Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 39,172	$ 45,885	$ 100,947	$ 128,370
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	2,002	(4,553)	(2,802)	(2,787)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision of $28, $11, $85 and $33, respectively	107	42	320	(563)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax (benefit) provision of $114, $(738), $(1,143) and $1,752, respectively	376	(2,777)	(4,299)	2,969
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,485	(7,288)	(6,781)	(381)
Total comprehensive income	41,657	38,597	94,166	127,989
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	44	62	217	191
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 41,701	$ 38,659	$ 94,383	$ 128,180