Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 139,315	$ 143,840	$ 115,197
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,936)	(4,512)	(8,296)
Pension liability adjustment, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(867), $1,621 and $(576), respectively	1,276	(2,522)	914
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $213, $2,926 and $(134), respectively	(1,375)	(16,048)	183
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(5,035)	(23,082)	(7,199)
Total comprehensive income	134,280	120,758	107,998
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	215	140	38
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 134,495	$ 120,898	$ 108,036