Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 40,649	$ 34,920
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,736	521
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $11 and $28, respectively	(648)	105
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $205 and $130, respectively	1,164	736
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	2,252	1,362
Total comprehensive income	42,901	36,282
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	56	59
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 42,957	$ 36,341