Business Segments and Geographic Information - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 577,070	$ 548,350	$ 1,127,684	$ 1,058,535
Operating Income:
Operating income	54,553	65,957	118,925	125,124
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	360,838	341,573	708,769	679,943
Operating Income:
Operating income	69,801	74,989	144,697	142,427
GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	139,364	96,529	243,130	189,943
Operating Income:
Operating income	36,533	26,580	65,359	50,551
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	42,928	38,497	84,620	76,052
Operating Income:
Operating income	2,117	1,074	5,003	2,836
Facility Construction & Design
Revenues:
Revenues	33,940	71,751	91,165	112,597
Operating Income:
Operating income	(1,692)	218	(1,342)	275
Operating Segments
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ 106,759	$ 102,861	$ 213,717	$ 196,089