Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 23,156	$ 28,253	$ 55,482	$ 57,010
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(413)	(287)	1,101	(1,968)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $20, $21, $41 and $42, respectively	33	40	65	77
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (provision) benefit of $391, $(869), $817 and $(150), respectively	(2,198)	5,097	(4,642)	1,017
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(2,578)	4,850	(3,476)	(874)
Total comprehensive income	20,578	33,103	52,006	56,136
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	52	43	68	81
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 20,630	$ 33,146	$ 52,074	$ 56,217