Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 148,498	$ 139,315	$ 143,840
Foreign currency translation adjustments	482	(4,936)	(4,512)
Pension liability adjustment, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $114, $(867) and $1,621, respectively	(704)	1,276	(2,522)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(337), $213 and $2,926, respectively	1,820	(1,375)	(16,048)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,598	(5,035)	(23,082)
Total comprehensive income	150,096	134,280	120,758
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	198	215	140
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 150,294	$ 134,495	$ 120,898