Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 30,942	$ 23,156	$ 71,308	$ 55,482
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	513	(413)	2,206	1,101
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $25, $20, $51 and $41, respectively	64	33	111	65
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (provision) benefit of $(229), $391, $(144) and $817, respectively	1,295	(2,198)	816	(4,642)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,872	(2,578)	3,133	(3,476)
Total comprehensive income	32,814	20,578	74,441	52,006
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	51	52	85	68
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 32,865	$ 20,630	$ 74,526	$ 52,074