Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 77,233	$ 112,831	$ 166,412
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in marketable securities, net of income tax provision of $2, $0 and $0	7
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(3,244)	3,070	2,267
Pension liability adjustment, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $902, $(554) and $(681), respectively	3,392	(2,085)	(3,247)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $592, $(871) and $622, respectively	2,228	(3,276)	4,271
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,383	(2,291)	3,291
Total comprehensive income	79,616	110,540	169,703
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	175	238	183
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 79,791	$ 110,778	$ 169,886