The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO) 10-Q 7 Nov 19 2019 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Nov. 05, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-14260
Entity Registrant Name	The GEO Group, Inc
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	FL
Entity Tax Identification Number	65-0043078
Entity Address, Address Line One	4955 Technology Way
Entity Address, City or Town	Boca Raton,
Entity Address, State or Province	FL
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	33431
City Area Code	561
Local Phone Number	893-0101
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	GEO
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		121,275,480
Entity Central Index Key	0000923796
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 631,579	$ 583,530	$ 1,856,212	$ 1,731,956
Operating expenses	472,513	434,806	1,382,678	1,299,312
Depreciation and amortization	32,419	31,297	97,240	94,536
General and administrative expenses	48,488	47,647	142,183	136,927
Operating income	78,159	69,780	234,111	201,181
Interest income	6,686	8,428	23,127	26,194
Interest expense	(36,645)	(37,991)	(115,857)	(110,205)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	594	0	(5,147)	(574)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	48,794	40,217	136,234	116,596
Provision for income taxes	5,137	3,723	14,509	12,193
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision of $456, $200, $1,171 and $636, respectively	2,228	2,735	6,645	7,071
Net income	45,885	39,229	128,370	111,474
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	47	60	181	223
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 45,932	$ 39,289	$ 128,551	$ 111,697
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	119,209	119,681	119,052	120,567
Diluted (in shares)	119,282	120,302	119,314	121,055
Basic:
Net income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.33	$ 1.08	$ 0.93
Diluted:
Net income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - diluted (in dollars per share)	0.39	0.33	1.08	0.92
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48	$ 0.47	$ 1.44	$ 1.41

Consolidated Statements of Op_2

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income tax provision on equity in earnings of affiliates	$ 456	$ 200	$ 1,171	$ 636

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net income	$ 45,885	$ 39,229	$ 128,370	$ 111,474
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,553)	(1,342)	(2,787)	(5,882)
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax provision (benefit) of $11, $(894), $33 and $(430), respectively	42	(761)	(563)	(31)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $738, $271, $1,752 and $803, respectively	(2,777)		2,969
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $738, $271, $1,752 and $803, respectively		1,536		4,550
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(7,288)	(567)	(381)	(1,363)
Total comprehensive income	38,597	38,662	127,989	110,111
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	62	72	191	247
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 38,659	$ 38,734	$ 128,180	$ 110,358

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Tax provision on pension liability adjustment	$ 11	$ (894)	$ 33	$ (430)
Tax provision on change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as a cash flow hedge	$ 738		$ 1,752
Tax provision on change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as a cash flow hedge		$ 271		$ 803

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 54,030	$ 31,255
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	33,536	51,678
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,029 and $4,183, respectively	377,984	445,526
Contract receivable, current portion	8,193	15,535
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	43,856	57,768
Total current assets	517,599	601,762
Restricted Cash and Investments	33,728	22,431
Property and Equipment, Net	2,155,498	2,158,610
Assets Held for Sale	3,761	2,634
Contract Receivable	353,010	368,178
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net	125,718
Deferred Income Tax Assets	29,924	29,924
Goodwill	776,341	776,359
Intangible Assets, Net	215,607	232,360
Other Non-Current Assets	71,693	65,860
Total Assets	4,282,879	4,258,118
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	96,263	93,032
Accrued payroll and related taxes	57,774	76,009
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	202,356	204,170
Operating lease liabilities, current portion	28,795
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	23,417	332,027
Total current liabilities	408,605	705,238
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	13,681	13,681
Other Non-Current Liabilities	88,159	82,481
Operating Lease Liabilities	99,271
Finance Lease Liabilities	3,403
Finance Lease Liabilities		4,570
Long-Term Debt	2,355,724	2,397,227
Non-Recourse Debt	307,032	15,017
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)
Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 187,500,000 shares authorized, 125,432,232 and 124,794,986 issued and 121,221,978 and 120,584,732 outstanding, respectively	1,255	1,248
Additional paid-in capital	1,225,310	1,210,916
Distributions in excess of earnings	(99,607)	(52,868)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(23,989)	(23,618)
Treasury stock, 4,210,254 shares, at cost	(95,175)	(95,175)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,007,794	1,040,503
Noncontrolling interests	(790)	(599)
Total shareholders’ equity	1,007,004	1,039,904
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 4,282,879	$ 4,258,118

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,029	$ 4,183
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	187,500,000	187,500,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	125,432,232	124,794,986
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	121,221,978	120,584,732
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	4,210,254	4,210,254

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 128,370	$ 111,474
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	181	223
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	128,551	111,697
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	97,240	94,536
Stock-based compensation	16,919	16,351
Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,147	574
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium and other non-cash interest	6,861	5,860
Provision for doubtful accounts	126	806
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(6,645)	(7,071)
Dividends received from unconsolidated joint venture	5,694	8,710
Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment, net	3,736	3,652
Loss on assets held for sale	1,083	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	46,114	(13,955)
Changes in contract receivable	6,338	(3,986)
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	11,794	3,049
Net cash provided by operating activities	322,958	220,223
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Insurance proceeds - damaged property	17,389	5,998
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	402	2,061
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	823	3,797
Change in restricted investments	(5,449)	(2,413)
Capital expenditures	(90,787)	(161,490)
Net cash used in investing activities	(77,622)	(152,047)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	274,370	372,000
Payments on long-term debt	(310,616)	(186,033)
Payments on non-recourse debt	(332,717)	(9,636)
Proceeds from non-recourse debt	322,906	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards	(4,177)	(4,452)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP	400	404
Payment for repurchases of common stock	0	(70,446)
Debt issuance costs	9,885	990
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,259	1,781
Cash dividends paid	(174,332)	(172,256)
Net cash used in financing activities	(232,792)	(69,628)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(2,063)	(5,392)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	10,481	(6,844)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	84,472	133,545
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	94,953	126,701
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Right-of-use assets obtained from operating lease liabilities upon adoption of new lease standard (Refer to Note 2 - Leases)	147,000	0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 5,231	$ 4,152

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The GEO Group, Inc., a Florida corporation, and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “GEO”) is a fully-integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) specializing in the design, financing, development and operation of secure facilities, processing centers and community reentry centers in the United States, Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The Company owns, leases and operates a broad range of facilities including maximum, medium and minimum security facilities, processing centers, as well as community-based reentry facilities and offers an expanded delivery of rehabilitation services under its 'GEO Continuum of Care' platform. The 'GEO Continuum of Care' program integrates enhanced rehabilitative programs, which are evidence-based and include cognitive behavioral treatment and post-release services, and provides academic and vocational classes in life skills and treatment programs while helping individuals reintegrate into their communities. The Company develops new facilities based on contract awards, using its project development expertise and experience to design, construct and finance what it believes are state-of-the-art facilities that maximize security and efficiency. The Company provides innovative compliance technologies, industry-leading monitoring services, and evidence-based supervision and treatment programs for community-based parolees, probationers and pretrial defendants. The Company also provides secure transportation services for individuals as contracted domestically and in the United Kingdom through its joint venture GEO Amey PECS Ltd. (“GEOAmey”). At September 30, 2019, the Company’s worldwide operations include the management and/or ownership of approximately 96,000 beds at 130 facilities, including idle facilities, projects under development and recently awarded contracts, and also include the provision of community supervision services for more than 210,000 individuals, including approximately 100,000 through an array of technology products including radio frequency, GPS, and alcohol monitoring devices. The Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and the instructions to Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all disclosures required by Form 10-K. The accounting policies followed for quarterly financial reporting are the same as those disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2019 for the year ended December 31, 2018 . The accompanying December 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet has been derived from those audited financial statements. Additional information may be obtained by referring to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 . Certain amounts in the prior period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation of the current period financial statements. These reclassifications had no effect on the previously reported financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information for the interim periods reported in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been made. Results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2019, or for any other future interim or annual periods.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	LEASES On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, "Leases" (Topic 842) which requires that entities record lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The Company implemented the new standard using the transition method that provided for adoption on the adoption date and recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, if any, upon adoption. Therefore, the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are presented under the new standard, while comparative years presented are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historical accounting policy. Refer to Note 15 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements for further information. The Company has operating and finance leases for facilities, ground leases, office space, computers, copier equipment and transportation vehicles that have remaining lease terms of one year to seventy-seven years, some of which include options to extend the lease for up to ten years . For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company records the related asset and obligation at the present value of the lease payments over the term of the lease. Many of GEO's leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into the determination of lease payments when appropriate. Only renewal or termination options that are reasonably certain to be exercised by the Company are included in the lease term which is used in the calculation of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets. GEO does not typically enter into lease agreements that contain a residual guarantee or that provide for variable lease payments. When available, GEO uses the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value, however, most of GEO's lease agreements do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, the Company must estimate its incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement. Lease related assets and liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet as follows (in thousands): Classification on the Balance Sheet September 30, 2019 Assets Operating lease assets Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net $ 125,718 Finance lease assets Property and Equipment, Net 3,135 Total lease assets $ 128,853 Liabilities Current Operating Operating lease liabilities, current portion $ 28,795 Finance [1] Current portion of finance liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt 1,550 Noncurrent Operating Operating Lease Liabilities 99,271 Finance [1] Finance Lease Liabilities 3,403 Total lease liabilities $ 133,019 [1] Also refer to Note 11 - Debt. Certain information related to the lease costs for finance and operating leases is presented as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 11,611 $ 35,841 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 256 768 Interest on lease liabilities 77 254 Total finance lease cost 333 1,022 Short-term lease cost 1,673 5,228 Total lease cost $ 13,617 $ 42,091 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 12,091 $ 37,107 Operating cash flows for finance leases $ 77 $ 254 Financing activities for finance leases $ 406 $ 1,197 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilties $ 2,335 $ 8,653 Weighted average remaining lease term: Operating leases 7.3 years Finance leases 3.1 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.74 % Finance leases 8.27 % Undiscounted Cash Flows The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the operating lease liabilities and finance lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands). Operating Leases Finance Leases Remainder of 2019 $ 9,242 $ 483 2020 32,503 1,934 2021 24,824 1,936 2022 18,384 1,233 2023 14,943 — Thereafter 53,997 — Total minimum lease payments 153,893 5,586 Less: amount of lease payment representing interest (25,827 ) (633 ) Present value of future minimum lease payments 128,066 4,953 Less: current obligations under leases (28,795 ) (1,550 ) Long-term lease obligations $ 99,271 $ 3,403
Leases	LEASES On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2016-02, "Leases" (Topic 842) which requires that entities record lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The Company implemented the new standard using the transition method that provided for adoption on the adoption date and recognizing a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings, if any, upon adoption. Therefore, the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 are presented under the new standard, while comparative years presented are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historical accounting policy. Refer to Note 15 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements for further information. The Company has operating and finance leases for facilities, ground leases, office space, computers, copier equipment and transportation vehicles that have remaining lease terms of one year to seventy-seven years, some of which include options to extend the lease for up to ten years . For leases with terms greater than 12 months, the Company records the related asset and obligation at the present value of the lease payments over the term of the lease. Many of GEO's leases include rental escalation clauses, renewal options and/or termination options that are factored into the determination of lease payments when appropriate. Only renewal or termination options that are reasonably certain to be exercised by the Company are included in the lease term which is used in the calculation of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets. GEO does not typically enter into lease agreements that contain a residual guarantee or that provide for variable lease payments. When available, GEO uses the rate implicit in the lease to discount lease payments to present value, however, most of GEO's lease agreements do not provide a readily determinable implicit rate. Therefore, the Company must estimate its incremental borrowing rate to discount the lease payments based on information available at lease commencement. Lease related assets and liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet as follows (in thousands): Classification on the Balance Sheet September 30, 2019 Assets Operating lease assets Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net $ 125,718 Finance lease assets Property and Equipment, Net 3,135 Total lease assets $ 128,853 Liabilities Current Operating Operating lease liabilities, current portion $ 28,795 Finance [1] Current portion of finance liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt 1,550 Noncurrent Operating Operating Lease Liabilities 99,271 Finance [1] Finance Lease Liabilities 3,403 Total lease liabilities $ 133,019 [1] Also refer to Note 11 - Debt. Certain information related to the lease costs for finance and operating leases is presented as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 11,611 $ 35,841 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 256 768 Interest on lease liabilities 77 254 Total finance lease cost 333 1,022 Short-term lease cost 1,673 5,228 Total lease cost $ 13,617 $ 42,091 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 12,091 $ 37,107 Operating cash flows for finance leases $ 77 $ 254 Financing activities for finance leases $ 406 $ 1,197 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilties $ 2,335 $ 8,653 Weighted average remaining lease term: Operating leases 7.3 years Finance leases 3.1 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.74 % Finance leases 8.27 % Undiscounted Cash Flows The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the operating lease liabilities and finance lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands). Operating Leases Finance Leases Remainder of 2019 $ 9,242 $ 483 2020 32,503 1,934 2021 24,824 1,936 2022 18,384 1,233 2023 14,943 — Thereafter 53,997 — Total minimum lease payments 153,893 5,586 Less: amount of lease payment representing interest (25,827 ) (633 ) Present value of future minimum lease payments 128,066 4,953 Less: current obligations under leases (28,795 ) (1,550 ) Long-term lease obligations $ 99,271 $ 3,403

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The Company has recorded goodwill as a result of its various business combinations. Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the tangible assets and intangible assets acquired net of liabilities assumed, including noncontrolling interests. Changes in the Company's goodwill balances from January 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands): January 1, 2019 Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2019 GEO Secure Services $ 316,366 $ — $ 316,366 GEO Care 459,589 — 459,589 International Services 404 (18 ) 386 Total Goodwill $ 776,359 $ (18 ) $ 776,341 The Company has also recorded other finite and indefinite-lived intangible assets as a result of its various business combinations. The Company's intangible assets include facility management contracts, covenants not to compete, trade names and technology, as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Weighted Average Useful Life (years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Facility management contracts 16.3 $ 308,393 $ (142,998 ) $ 165,395 $ 308,419 $ (127,481 ) $ 180,938 Technology 7.3 33,700 (28,688 ) 5,012 33,700 (27,478 ) 6,222 Trade names (Indefinite lived) Indefinite 45,200 — 45,200 45,200 — 45,200 Total acquired intangible assets $ 387,293 $ (171,686 ) $ 215,607 $ 388,019 $ (155,659 ) $ 232,360 Amortization expense was $16.7 million and $17.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Amortization expense was primarily related to the GEO Secure Services and GEO Care segments' amortization of acquired facility management contracts. As of September 30, 2019 , the weighted average period before the next contract renewal or extension for the acquired facility management contracts was approximately 1.8 years. Although the facility management contracts acquired have renewal and extension terms in the near term, the Company has historically maintained these relationships beyond the current contractual periods. Estimated amortization expense related to the Company's finite-lived intangible assets for the remainder of 2019 through 2023 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Total Amortization Expense Remainder of 2019 $ 5,613 2020 22,306 2021 19,782 2022 18,204 2023 13,494 Thereafter 91,008 $ 170,407

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s significant financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2019 Carrying Value at September 30, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Restricted investment: Rabbi Trust $ 26,341 $ — $ 26,341 $ — Fixed income securities — — — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap derivatives $ 3,515 $ — $ 3,515 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018 Carrying Value at December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Restricted investments: Rabbi Trust $ 20,892 $ — $ 20,892 $ — Fixed income securities 1,801 — 1,801 — Liabilities: Interest rate swap derivatives $ 8,638 $ — $ 8,638 $ — The Company’s Level 2 financial instruments included in the tables above as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 consist of interest rate swap derivative liabilities held by GEO and the Company's Australian subsidiary, the Company's rabbi trust established for GEO employee and employer contributions to The GEO Group, Inc. Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and an investment in Canadian dollar denominated fixed income securities. On May 22, 2019, the Company terminated the interest rate swap derivative liabilities in connection with a debt refinancing transaction by our Australian subsidiary. Refer to Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 11 - Debt for additional information. The interest rate swap derivative liabilities are valued using a discounted cash flow model based on projected borrowing rates. The Company's restricted investment in the rabbi trust is invested in Company-owned life insurance policies which are recorded at their cash surrender values. These investments are valued based on the underlying investments held in the policies' separate account. The underlying assets are equity and fixed income pooled funds that are comprised of Level 1 and Level 2 securities. The Canadian dollar denominated securities, not actively traded, are valued using quoted rates for these and similar securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company transferred certain accounts receivable balances that had a carrying value of approximately $3.0 million to an unrelated third party. The transfer was accounted for as a sale and the Company has no continuing involvement with the transferred assets. The Company received cash proceeds in connection with the sale of approximately $3.0 million , and as such, there was no gain or loss in connection with the transaction.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabil

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect certain financial assets and liabilities at carrying value. The carrying value of certain debt instruments, if applicable, is net of unamortized discount. The following tables present the carrying values of those financial instruments and the estimated corresponding fair values at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2019 Carrying Value as of September 30, 2019 Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 54,030 $ 54,030 $ 54,030 $ — $ — Restricted cash and investments 40,923 40,923 40,923 — — Liabilities: Borrowings under senior credit facility $ 1,222,610 $ 1,137,210 $ — $ 1,137,210 $ — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 216,023 209,519 — 209,519 — 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 300,000 266,463 — 266,463 — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 250,000 217,488 — 217,488 — 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 350,000 283,486 — 283,486 — Non-recourse debt 325,313 325,428 — 325,428 — Estimated Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018 Carrying Value as of December 31, 2018 Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,255 $ 31,255 $ 31,255 $ — $ — Restricted cash and investments 53,217 53,217 50,499 2,718 — Liabilities: Borrowings under senior credit facility $ 1,273,965 $ 1,188,196 $ — $ 1,188,196 $ — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 250,000 244,550 — 244,550 — 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 300,000 271,992 — 271,992 — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 250,000 224,590 — 224,590 — 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 350,000 310,177 — 310,177 — Non-recourse debt 340,910 348,274 — 348,274 — The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash approximates the carrying values of these assets at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . Restricted cash consists of money market funds, bank deposits, commercial paper and time deposits used for asset replacement funds and other funds contractually required to be maintained at the Company's Australian subsidiary. The fair value of the money market funds and bank deposits is based on quoted market prices (Level 1) and the fair value of commercial paper and time deposits is based on market prices for similar instruments (Level 2). The fair values of the Company's 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2022 ("5.875% Senior Notes due 2022"), 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (" 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024"), 6.00% senior unsecured notes due 2026 (“6.00% Senior Notes”), and the 5.125% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (" 5.125% Senior Notes"), although not actively traded, are based on published financial data for these instruments. The fair values of the Company's non-recourse debt related to the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority ("WEDFA") and the Company’s Australian subsidiary are estimated based on market prices of similar instruments. The fair value of borrowings under the senior credit facility is based on an estimate of trading value considering the Company’s borrowing rate, the undrawn spread and similar instruments.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equiva

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	RESTRICTED CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows: September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 54,030 $ 66,007 Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current 33,536 54,931 Restricted cash and investments - non-current 33,728 28,939 Less Restricted investments - non-current (26,341 ) (23,176 ) Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the statement of cash flows $ 94,953 $ 126,701 Amounts included in restricted cash and cash equivalents are attributable to certain contractual cash restriction requirements at the Company's wholly owned Australian subsidiary related to non-recourse debt and asset replacement funds contractually required to be maintained and other guarantees. Restricted investments - non-current (included in Restricted Cash and Investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets) consists of the Company's rabbi trust established for employee and employer contributions to The GEO Group, Inc. Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and is not considered to be a restricted cash equivalent. Refer to Note 4 - Financial Instruments.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY The following table presents the changes in shareholders’ equity that are attributable to the Company’s shareholders and to noncontrolling interests for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Common shares Additional Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Balance, July 1, 2019 121,213 $ 1,254 $ 1,220,242 $ (87,339 ) $ (16,716 ) 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (728 ) $ 1,021,538 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 15 1 181 — — — — — 182 Stock-based compensation expense — — 4,739 — — — — — 4,739 Restricted stock canceled (14 ) (1 ) 1 — — — — — — Dividends paid — — — (58,200 ) — — — — (58,200 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards [1] (1 ) — (2 ) — — — — — (2 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 9 1 149 — — — — — 150 Net income (loss) — — — 45,932 — — — (47 ) 45,885 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (7,273 ) — — (15 ) (7,288 ) Balance, September 30, 2019 121,222 $ 1,255 $ 1,225,310 $ (99,607 ) $ (23,989 ) 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (790 ) $ 1,007,004 Common shares Additional Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Balance, July 1, 2018 $ 121,677 $ 1,248 $ 1,198,930 $ (11,068 ) $ (25,229 ) 3,117 $ (70,446 ) $ (498 ) $ 1,092,937 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 20 — 409 — — — — — 409 Stock-based compensation expense — — 5,564 — — — — — 5,564 Restricted stock granted 9 — — — — — — — — Restricted stock canceled (24 ) — — — — — — — — Dividends paid — — — (57,239 ) — — — — (57,239 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards [1] (2 ) — (61 ) — — — — — (61 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 6 — 140 — — — — — 140 Net income (loss) — — — 39,289 — — — (60 ) 39,229 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (556 ) — — (11 ) (567 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 121,686 $ 1,248 $ 1,204,982 $ (29,018 ) $ (25,785 ) 3,117 $ (70,446 ) $ (569 ) $ 1,080,412 Common shares Additional Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Balance January 1, 2019 $ 120,585 $ 1,248 $ 1,210,916 $ (52,868 ) $ (23,618 ) $ 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (599 ) $ 1,039,904 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 78 1 1,258 — — — — — 1,259 Stock-based compensation expense — — 16,919 — — — — — 16,919 Restricted stock granted 788 8 (8 ) — — — — — — Restricted stock canceled (52 ) — — — — — — — — Dividends paid — — — (174,322 ) — — — — (174,322 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards [1] (198 ) (2 ) (4,175 ) — — — — — (4,177 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 21 — 400 — — — — — 400 Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption [2] — — — (968 ) 968 — — — — Net income (loss) — — — 128,551 — — — (181 ) 128,370 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (1,339 ) — — (10 ) (1,349 ) Balance, September 30, 2019 121,222 $ 1,255 $ 1,225,310 $ (99,607 ) $ (23,989 ) 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (790 ) $ 1,007,004 Common shares Additional Earnings in Excess of Accumulated Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shares Amount Capital Distributions Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Balance, January 1, 2018 124,008 $ 1,240 $ 1,190,906 $ 31,541 $ (24,446 ) — — $ (322 ) $ 1,198,919 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 97 1 1,780 — — — — — — 1,781 Stock-based compensation expense — — 16,351 — — — — — — 16,351 Restricted stock granted 905 9 (9 ) — — — — — — — Restricted stock canceled (52 ) — — — — — — — — — Dividends paid — — — (172,256 ) — — — — (172,256 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards [1] (173 ) (2 ) (4,450 ) — — — — — — (4,452 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 18 — 404 — — — — — — 404 Repurchases of common stock (3,117 ) — — — — — 3,117 (70,446 ) — (70,446 ) Net income (loss) — — — 111,697 — — — (223 ) 111,474 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (1,339 ) — — (24 ) (1,363 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 121,686 $ 1,248 $ 1,204,982 $ (29,018 ) $ (25,785 ) 3,117 $ (70,446 ) $ (569 ) $ 1,080,412 [1] During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company withheld shares through net share settlements to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements upon vesting of shares of restricted stock held by employees. [2] On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2018-02 " Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ". Refer to Note 15 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements for further information. REIT Distributions As a REIT, GEO is required to distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and by excluding net capital gain) and began paying regular quarterly REIT dividends in 2013. The amount, timing and frequency of future dividends, however, will be at the sole discretion of GEO's Board of Directors (the "Board”) and will be declared based upon various factors, many of which are beyond GEO's control, including, GEO's financial condition and operating cash flows, the amount required to maintain REIT status, limitations on distributions in GEO's existing and future debt instruments, limitations on GEO's ability to fund distributions using cash generated through GEO's taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs") and other factors that GEO's Board may deem relevant. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 GEO declared and paid the following regular cash distributions to its shareholders as follows: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Distribution Per Share Aggregate Payment Amount (in millions) February 5, 2018 February 16, 2018 February 27, 2018 $0.47 $58.3 April 11, 2018 April 23, 2018 May 3, 2018 $0.47 $57.4 July 10, 2018 July 20, 2018 July 27, 2018 $0.47 $57.2 October 15, 2018 October 26, 2018 November 2, 2018 $0.47 $57.2 February 4, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 22, 2019 $0.48 $57.9 April 3, 2019 April 15, 2019 April 22, 2019 $0.48 $58.2 July 9, 2019 July 19, 2019 July 26, 2019 $0.48 $58.2 Stock Buyback Program On February 14, 2018, the Company announced that its Board authorized a stock buyback program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to a maximum of $200 million of its shares of common stock. The stock buyback program will be funded primarily with cash on hand, free cash flow and borrowings under the Company's $900 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver"). The program is effective through October 20, 2020. The stock buyback program is intended to be implemented through purchases made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") requirements. The stock buyback program does not obligate the Company to purchase any specific amount of the Company's common stock and may be suspended or extended at any time at the discretion of the Company's Board. There were no repurchases of shares of the Company's common stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The Company believes it has the ability to continue to fund the stock buyback program, its debt service requirements and its maintenance and growth capital expenditure requirements, while maintaining sufficient liquidity for other corporate purposes. Prospectus Supplement On October 20, 2017, the Company filed with the SEC an automatic shelf registration on Form S-3. Under this shelf registration, the Company may, from time to time, sell any combination of securities described in the prospectus in one or more offerings. Each time that the Company may sell securities, the Company will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering and the securities being offered. On November 9, 2017, in connection with the shelf registration, the Company filed with the SEC a prospectus supplement related to the offer and sale from time to time of the Company’s common stock at an aggregate offering price of up to $150 million through sales agents. Sales of shares of the Company’s common stock under the prospectus supplement and the equity distribution agreements entered into with the sales agents, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. There were no shares of common stock sold under this prospectus supplement during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) represents the change in shareholders' equity from transactions and other events and circumstances arising from non-shareholder sources. The Company's total comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of net income attributable to GEO, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, foreign currency translation adjustments that arise from consolidating foreign operations that do not impact cash flows, net unrealized gains and/or losses on derivative instruments, and pension liability adjustments within shareholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss). The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GEO within shareholders' equity are as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. (1) Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax (2) Pension adjustments, net of tax Total Balance, January 1, 2019 $ (14,573 ) $ (5,746 ) $ (3,299 ) $ (23,618 ) Current-period other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (2,777 ) (882 ) (563 ) (4,222 ) Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings — 3,851 — 3,851 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (2,777 ) 2,969 (563 ) (371 ) Balance, September 30, 2019 $ (17,350 ) $ (2,777 ) $ (3,862 ) $ (23,989 ) (1) The foreign currency translation related to noncontrolling interests was not significant at September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018 . (2) On May 22, 2019, the Company refinanced the debt associated with its Ravenhall project and terminated the associated interest rate swap derivatives which resulted in the reclassification of $3.9 million into losses that were previously reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In August 2019, the Company entered into two identical Notes in the aggregate amount of $44.3 million which are secured by loan agreements and mortgage and security agreements on certain real property and improvements. The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate to 4.22% . Refer to Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 11 - Debt for additional information. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. (1) Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax Pension adjustments, net of tax Total Balance, January 1, 2018 (7,470 ) (11,892 ) (5,084 ) (24,446 ) Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (5,858 ) 4,550 (31 ) (1,339 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 (13,328 ) (7,342 ) (5,115 ) (25,785 ) (1) The foreign currency translation related to noncontrolling interests was not significant at September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

Equity Incentive Plans

Equity Incentive Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Equity Incentive Plans	EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS The Board adopted The GEO Group, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2018 Plan"), which was approved by the Company's shareholders on April 24, 2018. The 2018 Plan replaced the 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2014 Plan"). As of the date the 2018 Plan was adopted, it provided for a reserve of 4,600,000 shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2018 Plan. The Company filed a Form S-8 registration statement related to the 2018 Plan on May 11, 2018. Stock Options The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of each time-based or performance-based option awarded. For options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the fair value was estimated using the following assumptions: (i) volatility of 40.69% ; (ii) expected term of 5.0 years; (iii) risk free interest rate of 2.44% ; and (iv) expected dividend yield of 8.47% . A summary of the activity of stock option awards issued and outstanding under Company plans was as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 : Shares Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) (in thousands) Options outstanding at January 1, 2019 1,462 $ 24.30 7.20 $ 924 Options granted 391 22.68 Options exercised (78 ) 16.03 Options forfeited/canceled/expired (151 ) 24.48 Options outstanding at September 30, 2019 1,624 $ 24.31 7.17 $ 314 Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2019 1,538 $ 24.37 7.08 $ 314 Options exercisable at September 30, 2019 819 $ 24.88 5.80 $ 314 On March 1, 2019, the Company granted approximately 391,000 options to certain employees which had a per share grant date fair value of $3.96 . For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , the amount of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $0.8 million and $0.7 million , respectively. As of September 30, 2019 , the Company had $2.2 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock option awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.7 years. Restricted Stock Compensation expense for nonvested stock awards is recorded over the vesting period based on the fair value at the date of grant. Generally, the restricted stock awards vest in equal increments over either a three or four -year period. The fair value of restricted stock awards, which do not contain a market-based vesting condition, is determined using the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company has historically issued share-based awards with service-based, performance-based and market-based vesting criteria. A summary of the activity of restricted stock outstanding is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 : Shares Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands) Restricted stock outstanding at January 1, 2019 2,018 $ 27.62 Granted 788 23.79 Vested (701 ) 24.09 Forfeited/canceled (53 ) 24.11 Restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2019 2,052 $ 27.32 During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , the Company granted approximately 788,000 shares of restricted stock to certain employees and executive officers. Of these awards, 250,000 are market and performance-based awards which will be forfeited if the Company does not achieve certain annual metrics during 2019, 2020 and 2021. The vesting of these performance-based restricted stock grants are subject to the achievement by GEO of two annual performance metrics as follows: (i) up to 50% of the shares of restricted stock ("TSR Target Award") can vest at the end of a three year performance period if GEO meets certain total shareholder return ("TSR") performance targets, as compared to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies, over a three year period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 and (ii) up to 50% of the shares of restricted stock ("ROCE Target Award") can vest at the end of a three year period if GEO meets certain return on capital employed ("ROCE") performance targets over a three year period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. These market and performance awards can vest at between 0% and 200% of the target awards for both metrics. The number of shares shown for the performance-based awards is based on the target awards for both metrics. The metric related to ROCE is considered to be a performance condition. For share-based awards that contain a performance condition, the achievement of the targets must be probable before any share-based compensation expense is recorded. The Company reviews the likelihood of which the target in the range will be achieved and if deemed probable, compensation expense is recorded at that time. If subsequent to initial measurement there is a change in the estimate of the probability of meeting the performance condition, the effect of the change in the estimated quantity of awards expected to vest is recognized by cumulatively adjusting compensation expense. If ultimately the performance targets are not met, for any awards where vesting was previously deemed probable, previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed in the period in which vesting is no longer deemed probable. The fair value of these awards was determined based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The metric related to TSR is considered to be a market condition. For share-based awards that contain a market condition, the probability of satisfying the market condition must be considered in the estimate of grant-date fair value and previously recorded compensation expense is not reversed if the market condition is never met. The fair value of these awards was determined based on a Monte Carlo simulation, which calculates a range of possible outcomes and the probabilities that they will occur, using the following key assumptions: (i) volatility of 43.7% ; (ii) beta of 1.0 ; and (iii) risk free rate of 2.53% . For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized $16.1 million and $15.6 million , respectively, of compensation expense related to its restricted stock awards. As of September 30, 2019 , the Company had $31.2 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock awards, including non-vested restricted stock awards with performance-based and market-based vesting, that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years. Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company previously adopted The GEO Group Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan or "ESPP”) which was approved by the Company's shareholders. The purpose of the Plan, which is qualified under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, as amended, is to encourage stock ownership through payroll deductions by the employees of GEO and designated subsidiaries of GEO in order to increase their identification with the Company’s goals and secure a proprietary interest in the Company’s success. These deductions are used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a 5% discount from the then current market price. The Company has made available up to 750,000 shares of its common stock, which were registered with the SEC on May 4, 2012, as amended on July 18, 2014, for sale to eligible employees under the Plan. The Plan is considered to be non-compensatory. As such, there is no compensation expense required to be recognized. Share purchases under the Plan are made on the last day of each month. During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , 21,411

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share of common stock is computed by dividing the net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. by the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to that of basic earnings per share except that the denominator includes dilutive common stock equivalents such as stock options and shares of restricted stock. Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Net income $ 45,885 $ 39,229 $ 128,370 $ 111,474 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 47 60 181 223 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. 45,932 39,289 128,551 111,697 Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding 119,209 119,681 119,052 120,567 Per share amount $ 0.39 $ 0.33 $ 1.08 $ 0.93 Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding 119,209 119,681 119,052 120,567 Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans 73 621 262 488 Weighted average shares assuming dilution 119,282 120,302 119,314 121,055 Per share amount $ 0.39 $ 0.33 $ 1.08 $ 0.92 Three Months For the three months ended September 30, 2019 , 1,522,227 weighted average shares of common stock underlying options were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share ("EPS") because the effect would be anti-dilutive. There were 1,801,015 common stock equivalents from restricted shares that were anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2018 , 613,224 weighted average shares of common stock underlying options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. There were 477,941 common stock equivalents from restricted shares that were anti-dilutive. Nine Months For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 , 1,497,922 weighted average shares of common stock underlying options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. There were 1,479,719 common stock equivalents from restricted shares that were anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , 904,375 weighted average shares of common stock underlying options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. There were 671,149 common stock equivalents from restricted shares that were anti-dilutive.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in interest rates. The Company measures its derivative financial instruments at fair value. In August 2019, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements in the aggregate notional amount of $44.3 million to fix the interest rate on certain of its variable rate debt to 4.22% . The Company has designated these interest rate swaps as hedges against changes in the cash flows of two identical promissory notes (the "Notes") which are secured by loan agreements and mortgage and security agreements on certain real property and improvements. The Company has determined that the swaps have payment, expiration dates, and provisions that coincide with the terms of the Notes and are therefore considered to be effective cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the Company records the change in fair value of the interest rate swaps as accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Total unrealized losses recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax, related to these cash flow hedges was $2.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019. The total fair value of the swap liabilities as of September 30, 2019 was $3.5 million and is recorded as a component of Other Non-Current liabilities within the accompanying balance sheet. There was no material ineffectiveness for the period presented. The Company does not expect to enter into any transactions during the next twelve months which would result in reclassification into earnings or losses associated with these swaps currently reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Refer to Note 11 - Debt for additional information. The Company’s Australian subsidiary had entered into interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate on its variable rate non-recourse debt related to a project in Ravenhall, a locality near Melbourne, Australia to 4.2% . The Company had determined that the swaps had payment, expiration dates, and provisions that coincided with the terms of the non-recourse debt and were therefore considered to be effective cash flow hedges. Accordingly, the Company recorded the change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. On May 22, 2019, the Company refinanced the associated debt and terminated the swap agreements which resulted in the reclassification of $3.9 million

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	DEBT Debt outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Senior Credit Facility: Term loan $ 780,000 $ 786,000 Unamortized discount on term loan (2,429 ) (2,878 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs on term loan (5,761 ) (6,826 ) Revolver 445,039 490,843 Total Senior Credit Facility 1,216,849 1,267,139 6.00% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2026 350,000 350,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (4,420 ) (4,820 ) Total 6.00% Senior Notes Due in 2026 345,580 345,180 5.875% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2024 250,000 250,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,645 ) (2,971 ) Total 5.875% Senior Notes Due in 2024 247,355 247,029 5.125% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2023 300,000 300,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (3,049 ) (3,548 ) Total 5.125% Senior Notes Due in 2023 296,951 296,452 5.875% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2022 216,023 250,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (1,677 ) (2,514 ) Total 5.875% Senior Notes Due in 2022 214,346 247,486 Non-Recourse Debt 325,410 341,074 Unamortized debt issuance costs on non-recourse debt (5,425 ) (3,883 ) Unamortized discount on non-recourse debt (97 ) (164 ) Total Non-Recourse Debt 319,888 337,027 Finance Lease Liabilities 4,953 6,059 Other debt 43,654 2,469 Total debt 2,689,576 2,748,841 Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt (23,417 ) (332,027 ) Finance Lease Liabilities, long-term portion (3,403 ) (4,570 ) Non-Recourse Debt, long-term portion (307,032 ) (15,017 ) Long-Term Debt $ 2,355,724 $ 2,397,227 Amended Credit Agreement On June 12, 2019, GEO entered into Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among the refinancing lenders party thereto, the other lenders party thereto, GEO and GEO Corrections Holdings, Inc. and the administrative agent. Under the amendment, the maturity date of the revolver component of the Credit Agreement has been extended to May 17, 2024. The borrowing capacity under the amended revolver will remain at $900.0 million , and its pricing will remain unchanged currently bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% . As a result of the transaction, the Company incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million related to certain unamortized deferred loan costs. Additionally, loan costs of $4.7 million were incurred and capitalized in connection with the transaction. The Credit Agreement evidences a credit facility (the "Credit Facility") consisting of a $792.0 million term loan bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.00% (with a LIBOR floor of 0.75% ), and a $900.0 million revolver initially bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.25% (with no LIBOR floor) together with AUD 275 million available solely for the issuance of financial letters of credit and performance letters of credit, in each case denominated in Australian Dollars under the Australian Dollar Letter of Credit Facility (the "Australian LC Facility"). As of September 30, 2019 , there were no letters of credit issued under the Australian LC Facility. Amounts to be borrowed by GEO under the Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions to borrowing. The term loan component is scheduled to mature on March 23, 2024. The revolving credit commitment component is scheduled to mature on May 17, 2024. The Credit Agreement also has an accordion feature of $450.0 million , subject to lender demand and prevailing market conditions and satisfying the relevant borrowing conditions. The Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties, and certain customary covenants that restrict GEO’s ability to, among other things (i) create, incur or assume any indebtedness, (ii) create, incur, assume or permit liens, (iii) make loans and investments, (iv) engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (v) make certain restricted payments, (vi) issue, sell or otherwise dispose of capital stock, (vii) engage in transactions with affiliates, (viii) allow the total leverage ratio to exceed 6.25 to 1.00, allow the senior secured leverage ratio to exceed 3.50 to 1.00, or allow the interest coverage ratio to be less than 3.00 to 1.00, (ix) cancel, forgive, make any voluntary or optional payment or prepayment on, or redeem or acquire for value any senior notes, except as permitted, (x) alter the business GEO conducts, and (xi) materially impair GEO’s lenders’ security interests in the collateral for its loans. Events of default under the Credit Agreement include, but are not limited to, (i) GEO’s failure to pay principal or interest when due, (ii) GEO’s material breach of any representation or warranty, (iii) covenant defaults, (iv) liquidation, reorganization or other relief relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, (v) cross default under certain other material indebtedness, (vi) unsatisfied final judgments over a specified threshold, (vii) certain material environmental liability claims asserted against GEO, and (viii) a change in control. All of the obligations under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by certain domestic subsidiaries of GEO and the Credit Agreement and the related guarantees are secured by a perfected first-priority pledge of substantially all of GEO’s present and future tangible and intangible domestic assets and all present and future tangible and intangible domestic assets of each guarantor, including but not limited to a first-priority pledge of all of the outstanding capital stock owned by GEO and each guarantor in their domestic subsidiaries. GEO Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd, GEO Australasia Finance Holdings Pty Ltd as trustee for the GEO Australasia Finance Holding Trust, and together with GEO Australasia Holdings, collectively ("the Australian Borrowers") are wholly owned foreign subsidiaries of GEO. GEO has designated each of the Australian Borrowers as restricted subsidiaries under the Credit Agreement. However, the Australian Borrowers are not obligated to pay or perform any obligations under the Credit Agreement other than their own obligations as Australian Borrowers under the Credit Agreement. The Australian Borrowers do not pledge any of their assets to secure any obligations under the Credit Agreement. On August 18, 2016, the Company executed a Letter of Offer providing for a bank guarantee line and bank guarantee/standby sub-facility in an aggregate amount of approximately AUD 100 million , or $70.0 million , based on exchange rates in effect as of September 30, 2019 (collectively, the “Bank Guarantee Facility”). The Bank Guarantee Facility allows GEO to provide letters of credit to assure performance of certain obligations of its wholly owned subsidiary relating to its correctional facility in Ravenhall, located near Melbourne, Australia. The Bank Guarantee Facility is unsecured. The issuance of letters of credit under the Bank Guarantee Facility is subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent specified in the Letter of Offer. Letters of credit issued under the bank guarantee lines are due on demand and letters of credit issued under the bank guarantee/standby sub-facility cannot have a duration exceeding twelve months. The Bank Guarantee Facility may be terminated by the lender on 90 days written notice. As of September 30, 2019 , there was AUD 100 million in letters of credit issued under the Bank Guarantee Facility. As of September 30, 2019 , the Company had approximately $780 million in aggregate borrowings outstanding under its term loan, approximately $445 million in borrowings under its revolver, and approximately $62 million in letters of credit which left approximately $393 million in additional borrowing capacity under the Revolver. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2019 was 4.1% . 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 Interest on the 6.00% Senior Notes accrues at the stated rate. The Company pays interest semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. On or after April 15, 2019, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or part of the 6.00% Senior Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 6.00% Senior Notes. The indenture contains certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiary guarantors. Refer to Note 16- Condensed Consolidating Financial Information. 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 Interest on the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 accrues at the stated rate. The Company pays interest semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. On or after October 15, 2019, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or part of the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024. The indenture contains certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiary guarantors. Refer to Note 16- Condensed Consolidating Financial Information. 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 Interest on the 5.125% Senior Notes accrues at the stated rate. The Company pays interest semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year. On or after April 1, 2018, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or part of the 5.125% Senior Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 5.125% Senior Notes. The indenture contains certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiary guarantors. Refer to Note 16- Condensed Consolidating Financial Information. 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 Interest on the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 accrues at the stated rate. The Company pays interest semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year. On or after January 15, 2017, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or part of the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022. The indenture contains certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiary guarantors. Refer to Note 16- Condensed Consolidating Financial Information. Debt Repurchases On August 16, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase and/or retire a portion of the 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026, the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024, the 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023, the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 (collectively the "GEO Senior Notes") and the Company's term loan under its Amended Credit Agreement through cash purchases, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, up to an aggregate maximum of $100 million , subject to certain limitations through December 31, 2020. During the third quarter of 2019, the Company repurchased approximately $34.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 at a weighted average price of 97.48% for a total cost of $33.1 million . As a result of these repurchases, the Company recognized a net gain on extinguishment of debt of $0.6 million . Non-Recourse Debt Tacoma Processing Center The remaining balance of the original debt service requirement under the $54.4 million note payable ("2011 Revenue Bonds") to WEDFA is $22.9 million , of which $7.3 million is classified as current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 . The payment of principal and interest on the 2011 Revenue Bonds issued by WEDFA is non-recourse to GEO. The 2011 Revenue Bonds will mature in October 2021 with a fixed coupon rate of 5.25% . As of September 30, 2019 , included in current restricted cash and cash equivalents is $8.3 million of funds held in trust for debt service and other reserves with respect to the above mentioned note payable to WEDFA. Australia - Ravenhall In connection with a design and build project agreement with the State of Victoria, in September 2014, the Company entered into a syndicated facility agreement (the "Construction Facility") to provide debt financing for construction of the project. The Construction Facility provided for non-recourse funding up to AUD 791.0 million , or approximately $534.2 million , based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2019 . In accordance with the terms of the contract, upon completion and commercial acceptance of the project, the State made a lump sum payment of AUD 310.0 million , or approximately $209.0 million , based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2019. The term of the Construction Facility was through September 2019 and bore interest at a variable rate quoted by certain Australian banks plus 200 basis points. On May 22, 2019, the Company completed an offering of AUD 461.6 million, or $311.8 million , based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2019 , aggregate principal amount of non-recourse senior secured notes due 2042 (the "Non-Recourse Notes"). The amortizing Non-Recourse Notes were issued by Ravenhall Finance Co Pty Limited in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Non-Recourse Notes were issued with a coupon and yield to maturity of 4.23% with a maturity date of March 31, 2042. The net proceeds from this offering were used to refinance the outstanding Construction Facility and to pay all related fees, costs and expenses associated with the transaction. As a result of the transaction, the Company incurred a $4.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to swap termination fees and unamortized deferred costs associated with the Construction Facility. Additionally, loan costs of approximately $7.5 million were incurred and capitalized in connection with the offering. Other In August 2019, the Company entered into two identical Notes in the aggregate amount of $44.3 million which are secured by loan agreements and mortgage and security agreements on certain real property and improvements. The terms of the Notes are through September 1, 2034 and bear interest at LIBOR plus 200 basis points and are payable in monthly installments plus interest. The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate to 4.22% . Included in the balance at September 30, 2019 is $0.7 million of deferred loan costs incurred in the transaction. Refer to Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments for further information. Guarantees Australia The Company has entered into a guarantee in connection with the operating performance of a facility in Australia. The obligation amounted to approximately AUD 100.0 million , or $67.5 million , based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2019 . The guarantee is secured by outstanding letters of credit under the Company's Revolver. At September 30, 2019 , the Company also had seven other letters of credit outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees of its Australian subsidiary totaling $9.0 million . South Africa In connection with the creation of South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited ("SACS"), the Company entered into certain guarantees related to the financing, construction and operation of the South African facility. The Company guaranteed certain obligations of SACS under its debt agreements to SACS' former senior lenders through the issuance of letters of credit under the Company's Revolver. In July 2018, SACS settled all amounts due under the debt facilities and has therefore discharged the guaranteed obligations, therefore the guarantees related to these obligations were no longer necessary and the letters of credit were not renewed. Additionally, SACS was required to maintain funding in a rectification account maintained for the payment of certain costs in the event of contract termination. SACS has met the required funding obligation and there is no further requirement to maintain the required funding rectification account. In addition to the above, the Company also agreed to provide a loan, if required, of up to 20 million South African Rand, or $1.3 million based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2019 , referred to as the shareholder's standby facility, to SACS for the purpose of financing SACS’ obligations under its contract with the South African government. No amounts have been funded under the shareholder's standby facility. The Company’s obligations under the shareholder's standby facility expired upon SACS’ release from its obligations under the common terms agreement in February 2019 with the final payment of the facility management fees. The Company also guaranteed certain obligations of SACS to the security trustee for SACS’ lenders. The Company secured its guarantee to the security trustee by ceding its rights to claims against SACS in respect of any loans or other finance agreements, and by pledging the Company’s shares in SACS. The Company’s liability under the guarantee is limited to the cession and pledge of shares. The guarantee expired in February 2019 when of all SACS' obligations in terms of the finance agreements were settled.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation, Claims and Assessments As previously reported and described in the Company's prior periodic reports, including most recently in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2019, former civil immigration detainees at the Aurora Immigration Processing Center filed a class action lawsuit on October 22, 2014, against the Company in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado (the “Court”). The complaint alleges that the Company was in violation of the Colorado Minimum Wages of Workers Act and the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act ("TVPA"). The plaintiff class claims that the Company was unjustly enriched because of the level of payment the detainees received for work performed at the facility, even though the voluntary work program as well as the wage rates and standards associated with the program that are at issue in the case are authorized by the Federal government under guidelines approved by the United States Congress. On July 6, 2015, the Court found that detainees were not employees under the Colorado Minimum Wage Order and dismissed this claim. In February 2017, the Court granted the plaintiff-class’ motion for class certification on the TVPA and unjust enrichment claims. The plaintiff class seeks actual damages, compensatory damages, exemplary damages, punitive damages, restitution, attorneys’ fees and costs, and such other relief as the Court may deem proper. In the time since the Colorado suit was initially filed, three similar lawsuits have been filed - two in Washington and one in California. In Washington, one of the two lawsuits was filed on September 9, 2017 by immigration detainees against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The second lawsuit was filed on September 20, 2017 by the State Attorney General against the Company in the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Pierce County, which the Company removed to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington on October 9, 2017. In California, a class-action lawsuit was filed on December 19, 2017 by immigration detainees against the Company in the U.S. District Court Eastern Division of the Central District of California. All three lawsuits allege violations of the respective state’s minimum wage laws. However, the California lawsuit, like the Colorado suit, also includes claims that the Company violated the TVPA and California's equivalent state statute. On September 27, 2019, the California plaintiff class filed a motion for class certification of both California-based and nationwide classes. The Company filed a response to this motion disputing the plaintiff class' right to broad class treatment of the claims at issue. On July 2, 2019, the Company filed a Motion for Summary Judgment in the Washington Attorney General’s Tacoma lawsuit based on the Company’s position that its legal defenses prevent the case from proceeding to trial. The federal court in Washington denied the Company's Motion for Summary Judgment on August 6, 2019. However, on August 20, 2019, the Department of Justice filed a Statement of Interest, which asked the Washington court to revisit its prior denial of the Company's intergovernmental immunity defense in the case. While the Washington court ultimately elected not to dismiss the case at the time, its order importantly declared that the Company's intergovernmental immunity defense was legally viable, to be ultimately determined at trial. The two Washington cases are currently set for trial in March 2020. The Company intends to take all necessary steps to vigorously defend itself and has consistently refuted the allegations and claims in these lawsuits. The Company has not recorded an accrual relating to these matters at this time, as a loss is not considered probable nor reasonably estimable at this stage of the lawsuits. The Company establishes accruals for specific legal proceedings when it is considered probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. However, the results of these claims or proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these claims or proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Our accruals for loss contingencies are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as additional information becomes available. We do not accrue for anticipated legal fees and costs, but expense those items as incurred. The nature of the Company's business exposes it to various types of third-party legal claims or litigation against the Company, including, but not limited to, civil rights claims relating to conditions of confinement and/or mistreatment, sexual misconduct claims, medical malpractice claims, claims relating to the TVPA, product liability claims, intellectual property infringement claims, claims relating to employment laws (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination claims, union grievances and wage and hour claims), property loss claims, environmental claims, automobile liability claims, indemnification claims by its customers and other third parties, contractual claims and claims for personal injury or other damages resulting from contact with the Company's facilities, programs, electronic monitoring products, personnel, inmates or detainees, including damages arising from an escape or from a disturbance or riot at a facility. Expenses associated with legal proceedings may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on the level of activity required during the different stages of legal proceedings, new developments that arise in the course of the legal proceedings, and the Company's litigation strategy. The Company does not expect the outcome of any pending claims or legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, the results of these claims or proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these claims or proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other Assessment A state non-income tax audit completed in 2016 included tax periods for which the state tax authority had previously processed a substantial tax refund. At the completion of the audit fieldwork, the Company received a notice of audit findings disallowing deductions that were previously claimed by the Company, approved by the state tax authority and served as the basis for the approved refund claim. In early January 2017, the Company received a formal Notice of Assessment of Taxes and Demand for Payment from the taxing authority disallowing the deductions. The total tax, penalty and interest related to the assessment is approximately $18.8 million . The Company has filed an administrative protest and disagrees with the assessment and intends to take all necessary steps to vigorously defend its position. The Company has established a reserve based on its estimate of the most probable loss based on the facts and circumstances known to date and the advice of outside counsel in connection with this matter. Commitments The Company currently has contractual commitments for a number of projects using Company financing. The Company’s management estimates that the cost of these existing capital projects will be approximately $193 million of which $143 million was spent through the first nine months of 2019. The Company estimates the remaining capital requirements related to these capital projects will be $50 million which will be spent through the remainder of 2019. Idle Facilities As of September 30, 2019 , the Company was marketing approximately 3,000 vacant beds at four of its idle facilities to potential customers. The carrying values of these idle facilities, which are included in Property and Equipment, Net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, totaled $49.6 million as of September 30, 2019 , excluding equipment and other assets that can be easily transferred for use at other facilities. There was no indication of impairment related to the Company's idle facilities at September 30, 2019

Business Segments and Geographi

Business Segments and Geographic Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments and Geographic Information	BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Operating and Reporting Segments The Company conducts its business through four reportable business segments: the GEO Secure Services segment; the GEO Care segment; the International Services segment; and the Facility Construction & Design segment. The Company's segment revenues from external customers and a measure of segment profit are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Revenues: GEO Secure Services $ 411,078 $ 379,351 $ 1,201,063 $ 1,107,016 GEO Care 153,422 141,808 462,772 431,819 International Services 57,634 62,371 176,246 193,121 Facility Construction & Design [1] 9,445 — 16,131 — Total revenues $ 631,579 $ 583,530 $ 1,856,212 $ 1,731,956 Operating income from segments: GEO Secure Services $ 85,085 $ 77,885 $ 248,462 $ 224,386 GEO Care 36,325 35,959 113,936 102,795 International Services 5,211 3,583 13,870 10,927 Facility Construction & Design [1] 26 — 26 — Operating income from segments $ 126,647 $ 117,427 $ 376,294 $ 338,108 General and Administrative Expenses (48,488 ) (47,647 ) $ (142,183 ) (136,927 ) Total Operating Income $ 78,159 $ 69,780 $ 234,111 $ 201,181 [1] In 2019, Facility Construction & Design revenues related to an expansion project at the Company's managed-only Fulham Correctional Centre in Australia which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2020. Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s total operating income from its reportable segments to the Company’s income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Operating income from segments $ 126,647 $ 117,427 $ 376,294 $ 338,108 Unallocated amounts: General and Administrative Expenses (48,488 ) (47,647 ) (142,183 ) (136,927 ) Net Interest Expense (29,959 ) (29,563 ) (92,730 ) (84,011 ) Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt 594 — (5,147 ) (574 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates $ 48,794 $ 40,217 $ 136,234 $ 116,596 Equity in Earnings of Affiliates Equity in earnings of affiliates includes the Company’s 50% owned joint ventures in SACS, located in South Africa, and GEOAmey, located in the United Kingdom. The Company's investments in these entities are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investments in these entities are presented as a component of Other Non-Current Assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company has recorded $1.2 million and $3.8 million in earnings, net of tax, for SACS operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 , and $2.2 million and $5.9 million in earnings, net of tax, for SACS operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, which are included in equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company’s investment in SACS was $10.9 million and $13.4 million , respectively, and represents its share of cumulative reported earnings. The Company has recorded $1.0 million and $2.8 million in earnings, net of tax, for GEO Amey's operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 , and $0.6 million and $1.2 million in earnings, net of tax, for GEO Amey's operations during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, which are included in equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , the Company’s investment in GEOAmey was $7.3 million and $4.8 million

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	BENEFIT PLANS The following table summarizes key information related to the Company’s pension plans and retirement agreements (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Change in Projected Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 32,474 $ 32,820 Service cost 749 1,200 Interest cost 1,045 1,242 Actuarial gain — (2,166 ) Benefits paid (585 ) (622 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of period $ 33,683 $ 32,474 Change in Plan Assets Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period $ — $ — Company contributions 585 622 Benefits paid (585 ) (622 ) Plan assets at fair value, end of period $ — $ — Unfunded Status of the Plan $ 33,683 $ 32,474 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost $ 300 $ 300 $ 749 $ 900 Interest cost 348 310 1,045 931 Net loss 53 133 158 399 Net periodic pension cost $ 701 $ 743 $ 1,952 $ 2,230 The long-term portion of the pension liability as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was $33.4 million and $32.1 million , respectively, and is included in Other Non-Current Liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS The Company implemented the following accounting standards during the nine months ended September 30, 2019: I n June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, " Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting" as a part of its Simplification Initiative. The amendments in this update expand the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. An entity should apply the requirements of Topic 718 to nonemployee awards except for specific guidance on inputs to an option pricing model and the period of time over which share-based payment awards vest and the pattern of cost recognition over that period. The amendments specify that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor's own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Topic 606," Revenue from Contracts with Customers. " The new standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. I n February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, " Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ". The amendments in this update allow an entity to elect to reclassify the income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on items within accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings. The new standard is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2019 and has made a policy election to reclassify the income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on items within AOCI to distributions in excess of earnings on a prospective basis. As a result, the Company reclassified $0.7 million for the tax effect of the tax rate reduction related to its pension liability and $1.7 million for the tax effect of other income tax effects of tax reform on items remaining in AOCI related to currency translation adjustments to distributions in excess of earnings on January 1, 2019. The net effect of both adjustments resulted in an aggregate increase to distributions in excess of earnings of approximately $1.0 million . Refer to Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity. I n August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, " Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. " The objective of this guidance is to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. Certain of the amendments in this update as they relate to cash flow hedges, eliminate the requirement to separately record hedge ineffectiveness currently in earnings. Instead, the entire change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is recorded in other comprehensive income. Those amounts are reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings. The new standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, " Leases ," which requires entities to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. For finance leases and operating leases, a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term with each initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company elected the package of transition expedients available for expired or existing lease contracts, which allowed it to carry forward its historical assessments of (1) whether contracts are or contain leases, (2) lease classification and (3) initial direct costs. The Company also elected not to apply the recognition requirements to lease arrangements that have terms of twelve months or less. The adoption had a material impact in the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but did not have an impact on its consolidated statements of operations or cash flows. The most significant impact was the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases, while our accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. The new standard resulted in the recording of operating right-of-use lease assets and operating lease liabilities of approximately $140 million and $147 million , respectively, as of January 1, 2019. Refer to Note 2 - Leases for further discussion and additional required disclosures. The following accounting standards will be adopted in future periods: I n August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, " Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Topic 715.20)" as a part of its disclosure framework project. The amendments in this update remove, modify and add certain disclosures primarily related to amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, explanations for reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period, and projected and accumulated benefit obligations. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. I n August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, " Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)" as a part of its disclosure framework project. The amendments in this update remove, modify and add certain disclosures primarily related to transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, various disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements and investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC No. 2016-13, " Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ". The purpose of Update No. 2016-13 is to replace the current incurred loss impairment methodology for financial assets measured at amortized cost with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information, including forecasted information, to develop credit loss estimates. Update No. 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Condensed Consolidating Financi

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION As of September 30, 2019 , the Company's 6.00% Senior Notes, 5.125% Senior Notes, the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 and the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 were fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior unsecured basis by the Company and certain of its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). The following condensed consolidating financial information, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements for presentation of Rule 3-10(d) of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act, presents the condensed consolidating financial information separately for: (i) The GEO Group, Inc., as the issuer of the notes; (ii) The Subsidiary Guarantors, on a combined basis, which are 100% owned by The GEO Group, Inc., and which are guarantors of the notes; (iii) The Company’s other subsidiaries, on a combined basis, which are not guarantors of the notes (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”); (iv) Consolidating entries and eliminations representing adjustments to (a) eliminate intercompany transactions between or among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Subsidiary Non-Guarantors and (b) eliminate the investments in the Company’s subsidiaries; and (v) The Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues $ 241,389 $ 513,194 $ 69,734 $ (192,738 ) $ 631,579 Operating expenses 194,174 412,866 58,211 (192,738 ) 472,513 Depreciation and amortization 7,303 24,352 764 — 32,419 General and administrative expenses 18,365 24,818 5,305 — 48,488 Operating income 21,547 51,158 5,454 — 78,159 Interest income 3,443 2,207 6,022 (4,986 ) 6,686 Interest expense (22,370 ) (14,382 ) (4,879 ) 4,986 (36,645 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt — 594 — — 594 Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates 2,620 39,577 6,597 — 48,794 Income tax provision 295 3,006 1,836 — 5,137 Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision — — 2,228 — 2,228 Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries 2,325 36,571 6,989 — 45,885 Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision 43,560 — — (43,560 ) — Net income 45,885 36,571 6,989 (43,560 ) 45,885 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 47 — 47 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 45,885 $ 36,571 $ 7,036 $ (43,560 ) $ 45,932 Net income $ 45,885 $ 36,571 $ 6,989 $ (43,560 ) $ 45,885 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2,777 ) 42 (4,553 ) — (7,288 ) Total comprehensive income $ 43,108 $ 36,613 $ 2,436 $ (43,560 ) $ 38,597 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 62 — 62 Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 43,108 $ 36,613 $ 2,498 $ (43,560 ) $ 38,659 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues $ 208,607 $ 479,175 $ 65,028 $ (169,280 ) $ 583,530 Operating expenses 171,038 379,892 53,156 (169,280 ) 434,806 Depreciation and amortization 6,742 23,621 934 — 31,297 General and administrative expenses 16,878 25,568 5,201 — 47,647 Operating income 13,949 50,094 5,737 — 69,780 Interest income 3,415 1,159 8,660 (4,806 ) 8,428 Interest expense (20,765 ) (13,714 ) (8,318 ) 4,806 (37,991 ) Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (3,401 ) 37,539 6,079 — 40,217 Income tax provision 162 2,446 1,115 — 3,723 Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision — — 2,735 — 2,735 Income (loss) before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries (3,563 ) 35,093 7,699 — 39,229 Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision 42,792 — — (42,792 ) — Net income 39,229 35,093 7,699 (42,792 ) 39,229 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 60 — 60 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 39,229 $ 35,093 $ 7,759 $ (42,792 ) $ 39,289 Net income $ 39,229 $ 35,093 $ 7,699 $ (42,792 ) $ 39,229 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — (761 ) 194 — (567 ) Total comprehensive income $ 39,229 $ 34,332 $ 7,893 $ (42,792 ) $ 38,662 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 72 — 72 Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 39,229 $ 34,332 $ 7,965 $ (42,792 ) $ 38,734 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Combined Eliminations Consolidated Revenues $ 703,310 $ 1,506,490 $ 200,341 $ (553,929 ) $ 1,856,212 Operating expenses 555,000 1,217,343 164,264 (553,929 ) 1,382,678 Depreciation and amortization 22,021 72,744 2,475 — 97,240 General and administrative expenses 53,379 73,599 15,205 — 142,183 Operating income 72,910 142,804 18,397 — 234,111 Interest income 10,418 5,722 21,937 (14,950 ) 23,127 Interest expense (68,793 ) (42,932 ) (19,082 ) 14,950 (115,857 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (486 ) (197 ) (4,464 ) — (5,147 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates 14,049 105,397 16,788 — 136,234 Income tax provision 823 8,935 4,751 — 14,509 Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision — — 6,645 — 6,645 Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries 13,226 96,462 18,682 — 128,370 Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision 115,147 — — (115,147 ) — Net income 128,373 96,462 18,682 (115,147 ) 128,370 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 181 — 181 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 128,373 $ 96,462 $ 18,863 $ (115,147 ) $ 128,551 Net income $ 128,373 $ 96,462 $ 18,682 $ (115,147 ) $ 128,370 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2,777 ) (563 ) 2,959 — (381 ) Total comprehensive income $ 125,596 $ 95,899 $ 21,641 $ (115,147 ) $ 127,989 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 191 — 191 Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 125,596 $ 95,899 $ 21,832 $ (115,147 ) $ 128,180 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Combined Eliminations Consolidated Revenues $ 606,424 $ 1,412,868 $ 201,090 $ (488,426 ) $ 1,731,956 Operating expenses 483,982 1,138,897 164,859 (488,426 ) 1,299,312 Depreciation and amortization 19,766 71,759 3,011 — 94,536 General and administrative expenses 47,499 73,753 15,675 — 136,927 Operating income 55,177 128,459 17,545 — 201,181 Interest income 10,998 4,023 26,951 (15,778 ) 26,194 Interest expense (58,460 ) (42,133 ) (25,390 ) 15,778 (110,205 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (574 ) — — — (574 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates 7,141 90,349 19,106 — 116,596 Income tax provision 1,055 6,188 4,950 — 12,193 Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision — — 7,071 — 7,071 Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries 6,086 84,161 21,227 — 111,474 Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision 105,388 — — (105,388 ) — Net income 111,474 84,161 21,227 (105,388 ) 111,474 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 223 — 223 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 111,474 $ 84,161 $ 21,450 $ (105,388 ) $ 111,697 Net income $ 111,474 $ 84,161 $ 21,227 $ (105,388 ) $ 111,474 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — (31 ) (1,332 ) — (1,363 ) Total comprehensive income $ 111,474 $ 84,130 $ 19,895 $ (105,388 ) $ 110,111 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 247 — 247 Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 111,474 $ 84,130 $ 20,142 $ (105,388 ) $ 110,358 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) As of September 30, 2019 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 26,150 $ 6,364 $ 21,516 $ — $ 54,030 Restricted cash and cash equivalents — — 33,536 — 33,536 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 145,803 189,421 39,641 3,119 377,984 Contract receivable, current portion — 8,193 — 8,193 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,235 35,796 8,829 (2,004 ) 43,856 Total current assets 173,188 231,581 111,715 1,115 517,599 Restricted Cash and Investments — 26,500 7,228 — 33,728 Property and Equipment, Net 847,996 1,223,695 83,807 — 2,155,498 Assets Held for Sale 705 3,056 — — 3,761 Contract Receivable — — 353,010 — 353,010 Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net 23,359 101,652 707 — 125,718 Intercompany Receivable 976,826 236,081 9,718 (1,222,625 ) — Deferred Income Tax Assets 798 27,928 1,198 — 29,924 Goodwill — 775,954 387 — 776,341 Intangible Assets, Net — 215,112 495 — 215,607 Investment in Subsidiaries 1,465,543 573,816 2,190 (2,041,549 ) — Other Non-Current Assets 10,445 119,925 19,368 (78,045 ) 71,693 Total Assets $ 3,498,860 $ 3,535,300 $ 589,823 $ (3,341,104 ) $ 4,282,879 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accounts payable $ 15,451 $ 76,226 $ 4,586 $ — $ 96,263 Accrued payroll and related taxes — 40,297 17,477 — 57,774 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 41,156 134,948 26,560 (308 ) 202,356 Operating lease liabilities, current portion 5,151 23,282 362 — 28,795 Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt 8,000 2,560 12,857 — 23,417 Total current liabilities 69,758 277,313 61,842 (308 ) 408,605 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities — — 13,681 — 13,681 Intercompany Payable 108,182 1,094,114 18,906 (1,221,202 ) — Other Non-Current Liabilities 3,677 156,904 5,623 (78,045 ) 88,159 Operating lease Liabilities 18,764 80,162 345 — 99,271 Finance Lease Liabilities — 3,403 — — 3,403 Long-Term Debt 2,290,685 — 65,039 — 2,355,724 Non-Recourse Debt — — 307,032 — 307,032 Commitments & Contingencies and Other Shareholders' Equity: The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity 1,007,794 1,923,404 118,145 (2,041,549 ) 1,007,794 Noncontrolling Interests — — (790 ) — (790 ) Total Shareholders’ Equity 1,007,794 1,923,404 117,355 (2,041,549 ) 1,007,004 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 3,498,860 $ 3,535,300 $ 589,823 $ (3,341,104 ) $ 4,282,879 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2018 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,468 $ 7,873 $ 18,914 $ — $ 31,255 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 2,854 — 48,824 — 51,678 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 190,594 221,957 44,377 (11,402 ) 445,526 Contract receivable, current portion — — 15,535 — 15,535 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,011 50,482 7,114 (1,839 ) 57,768 Total current assets 199,927 280,312 134,764 (13,241 ) 601,762 Restricted Cash and Investments — 21,009 1,422 — 22,431 Property and Equipment, Net 845,291 1,227,223 86,096 — 2,158,610 Assets Held for Sale 705 1,929 — — 2,634 Contract Receivable — — 368,178 368,178 Intercompany Receivable 990,365 150,710 22,407 (1,163,482 ) — Deferred Income Tax Assets 798 27,928 1,198 — 29,924 Goodwill — 775,955 404 — 776,359 Intangible Assets, Net — 231,787 573 — 232,360 Investment in Subsidiaries 1,503,841 458,229 2,190 (1,964,260 ) — Other Non-Current Assets 9,541 115,695 19,334 (78,710 ) 65,860 Total Assets $ 3,550,468 $ 3,290,777 $ 636,566 $ (3,219,693 ) $ 4,258,118 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accounts payable $ 13,566 $ 72,128 $ 7,338 $ — $ 93,032 Accrued payroll and related taxes — 56,543 19,466 — 76,009 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 23,565 168,231 25,615 (13,241 ) 204,170 Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt 8,000 2,017 322,010 — 332,027 Total current liabilities 45,131 298,919 374,429 (13,241 ) 705,238 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities — — 13,681 — 13,681 Intercompany Payable 142,055 989,856 31,571 (1,163,482 ) — Other Non-Current Liabilities 1,395 152,815 6,981 (78,710 ) 82,481 Finance Lease Liabilities — 4,570 — — 4,570 Long-Term Debt 2,321,384 — 75,843 — 2,397,227 Non-Recourse Debt — — 15,017 — 15,017 Commitments & Contingencies and Other Shareholders' Equity: The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity 1,040,503 1,844,617 119,643 (1,964,260 ) 1,040,503 Noncontrolling Interests — — (599 ) — (599 ) Total Shareholders’ Equity 1,040,503 1,844,617 119,044 (1,964,260 ) 1,039,904 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 3,550,468 $ 3,290,777 $ 636,566 $ (3,219,693 ) $ 4,258,118 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidated Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 212,177 $ 55,258 $ 55,523 $ 322,958 Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Insurance proceeds - damaged property — 17,389 — 17,389 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment — 402 — 402 Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale — 823 — 823 Change in restricted investments — (5,449 ) — (5,449 ) Capital expenditures (22,941 ) (66,723 ) (1,123 ) (90,787 ) Net cash used in investing activities (22,941 ) (53,558 ) (1,123 ) (77,622 ) Cash Flow from Financing Activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 274,370 — — 274,370 Payments on long-term debt (310,616 ) — — (310,616 ) Payments on non-recourse debt — — (332,717 ) (332,717 ) Proceeds from non-recourse debt — — 322,906 322,906 Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards (4,177 ) — — (4,177 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP 400 — — 400 Debt issuance costs (4,656 ) — (5,229 ) (9,885 ) Proceeds from stock options exercised 1,259 — — 1,259 Dividends paid (174,332 ) — — (174,332 ) Net cash used in financing activities (217,752 ) — (15,040 ) (232,792 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents — — (2,063 ) (2,063 ) Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash. Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (28,516 ) 1,700 37,297 10,481 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period 54,666 4,823 24,983 84,472 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period $ 26,150 $ 6,523 $ 62,280 $ 94,953 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidated Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 112,599 $ 70,040 $ 37,584 $ 220,223 Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Proceeds from sale of property and equipment — — 2,061 2,061 Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale — 3,797 3,797 Insurance proceeds - damaged property — 5,998 — 5,998 Change in restricted investments — (2,413 ) — (2,413 ) Capital expenditures (95,461 ) (64,015 ) (2,014 ) (161,490 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (95,461 ) (56,633 ) 47 (152,047 ) Cash Flow from Financing Activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 372,000 — — 372,000 Payments on long-term debt (183,000 ) — (3,033 ) (186,033 ) Payments on non-recourse debt — — (9,636 ) (9,636 ) Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards (4,452 ) — — (4,452 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP 404 — — 404 Debt issuance costs (990 ) — — (990 ) Proceeds from stock options exercised 1,781 — — 1,781 Payments for repurchases of common stock (70,446 ) — — (70,446 ) Dividends paid (172,256 ) — — (172,256 ) Net cash used in financing activities (56,959 ) — (12,669 ) (69,628 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents — — (5,392 ) (5,392 ) Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (39,821 ) 13,407 19,570 (6,844 ) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period 54,666 4,952 73,927 133,545 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period $ 14,845 $ 18,359 $ 93,497 $ 126,701

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Dividend On October 14, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.48 per share of common stock which was paid on November 1, 2019 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 25, 2019. Contract Discontinuations As the Company had previously announced, its contract for its Central Valley facility was discontinued by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation at the end of September 2019, and the Company expects that its California contract for the Desert View Facility will be discontinued by April 1, 2020 followed by the Golden State Facility contract being discontinued by July 1, 2020.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS The Company implemented the following accounting standards during the nine months ended September 30, 2019: I n June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07, " Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting" as a part of its Simplification Initiative. The amendments in this update expand the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. An entity should apply the requirements of Topic 718 to nonemployee awards except for specific guidance on inputs to an option pricing model and the period of time over which share-based payment awards vest and the pattern of cost recognition over that period. The amendments specify that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor's own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. The amendments also clarify that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Topic 606," Revenue from Contracts with Customers. " The new standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. I n February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, " Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ". The amendments in this update allow an entity to elect to reclassify the income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on items within accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings. The new standard is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted the new standard effective January 1, 2019 and has made a policy election to reclassify the income tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on items within AOCI to distributions in excess of earnings on a prospective basis. As a result, the Company reclassified $0.7 million for the tax effect of the tax rate reduction related to its pension liability and $1.7 million for the tax effect of other income tax effects of tax reform on items remaining in AOCI related to currency translation adjustments to distributions in excess of earnings on January 1, 2019. The net effect of both adjustments resulted in an aggregate increase to distributions in excess of earnings of approximately $1.0 million . Refer to Note 7 - Shareholders' Equity. I n August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, " Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. " The objective of this guidance is to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. Certain of the amendments in this update as they relate to cash flow hedges, eliminate the requirement to separately record hedge ineffectiveness currently in earnings. Instead, the entire change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is recorded in other comprehensive income. Those amounts are reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line item that is used to present the earnings effect of the hedged item when the hedged item affects earnings. The new standard became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, " Leases ," which requires entities to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. For finance leases and operating leases, a lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term with each initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019. The Company elected the package of transition expedients available for expired or existing lease contracts, which allowed it to carry forward its historical assessments of (1) whether contracts are or contain leases, (2) lease classification and (3) initial direct costs. The Company also elected not to apply the recognition requirements to lease arrangements that have terms of twelve months or less. The adoption had a material impact in the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but did not have an impact on its consolidated statements of operations or cash flows. The most significant impact was the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases, while our accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. The new standard resulted in the recording of operating right-of-use lease assets and operating lease liabilities of approximately $140 million and $147 million , respectively, as of January 1, 2019. Refer to Note 2 - Leases for further discussion and additional required disclosures. The following accounting standards will be adopted in future periods: I n August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, " Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Topic 715.20)" as a part of its disclosure framework project. The amendments in this update remove, modify and add certain disclosures primarily related to amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year, explanations for reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period, and projected and accumulated benefit obligations. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2021. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. I n August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, " Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)" as a part of its disclosure framework project. The amendments in this update remove, modify and add certain disclosures primarily related to transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, various disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements and investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value. The new standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC No. 2016-13, " Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ". The purpose of Update No. 2016-13 is to replace the current incurred loss impairment methodology for financial assets measured at amortized cost with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information, including forecasted information, to develop credit loss estimates. Update No. 2016-13 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is in the process of determining the effect that the adoption will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Related Assets and Liabilities	Lease related assets and liabilities are recorded on the balance sheet as follows (in thousands): Classification on the Balance Sheet September 30, 2019 Assets Operating lease assets Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net $ 125,718 Finance lease assets Property and Equipment, Net 3,135 Total lease assets $ 128,853 Liabilities Current Operating Operating lease liabilities, current portion $ 28,795 Finance [1] Current portion of finance liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt 1,550 Noncurrent Operating Operating Lease Liabilities 99,271 Finance [1] Finance Lease Liabilities 3,403 Total lease liabilities $ 133,019 [1] Also refer to Note 11 - Debt.
Lease Cost Information	Certain information related to the lease costs for finance and operating leases is presented as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 11,611 $ 35,841 Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets 256 768 Interest on lease liabilities 77 254 Total finance lease cost 333 1,022 Short-term lease cost 1,673 5,228 Total lease cost $ 13,617 $ 42,091 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows for operating leases $ 12,091 $ 37,107 Operating cash flows for finance leases $ 77 $ 254 Financing activities for finance leases $ 406 $ 1,197 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilties $ 2,335 $ 8,653 Weighted average remaining lease term: Operating leases 7.3 years Finance leases 3.1 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.74 % Finance leases 8.27 %
Operating Lease Liability Maturity	The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the operating lease liabilities and finance lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands). Operating Leases Finance Leases Remainder of 2019 $ 9,242 $ 483 2020 32,503 1,934 2021 24,824 1,936 2022 18,384 1,233 2023 14,943 — Thereafter 53,997 — Total minimum lease payments 153,893 5,586 Less: amount of lease payment representing interest (25,827 ) (633 ) Present value of future minimum lease payments 128,066 4,953 Less: current obligations under leases (28,795 ) (1,550 ) Long-term lease obligations $ 99,271 $ 3,403
Finance Lease Liability Maturity	The table below reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for each of the first five years and total of the remaining years to the operating lease liabilities and finance lease liabilities recorded on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2019 (in thousands). Operating Leases Finance Leases Remainder of 2019 $ 9,242 $ 483 2020 32,503 1,934 2021 24,824 1,936 2022 18,384 1,233 2023 14,943 — Thereafter 53,997 — Total minimum lease payments 153,893 5,586 Less: amount of lease payment representing interest (25,827 ) (633 ) Present value of future minimum lease payments 128,066 4,953 Less: current obligations under leases (28,795 ) (1,550 ) Long-term lease obligations $ 99,271 $ 3,403

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill	Changes in the Company's goodwill balances from January 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019 are as follows (in thousands): January 1, 2019 Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2019 GEO Secure Services $ 316,366 $ — $ 316,366 GEO Care 459,589 — 459,589 International Services 404 (18 ) 386 Total Goodwill $ 776,359 $ (18 ) $ 776,341
Schedule of intangible assets	The Company's intangible assets include facility management contracts, covenants not to compete, trade names and technology, as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Weighted Average Useful Life (years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Facility management contracts 16.3 $ 308,393 $ (142,998 ) $ 165,395 $ 308,419 $ (127,481 ) $ 180,938 Technology 7.3 33,700 (28,688 ) 5,012 33,700 (27,478 ) 6,222 Trade names (Indefinite lived) Indefinite 45,200 — 45,200 45,200 — 45,200 Total acquired intangible assets $ 387,293 $ (171,686 ) $ 215,607 $ 388,019 $ (155,659 ) $ 232,360
Estimated amortization expense for the remainder	Estimated amortization expense related to the Company's finite-lived intangible assets for the remainder of 2019 through 2023 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Total Amortization Expense Remainder of 2019 $ 5,613 2020 22,306 2021 19,782 2022 18,204 2023 13,494 Thereafter 91,008 $ 170,407

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s significant financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2019 Carrying Value at September 30, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Restricted investment: Rabbi Trust $ 26,341 $ — $ 26,341 $ — Fixed income securities — — — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap derivatives $ 3,515 $ — $ 3,515 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018 Carrying Value at December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Restricted investments: Rabbi Trust $ 20,892 $ — $ 20,892 $ — Fixed income securities 1,801 — 1,801 — Liabilities: Interest rate swap derivatives $ 8,638 $ — $ 8,638 $ —

Fair Value of Assets and Liab_2

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	The following tables present the carrying values of those financial instruments and the estimated corresponding fair values at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2019 Carrying Value as of September 30, 2019 Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 54,030 $ 54,030 $ 54,030 $ — $ — Restricted cash and investments 40,923 40,923 40,923 — — Liabilities: Borrowings under senior credit facility $ 1,222,610 $ 1,137,210 $ — $ 1,137,210 $ — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 216,023 209,519 — 209,519 — 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 300,000 266,463 — 266,463 — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 250,000 217,488 — 217,488 — 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 350,000 283,486 — 283,486 — Non-recourse debt 325,313 325,428 — 325,428 — Estimated Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018 Carrying Value as of December 31, 2018 Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 31,255 $ 31,255 $ 31,255 $ — $ — Restricted cash and investments 53,217 53,217 50,499 2,718 — Liabilities: Borrowings under senior credit facility $ 1,273,965 $ 1,188,196 $ — $ 1,188,196 $ — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 250,000 244,550 — 244,550 — 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 300,000 271,992 — 271,992 — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 250,000 224,590 — 224,590 — 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 350,000 310,177 — 310,177 — Non-recourse debt 340,910 348,274 — 348,274 —

Restricted Cash and Cash Equi_2

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents	The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents reported on the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows: September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 54,030 $ 66,007 Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current 33,536 54,931 Restricted cash and investments - non-current 33,728 28,939 Less Restricted investments - non-current (26,341 ) (23,176 ) Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the statement of cash flows $ 94,953 $ 126,701

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to noncontrolling interests	The following table presents the changes in shareholders’ equity that are attributable to the Company’s shareholders and to noncontrolling interests for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands): Common shares Additional Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Balance, July 1, 2019 121,213 $ 1,254 $ 1,220,242 $ (87,339 ) $ (16,716 ) 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (728 ) $ 1,021,538 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 15 1 181 — — — — — 182 Stock-based compensation expense — — 4,739 — — — — — 4,739 Restricted stock canceled (14 ) (1 ) 1 — — — — — — Dividends paid — — — (58,200 ) — — — — (58,200 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards [1] (1 ) — (2 ) — — — — — (2 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 9 1 149 — — — — — 150 Net income (loss) — — — 45,932 — — — (47 ) 45,885 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (7,273 ) — — (15 ) (7,288 ) Balance, September 30, 2019 121,222 $ 1,255 $ 1,225,310 $ (99,607 ) $ (23,989 ) 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (790 ) $ 1,007,004 Common shares Additional Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Balance, July 1, 2018 $ 121,677 $ 1,248 $ 1,198,930 $ (11,068 ) $ (25,229 ) 3,117 $ (70,446 ) $ (498 ) $ 1,092,937 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 20 — 409 — — — — — 409 Stock-based compensation expense — — 5,564 — — — — — 5,564 Restricted stock granted 9 — — — — — — — — Restricted stock canceled (24 ) — — — — — — — — Dividends paid — — — (57,239 ) — — — — (57,239 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards [1] (2 ) — (61 ) — — — — — (61 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 6 — 140 — — — — — 140 Net income (loss) — — — 39,289 — — — (60 ) 39,229 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (556 ) — — (11 ) (567 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 121,686 $ 1,248 $ 1,204,982 $ (29,018 ) $ (25,785 ) 3,117 $ (70,446 ) $ (569 ) $ 1,080,412 Common shares Additional Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Balance January 1, 2019 $ 120,585 $ 1,248 $ 1,210,916 $ (52,868 ) $ (23,618 ) $ 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (599 ) $ 1,039,904 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 78 1 1,258 — — — — — 1,259 Stock-based compensation expense — — 16,919 — — — — — 16,919 Restricted stock granted 788 8 (8 ) — — — — — — Restricted stock canceled (52 ) — — — — — — — — Dividends paid — — — (174,322 ) — — — — (174,322 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards [1] (198 ) (2 ) (4,175 ) — — — — — (4,177 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 21 — 400 — — — — — 400 Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption [2] — — — (968 ) 968 — — — — Net income (loss) — — — 128,551 — — — (181 ) 128,370 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (1,339 ) — — (10 ) (1,349 ) Balance, September 30, 2019 121,222 $ 1,255 $ 1,225,310 $ (99,607 ) $ (23,989 ) 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (790 ) $ 1,007,004 Common shares Additional Earnings in Excess of Accumulated Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shares Amount Capital Distributions Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Balance, January 1, 2018 124,008 $ 1,240 $ 1,190,906 $ 31,541 $ (24,446 ) — — $ (322 ) $ 1,198,919 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 97 1 1,780 — — — — — — 1,781 Stock-based compensation expense — — 16,351 — — — — — — 16,351 Restricted stock granted 905 9 (9 ) — — — — — — — Restricted stock canceled (52 ) — — — — — — — — — Dividends paid — — — (172,256 ) — — — — (172,256 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards [1] (173 ) (2 ) (4,450 ) — — — — — — (4,452 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 18 — 404 — — — — — — 404 Repurchases of common stock (3,117 ) — — — — — 3,117 (70,446 ) — (70,446 ) Net income (loss) — — — 111,697 — — — (223 ) 111,474 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (1,339 ) — — (24 ) (1,363 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 121,686 $ 1,248 $ 1,204,982 $ (29,018 ) $ (25,785 ) 3,117 $ (70,446 ) $ (569 ) $ 1,080,412 [1] During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company withheld shares through net share settlements to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements upon vesting of shares of restricted stock held by employees. [2] On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2018-02 " Income Statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income-Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ". Refer to Note 15 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements for further information.
Dividends declared	During the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 GEO declared and paid the following regular cash distributions to its shareholders as follows: Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Distribution Per Share Aggregate Payment Amount (in millions) February 5, 2018 February 16, 2018 February 27, 2018 $0.47 $58.3 April 11, 2018 April 23, 2018 May 3, 2018 $0.47 $57.4 July 10, 2018 July 20, 2018 July 27, 2018 $0.47 $57.2 October 15, 2018 October 26, 2018 November 2, 2018 $0.47 $57.2 February 4, 2019 February 15, 2019 February 22, 2019 $0.48 $57.9 April 3, 2019 April 15, 2019 April 22, 2019 $0.48 $58.2 July 9, 2019 July 19, 2019 July 26, 2019 $0.48 $58.2
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GEO within shareholders' equity are as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. (1) Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax (2) Pension adjustments, net of tax Total Balance, January 1, 2019 $ (14,573 ) $ (5,746 ) $ (3,299 ) $ (23,618 ) Current-period other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (2,777 ) (882 ) (563 ) (4,222 ) Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings — 3,851 — 3,851 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (2,777 ) 2,969 (563 ) (371 ) Balance, September 30, 2019 $ (17,350 ) $ (2,777 ) $ (3,862 ) $ (23,989 ) (1) The foreign currency translation related to noncontrolling interests was not significant at September 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018 . (2) On May 22, 2019, the Company refinanced the debt associated with its Ravenhall project and terminated the associated interest rate swap derivatives which resulted in the reclassification of $3.9 million into losses that were previously reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). In August 2019, the Company entered into two identical Notes in the aggregate amount of $44.3 million which are secured by loan agreements and mortgage and security agreements on certain real property and improvements. The Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate to 4.22% . Refer to Note 10 - Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 11 - Debt for additional information. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. (1) Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax Pension adjustments, net of tax Total Balance, January 1, 2018 (7,470 ) (11,892 ) (5,084 ) (24,446 ) Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income (5,858 ) 4,550 (31 ) (1,339 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 (13,328 ) (7,342 ) (5,115 ) (25,785 ) (1) The foreign currency translation related to noncontrolling interests was not significant at September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of the activity of stock option awards	A summary of the activity of stock option awards issued and outstanding under Company plans was as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 : Shares Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) (in thousands) Options outstanding at January 1, 2019 1,462 $ 24.30 7.20 $ 924 Options granted 391 22.68 Options exercised (78 ) 16.03 Options forfeited/canceled/expired (151 ) 24.48 Options outstanding at September 30, 2019 1,624 $ 24.31 7.17 $ 314 Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2019 1,538 $ 24.37 7.08 $ 314 Options exercisable at September 30, 2019 819 $ 24.88 5.80 $ 314
Summary of the activity of restricted stock	A summary of the activity of restricted stock outstanding is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 : Shares Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands) Restricted stock outstanding at January 1, 2019 2,018 $ 27.62 Granted 788 23.79 Vested (701 ) 24.09 Forfeited/canceled (53 ) 24.11 Restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2019 2,052 $ 27.32

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and diluted earnings per share	Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018 as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Net income $ 45,885 $ 39,229 $ 128,370 $ 111,474 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 47 60 181 223 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. 45,932 39,289 128,551 111,697 Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding 119,209 119,681 119,052 120,567 Per share amount $ 0.39 $ 0.33 $ 1.08 $ 0.93 Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding 119,209 119,681 119,052 120,567 Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans 73 621 262 488 Weighted average shares assuming dilution 119,282 120,302 119,314 121,055 Per share amount $ 0.39 $ 0.33 $ 1.08 $ 0.92

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Debt	Debt outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018 Senior Credit Facility: Term loan $ 780,000 $ 786,000 Unamortized discount on term loan (2,429 ) (2,878 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs on term loan (5,761 ) (6,826 ) Revolver 445,039 490,843 Total Senior Credit Facility 1,216,849 1,267,139 6.00% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2026 350,000 350,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (4,420 ) (4,820 ) Total 6.00% Senior Notes Due in 2026 345,580 345,180 5.875% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2024 250,000 250,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,645 ) (2,971 ) Total 5.875% Senior Notes Due in 2024 247,355 247,029 5.125% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2023 300,000 300,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (3,049 ) (3,548 ) Total 5.125% Senior Notes Due in 2023 296,951 296,452 5.875% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2022 216,023 250,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (1,677 ) (2,514 ) Total 5.875% Senior Notes Due in 2022 214,346 247,486 Non-Recourse Debt 325,410 341,074 Unamortized debt issuance costs on non-recourse debt (5,425 ) (3,883 ) Unamortized discount on non-recourse debt (97 ) (164 ) Total Non-Recourse Debt 319,888 337,027 Finance Lease Liabilities 4,953 6,059 Other debt 43,654 2,469 Total debt 2,689,576 2,748,841 Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt (23,417 ) (332,027 ) Finance Lease Liabilities, long-term portion (3,403 ) (4,570 ) Non-Recourse Debt, long-term portion (307,032 ) (15,017 ) Long-Term Debt $ 2,355,724 $ 2,397,227

Business Segments and Geograp_2

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Operating and Reporting Segments	The Company's segment revenues from external customers and a measure of segment profit are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Revenues: GEO Secure Services $ 411,078 $ 379,351 $ 1,201,063 $ 1,107,016 GEO Care 153,422 141,808 462,772 431,819 International Services 57,634 62,371 176,246 193,121 Facility Construction & Design [1] 9,445 — 16,131 — Total revenues $ 631,579 $ 583,530 $ 1,856,212 $ 1,731,956 Operating income from segments: GEO Secure Services $ 85,085 $ 77,885 $ 248,462 $ 224,386 GEO Care 36,325 35,959 113,936 102,795 International Services 5,211 3,583 13,870 10,927 Facility Construction & Design [1] 26 — 26 — Operating income from segments $ 126,647 $ 117,427 $ 376,294 $ 338,108 General and Administrative Expenses (48,488 ) (47,647 ) $ (142,183 ) (136,927 ) Total Operating Income $ 78,159 $ 69,780 $ 234,111 $ 201,181 [1] In 2019, Facility Construction & Design revenues related to an expansion project at the Company's managed-only Fulham Correctional Centre in Australia which is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2020.
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments	The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s total operating income from its reportable segments to the Company’s income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (in thousands): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Operating income from segments $ 126,647 $ 117,427 $ 376,294 $ 338,108 Unallocated amounts: General and Administrative Expenses (48,488 ) (47,647 ) (142,183 ) (136,927 ) Net Interest Expense (29,959 ) (29,563 ) (92,730 ) (84,011 ) Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt 594 — (5,147 ) (574 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates $ 48,794 $ 40,217 $ 136,234 $ 116,596

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of Company Plan Benefit Expense	The following table summarizes key information related to the Company’s pension plans and retirement agreements (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 Change in Projected Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 32,474 $ 32,820 Service cost 749 1,200 Interest cost 1,045 1,242 Actuarial gain — (2,166 ) Benefits paid (585 ) (622 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of period $ 33,683 $ 32,474 Change in Plan Assets Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period $ — $ — Company contributions 585 622 Benefits paid (585 ) (622 ) Plan assets at fair value, end of period $ — $ — Unfunded Status of the Plan $ 33,683 $ 32,474
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2018 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost $ 300 $ 300 $ 749 $ 900 Interest cost 348 310 1,045 931 Net loss 53 133 158 399 Net periodic pension cost $ 701 $ 743 $ 1,952 $ 2,230

Condensed Consolidating Finan_2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues $ 241,389 $ 513,194 $ 69,734 $ (192,738 ) $ 631,579 Operating expenses 194,174 412,866 58,211 (192,738 ) 472,513 Depreciation and amortization 7,303 24,352 764 — 32,419 General and administrative expenses 18,365 24,818 5,305 — 48,488 Operating income 21,547 51,158 5,454 — 78,159 Interest income 3,443 2,207 6,022 (4,986 ) 6,686 Interest expense (22,370 ) (14,382 ) (4,879 ) 4,986 (36,645 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt — 594 — — 594 Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates 2,620 39,577 6,597 — 48,794 Income tax provision 295 3,006 1,836 — 5,137 Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision — — 2,228 — 2,228 Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries 2,325 36,571 6,989 — 45,885 Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision 43,560 — — (43,560 ) — Net income 45,885 36,571 6,989 (43,560 ) 45,885 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 47 — 47 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 45,885 $ 36,571 $ 7,036 $ (43,560 ) $ 45,932 Net income $ 45,885 $ 36,571 $ 6,989 $ (43,560 ) $ 45,885 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2,777 ) 42 (4,553 ) — (7,288 ) Total comprehensive income $ 43,108 $ 36,613 $ 2,436 $ (43,560 ) $ 38,597 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 62 — 62 Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 43,108 $ 36,613 $ 2,498 $ (43,560 ) $ 38,659 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated Revenues $ 208,607 $ 479,175 $ 65,028 $ (169,280 ) $ 583,530 Operating expenses 171,038 379,892 53,156 (169,280 ) 434,806 Depreciation and amortization 6,742 23,621 934 — 31,297 General and administrative expenses 16,878 25,568 5,201 — 47,647 Operating income 13,949 50,094 5,737 — 69,780 Interest income 3,415 1,159 8,660 (4,806 ) 8,428 Interest expense (20,765 ) (13,714 ) (8,318 ) 4,806 (37,991 ) Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (3,401 ) 37,539 6,079 — 40,217 Income tax provision 162 2,446 1,115 — 3,723 Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision — — 2,735 — 2,735 Income (loss) before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries (3,563 ) 35,093 7,699 — 39,229 Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision 42,792 — — (42,792 ) — Net income 39,229 35,093 7,699 (42,792 ) 39,229 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 60 — 60 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 39,229 $ 35,093 $ 7,759 $ (42,792 ) $ 39,289 Net income $ 39,229 $ 35,093 $ 7,699 $ (42,792 ) $ 39,229 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax — (761 ) 194 — (567 ) Total comprehensive income $ 39,229 $ 34,332 $ 7,893 $ (42,792 ) $ 38,662 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 72 — 72 Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 39,229 $ 34,332 $ 7,965 $ (42,792 ) $ 38,734 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Combined Eliminations Consolidated Revenues $ 703,310 $ 1,506,490 $ 200,341 $ (553,929 ) $ 1,856,212 Operating expenses 555,000 1,217,343 164,264 (553,929 ) 1,382,678 Depreciation and amortization 22,021 72,744 2,475 — 97,240 General and administrative expenses 53,379 73,599 15,205 — 142,183 Operating income 72,910 142,804 18,397 — 234,111 Interest income 10,418 5,722 21,937 (14,950 ) 23,127 Interest expense (68,793 ) (42,932 ) (19,082 ) 14,950 (115,857 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (486 ) (197 ) (4,464 ) — (5,147 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates 14,049 105,397 16,788 — 136,234 Income tax provision 823 8,935 4,751 — 14,509 Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision — — 6,645 — 6,645 Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries 13,226 96,462 18,682 — 128,370 Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision 115,147 — — (115,147 ) — Net income 128,373 96,462 18,682 (115,147 ) 128,370 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 181 — 181 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 128,373 $ 96,462 $ 18,863 $ (115,147 ) $ 128,551 Net income $ 128,373 $ 96,462 $ 18,682 $ (115,147 ) $ 128,370 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (2,777 ) (563 ) 2,959 — (381 ) Total comprehensive income $ 125,596 $ 95,899 $ 21,641 $ (115,147 ) $ 127,989 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 191 — 191 Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 125,596 $ 95,899 $ 21,832 $ (115,147 ) $ 128,180 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Combined Eliminations Consolidated Revenues $ 606,424 $ 1,412,868 $ 201,090 $ (488,426 ) $ 1,731,956 Operating expenses 483,982 1,138,897 164,859 (488,426 ) 1,299,312 Depreciation and amortization 19,766 71,759 3,011 — 94,536 General and administrative expenses 47,499 73,753 15,675 — 136,927 Operating income 55,177 128,459 17,545 — 201,181 Interest income 10,998 4,023 26,951 (15,778 ) 26,194 Interest expense (58,460 ) (42,133 ) (25,390 ) 15,778 (110,205 ) Loss on extinguishment of debt (574 ) — — — (574 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates 7,141 90,349 19,106 — 116,596 Income tax provision 1,055 6,188 4,950 — 12,193 Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision — — 7,071 — 7,071 Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries 6,086 84,161 21,227 — 111,474 Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision 105,388 — — (105,388 ) — Net income 111,474 84,161 21,227 (105,388 ) 111,474 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 223 — 223 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 111,474 $ 84,161 $ 21,450 $ (105,388 ) $ 111,697 Net income $ 111,474 $ 84,161 $ 21,227 $ (105,388 ) $ 111,474 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — (31 ) (1,332 ) — (1,363 ) Total comprehensive income $ 111,474 $ 84,130 $ 19,895 $ (105,388 ) $ 110,111 Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests — — 247 — 247 Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. $ 111,474 $ 84,130 $ 20,142 $ (105,388 ) $ 110,358
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) As of September 30, 2019 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 26,150 $ 6,364 $ 21,516 $ — $ 54,030 Restricted cash and cash equivalents — — 33,536 — 33,536 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 145,803 189,421 39,641 3,119 377,984 Contract receivable, current portion — 8,193 — 8,193 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1,235 35,796 8,829 (2,004 ) 43,856 Total current assets 173,188 231,581 111,715 1,115 517,599 Restricted Cash and Investments — 26,500 7,228 — 33,728 Property and Equipment, Net 847,996 1,223,695 83,807 — 2,155,498 Assets Held for Sale 705 3,056 — — 3,761 Contract Receivable — — 353,010 — 353,010 Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net 23,359 101,652 707 — 125,718 Intercompany Receivable 976,826 236,081 9,718 (1,222,625 ) — Deferred Income Tax Assets 798 27,928 1,198 — 29,924 Goodwill — 775,954 387 — 776,341 Intangible Assets, Net — 215,112 495 — 215,607 Investment in Subsidiaries 1,465,543 573,816 2,190 (2,041,549 ) — Other Non-Current Assets 10,445 119,925 19,368 (78,045 ) 71,693 Total Assets $ 3,498,860 $ 3,535,300 $ 589,823 $ (3,341,104 ) $ 4,282,879 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accounts payable $ 15,451 $ 76,226 $ 4,586 $ — $ 96,263 Accrued payroll and related taxes — 40,297 17,477 — 57,774 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 41,156 134,948 26,560 (308 ) 202,356 Operating lease liabilities, current portion 5,151 23,282 362 — 28,795 Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt 8,000 2,560 12,857 — 23,417 Total current liabilities 69,758 277,313 61,842 (308 ) 408,605 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities — — 13,681 — 13,681 Intercompany Payable 108,182 1,094,114 18,906 (1,221,202 ) — Other Non-Current Liabilities 3,677 156,904 5,623 (78,045 ) 88,159 Operating lease Liabilities 18,764 80,162 345 — 99,271 Finance Lease Liabilities — 3,403 — — 3,403 Long-Term Debt 2,290,685 — 65,039 — 2,355,724 Non-Recourse Debt — — 307,032 — 307,032 Commitments & Contingencies and Other Shareholders' Equity: The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity 1,007,794 1,923,404 118,145 (2,041,549 ) 1,007,794 Noncontrolling Interests — — (790 ) — (790 ) Total Shareholders’ Equity 1,007,794 1,923,404 117,355 (2,041,549 ) 1,007,004 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 3,498,860 $ 3,535,300 $ 589,823 $ (3,341,104 ) $ 4,282,879 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET (dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2018 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,468 $ 7,873 $ 18,914 $ — $ 31,255 Restricted cash and cash equivalents 2,854 — 48,824 — 51,678 Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts 190,594 221,957 44,377 (11,402 ) 445,526 Contract receivable, current portion — — 15,535 — 15,535 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,011 50,482 7,114 (1,839 ) 57,768 Total current assets 199,927 280,312 134,764 (13,241 ) 601,762 Restricted Cash and Investments — 21,009 1,422 — 22,431 Property and Equipment, Net 845,291 1,227,223 86,096 — 2,158,610 Assets Held for Sale 705 1,929 — — 2,634 Contract Receivable — — 368,178 368,178 Intercompany Receivable 990,365 150,710 22,407 (1,163,482 ) — Deferred Income Tax Assets 798 27,928 1,198 — 29,924 Goodwill — 775,955 404 — 776,359 Intangible Assets, Net — 231,787 573 — 232,360 Investment in Subsidiaries 1,503,841 458,229 2,190 (1,964,260 ) — Other Non-Current Assets 9,541 115,695 19,334 (78,710 ) 65,860 Total Assets $ 3,550,468 $ 3,290,777 $ 636,566 $ (3,219,693 ) $ 4,258,118 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Accounts payable $ 13,566 $ 72,128 $ 7,338 $ — $ 93,032 Accrued payroll and related taxes — 56,543 19,466 — 76,009 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 23,565 168,231 25,615 (13,241 ) 204,170 Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt 8,000 2,017 322,010 — 332,027 Total current liabilities 45,131 298,919 374,429 (13,241 ) 705,238 Deferred Income Tax Liabilities — — 13,681 — 13,681 Intercompany Payable 142,055 989,856 31,571 (1,163,482 ) — Other Non-Current Liabilities 1,395 152,815 6,981 (78,710 ) 82,481 Finance Lease Liabilities — 4,570 — — 4,570 Long-Term Debt 2,321,384 — 75,843 — 2,397,227 Non-Recourse Debt — — 15,017 — 15,017 Commitments & Contingencies and Other Shareholders' Equity: The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity 1,040,503 1,844,617 119,643 (1,964,260 ) 1,040,503 Noncontrolling Interests — — (599 ) — (599 ) Total Shareholders’ Equity 1,040,503 1,844,617 119,044 (1,964,260 ) 1,039,904 Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 3,550,468 $ 3,290,777 $ 636,566 $ (3,219,693 ) $ 4,258,118
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidated Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 212,177 $ 55,258 $ 55,523 $ 322,958 Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Insurance proceeds - damaged property — 17,389 — 17,389 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment — 402 — 402 Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale — 823 — 823 Change in restricted investments — (5,449 ) — (5,449 ) Capital expenditures (22,941 ) (66,723 ) (1,123 ) (90,787 ) Net cash used in investing activities (22,941 ) (53,558 ) (1,123 ) (77,622 ) Cash Flow from Financing Activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 274,370 — — 274,370 Payments on long-term debt (310,616 ) — — (310,616 ) Payments on non-recourse debt — — (332,717 ) (332,717 ) Proceeds from non-recourse debt — — 322,906 322,906 Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards (4,177 ) — — (4,177 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP 400 — — 400 Debt issuance costs (4,656 ) — (5,229 ) (9,885 ) Proceeds from stock options exercised 1,259 — — 1,259 Dividends paid (174,332 ) — — (174,332 ) Net cash used in financing activities (217,752 ) — (15,040 ) (232,792 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents — — (2,063 ) (2,063 ) Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash. Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (28,516 ) 1,700 37,297 10,481 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period 54,666 4,823 24,983 84,472 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period $ 26,150 $ 6,523 $ 62,280 $ 94,953 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands) (unaudited) For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 The GEO Group, Inc. Combined Subsidiary Guarantors Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Consolidated Cash Flow from Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities $ 112,599 $ 70,040 $ 37,584 $ 220,223 Cash Flow from Investing Activities: Proceeds from sale of property and equipment — — 2,061 2,061 Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale — 3,797 3,797 Insurance proceeds - damaged property — 5,998 — 5,998 Change in restricted investments — (2,413 ) — (2,413 ) Capital expenditures (95,461 ) (64,015 ) (2,014 ) (161,490 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (95,461 ) (56,633 ) 47 (152,047 ) Cash Flow from Financing Activities: Proceeds from long-term debt 372,000 — — 372,000 Payments on long-term debt (183,000 ) — (3,033 ) (186,033 ) Payments on non-recourse debt — — (9,636 ) (9,636 ) Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards (4,452 ) — — (4,452 ) Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP 404 — — 404 Debt issuance costs (990 ) — — (990 ) Proceeds from stock options exercised 1,781 — — 1,781 Payments for repurchases of common stock (70,446 ) — — (70,446 ) Dividends paid (172,256 ) — — (172,256 ) Net cash used in financing activities (56,959 ) — (12,669 ) (69,628 ) Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents — — (5,392 ) (5,392 ) Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (39,821 ) 13,407 19,570 (6,844 ) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period 54,666 4,952 73,927 133,545 Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period $ 14,845 $ 18,359 $ 93,497 $ 126,701

Basis of Presentation (Details)

Basis of Presentation (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019bedfacilitydetaineeperson
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of beds | bed	96,000
Correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities including projects under development | facility	130
Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders, number of individuals (more than) | person	210,000
Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders using technology products (in detainees) | detainee	100,000

Leases - Additional information

Leases - Additional information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Lease renewal term	10 years
Minimum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	1 year
Maximum
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	77 years

Leases - Assets and Liabilities

Leases - Assets and Liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease assets	$ 125,718
Finance lease assets	3,135
Total lease assets	128,853
Operating lease liabilities, current portion	28,795
Finance lease liabilities, current portion	1,550
Operating Lease Liabilities	99,271
Finance Lease Liabilities	3,403
Total lease liabilities	$ 133,019

Leases - Lease Cost (Details)

Leases - Lease Cost (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 11,611	$ 35,841
Amortization of right-of-use assets	256	768
Interest on lease liabilities	77	254
Total finance lease cost	333	1,022
Short-term lease cost	1,673	5,228
Total lease cost	13,617	42,091
Operating cash flows for operating leases	12,091	37,107
Operating cash flows for finance leases	77	254
Financing activities for finance leases	406	1,197
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilties	$ 2,335	$ 8,653
Weighted average remaining lease term, operating leases	7 years 3 months 18 days	7 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average remaining lease term, finance leases	3 years 1 month 6 days	3 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average discount rate, operating leases	4.74%	4.74%
Weighted average discount rate, finance leases	8.27%	8.27%

Leases - Maturities (Details)

Leases - Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Operating Leases
2019	$ 9,242
2020	32,503
2021	24,824
2022	18,384
2023	14,943
Thereafter	53,997
Total minimum lease payments	153,893
Less: amount of lease payment representing interest	(25,827)
Present value of future minimum lease payments	128,066
Less: current obligations under leases	(28,795)
Long-term lease obligations	99,271
Finance Leases
2019	483
2020	1,934
2021	1,936
2022	1,233
2023	0
Thereafter	0
Total minimum lease payments	5,586
Less: amount of lease payment representing interest	(633)
Present value of future minimum lease payments	4,953
Less: current obligations under leases	(1,550)
Long-term lease obligations	$ 3,403

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	$ 776,359
Foreign Currency Translation	(18)
Goodwill, end of period	776,341
GEO Secure Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	316,366
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Goodwill, end of period	316,366
GEO Care
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	459,589
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Goodwill, end of period	459,589
International Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	404
Foreign Currency Translation	(18)
Goodwill, end of period	$ 386

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Accumulated Amortization	$ (171,686)	$ (155,659)
Net Carrying Amount	170,407
Gross carrying amount	387,293	388,019
Total acquired intangible assets	215,607	232,360
Trade names
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Trade names (Indefinite lived)	$ 45,200	45,200
Facility management contracts
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Useful Life	16 years 3 months 18 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 308,393	308,419
Accumulated Amortization	(142,998)	(127,481)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 165,395	180,938
Technology
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted Average Useful Life	7 years 3 months 18 days
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 33,700	33,700
Accumulated Amortization	(28,688)	(27,478)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 5,012	$ 6,222

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Estimated amortization expense for the remainder
Remainder of 2019	$ 5,613
2020	22,306
2021	19,782
2022	18,204
2023	13,494
Thereafter	91,008
Net Carrying Amount	$ 170,407

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 16.7	$ 17.3
Facility management contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period	1 year 9 months 18 days

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Liabilities:
Accounts receivable, transferred to third party	$ 3,000
Proceeds from sale of receivables	3,000
Interest rate swap derivatives
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	3,500
Recurring
Restricted investment:
Rabbi Trust	26,341	$ 20,892
Fixed income securities	0	1,801
Recurring | Interest rate swap derivatives
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	3,515	8,638
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Restricted investment:
Rabbi Trust	0	0
Fixed income securities	0	0
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) | Interest rate swap derivatives
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Restricted investment:
Rabbi Trust	26,341	20,892
Fixed income securities	0	1,801
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Interest rate swap derivatives
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	3,515	8,638
Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Restricted investment:
Rabbi Trust	0	0
Fixed income securities	0	0
Recurring | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Interest rate swap derivatives
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Assets and Liab_3

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities - Carrying Values and Fair Values (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 54,030	$ 31,255	$ 66,007
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	54,030	31,255
Restricted cash and investments	40,923	53,217
Liabilities:
Borrowings under senior credit facility	1,137,210	1,188,196
Non-recourse debt	325,428	348,274
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Liabilities:
Senior notes	209,519	244,550
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Liabilities:
Senior notes	266,463	271,992
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Liabilities:
Senior notes	217,488	224,590
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Liabilities:
Senior notes	283,486	310,177
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 1
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	54,030	31,255
Restricted cash and investments	40,923	50,499
Liabilities:
Borrowings under senior credit facility	0	0
Non-recourse debt	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 1 | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Liabilities:
Senior notes	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 1 | 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Liabilities:
Senior notes	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 1 | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Liabilities:
Senior notes	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 1 | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Liabilities:
Senior notes	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 2
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash and investments	0	2,718
Liabilities:
Borrowings under senior credit facility	1,137,210	1,188,196
Non-recourse debt	325,428	348,274
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 2 | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Liabilities:
Senior notes	209,519	244,550
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 2 | 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Liabilities:
Senior notes	266,463	271,992
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 2 | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Liabilities:
Senior notes	217,488	224,590
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 2 | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Liabilities:
Senior notes	283,486	310,177
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash and investments	0	0
Liabilities:
Borrowings under senior credit facility	0	0
Non-recourse debt	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 3 | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Liabilities:
Senior notes	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 3 | 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Liabilities:
Senior notes	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 3 | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Liabilities:
Senior notes	0	0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 3 | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Liabilities:
Senior notes	0	0
Carrying Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	54,030	31,255
Restricted cash and investments	40,923	53,217
Liabilities:
Borrowings under senior credit facility	1,222,610	1,273,965
Non-recourse debt	325,313	340,910
Carrying Value | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Liabilities:
Senior notes	216,023	250,000
Carrying Value | 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Liabilities:
Senior notes	300,000	300,000
Carrying Value | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Liabilities:
Senior notes	250,000	250,000
Carrying Value | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Liabilities:
Senior notes	$ 350,000	$ 350,000

Fair Value of Assets and Liab_4

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities - Narrative (Details) - Senior Notes	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.00%
5.125% Senior Notes, due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.125%

Restricted Cash and Cash Equi_3

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 54,030	$ 31,255	$ 66,007
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current	33,536		54,931
Restricted cash and investments - non-current	33,728		28,939
Less Restricted investments - non-current	(26,341)		(23,176)
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 94,953	$ 84,472	$ 126,701	$ 133,545

Shareholders' Equity - Changes

Shareholders' Equity - Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Jan. 01, 2019
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ 1,021,538	$ 1,092,937	$ 1,039,904	$ 1,198,919
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	182	409	$ 1,259	1,781
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (shares)			78
Stock-based compensation expense	4,739	5,564	$ 16,919	16,351
Restricted stock granted		0	0	0
Restricted stock canceled	0	0	0	0
Dividends paid	(58,200)	(57,239)	(174,322)	(172,256)
Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards	(2)	(61)	(4,177)	(4,452)
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	150	140	400	404
Repurchases of common stock				(70,446)
Net income (loss)	45,885	39,229	128,370	111,474
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,288)	(567)	(381)	(1,363)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,349)
Ending Balance	1,007,004	1,080,412	1,007,004	1,080,412
Common shares
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ 1,254	$ 1,248	$ 1,248	$ 1,240
Beginning Balance (shares)	121,213	121,677	120,585	124,008
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	$ 1		$ 1	$ 1
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (shares)	15	20	78	97
Restricted stock granted			$ 8	$ 9
Restricted stock granted (shares)		9	788	905
Restricted stock canceled	$ (1)
Restricted stock canceled (shares)	(14)	(24)	(52)	(52)
Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards			$ (2)	$ (2)
Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards (shares)	(1)	(2)	(198)	(173)
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	$ 1
Issuance of common stock - ESPP (shares)	9	6	21	18
Repurchases of common stock (shares)				(3,117)
Ending Balance	$ 1,255	$ 1,248	$ 1,255	$ 1,248
Ending Balance (shares)	121,222	121,686	121,222	121,686
Additional Paid-In Capital
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ 1,220,242	$ 1,198,930	$ 1,210,916	$ 1,190,906
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	181	409	1,258	1,780
Stock-based compensation expense	4,739	5,564	16,919	16,351
Restricted stock granted			(8)	(9)
Restricted stock canceled	1
Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards	(2)	(61)	(4,175)	(4,450)
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	149	140	400	404
Ending Balance	1,225,310	1,204,982	1,225,310	1,204,982
Earnings in Excess of Distributions
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	(87,339)	(11,068)	(52,868)	31,541
Dividends paid	(58,200)	(57,239)	(174,322)	(172,256)
Net income (loss)	45,932	39,289	128,551	111,697
Ending Balance	(99,607)	(29,018)	(99,607)	(29,018)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	(16,716)	(25,229)	(23,618)	(24,446)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,273)	(556)		(1,339)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,339)
Ending Balance	(23,989)	(25,785)	(23,989)	(25,785)
Treasury shares
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ (95,175)	$ (70,446)	$ (95,175)	$ 0
Beginning Balance (shares)	4,210	3,117	4,210	0
Repurchases of common stock				$ (70,446)
Repurchases of common stock (shares)				3,117
Ending Balance	$ (95,175)	$ (70,446)	$ (95,175)	$ (70,446)
Ending Balance (shares)	4,210	3,117	4,210	3,117
Noncontrolling Interests
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ (728)	$ (498)	$ (599)	$ (322)
Net income (loss)	(47)	(60)	(181)	(223)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(15)	(11)		(24)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(10)
Ending Balance	$ (790)	$ (569)	$ (790)	$ (569)
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption					$ 0
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 | Earnings in Excess of Distributions
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption					(968)
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption					$ 968

Shareholders' Equity - Dividend

Shareholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jul. 09, 2019	Apr. 03, 2019	Feb. 04, 2019	Oct. 15, 2018	Jul. 10, 2018	Apr. 11, 2018	Feb. 05, 2018
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Minimum percentage of taxable income to be distributed as REIT	90.00%
Dividend Paid
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Distribution Per Share (USD per share)		$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 0.47	$ 0.47	$ 0.47	$ 0.47
Aggregate Payment Amount		$ 58.2	$ 58.2	$ 57.9	$ 57.2	$ 57.2	$ 57.4	$ 58.3

Shareholders' Equity - Stock Bu

Shareholders' Equity - Stock Buyback Program and Prospectus Supplement (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 12, 2019	Feb. 14, 2018	Nov. 09, 2017
Common shares | February 2018 Stock Buyback Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount			$ 200,000,000
Prospectus Supplement
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Maximum common stock value authorized under prospectus supplement				$ 150,000,000
Issuance of common stock under prospectus supplement (in shares)	0
Amended Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 900,000,000

Shareholders' Equity - Componen

Shareholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May 22, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ 1,040,503
Current-period other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(4,222)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings		3,851
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(371)	$ (1,339)
Ending balance		1,007,794
Other Notes
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Long-term debt		$ 44,300
Interest Rate Swap
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Fixed interest rate on derivative		4.22%
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		$ (14,573)	(7,470)
Current-period other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(2,777)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings		0
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(2,777)	(5,858)
Ending balance		(17,350)	(13,328)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(5,746)	(11,892)
Current-period other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(882)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings		3,851
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax		2,969	4,550
Ending balance		(2,777)	(7,342)
Pension adjustments, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(3,299)	(5,084)
Current-period other comprehensive loss before reclassifications		(563)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings		0
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(563)	(31)
Ending balance		(3,862)	(5,115)
Total
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		(23,618)	(24,446)
Ending balance		$ (23,989)	$ (25,785)
Ravenhall
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings	$ 3,900

Equity Incentive Plans - Stock

Equity Incentive Plans - Stock Option Activity (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Shares
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Shares | shares	1,462
Options granted, Shares | shares	391
Options exercised, Shares | shares	(78)
Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Shares | shares	(151)
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Shares | shares	1,624	1,462
Options vested and expected to vest, ending balance, Shares | shares	1,538
Options exercisable, ending balance, Shares | shares	819
Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.30
Options granted, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	22.68
Options exercised, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	16.03
Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.48
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.31	$ 24.30
Options vested and expected to vest, ending balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.37
Options exercisable, ending balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.88
Options, Additional Disclosures
Options outstanding, Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 2 months 1 day	7 years 2 months 12 days
Options vested and expected to vest, ending balance, Wtd. Avg., Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 29 days
Options exercisable, ending balance, Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 9 months 18 days
Options outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 314	$ 924
Options vested and expected to vest, ending balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	314
Options exercisable, ending balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value | $	$ 314

Equity Incentive Plans - Restri

Equity Incentive Plans - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019$ / sharesshares
Shares
Beginning balance (in shares) | shares	2,018
Granted (in shares) | shares	788
Vested (in shares) | shares	(701)
Forfeited/canceled (in shares) | shares	(53)
Ending balance (in shares) | shares	2,052
Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.62
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	23.79
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.09
Forfeited/canceled (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	24.11
Ending balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.32

Equity Incentive Plans - Narrat

Equity Incentive Plans - Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Mar. 01, 2019$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)metricshares	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 24, 2018shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options granted (in shares)		391,000
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.96
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility rate		40.69%
Expected term		5 years
Risk free interest rate		2.44%
Expected dividend yield		8.47%
Options granted (in shares)	391,000
Share based compensation expense | $		$ 0.8	$ 0.7
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non vested stock option awards | $		$ 2.2
Expected weighted average period to recognize expense		2 years 8 months 12 days
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility rate		43.70%
Risk free interest rate		2.53%
Share based compensation expense | $		$ 16.1	$ 15.6
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non vested stock option awards | $		$ 31.2
Expected weighted average period to recognize expense		2 years 2 months 12 days
Granted shares (in shares)		788,000
Number of annual performance metrics | metric		2
Beta		1
Restricted Stock | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Award vesting rights, percentage		0.00%
Restricted Stock | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Award vesting rights, percentage		200.00%
Employee Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Discount on purchase of Common Stock for employee from the current market price		5.00%
Maximum shares authorized under ESPP for sale offer to eligible employees (in shares)		750,000
Shares issued (in shares)		21,411
2018 Stock Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance (in shares)				4,600,000
Certain Employees and Executive Officers | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted shares (in shares)		788,000
Certain Employees and Executive Officers | Performance Shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted shares (in shares)		250,000
Performance metric one | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Award vesting rights, percentage		50.00%
Award performance period		3 years
Performance metric two | Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights, percentage		50.00%
Award performance period		3 years

- Earnings Per Share Calculatio

- Earnings Per Share Calculation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Net income	$ 45,885	$ 39,229	$ 128,370	$ 111,474
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	47	60	181	223
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 45,932	$ 39,289	$ 128,551	$ 111,697
Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	119,209	119,681	119,052	120,567
Per share amount (USD per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.33	$ 1.08	$ 0.93
Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	119,209	119,681	119,052	120,567
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans (in shares)	73	621	262	488
Weighted average shares assuming dilution (in shares)	119,282	120,302	119,314	121,055
Per share amount (USD per share)	$ 0.39	$ 0.33	$ 1.08	$ 0.92

Earnings Per Share - Anti-dilut

Earnings Per Share - Anti-dilutive Shares Excluded from Diluted EPS (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	1,522,227	613,224	1,497,922	904,375
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	1,801,015	477,941	1,479,719	671,149

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)	May 22, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)instrument	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized loss on derivatives during period		$ 1,536,000		$ 4,550,000
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of interest rate swap agreements | instrument			2
Derivative, notional amount			$ 44,300,000
Fixed interest rate on derivative			4.22%
Unrealized loss on derivatives during period			$ (2,800,000)
Derivative liability			$ 3,500,000
Ravenhall, Australia | Operating phase | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Fixed interest rate on derivative			4.20%
Ravenhall
Derivative [Line Items]
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings	$ 3,900,000

Debt - Debt Outstanding (Detail

Debt - Debt Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan	$ 780,000	$ 786,000
Unamortized discount	(2,429)	(2,878)
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(5,761)	(6,826)
Revolver	445,039	490,843
Total Senior Credit Facility	1,216,849	1,267,139
Finance Lease Liabilities	4,953
Finance Lease Liabilities		6,059
Other debt	43,654	2,469
Total debt	2,689,576	2,748,841
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	(23,417)	(332,027)
Finance Lease Liabilities, long-term portion	(3,403)
Finance Lease Liabilities, long-term portion		(4,570)
Non-Recourse Debt, long-term portion	(307,032)	(15,017)
Long-Term Debt	2,355,724	2,397,227
Non-Recourse Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized discount	(97)	(164)
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(5,425)	(3,883)
Non-Recourse Debt	325,410	341,074
Total Non-Recourse Debt	319,888	337,027
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(4,420)	(4,820)
Long-term debt, gross	350,000	350,000
Long-term debt	345,580	345,180
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(2,645)	(2,971)
Long-term debt, gross	250,000	250,000
Long-term debt	247,355	247,029
5.125% Senior Notes, due 2023 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(3,049)	(3,548)
Long-term debt, gross	300,000	300,000
Long-term debt	296,951	296,452
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(1,677)	(2,514)
Long-term debt, gross	216,023	250,000
Long-term debt	$ 214,346	$ 247,486

Debt - Amended Credit Agreement

Debt - Amended Credit Agreement (Details)	Jun. 12, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019AUD ($)	Jun. 12, 2019AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ (594,000)	$ 0	$ 5,147,000	$ 574,000
Term loan		780,000,000		780,000,000				$ 786,000,000
Revolver		445,039,000		445,039,000				$ 490,843,000
Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt	$ 1,200,000
Loan costs	$ 4,700,000
Total leverage ratio, maximum	6.25						6.25
Senior secured leverage ratio	3.50						3.50
Interest coverage ratio	3						3
Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolver		445,000,000		445,000,000
Additional Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity increase		$ 393,000,000		$ 393,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 900,000,000
Weighted average interest rate		4.10%		4.10%		4.10%
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.25%						2.25%
Letter of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 62,000,000		$ 62,000,000
Letter of Credit | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity							$ 275,000,000
Long-term debt		0		0
Letter of Credit | Line of Credit | Bank Guarantee and Standby Sub Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		70,000,000		70,000,000		$ 100,000,000
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan		$ 780,000,000		$ 780,000,000
Term Loan | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 792,000,000
Term Loan | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.00%						2.00%
Interest rate	0.75%						0.75%
Accordion | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accordion feature, increase limit	$ 450,000,000

Debt - Debt Repurchases (Detail

Debt - Debt Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ 594	$ 0	$ (5,147)	$ (574)
Senior Notes
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%		5.875%
Senior Notes | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.00%		6.00%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%		5.875%
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Notes, due 2023
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.125%		5.125%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Extinguishment of Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%		5.875%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount	$ 34,000		$ 34,000
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed	97.48%
Repurchase amount	$ 33,100		$ 33,100
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ 600

Debt - Senior Notes (Details)

Debt - Senior Notes (Details) - Senior Notes	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%
6.00% Senior Notes, due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	6.00%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%
5.125% Senior Notes, due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.125%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	5.875%

Debt - Non-Recourse Debt (Detai

Debt - Non-Recourse Debt (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019AUD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019AUD ($)	May 22, 2019USD ($)	May 22, 2019AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current	$ 33,536,000	$ 54,931,000	$ 33,536,000		$ 54,931,000
Payments on long-term debt			310,616,000		186,033,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(594,000)	$ 0	5,147,000		$ 574,000
Non-Recourse Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Non-recourse debt	319,888,000		319,888,000						$ 337,027,000
Northwest Detention Center | Non-Recourse Debt, 2011 Revenue Bonds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	54,400,000		54,400,000
Non-recourse debt	22,900,000		22,900,000
Current portion of non recourse debt	$ 7,300,000		$ 7,300,000
Interest rate	5.25%		5.25%			5.25%
Northwest Detention Center | Non-Recourse Debt, Northwest Detention Center
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current	$ 8,300,000		$ 8,300,000
Ravenhall | Non-Recourse Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt			4,500,000
Loan costs	7,500,000		7,500,000
Ravenhall | Construction Facility | Non-Recourse Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 534,200,000		534,200,000			$ 791
Payments on long-term debt			$ 209,000,000	$ 310
Ravenhall | Non Recourse Notes | Non-Recourse Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount							$ 311,800,000	$ 461.6
Interest rate	4.23%		4.23%			4.23%

Debt - Other (Details)

Debt - Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred costs	$ 5,761	$ 6,826
Other Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	44,300
Deferred costs	$ 700

Debt - Guarantees (Details)

Debt - Guarantees (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)guarantee	Sep. 30, 2019ZAR (R)guarantee	Sep. 30, 2019AUD ($)guarantee
Ravenhall
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees | guarantee	7	7	7
Letters of credit outstanding relating to performance guarantees	$ 9,000,000
Ravenhall | Letter of Credit | Revolver
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Guaranteed obligations	67,500,000		$ 100
SACS
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum loan amount under standby facility	1,300,000	R 20,000,000
Amount funded	$ 0

Debt - Phantom (Details)

Debt - Phantom (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019
Other Notes | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	200.00%

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 19, 2017claim	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)bedfacility
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss		$ 18.8
Estimated construction capital project cost		193
Cost already spent on existing capital projects		143
Remaining capital required for capital projects		$ 50
Number of vacant beds at idle facilities marketed to potential customers | bed		3,000
Number of marketed idle facilities | facility		4,000
Property and Equipment
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Carrying values of idle facilities marketed to potential customers		$ 49.6
Pending Litigation | Immigration Detainees Against Company
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
New claims filed, number | claim	3
WASHINGTON | Pending Litigation | Immigration Detainees Against Company
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
New claims filed, number | claim	2
CALIFORNIA | Pending Litigation | Immigration Detainees Against Company
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
New claims filed, number | claim	1

Business Segments and Geograp_3

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 631,579	$ 583,530	$ 1,856,212	$ 1,731,956
Operating Income:
Operating income	78,159	69,780	234,111	201,181
General and Administrative Expenses	(48,488)	(47,647)	(142,183)	(136,927)
Operating Segments
Revenues:
Revenues	631,579	583,530	1,856,212	1,731,956
Operating Income:
Operating income	126,647	117,427	376,294	338,108
Operating Segments | GEO Secure Services
Revenues:
Revenues	411,078	379,351	1,201,063	1,107,016
Operating Income:
Operating income	85,085	77,885	248,462	224,386
Operating Segments | GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	153,422	141,808	462,772	431,819
Operating Income:
Operating income	36,325	35,959	113,936	102,795
Operating Segments | International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	57,634	62,371	176,246	193,121
Operating Income:
Operating income	5,211	3,583	13,870	10,927
Operating Segments | Facility Construction and Design
Revenues:
Revenues	9,445	0	16,131	0
Operating Income:
Operating income	26	0	26	0
Segment Reconciling Items
Operating Income:
General and Administrative Expenses	$ (48,488)	$ (47,647)	$ (142,183)	$ (136,927)

Business Segments and Geograp_4

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Income Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	$ 78,159	$ 69,780	$ 234,111	$ 201,181
Unallocated Amount:
General and Administrative Expenses	(48,488)	(47,647)	(142,183)	(136,927)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	594	0	(5,147)	(574)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	48,794	40,217	136,234	116,596
Operating Segments
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	126,647	117,427	376,294	338,108
Segment Reconciling Items
Unallocated Amount:
General and Administrative Expenses	(48,488)	(47,647)	(142,183)	(136,927)
Net Interest Expense	(29,959)	(29,563)	(92,730)	(84,011)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ 594	$ 0	$ (5,147)	$ (574)

Business Segments and Geograp_5

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments | segment			4
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	$ 2,228	$ 2,735	$ 6,645	$ 7,071
Investment in affiliate	0		$ 0		$ 0
SACS
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in entity			50.00%
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	1,200	2,200	$ 3,800	5,900
Investment in joint venture	10,900		10,900		13,400
Geo Amey
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	1,000	$ 600	2,800	$ 1,200
Investment in affiliate	$ 7,300		$ 7,300		$ 4,800

Benefit Plans - Funded Status o

Benefit Plans - Funded Status of Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period			$ 32,474	$ 32,820	$ 32,820
Service cost	$ 300	$ 300	749	900	1,200
Interest cost	348	$ 310	1,045	931	1,242
Actuarial gain			0		(2,166)
Benefits paid			(585)		(622)
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	33,683		33,683		32,474
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period			0	$ 0	0
Company contributions			585		622
Benefits paid			(585)		(622)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	0		0		0
Unfunded Status of the Plan	$ 33,683		$ 33,683		$ 32,474

Benefit Plans - Components of N

Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 300	$ 300	$ 749	$ 900	$ 1,200
Interest cost	348	310	1,045	931	$ 1,242
Net loss	53	133	158	399
Net periodic pension cost	$ 701	$ 743	$ 1,952	$ 2,230

Benefit Plans - Narrative (Deta

Benefit Plans - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Long-term portion of the pension liability	$ 33.4	$ 32.1

Recent Accounting Pronounceme_2

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating right-of-use lease assets	$ 125,718
Operating lease liability	$ 128,066
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption		$ 0
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating right-of-use lease assets		140,000
Operating lease liability		147,000
Distributions In Excess Of Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption		(1,000)
Tax Rate Reduction Related To Pension Liability | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption		700
Tax Effect Of Tax Reform On Items Remaining In AOCI, Currency Translation | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption		$ (1,700)

Condensed Consolidating Finan_3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Narrative (Details)	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of subsidiary owned	100.00%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate	5.875%
Senior Notes | 6.00% Senior Notes, due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.00%
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate	5.125%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate	5.875%

Condensed Consolidating Finan_4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 631,579	$ 583,530	$ 1,856,212	$ 1,731,956
Operating expenses	472,513	434,806	1,382,678	1,299,312
Depreciation and amortization	32,419	31,297	97,240	94,536
General and administrative expenses	48,488	47,647	142,183	136,927
Operating income	78,159	69,780	234,111	201,181
Interest income	6,686	8,428	23,127	26,194
Interest expense	(36,645)	(37,991)	(115,857)	(110,205)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	594	0	(5,147)	(574)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	48,794	40,217	136,234	116,596
Income tax provision	5,137	3,723	14,509	12,193
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	2,228	2,735	6,645	7,071
Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	45,885	39,229	128,370	111,474
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	47	60	181	223
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	45,932	39,289	128,551	111,697
Net income	45,885	39,229	128,370	111,474
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(7,288)	(567)	(381)	(1,363)
Total comprehensive income	38,597	38,662	127,989	110,111
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	62	72	191	247
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	38,659	38,734	128,180	110,358
Reportable Legal Entities | The GEO Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	241,389	208,607	703,310	606,424
Operating expenses	194,174	171,038	555,000	483,982
Depreciation and amortization	7,303	6,742	22,021	19,766
General and administrative expenses	18,365	16,878	53,379	47,499
Operating income	21,547	13,949	72,910	55,177
Interest income	3,443	3,415	10,418	10,998
Interest expense	(22,370)	(20,765)	(68,793)	(58,460)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	0		(486)	(574)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	2,620	(3,401)	14,049	7,141
Income tax provision	295	162	823	1,055
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	2,325	(3,563)	13,226	6,086
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	43,560	42,792	115,147	105,388
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	45,885	39,229	128,373	111,474
Net income	45,885	39,229	128,373	111,474
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,777)	0	(2,777)	0
Total comprehensive income	43,108	39,229	125,596	111,474
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	43,108	39,229	125,596	111,474
Reportable Legal Entities | Combined Subsidiary Guarantors
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	513,194	479,175	1,506,490	1,412,868
Operating expenses	412,866	379,892	1,217,343	1,138,897
Depreciation and amortization	24,352	23,621	72,744	71,759
General and administrative expenses	24,818	25,568	73,599	73,753
Operating income	51,158	50,094	142,804	128,459
Interest income	2,207	1,159	5,722	4,023
Interest expense	(14,382)	(13,714)	(42,932)	(42,133)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	594		(197)	0
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	39,577	37,539	105,397	90,349
Income tax provision	3,006	2,446	8,935	6,188
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	36,571	35,093	96,462	84,161
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	36,571	35,093	96,462	84,161
Net income	36,571	35,093	96,462	84,161
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	42	(761)	(563)	(31)
Total comprehensive income	36,613	34,332	95,899	84,130
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	36,613	34,332	95,899	84,130
Reportable Legal Entities | Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	69,734	65,028	200,341	201,090
Operating expenses	58,211	53,156	164,264	164,859
Depreciation and amortization	764	934	2,475	3,011
General and administrative expenses	5,305	5,201	15,205	15,675
Operating income	5,454	5,737	18,397	17,545
Interest income	6,022	8,660	21,937	26,951
Interest expense	(4,879)	(8,318)	(19,082)	(25,390)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	0		(4,464)	0
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	6,597	6,079	16,788	19,106
Income tax provision	1,836	1,115	4,751	4,950
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	2,228	2,735	6,645	7,071
Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	6,989	7,699	18,682	21,227
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	47	60	181	223
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	7,036	7,759	18,863	21,450
Net income	6,989	7,699	18,682	21,227
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,553)	194	2,959	(1,332)
Total comprehensive income	2,436	7,893	21,641	19,895
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	62	72	191	247
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	2,498	7,965	21,832	20,142
Eliminations
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	(192,738)	(169,280)	(553,929)	(488,426)
Operating expenses	(192,738)	(169,280)	(553,929)	(488,426)
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Interest income	(4,986)	(4,806)	(14,950)	(15,778)
Interest expense	4,986	4,806	14,950	15,778
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	0		0	0
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	(43,560)	(42,792)	(115,147)	(105,388)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	(43,560)	(42,792)	(115,147)	(105,388)
Net income	(43,560)	(42,792)	(115,147)	(105,388)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	(43,560)	(42,792)	(115,147)	(105,388)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ (43,560)	$ (42,792)	$ (115,147)	$ (105,388)

Condensed Consolidating Finan_5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 54,030		$ 31,255	$ 66,007
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	33,536		51,678
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	377,984		445,526
Contract receivable, current portion	8,193		15,535
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	43,856		57,768
Total current assets	517,599		601,762
Restricted Cash and Investments	33,728		22,431
Property and Equipment, Net	2,155,498		2,158,610
Assets Held for Sale	3,761		2,634
Contract Receivable	353,010		368,178
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net	125,718
Intercompany Receivable	0		0
Deferred Income Tax Assets	29,924		29,924
Goodwill	776,341		776,359
Intangible Assets, Net	215,607		232,360
Investment in Subsidiaries	0		0
Other Non-Current Assets	71,693		65,860
Total Assets	4,282,879		4,258,118
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	96,263		93,032
Accrued payroll and related taxes	57,774		76,009
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	202,356		204,170
Operating lease liabilities, current portion	28,795
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	23,417		332,027
Total current liabilities	408,605		705,238
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	13,681		13,681
Intercompany Payable	0		0
Other Non-Current Liabilities	88,159		82,481
Operating Lease Liabilities	99,271
Finance Lease Liabilities	3,403
Finance Lease Liabilities			4,570
Long-Term Debt	2,355,724		2,397,227
Non-Recourse Debt	307,032		15,017
Commitments & Contingencies and Other
Shareholders' Equity:
The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	1,007,794		1,040,503
Noncontrolling interests	(790)		(599)
Total shareholders’ equity	1,007,004	$ 1,021,538	1,039,904	$ 1,080,412	$ 1,092,937	$ 1,198,919
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	4,282,879		4,258,118
Reportable Legal Entities | The GEO Group, Inc.
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	26,150		4,468
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	0		2,854
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	145,803		190,594
Contract receivable, current portion			0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,235		2,011
Total current assets	173,188		199,927
Restricted Cash and Investments	0		0
Property and Equipment, Net	847,996		845,291
Assets Held for Sale	705		705
Contract Receivable	0		0
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net	23,359
Intercompany Receivable	976,826		990,365
Deferred Income Tax Assets	798		798
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible Assets, Net	0		0
Investment in Subsidiaries	1,465,543		1,503,841
Other Non-Current Assets	10,445		9,541
Total Assets	3,498,860		3,550,468
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	15,451		13,566
Accrued payroll and related taxes	0		0
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	41,156		23,565
Operating lease liabilities, current portion	5,151
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	8,000		8,000
Total current liabilities	69,758		45,131
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0		0
Intercompany Payable	108,182		142,055
Other Non-Current Liabilities	3,677		1,395
Operating Lease Liabilities	18,764
Finance Lease Liabilities	0
Finance Lease Liabilities			0
Long-Term Debt	2,290,685		2,321,384
Non-Recourse Debt	0		0
Commitments & Contingencies and Other
Shareholders' Equity:
The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	1,007,794		1,040,503
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total shareholders’ equity	1,007,794		1,040,503
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	3,498,860		3,550,468
Reportable Legal Entities | Combined Subsidiary Guarantors
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	6,364		7,873
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	189,421		221,957
Contract receivable, current portion	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	35,796		50,482
Total current assets	231,581		280,312
Restricted Cash and Investments	26,500		21,009
Property and Equipment, Net	1,223,695		1,227,223
Assets Held for Sale	3,056		1,929
Contract Receivable	0		0
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net	101,652
Intercompany Receivable	236,081		150,710
Deferred Income Tax Assets	27,928		27,928
Goodwill	775,954		775,955
Intangible Assets, Net	215,112		231,787
Investment in Subsidiaries	573,816		458,229
Other Non-Current Assets	119,925		115,695
Total Assets	3,535,300		3,290,777
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	76,226		72,128
Accrued payroll and related taxes	40,297		56,543
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	134,948		168,231
Operating lease liabilities, current portion	23,282
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	2,560		2,017
Total current liabilities	277,313		298,919
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0		0
Intercompany Payable	1,094,114		989,856
Other Non-Current Liabilities	156,904		152,815
Operating Lease Liabilities	80,162
Finance Lease Liabilities	3,403
Finance Lease Liabilities			4,570
Long-Term Debt	0		0
Non-Recourse Debt	0		0
Commitments & Contingencies and Other
Shareholders' Equity:
The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	1,923,404		1,844,617
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total shareholders’ equity	1,923,404		1,844,617
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	3,535,300		3,290,777
Reportable Legal Entities | Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	21,516		18,914
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	33,536		48,824
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	39,641		44,377
Contract receivable, current portion	8,193		15,535
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,829		7,114
Total current assets	111,715		134,764
Restricted Cash and Investments	7,228		1,422
Property and Equipment, Net	83,807		86,096
Assets Held for Sale	0		0
Contract Receivable	353,010		368,178
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net	707
Intercompany Receivable	9,718		22,407
Deferred Income Tax Assets	1,198		1,198
Goodwill	387		404
Intangible Assets, Net	495		573
Investment in Subsidiaries	2,190		2,190
Other Non-Current Assets	19,368		19,334
Total Assets	589,823		636,566
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	4,586		7,338
Accrued payroll and related taxes	17,477		19,466
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	26,560		25,615
Operating lease liabilities, current portion	362
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	12,857		322,010
Total current liabilities	61,842		374,429
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	13,681		13,681
Intercompany Payable	18,906		31,571
Other Non-Current Liabilities	5,623		6,981
Operating Lease Liabilities	345
Finance Lease Liabilities	0
Finance Lease Liabilities			0
Long-Term Debt	65,039		75,843
Non-Recourse Debt	307,032		15,017
Commitments & Contingencies and Other
Shareholders' Equity:
The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	118,145		119,643
Noncontrolling interests	(790)		(599)
Total shareholders’ equity	117,355		119,044
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	589,823		636,566
Eliminations
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	3,119		(11,402)
Contract receivable, current portion	0		0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(2,004)		(1,839)
Total current assets	1,115		(13,241)
Restricted Cash and Investments	0		0
Property and Equipment, Net	0		0
Assets Held for Sale	0		0
Contract Receivable	0
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net	0
Intercompany Receivable	(1,222,625)		(1,163,482)
Deferred Income Tax Assets	0		0
Goodwill	0		0
Intangible Assets, Net	0		0
Investment in Subsidiaries	(2,041,549)		(1,964,260)
Other Non-Current Assets	(78,045)		(78,710)
Total Assets	(3,341,104)		(3,219,693)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	0		0
Accrued payroll and related taxes	0		0
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(308)		(13,241)
Operating lease liabilities, current portion	0
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	0		0
Total current liabilities	(308)		(13,241)
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0		0
Intercompany Payable	(1,221,202)		(1,163,482)
Other Non-Current Liabilities	(78,045)		(78,710)
Operating Lease Liabilities	0
Finance Lease Liabilities	0
Finance Lease Liabilities			0
Long-Term Debt	0		0
Non-Recourse Debt	0		0
Commitments & Contingencies and Other
Shareholders' Equity:
The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	(2,041,549)		(1,964,260)
Noncontrolling interests	0		0
Total shareholders’ equity	(2,041,549)		(1,964,260)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ (3,341,104)		$ (3,219,693)

Condensed Consolidating Finan_6

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information - Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 322,958	$ 220,223
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	823	3,797
Insurance proceeds - damaged property	17,389	5,998
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	402	2,061
Change in restricted investments	(5,449)	(2,413)
Capital expenditures	(90,787)	(161,490)
Net cash used in investing activities	(77,622)	(152,047)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	274,370	372,000
Payments on long-term debt	(310,616)	(186,033)
Payments on non-recourse debt	(332,717)	(9,636)
Proceeds from non-recourse debt	322,906	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards	(4,177)	(4,452)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP	400	404
Debt issuance costs	(9,885)	(990)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,259	1,781
Payment for repurchases of common stock	0	(70,446)
Dividends paid	(174,332)	(172,256)
Net cash used in financing activities	(232,792)	(69,628)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(2,063)	(5,392)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	10,481	(6,844)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	84,472	133,545
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	94,953	126,701
The GEO Group, Inc.
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	212,177	112,599
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	0	0
Insurance proceeds - damaged property	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	0	0
Change in restricted investments	0	0
Capital expenditures	(22,941)	(95,461)
Net cash used in investing activities	(22,941)	(95,461)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	274,370	372,000
Payments on long-term debt	(310,616)	(183,000)
Payments on non-recourse debt	0	0
Proceeds from non-recourse debt	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards	(4,177)	(4,452)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP	400	404
Debt issuance costs	(4,656)	(990)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,259	1,781
Payment for repurchases of common stock		(70,446)
Dividends paid	(174,332)	(172,256)
Net cash used in financing activities	(217,752)	(56,959)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(28,516)	(39,821)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	54,666	54,666
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	26,150	14,845
Combined Subsidiary Guarantors
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	55,258	70,040
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	823	3,797
Insurance proceeds - damaged property	17,389	5,998
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	402	0
Change in restricted investments	(5,449)	(2,413)
Capital expenditures	(66,723)	(64,015)
Net cash used in investing activities	(53,558)	(56,633)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	0
Payments on non-recourse debt	0	0
Proceeds from non-recourse debt	0
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0
Payment for repurchases of common stock		0
Dividends paid	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	0	0
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,700	13,407
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	4,823	4,952
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	6,523	18,359
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	55,523	37,584
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	0
Insurance proceeds - damaged property	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	0	2,061
Change in restricted investments	0	0
Capital expenditures	(1,123)	(2,014)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,123)	47
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	0	(3,033)
Payments on non-recourse debt	(332,717)	(9,636)
Proceeds from non-recourse debt	322,906
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP	0	0
Debt issuance costs	(5,229)	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0
Payment for repurchases of common stock		0
Dividends paid	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(15,040)	(12,669)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(2,063)	(5,392)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	37,297	19,570
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	24,983	73,927
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$ 62,280	$ 93,497

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - $ / shares	Oct. 14, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.48	$ 0.47	$ 1.44	$ 1.41
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.48