Business Segments and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) facility	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments	4
Number of managed correctional facilities in Australia | facility	4
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	$ 9,166,000	$ 9,532,000	$ 9,627,000
SACS
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	3,700,000	5,000,000.0	7,400,000
Investment in joint venture	11,100,000	12,300,000
Dividend distributions received	5,900,000	6,300,000
GEO Amey
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	5,500,000	4,600,000	$ 2,200,000
Dividend distributions received	4,000,000.0	4,000,000.0
Advances to affiliate	$ 11,800,000	$ 5,700,000