Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 37,325	$ 30,942	$ 72,245	$ 71,308
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(5,035)	513	(4,540)	2,206
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $28, $25, $56 and $51, respectively	625	64	730	111
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax benefit of $(402), $(229), $(532) and $(144), respectively	2,278	1,295	3,014	816
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,132)	1,872	(796)	3,133
Total comprehensive income	35,193	32,814	71,449	74,441
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	117	51	176	85
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 35,310	$ 32,865	$ 71,625	$ 74,526