Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023	Jun. 30, 2024	Jun. 30, 2023
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (32,563)	$ 29,525	$ (9,904)	$ 57,519
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,702	(1,011)	(1,170)	(2,390)
Change in marketable securities, net of tax provision of $0, $147, $0 and $253, respectively		553		953
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $3, $0, $6 and $0, respectively	12		24
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision (benefit) of $31, $220, $217 and $(53), respectively	116	827	815	(200)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,830	369	(331)	(1,637)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(29,733)	29,894	(10,235)	55,882
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	65	30	62	29
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ (29,668)	$ 29,924	$ (10,173)	$ 55,911