institutions remain authorized to substitute face-to-face classes with remote activities and adjust the academic calendar. By the end of 2020, the National Board of Education had issued an opinion concerning the continuity of remote activities for an additional year. The Ministry of Education, however, has insisted on a gradual return to face-to-face classes, beginning on March 1 st for higher education. Nonetheless, this effort will be affected by local sanitary indicators and may effectively be delayed until either a safety standard is sustained or mass vaccination reaches the students’ main age groups. As of now, government measures to resume face-to-face educational activities in Brazil are being implemented on a state-by-state and city-by-city basis. Laboratory and professional practice activities have resumed at the vast majority of our Brazilian campuses. Despite being authorized to gradually return to face-to-face classes in some locations, academic planners still consider a larger contingent of remote activities to be the most suitable option given the current circumstances. United States Postsecondary Education Regulation Walden University, our postsecondary educational institution in the United States, is 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 U.S. Department of Education (DOE), subject Walden University to ongoing regulatory review and scrutiny. Walden University 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, 2019, the DOE required us to post a letter of credit of approximately $83,600 (an amount equal to 10% of the Title IV program funds received by Laureate in the most recently completed fiscal year) 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 11, Commitments and Contingencies, for further description of the outstanding DOE letters of credit as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. In recent years, the DOE has proposed or promulgated a substantial number of new regulations that impact Walden University, 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 Walden University’s eligibility to participate in the Title IV programs. Department of Justice Voluntary Information Request for Walden University Our institutions are subject to regulatory oversight and from time to time must respond to inquiries about their compliance with the various statutory requirements under which they operate. On September 14, 2020, Walden University received a letter from the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice (referred to herein as “DOJ”) indicating that the DOJ is examining whether Walden University, in the operation of its Masters of Science in Nursing program (referred to herein as the “Nursing Program”), may have violated the Federal False Claims Act by misrepresenting compliance with its program participation agreement with the DOE, which agreement covers Walden University’s participation in federal student financial aid programs under Title IV of the U.S. Higher Education Act. The letter invites Walden University to provide information regarding a number of specific areas primarily related to the practicum component of its Nursing Program, but it makes no allegations of any misconduct or wrongdoing by Walden University. Further, on November 9, 2020, Walden University received notice from the Higher Learning Commission (“HLC”) that a public “Governmental Investigation” designation would be assigned to Walden University due to the DOJ inquiry and such designation became effective on November 9, 2020. On November 24, 2020, representatives of Walden University met with individuals from the DOJ to present the information requested. While Laureate is cooperating with the DOJ’s request to voluntarily provide information, it cannot predict the timing or outcome of this matter. Laureate accrues for a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether a loss is reasonably estimable. The disclosures, accruals or estimates, if any, resulting from the foregoing analysis are reviewed and adjusted to reflect the effect of negotiations, settlements, rulings, advice of legal counsel and other information and events pertaining to a particular matter. At this time, Laureate does not believe that this matter will have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Further, consistent with the HLC’s policies and procedures, a Governmental Investigation designation by the HLC could delay or prevent the HLC’s approval of a substantive change application to approve the pending sale of Walden University. We continue to evaluate these regulatory developments and the potential impact, if any, on the pending sale of Walden University.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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. In instances where the determination of fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety, as required under ASC 820-10, "Fair Value Measurement." Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. 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. Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by ourself and our counterparties. We have determined that the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments made to our derivative contracts, which determination was based on the fair value of each individual contract, was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all of our derivatives held as of December 31, 2020 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. 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 on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Laureate's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 were as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Derivative instruments $ — $ — $ — $ — Liabilities Derivative instruments $ 25,824 $ — $ 25,824 $ — As of December 31, 2019, Laureate did not hold any financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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: 2020 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 285,219 $ 243,523 $ 303,856 $ 192,319 Operating costs and expenses 248,343 561,758 274,713 269,405 Operating income (loss) $ 36,876 $ (318,235) $ 29,143 $ (77,086) (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (244,095) $ (271,040) $ (11,559) $ 206,096 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 623,135 (513,390) (300,069) (107,780) Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 279 (12) 3,805 1,299 Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 379,319 (784,442) (307,823) 99,615 Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (14) 6 201 (44) Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 379,305 $ (784,436) $ (307,622) $ 99,571 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1.17) $ (1.29) $ (0.05) $ 0.98 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 2.98 (2.44) (1.41) (0.51) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 1.81 $ (3.73) $ (1.46) $ 0.47 2019 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 351,846 $ 277,267 $ 370,938 $ 212,019 Operating costs and expenses 294,527 295,678 318,963 266,882 Operating income (loss) $ 57,319 $ (18,411) $ 51,975 $ (54,863) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 61,193 $ (86,649) $ 93,924 $ (218,951) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (616) (10,145) 685,694 413,214 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) 781,594 191,241 Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (472) (193) 194 263 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 60,403 $ (95,419) $ 781,788 $ 191,504 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.28 $ (0.39) $ 0.42 $ (0.97) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — (0.04) 3.06 1.82 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.28 $ (0.43) $ 3.48 $ 0.85

Other Financial Information

Other Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Foreign currency translation loss $ (951,456) $ 958 $ (950,498) $ (1,084,651) $ 326 $ (1,084,325) Unrealized gains on derivatives 10,416 — 10,416 10,416 — 10,416 Minimum pension liability adjustment (946) — (946) 254 — 254 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (941,986) $ 958 $ (941,028) $ (1,073,981) $ 326 $ (1,073,655) Laureate reports changes in AOCI in our Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. See also Note 13, Derivative Instruments, 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 gain (loss), net, of $21,171, $(11,769) and $(1,533) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, 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, 2020 2019 2018 Net (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ (613,331) $ 938,484 $ 370,067 Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests (2,610) (3,700) (471) Change from net (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests $ (615,941) $ 934,784 $ 369,596 Write Off of Accounts and Notes Receivable During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Laureate wrote off approximately $24,300, $4,500 and $17,600, 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, 2020
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 $120,640, $188,682 and $234,102 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Net income tax cash payments for Continuing Operations and Discontinued Operations were $91,371, $119,682 and $143,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company paid cash dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock in the amount of $11,103. As discussed in Note 12, 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 years ended December 31, 2020 and 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, 2018 balance, to the amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: For the year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 750,147 $ 61,576 $ 77,765 Restricted cash 117,151 36,241 47,852 Total Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 867,298 $ 97,817 $ 125,617

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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 an educational institution that is part of our network and, although not owned by Laureate, is a variable interest entity (VIE) pursuant to ASC Topic 810-10, "Consolidation." As of December 31, 2020, the Laureate network includes one VIE institution in Honduras, which is a discontinued operation. Laureate has determined it is the “primary beneficiary” of this VIE, as such term is defined
Affiliates	AffiliatesWhen Laureate exercises significant influence over an affiliated entity, but does not control the entity, we account for our investments using the equity method of accounting. Significant influence occurs generally through ownership, directly or indirectly, of at least 20% and up to 50% of the voting interests. Under the equity method of accounting, Laureate records the proportionate share of these investments in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our proportionate share of income or loss related to these investments is recorded in Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations Laureate accounts 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. At the date of acquisition, 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.
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.
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 Restricted cash includes cash equivalents held to collateralize standby letters of credit. In addition, Laureate may at times have restricted cash in escrow, 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. Laureate’s United States institution, Walden University (Walden), participates in the United States Department of Education (DOE) Title IV student financing assistance lending programs (Title IV programs). A letter of credit is required by the DOE in order to allow Walden to participate in the Title IV program. As of December 31, 2020, the restricted cash used to collateralize this letter of credit was held by a corporate entity. As of December 31, 2019, the restricted cash used to collateralize the letter of credit was primarily held by Walden. Because Walden is classified as a discontinued operation, its restricted cash balances were included in Current assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments Laureate’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts and notes receivable, other receivables, accounts payable, derivative instruments, debt, and operating and finance lease obligations. 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 9, Debt. Additional information about fair value is provided in Note 19, 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. 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. In instances where the determination of fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety, as required under ASC 820-10, "Fair Value Measurement." Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. 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. Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by ourself and our counterparties. We have determined that the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments made to our derivative contracts, which determination was based on the fair value of each individual contract, was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all of our derivatives held as of December 31, 2020 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
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.
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
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.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance CostsDebt issuance costs were paid as a result of certain debt transactions and are presented as a deduction from debt. These debt issuance costs are amortized over the term of the associated debt instruments. The amortization expense is recognized as a component of Interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill primarily represents the amounts paid by Wengen Alberta, Limited Partnership (Wengen), 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 8, 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. For example, during the second quarter of 2020, we recorded an impairment of the goodwill that was part of the Chile reporting unit, as disclosed in Note 4, Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale. 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. On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU requires entities to calculate goodwill impairment as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Under the updated guidance, the Company continues to have the option of first performing a qualitative goodwill impairment assessment (i.e., step zero) in order to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The requirement to perform a qualitative assessment for a reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount is eliminated. Based on the qualitative assessment, if we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not required.
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. Other intangible assets also include the Laureate tradename, which during the third quarter of 2020 was determined to no longer have an indefinite life and is being amortized over a five-year useful life.
Long-lived Assets	Long-lived AssetsLong-lived 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
Advertising	AdvertisingLaureate expenses advertising costs as incurred.
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation Share-based compensation expense is based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation.” Laureate recognizes share-based compensation expense, less estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for time based awards and graded vesting basis for performance-based awards. Laureate estimates forfeitures based on historical activity, expected employee turnover, and other qualitative factors which are adjusted for changes in estimates and award vesting. All expenses for an award will be recognized by the time it becomes fully vested. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to calculate the fair value of stock options. This option valuation model requires the use of subjective assumptions, including the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock, the expected stock price volatility, and the expected term of the option. Prior to the IPO, the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock was based on third-party valuations. After our IPO, the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock is based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the grant date. 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. This involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions by management with respect to the potential outcome of positions taken on tax returns that may be reviewed by tax authorities. 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 $100 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 Adopted Accounting Standards 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 was effective for Laureate beginning on January 1, 2020 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. Laureate adopted this ASU using the modified retrospective transition method. Under this transition method, the new standard is applied from January 1, 2020 without restatement of comparative period amounts. No adjustment was recorded to retained earnings for the cumulative effect of adopting this ASU on January 1, 2020. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under Topic 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. 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 was effective for Laureate beginning on January 1, 2020, and the adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Business and Geographic Segment Information	Laureate’s educational services are offered through two reportable segments: Mexico and Peru (formerly Andean). Following the September 2020 sale of Chile, the former Andean segment is now called the Peru segment. Laureate determines its segments based on information utilized by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources and assess performance. Our segments generate revenues by providing an education that emphasizes profession-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 onli ne and in-classroom) courses and programs to deliver their curriculum. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we h ave temporarily tran sitioned the educational delivery method at all of our institutions to be online and are leveraging our existing technologies and learning platforms to serve students outside of the traditional classroom setting. The Mexico and Peru markets are characterized by what we believe is a significant imbalance between supply and demand. The demand for higher education is large and growing and is fueled by several demographic and economic factors, including a growing middle class, global growth in services and technology-related industries and recognition of the significant personal and economic benefits gained by graduates of higher education institutions. The target demographics are primarily 18- to 24-year-olds in the countries in which we compete. We compete with other private higher education institutions on the basis of price, educational quality, reputation and location. We believe that we compare favorably with competitors because of our focus on quality, professional-oriented curriculum and the competitive advantages provided by our network. There are a number of private and public institutions in both of the countries in which we operate, and it is difficult to predict how the markets will evolve and how many competitors there will be in the future. We expect competition to increase as the Mexican and Peruvian markets mature. Essentially all of our revenues were generated from private pay sources as there are no material government-sponsored loan programs in Mexico or Peru. Specifics related to both of our reportable segments are discussed below. Private education providers in Mexico constitute 35% of the total higher-education market. The private sector plays a meaningful role in higher education, bridging supply and demand imbalances created by a lack of capacity at public universities. Laureate owns two institutions and is present throughout the country with a footprint of over 35 campuses. Each institution in Mexico has a national license. Students in our Mexican institutions typically finance their own education. In Peru, private universities are increasingly providing the capacity to meet growing demand and constitute 72% of the total higher-education market. Laureate owns three institutions in Peru. 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. As a result, the discontinued operations have 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 on disposals of subsidiaries, net, Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net, Other (expense) income, net, (Loss) 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. Beginning in 2019, EiP also includes expenses associated with an enterprise-wide program aimed at revenue growth.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	We perform annual impairment tests of our non-amortizable intangible assets, which consist of goodwill and indefinite-lived 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 are 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 19, 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 19, 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 sheets. 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 consolidated balance sheets. 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.
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.
Noncontrolling Interests	Noncontrolling InterestsA 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.

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
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, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 60,465 $ 43,491 $ 39,176 Additions: charges to bad debt expense 44,707 20,324 23,107 Deductions (a) (28,478) (3,350) (18,792) Balance at end of period $ 76,694 $ 60,465 $ 43,491 (a) Deductions include 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.
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, 2020
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Mexico Peru Corporate (1) Total 2020 Tuition and educational services $ 634,956 $ 482,977 $ — $ 1,117,933 109 % Other 81,764 41,869 7,432 131,065 13 % Gross revenue 716,720 524,846 7,432 1,248,998 122 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (182,113) (41,968) — (224,081) (22) % Total $ 534,607 $ 482,878 $ 7,432 $ 1,024,917 100 % 2019 Tuition and educational services $ 715,817 $ 526,112 $ — $ 1,241,929 102 % Other 101,224 54,020 12,473 167,717 14 % Gross revenue 817,041 580,132 12,473 1,409,646 116 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (164,195) (33,381) — (197,576) (16) % Total $ 652,846 $ 546,751 $ 12,473 $ 1,212,070 100 % 2018 Tuition and educational services $ 701,223 $ 472,754 $ — $ 1,173,977 103 % Other 99,015 51,485 2,072 152,572 13 % Gross revenue 800,238 524,239 2,072 1,326,549 116 % Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships (154,104) (27,871) — (181,975) (16) % Total $ 646,134 $ 496,368 $ 2,072 $ 1,144,574 100 %

Discontinued Operations and A_2

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Summary of Major Classes of Assets And Liabilities Reclassified To Held For Sale	Summarized operating results and cash flows of the Discontinued Operations are presented in the following table: For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Revenues $ 1,674,602 $ 2,539,995 $ 3,075,320 Depreciation and amortization expense (60,378) (111,376) (155,430) Share-based compensation expense (3,050) (2,669) (4,217) Other direct costs (1,313,258) (2,026,187) (2,436,416) Loss on impairment of assets (438,258) (691) (13,112) Other non-operating expense (68,553) (70,719) (91,132) Gain on sale of discontinued operations before taxes, net 25,048 793,475 293,114 Pretax (loss) income of discontinued operations (183,847) 1,121,828 668,127 Income tax expense (114,257) (33,681) (105,880) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax $ (298,104) $ 1,088,147 $ 562,247 Operating cash flows of discontinued operations $ 288,271 $ 315,406 $ 396,042 Investing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (48,428) $ (99,725) $ (169,082) Financing cash flows of discontinued operations $ (969) $ (103,583) $ (61,622) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets of Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents $ 270,164 $ 333,455 Receivables, net 113,386 209,704 Property and equipment, net 259,471 784,198 Goodwill and tradenames 1,202,496 1,668,971 Operating lease assets 136,806 399,345 Other assets 183,742 446,532 Valuation allowance on held-for-sale disposal groups (248,630) (43,079) Subtotal: assets of Discontinued Operations $ 1,917,435 $ 3,799,126 Other assets classified as Held for Sale Property and equipment, net — 8,403 Subtotal: other assets classified as held for sale $ — $ 8,403 Total assets held for sale $ 1,917,435 $ 3,807,529 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Liabilities of Discontinued Operations Deferred revenue and student deposits $ 87,793 $ 176,255 Operating leases, including current portion 151,413 388,202 Long-term debt, seller notes and finance leases, including current portion 171,451 304,355 Other liabilities 291,599 486,081 Total liabilities held for sale $ 702,256 $ 1,354,893
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Schedule of Asset Impairment	As a result of the impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Chile asset group exceeded its fair value by approximately $418,000 and recorded an impairment charge in that amount during the second quarter of 2020, as follows: Goodwill and tradenames $ 238,400 Land and buildings 80,600 Other long-lived assets 36,500 Operating lease right-of-use assets, net 62,500 Total Chile impairment $ 418,000

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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: 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

Business and Geographic Segme_2

Business and Geographic Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Financial Information	The following tables provide financial information for our reportable segments, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Mexico Peru Corporate Total 2020 Revenues $ 534,607 $ 482,878 $ 7,432 $ 1,024,917 Adjusted EBITDA 112,917 189,488 (96,708) 205,697 Depreciation and amortization expense 29,032 26,962 27,139 83,133 Loss on impairment of assets 989 — 350,982 351,971 Total assets 1,278,198 623,294 3,069,402 4,970,894 Expenditures for long-lived assets 13,377 18,505 8,376 40,258 2019 Revenues $ 652,846 $ 546,751 $ 12,473 $ 1,212,070 Adjusted EBITDA 147,807 197,828 (142,014) 203,621 Depreciation and amortization expense 31,132 27,703 23,145 81,980 Loss on impairment of assets — — 248 248 Total assets 1,315,377 643,473 4,537,573 6,496,423 Expenditures for long-lived assets 30,239 23,837 18,825 72,901 2018 Revenues $ 646,134 $ 496,368 $ 2,072 $ 1,144,574 Adjusted EBITDA 143,221 169,213 (172,875) 139,559 Depreciation and amortization expense 31,007 27,615 25,945 84,567 Loss on impairment of assets — — — — Expenditures for long-lived assets 31,376 28,847 27,279 87,502 In order to reconcile to total consolidated assets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 in the table above, assets held for sale related to Discontinued Operations of $1,917,435 and $3,799,126, respectively, are included in the Corporate amounts. For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments: Mexico $ 112,917 $ 147,807 $ 143,221 Peru 189,488 197,828 169,213 Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments 302,405 345,635 312,434 Reconciling items: Corporate (96,708) (142,014) (172,875) Depreciation and amortization expense (83,133) (81,980) (84,567) Loss on impairment of assets (351,971) (248) — Share-based compensation expense (10,248) (10,325) (6,575) EiP expenses (89,647) (75,048) (75,209) Operating loss (329,302) 36,020 (26,792) Interest income 2,169 3,294 2,814 Interest expense (100,894) (125,042) (188,431) Loss on debt extinguishment (610) (22,601) (7,481) (Loss) gain on derivatives (25,980) 8,300 88,476 Other (expense) income, net (2,420) 8,922 10,598 Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net 13,474 (8,125) 695 Loss on disposals of subsidiaries, net (7,276) (20,429) — Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates $ (450,839) $ (119,661) $ (120,121)
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, 2020 2019 2018 External Revenues (1) Mexico $ 532,530 $ 650,593 $ 643,348 Peru 482,819 545,291 493,008 United States 9,509 15,189 7,720 Other foreign countries 59 997 498 Consolidated total $ 1,024,917 $ 1,212,070 $ 1,144,574 (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, 2020 2019 Long-lived assets Mexico $ 229,613 $ 232,380 Peru 323,020 354,100 United States 25,851 54,150 Consolidated total $ 578,484 $ 640,630

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2018 through December 31, 2020 was composed of the following items: Mexico Peru Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 498,219 $ 80,300 $ 578,519 Acquisitions — — — Impairments — — — Currency translation adjustments 27,037 927 27,964 Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 525,256 $ 81,227 $ 606,483 Acquisitions — — — Impairments — — — Currency translation adjustments (25,006) (6,645) (31,651) Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 500,250 $ 74,582 $ 574,832
Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets	The following table summarizes our identifiable intangible assets as of December 31, 2020: Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs) Tradenames Finite-lived tradename $ 82,088 $ (7,583) $ 74,505 4.8 Indefinite-lived tradenames 151,068 — 151,068 — Total tradenames 233,156 (7,583) 225,573 Other intangible assets Student rosters 20,239 (20,239) — — Other 1,699 (1,699) — — Total $ 255,094 $ (29,521) $ 225,573 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) Tradenames Finite-lived tradename $ — $ — $ — — Indefinite-lived tradenames 562,137 — 562,137 — Total tradenames 562,137 — 562,137 Other intangible assets Student rosters $ 21,358 $ (21,358) $ — — Other 1,792 (1,792) — — Total $ 585,287 $ (23,150) $ 562,137
Schedule of Asset Impairment Charges	The following table summarizes the Loss on impairment of assets: For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Impairments of Tradenames $ 320,000 $ — $ — Impairments of Goodwill — — — Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net — — — Impairments of long-lived assets 31,971 248 — Total $ 351,971 $ 248 $ —

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt Outstanding	Outstanding long-term debt was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Senior long-term debt: Senior Secured Credit Facility (stated maturity date October 2024) $ — $ 202,400 Senior Notes (stated maturity date May 2025) 798,725 800,000 Total senior long-term debt 798,725 1,002,400 Other debt: Lines of credit 59,014 14,542 Notes payable and other debt 138,630 169,308 Total senior and other debt 996,369 1,186,250 Finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings 52,639 28,102 Total long-term debt and finance leases 1,049,008 1,214,352 Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs 53,292 62,911 Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 95,818 48,139 Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion $ 899,898 $ 1,103,302
Schedule of Aggregate Maturities of Debt	As of December 31, 2020 , 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 2021 $ 90,388 2022 38,243 2023 39,148 2024 28,102 2025 800,488 Thereafter — Total senior and other debt $ 996,369
Schedule Estimated Fair Values of Debt	The estimated fair value of our debt was as follows: December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Carrying amount Estimated fair value Carrying amount Estimated fair value Total senior and other debt $ 996,369 $ 1,043,294 $ 1,186,250 $ 1,248,110

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Assets And Liabilities	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Leases Classification 2020 2019 Assets: Operating Operating lease right-of-use assets, net $ 462,767 $ 521,764 Finance Buildings, Furniture, equipment and software, net 49,237 25,962 Total leased assets $ 512,004 $ 547,726 Liabilities: Current Operating Current portion of operating leases 44,631 42,039 Finance Current portion of long-term debt and finance leases 5,430 2,314 Non-current Operating Long-term operating leases, less current portion 474,507 516,979 Finance Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion 47,209 25,788 Total lease liabilities $ 571,777 $ 587,120 Lease Term and Discount Rate 2020 2019 Weighted average remaining lease terms Operating leases 9.9 years 6.5 years Finance leases 14.5 years 5.3 years Weighted average discount rate Operating leases 9.20 % 6.13 % Finance leases 9.50 % 4.50 %
Lease, Cost	The components of lease cost for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows: Lease Cost Classification 2020 2019 Operating lease cost Direct costs $ 68,488 $ 75,622 Finance lease cost Amortization of leased assets Direct costs 4,484 2,609 Interest on leased assets Interest expense 2,750 1,831 Short-term lease costs Direct costs 1,121 904 Variable lease costs Direct costs (877) 2,595 Sublease income Revenues (890) (2,826) Total lease cost $ 75,076 $ 80,735 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Other Information 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 69,881 $ 75,196 Operating cash flows from finance leases $ 2,750 $ 1,831 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 2,736 $ 1,267 Leased assets obtained for new finance lease liabilities $ 27,757 $ 24,774 Leased assets obtained for new operating lease liabilities $ 13,565 $ 10,038
Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity	As of December 31, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Maturity of Lease Liability Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 91,461 $ 9,724 Year 2 87,231 9,143 Year 3 84,988 8,448 Year 4 83,941 6,319 Year 5 82,191 4,915 Thereafter 338,167 85,403 Total lease payments $ 767,979 $ 123,952 Less: interest and inflation (248,841) (71,314) Present value of lease liabilities $ 519,138 $ 52,638
Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	As of December 31, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: Maturity of Lease Liability Operating Leases Finance Leases Year 1 $ 91,461 $ 9,724 Year 2 87,231 9,143 Year 3 84,988 8,448 Year 4 83,941 6,319 Year 5 82,191 4,915 Thereafter 338,167 85,403 Total lease payments $ 767,979 $ 123,952 Less: interest and inflation (248,841) (71,314) Present value of lease liabilities $ 519,138 $ 52,638

Share-based Compensation and _2

Share-based Compensation and Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of Share-Based Compensation Expense	Share-based compensation expense was as follows: For the years ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Continuing operations Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures $ 1,291 $ 3,101 $ (3,610) Restricted stock awards 8,957 7,224 10,184 Total continuing operations $ 10,248 $ 10,325 $ 6,574 Discontinued operations Share-based compensation expense for discontinued operations 3,050 2,669 4,217 Total continuing and discontinued operations $ 13,298 $ 12,994 $ 10,791
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 2020 2019 2018 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 5,388 $ 18.18 $ 3,396 9,020 $ 18.79 $ 744 9,903 $ 19.30 $ — Granted — — 698 14.99 717 14.27 Exercised (860) 17.60 2,353 (1,569) 16.95 794 — — — Forfeited or expired (1,100) 19.66 (2,761) 20.06 (1,600) 19.92 Outstanding at December 31 3,428 17.85 159 5,388 18.18 3,396 9,020 18.79 744 Exercisable at December 31 3,292 17.97 159 4,846 18.50 2,136 7,878 19.11 265 Vested and expected to vest 3,426 17.85 159 5,274 18.20 3,344 8,990 18.80 722
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, 2020 $13.97 - $15.55 748 6.84 625 6.58 1.99% - 3.05% 3.25 - 5.91 38.29% - 64.18% $16.38 - $17.89 2,247 2.72 2,235 2.68 1.38% -2.34% 3.20 - 7.12 35.20% - 58.84% $21.00 146 0.70 146 0.70 1.81% 4.00 57.79% $22.88 - $31.92 287 0.76 287 0.76 0.73% - 2.86% 4.00 - 6.52 39.03% - 53.80% 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% * 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, 2020, 2019 and 2018: 2020 2019 2018 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 1,251 $ 14.69 1,895 $ 15.31 1,650 $ 19.74 Granted 969 15.80 1,003 15.10 1,306 14.11 Vested (861) 14.11 (765) 16.18 (853) 21.66 Forfeited (359) 15.95 (882) 15.20 (208) 17.41 Non-vested at December 31 1,000 15.81 1,251 14.69 1,895 15.31

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 December 31, 2019 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: Current liabilities: Cross currency swaps $ 17,680 $ — Long-term liabilities: Cross currency swaps 8,144 — Total derivative instrument assets $ — $ — Total derivative instrument liabilities $ 25,824 $ —
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, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows: (Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion) Income Statement Location Gain Reclassified Total Consolidated Interest Expense 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 2020 2019 2018 Cash flow hedge Interest rate swaps $ — $ (11,818) $ 5,772 Interest expense $ — $ 11,818 $ 2,446 Net investment hedge Cross currency swaps — 3,868 7,937 N/A — — — Total $ — $ (7,950) $ 13,709 $ — $ 11,818 $ 2,446 $ (100,894) $ (125,042) $ (188,431)
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, 2020 2019 2018 Unrealized (Loss) Gain Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred $ — $ — $ (42,140) Cross currency and interest rate swaps (25,354) 4,022 257 Total unrealized (loss) gain (25,354) 4,022 (41,883) Realized (Loss) Gain Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred — — 140,320 Cross currency and interest rate swaps (626) 4,278 (9,961) Total realized (loss) gain (626) 4,278 130,359 Total (Loss) Gain Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred — — 98,180 Cross currency and interest rate swaps (25,980) 8,300 (9,704) (Loss) gain on derivatives, net $ (25,980) $ 8,300 $ 88,476

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Current: United States $ 6,391 $ 17,493 $ (33,123) Foreign (72,660) (77,421) (72,667) State — — — Total current (66,269) (59,928) (105,790) Deferred: United States 124,718 22,337 29,619 Foreign 25,612 6,265 4,814 State 46,008 285 161 Total deferred 196,338 28,887 34,594 Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 130,069 $ (31,041) $ (71,196)
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, 2020 2019 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards $ 410,456 $ 335,325 Depreciation 45,717 38,532 Deferred revenue 10,913 13,587 Allowance for doubtful accounts 13,552 9,772 Deferred compensation 16,997 20,551 Unrealized loss 3,128 5,395 Nondeductible reserves 24,835 27,062 Interest 32,282 8,630 Operating lease asset 140,500 158,189 Total deferred tax assets 698,380 617,043 Deferred tax liabilities: Investment in subsidiaries 71,183 86,906 Amortization of intangible assets 133,091 175,386 Operating lease liability 127,131 148,436 Other 1,918 3,137 Total deferred tax liabilities 333,323 413,865 Net deferred tax assets 365,057 203,178 Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (320,858) (324,119) Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) $ 44,199 $ (120,941)
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, 2020 2019 2018 Balance at beginning of period $ 324,119 $ 562,944 $ 624,487 (Deductions) additions from tax expense from continuing operations (19,879) 2,427 (61,373) Charges to other accounts Additions 16,618 — — Deductions — (241,252) (170) Balance at end of period $ 320,858 $ 324,119 $ 562,944
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, 2020 2019 2018 Tax benefit at the United States statutory rate $ 94,676 $ 19,566 $ 17,456 Permanent differences (24,184) (7,693) 6,008 Global Intangible Low Taxed Income 70,965 (38,305) (35,631) Netherlands intellectual property restructuring (32,425) — — State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect 36,343 5,783 4,445 Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate (5,534) (25,228) 33,451 Change in valuation allowance 3,241 (25,337) (46,171) Effect of tax contingencies 2,706 11,635 2,215 Tax credits (2,302) 26,436 — Withholding taxes (13,254) (869) (52,064) Other (163) 2,971 (905) Total income tax benefit (expense) $ 130,069 $ (31,041) $ (71,196)
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, 2020 2019 2018 Beginning of the period $ 56,395 $ 50,900 $ 69,801 Additions for tax positions related to prior years 3,582 — 1,640 Decreases for tax positions related to prior years — (1,338) (199) Additions for tax positions related to current year 327,142 8,585 8,731 Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations (1,836) (1,752) (1,500) Settlements for tax positions related to prior years — — (27,573) End of the period $ 385,283 $ 56,395 $ 50,900

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tabl

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 2019 2018 Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for continuing operations: Loss from continuing operations $ (320,598) $ (150,483) $ (191,317) Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 17 (98) (141) Loss from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. (320,581) (150,581) (191,458) Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity 149 (208) (292) Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value — — (559) Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock — — (61,974) Gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — — 74,110 Subtotal: accretion of reedemable noncontrolling interests and equity, and, for 2018, Series A Preferred Stock, net 149 (208) 11,285 Net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic earnings per share (320,432) (150,789) (180,173) Adjusted for: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock — — 61,974 Adjusted for: gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock — — (74,110) Net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share $ (320,432) $ (150,789) $ (192,309) Numerator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share for discontinued operations: (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (298,104) 1,088,147 562,247 Loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 5,354 918 (722) Net (loss) income from discontinued operations for basic and diluted earnings per share $ (292,750) $ 1,089,065 $ 561,525 Denominator used in basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding 209,710 221,928 212,769 Basic earnings (loss) per share: Loss from continuing operations $ (1.53) $ (0.68) $ (0.85) (Loss) income from discontinued operations (1.40) 4.91 2.64 Basic (loss) earnings per share $ (2.93) $ 4.23 $ 1.79 Diluted earnings (loss) per share: Loss from continuing operations $ (1.53) $ (0.68) $ (0.91) (Loss) income from discontinued operations (1.40) 4.91 2.64 Diluted (loss) earnings per share $ (2.93) $ 4.23 $ 1.73
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, 2020 2019 2018 Stock options 4,040 8,740 9,387 Restricted stock and RSUs 1,021 1,090 1,300

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020 were as follows: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets Derivative instruments $ — $ — $ — $ — Liabilities Derivative instruments $ 25,824 $ — $ 25,824 $ —

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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: 2020 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 285,219 $ 243,523 $ 303,856 $ 192,319 Operating costs and expenses 248,343 561,758 274,713 269,405 Operating income (loss) $ 36,876 $ (318,235) $ 29,143 $ (77,086) (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (244,095) $ (271,040) $ (11,559) $ 206,096 Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax 623,135 (513,390) (300,069) (107,780) Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests 279 (12) 3,805 1,299 Net income (loss) attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. 379,319 (784,442) (307,823) 99,615 Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (14) 6 201 (44) Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 379,305 $ (784,436) $ (307,622) $ 99,571 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (1.17) $ (1.29) $ (0.05) $ 0.98 Income (loss) from discontinued operations 2.98 (2.44) (1.41) (0.51) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 1.81 $ (3.73) $ (1.46) $ 0.47 2019 Quarters Ended Per share amounts in whole dollars December 31 September 30 June 30 March 31 Revenues $ 351,846 $ 277,267 $ 370,938 $ 212,019 Operating costs and expenses 294,527 295,678 318,963 266,882 Operating income (loss) $ 57,319 $ (18,411) $ 51,975 $ (54,863) Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 61,193 $ (86,649) $ 93,924 $ (218,951) (Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax (616) (10,145) 685,694 413,214 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) 781,594 191,241 Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity (472) (193) 194 263 Net income (loss) available to common stockholders $ 60,403 $ (95,419) $ 781,788 $ 191,504 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 0.28 $ (0.39) $ 0.42 $ (0.97) Income (loss) from discontinued operations — (0.04) 3.06 1.82 Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.28 $ (0.43) $ 3.48 $ 0.85

Other Financial Information (Ta

Other Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (loss) Included In Balance Sheet	The components of these balances were as follows: December 31, 2020 2019 Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Laureate Education, Inc. Noncontrolling Interests Total Foreign currency translation loss $ (951,456) $ 958 $ (950,498) $ (1,084,651) $ 326 $ (1,084,325) Unrealized gains on derivatives 10,416 — 10,416 10,416 — 10,416 Minimum pension liability adjustment (946) — (946) 254 — 254 Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (941,986) $ 958 $ (941,028) $ (1,073,981) $ 326 $ (1,073,655)
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, 2020 2019 2018 Net (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. $ (613,331) $ 938,484 $ 370,067 Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests (2,610) (3,700) (471) Change from net (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests $ (615,941) $ 934,784 $ 369,596

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2018 balance, to the amounts shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows: For the year ended December 31, 2020 2019 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 750,147 $ 61,576 $ 77,765 Restricted cash 117,151 36,241 47,852 Total Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ 867,298 $ 97,817 $ 125,617

Significant Accounting Polici_4

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)entity	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 285,219	$ 243,523	$ 303,856	$ 192,319	$ 351,846	$ 277,267	$ 370,938	$ 212,019	$ 1,024,917	$ 1,212,070	$ 1,144,574
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax	623,135	$ (513,390)	$ (300,069)	$ (107,780)	(616)	$ (10,145)	$ 685,694	$ 413,214
Receivables deemed uncollectible, period									2 years
Deferred online course development costs	15,258				22,326				$ 15,258	22,326
Deferred accreditation costs	241				287				241	287
Deferred costs, gross	33,361				39,465				33,361	39,465
Accumulated amortization of deferred costs	15,738				14,761				15,738	14,761
Unamortized balances of deferred financing costs	53,292				62,911				53,292	62,911
Advertising costs									45,318	53,819	52,537
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	462,767				521,764				462,767	521,764
Operating lease liabilities	$ 519,138								$ 519,138
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Estimated useful life (in years)		5 years
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Number of consolidated entities (entity) | entity									1
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									$ 482,819	545,291	$ 493,008
Undistributed foreign earnings					100					100
Commission and Bonuses
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Capitalized contract cost, net	$ 2,124				$ 2,091				$ 2,124	$ 2,091

Significant Accounting Polici_5

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Balances of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 60,465	$ 43,491	$ 39,176
Additions: charges to bad debt expense	44,707	20,324	23,107
Deductions	(28,478)	(3,350)	(18,792)
Balance at end of period	$ 76,694	$ 60,465	$ 43,491

Significant Accounting Polici_6

Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Depreciation and Amortization Periods (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,024,917	$ 1,212,070	$ 1,144,574
Percent of net revenues	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,117,933	$ 1,241,929	$ 1,173,977
Percent of net revenues	109.00%	102.00%	103.00%
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 131,065	$ 167,717	$ 152,572
Percent of net revenues	13.00%	14.00%	13.00%
Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,248,998	$ 1,409,646	$ 1,326,549
Percent of net revenues	122.00%	116.00%	116.00%
Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 224,081	$ 197,576	$ 181,975
Percent of net revenues	(22.00%)	(16.00%)	(16.00%)
Operating Segments | Mexico
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 534,607	$ 652,846	$ 646,134
Operating Segments | Mexico | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	634,956	715,817	701,223
Operating Segments | Mexico | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	81,764	101,224	99,015
Operating Segments | Mexico | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	716,720	817,041	800,238
Operating Segments | Mexico | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	182,113	164,195	154,104
Operating Segments | Peru
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	482,878	546,751	496,368
Operating Segments | Peru | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	482,977	526,112	472,754
Operating Segments | Peru | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	41,869	54,020	51,485
Operating Segments | Peru | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	524,846	580,132	524,239
Operating Segments | Peru | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	41,968	33,381	27,871
Corporate
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	7,432	12,473	2,072
Corporate | Tuition and educational services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0	0
Corporate | Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	7,432	12,473	2,072
Corporate | Gross revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	7,432	12,473	2,072
Corporate | Less: Discounts / waivers / scholarships
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Performance Obligations

Revenue Performance Obligations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2021-01-01
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Accounts and notes receivable	$ 138,738,000	$ 123,132,000
Deferred revenue and student deposits, current	47,180,000	54,849,000
Capitalized contract cost	4,000,000	3,000,000
Capitalized contract cost, accumulated amortization	1,900,000	900,000
Amortization of capitalized costs	1,100,000	700,000
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings	$ (176,822,000)	$ 436,509,000
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
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 | Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings			$ 1,400,000

Discontinued Operations and A_3

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Summarized operating results of the Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $114,257, $33,681 and $105,880, respectively	$ (298,104)	$ 1,088,147	$ 562,247
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]
Revenues	1,674,602	2,539,995	3,075,320
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization expense	(60,378)	(111,376)	(155,430)
Share-based compensation expense	(3,050)	(2,669)	(4,217)
Other direct costs	(1,313,258)	(2,026,187)	(2,436,416)
Loss on impairment of assets	(438,258)	(691)	(13,112)
Other non-operating expense	(68,553)	(70,719)	(91,132)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax expense of $114,257, $33,681 and $105,880, respectively	25,048	793,475	293,114
Pretax (loss) income of discontinued operations	(183,847)	1,121,828	668,127
Income tax expense	(114,257)	(33,681)	(105,880)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax	(298,104)	1,088,147	562,247
Operating cash flows of discontinued operations	288,271	315,406	396,042
Investing cash flows of discontinued operations	(48,428)	(99,725)	(169,082)
Financing cash flows of discontinued operations	$ (969)	$ (103,583)	$ (61,622)

Discontinued Operations and A_4

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Loss On Impairment of Assets and Pending Discontinued Operations (Details)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Nov. 02, 2020USD ($)

Nov. 02, 2020BRL (R$)

Oct. 13, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 11, 2020USD ($)

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

Long-lived assets

$ 578,484,000

$ 578,484,000

$ 640,630,000

Total Chile impairment

790,229,000

940,000

$ 13,110,000

Impairments of goodwill

0

0

Long-term liabilities held for sale

348,706,000

348,706,000

752,467,000

HONDURAS

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

Total Chile impairment

10,000,000

$ 10,000,000

Brazil

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

Impairments of goodwill

15,000,000

$ 190,000,000

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

438,258,000

691,000

$ 13,112,000

Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale | SAUDI ARABIA

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

Impairments of long-lived assets

3,080,000

Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale | University of Liverpool

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

Impairments of goodwill

$ 10,030,000

Peru | Chile

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

Total Chile impairment

$ 418,000,000

418,000,000

Accumulated foreign currency translation gain (losses)

293,000,000

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

$ 25,000,000

Total Chile impairment

$ 43,000,000

Rede Internacional de Universidades Laureate Ltda. | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Brazil | Anima

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 765,000,000

R$ 4400000000

Cash consideration

660,700,000

3,800,000,000

Incremental earn-out

$ 35,300,000

R$ 203000000

Walden e-Learning, LLC | 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

$ 1,480,000,000

Termination fee

$ 88,000,000

Fundacion Nasser | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | HONDURAS

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 29,800,000

Long-term liabilities held for sale

$ 29,500,000

$ 29,500,000

Discontinued Operations and A_5

Discontinued Operations and Assets Held for Sale - Schedule of Asset Impairments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total Chile impairment		$ 790,229	$ 940	$ 13,110
Chile | Peru
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Total Chile impairment	$ 418,000	418,000
Chile | Peru | Goodwill and tradenames
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Goodwill and tradenames		238,400
Chile | Peru | Land and buildings
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Tangible asset impairment charges		80,600
Chile | Peru | Other long-lived assets
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Tangible asset impairment charges		36,500
Chile | Peru | Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		$ 62,500

Discontinued Operations and A_6

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Total assets held for sale	$ 1,917,435	$ 3,807,529
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract]
Total liabilities held for sale	702,256	1,354,893
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	270,164	333,455
Receivables, net	113,386	209,704
Property and equipment, net	259,471	784,198
Goodwill and tradenames	1,202,496	1,668,971
Operating lease assets	136,806	399,345
Other assets	183,742	446,532
Valuation allowance on held-for-sale disposal groups	(248,630)	(43,079)
Total assets held for sale	1,917,435	3,799,126
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred revenue and student deposits	87,793	176,255
Operating leases, including current portion	151,413	388,202
Long-term debt, seller notes and finance leases, including current portion	171,451	304,355
Other liabilities	291,599	486,081
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Total assets held for sale	0	8,403
UniNorte Brazil | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net	$ 0	$ 8,403

Acquisitions - Narrative (Detai

Acquisitions - Narrative (Details) S/ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Nov. 05, 2018USD ($)	Nov. 05, 2018PEN (S/)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired			$ 0	$ 1,205	$ 17,019
Avansys
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration transferred in business combination	$ 18,900	S/ 63,000
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 17,019

Acquisitions - Summary of asset

Acquisitions - Summary of assets acquired and the liabilities assumed in acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 05, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 574,832	$ 606,483	$ 578,519
Net cash paid at acquisition		$ 0	$ 1,205	$ 17,019
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

Dispositions (Details)

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

Sep. 29, 2020USD ($)

Sep. 11, 2020USD ($)

Mar. 06, 2020USD ($)

Feb. 28, 2020campus

Jan. 10, 2020USD ($)

Nov. 01, 2019USD ($)

Oct. 01, 2019USD ($)

Aug. 27, 2019USD ($)

May 31, 2019USD ($)company

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, 2018HKD ($)

Jan. 25, 2018CNY (¥)

Jan. 15, 2018USD ($)

Jan. 11, 2018USD ($)

Jan. 11, 2018EUR (€)

Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020HKD ($)

Jan. 31, 2020USD ($)

Aug. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)performanceMetric

Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)

Nov. 03, 2020USD ($)

Nov. 02, 2020USD ($)

Nov. 02, 2020BRL (R$)

Oct. 01, 2020USD ($)

May 31, 2019EUR (€)company

Apr. 08, 2019ZAR (R)

Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)

Nov. 29, 2017MAD (د.م.)

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

Payments on long-term debt

$ 705,353,000

$ 2,507,790,000

$ 867,915,000

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$ 125,617,000

$ 867,298,000

$ 97,817,000

867,298,000

97,817,000

125,617,000

$ 123,942,000

Loss on disposals of subsidiaries, net

(7,276,000)

(20,429,000)

0

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

(1,198,000)

370,000

635,000

Payments to purchase noncontrolling interests

13,716,000

5,761,000

127,000

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

676,569,000

1,266,042,000

375,807,000

Total Chile impairment

(790,229,000)

(940,000)

(13,110,000)

Chile | Peru

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

Accumulated foreign currency translation gain (losses)

293,000,000

Total Chile impairment

$ (418,000,000)

(418,000,000)

Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale

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

Cash and cash equivalents

270,164,000

333,455,000

270,164,000

333,455,000

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

LEI Lie Ying Limited | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale

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

Amount receivable, noncurrent

25,900,000

25,900,000

Final holdback payment

$ 18,300,000

$ 141,647

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

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 | 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 | 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

ANZ Target Companies and Their Subsidiaries

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

Net proceeds from dispositions

624,200,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

555,800,000

Fundacion Educacion y Cultura | 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

$ 195,300,000

Quarterly consideration receivable period

1 year

Amount receivable, noncurrent

$ 21,500,000

Loss on disposals of subsidiaries, net

(338,200,000)

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 288,000,000

Turkey Operations | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | TURKEY

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 15,000,000

Net proceeds from divestiture

$ 8,436,000

Receivable agreement period

1 year

Campus Guadalajara Norte Sale | 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

$ 13,900,000

Net proceeds from divestiture

$ 7,000,000

Quarterly consideration receivable period

1 year

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ 5,800,000

Consideration receivable

$ 6,900,000

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

Exeter Street Holdings, LLC | NewSchool of Architecture and Design, LLC | 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

$ 1

Quarterly consideration receivable period

4 years

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

(5,900,000)

Disposal group, including discontinued operations, percent of ownership sold

100.00%

Consideration, subsidies

$ 7,300,000

Consideration receivable

2,800,000

2,800,000

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

Number of companies | company

3

3

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

INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd | Malaysia

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

Taxes withheld

$ 4,200,000

Education Holding Cost Rica, S.R.L. | Costa Rica Operations | 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

$ 15,000,000

Net proceeds from dispositions

1,800,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ (18,600,000)

(43,600,000)

Total Chile impairment

$ 25,000,000

Education Holding Cost Rica, S.R.L. | Costa Rica Operations | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Certain Performance Metrics

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 7,000,000

$ 5,000,000

$ 5,000,000

Contingent consideration, performance metrics period

2 years

Amounts of material contingent liabilities remaining

$ 30,000,000

Contingent consideration, performance metrics met | performanceMetric

1

Anima | Rede Internacional de Universidades Laureate Ltda. | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale | Brazil

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

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 765,000,000

R$ 4400000000

Cash consideration

660,700,000

3,800,000,000

Incremental earn-out

$ 35,300,000

R$ 203000000

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]

Consideration received from dispositions

$ 1

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

$ (17,200,000)

Payment for guarantor obligation, construction contract

14,000,000

Payment for guarantor obligation, working capital adjustment

$ 2,100,000

Post closing term

10 years

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 | 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%

Affiliated Entity | INTI Education Holdings Sdn Bhd | Malaysia

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

Consideration received from dispositions

140,000,000

$ 13,700,000

Gain (loss) on disposition of business

47,900,000

Number of campuses | campus

5

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

10.10%

Cash and cash equivalents

19,500,000

Deposit liability

5,000,000

Receipt from sales, net of cash sold and property and equipment

$ 116,300,000

Taxes withheld

$ 420,000

$ 420,000

Business and Geographic Segme_3

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)campuseducationalInstitutionsegment	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments (segment) | segment	2
Assets | $	$ 4,970,894	$ 6,496,423
Brazil
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution)	10
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Public Universities enrollment of students in post-secondary education, percent	3500.00%
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution)	2
Number of campuses | campus	35
Peru
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Public Universities enrollment of students in post-secondary education, percent	7200.00%
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution)	3
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets | $	$ 1,917,435	$ 3,799,126

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 285,219	$ 243,523	$ 303,856	$ 192,319	$ 351,846	$ 277,267	$ 370,938	$ 212,019	$ 1,024,917	$ 1,212,070	$ 1,144,574
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									302,405	345,635	312,434
Total Chile impairment									790,229	940	13,110
Total assets	4,970,894				6,496,423				4,970,894	6,496,423
Reconciling items:
Loss on impairment of assets									(790,229)	(940)	(13,110)
Share-based compensation expense									(13,298)	(12,994)	(10,791)
Operating (loss) income	36,876	$ (318,235)	$ 29,143	$ (77,086)	57,319	$ (18,411)	$ 51,975	$ (54,863)	(329,302)	36,020	(26,792)
Interest income									2,169	3,294	2,814
Interest expense									(100,894)	(125,042)	(188,431)
Loss on debt extinguishment									(610)	(22,601)	(7,481)
(Loss) gain on derivatives									25,980	(8,300)	(88,476)
Other (expense) income, net									(2,420)	8,922	10,598
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net									13,474	(8,125)	695
Loss on disposals of subsidiaries, net									(7,276)	(20,429)	0
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates									(450,839)	(119,661)	(120,121)
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,024,917	1,212,070	1,144,574
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									205,697	203,621	139,559
Depreciation and amortization expense									83,133	81,980	84,567
Total Chile impairment									351,971	248	0
Total assets	4,970,894				6,496,423				4,970,894	6,496,423
Expenditures for long-lived assets									40,258	72,901	87,502
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(83,133)	(81,980)	(84,567)
Loss on impairment of assets									(351,971)	(248)	0
Corporate and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									7,432	12,473	2,072
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									(96,708)	(142,014)	(172,875)
Depreciation and amortization expense									27,139	23,145	25,945
Total Chile impairment									350,982	248	0
Total assets	3,069,402				4,537,573				3,069,402	4,537,573
Expenditures for long-lived assets									8,376	18,825	27,279
Reconciling items:
Corporate									(96,708)	(142,014)	(172,875)
Depreciation and amortization expense									(27,139)	(23,145)	(25,945)
Loss on impairment of assets									(350,982)	(248)	0
Reconciling items
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense									83,133	81,980	84,567
Total Chile impairment									351,971	248	0
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(83,133)	(81,980)	(84,567)
Loss on impairment of assets									(351,971)	(248)	0
Share-based compensation expense									(10,248)	(10,325)	(6,575)
EiP expenses									(89,647)	(75,048)	(75,209)
Operating (loss) income									(329,302)	36,020	(26,792)
Interest income									2,169	3,294	2,814
Interest expense									(100,894)	(125,042)	(188,431)
Loss on debt extinguishment									(610)	(22,601)	(7,481)
(Loss) gain on derivatives									(25,980)	8,300	88,476
Other (expense) income, net									(2,420)	8,922	10,598
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net									13,474	(8,125)	695
Loss on disposals of subsidiaries, net									(7,276)	(20,429)	0
Mexico | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									534,607	652,846	646,134
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									112,917	147,807	143,221
Depreciation and amortization expense									29,032	31,132	31,007
Total Chile impairment									989	0	0
Total assets	1,278,198				1,315,377				1,278,198	1,315,377
Expenditures for long-lived assets									13,377	30,239	31,376
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(29,032)	(31,132)	(31,007)
Loss on impairment of assets									(989)	0	0
Peru | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									482,878	546,751	496,368
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments									189,488	197,828	169,213
Depreciation and amortization expense									26,962	27,703	27,615
Total Chile impairment									0	0	0
Total assets	$ 623,294				$ 643,473				623,294	643,473
Expenditures for long-lived assets									18,505	23,837	28,847
Reconciling items:
Depreciation and amortization expense									(26,962)	(27,703)	(27,615)
Loss on impairment of assets									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Business and Geographic Segme_5

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Revenue from Customers by Geographical Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 285,219	$ 243,523	$ 303,856	$ 192,319	$ 351,846	$ 277,267	$ 370,938	$ 212,019	$ 1,024,917	$ 1,212,070	$ 1,144,574
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									532,530	650,593	643,348
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									9,509	15,189	7,720
Peru
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									482,819	545,291	493,008
Other foreign countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 59	$ 997	$ 498

Business and Geographic Segme_6

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 578,484	$ 640,630
Peru
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	323,020	354,100
Mexico
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	229,613	232,380
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 25,851	$ 54,150

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Change in the Net Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 606,483	$ 578,519
Acquisitions	0	0
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	(31,651)	27,964
Balance, end of period	574,832	606,483
Mexico
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	525,256	498,219
Acquisitions	0	0
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	(25,006)	27,037
Balance, end of period	500,250	525,256
Andean
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	81,227	80,300
Acquisitions	0	0
Impairments	0	0
Currency translation adjustments	(6,645)	927
Balance, end of period	$ 74,582	$ 81,227

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense for intangible assets			$ 7,583,000	$ 0	$ 0
2021			25,928,000
2022			12,954,000
2023			12,954,000
2024			12,954,000
2025			9,715,000
Thereafter			0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Tradenames, net			225,573,000	$ 562,137,000
Software and Software Development Costs | Corporate Segment
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other assets, fair value			$ 0
Tangible asset impairment charges		$ 23,800,000
Software and Software Development Costs | Brazil
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Tangible asset impairment charges		3,300,000
Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets, finite-lived		$ 320,000,000
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Yrs)			4 years 9 months 18 days
Original useful life	5 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Identifiable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	$ (29,521)	$ (23,150)
Tradenames, net	225,573	562,137
Gross Carrying Amount	255,094	585,287
Net Carrying Amount	225,573	562,137
Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	(7,583)
Gross Carrying Amount	233,156
Net Carrying Amount	225,573
Student rosters
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	20,239	21,358
Accumulated Amortization	(20,239)	(21,358)
Total	0	0
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,699	1,792
Accumulated Amortization	(1,699)	(1,792)
Total	0	0
Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount	82,088
Accumulated Amortization	(7,583)
Total	$ 74,505
Estimated useful life (in years)	4 years 9 months 18 days
Tradenames
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Gross Carrying Amount		0
Accumulated Amortization		0
Tradenames, net	$ 151,068	562,137
Total		$ 0

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Asset Impairment Charges (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairments of Goodwill	$ 0	$ 0
Total Chile impairment	790,229	940	$ 13,110
Continuing operations
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairments of Tradenames	320,000	0	0
Impairments of Goodwill	0	0	0
Impairments of Deferred costs and Other intangible assets, net	0	0	0
Impairments of long-lived assets	31,971	248	0
Total Chile impairment	$ 351,971	$ 248	$ 0

Debt - Schedule of Long-term De

Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Finance lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings	$ 52,639
Capital lease obligations and sale-leaseback financings		$ 28,102
Total long-term debt and finance leases	1,049,008	1,214,352
Less: total unamortized deferred financing costs	53,292	62,911
Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance leases	95,818	48,139
Long-term debt and finance leases, less current portion	899,898	1,103,302
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	798,725	800,000
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	59,014	14,542
Notes payable and other debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	138,630	169,308
Senior and Other Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	996,369	1,186,250
Senior Long-term Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	798,725	1,002,400
Secured Credit Facility | Senior Secured Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 0	$ 202,400

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate An

Debt - Schedule of Aggregate Annual Maturities of Debt (Details) - Senior and Other Debt $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2021	$ 90,388
2022	38,243
2023	39,148
2024	28,102
2025	800,488
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 996,369

Debt - Debt Refinancing and Sen

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

Oct. 07, 2019

Feb. 01, 2019

Feb. 01, 2018

Apr. 26, 2017

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 14, 2020

Nov. 16, 2020

Nov. 12, 2020

Oct. 13, 2020

Mar. 31, 2020

Jun. 30, 2017

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchase payments of long term debt

$ 705,353,000

$ 2,507,790,000

$ 867,915,000

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 | 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

0

$ 202,400,000

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 | 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

798,725,000

$ 800,000,000

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 | Senior Notes, 8.250%, Due 2025, First Sale Offer

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 300,000,000

Senior Notes | Senior Notes, 8.250%, Due 2025

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 500,000

$ 775,000

$ 300,000

Senior Notes | Senior Notes, 8.250%, Due 2025, Second Asset Sale Offer

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 650,000,000

Lines of credit

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total senior and other debt

59,014,000

14,542,000

Debt outstanding

$ 59,014,000

14,542,000

Lines of credit | Minimum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total interest rate

2.10%

Lines of credit | Maximum

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total interest rate

7.93%

Lines of credit | Secured Credit Facility | Walden University

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Receivables and intangibles pledged as collateral

$ 407,267,000

400,484,000

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

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 | 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

0.0100

Senior Notes, 8.250%, Due 2025

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Total senior and other debt

$ 798,725,000

$ 800,000,000

Debt - Schedule Estimated Fair

Debt - Schedule Estimated Fair Values of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Carrying amount
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 996,369	$ 1,186,250
Estimated fair value
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior and other debt	$ 1,043,294	$ 1,248,110

Debt - Certain Covenants (Detai

Debt - Certain Covenants (Details) - Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
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 Three
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Required minimum Debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio		3.50

Debt - Debt Modification and Lo

Debt - Debt Modification and Loss on Debt Extinguishment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Feb. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on debt extinguishment		$ 610	$ 22,601	$ 7,481
Deferred financing costs		$ 669	$ 1,368	$ 61
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-cash interest expense	$ 10,103	$ 10,370	$ 11,187
Deferred financing costs	669	1,368	$ 61
Unamortized balances of deferred financing costs	$ 53,292	$ 62,911

Debt - Other Debt (Details)

Debt - Other Debt (Details)	Dec. 22, 2017PEN (S/)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)campus	Dec. 31, 2020MXN ($)campus	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020MXN ($)	Dec. 31, 2020PEN (S/)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017MXN ($)	Dec. 22, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2017PEN (S/)	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015MXN ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of long-term debt		$ 705,353,000		$ 2,507,790,000	$ 867,915,000
Lines of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding		59,014,000		$ 14,542,000
Available borrowing capacity		$ 0
Short-term debt, weighted average interest rate		6.13%		7.93%		6.13%	6.13%
Lines of credit | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate		2.10%				2.10%	2.10%
Lines of credit | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate		7.93%				7.93%	7.93%
Notes payable and other debt | Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding		$ 12,694,000		$ 23,480,000
Notes payable and other debt | Minimum | Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		2.10%		7.85%		2.10%	2.10%
Notes payable and other debt | Maximum | Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate		7.85%		8.70%		7.85%	7.85%
Notes payable and other debt | Secured Notes Payable | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate		2.10%		5.75%		2.10%	2.10%
Notes payable and other debt | Secured Notes Payable | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate		10.25%		10.25%		10.25%	10.25%
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated in 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total interest rate				9.06%
Debt outstanding				$ 77,569,000
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		$ 68,013,000
Loan amount								$ 89,000,000	$ 1,700,000,000
Balloon payment		$ 21,388,000				$ 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		5.98%	5.98%
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments		$ 2,139,000	$ 42,500,000
Notes payable and other debt | UVM Mexico Loan Originated In 2017 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly principal payments		3,850,000	$ 76,500,000
Notes payable and other debt | Financing of Construction of Campuses | Peru
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding		$ 13,361,000		14,542,000
Number of financed campuses (campus) | campus		2	2
Weighted average short term borrowing rate		7.93%				7.93%	7.93%
Notes payable and other debt | Subsidiary of the Company Borrowing Agreement | Peru
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt outstanding		$ 44,029,000		$ 52,278,000
Loan amount										$ 76,000,000	S/ 247,500,000
Balloon payment		4,003,000					S/ 14,438,000
Interest rate										6.62%	6.62%
Periodic principal payment	S/ 9,281,000	$ 2,573,000

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets:
Operating	$ 462,767	$ 521,764
Finance	49,237	25,962
Total leased assets	512,004	547,726
Current
Operating	44,631	42,039
Finance	5,430	2,314
Non-current
Operating	474,507	516,979
Finance	47,209	25,788
Total lease liabilities	$ 571,777	$ 587,120

Leases Lease Term and Discount

Leases Lease Term and Discount Rate (Details)	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease terms
Operating leases	9 years 10 months 24 days	6 years 6 months
Finance leases	14 years 6 months	5 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases	9.20%	6.13%
Finance leases	9.50%	4.50%

Leases Components of Lease Expe

Leases Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 68,488	$ 75,622
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets	4,484	2,609
Interest on leased assets	2,750	1,831
Short-term Lease, Cost	1,121	904
Variable Lease, Cost	(877)	2,595
Sublease Income	(890)	(2,826)
Total lease cost	$ 75,076	$ 80,735

Leases Schedule of Minimum Leas

Leases Schedule of Minimum Lease Payments and Sublease Income (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)
Operating Leases
Year 1	$ 91,461
Year 2	87,231
Year 3	84,988
Year 4	83,941
Year 5	82,191
Thereafter	338,167
Total lease payments	767,979
Less: interest and inflation	(248,841)
Present value of lease liabilities	519,138
Finance Leases
Year 1	9,724
Year 2	9,143
Year 3	8,448
Year 4	6,319
Year 5	4,915
Thereafter	85,403
Total lease payments	123,952
Less: interest and inflation	(71,314)
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 52,638

Leases Other Information (Detai

Leases Other Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Cash Flow, Operating Activities, Lessee [Abstract]
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 69,881	$ 75,196
Operating cash flows from finance leases	2,750	1,831
Financing cash flows from finance leases	2,736	1,267
Leased assets obtained for new finance lease liabilities	27,757	24,774
Leased assets obtained for new operating lease liabilities	$ 13,565	$ 10,038

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Noncontrolling Interest Holder Put Agreements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity	$ 1,724	$ 12,295

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies - Loss Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Long-term indemnification assets		$ 55,940	$ 69,040
UAM Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, noncontrolling owners, ownership percent	49.00%
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		40,877	46,284
Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale | Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Sales-type and direct financing leases, lease receivable		14,000	19
Pending Litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded		8,300	5,800
Pending Litigation | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded		$ 23,800	26,300
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		$ 5,619	6,381	$ 4,166
Income Tax Contingencies
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded		40,668	51,442
Income Tax Contingencies | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Contingent liabilities recorded		11,752	21,429
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		38,355	44,595
Other Noncurrent Liabilities | Taxes, Other-Than-Income Tax | Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, noncurrent		$ 37,794	$ 41,560

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 ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)
Surety Bond
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Guarantee amount, maximum potential amount of payments		$ 17,094,000		$ 25,582,000
Cash Collateralized Letter Of Credit - Spain Tax Audits
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		11,500,000	€ 9,443	5,500,000	€ 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
Bond term	5 years
Kendall College, St. Augustine, Walden University, and NewSchool of Architecture and Design
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		$ 83,600,000		$ 127,300,000

Share-based Compensation and _3

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Summary of Share-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation	$ 13,298	$ 12,994	$ 10,791
Continuing operations
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation	10,248	10,325	6,574
Continuing operations | Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation	1,291	3,101	(3,610)
Continuing operations | Restricted stock awards
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation	8,957	7,224	10,184
Discontinued operations
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items]
Total non-cash stock compensation	$ 3,050	$ 2,669	$ 4,217

Share-based Compensation and _4

Share-based Compensation and Equity - Incentive Plans (Details) - shares	Jun. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Aug. 31, 2007
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted in the period (in shares)				0	698,000	717,000
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period				1 month 6 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
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)				0	698,000	690,000
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, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted in the period (in shares)	0	698	717
Exercise price of stock options granted in the period (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 14.99	$ 14.27
Stock compensation expense	$ 13,298	$ 12,994	$ 10,791

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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise prices (in dollars per share)	$ 17.85	$ 18.18	$ 18.79	$ 19.30
Number of stock options outstanding (in shares)	3,428	5,388	9,020	9,903
Stock compensation expense	$ 13,298	$ 12,994	$ 10,791
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options	$ 821

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Options
Outstanding, of period (in shares)	5,388	9,020	9,903
Granted (in shares)	0	698	717
Exercised (in shares)	(860)	(1,569)	0
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	(1,100)	(2,761)	(1,600)
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	3,428	5,388	9,020
Exercisable (in shares)	3,292	4,846	7,878
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	3,426	5,274	8,990
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$ 18.18	$ 18.79	$ 19.30
Granted (in dollars per share)	0	14.99	14.27
Exercised (in dollars per share)	17.60	16.95	0
Forfeited or expired (in dollars per share)	19.66	20.06	19.92
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	17.85	18.18	18.79
Exercisable (in dollars per share)	17.97	18.50	19.11
Vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$ 17.85	$ 18.20	$ 18.80
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of period	$ 3,396	$ 744	$ 0
Exercised	2,353	794	0
Outstanding, end of period	159	3,396	744
Exercisable intrinsic value	159	2,136	265
Vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value	$ 159	$ 3,344	$ 722

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 17.85	$ 18.18	$ 18.79	$ 19.30
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	3,428,000	5,388,000	9,020,000	9,903,000
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	3,292,000	4,846,000	7,878,000
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%
$13.97 - $15.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	748,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	6 years 10 months 2 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	625,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	6 years 6 months 29 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	1.99%
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 3 months
$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
$16.38 - $17.89
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	2,247,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	2 years 8 months 19 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	2,235,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	2 years 8 months 4 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum	1.38%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum	2.34%
Expected Volatility, Minimum	35.20%
Expected Volatility, Maximum	58.84%
$16.38 - $17.89 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 16.38
Expected Terms in Years	3 years 2 months 12 days
$16.38 - $17.89 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 17.89
Expected Terms in Years	7 years 1 month 13 days
$21.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices	$ 21
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	146,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	8 months 12 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	146,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	8 months 12 days
Risk Free Interest Rate	1.81%
Expected Terms in Years	4 years
Expected Volatility	57.79%
$22.88 - $31.92
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)	287,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)	9 months 3 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)	287,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (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
$13.97 - $15.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares)		944,000	674,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		7 years 10 months 20 days	8 years 3 months 21 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		524,000	250,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		7 years 21 days	7 years 11 months 23 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		1.81%	1.81%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		3.05%	3.05%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		38.29%	49.98%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		64.18%	64.18%
$13.97 - $15.55 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 13.97	$ 13.97
Expected Terms in Years		3 years 3 months	3 years 3 months
$13.97 - $15.55 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 15.55	$ 15.55
Expected Terms in Years		5 years 10 months 28 days	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)		3,597,000	5,730,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		3 years 1 month 13 days	3 years 8 months 8 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		3,475,000	5,013,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		2 years 11 months 12 days	3 years 6 months
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		1.38%	0.49%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		2.94%	2.94%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		35.20%	36.04%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		58.84%	69.74%
$17.00 - $19.56 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 17	$ 17
Expected Terms in Years		2 years 7 months 6 days	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	$ 19.56
Expected Terms in Years		10 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)		330,000	1,917,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		1 year 1 month 2 days	1 year 4 months 20 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		330,000	1,916,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		1 year 1 month 2 days	1 year 4 months 20 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.68%	0.68%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		2.61%	2.60%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		38.16%	38.16%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		57.79%	69.74%
$21.00 - $21.52 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 21	$ 21
Expected Terms in Years		3 years 9 months 14 days	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	$ 21.52
Expected Terms in Years		6 years 6 months 18 days	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)		517,000	699,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		1 year 5 months 8 days	2 years 6 months 10 days
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares)		517,000	699,000
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)		1 year 5 months 8 days	2 years 6 months 10 days
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Minimum		0.60%	0.60%
Risk-Free Interest Rate, Maximum		3.03%	2.93%
Expected Volatility, Minimum		36.93%	36.93%
Expected Volatility, Maximum		53.80%	53.80%
$22.32 - $31.92 | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 22.32	$ 22.32
Expected Terms in Years		3 years 2 months 4 days	4 years
$22.32 - $31.92 | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise Prices		$ 31.92	$ 31.92
Expected Terms in Years		6 years 6 months 7 days	6 years 6 months 7 days

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted (in dollars per share)		$ 0	$ 6.05	$ 7.67
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 821
Stock options, net of estimated forfeitures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 month 6 days
Employee Stock Time Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 821
Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock compensation expense not yet recognized, options		$ 0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period		1 year
Stock compensation costs not yet recognized, awards other than options		$ 8,300
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		5,331
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		2,967
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		$ 2
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Shares
Non-vested, beginning of period (in shares)	1,251	1,895	1,650
Granted (in shares)	969	1,003	1,306
Vested (in shares)	(861)	(765)	(853)
Forfeited (in shares)	(359)	(882)	(208)
Non-vested, end of period (in shares)	1,000	1,251	1,895
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 14.69	$ 15.31	$ 19.74
Granted (in dollars per share)	15.80	15.10	14.11
Vested (in dollars per share)	14.11	16.18	21.66
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	15.95	15.20	17.41
Non-vested, end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 15.81	$ 14.69	$ 15.31

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	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity							$ 0	$ 0	$ (61,974)
Gain upon conversion of Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock							0	0	74,110
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity							$ 0	$ 0	(61,974)
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
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
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity									(61,974)
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)
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]
Reclassification of Series A Preferred Stock upon conversion (in shares)	36,143,000
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) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2020	Dec. 14, 2020	Nov. 16, 2020	Oct. 13, 2020	Oct. 14, 2019	Aug. 08, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchased during period (in shares)	1,619,000
Stock repurchased during period	$ 29,203,000
Senior Notes, 8.250%, Due 2025 | Senior Notes
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Loan amount		$ 500,000	$ 775,000	$ 300,000
Common Class A
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						$ 150,000,000
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative liabilities
Derivative asset		$ 0
Total derivative instrument liabilities		0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross currency swaps
Derivative liabilities
Derivative liability, current	$ 17,680	0
Derivative liability, noncurrent	$ 8,144	$ 0

Derivative Instruments - Deriva

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Narrative (Details) R$ in Millions

Apr. 15, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 04, 2019USD ($)$ / €

May 15, 2019USD ($)

Aug. 21, 2018USD ($)

Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)

Jun. 15, 2020USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / €

Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)swapAgreement

Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)derivativeInstrument

Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)$ / €

Nov. 20, 2020USD ($)educationalInstitutionderivativeInstrumentR$ / $

Nov. 20, 2020BRL (R$)educationalInstitutionderivativeInstrumentR$ / $

Sep. 30, 2020AUD ($)swapAgreement

Apr. 08, 2020USD ($)$ / €

Apr. 08, 2020EUR (€)$ / €

May 31, 2019USD ($)$ / €

May 31, 2019EUR (€)$ / €

May 01, 2019swapAgreement

Apr. 30, 2019EUR (€)swapAgreement

May 31, 2017USD ($)derivativeInstrument

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)

$ 0

$ (7,950,000)

$ 13,709,000

Derivative liability

$ 0

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative liability

25,824,000

Level 3 | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative liability

0

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: | 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) | derivativeInstrument

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) | derivativeInstrument

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

€ 50,000,000

Implied exchange rate

1.1842

1.1842

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument One | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Swaption interest rate

5.63%

5.63%

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument One | United States of America, Dollars

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Swaption interest rate

8.25%

8.25%

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Two

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, notional amount

$ 59,360,000

€ 50,000,000

Implied exchange rate

1.1872

1.1872

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Two | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Swaption interest rate

5.6675%

5.6675%

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Hedging | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Two | United States of America, Dollars

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Swaption interest rate

8.25%

8.25%

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Cross Currency Swaps

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium

$ 18,294,000

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Cross Currency Swaps | Brazil, Brazil Real

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | derivativeInstrument

6

6

Derivative, notional amount

$ 343,783,000

R$ 1875

Derivative, swap type, variable price | R$ / $

5.4540

5.4540

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Cross Currency Swaps | Brazil, Brazil Real | Put/Call Options

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Number of interest rate derivatives held (derivative instrument) | educationalInstitution

4

4

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Net Investment Cross Currency Swaps | Australia, Dollars

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, notional amount

$ 13,713,000

€ 21,000,000

$ 12,921,000

€ 21,000

Derivative, swap type, variable price | $ / €

0.6530

0.6530

0.6153

0.6153

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

$ (1,340,000)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Two | Australia, Dollars

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, notional amount

$ 12,999,000

€ 21,000,000

Derivative, swap type, variable price | $ / €

0.6190

0.6190

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives

$ 714,000

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Three and Four | Brazil, Brazil Real

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, notional amount | R$

R$ 1900

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Current Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Three | Brazil, Brazil Real

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, notional amount | R$

R$ 950

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Current Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Three | Brazil, Brazil Real | Minimum

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, swap type, variable price | R$ / $

5.484143

5.484143

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Current Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Three | Brazil, Brazil Real | Maximum

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, swap type, variable price | R$ / $

5.678624

5.678624

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Current Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Four | Brazil, Brazil Real

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, notional amount | R$

R$ 950

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Current Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Four | Brazil, Brazil Real | Minimum

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, swap type, variable price | R$ / $

5.44706

5.44706

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Current Interest Rate Contract, Instrument Four | Brazil, Brazil Real | Maximum

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Derivative, swap type, variable price | R$ / $

5.63255

5.63255

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement

2

9

Derivative liability, current

$ 17,680,000

$ 0

Derivative liability, noncurrent

8,144,000

0

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps | Euro Member Countries, Euro

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement

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 (loss) on derivatives

$ (565,000)

$ 1,644,000

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | Cross Currency Swaps | Australia, Dollars

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement

2

Derivative, notional amount

7,443,000

$ 11,000,000

Derivative, swap type, variable price

0.6766

Interest Expense | Interest Rate Swaps

Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]

(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)

$ 0

$ (11,818,000)

$ 5,772,000

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	$ 0	$ (7,950)	$ 13,709
Gain Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	0	11,818	2,446
Interest expense	(100,894)	(125,042)	(188,431)
Interest rate swaps | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	0	(11,818)	5,772
Gain Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	0	11,818	(2,446)
Cross currency swaps
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
(Loss) Gain Recognized in Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	0	3,868	7,937
Gain Reclassified from AOCI to Income (Effective Portion)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Derivative Instruments - Deri_2

Derivative Instruments - Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Details) - Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments: R$ in Millions	Jun. 04, 2019USD ($)$ / €	May 15, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2019USD ($)	Jan. 16, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 15, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / €	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)$ / €	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)swapAgreement$ / €	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)$ / €	Nov. 20, 2020USD ($)educationalInstitutionderivativeInstrumentR$ / $	Nov. 20, 2020BRL (R$)educationalInstitutionderivativeInstrumentR$ / $	Sep. 30, 2020MXN ($)swapAgreement	Sep. 30, 2020AUD ($)swapAgreement	Apr. 08, 2020USD ($)$ / €	Apr. 08, 2020EUR (€)$ / €	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)swapAgreement$ / €	May 31, 2019USD ($)$ / €	May 31, 2019EUR (€)$ / €	May 01, 2019swapAgreement	Apr. 30, 2019EUR (€)swapAgreement	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)swapAgreement	Apr. 23, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)swapAgreement
Derivative [Line Items]
Realized gain (loss)								$ (25,980,000)	$ 8,300,000	$ 88,476,000
Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement									2									2			9
Derivative liability, current						$ 17,680,000		17,680,000	$ 0
Derivative liability, noncurrent						8,144,000		8,144,000	0
Foreign Exchange Forward
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement																							6
Derivative, notional amount | €																							€ 200,000,000
Unrealized gain on derivatives				$ 9,960,000
Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred
Derivative [Line Items]
Realized gain (loss)								0	0	$ 98,180,000
Fair value of derivative assets																								$ 140,300,000
Probability of conversion of convertible security																								100.00%
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement																						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 | 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 | 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 | 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) | swapAgreement																									4
Chile, Pesos | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Maturing December 1, 2024
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, number of instruments held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement																									1
Chile, Pesos | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Maturing July 1, 2025
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, number of instruments held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement																									3
Mexico, Pesos | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement														3	3
Derivative, notional amount						$ 23,000,000		$ 23,000,000						$ 453,146,000
Derivative, swap type, variable price						0.0508		0.0508			0.0508
Realized gain (loss)						$ (583,000)
Australia, Dollars | Cross Currency Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | swapAgreement														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
Australia, Dollars | Net investment cross currency swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount						$ 13,713,000		$ 13,713,000			€ 21,000,000					$ 12,921,000	€ 21,000
Derivative, swap type, variable price | $ / €						0.6530		0.6530			0.6530					0.6153	0.6153
Unrealized gain on derivatives					$ 1,340,000
Brazil, Brazil Real | Net investment cross currency swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of currency derivatives held (derivative instrument) | derivativeInstrument												6	6
Derivative, notional amount												$ 343,783,000	R$ 1875
Derivative, swap type, variable price | R$ / $												5.4540	5.4540
Brazil, Brazil Real | Net investment cross currency swaps | Put/Call Options
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate derivatives held (derivative instrument) | educationalInstitution												4	4
Brazil, Brazil Real | Currency Swap, Deal Contingent
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate derivatives held (derivative instrument) | educationalInstitution												2	2

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized (Loss) Gain	$ (25,354)	$ 4,022	$ (41,883)
Realized (Loss) Gain	(626)	4,278	130,359
Total (Loss) Gain	(25,980)	8,300	88,476
Contingent redemption features - Series A Preferred
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized (Loss) Gain	0	0	(42,140)
Realized (Loss) Gain	0	0	140,320
Total (Loss) Gain	0	0	98,180
Cross currency and interest rate swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized (Loss) Gain	(25,354)	4,022	257
Realized (Loss) Gain	(626)	4,278	(9,961)
Total (Loss) Gain	$ (25,980)	$ 8,300	$ (9,704)

Derivative Instruments - Credit

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

Income Taxes - Schedule of Comp

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of the Income Tax (Expense) Benefit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current:
United States	$ 6,391	$ 17,493	$ (33,123)
Foreign	(72,660)	(77,421)	(72,667)
Total current	(66,269)	(59,928)	(105,790)
Deferred:
United States	124,718	22,337	29,619
Foreign	25,612	6,265	4,814
State	46,008	285	161
Total deferred	196,338	28,887	34,594
Total income tax benefit (expense)	130,069	(31,041)	(71,196)
State	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Mar. 11, 2020EUR (€)	Jan. 01, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2012USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2012EUR (€)	Jan. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Oct. 31, 2018USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2018EUR (€)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2013audit	Dec. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Foreign income from continuing operations before income taxes													$ (250,910)	$ 2,358	$ 391,038
Domestic loss from continuing operations before income taxes													199,928	122,019	511,159
Income tax expense													(130,069)	31,041	71,196
Valuation allowance										$ 320,858			320,858	$ 324,119
Undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries										610,800			610,800
Interest carryforward, not subject to expiration										76,400			76,400
Period for cumulative loss position														3 years
Interest and penalties related to income taxes													1,402	$ 2,587	2,762
Accrued interest and penalties										14,731			14,731	16,513
Decrease in previously accrued interest and penalties													4,458	6,920	$ 11,523
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective income tax rate										264,526			264,526
Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations										13,265			13,265
Peru
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries														2,000
Undistributed foreign earnings														100
Deferred tax liability not recognized, but would be recorded if assertion was removed										18,800			18,800
Foreign Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration										509,200			509,200
Net operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration										152,700			152,700
Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax expense																$ 42,100	€ 37,610
Number of tax audits (audit) | audit																		2
Possible loss from tax audits			$ 13,500	€ 11,051				$ 21,000	€ 17,187
Income taxes paid											$ 36,800	€ 29,600
Foreign Tax Authority | Tax and Customs Administration, Netherlands
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax expense		$ (19,000)								(32,000)
Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration										634,200			634,200
Net operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration										67,600			67,600
Domestic Tax Authority | Tax and Customs Administration, Netherlands
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax expense		$ (51,000)
State and Local Jurisdiction
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards, subject to expiration										168,100			168,100
Net operating loss carryforwards, not subject to expiration										7,500			7,500
Cash Collateralized Letter Of Credit - Spain Tax Audits
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount										11,500			11,500	$ 5,500					€ 9,443	€ 5,036
Tax Year 2011 Through 2013 | Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Possible loss from tax audits						$ 5,000	€ 4,100
Tax Year 2014 Through 2015 | Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Possible loss from tax audits					€ 4,300								5,300
Fiscal Year 2015, Non-resident Income Tax | Foreign Tax Authority | Tax Authority, Spain
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Possible loss from tax audits	€ 21,600												$ 26,400
Tax Year 2018 and 2019 | Domestic Tax Authority
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income tax expense										$ 70,900

Income Taxes - Schedule of Co_2

Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and tax credits carryforwards	$ 410,456	$ 335,325
Depreciation	45,717	38,532
Deferred revenue	10,913	13,587
Allowance for doubtful accounts	13,552	9,772
Deferred compensation	16,997	20,551
Unrealized loss	3,128	5,395
Nondeductible reserves	24,835	27,062
Interest	32,282	8,630
Operating lease asset	140,500	158,189
Total deferred tax assets	698,380	617,043
Deferred tax liabilities:
Investment in subsidiaries	71,183	86,906
Amortization of intangible assets	133,091	175,386
Operating lease liability	127,131	148,436
Other	1,918	3,137
Total deferred tax liabilities	333,323	413,865
Net deferred tax assets	365,057	203,178
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(320,858)	(324,119)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 44,199
Deferred tax liabilities, net		$ (120,941)

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 324,119	$ 562,944	$ 624,487
(Deductions) additions from tax expense from continuing operations	(19,879)	2,427	(61,373)
Additions: charges to other accounts	16,618	0	0
Deductions: charges to other accounts	0	(241,252)	(170)
Balance at end of period	$ 320,858	$ 324,119	$ 562,944

Income Taxes - Reconciliation_2

Income Taxes - Reconciliations of the Reported Income Tax Expense by Applying United States federal Statutory Rate (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax benefit at the United States statutory rate	$ 94,676	$ 19,566	$ 17,456
Permanent differences	(24,184)	(7,693)	6,008
Global Intangible Low Taxed Income	(70,965)	38,305	35,631
Netherlands intellectual property restructuring	(32,425)	0	0
State income tax benefit, net of federal tax effect	36,343	5,783	4,445
Tax effect of foreign income taxed at lower rate	(5,534)	(25,228)	33,451
Change in valuation allowance	3,241	(25,337)	(46,171)
Effect of tax contingencies	2,706	11,635	2,215
Tax credits	(2,302)	26,436	0
Withholding taxes	(13,254)	(869)	(52,064)
Other	(163)	2,971	(905)
Total income tax benefit (expense)	$ 130,069	$ (31,041)	$ (71,196)

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Beginning of the period	$ 56,395	$ 50,900	$ 69,801
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	3,582	0	1,640
Decreases for tax positions related to prior years	0	(1,338)	(199)
Additions for tax positions related to current year	327,142	8,585	8,731
Decreases for unrecognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations	(1,836)	(1,752)	(1,500)
Settlements for tax positions related to prior years	0	0	(27,573)
End of the period	$ 385,283	$ 56,395	$ 50,900

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Loss from continuing operations	$ (244,095)	$ (271,040)	$ (11,559)	$ 206,096	$ 61,193	$ (86,649)	$ 93,924	$ (218,951)	$ (320,598)	$ (150,483)	$ (191,317)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests									17	(98)	(141)
Loss from continuing operations attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.									(320,581)	(150,581)	(191,458)
Numerator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Accretion of redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity									149	(208)	(292)
Adjusted for: accretion related to noncontrolling interests and equity redeemable at fair value									0	0	(559)
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock									0	0	(61,974)
Gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock									0	0	74,110
Subtotal: accretion of reedemable noncontrolling interests and equity, and, for 2018, Series A Preferred Stock, net									149	(208)	11,285
Net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders for basic earnings per share									(320,432)	(150,789)	(180,173)
Adjusted for: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock									0	0	61,974
Adjusted for: gain upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock									0	0	(74,110)
Net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders for diluted earnings per share									(320,432)	(150,789)	(192,309)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax									(298,104)	1,088,147	562,247
Net Income (Loss)									5,354	918	(722)
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations for basic and diluted earnings per share									$ (292,750)	$ 1,089,065	$ 561,525
Denominator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									209,710	221,928	212,769
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (1.17)	$ (1.29)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.98	$ 0.28	$ (0.39)	$ 0.42	$ (0.97)	$ (1.53)	$ (0.68)	$ (0.85)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	$ 2.98	$ (2.44)	$ (1.41)	$ (0.51)	$ 0	$ (0.04)	$ 3.06	$ 1.82	(1.40)	4.91	2.64
Basic (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)									(2.93)	4.23	1.79
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
(Loss) income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)									(1.53)	(0.68)	(0.91)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)									(1.40)	4.91	2.64
Diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)									$ (2.93)	$ 4.23	$ 1.73
Series A Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock
Numerator used in basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share:
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock									$ 0	$ 0	$ (61,974)
Adjusted for: accretion of Series A Preferred Stock									$ 0	$ 0	$ 61,974

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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	4,040	8,740	9,387
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)	1,021	1,090	1,300

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
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	$ 11,103
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
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

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, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
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		$ 4,636	$ 5,431	$ 5,345
Deferred compensation plan liabilities, noncurrent		$ 13,425	12,744
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		$ 3,055	4,505
Deferred compensation plan liabilities		6,192	6,835
Supplemental Employment Retention Agreement | Deferred Profit Sharing | Executive Officer
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Deferred compensation plan assets		11,037	12,494
Deferred compensation plan liabilities		14,925	14,244
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		$ 13,425	$ 12,744

Legal and Regulatory Matters -

Legal and Regulatory Matters - United States Postsecondary Education Regulation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
United States
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Percentage of funds received	10.00%
Kendall College, St. Augustine, Walden University, and NewSchool of Architecture and Design
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	$ 83,600	$ 127,300

Legal and Regulatory Matters _2

Legal and Regulatory Matters - Brazilian Regulation (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)educationalInstitution	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 285,219	$ 243,523	$ 303,856	$ 192,319	$ 351,846	$ 277,267	$ 370,938	$ 212,019	$ 1,024,917	$ 1,212,070	$ 1,144,574
Brazil
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution) | educationalInstitution									10
Percentage of students enrolled in government programs									4.00%	7.00%
Percentage of funds received									8.50%	13.00%
Brazil | Grant
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 75,700	$ 100,600	$ 112,500

Fair Value Measurement - Narrat

Fair Value Measurement - Narrative (Details) - Coursera Inc - Series B Preferred Stock - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Share purchase (in shares)			1,020,000
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, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset		$ 0
Derivative liability		$ 0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	$ 0
Derivative liability	25,824
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	25,824
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0
Derivative liability	$ 0

Fair Value Measurement - Quanti

Fair Value Measurement - Quantitative Information Related to Significant Unobservable Inputs Utilized to Calculate Fair Value (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Fair Value, Concentration of Risk, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ 0

Quarterly Financial Data (Una_3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 285,219	$ 243,523	$ 303,856	$ 192,319	$ 351,846	$ 277,267	$ 370,938	$ 212,019	$ 1,024,917	$ 1,212,070	$ 1,144,574
Operating costs and expenses	248,343	561,758	274,713	269,405	294,527	295,678	318,963	266,882
Operating (loss) income	36,876	(318,235)	29,143	(77,086)	57,319	(18,411)	51,975	(54,863)	(329,302)	36,020	(26,792)
Loss from continuing operations	(244,095)	(271,040)	(11,559)	206,096	61,193	(86,649)	93,924	(218,951)	(320,598)	(150,483)	(191,317)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	623,135	(513,390)	(300,069)	(107,780)	(616)	(10,145)	685,694	413,214
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	279	(12)	3,805	1,299	298	1,568	1,976	(3,022)	5,371	820	(863)
Net (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	379,319	(784,442)	(307,823)	99,615	60,875	(95,226)	781,594	191,241	(613,331)	938,484	370,067
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and equity and, for 2018, Series A convertible redeemable preferred stock	(14)	6	201	(44)	(472)	(193)	194	263	149	(208)	(62,825)
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders	$ 379,305	$ (784,436)	$ (307,622)	$ 99,571	$ 60,403	$ (95,419)	$ 781,788	$ 191,504	$ (613,182)	$ 938,276	$ 381,352
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (1.17)	$ (1.29)	$ (0.05)	$ 0.98	$ 0.28	$ (0.39)	$ 0.42	$ (0.97)	$ (1.53)	$ (0.68)	$ (0.85)
(Loss) income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	2.98	(2.44)	(1.41)	(0.51)	0	(0.04)	3.06	1.82	$ (1.40)	$ 4.91	$ 2.64
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.81	$ (3.73)	$ (1.46)	$ 0.47	$ 0.28	$ (0.43)	$ 3.48	$ 0.85

Other Financial Information - S

Other Financial Information - Summary of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Included in Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ 2,263,934	$ 2,804,151	$ 2,050,946	$ 1,587,282
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(941,986)	(1,073,981)	$ (1,112,695)	$ (925,556)
Foreign currency translation loss, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(951,456)	(1,084,651)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	10,416	10,416
Minimum pension liability adjustment, adjustment attributable to parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(946)	254
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	958	326
Foreign currency translation loss, AOCI attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	958	326
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	(941,028)	(1,073,655)
Foreign currency translation loss, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(950,498)	(1,084,325)
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	10,416
Minimum pension liability adjustment, AOCI including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (946)	$ 254

Other Financial Information - A

Other Financial Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Write off of accounts and notes receivable	$ 24,300	$ 4,500	$ 17,600
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	$ 21,171	$ (11,769)	$ (1,533)

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc.	$ 379,319	$ (784,442)	$ (307,823)	$ 99,615	$ 60,875	$ (95,226)	$ 781,594	$ 191,241	$ (613,331)	$ 938,484	$ 370,067
Decrease in equity for changes in noncontrolling interests									861	(3,700)	(23,776)
Change from net (loss) income attributable to Laureate Education, Inc. and net transfers to the noncontrolling interests									$ (615,941)	$ 934,784	$ 369,596

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_3

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Stockholders' Equity Note [Line Items]
Cash interest payments	$ 120,640	$ 188,682	$ 234,102
Net income tax cash payments	$ 91,371	119,682	143,000
Series A Preferred Stock
Stockholders' Equity Note [Line Items]
Preferred stock dividends declared and paid		$ 11,103	$ 11,103

Supplemental Cash Flow Inform_4

Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 750,147	$ 61,576	$ 77,765
Restricted cash	117,151	36,241	47,852
Total Cash and cash equivalents and Restricted cash shown in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	$ 867,298	$ 97,817	$ 125,617	$ 123,942