Debt instrument amortization rate.

No definition available.

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentAmortizationRate
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt instrument covenant cap value.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentCovenantCapValue
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt instrument covenant first lien leverage ratio maximum.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentCovenantFirstLienLeverageRatioMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentCovenantInterestCoverageRatioMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt instrument covenant leverage ratio.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentCovenantLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Covenant, Total Leverage Ratio, Maximum

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentCovenantTotalLeverageRatioMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt instrument mandatory prepayment amount.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentMandatoryPrepaymentAmount
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt instrument non borrowable amount.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentNonBorrowableAmount
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Variable Rate, Floor

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_DebtInstrumentVariableRateFloor
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum value of principal amount outstanding on maturity date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_MaximumValueOfPrincipalAmountOutstandingOnMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of days prior to stated maturity days for springing maturity date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_NumberOfDaysPriorToStatedMaturityDaysForSpringingMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of debt principal amount required to be prepaid before second anniversary.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_PercentageOfDebtPrincipalAmountRequiredToBePrepaidBeforeSecondAnniversary
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage of debt principal amount required to be prepaid before third anniversary.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	geo_PercentageOfDebtPrincipalAmountRequiredToBePrepaidBeforeThirdAnniversary
Namespace Prefix:	geo_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495323-112611

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124435984&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=124429444&loc=SL124452920-239629

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69C
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466577&loc=SL123495737-112612

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69B
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466577&loc=SL123495735-112612

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Description of the interest rate as being fixed or variable, and, if variable, identification of the index or rate on which the interest rate is based and the number of points or percentage added to that index or rate to set the rate, and other pertinent information, such as frequency of rate resets.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateTerms
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

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

- Definition

Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in YYYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495323-112611

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (bbb)(2)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126976982&loc=d3e19207-110258

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the interest rate derivative.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ 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(22))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: 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(16))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126897435&loc=d3e534808-122878

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(16))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under the credit facility (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The fee, expressed as a percentage of the line of credit facility, for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, excluding unamortized premium (discount) and debt issuance cost, of long-term debt. Excludes lease obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)(3)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466204&loc=SL6031897-161870

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69C
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466577&loc=SL123495737-112612

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)(16))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126734703&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 69B
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466577&loc=SL123495735-112612

Reference 5: 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(16))
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=126897435&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1D
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123466505&loc=SL123495340-112611

Reference 7: 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 https://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120391452&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average interest rate of long-term debt outstanding calculated at point in time.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	dtr-types:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=geo_ExchangeCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=geo_TrancheOneLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSofrOvernightIndexSwapRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=geo_TrancheTwoLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=geo_TrancheThreeLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=geo_TrancheOneLoansAndTrancheTwoLoansMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=geo_AdditionalRevolverMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=geo_RevolverMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt (New Exchange Credit Agreement) (Details)		9 Months Ended
Debt (New Exchange Credit Agreement) (Details)	Aug. 19, 2022 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Letter of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 99,000,000.0
Exchange Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate terms		At any time after the earlier of (x) February 19, 2024, solely in the event that no 2023 Notes (defined below) or 2024 Notes (defined below) remain outstanding at such time, and (y) November 1, 2024, (i) if the Company’s first lien leverage ratio is less than 1.50:1.00 at such time, then the interest rate margin on Tranche 1 Loans and Tranche 2 Loans will be reduced by 0.25%, and (ii) if the Company has achieved a public corporate credit rating of at least B3 or B-, as applicable (in any case with a stable or better outlook), from any two of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, then the interest rate margin on Tranche 1 Loans and Tranche 2 Loans will be reduced by 0.25%, resulting in a total reduction in the interest rate margin on Tranche 1 Loans and Tranche 2 Loans of 0.50% if both conditions set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) are satisfied. If, following any reduction in the interest rate margin in accordance with the previous sentence, the condition giving rise to such reduction is no longer satisfied as of the last day of the Company’s most recently ended fiscal quarter, such interest rate margin reduction will no longer apply unless and until such condition is satisfied again.
Revolver		$ 50,000,000
Long-term debt		$ 1,137,231,000
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, mandatory prepayment amount	$ 234,000,000
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Tranche 1 loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 857,000,000
Debt instrument, amortization rate	1.25%
Percentage of debt principal amount required to be prepaid before second anniversary	3.00%
Percentage of debt principal amount required to be prepaid before third anniversary	2.00%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Tranche 1 loans \| SOFR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	7.125%
Variable rate, floor	0.75%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Tranche 2 loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 237,000,000
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Tranche 2 loans \| SOFR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	6.125%
Variable rate, floor	0.75%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Tranche 3 Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 45,000,000
Debt instrument, amortization rate	0.25%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Tranche 3 Loan \| SOFR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%
Variable rate, floor	0.75%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Tranche 1 Loans and Tranche 2 Loans \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument covenant leverage ratio		1.50
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 187,000,000
Covenant, total leverage ratio, maximum	6.25
Interest coverage ratio, minimum	1.50
Maximum first lien leverage ratio covenant	3.50
Financial covenants, cap value	$ 55,000,000
Weighted average interest rates on outstanding borrowings		9.85%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused revolving commitments fee, percentage	0.25%
Debt instrument, non borrowable amount	$ 234,000,000
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused revolving commitments fee, percentage	0.30%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility \| SOFR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable rate, floor	0.75%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility \| SOFR \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.25%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility \| SOFR \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	3.25%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Tranche 3 Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 23, 2024
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Tranche 1 Loans and Tranche 2 Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Mar. 23, 2027
Maximum value of principal amount outstanding on maturity date	$ 100,000,000
Number of days prior to stated maturity days for springing maturity date	91 days
Stated interest rate	6.50%
Exchange Credit Agreement \| Letter of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 175,000,000
Additional Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity remaining		$ 125,000,000.0
Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolver		$ 50,000,000.0