Business Segments and Geographic Information (Asset Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 59,638	$ 41,337	$ 52,125	$ 31,755
Deferred income tax	72,043	66,986
Total segment assets	3,503,342	3,002,208
Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	3,379,666	2,905,194
Segment Reconciling Items
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Cash and cash equivalents	59,638	41,337
Deferred income tax	35,313	31,758
Restricted cash and investments	28,725	23,919
U.S. Corrections and Detention | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	2,417,651	2,075,216
GEO Community Services | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	722,248	675,166
International Services Segment | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	43,589	71,788
Facility Constructions and Design | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	$ 196,178	$ 83,024