XML 65 R50.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details Textual) detainee in Thousands, bed in Thousands, $ in Thousands, £ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) person facility detainee bed Bed | Dec. 31, 2017 GBP (£) person facility detainee bed Bed | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2016 GBP (£) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Summary of Business Organization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of beds | bed |  |  | 96 | 96 |  |  |  |
Correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities including projects under development | facility |  |  | 141 | 141 |  |  |  |
Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders (more than 139,000 offenders) | person |  |  | 192,000 | 192,000 |  |  |  |
Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders using technology products | detainee |  |  | 100 | 100 |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | $ 81,377 |  | $ 68,038 |  | $ 59,638 | $ 41,337
Accounts Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum period for payment receivable in arrears for services |  |  | 30 days |  |  |  |  |
Maximum period for payment receivable in arrears for services |  |  | 60 days |  |  |  |  |
Notes Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate for subordinated loan extended to the former joint venture partner |  |  | 13.00% |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit, amount outstanding |  |  | $ 270,559 |  | 515,000 |  |  |
Federal and state income tax overpayments |  |  | 15,500 |  | 9,400 |  |  |
Property and Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets held for sale |  |  | 3,915 |  | 0 |  |  |
Asset Impairments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, net |  |  | $ 2,078,123 |  | 1,897,241 |  | 1,916,386 |
Number of vacant beds at its idle facilities | Bed |  |  | 5,400 | 5,400 |  |  |  |
Number of marketed idle facilities | facility |  |  | 5 | 5 |  |  |  |
Carrying values of idle facilities |  |  | $ 139,600 |  |  |  |  |
Other Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization period |  |  | 1 year |  |  |  |  |
Debt Issuance Costs |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deferred debt issuance cost, accumulated amortization |  |  | $ 49,800 |  | 40,200 |  |  |
Debt issuance costs included in other non-current assets |  |  | $ 42,300 |  | 48,900 |  |  |
Revenue based on performance of certain targets |  |  | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |
Capitalized Computer Software, Net |  |  | $ 30,100 |  | 21,200 |  |  |
Facility management contracts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization period |  |  | 16 years 3 months |  |  |  |  |
Foreign Subsidiaries |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and cash equivalents |  |  | $ 28,200 |  | 21,600 |  |  |
GEO Amey |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary of Business Organization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ownership percentage |  |  | 50.00% | 50.00% |  |  |  |
Notes Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit, amount outstanding |  |  | $ 16,200 | £ 12.0 |  |  |  |
Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life |  |  | 1 year |  |  |  |  |
Minimum | Facility management contracts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization period |  |  | 3 years |  |  |  |  |
Minimum | Technology |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization period |  |  | 7 years |  |  |  |  |
Maximum | Facility management contracts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization period |  |  | 21 years |  |  |  |  |
Maximum | Technology |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization period |  |  | 8 years |  |  |  |  |
Building and Building Improvements | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life |  |  | 2 years |  |  |  |  |
Building and Building Improvements | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life |  |  | 50 years |  |  |  |  |
Equipment and Furniture and Fixtures | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life |  |  | 3 years |  |  |  |  |
Equipment and Furniture and Fixtures | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Useful life |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |  |
LIBOR | GEO Amey |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal amount and accrued interest at LIBOR |  |  | 0.50% |  |  |  |  |
Cornell Companies, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts receivable one year past due and still accruing |  |  | 1 year |  |  |  |  |
Other Noncurrent Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Trade receivables |  |  | $ 4,000 |  | 1,300 |  |  |
Other Noncurrent Assets | GEO Amey |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Due from joint venture, current |  |  | $ 1,700 | £ 1.3 |  |  |  |
Due from joint venture, non-current |  |  |  |  | 4,300 | £ 3.5 |  |
The GEO Group Australia | Ravenhall |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Facility, number of beds | Bed |  |  | 1,300 | 1,300 |  |  |  |
Common Stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Summary of Business Organization |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Stock split, conversion ratio |  | 1.5 |  |  |  |  |  |
AUSTRALIA |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Asset Impairments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and equipment, net |  |  | $ 16,281 |  | $ 10,053 |  | $ 5,871 |
AUSTRALIA | Foreign Tax Authority |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notes Receivable |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal and state income tax overpayments |  |  | $ 13,000 |  |  |  |  |
Subsequent Event |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property and Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from sale of property held-for-sale | $ 4,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Accounts receivable one year past due and still accruing. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_AccountsReceivableOneYearPastDueandStillAccruing
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying Values of Idle Facilities Marketed to Potential Customers + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_CarryingValuesOfIdleFacilitiesMarketedToPotentialCustomers
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Correctional, Detention and Residential Treatment Facilities Including Projects Under Development. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_CorrectionalDetentionAndResidentialTreatmentFacilitiesIncludingProjectsUnderDevelopment
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contract Award, Number of Beds + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_FacilityNumberofBeds
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum period for payment receivable in arrears for services. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_MaximumPeriodForPaymentReceivableInArrearsForServices
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Minimum period for payment receivable in arrears for services. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_MinimumPeriodForPaymentReceivableInArrearsForServices
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of Marketed Idle Facilities + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_NumberOfMarketedIdleFacilities
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of Vacant Beds at Idle Facilities Marketed to Potential Customers + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_NumberOfVacantBedsAtIdleFacilitiesMarketedToPotentialCustomers
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of Beds in Facility Which Has Notice of Intent to Award Contract For + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_NumberofBedsinFacilityWhichHasNoticeofIntenttoAwardContractFor
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_ProvisionOfMonitoringServicesTrackingOffenders
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Provision of Monitoring Services Tracking Offenders Using Technology Products + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_ProvisionofMonitoringServicesTrackingOffendersUsingTechnologyProducts
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Revenue based on performance of certain targets. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_RevenueBasedonPerformanceofCertainTargets
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Summary of Business Organization [Abstract] + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | geo_SummaryofBusinessOrganizationAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | geo_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount due from customers or clients, more than one year from the balance sheet date, for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(17)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of accumulated amortization of debt issuance costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccumulatedAmortizationDeferredFinanceCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetImpairmentChargesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of assets held-for-sale that are not part of a disposal group. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 15 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77912953&loc=d3e400-110220 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AssetsHeldForSaleNotPartOfDisposalGroup
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The carrying amount of capitalized computer software costs net of accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 985 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6501960&loc=d3e128462-111756 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 985 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6501960&loc=d3e128487-111756 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3044-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsOwnshareLendingArrangementIssuanceCostsNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amounts due from an entity in which the reporting entity shares joint control with another party or group, due within 1 year (or 1 business cycle). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 850 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 850 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39599-107864 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.3(a)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 850 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39622-107864 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amounts due from an entity in which the reporting entity shares joint control with another party or group, due after 1 year (or 1 business cycle). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(k)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 850 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39599-107864 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(11)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 850 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39622-107864 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 850 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DueFromJointVenturesNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 323 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66011266&loc=d3e33918-111571 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of asset related to consideration paid in advance for income and other taxes that provide economic benefits within a future period of one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (g)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 340 -SubTopic 10 -Section 05 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68074540&loc=d3e5865-108316 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82887183&loc=d3e6787-107765 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 340 -SubTopic 10 -Section 05 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=68074540&loc=d3e5879-108316 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PrepaidTaxes
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash inflow from the sale of formerly productive land held for sale, anything permanently fixed to it, including buildings, structures on it, and so forth. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98514028&loc=d3e3179-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyHeldForSale
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(13)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(14)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(8)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 360 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391035&loc=d3e2868-110229 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ReceivablesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Ratio applied to the conversion of stock split, for example but not limited to, one share converted to two or two shares converted to one. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187143-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_StockholdersEquityNoteStockSplitConversionRatio1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:pureItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Stated interest rate of the subordinated debt. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubordinatedBorrowingInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The remaining balance of debt issuance expenses that were capitalized and are being amortized against income over the lives of the respective bond issues. This does not include the amounts capitalized as part of the cost of the utility plant or asset. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=geo_FacilityManagementContractsAndCustomerRelationshipsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=geo_ForeignSubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis=geo_GeoAmeyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=geo_TechnologyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=geo_EquipmentAndFurnitureAndFixturesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=geo_CornellCompaniesIncMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=geo_TheGEOGroupAustraliaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | dei_LegalEntityAxis=geo_RavenhallMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_AU
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |