Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) - Operating Segments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 445,945		$ 412,843		$ 873,314		$ 805,980
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	85,455		89,037		169,974		166,109
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	304,329		276,183		589,938		542,898
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	62,617		64,723		126,213		123,533
GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	82,658		82,461		162,014		159,113
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	19,218		21,958		37,724		37,659
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	38,543		54,199		79,197		103,969
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	3,270	[1]	2,356	[1]	5,085		4,917
Facility Construction & Design
Revenues:
Revenues	20,415		0		42,165	[1]	0	[1]
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	$ 350		$ 0		$ 952	[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.