Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning of period	$ 493,890
Acquisitions	122,225
Foreign Currency Translation	65
Goodwill, end of period	616,180
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning of period	170,376
Acquisitions	107,341
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Goodwill, end of period	277,717
GEO Care
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning of period	323,047
Acquisitions	14,884
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Goodwill, end of period	337,931
International Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning of period	467
Acquisitions	0
Foreign Currency Translation	65
Goodwill, end of period	$ 532