Business Segments and Geographic Information (Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 4,317,534	$ 4,258,118
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments	486,339	449,180	$ 438,628
Unallocated amounts:
General and administrative expense	(185,926)	(184,515)	(190,343)
Net interest expense	(122,090)	(115,348)	(96,348)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(4,795)	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	173,528	149,317	151,937
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	4,185,452	4,122,830	4,046,323
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments	486,339	449,180	438,628
U.S. Secure Services | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	2,618,629	2,590,722	2,385,069
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments	322,506	297,453	302,488
GEO Care | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,112,880	1,063,484	1,121,792
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments	147,036	138,911	123,525
International Services | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	82,097	84,911	40,056
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments	16,723	12,816	14,235
Facility Construction and Design | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	371,846	383,713	499,406
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments	$ 74	$ 0	$ (1,620)