Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 111,474	$ 109,761
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	223	123
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	111,697	109,884
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	94,536	92,464
Stock-based compensation	16,351	14,852
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium and other non-cash interest	5,860	11,922
Provision for doubtful accounts	806	1,597
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(7,071)	(4,255)
Dividends received from unconsolidated joint venture	8,710	5,052
(Gain) loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment, net	3,652	2,194
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	(13,955)	5,604
Changes in contract receivable	(3,412)	(163,083)
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	3,049	(18,326)
Net cash provided by operating activities	220,223	57,905
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of CEC, net of cash acquired	0	(353,555)
Insurance proceeds - damaged property	5,998	86
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	2,061	856
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	3,797	0
Change in restricted investments	(2,413)	(3,810)
Capital expenditures	(161,490)	(104,130)
Net cash used in investing activities	(152,047)	(460,553)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	372,000	1,324,865
Payments on long-term debt	(186,033)	(1,093,088)
Payments on non-recourse debt	(9,636)	(68,887)
Proceeds from non-recourse debt	0	123,785
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards	(4,452)	(4,122)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with public offering	0	275,867
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP	404	382
Payment for repurchases of common stock	(70,446)	0
Debt issuance costs	(990)	(9,470)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,781	6,786
Cash dividends paid	(172,256)	(169,152)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(69,628)	386,966
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(5,392)	863
Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(6,844)	(14,819)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	133,545	90,357
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	126,701	75,538
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 4,152	$ 7,526