Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 25,121	$ 40,649
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(8,807)	1,736
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $28, and $11, respectively	107	(648)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (benefit) provision of $(1,207), and $205, respectively	(4,512)	1,164
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(13,212)	2,252
Total comprehensive income	11,909	42,901
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	108	56
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 12,017	$ 42,957