Business Segments and Geographic Information (Asset Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,255	$ 81,377	$ 68,038
Deferred income tax	76,949	80,821
Total segment assets	4,247,463	4,226,908
Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	4,112,175	4,046,323	3,613,351
Segment Reconciling Items
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Cash and cash equivalents	31,255	81,377
Deferred income tax	29,924	26,277
Restricted cash and investments	74,109	72,931
U.S. Corrections & Detention \| Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	2,580,067	2,385,069	2,390,705
GEO Care \| Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	1,063,484	1,121,792	711,795
International \| Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	84,911	40,056	64,417
Facility Construction and Design \| Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	$ 383,713	$ 499,406	$ 446,434

Asset Reconciliation Of Segments.

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Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

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Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards.

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Cash and investments whose use in whole or in part is restricted for the long-term, generally by contractual agreements or regulatory requirements. For use in an unclassified balance sheet.

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