XML 136 R107.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.20.4

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands |  |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | 48 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Mar. 11, 2020 EUR (€) | Jan. 01, 2020 USD ($) | Jun. 29, 2012 USD ($) | Jun. 29, 2012 EUR (€) | Jan. 31, 2020 EUR (€) | Oct. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Oct. 31, 2018 EUR (€) | Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Oct. 31, 2015 EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2019 EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2013 audit | Dec. 31, 2020 EUR (€) | Dec. 31, 2019 EUR (€)
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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Period Of Cumulative Loss Position + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | laur_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowancePeriodOfCumulativeLossPosition
Namespace Prefix: | laur_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Income Tax Examination, Number Of Tax Audits + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | laur_IncomeTaxExaminationNumberOfTaxAudits
Namespace Prefix: | laur_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of decrease reasonably possible in the next twelve months for the unrecognized tax benefit. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (d)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32718-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DecreaseInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossible
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, before allocation of valuation allowance, of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible interest carryforward. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32621-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetInterestCarryforward
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards that are not subject to expiration dates. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsNotSubjectToExpiration
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible operating loss carryforwards that are subject to expiration dates. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsSubjectToExpiration
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax assets for which it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32537-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from undistributed earnings of subsidiary and other recognized entity not within country of domicile. Includes, but is not limited to, other basis differences. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32621-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUndistributedForeignEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax liability not recognized because of the exceptions to comprehensive recognition of deferred taxes related to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6424122&loc=d3e41874-109331 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilityNotRecognizedAmountOfUnrecognizedDeferredTaxLiabilityUndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to domestic operations. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 6.I.Fact.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116825942&loc=d3e330036-122817 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The portion of earnings or loss from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to foreign operations, which is defined as Income or Loss generated from operations located outside the entity's country of domicile. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB Topic 6.I.Fact.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116825942&loc=d3e330036-122817 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Estimated amount of loss resulting from an adverse tax position. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (d)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32718-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationEstimateOfPossibleLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116825942&loc=d3e330036-122817 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32672-109319 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120311839&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120395691&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22663-107794 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120385591&loc=d3e38679-109324 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(9)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120400993&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109234566&loc=d3e22658-107794 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121583591&loc=d3e4297-108586 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -Subparagraph (f) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3536-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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_OperatingLossCarryforwardsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries intended to be permanently reinvested outside the country of domicile. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 740 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6487024&loc=d3e29054-158556 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6424122&loc=d3e41874-109331 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 740 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479915&loc=d3e66715-112838 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 25 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121573983&loc=d3e28200-109314 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount accrued for interest on an underpayment of income taxes and penalties related to a tax position claimed or expected to be claimed in the tax return. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32718-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of expense for interest on an underpayment of income taxes and penalties related to a tax position claimed or expected to be claimed in the tax return. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=d3e32718-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAndInterestExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in unrecognized tax benefits attributable to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=SL6600010-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=SL6600010-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | srt_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_PE
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis=us-gaap_TaxAuthoritySpainMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityNameAxis=us-gaap_TaxAndCustomsAdministrationNetherlandsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=laur_CashCollateralizedLetterOfCreditSpainTaxAuditsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis=laur_TaxYear2011Through2013Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis=laur_TaxYear2014Through2015Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis=laur_FiscalYear2015NonResidentIncomeTaxMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis=laur_TaxYear2018And2019Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |