Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 45,885	$ 39,229	$ 128,370	$ 111,474
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,553)	(1,342)	(2,787)	(5,882)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $11, $(894), $33 and $(430), respectively	42	(761)	(563)	(31)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $738, $271, $1,752 and $803, respectively	(2,777)		2,969
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $738, $271, $1,752 and $803, respectively		1,536		4,550
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(7,288)	(567)	(381)	(1,363)
Total comprehensive income	38,597	38,662	127,989	110,111
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	62	72	191	247
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 38,659	$ 38,734	$ 128,180	$ 110,358