Business Segments and Geographic Information Sources of Revenue (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 1,691,620	$ 1,522,074	$ 1,479,062
Detention & Corrections
Revenues:
Revenues	1,306,389	1,219,980	1,187,171
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues	329,253	302,094	291,891
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	197,992	208,162	212,391
Facility Constructions and Design [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 55,978	$ 0	$ 0