Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 393,137	$ 377,031
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	77,072	73,299
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	266,715	248,772
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	58,810	54,092
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues	76,652	73,941
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	15,701	17,405
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	49,770	54,318
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	$ 2,561	$ 1,802