Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) segment Facility	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments | segment	4
Number of managed correctional facilities in Australia | Facility	4
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	$ 9,532	$ 9,627	$ 12,045
SACS
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	5,000	7,400	10,800
Equity method investments, favorable tax judgment	5,500
Investment in joint venture	12,300	13,400
Dividend distributions received	6,300	11,800
GEO Amey
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	4,600	2,200	$ 1,200
Dividend distributions received	4,000
Advances to affiliate	$ 5,700	$ 4,800