Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	$ 615,438
Foreign Currency Translation	19
Goodwill, end of period	615,457
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	277,774
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Goodwill, end of period	277,774
GEO Care
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	337,257
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Goodwill, end of period	337,257
International Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	407
Foreign Currency Translation	19
Goodwill, end of period	$ 426