Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) Facility segment	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments | segment	4
Number of managed correctional facilities in Australia | Facility	4
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	$ 9,627	$ 12,045	$ 6,925
SACS
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	7,400	10,800	4,300
Equity method investments, favorable tax judgment	5,500
Investment in Joint Ventures	13,400	18,100
Dividend distributions received	11,800	6,100
GEO Amey
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	2,200	1,200	$ 2,600
Advances to Affiliate	$ 4,800	$ 2,700