Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 34,920	$ 40,366
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	521	1,692
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $28 and $25, respectively	105	47
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (provision) benefit of $(130) and $83, respectively	736	(479)
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,362	1,260
Total comprehensive income	36,282	41,626
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	59	35
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 36,341	$ 41,661