Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 112,831	$ 166,412	$ 144,827
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	3,070	2,267	(7,118)
Pension liability adjustment, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(554), $(681) and $913, respectively	(2,085)	(3,247)	1,785
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(871), $622 and $1,085, respectively	(3,276)	4,271	6,146
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(2,291)	3,291	813
Total comprehensive income	110,540	169,703	145,640
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	238	183	277
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 110,778	$ 169,886	$ 145,917