Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 171,692	$ 77,233	$ 112,831
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in marketable securities, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(255), $2 and $0	(960)	7
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,548)	(3,244)	3,070
Pension liability adjustment, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $1,500, $902 and $(554), respectively	5,642	3,392	(2,085)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $1,640, $592 and $(871), respectively	6,169	2,228	(3,276)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	3,303	2,383	(2,291)
Total comprehensive income	174,995	79,616	110,540
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	115	175	238
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 175,110	$ 79,791	$ 110,778