A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

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- Definition

Fixed interest rate related to the interest rate derivative.

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- Definition

The net gain (loss) during the reporting period due to ineffectiveness in interest rate cash flow hedges. Recognized in earnings.

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- Definition

Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations.

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- Definition

Amount after tax, before reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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Amount after tax of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to parent entity.

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Amount after tax of reclassification adjustments of other comprehensive income (loss).

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Total of all stockholders' equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors, owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.

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Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies - Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	May 22, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 1,040,503
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(568)	$ 828
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings		3,851
Net current-period comprehensive income (loss)		3,283
Ending balance		996,830	1,040,503
Long-term debt		2,770,033
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(14,573)	(7,470)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		2,259	(7,103)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings		0
Net current-period comprehensive income (loss)		2,259
Ending balance		(12,314)	(14,573)
Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(5,746)	(11,892)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		419	6,146
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings		3,851
Net current-period comprehensive income (loss)		4,270
Ending balance		(1,476)	(5,746)
Pension adjustments, net of tax
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(3,299)	(5,084)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(3,246)	1,785
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings		0
Net current-period comprehensive income (loss)		(3,246)
Ending balance		(6,545)	(3,299)
AOCI Attributable to Parent
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(23,618)	(24,446)
Ending balance		(20,335)	$ (23,618)
Notes Payable, Other Payables
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Long-term debt		$ 44,300
Interest Rate Swap
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Derivative, fixed interest rate		4.22%
Ravenhall
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Gain (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	$ 3,900