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Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details Textual) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) Facility segment | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |
Number of reportable business segments | segment | 4 |  |
Number of managed correctional facilities in Australia | Facility | 4 |  |
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision | $ 12,045 | $ 6,925 | $ 5,533
SACS |  |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision | 10,800 | 4,300 | 4,700
Equity method investments, favorable tax judgment | 5,500 |  |
Investment in Joint Ventures | 18,100 | 11,800 |
Dividend distributions received | 6,100 | 1,600 |
GEO Amey |  |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |  |
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision | 1,200 | 2,600 | $ 800
Advances to Affiliate | $ 2,700 | $ 1,300 |

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