Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure Abstract Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] The GEO Group, Inc. Parent Company [Member] Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Operating expenses Operating Costs and Expenses CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash and investments, current Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Current deferred income tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Restricted cash and investments, non-current Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Contract Receivable Contract Work In Process, Noncurrent Contract Work In Process, Noncurrent Capital Leases, Lessor Balance Sheet, Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases, Noncurrent Capital Leases, Lessor Balance Sheet, Net Investment in Direct Financing and Sales Type Leases, Noncurrent Intercompany Receivable Due from Related Parties, Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Goodwill Goodwill Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Investment in Subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Other Non-Current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued payroll and related taxes Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued expenses and other Accrued Liabilities, Current Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Intercompany Payable Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Capital Lease Obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Long-Term Debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Non-recourse debt Noncurrent Portion of Non-Recourse Debt Noncurrent portion of non-recourse debt . Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total shareholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Relationship to Entity [Domain] Certain Employees and Executive Officers Certain Employees and Executive Officers [Member] Certain Employees and Executive Officers [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2014 Stock Incentive Plan 2014 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] 2014 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] 2006 Stock Incentive Plan 2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] 2006 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Employee Stock Employee Stock [Member] Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Performance Based Share Performance Shares [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Shares available for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Common stock available for the issuance of awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Expected volatility rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Risk free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Expected dividend rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Share based compensation expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Unrecognized compensation costs related to non vested stock option awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Expected weighted average period to recognize expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Granted shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Number of annual performance metrics Number of Annual Performance Metrics Number of annual performance metrics for the performance-based equity grants under GEO's equity incentive plans. Vesting rights, percentage weighted towards earnings per share performance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Weighted Towards Earnings Per Share Performance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Weighted Towards Earnings Per Share Performance Award vesting rights, percentage weighted towards capital performance targets Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Weighted Towards Capital Performance Targets Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Weighted Towards Capital Performance Targets Vesting percentage of target Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Vesting Percentage of Target Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Vesting Percentage of Target Beta of Portfolio Beta of Portfolio Represents the correlated volatility of an asset in relation to the volatility of the benchmark that said assets is being compared to. Discount on purchase of Common Stock for employee from the current market price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Discount from Market Price, Purchase Date Maximum shares authorized under ESPP for sale offer to eligible employees Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance Shares issued Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Prior to October 15, 2017 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] October 15, 2017 to October 14, 2019 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] On or after October 15, 2019 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three [Member] October 15, 2019 to October 14, 2020 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four [Member] October 15, 2020 to October 14, 2021 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five [Member] October 15, 2021 to October 14, 2022 Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Six [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Six [Member] October 15, 2022 and thereafter Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Seven [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Seven [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 5.875% Senior Notes, Due 2024 Five Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Five Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] 5.125% Senior Notes, Due 2023 Five Point One Two Five Percent Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] 5.125% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] 5.875% Senior Notes, Due 2022 Five Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] Five Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] 6.625% Senior Notes, Due 2021 Six Point Six Two Five Percent Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] six point six two five percent senior notes due 2021 Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Unamortized debt issuance expense Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Percentage of principal amount redeemable Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage of Principal Amount Redeemed Redemption price percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Notice period prior to redemption Debt Instrument, Notice Period Prior to Redemption Debt Instrument, Notice Period Prior to Redemption Days of interest payment failure to be considered default Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Description of Violation or Event of Default, Interest Payment Failure Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Description of Violation or Event of Default, Interest Payment Failure Maximum excess proceeds on sale of asset Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Description of Violation or Event of Default, Maximum Excess Proceeds on Sale of Asset Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Description of Violation or Event of Default, Maximum Excess Proceeds on Sale of Asset Days of failure to comply with other indenture agreements to be considered default Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Description of Violation or Event of Default, Failure to Comply with Other Indenture Agreements Debt Instrument, Debt Default, Description of Violation or Event of Default, Failure to Comply with Other Indenture Agreements Segment Reporting [Abstract] Operating and Reporting Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies. Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Property and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Ravenhall Ravenhall [Member] Ravenhall [Member] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies. Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies. Estimated construction capital project cost Estimated Construction Capital Project Cost Estimated construction capital project cost. Cost already spent on existing capital projects Cost Already Spent on Existing Capital Projects Cost already spent on existing capital projects. Remaining capital required for capital projects Remaining capital required for capital projects Remaining capital required for capital projects. Number of beds in a facility Facility, Number of Beds Contract Award, Number of Beds Number of vacant beds at idle facilities marketed to potential customers Number of Vacant Beds at Idle Facilities Marketed to Potential Customers Number of Vacant Beds at Idle Facilities Marketed to Potential Customers Number of marketed idle facilities Number of Marketed Idle Facilities Number of Marketed Idle Facilities Carrying values of idle facilities marketed to potential customers Carrying Values of Idle Facilities Marketed to Potential Customers Carrying Values of Idle Facilities Marketed to Potential Customers Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to noncontrolling interests Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information. Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Change in Projected Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Actuarial gain Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Projected benefit obligation, end of period Change in Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Company contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Plan assets at fair value, end of period Unfunded Status of the Plan Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Income Statement [Abstract] Tax provision on defined benefit pension plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Tax provision on loss on derivative instrument classified as a cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Australian subsidiary Australian Subsidiary [Member] Australian Subsidiary Member. Other non recourse debt including current portion Other non recourse debt including current portion [Member] Other non recourse debt including current portion [Member] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract] Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments. Assets: Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Liabilities: Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Borrowings under senior credit facility Borrowings under Revolver and Term Loans Borrowings under revolver and term loans. Senior Notes Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Non-recourse debt Non-Recourse Debt Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] SACS South African Custodial Services Pty Limited [Member] South African Custodial Services Pty Limited. Geo Amey GEO Amey [Member] GEO Amey. Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Number of reportable business segment Number of Reportable Segments Ownership percentage in Entity Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Investment in Joint Ventures Equity Method Investments Senior Notes Due 2023 Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] [Member] Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] [Member] Senior Notes Due 2022 [Member] Notes bear interest at a rate Percentage of subsidiary owned Percentage of Subsidiary Owned Percentage of subsidiary owned. Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Australian LC Facility Australian LC Facility [Member] Australian LC Facility [Member] Revolver Revolver [Member] Revolver. Credit Facility Credit Facility [Member] Credit Facility [Member] Credit Agreement Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Credit Facility Term Loan [Member] Credit Facility Term Loan [Member] Credit Facility Term Loan [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Additional Revolver Additional Revolver [Member] Additional revolver. Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Amount outstanding on letters of credit Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Write off of deferred debt issuance cost Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Total leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Leverage Ratio, Maximum Senior secured leverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, Maximum Interest coverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Interest Coverage Ratio, Minimum Term loan Term Loans Term loans. Revolver Long-term Line of Credit Long-term debt Long-term Debt Borrowing capacity increase Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Weighted average interest rate Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Non Recourse Debt Non Recourse Debt [Member] Non recourse Debt. Total Senior Credit Facility Senior Credit Facility Total senior credit facility. Senior Notes Senior Notes Non-Recourse Debt Non Recourse Debt Excluding Premium Discount Non-recourse debt, excluding premium discount. Unamortized discount on non-recourse debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total Non-Recourse Debt Capital Lease Obligations Capital Lease Obligations Other Long-term Debt Other Long-term Debt Total debt Long Term Debt Non Recourse Debt and Capital Lease Obligation Including Current Portion Net of Discount Long term debt, nonrecourse debt and capital lease obligation including current portion, net of discount. Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt Capital Lease Obligations, long-term portion Non-Recourse Debt, long-term portion Long-Term Debt Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Ravenhall, Australia Ravenhall, Australia [Member] Ravenhall, Australia [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedge Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Design and construction phase Asset under Construction [Member] Operating phase Operating Phase of Asset [Member] Operating Phase of Asset [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Cap Interest Rate Cap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Fixed interest rate on derivative Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Notional amount coincide with the terms of the non-recourse debt Derivative, Notional Amount Unrealized losses, net of tax, related to cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Fair value of the swap liability Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value Ineffective portion of Cash Flow Hedge interest rate swap Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness Lump sum due at completion Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayment Terms, Lump Sum Due at Completion Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayment Terms, Lump Sum Due at Completion Payments on non-recourse debt Repayments of Other Debt Loss related to decline in derivative fair value Increase (Decrease) in Fair Value of Interest Rate Fair Value Hedging Instruments Interest rate swap asset value Interest Rate Fair Value Hedge Asset at Fair Value Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Canada Facility Canada Facility [Member] Canada Facility [Member] Guaranteed obligations Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Working Capital Line of Credit Issued to GEO Amey Working Capital Line of Credit Issued to GEO Amey Working Capital Line of Credit Issue to GEO Amey Remaining Guarantee under Letter of Credit Remaining Guarantee under Letter of Credit Remaining guarantee under letter of credit. Maximum Loan Amount under Stand by Facility Maximum Loan Amount under SACS Shareholder's Loan Maximum loan amount under SACS shareholder's loan. Potential Estimated Exposure of tax obligations Potential Estimated Exposure of tax obligations Potential estimated exposure of tax obligations. Liability Related to Potential Tax Exposure Liability Related to Potential Tax Exposure Liability related to potential tax exposure. Number of letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees Number of letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees Number of letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees. Letters of Guarantee Outstanding Relating to Performance Guarantees Letters of Guarantee Outstanding Relating to Performance Guarantees Letters of guarantee outstanding relating to performance guarantees. Ownership percentage in South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent Business Segments and Geographic Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of the activity of stock option awards Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary of the activity of restricted stock Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Units Award Activity [Table Text Block] RAVENHALL PRISON PROJECT Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] National Australia Bank Limited National Australia Bank Limited [Member] National Australia Bank Limited [Member] Construction Facility Construction Facility [Member] Construction Facility [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] The GEO Group Australia The GEO Group Australia [Member] The GEO Group Australia [Member] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Number of inmates in the facility Number Of Inmates, Capacity Number Of Inmates, Capacity Operation of the facility contract term Contract Term, Operation Of Facility Contract Term, Operation Of Facility Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Debt Instrument Redemption Debt Instrument Redemption [Table Text Block] Summary of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common shares Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Earnings in Excess of Distributions Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Treasury shares Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Stockholders' Equity, Total Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance, shares Shares, Outstanding Proceeds from exercise of stock options, value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Tax benefit related to equity compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Amortization of restricted stock Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Unit or Restricted Stock Award, Requisite Service Period Recognition Restricted stock granted, value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock granted, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross Restricted stock canceled (shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Restricted stock canceled Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Dividends paid Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Issuance of common stock (prospectus supplement), value Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of common stock (prospectus supplement), shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Shares withheld for net settlement of share-based awards (shares) Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued Issuance of common stock (ESPP), value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of common stock (ESPP), shares Retirement of treasury shares, shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Retirement of treasury shares, value Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Net income Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending Balance Ending Balance, shares Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition , cash consideration Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale Proceeds from Sale of Property Held-for-sale Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture Payments to Acquire Assets, Investing Activities Change in restricted cash and investments Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Capital expenditures Payments for Purchase of Property Plant Equipment Facility Development and Expansions Payments for purchase of property plant equipment facility development and expansions. Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flow from Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Income tax benefit related to equity compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Payments on non-recourse debt Proceeds from non-recourse debt Proceeds from Other Debt Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Proceeds from the exercise of stock options Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Cash dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock Issuance of common stock under prospectus supplement Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Under Prospectus Supplement Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Under Prospectus Supplement Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] U.S. Corrections & Detention US Corrections and Detention [Member] US corrections and detention. GEO Community Services GEO Community Services [Member] GEO Community Services International Services International Services Segment [Member] International Services Segment. Facility Construction & Design (2) Facility Constructions and Design [Member] Facility Constructions and Design. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues: Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Operating Income: Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Total operating income from segments Segment Reporting Information Operating Income Segment reporting information operating income. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Equity Incentive Plans Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Cash dividend per share of common stock declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Northwest Detention Center Northwest Detention Center [Member] Northwest Detention Center [Member] Fullham Fullham [Member] Fullham [Member] Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Three Revenue Bonds Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Three Revenue Bonds [Member] Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Three Revenue Bonds [Member] Non Recourse Debt Northwest Detention Center Non Recourse Debt Northwest Detention Center [Member] Non-recourse debt Northwest detention center. Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Eleven Revenue Bonds Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Eleven Revenue Bonds [Member] Non recourse debt two thousand eleven revenue bonds. Australian Subsidiaries Non Recourse Debt Australian Subsidiaries Non Recourse Debt [Member] Australian Subsidiaries Non Recourse Debt Member. Interest rate, minimum rate range Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Interest rate, maximum rate range Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Current portion of non recourse debt Current Portion of Non recourse Debt Current Portion of Non recourse Debt. Current portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Interest rate terms Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms Noncurrent portion of restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Amount outstanding on line of credit Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Summary of the activity of restricted stock Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Restricted stock outstanding shares, Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Restricted stock outstanding Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Vested Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited/canceled shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Forfeited/canceled Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Restricted stock outstanding shares, Ending Balance Restricted stock outstanding Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit of $12, $25, $37 and $76, respectively Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (provision) benefit of ($2,139), ($2), ($2,148) and $75, respectively Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of intangible assets Schedule of Changes in Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of changes in intangible assets by major class. Estimated amortization expense for the remainder Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Estimated amortization expense for the remainder Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Remainder of 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Pension adjustments, net of tax Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Ending Balance Maximum common stock value authorized under prospectus supplement Maximum Common Stock Value Authorized Under Prospectus Supplement MaximumCommonStockValueAuthorizedUnderProspectusSupplement Common Stock sold under prospectus supplement, in shares Common Stock, Shares, Issued Under Prospectus Supplement Common Stock, Shares, Issued Under Prospectus Supplement Income tax provision on equity in earnings of affiliates Income tax provision on equity in earnings of affiliates The sum of the current income tax expense (benefit) and the deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining the earnings from its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. Income tax provision on loss from discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Components of Company Plan Benefit Expense Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Unallocated Amount: Unallocated Amount [Abstract] Unallocated Amount. General and Administrative Expenses General and Administrative Expense Net Interest Expense Interest Income (Expense), Net Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates Summary of the activity of stock option awards Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Wtd. Avg., Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Options granted, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Options granted, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercised, Shares Options exercised, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Shares Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg., Remaining Contractual Term Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014, Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014, Wtd. Avg., Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Options exercisable at September 30, 2014 Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Options exercisable at September 30, 2014, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options exercisable at September 30, 2014, Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Options exercisable at September 30, 2014, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Loss on extinguishment of debt Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Dividends received from unconsolidated joint venture Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax Income tax benefit related to equity compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Release of reserve for uncertain tax positions Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets Changes in contract receivable Increase (Decrease) in Contract Receivables, Net Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations Acquisition of Protocol, cash consideration Payments to Acquire Business Two, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture Increase (Decrease) in Working Capital From Divestiture Increase (Decrease) in Working Capital From Divestiture Change in restricted cash and investments Net cash used in investing activities Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards Supplemental Disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Non-cash Investing and Financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses Construction in Progress Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Number of beds Number of Beds in Facility Which Has Notice of Intent to Award Contract For Number of Beds in Facility Which Has Notice of Intent to Award Contract For Correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities including projects under development Correctional, Detention and Residential Treatment Facilities Including Projects Under Development Correctional, Detention and Residential Treatment Facilities Including Projects Under Development. Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders (more than 70,000) Provision of Monitoring Services Tracking Offenders Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders. Number of federal, state and local correctional agencies to which company provides monitoring services Number of Federal, State and Local Correctional Agencies Number of federal, state and local correctional agencies. Number of states in which entity operates Number of States in which Entity Operates ASSETS Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Restricted cash and investments Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,258 and $2,549, respectively Restricted Cash and Investments Property and Equipment, Net Direct Finance Lease Receivable Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities Non-Recourse Debt Commitments, Contingencies and Other (Note 10) Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, 125,000,000 and 90,000,000 shares authorized, 74,144,870 and 86,662,676 issued and 74,144,870 and 72,082,071 outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Earnings in excess of distributions Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury stock, 0 and 14,580,605 shares, at cost, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. Commitments, Contingencies and Other Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fullham, Australia Fullham, Australia [Member] Fullham, Australia [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract] Interest Rate Derivatives [Abstract] Fixed interest rate on cash flow interest rate derivative Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value by Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments Fair Value, Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Measured on Recurring Basis [Abstract] Restricted investment: Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract] Guaranteed Investment Contract Guaranteed Investment Contract Guaranteed investment contract. Rabbi Trust Rabbi Trust Rabbi trust. Fixed income securities Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value Interest rate cap derivatives assets Derivative Asset Liabilities: Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Interest rate swap derivatives Derivative Liability Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Long-term portion of the pension liability Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent 7.75% Senior Notes Seven Point Seven Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] seven point seven five percent Senior notes. Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Tangible and Intangible Assets of Unrelated Entity (APAC Customer Services) Tangible and Intangible Assets of Unrelated Entity [Member] Tangible and Intangible Assets of Unrelated Entity [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Facility management contracts Facility Management Contracts [Member] Facility management contracts. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Weighted average period Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Asset, Weighted-Average Period before Renewal or Extension Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Goodwill Aggregate retrospective adjustments to provisional amounts Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment Reduction of intangible assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Increase in goodwill Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction General and administrative expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense Interest Expense Provision for (benefit from) income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision of $711, $578, $1,914 and $1,472, respectively Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax provision of $0, $0, $0 and $0, respectively Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Basic: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends declared per share Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Trade names Trade Names [Member] Technology Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Weighted Average Useful Life (years) Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Trade name (Indefinite lived) Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock Options Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Net income Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding Per share amount - continuing operations Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted average shares assuming dilution Basic and diluted earnings per share (Textual) [Abstract] Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Textual) [Abstract] Basic and diluted earnings per share. Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Revenues General and administrative expenses Interest expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision Income from Continuing Operations before Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries Income from Continuing Operations before Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries Income From Continuing Operations Before Equity In Income Of Consolidated Subsidiaries. Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries Net of Tax Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries Net of Tax Net income from discontinued operations Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) Dividends declared/paid [Abstract] Dividends declared/paid [Abstract] Minimum Percentage Of Taxable Income To Be Distributed As REIT Minimum Percentage Of Taxable Income To Be Distributed As REIT MinimumPercentageOfTaxableIncomeToBeDistributedAsREIT Distribution Per Share Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Aggregate Payment Amount (in millions) Dividends Payable