Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Facility segment	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments | segment	4
Number of managed correctional facilities in Australia | Facility	4
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	$ 5,533	$ 5,823	$ 6,265
SACS
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	4,700		5,100	$ 5,100
Investment in Joint Ventures	9,000		8,000
Dividend distributions received		$ 3,200	4,300
GEO Amey
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	800		700	$ 1,100
Advances to Affiliate	$ (1,200)		$ (2,200)