XML 111 R70.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Business and Geographic Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2016 | Jun. 30, 2016 | Mar. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues | $ 1,261,223 | $ 983,394 | $ 1,277,439 | $ 855,933 | $ 1,175,893 | $ 929,855 | $ 1,231,910 | $ 906,534 | $ 4,377,989 | $ 4,244,192 | $ 4,291,659
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,019,435 | 901,991 | 818,803
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40,597 | 23,465 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (40,597) | (23,465) | 0
Share-based compensation expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (64,788) | (38,071) | (34,120)
Operating income | 181,499 | $ (5,696) | $ 243,850 | $ (62,866) | 170,980 | $ 12,502 | $ 210,568 | $ (11,157) | 356,787 | 382,893 | 336,957
Interest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 19,669 | 18,670 | 13,328
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (362,904) | (421,936) | (398,042)
Loss on debt extinguishment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (8,392) | (17,363) | (1,263)
Gain (loss) on derivatives |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 28,656 | (6,084) | (2,607)
Other (expense) income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,193) | 910 | 195
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,838 | 67,450 | (149,178)
(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (10,662) | 406,557 | 0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 26,799 | 431,097 | (200,610)
Total assets | 7,391,723 |  |  |  | 7,062,470 |  |  |  | 7,391,723 | 7,062,470 |
Operating Segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4,377,989 | 4,244,192 | 4,291,659
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 831,740 | 765,601 | 703,408
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 264,742 | 264,879 | 282,946
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40,597 | 23,465 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (264,742) | (264,879) | (282,946)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (40,597) | (23,465) | 0
Total assets | 7,391,723 |  |  |  | 7,062,470 |  |  |  | 7,391,723 | 7,062,470 | 7,403,445
Expenditures for long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 293,780 | 256,694 | 366,858
Corporate and eliminations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (27,278) | (29,741) | (33,804)
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (187,695) | (136,390) | (115,395)
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 16,672 | 9,574 | 7,808
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,014 | 0 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Corporate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 187,695 | 136,390 | 115,395
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (16,672) | (9,574) | (7,808)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,014) | 0 | 0
Total assets | 355,856 |  |  |  | 291,252 |  |  |  | 355,856 | 291,252 | 338,450
Expenditures for long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24,001 | 33,622 | 21,879
Reconciling items |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 264,742 | 264,879 | 282,946
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40,597 | 23,465 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (264,742) | (264,879) | (282,946)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (40,597) | (23,465) | 0
Share-based compensation expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (64,788) | (38,809) | (39,021)
EiP expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (104,826) | (55,555) | (44,484)
Operating income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 356,787 | 382,893 | 336,957
Interest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 19,669 | 18,670 | 13,328
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (362,904) | (421,936) | (398,042)
Loss on debt extinguishment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (8,392) | (17,363) | (1,263)
Gain (loss) on derivatives |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 28,656 | (6,084) | (2,607)
Other (expense) income, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,193) | 910 | 195
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss), net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,838 | 67,450 | (149,178)
(Loss) gain on sales of subsidiaries, net |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (10,662) | 406,557 | 0
Brazil | Operating Segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 765,746 | 690,804 | 672,917
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 134,205 | 95,442 | 81,322
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 35,715 | 35,695 | 34,261
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3,320 | 0 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (35,715) | (35,695) | (34,261)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (3,320) | 0 | 0
Total assets | 1,256,364 |  |  |  | 1,245,264 |  |  |  | 1,256,364 | 1,245,264 | 1,054,870
Expenditures for long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 50,244 | 29,332 | 36,730
Mexico | Operating Segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 646,154 | 626,011 | 678,193
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 147,171 | 143,741 | 150,136
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 27,990 | 26,273 | 35,156
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | 0 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (27,990) | (26,273) | (35,156)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | 0 | 0
Total assets | 969,400 |  |  |  | 972,171 |  |  |  | 969,400 | 972,171 | 1,157,814
Expenditures for long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 38,615 | 28,081 | 34,715
Andean & Iberian | Operating Segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,313,872 | 1,188,599 | 1,121,408
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 360,135 | 283,397 | 255,115
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 81,644 | 82,982 | 80,556
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,530 | 0 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (81,644) | (82,982) | (80,556)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (2,530) | 0 | 0
Total assets | 2,117,317 |  |  |  | 1,951,864 |  |  |  | 2,117,317 | 1,951,864 | 1,841,239
Expenditures for long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 80,435 | 86,961 | 138,367
Central America & U.S. Campuses | Operating Segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 291,877 | 274,860 | 263,283
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 48,298 | 43,464 | 31,637
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15,723 | 17,360 | 22,935
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 17,499 | 0 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (15,723) | (17,360) | (22,935)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (17,499) | 0 | 0
Total assets | 376,070 |  |  |  | 345,238 |  |  |  | 376,070 | 345,238 | 378,023
Expenditures for long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 35,997 | 12,749 | 31,803
EMEAA | Operating Segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 697,244 | 788,683 | 881,664
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 125,083 | 127,710 | 109,574
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 51,558 | 54,543 | 65,069
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15,977 | 23,465 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (51,558) | (54,543) | (65,069)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (15,977) | (23,465) | 0
Total assets | 1,022,569 |  |  |  | 958,883 |  |  |  | 1,022,569 | 958,883 | 1,407,909
Expenditures for long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40,758 | 36,674 | 69,522
Online & Partnerships | Operating Segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 690,374 | 704,976 | 707,998
Total Adjusted EBITDA of reportable segments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 204,543 | 208,237 | 191,019
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 35,440 | 38,452 | 37,161
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 257 | 0 | 0
Reconciling items: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Depreciation and amortization expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (35,440) | (38,452) | (37,161)
Loss on impairment of assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (257) | 0 | 0
Total assets | $ 1,294,147 |  |  |  | $ 1,297,798 |  |  |  | 1,294,147 | 1,297,798 | 1,225,140
Expenditures for long-lived assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 23,730 | $ 29,275 | $ 33,842

X
- Definition Corporate Expenses + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | laur_CorporateExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | laur_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Excellence In Process Expenses + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | laur_ExcellenceInProcessExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | laur_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Income (Loss) Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation And Amortization, Adjusted + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | laur_IncomeLossBeforeInterestTaxDepreciationAndAmortizationAdjusted
Namespace Prefix: | laur_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 14.F) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27013229&loc=d3e301413-122809 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96867065&loc=d3e5047-113901 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(1)(i) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=96867065&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68055307&loc=d3e2420-110228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetImpairmentCharges
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(12)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(11)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of gain (loss) recognized on the sale or disposal of a disposal group. Excludes discontinued operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68055307&loc=d3e2443-110228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84176398&loc=d3e2941-110230 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupNotDiscontinuedOperationGainLossOnDisposal
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of foreign currency transaction realized and unrealized gain (loss) recognized in the income statement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450222&loc=d3e30840-110895 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64836518&loc=d3e30700-110894 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64836518&loc=d3e30690-110894 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate net gain (loss) on all derivative instruments recognized in earnings during the period, before tax effects. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84234895&loc=SL5618551-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Difference between the fair value of payments made and the carrying amount of debt which is extinguished prior to maturity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170532&loc=d3e12317-112629 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 50 -Section 40 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49170532&loc=d3e12355-112629 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations before deduction of income tax expense (benefit) and income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest, and addition of income (loss) from equity method investments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h)(1)(i)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after accretion (amortization) of discount (premium), and investment expense, of interest income and dividend income on nonoperating securities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.8) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(a),(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of income (expense) related to nonoperating activities, classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of acquisition of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 225 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SegmentReportingOtherSignificantReconcilingItemConsolidatedAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=laur_CorporateAndReconcilingItemsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis=us-gaap_MaterialReconcilingItemsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=laur_BrazilSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=laur_MexicoSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=laur_AndeanAndIberianSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=laur_CentralAmericaAndU.S.CampusesSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=laur_EMEAASegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=laur_OnlineAndPartnershipsSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |