Business Segments and Geographic Information (Sources of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 1,843,307	$ 1,691,620	$ 1,522,074
Detention & Corrections
Revenues:
Revenues	1,395,342	1,306,389	1,219,980
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues	340,918	329,253	302,094
Facility Constructions and Design
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 107,047	$ 55,978	$ 0