XML 52 R58.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.3.a.u2

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

X
- Definition Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization, Excluding Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | laur_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationExcludingAmortizationOfDebtIssuanceCostsAndDiscounts
Namespace Prefix: | laur_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Liabilities, Current, Excluding Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | laur_LiabilitiesCurrentExcludingDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation
Namespace Prefix: | laur_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Other Assets, Non-current, Excluding Intangible Assets and Goodwill + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | laur_OtherAssetsNoncurrentExcludingIntangibleAssetsAndGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | laur_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Assets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118951113&loc=d3e6801-107765 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118951113&loc=d3e6676-107765 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount classified as assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e1107-107759 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721675-107760 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 9 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226348&loc=d3e2473-110228 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721533-107759 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226691&loc=d3e2941-110230 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3044-108585 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118951113&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount classified as assets attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226691&loc=d3e2941-110230 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226348&loc=d3e2510-110228 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721533-107759 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721675-107760 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e1107-107759 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAssetsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77989000&loc=SL49117168-202975 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99380562&loc=d3e13770-109266 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19-26) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Liabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of obligation due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 201.5-02(25)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(23)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 201.5-02(26)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 201.5-02(24)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount classified as liabilities attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e1107-107759 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721533-107759 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 9 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226348&loc=d3e2473-110228 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226691&loc=d3e2941-110230 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721675-107760 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount classified as liabilities attributable to disposal group held for sale or disposed of, expected to be disposed of beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=d3e1107-107759 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226691&loc=d3e2941-110230 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5C -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721675-107760 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5B -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222650&loc=SL51721673-107760 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109226348&loc=d3e2510-110228 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109222160&loc=SL51721533-107759 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669619-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637391&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669625-108580 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
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
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLossAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Present value of lessee's discounted obligation for lease payments from operating lease, classified as noncurrent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888419&loc=SL77918627-209977 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiabilityNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of lessee's right to use underlying asset under operating lease. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888419&loc=SL77918627-209977 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of current assets classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.8) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8933-108599 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_Revenues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 4.E) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27010918&loc=d3e74512-122707 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(31)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(29)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockholdersEquity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of stockholders' equity (deficit), net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity, attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests. Amount excludes temporary equity. Alternate caption for the concept is permanent equity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4568740-111683 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 4I -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116874947&loc=SL4590271-111686 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=108774443&loc=SL4568447-111683 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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

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_AndeanSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

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

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |