Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 39,229	$ 38,453	$ 111,474	$ 109,761
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,331)	(179)	(5,882)	2,030
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $(894), $25, $(430) and $76, respectively	(761)	64	(31)	175
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $271, $307, $803 and $451, respectively	1,536	1,740	4,550	2,556
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(556)	1,625	(1,363)	4,761
Total comprehensive income	38,673	40,078	110,111	114,522
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	72	34	247	119
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 38,745	$ 40,112	$ 110,358	$ 114,641