Business Segments and Geographic Information - Schedule of Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	$ 415,946	$ 486,339	$ 449,180
Unallocated amounts:
General and Administrative Expenses	(193,372)	(185,926)	(184,515)
Net interest expense	(103,765)	(122,090)	(115,348)
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt	5,319	(4,795)
Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Earnings of Affiliates	124,128	173,528	149,317
Assets	4,460,126	4,317,534
Operating Segments
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	415,946	486,339	449,180
Unallocated amounts:
Assets	4,075,920	4,185,452	4,122,830
U.S. Secure Services | Operating Segments
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	298,952	322,506	297,453
Unallocated amounts:
Assets	2,529,375	2,618,629	2,590,722
GEO Care | Operating Segments
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	97,330	147,036	138,911
Unallocated amounts:
Assets	1,058,505	1,112,880	1,063,484
International Services | Operating Segments
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	19,610	16,723	12,816
Unallocated amounts:
Assets	85,110	82,097	84,911
Facility Construction and Design | Operating Segments
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	54	74
Unallocated amounts:
Assets	$ 402,930	$ 371,846	$ 383,713