Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 38,453	$ 43,674	$ 109,761	$ 99,156
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(179)	970	2,030	2,081
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $25, $21, $76 and $63, respectively	64	33	175	98
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (provision) benefit of $(307), $81, $(451) and $893, respectively	1,740	(520)	2,556	(5,162)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,625	483	4,761	(2,983)
Total comprehensive income	40,078	44,157	114,522	96,173
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	34	36	119	104
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 40,112	$ 44,193	$ 114,641	$ 96,277