Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 40,366	$ 32,326
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,692	1,513
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $25 and $21, respectively	47	33
Unrealized loss on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax benefit of $83 and $426, respectively	(479)	(2,444)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,260	(898)
Total comprehensive income	41,626	31,428
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	35	16
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 41,661	$ 31,444