Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 43,674	$ 38,291	$ 99,156	$ 95,295
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	970	(3,014)	2,081	(4,982)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $21, $21, $63 and $63, respectively	33	43	98	120
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax benefit of $81, $604, $893 and $484, respectively	(520)	(3,470)	(5,162)	(2,453)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	483	(6,441)	(2,983)	(7,315)
Total comprehensive income	44,157	31,850	96,173	87,980
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	36	64	104	145
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 44,193	$ 31,914	$ 96,277	$ 88,125