Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 41,836	$ 37,325	$ 82,485	$ 72,245
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	29	(5,061)	1,761	(4,540)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $11, $491, $22 and $463, respectively	42	625	(605)	730
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $809, $402, $1,014 and $532, respectively	4,583		5,746
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $809, $402, $1,014 and $532, respectively		2,278		3,014
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	4,654	(2,158)	6,902	(796)
Total comprehensive income	46,490	35,167	89,387	71,449
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	73	117	129	176
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 46,563	$ 35,284	$ 89,516	$ 71,625