Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 427,369		$ 393,137
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	84,520		77,072
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	285,609		266,715
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	63,597		58,810
GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	79,356		76,652
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	18,506		15,701
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	40,654		49,770
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	1,815		2,561
Facility Construction & Design (1)
Revenues:
Revenues	21,750	[1]	0	[1]
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	$ 602	[1]	$ 0	[1]

[1] In September 2014, the Company began the design and construction of a new prison contract located in Ravenhall, a locality near Melbourne, Australia. During the design and construction phase, the Company recognizes revenue as earned on a percentage of completion basis measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date as compared to estimated total costs for the design and construction of the facility. Costs incurred and estimated earnings in excess of billings is classified as Contract Receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and is recorded at the net present value based on the timing of expected future settlement.