Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,006,738
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,579
Ending balance	975,056
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(11,747)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	463
Ending balance	(11,284)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(17,697)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,820
Ending balance	(15,877)
Pension adjustments, net of tax
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,960)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(704)
Ending balance	(3,664)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(32,404)
Ending balance	$ (30,825)