Business Segments and Geographic Information - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ 64,450	$ 64,372
Operating Segments
Revenues:
Revenues	564,917	550,614
Operating Income:
Operating income	106,282	106,958
Operating Segments | U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	358,681	347,931
Operating Income:
Operating income	69,188	74,896
Operating Segments | GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	140,078	103,766
Operating Income:
Operating income	31,692	28,826
Operating Segments | International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	66,158	41,692
Operating Income:
Operating income	5,402	2,886
Operating Segments | Facility Construction and Design
Revenues:
Revenues	0	57,225
Operating Income:
Operating income	$ 0	$ 350