Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) - Operating Segments - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2015		Sep. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 469,866		$ 457,900		$ 1,343,181		$ 1,263,880
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	96,773		91,605		266,741		257,714
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	320,526		281,550		910,465		824,448
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	74,017		67,450		200,224		190,983
GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	86,517		86,610		248,531		245,723
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	20,702		23,504		58,426		61,164
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	38,031		50,874		117,228		154,843
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	1,647	[1]	62	[1]	6,732		4,978
Facility Construction & Design
Revenues:
Revenues	24,792		38,866		66,957	[1]	38,866	[1]
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	$ 407		$ 589		$ 1,359	[1]	$ 589	[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. A portion of the Contract Receivable will be paid by the State upon commercial acceptance of the prison and the remainder will be paid quarterly over the life of the contract. Refer to Note 9 - Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 10 - Debt for additional information.