Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2025	Mar. 31, 2024
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 19,542	$ 22,659
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	16	9
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	19,558	22,668
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	32,136	31,365
Stock-based compensation	6,488	5,656
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	39
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium and other non-cash interest	1,598	2,909
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(828)	(28)
Dividends received from unconsolidated joint ventures	469	3,646
Realized/unrealized gain on investments	(494)	(2,523)
Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment, net	319	246
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	(8,983)	25,753
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	20,962	(6,447)
Net cash provided by operating activities	71,225	83,284
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Purchases of marketable securities	(986)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	616
Capital expenditures	(30,771)	(14,768)
Net cash used in investing activities	(31,141)	(14,768)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt	(592)	(23,253)
Payments on revolver	(30,000)
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards	(22,177)	(7,412)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP	39	36
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	3,307	529
Net cash used in financing activities	(49,423)	(30,100)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	679	(3,003)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(8,660)	35,413
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	125,864	159,867
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	117,204	195,280
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Right-of-use assets obtained from operating lease liabilities	2,263	491
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 2,315	$ 326