Business Segments and Geographic Information - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ 62,902	$ 72,451	$ 181,827	$ 197,575
Operating Segments
Revenues:
Revenues	566,759	554,376	1,694,443	1,612,911
Operating Income:
Operating income	111,976	109,934	325,693	306,023
Operating Segments | U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	365,071	344,452	1,073,840	1,024,395
Operating Income:
Operating income	77,551	77,865	224,838	220,292
Operating Segments | GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	134,610	99,779	377,740	289,722
Operating Income:
Operating income	31,293	30,007	94,062	80,558
Operating Segments | International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	45,641	40,416	130,261	116,468
Operating Income:
Operating income	3,410	1,866	8,413	4,702
Operating Segments | Facility Construction & Design
Revenues:
Revenues	21,437	69,729	112,602	182,326
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ (278)	$ 196	$ (1,620)	$ 471