Business Segments and Geographic Information (Sources of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 621,710	$ 631,579	$ 613,966	$ 610,667	$ 599,430	$ 583,530	$ 583,509	$ 564,917	$ 2,477,922	$ 2,331,386	$ 2,263,420
GEO Secure Services
Revenues:
Revenues									1,833,695	1,746,847	1,633,850
GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues									614,249	580,313	514,166
Facility Construction and Design
Revenues:
Revenues									$ 29,978	$ 4,226	$ 115,404