Business Segments and Geographic Information (Asset Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 81,377	$ 68,038	$ 59,638	$ 41,337
Deferred income tax	80,821	79,044
Total segment assets	4,226,908	3,749,409
Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	4,046,323	3,613,351	3,338,551
Segment Reconciling Items
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Cash and cash equivalents	81,377	68,038
Deferred income tax	26,277	30,039
Restricted cash and investments	72,931	37,981
U.S. Corrections & Detention | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	2,385,069	2,390,705	2,396,076
GEO Community Services | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	1,121,792	711,795	722,248
International Services Segment | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	40,056	64,417	43,589
Facility Constructions and Design | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	$ 499,406	$ 446,434	$ 176,638