Vesting period (in years) Equity incentive award vesting period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Award Vesting Period1 Litigation Case Litigation Case [Axis] U.S. Secure Services Us Corrections And Detention [Member] US corrections and detention. Scenario Forecast Scenario Forecast [Member] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Big Spring Correctional Facility Big Spring Correctional Facility Member Big Spring Correctional Facility Member Other comprehensive income (loss) Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Marketable equity and fixed income securities Marketable Equity And Fixed Income Securities Marketable equity and fixed income securities. Number of beds Numberof Bedsin Facility Which Has Noticeof Intentto Award Contract For Number of Beds in Facility Which Has Notice of Intent to Award Contract For Treasury shares Treasury Stock [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Operating income Operating Income Loss Proceeds from related party debt Proceeds From Related Party Debt Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments And Contingencies [Table] Commitments and Contingencies. Dividends paid in treasury shares Dividends Paid In Treasury Shares Dividends paid in treasury shares. Year Idled Expiration Period Expiration period. Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Equipment obtained from finance lease liabilities Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP Proceeds From Stock Plans Forfeited/Canceled Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeitures Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Number of reportable business segments Number Of Reportable Segments Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule Of Cash And Cash Equivalents Table [Text Block] Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Capital expenditures Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Geographical Statement Geographical [Axis] Common stock, $0.01 par value, 187,500,000 shares authorized, 128,845,432 and 127,323,762 issued and 124,002,060 and 122,471,390 outstanding, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Stock Value Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address State Or Province Actuarial gain Defined Benefit Plan Actuarial Gain Loss Interest Income (Expense), Net, Total Net interest expense Interest Income Expense Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table] Risk free interest rate Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Risk Free Interest Rate Goodwill, Total Goodwill Beginning balance Ending balance Goodwill Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Debt instrument, repurchased face amount Debt Instrument Repurchase Amount Description Debt instrument repurchase amount description. Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards Payments Related To Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation Trade names Trade Names [Member] Agreement term Agreement Term Agreement term. Additional Revolver Additional Revolver [Member] Additional revolver. Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Text Block] Maximum exposure, undiscounted Guarantee Obligations Maximum Exposure Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost Deferred compensation, interest rate on employer contribution Deferred Compensation Interest Rate On Employer Contribution Deferred compensation, interest rate on employer contribution. Summary of the activity of stock option awards, shares Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Roll Forward Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Thereafter Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense After Year Four Finite lived intangible assets amortization expense after year four. Less Restricted investments - non-current Restricted Investments Noncurrent Change in restricted investments Payments for Proceeds from Restricted Investments Payments for proceeds from restricted investments. Borrowing capacity remaining Line Of Credit Facility Remaining Borrowing Capacity Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term1 Performance measurement Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Number Of Annual Performance Metrics Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Number Of Annual Performance Metrics Notional amount Derivative Notional Amount Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,275 and $1,155, respectively Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total Accounts Receivable Net Current George C. Zoley George C Zoley [Member] George C. Zoley. Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Unallocated amounts: Unallocated Amount [Abstract] Unallocated Amount. City Area Code City Area Code Undistributed Earnings (Loss) Allocated to Participating Securities, Basic, Total Less: Undistributed income allocable to participating securities Undistributed Earnings Loss Allocated To Participating Securities Basic Ravenhall Ravenhall [Member] Ravenhall [Member] Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net, Total Deferred Income Tax Assets Deferred Income Tax Assets Net Derivative, Number of Instruments Held, Total Derivative, number of instruments held Derivative Number Of Instruments Held Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. available to common stockholders: Diluted: Earnings Per Share Diluted [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Roll Forward Annual performance award percentage Annual Performance Award Percentage Long-term portion of the pension liability Defined Benefit Pension Plan Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net, Total Deferred Income Tax Liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities Net Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adopted Change In Accounting Principle Accounting Standards Update Adopted Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments, Contingencies and Other Matters (Note 11) Commitments And Contingencies Separation And General Release Agreement Separation And General Release Agreement [Member] Separation and general release agreement. National Australia Bank Limited National Australia Bank Limited [Member] National Australia Bank Limited [Member] Attorneys fees costs and interest amount Attorneys Fees Costs And Interest Amount AttorneysFeesCostsAndInterestAmount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Ending Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Beginning Balance Net Carrying Amount Finite Lived Intangible Assets Net 2026 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Four Basis spread on variable rate Derivative Basis Spread On Variable Rate Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate1 Scenario Statement Scenario [Axis] North Lake Correctional Facility North Lake Correctional Facility [Member] North Lake Correctional Facility [Member] Consolidated Entities Consolidated Entities [Domain] Restricted investment: Restricted Cash And Investments [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items] 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. Restricted stock canceled Stock Issued During Period Value Restricted Stock Award Forfeitures Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current, Total Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations Current Liabilities: Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Issuance of common stock (ESPP) (in shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Employee Stock Purchase Plans Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the statement of cash flows Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period Cash Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Restricted Cash Equivalents Facility Construction and Design Facility Constructions And Design [Member] Facility Constructions and Design. Related Party Related Party [Domain] Changes in Shareholders' Equity that are Attributable to the Company's Shareholders and to Noncontrolling Interests Schedule Of Stockholders Equity Table [Text Block] Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, immaterial effect Change In Accounting Principle Accounting Standards Update Immaterial Effect Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts, Total Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium and other non-cash interest Amortization Of Financing Costs And Discounts Debt Instrument conversion per $1000 principal amount Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Income Statement [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] 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] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items] Organization consolidation and presentation of financial statements. U.S. Marshals Service US Marshals Service [Member] U.S. marshals service. Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Taxable income to its stockholders equity Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Percentage of Outstanding Stock Maximum Employee-related Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued payroll and related taxes Employee Related Liabilities Current General and Administrative Expense, Total General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses General And Administrative Expense Non Recourse Debt 2011 Revenue Bonds Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Eleven Revenue Bonds [Member] Non recourse debt two thousand eleven revenue bonds. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Beginning Balance Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Property and Equipment, Net Property Plant And Equipment Net Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items] Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items] Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock Shares Issued Forfeited/canceled (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Forfeited In Period Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net Operating Lease Right Of Use Asset Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Senior secured leverage ratio Debt Instrument Covenant Senior Secured Leverage Ratio Maximum Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, Maximum Statistical Measurement Range [Member] Interest rate swap derivatives Derivative Asset Derivative Asset, Total Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. available to common stockholders Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic Loss on asset divestiture Gain Loss On Sale Of Business Other Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Noncurrent Conversion of shares of common stock to pension liability Conversion Of Shares Of Common Stock To Pension Liability Conversion of shares of common stock to pension liability. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross, Total Gross Carrying Amount Finite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Subsequent Event Type Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Maximum borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Tranche Three Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Three [Member] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Liabilities Current Line of Credit Facility, Lender Line Of Credit Facility Lender [Domain] Costs incurred in issuance, including initial purchasers discount Debt issuance costs, gross Deferred Finance Costs Gross Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock Shares Authorized Operating lease liabilities, current portion Operating Lease Liability Current Related Party Related Party Transactions By Related Party [Axis] Derivative Contract Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Supplemental Disclosures: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] 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] David Venturella Davis Venturella [Member] Davis Venturella. Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Table] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Table] Organization consolidation and presentation of financial statements. Restricted cash and investments - non-current Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent, Total Restricted Cash and Investments Restricted Cash And Investments Noncurrent Notes Payable, Other Payables Notes Payable Other Payables [Member] Debt Instrument [Table] Debt Instrument [Table] Loss contingency, judgement value Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value Vesting Vesting [Axis] Discount rate increase impacting carrying value to exceed fair value Discount Rate Increase Impacting Carrying Value To Exceed Fair Value Discount rate increase impacting carrying value to exceed fair value. Debt instrument, maturity date Debt Instrument Maturity Date (Loss) gain on disposition of real estate Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets, Total Loss on asset divestiture Gain Loss On Disposition Of Assets1 Non Recourse Debt Non Recourse Debt [Member] Non recourse Debt. Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash And Restricted Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Including Exchange Rate Effect Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] [Default] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Default] Portion At Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Business Segments and Geographic Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Line of Credit Line Of Credit [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items] Property and Equipment, Net Property Plant And Equipment [Member] Operating Costs and Expenses, Total Operating expenses Operating Costs And Expenses Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Percentage that the fair value exceeded the carrying value Reporting Unit Percentage Of Fair Value In Excess Of Carrying Amount Write off of deferred loan costs to loss on extinguishment of debt Write Off Of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Debt instrument, frequency of payment Debt Instrument Frequency Of Periodic Payment Counterparty Name Counterparty Name [Axis] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Percentage of additional payment due on excess cash flow Percentage Of Additional Payment Due On Excess Cash Flow Percentage of additional payment due on excess cash flow. Reentry Services Reentry Services [Member] Reentry services [Member]. Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Noncontrolling interests Minority Interest Assets: Assets Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Value Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Rabbi Trust Rabbi Trust Rabbi trust. Accounts Payable, Current, Total Accounts payable Accounts Payable Current Debt Instrument, Name Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt instrument, face amount Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument Face Amount Litigation Status Litigation Status [Axis] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Investment, Name Schedule Of Equity Method Investment Equity Method Investee Name [Axis] Weighted average interest rates on outstanding borrowings Longterm Debt Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Weighted average shares outstanding Basic Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Beginning Balance (shares) Ending Balance (shares) Shares Outstanding Gain on assets held for sale Gain Loss On Sale Of Other Assets Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Agreement termination date Agreement Termination Date Agreement termination date. Prospectus Supplement Prospectus Supplement [Member] Prospectus supplement. 9.500% Senior Second Linen Secured Notes Nine Point Five Percentage Senior Second Linen Secured Notes [Member] Nine point five percentage Senior second linen secured notes. Document Type Document Type Vesting Vesting [Domain] Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding Preferred Stock Value Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. available to common stockholders: Basic: Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] Operating Lease Liabilities Operating Lease Liability Noncurrent Components of Company Plan Benefit Expense Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Text Block] Total current assets Assets Current Provision for doubtful accounts Provision For Doubtful Accounts Repayment of Long-term Debt, Long-term Lease Obligation, and Capital Security, Total Payments on long-term debt Payments on long-term debt Repayments Of Long Term Debt And Capital Securities Cost already spent on existing active capital projects Cost Already Spent On Existing Active Capital Projects Cost already spent on existing active capital projects. Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] Long-term Debt, Type Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term2 Principal payments due annually Debt Instrument Annual Principal Payment Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Non-cash Investing and Financing activities: Cash Flow Noncash Investing And Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Foreign Currency Translation Goodwill Foreign Currency Translation Gain Loss Antidilutive Securities Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Bank Guarantee And Standby Sub Facility Bank Guarantee And Standby Sub Facility [Member] Bank Guarantee And Standby Sub Facility Fair Value Fair Value By Measurement Basis [Axis] Jose Gordo Jose Gordo [Member] Jose Gordo. Restricted stock outstanding shares, Beginning Balance (in shares) Restricted stock outstanding shares, Ending Balance (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Number Remaining capital required for existing active capital projects Remaining Capital Required For Existing Active Capital Projects Remaining capital required for existing active capital projects. Borrowings under senior credit facility Borrowings Under Revolver And Term Loans Borrowings under revolver and term loans. Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Deferred compensation arrangement with individual balance Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Balance Deferred compensation arrangement with individual balance. 5.875% Senior Notes 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 Five Point Eight Seven Five Percent Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Exchange Credit Agreement Exchange Credit Agreement [Member] Exchange credit agreement. Options vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2022 Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Outstanding Aggregate Intrinsic Value Issuance of common stock - ESPP (shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Treasury Stock Reissued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock Shares Outstanding Executive Chairman Agreement Executive Chairman Employment Agreement [Member] Executive chairman employment agreement. Schedule of Operating and Reporting Segments Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block] Plan Name Plan Name [Axis] Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Pending Litigation Pending Litigation [Member] Coleman Hall Coleman Hall [Member] Coleman Hall [Member] Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted average period before renewal or extension Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Asset Weighted Average Period Before Renewal Or Extension Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Financial Instruments Financial Assets Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Per share amount Net income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - diluted Earnings Per Share Diluted Debt instrument, initial conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount Debt Instrument Convertible Conversion Ratio1 Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities, Total Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Increase Decrease In Operating Liabilities Net income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Number of company -owned youth facilities entered into lease agreements Number Of Facilities Entered Into Lease Agreements Number of facilities entered into lease agreements. Debt instrument, commencement date of first required payment Debt Instrument Date Of First Required Payment1 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. Net Income Loss Accounting Standards Update 2020-06 Accounting Standards Update202006 [Member] Amortization period Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life Debt instrument soliciting broker fee Debt Instrument Soliciting Broker Fee Debt instrument soliciting broker fee. Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures, Total Options granted (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Maturity extension period Debt Instrument Maturity Extension Period Debt instrument maturity extension period. Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Tax provision (benefit) on loss on derivative instrument classified as a cash flow hedge Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), before Reclassification, Tax 6.00% Senior Notes 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 Six Percent Senior Notes Due 2026 [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Total Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address Address Line1 Options outstanding, Beginning Balance (in Shares) Options outstanding, Ending Balance (in Shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Number Aurora ICE Processing Center Aurora I C E Processing Center [Member] Aurora ICE processing center. 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. Total current liabilities Liabilities Current Accumulated Amortization Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Net income (loss) Net income Net income Profit Loss Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address Postal Zip Code Advances to affiliate Advances To Affiliate Title of Individual Title Of Individual [Axis] Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure, Total Senior notes, fair value Debt Instrument Fair Value Accordion Accordion [Member] Accordion [Member] Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Shares, Total Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock Shares Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards (shares) Shares Paid For Tax Withholding For Share Based Compensation Options outstanding, Average Intrinsic Value Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Average Intrinsic Value Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Average Intrinsic Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Intrinsic Value Subsequent Event [Table] 5.125% Senior Notes 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 5.125% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Member] Reeves County Detention Center III Reeves County Detention Center Three [Member] Reeves County Detention Center three. Non-Recourse Debt, long-term portion Non-Recourse Debt Noncurrent Portion Of Non Recourse Debt Noncurrent portion of non-recourse debt . Name of Property Real Estate And Accumulated Depreciation Name Of Property [Domain] Additional shares authorized Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Additional Shares Authorized Change in marketable securities, net of tax provision (benefit) OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), after Adjustment, Tax OCI, Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Gain (Loss), after Adjustment, Tax, Total Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative Arrangements And Nonarrangement Transactions [Member] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Payment for repurchases of common stock Payments For Repurchase Of Common Stock Dividends declared per share Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Litigation Status Litigation Status [Domain] Equity Components Statement Equity Components [Axis] Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds From Issuance Of Long Term Debt Exchange Option 2 Exchange Option Two [Member] Exchange option two. Options vested and expected to vest, Wtd. Avg Remaining Contractual Term Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Exercisable Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term1 Rivers Correctional Facility Rivers Correctional Facility [Member] Rivers correctional facility. Current Assets Assets Current [Abstract] GEO Secure Services Secure Services G E O Secure Services [Member] GEO Secure Services [Member] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current, Total Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value International Services International Services Segment [Member] International Services Segment. Variable rate, floor Debt Instrument Variable Rate Floor Debt Instrument, Variable Rate, Floor Payments on non-recourse debt Repayments Of Other Debt Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name 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 Debt instrument agreement notice period Debt Instrument Agreement Notice Period Debt instrument agreement notice period. Design Capacity Number of beds in detention facility Numberof Bedsin Detention Facility Number of beds in detention facility Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Schedule of Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments Reconciliation Of Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated [Text Block] Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment, net Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Total Gain Loss On Sale Of Property Plant Equipment Finance Lease, Liability, Total Finance Lease Liabilities Finance Lease Liability Shareholders' Equity Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule Of Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Table] Schedule Of Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Table] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Agreement termination minimum period for written notice Agreement Termination Minimum Period For Written Notice Agreement termination minimum period for written notice. Disposal Group Name Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address City Or Town Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Expected term Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Term1 Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $23, $42, $45 and $83, respectively Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Cheyenne Mountain Recovery Center Cheyenne Mountain Recovery Center [Member] Cheyenne mountain recovery center. Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements, Total Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Total shareholders’ equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Summary of Restricted Stock Activity Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units Award Activity Table [Text Block] Agreement renewal term Agreement Renewal Term Agreement renewal term. Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Transaction Type [Axis] Spring Correctional Facility Spring Correctional Facility [Member] Spring Correctional Facility. Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. Beginning balance Ending balance Stockholders Equity Debt issuance costs Payments Of Debt Issuance Costs Subsequent Event Type Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Summary of the activity of stock option awards, weighted average exercise price Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Rollforward Non-Recourse Debt Non Recourse Debt Excluding Premium Discount Non-recourse debt, excluding premium discount. Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock Shares Issued Basis spread rate, description Debt Instrument Description Of Variable Rate Basis Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total Redemption of outstanding amount Repayments Of Long Term Debt Statistical Measurement Range [Axis] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Total Options forfeited/canceled/expired (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Forfeitures And Expirations In Period Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition, Total Stock-based compensation expense Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation Requisite Service Period Recognition Value Hector Garza Center Hector Garza Center Member Hector Garza Center Member Over-Allotment Option Over Allotment Option [Member] Credit Facility Credit Facility [Axis] Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities, Total Long term debt Long-Term Debt Long Term Debt Noncurrent Variable Rate Variable Rate [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items] Commitments and Contingencies. Tranche Two Share Based Compensation Award Tranche Two [Member] Operating income from segments Segment Reporting Information Operating Income Segment reporting information operating income. Variable Rate Variable Rate [Domain] Executive benefits cover period upon termination Executive Benefits Cover Period Upon Termination Executive benefits cover period upon termination. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Percentage of annual performance award entitled Percentage Of Annual Performance Award Entitled Percentage of annual performance award entitled. Number of shares granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Granted Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Total Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital Gain on disposition of real estate Gain on Disposition of Real Estate Gain on disposition of real estate. Facility management contracts Facility Management Contracts And Customer Relationships [Member] Facility management contracts and customer relationships Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward] Componentsof Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Roll Forward Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Options granted, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Weighted Average Exercise Price Sale of Stock Sale Of Stock Name Of Transaction [Domain] Equity [Abstract] Annual equity grant percentage Annual Equity Grant Percentage Annual equity grant percentage. Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Proceeds from sale of property and equipment Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment Health insurance premium payment entitlement period Health Insurance Premium Payment Entitlement Period Health insurance premium payment entitlement period. Plan Name Plan Name [Domain] Restricted Cash and Investments, Current, Total Restricted cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash And Investments Current Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses Construction In Progress Expenditures Incurred But Not Yet Paid Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Total Remainder of 2022 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Remainder Of Fiscal Year Class of Stock [Line Items] Class Of Stock [Line Items] Derivative Instrument Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Lender Name Line Of Credit Facility [Axis] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Summary of Idled Facilities and Respective Carrying Values Summary Of Idled Facilities And Respective Carrying Values Table [Text Block] Summary of idled facilities and respective carrying values. Amortization of Intangible Assets, Total Amortization expense Amortization Of Intangible Assets Derivative, fixed interest rate Derivative Fixed Interest Rate Net loss Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Gains Losses Maturity month and year Debt Instrument Maturity Month and Year Debt instrument maturity month and year. 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Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Youth Division Youth Division [Member] Youth division. Immigration Detainees Against Company Immigration Detainees Against Company [Member] Immigration Detainees Against Company [Member] Abraxas Abraxas [Member] Abraxas. 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Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Debt Issuance Costs, Net, Total Unamortized debt issuance costs Debt issuance costs, net Deferred Finance Costs Net Total Assets Assets Level 2 Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Fair Value Inputs Level2 [Member] Financial Instruments Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds from exercise of stock options (shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Litigation Case Litigation Case Type [Domain] Changes in the Company's goodwill balances Goodwill Roll Forward Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Table] Debt instrument maturity year Debt Instrument Maturity Year Debt instrument maturity year. Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Issuance of common stock - ESPP Stock Issued During Period Value Treasury Stock Reissued 2024 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Two Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Balance Sheet Location Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule Of Net Benefit Costs Table [Text Block] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Executive Employment Agreement Executive Employment Agreement [Member] Executive employment agreement. Title of 12(b) Security Security12b Title Certain Employees and Executive Officers Certain Employeesand Executive Officers [Member] Certain Employees and Executive Officers [Member] Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. 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Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested And Expected To Vest Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Options granted (in shares) Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Gross Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Scenario Scenario Unspecified [Domain] Investment, Name Equity Method Investee Name [Domain] Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Changes in contract receivable Increase Decrease In Contract With Customer Asset Granted Wtd. Avg. 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Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Per share amount Net income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - basic Earnings Per Share Basic Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock Shares Authorized Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. 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Estimated construction existing active capital projects cost Estimated Construction Existing Active Capital Projects Cost Estimated construction existing active capital projects cost. Basis of Presentation Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Non-competition covenant period upon termination Non Competition Covenant Period Upon Termination Non-competition covenant period upon termination. Working capital line of credit Working Capital Lines Of Credit Working capital lines of credit. Grid Note Grid Note [Member] Grid note. Total acquired intangible assets, Net carrying amount Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments Reconciliation Of Operating Profit Loss From Segments To Consolidated [Abstract] Expiration date Expiration Date Expiration date. 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Expected volatility rate Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Volatility Rate Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt, Total Gain on extinguishment of debt Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt Gain on extinguishment of debt Gains Losses On Extinguishment Of Debt New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Abstract] Segments Segment [Domain] Debt instrument, repurchased face amount Debt Instrument Repurchased Face Amount Additional payment due equal to 50% of excess cash flow Additional Payment Due Equal To Fifty Percent Of Cash Flow Additional payment due equal to fifty percent of cash flow. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract] Expected weighted average period to recognize expense Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Period For Recognition1 Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer [Member] Consolidation Items Consolidation Items [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Total Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Consolidated Entities Consolidated Entities [Axis] Great Plains Correctional Facility Ravenhall Great Plains Correctional Facility [Member] Great Plains Correctional Facility. 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SACS South African Custodial Services Pty Limited [Member] South African Custodial Services Pty Limited. Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period Projected benefit obligation, end of period Defined Benefit Plan Benefit Obligation Restricted stock canceled (shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Restricted Stock Award Forfeited Other adjustments to Additional Paid-In Capital related to Cornell. Other Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Other adjustment to additional paid-in capital Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax Accumulated Gain Loss Net Cash Flow Hedge Parent [Member] Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Wtd. Avg. 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Purchase of treasury shares (in shares) Treasury Stock Shares Acquired Maximum common stock value authorized under prospectus supplement Maximum Common Stock Value Authorized Under Prospectus Supplement Maximum common stock value authorized under prospectus supplement. Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Schedule Of Stock By Class [Table] Schedule Of Stock By Class [Table] Consolidation Items Consolidation Items [Axis] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Shares sold (in shares) Sale Of Stock Number Of Shares Issued In Transaction Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Beginning Balance Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements Policy Policy [Text Block] Title of Individual Title Of Individual With Relationship To Entity [Domain] Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision of $163, $291, $275 and $631 respectively Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Total Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Senior Vice Presidents Vice President [Member] Change in marketable securities, net of tax provision (benefit) of $94, $0, $202 and $0 Change in marketable securities, net of tax provision (benefit) of $94, $0, $202 and $0 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent, Total Senior Notes and Term Loan Senior Notes And Term Loan [Member] Senior notes and term loan. Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders using technology products (in detainees) Provisionof Monitoring Services Tracking Offenders Using Technology Products Provision of Monitoring Services Tracking Offenders Using Technology Products Percentage of goodwill Percentage Of Goodwill Percentage of goodwill, Long-term debt Long-term debt Long Term Debt Recurring Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (benefit) provision of $508, $(310), $1,163 and $474, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax, Total Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss After Reclassification And Tax Non Recourse Debt Northwest Detention Center Non Recourse Debt Northwest Detention Center [Member] Non-recourse debt Northwest detention center. 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Options exercisable at June 30, 2022 Sharebased Compensation Arrangement By Sharebased Payment Award Options Exercisable Intrinsic Value1 Sale of Stock Subsidiary Sale Of Stock [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name Finite Lived Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Great Plains, Big Spring, Flightline, Northlake Correctional Facilities, Reeves County Detention Center I & II and Reeves County Detention Center III Great Plains Big Spring Flightline Northlake Correctional Facilities Reeves County Detention Center One And Two And Reeves County Detention Center Three [Member] Great Plains, Big Spring, Flightline, Northlake Correctional Facilities, Reeves County Detention Center one and two and Reeves County Detention Center three. Electronic Monitoring and Supervision Services Electronic Monitoring And Supervision Services Electronic Monitoring And Supervision Services [Member] Electronic monitoring and supervision services [Member]. 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