Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 28,253	$ 38,898	$ 57,010	$ 66,894
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(287)	628	(1,968)	1,624
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax (provision) benefit of $21, $12, $42 and $25, respectively	40	20	77	39
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (provision) benefit of $(869), $3, $(150) and $(9), respectively	5,097	(7)	1,017	20
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,850	641	(874)	1,683
Total comprehensive income	33,103	39,539	56,136	68,577
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	43	5	81	2
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 33,146	$ 39,544	$ 56,217	$ 68,579