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Legal and Regulatory Matters - Brazilian Regulation (Details) - Brazil $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) educational_institution | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |
Number of postsecondary educational institutions (educational institution) | educational_institution | 13 |  |
Percentage of students enrolled in government programs | 16.00% |  |
Percentage of funds received | 24.00% |  |
Revenue from grants | $ | $ 115,200 | $ 83,900 | $ 55,000

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