Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 32,326	$ 28,756
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,513	(1,681)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $21 and $21, respectively	33	40
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax benefit of $426 and $718, respectively	(2,444)	(4,080)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(898)	(5,721)
Total comprehensive income	31,428	23,035
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	16	37
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 31,444	$ 23,072