Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 50,483	$ 25,121
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(627)	(8,807)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $41 and $28, respectively	156	107
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (benefit) provision of $784 and $(1,207), respectively	2,948	(4,512)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,477	(13,212)
Total comprehensive income	52,960	11,909
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	63	108
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 53,023	$ 12,017