Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 166,412	$ 144,827	$ 146,024
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,267	(7,118)	3,808
Pension liability adjustment, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(681), $913 and $(764), respectively	(3,247)	1,785	(1,420)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $622, $1,085 and $703, respectively	4,271	6,146	3,985
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	3,291	813	6,373
Total comprehensive income	169,703	145,640	152,397
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	183	277	211
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 169,886	$ 145,917	$ 152,608