Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 976,211
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	3,297	$ 2,373
Ending balance	1,166,398	976,211
Foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(12,461)	(9,207)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,554)	(3,254)
Ending balance	(20,015)	(12,461)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(2,524)	(4,752)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	6,169	2,228
Ending balance	3,645	(2,524)
Change Marketable Securities, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	7
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(960)	7
Ending balance	(953)	7
Pension adjustments, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(5,238)	(8,630)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	5,642	3,392
Ending balance	404	(5,238)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(20,216)	(22,589)
Ending balance	$ (16,919)	$ (20,216)