Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ 59,167	$ 52,672
Operating Segments
Revenues:
Revenues	510,185	427,369
Operating Income:
Operating income	93,228	84,520
Operating Segments | U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	338,370	285,609
Operating Income:
Operating income	66,919	63,597
Operating Segments | GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	93,414	79,356
Operating Income:
Operating income	23,971	18,506
Operating Segments | International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	37,555	40,654
Operating Income:
Operating income	1,762	1,815
Operating Segments | Facility Construction & Design
Revenues:
Revenues	40,846	21,750
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ 576	$ 602