Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 38,291	$ 38,965	$ 95,295	$ 105,859
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,014)	(3,125)	(4,982)	(1,501)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax (provision) benefit of $21, $12, $63 and $37, respectively	43	19	120	58
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax benefit of $604, $2,139, $484 and $2,148, respectively	(3,470)	(4,877)	(2,453)	(4,858)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(6,441)	(7,983)	(7,315)	(6,301)
Total comprehensive income	31,850	30,982	87,980	99,558
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	64	49	145	51
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 31,914	$ 31,031	$ 88,125	$ 99,609