Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 412,843	$ 381,653	$ 805,980	$ 758,684
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	89,037	78,750	166,109	152,049
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	276,183	254,043	542,898	502,815
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	64,723	56,631	123,533	110,723
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues	82,461	75,072	159,113	149,013
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	21,958	18,854	37,659	36,259
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	54,199	52,538	103,969	106,856
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	$ 2,356	$ 3,265	$ 4,917	$ 5,067