Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2024	Dec. 31, 2023
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,291,768
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,960)	$ 277
Ending balance	1,334,936	1,291,768
Foreign currency translation adjustments attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(19,755)	(20,015)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,184)	260
Ending balance	(26,939)	(19,755)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3,041	3,645
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	792	(604)
Ending balance	3,833	3,041
Change Marketable Securities, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(953)
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(15)	953
Ending balance	(15)
Pension adjustments, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	72	404
Current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	1,447	(332)
Ending balance	1,519	72
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(16,642)	(16,919)
Ending balance	$ (21,602)	$ (16,642)