Business Segments and Geographic Information (Sources of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 2,263,420	$ 2,179,490	$ 1,843,307
Detention & Corrections
Revenues:
Revenues	1,633,850	1,532,640	1,395,342
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues	514,166	394,449	340,918
Facility Constructions and Design
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 115,404	$ 252,401	$ 107,047