Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ 65,957	$ 53,281	$ 125,124	$ 105,952
Operating Segments
Revenues:
Revenues	548,350	445,945	1,058,535	873,314
Operating Income:
Operating income	102,861	85,455	196,089	169,974
Operating Segments | U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	341,573	304,329	679,943	589,938
Operating Income:
Operating income	74,989	62,617	142,427	126,213
Operating Segments | GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	96,529	82,658	189,943	162,014
Operating Income:
Operating income	26,580	19,218	50,551	37,724
Operating Segments | International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	38,497	38,543	76,052	79,197
Operating Income:
Operating income	1,074	3,270	2,836	5,085
Operating Segments | Facility Construction & Design
Revenues:
Revenues	71,751	20,415	112,597	42,165
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ 218	$ 350	$ 275	$ 952