Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Facility segment	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments | segment	4
Number of managed correctional facilities in Australia | Facility	4
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	$ 12,045	$ 6,925	$ 5,533
SACS
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	10,800	4,300	4,700
Equity method investments, favorable tax judgment	5,500
Investment in Joint Ventures	18,100	11,800
Dividend distributions received	6,100	1,600
GEO Amey
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	1,200	2,600	$ 800
Advances to Affiliate	$ 2,700	$ 1,300