Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	$ 615,433
Foreign Currency Translation	25
Goodwill, end of period	615,458
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	402
Foreign Currency Translation	25
Goodwill, end of period	$ 427