The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO) 10-Q 6 Nov 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Nov. 03, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	The GEO Group, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0000923796
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		121,315,423
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity File Number	1-14260
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
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol	GEO
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 579,136	$ 631,579	$ 1,771,982	$ 1,856,212
Operating expenses	434,402	472,513	1,341,063	1,382,678
Depreciation and amortization	33,628	32,419	100,389	97,240
General and administrative expenses	46,644	48,488	145,969	142,183
Operating income	64,462	78,159	184,561	234,111
Interest income	6,360	6,686	17,046	23,127
Interest expense	(30,749)	(36,645)	(95,539)	(115,857)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	1,472	594	3,035	(5,147)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	41,545	48,794	109,103	136,234
Provision for income taxes	4,616	5,137	15,358	14,509
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision of $506, $456, 1,434 and $1,176 respectively	2,243	2,228	7,202	6,645
Net income	39,172	45,885	100,947	128,370
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	48	47	174	181
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 39,220	$ 45,932	$ 101,121	$ 128,551
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	119,826	119,209	119,677	119,052
Diluted	120,032	119,282	119,964	119,314
Basic:
Net income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - basic	$ 0.33	$ 0.39	$ 0.84	$ 1.08
Diluted:
Net income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - diluted	0.33	0.39	0.84	1.08
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 1.44	$ 1.44

Consolidated Statements of Op_2

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income tax provision on equity in earnings of affiliates	$ 506	$ 456	$ 1,434	$ 1,176

Consolidated Statements of Comp

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

Consolidated Statements of Co_2

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Tax provision (benefit) on pension liability adjustment	$ 28	$ 11	$ 85	$ 33
Tax provision (benefit) on loss on derivative instrument classified as a cash flow hedge	$ 114	$ (738)	$ (1,143)	$ 1,752

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,676	$ 32,463
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	27,229	32,418
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,885 and $4,183, respectively	380,072	430,982
Contract receivable, current portion	5,703	11,199
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	33,393	40,716
Total current assets	500,073	547,778
Restricted Cash and Investments	40,970	30,923
Property and Equipment, Net	2,126,438	2,144,722
Assets Held for Sale	9,521	6,059
Contract Receivable	368,887	360,647
Operating Lease Right-of-Use Assets, Net	121,805	121,527
Deferred Income Tax Assets	36,278	36,278
Goodwill	776,364	776,356
Intangible Assets, Net	193,265	210,070
Other Non-Current Assets	74,234	83,174
Total Assets	4,247,835	4,317,534
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	91,955	99,232
Accrued payroll and related taxes	64,812	54,672
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	212,127	191,608
Operating lease liabilities, current portion	27,910	26,208
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	25,073	24,208
Total current liabilities	421,877	395,928
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	19,254	19,254
Other Non-Current Liabilities	121,525	88,526
Operating Lease Liabilities	96,675	97,291
Finance Lease Liabilities	2,979	2,954
Long-Term Debt	2,343,342	2,408,297
Non-Recourse Debt	309,899	309,236
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11)
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, 126,151,365 and 125,435,573 issued and 121,339,110 121,225,319 outstanding, respectively	1,262	1,254
Additional paid-in capital	1,257,176	1,230,865
Distributions in excess of earnings	(193,345)	(119,779)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(27,073)	(20,335)
Treasury stock, 4,812,255 and 4,210,254 shares, at cost, respectively	(104,737)	(95,175)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	933,283	996,830
Noncontrolling interests	(999)	(782)
Total shareholders’ equity	932,284	996,048
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 4,247,835	$ 4,317,534

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 2,885	$ 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)	126,151,365	125,435,573
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	121,339,110	121,225,319
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	4,812,255	4,210,254

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 100,947	$ 128,370
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	174	181
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	101,121	128,551
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	100,389	97,240
Stock-based compensation	19,163	16,919
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt	(3,035)	5,147
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium and other non-cash interest	5,153	6,861
Provision for doubtful accounts	288	126
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(7,202)	(6,645)
Dividends received from unconsolidated joint venture	5,296	5,694
Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment, net	4,744	3,736
Loss on assets held for sale	774	1,083
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	58,498	46,114
Changes in contract receivable	3,787	6,338
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	69,151	11,794
Net cash provided by operating activities	358,127	322,958
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Insurance proceeds - damaged property	9,497	17,389
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	83	402
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	1,516	823
Change in restricted investments	(4,455)	(5,449)
Capital expenditures	(83,817)	(90,787)
Net cash used in investing activities	(77,176)	(77,622)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	311,579	274,370
Payments on long-term debt	(380,055)	(310,616)
Payments on non-recourse debt	(4,530)	(332,717)
Proceeds from non-recourse debt	0	322,906
Taxes paid related to net share settlements of equity awards	(2,789)	(4,177)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with ESPP	465	400
Payment for repurchases of common stock	(9,562)	0
Debt issuance costs	0	(9,885)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	1,259
Cash dividends paid	(174,134)	(174,332)
Net cash used in financing activities	(259,026)	(232,792)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	(309)	(2,063)
Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	21,616	10,481
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	67,472	84,472
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	89,088	94,953
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Right-of-use assets obtained from operating lease liabilities upon adoption of new lease standard	0	147,000
Right-of-use assets obtained from operating lease liabilities	10,398	0
Equipment obtained from finance lease liabilities	1,616	0
Dividends paid in treasury shares	553	0
Conversion of pension liability to shares of common stock	8,925	0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 7,983	$ 5,231

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	1. 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 ownership, leasing and management 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, 2020, the Company’s worldwide operations include the management and/or ownership of approximately 93,000 beds at 123 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 26, 2020 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The accompanying December 31, 2019 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, 2019. 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, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2020, or for any other future interim or annual periods. Risks and uncertainties In December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus, now known as COVID-19 (“COVID-19”), was reported in Wuhan, China and has since extensively impacted the global health and economic environment. In January 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On February 28, 2020, the WHO raised its assessment of the COVID-19 threat from high to very high at a global level due to the continued increase in the number of cases and affected countries, and on March 11, 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. The Company has been closely monitoring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of its business and geographies, including how it will impact those entrusted to its care and governmental partners. The Company did incur significant disruptions during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 from the COVID-19 pandemic and, it is unable to predict the overall future impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows due to numerous uncertainties. The COVID-19 pandemic and related government-imposed mandatory closures, shelter in-place restrictions and social distancing protocols and increased expenditures on engineering controls, personal protective equipment, diagnostic testing, medical expenses, temperature scanners, protective plexiglass barriers and increased sanitation have had, and will continue to have, a severe impact on global economic conditions and the environment in which the Company operates. Starting in late March and early April, the Company began to observe negative impacts from the pandemic on its performance in its secure services business, specifically with its U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) Processing Centers and U.S. Marshals Facilities, as a result of declines in crossings and apprehensions along the Southwest border and a decrease in court sentencing at the federal level. Various governmental agencies have also taken steps to decrease the number of those in custody to adhere to social distancing protocols. Additionally, its reentry services business conducted through its GEO Care business segment has also been negatively impacted, specifically its residential reentry centers and non-residential day reporting programs were impacted by declines in programs due to lower levels of referrals by federal, state and local agencies. Additionally, the Company has experienced the transmission of COVID-19 among detainees and staff at most of its facilities during the first three quarters of 2020 and continuing into the fourth quarter of 2020. If the Company is unable to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 at its facilities it could experience a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Although the Company is unable to predict the duration or scope of the COVID-19 pandemic or estimate the extent of the negative financial impact to its operating results, an extended period of depressed economic activity necessitated to combating the disease, and the severity and duration of the related global economic crisis may adversely impact its future financial performance.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	2. 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, 2020 to September 30, 2020 are as follows (in thousands): January 1, 2020 Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2020 GEO Secure Services $ 316,366 $ — $ 316,366 GEO Care 459,589 — 459,589 International Services 401 8 409 Total Goodwill $ 776,356 $ 8 $ 776,364 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, 2020 December 31, 2019 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 $ 308,336 $ (163,671 ) $ 144,665 $ 308,432 $ (148,171 ) $ 160,261 Technology 7.3 33,700 (30,300 ) 3,400 33,700 (29,091 ) 4,609 Trade names Indefinite 45,200 — 45,200 45,200 — 45,200 Total acquired intangible assets $ 387,236 $ (193,971 ) $ 193,265 $ 387,332 $ (177,262 ) $ 210,070 Amortization expense was $16.7 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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, 2020, the weighted average period before the next contract renewal or extension for the acquired facility management contracts was approximately 2.1 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 2020 through 2024 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Total Amortization Expense Remainder of 2020 $ 7,222 2021 19,769 2022 18,125 2023 13,481 2024 9,748 Thereafter 79,720 $ 148,065

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Financial Instruments Financial Assets Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	3. 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2020 Carrying Value at September 30, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Restricted investment: Rabbi Trust $ 32,787 $ — $ 32,787 $ — Fixed income securities 1,893 — 1,893 — Liabilities: Interest rate swap derivatives $ 7,310 $ — $ 7,310 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Carrying Value at December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Restricted investments: Rabbi Trust $ 28,332 $ — $ 28,332 $ — Fixed income securities 1,892 — 1,892 — Liabilities: Interest rate swap derivatives $ 1,869 $ — $ 1,869 $ — The Company’s Level 2 financial instruments included in the tables above as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consist of interest rate swap derivative liabilities held by GEO, 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 9 - Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 10 - 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.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabil

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	4. 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2020 Carrying Value as of September 30, 2020 Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,676 $ 53,676 $ 53,676 $ — $ — Restricted cash and investments 35,412 35,412 35,412 — — Liabilities: Borrowings under senior credit facility $ 1,244,130 $ 1,148,880 $ — $ 1,148,880 $ — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 193,958 191,466 — 191,466 — 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 288,988 238,519 — 238,519 — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 248,000 190,218 — 190,218 — 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 350,000 254,993 — 254,993 — Non-recourse debt 329,062 329,377 — 329,377 — Estimated Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Carrying Value as of December 31, 2019 Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 32,463 $ 32,463 $ 32,463 $ — $ — Restricted cash and investments 35,010 35,010 35,010 — — Liabilities: Borrowings under senior credit facility $ 1,298,671 $ 1,218,861 $ — $ 1,218,861 $ — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 193,958 194,239 — 194,239 — 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 300,000 287,982 — 287,982 — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 250,000 228,493 — 228,493 — 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 350,000 314,052 — 314,052 — Non-recourse debt 328,178 327,792 — 327,792 — The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and investments approximates the carrying values of these assets at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. 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, 2020
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	5. 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: September30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,676 $ 54,030 Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current 27,229 33,536 Restricted cash and investments - non-current 40,970 33,728 Less Restricted investments - non-current (32,787 ) (26,341 ) Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the statement of cash flows $ 89,088 $ 94,953 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 3 - Financial Instruments.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	6. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY The following tables present 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, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Common shares Additional Paid-In Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shareholders' Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Balance, July 1, 2020 121,371 $ 1,262 $ 1,252,037 $ (174,038 ) $ (29,554 ) 4,787 $ (104,457 ) $ (955 ) $ 944,295 Stock-based compensation expense — — 4,689 — — — — — 4,689 Restricted stock canceled (22 ) — — — — — — — — Dividends paid [1] — — — (58,527 ) — — — — (58,527 ) Other adjustment to additional paid-in capital [2] — — 280 — — — — — 280 Purchase of treasury shares [2] (25 ) — — — — 25 (280 ) — (280 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards [3] (1 ) — — — — — — — — Issuance of common stock - ESPP 16 — 170 — — — — — 170 Net income (loss) — — — 39,220 — — — (48 ) 39,172 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — 2,481 — — 4 2,485 Balance, September 30, 2020 121,339 $ 1,262 $ 1,257,176 $ (193,345 ) $ (27,073 ) 4,812 $ (104,737 ) $ (999 ) $ 932,284 Common shares Additional Paid-In Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shareholders' 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 granted 0 — — — — — — — - Restricted stock canceled (14 ) (1 ) 1 — — — — — - Dividends paid [1] — — — (58,200 ) — — — — (58,200 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards [3] (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 Paid-In Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shareholders' Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Balance January 1, 2020 121,225 $ 1,254 $ 1,230,865 $ (119,779 ) $ (20,335 ) 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (782 ) $ 996,048 Proceeds from exercise of stock options — — 1 — — — — — 1 Stock-based compensation expense — — 19,163 — — — — — 19,163 Restricted stock granted 900 9 (9 ) — — — — — — Restricted stock canceled (49 ) — — — — — — — — Dividends paid [1] — — — (174,687 ) — — — — (174,687 ) Other adjustment to additional paid-in capital [2] — — 9,479 — — — — — 9,479 Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards [3] (174 ) (1 ) (2,788 ) — — — — — (2,789 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 39 — 465 — — — — — 465 Purchase of treasury shares [2] (602 ) — — — — 602 (9,562 ) — (9,562 ) Net income (loss) — — — 101,121 — — — (174 ) 100,947 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (6,738 ) — — (43 ) (6,781 ) Balance, September 30, 2020 121,339 $ 1,262 $ 1,257,176 $ (193,345 ) $ (27,073 ) 4,812 $ (104,737 ) $ (999 ) $ 932,284 Common shares Additional Paid-In Earnings in Excess of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shareholders' Shares Amount Capital Distributions 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 [1] — — — (174,322 ) — — — — (174,322 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards [3] (198 ) (2 ) (4,175 ) — — — — — (4,177 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 21 — 400 — — — — — 400 Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption (4) — — — (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 [ 1] Dividends paid are net of dividends forfeited on unvested shares of restricted stock. [ 2 ] On February 26, 2020 (the "Effective Date"), the Company and its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) entered into an amended and restated executive retirement agreement that amends the CEO’s executive retirement agreement. The amended and restated executive retirement agreement provides that upon the CEO’s retirement from the Company, the Company will pay a lump sum amount equal to $8,925,065 (the “Grandfathered Payment”) which will be paid in the form of a fixed number of shares of the Company’s common stock. The fair value of the Grandfathered Payment was reclassified to stockholders’ equity. Additional shares of the Company’s common stock are credited with a value equal to any dividends declared and paid on the Company’s shares of common stock, calculated by reference to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the payment date for such dividends (rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares). Refer to Note 13 – Benefit Plans for further information. [ 3 ] During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company withheld shares through net share settlements to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements upon vesting of shares of restricted stock held by employees. [ 4 ] 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 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, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019, 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 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 October 14, 2019 October 25, 2019 November 1, 2019 $ 0.48 $ 58.2 February 3, 2020 February 14, 2020 February 21, 2020 $ 0.48 $ 58.2 April 6, 2020 April 17, 2020 April 24, 2020 $ 0.48 $ 58.5 July 7, 2020 July 17, 2020 July 24, 2020 $ 0.48 $ 58.5 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 $200.0 million of its shares of common stock. The stock buyback program was to be funded primarily with cash on hand, free cash flow and borrowings under the Company's $900.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolver"). The program was effective through October 20, 2020. The stock buyback program was 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 did not obligate the Company to purchase any specific amount of the Company's common stock and could have been suspended or extended at any time at the discretion of the Company's Board. The Company repurchased 553,665 shares of its common stock under the program during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Refer to Note 13 – Benefit Plans for further information. 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 had the ability, from time to time, to sell any combination of securities described in the prospectus in one or more offerings. 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, could have been made in negotiated transactions or transactions that were 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, 2020 or 2019. The automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 expired on October 20, 2020. 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, 2020 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax Pension adjustments, net of tax Total Balance, January 1, 2020 $ (12,314 ) $ (1,476 ) $ (6,545 ) $ (20,335 ) Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (2,802 ) (4,299 ) 320 (6,781 ) Balance, September 30, 2020 $ (15,116 ) $ (5,775 ) $ (6,225 ) $ (27,116 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax Pension adjustments, net of tax Total Balance, January 1, 2019 $ (14,573 ) $ (5,746 ) $ (3,299 ) $ (23,618 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (2,787 ) (882 ) (563 ) (4,232 ) Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings — 3,851 — 3,851 Net current-period comprehensive income (loss) (2,787 ) 2,969 (563 ) (381 ) Balance, September 30, 2019 $ (17,360 ) $ (2,777 ) $ (3,862 ) $ (23,999 )

Equity Incentive Plans

Equity Incentive Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Equity Incentive Plans	7. 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, 2020, the fair value was estimated using the following assumptions: (i) volatility of 41.41%; (ii) expected term of 5.0 years; (iii) risk free interest rate of 1.79%; and (iv) expected dividend yield of 13.11%. 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, 2020: Shares Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) (in thousands) Options outstanding at January 1, 2020 1,590 $ 24.29 6.90 $ 232 Options granted 480 14.64 Options exercised — — Options forfeited/canceled/expired (93 ) 21.83 Options outstanding at September 30, 2020 1,977 $ 22.07 6.87 $ — Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 1,877 $ 22.31 6.76 $ — Options exercisable at September 30, 2020 1,065 $ 24.55 5.38 $ — On March 1, 2020, the Company granted approximately 480,000 options to certain employees which had a per share grant date fair value of $1.59. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the amount of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $2.0 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock option awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 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 A summary of the activity of restricted stock outstanding is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020: Shares Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands) Restricted stock outstanding at January 1, 2020 2,047 $ 27.33 Granted 900 15.30 Vested (736 ) 27.79 Forfeited/canceled (49 ) 20.67 Restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2020 2,162 $ 20.60 On March 1, 2020, the Company granted approximately 900,000 shares of restricted stock to certain employees and executive officers. Of these awards, 360,000 are market and performance-based awards which will be forfeited if the Company does not achieve certain annual metrics during 2020, 2021 and 2022. 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, 2020 to December 31, 2022 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, 2020 to December 31, 2022. 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 30.3%; (ii) beta of 1.1; and (iii) risk free rate of 0.85%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recognized $18.3 million and $16.1 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to its restricted stock awards. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had $26.6 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 2.3 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, 2020, 39,213 shares of the Company's common stock were issued in connection with the Plan.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	8. 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, 2020 and 2019 as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Net income $ 39,172 $ 45,885 $ 100,947 $ 128,370 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 48 47 174 181 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. 39,220 45,932 101,121 128,551 Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding 119,826 119,209 119,677 119,052 Per share amount $ 0.33 $ 0.39 $ 0.84 $ 1.08 Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding 119,826 119,209 119,677 119,052 Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans 206 73 287 262 Weighted average shares assuming dilution 120,032 119,282 119,964 119,314 Per share amount $ 0.33 $ 0.39 $ 0.84 $ 1.08 For the three months ended September 30, 2020, 1,996,201 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 1,810,572 common stock equivalents from restricted shares that were anti-dilutive. 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 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020, 1,921,600 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 1,610,107 common stock equivalents from restricted shares that were anti-dilutive. 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.

Derivative Financial Instrument

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	9. 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 $4.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The total fair value of the swap liabilities as of September 30, 2020 was $7.3 million and is recorded as a component of Other Non-Current liabilities within the accompanying consolidated 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 10 - 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 into losses that were previously reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. Refer to Note 10 - Debt for additional information.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	10. DEBT Debt outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Senior Credit Facility: Term loan $ 772,000 $ 778,000 Unamortized discount on term loan (1,847 ) (2,281 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs on term loan (4,381 ) (5,410 ) Revolver 472,130 520,671 Total Senior Credit Facility 1,237,902 1,290,980 6.00% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2026 350,000 350,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (3,857 ) (4,282 ) Total 6.00% Senior Notes Due in 2026 346,143 345,718 5.875% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2024 248,000 250,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,165 ) (2,532 ) Total 5.875% Senior Notes Due in 2024 245,835 247,468 5.125% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2023 288,988 300,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,261 ) (2,876 ) Total 5.125% Senior Notes Due in 2023 286,727 297,124 5.875% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2022 193,958 193,958 Unamortized debt issuance costs (875 ) (1,351 ) Total 5.875% Senior Notes Due in 2022 193,083 192,607 Non-Recourse Debt 329,062 328,178 Unamortized debt issuance costs on non-recourse debt (4,984 ) (5,279 ) Unamortized discount on non-recourse debt (33 ) (81 ) Total Non-Recourse Debt 324,045 322,818 Finance Lease Liabilities 4,896 4,570 Other debt 42,662 43,410 Total debt 2,681,293 2,744,695 Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt (25,073 ) (24,208 ) Finance Lease Liabilities, long-term portion (2,979 ) (2,954 ) Non-Recourse Debt, long-term portion (309,899 ) (309,236 ) Long-Term Debt $ 2,343,342 $ 2,408,297 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 was extended to May 17, 2024. The borrowing capacity under the amended revolver remains at $900.0 million, and its pricing remains 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 AUD275 million, or 196 million, based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2020, 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, 2020, 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 AUD58 million, or $41.4 million, based on exchange rates in effect as of September 30, 2020 (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, 2020, there was AUD58 million in letters of credit issued under the Bank Guarantee Facility. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had approximately $772.0 million in aggregate borrowings outstanding under its term loan, approximately $472.1 million in borrowings under its revolver, and approximately $59.6 million in letters of credit which left approximately $368.3 million in additional borrowing capacity under the Revolver. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2020 was 2.62%. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 $100.0 million, subject to certain limitations through December 31, 2020. During 2019, the Company repurchased approximately $56.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 at a weighted average price of 97.55% for a total cost of $54.7 million. As a result of these repurchases, the Company recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.3 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company repurchased approximately $11.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 at a weighted average price of 75.66% for a total cost of $8.3 million. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2020, the Company repurchased approximately $2.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 at a weighted average price of 76.75% for a total cost of $1.5 million. As a result of these repurchases, the Company recognized a net gain on extinguishment of debt of $3.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2020. Non-Recourse Debt Northwest ICE Processing Center The remaining balance of the original debt service requirement under the $54.4 million note payable ("2011 Revenue Bonds") to WEDFA is $15.7 million, of which $7.7 million is classified as current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. 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, 2020, 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 AUD791 million, or approximately $564.9 million, based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2020. In accordance with the terms of the contract, upon completion and commercial acceptance of the project in late 2017, the State of Victoria made a lump sum payment of AUD310 million, or approximately $221.4 million, based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2020. 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 AUD462 million, or $329.9 million, based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2020, 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, 2020 is $0.7 million of deferred loan costs incurred in the transaction. Refer to Note 9 - 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 AUD58 million, or $41.4 million, based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2020. The guarantee is secured by outstanding letters of credit under the Company's Revolver. At September 30, 2020, the Company also had seven other letters of credit outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees of its Australian subsidiary totaling $9.5 million. Except as discussed above, the Company does not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation, Claims and Assessments On July 7, 2020, a purported shareholder class action lawsuit was filed against the Company, its Chief Executive Officer, George C. Zoley (“Mr. Zoley”), and its Chief Financial Officer, Brian R. Evans (“Mr. Evans”), in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint alleges that the Company and Messrs. Zoley and Evans made false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s business, and operational and compliance policies, specifically related to the Company’s COVID-19 response procedures. The lawsuit is brought by Steve Hartel individually and on behalf of a class consisting of all persons other than the defendants who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s securities during the alleged class period between February 27, 2020 through and including June 16, 2020. The complaint alleges that the Company, Messrs. Zoley and Evans violated Section 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and alleges that Messrs. Zoley and Evans violated Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. The complaint seeks damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, expert fees, other costs, and such other relief as the court may deem proper. On October 1, 2020, the court entered an unopposed order appointing lead plaintiff, approving the selection of counsel, dismissing the initial complaint and setting a deadline of November 17, 2020 for plaintiffs to amend the complaint. As previously reported and described in the Company's prior periodic reports, including most recently in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, 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. The Court certified a nationwide class which would allow the plaintiffs to primarily seek injunctive relief or policy changes at a number of facilities if they are successful on the merits of their claims. 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. On July 20, 2020, the trial court for the two Washington cases alerted the Company that the litigation continued to be on “standby” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “which is still ‘raging and explosive’” in the jurisdiction. As a result, a probable trial date is unknown. 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. On June 30, 2020, the Immigrant Legal Resources Center and Freedom for Immigrants filed a petition for writ of mandate in California state court in Bakersfield, California. The petitioners challenge compliance with California administrative law regarding the number of public hearings and allowing public access to public hearings for review of conditional use permits for the Central Valley and Golden State facilities that house federal immigration detainees. The City of McFarland and the City of McFarland Planning Commission are named as respondents and the Company is named as the real party in interest. The petitioners also filed an ex parte application for a temporary restraining order in state court seeking to prevent respondents from amending conditional use permits to allow housing federal immigration detainees at the Central Valley and Golden State facilities. The Company and respondents immediately removed the lawsuit to federal court to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California in Sacramento, California by filing a notice of removal on July 10, 2020. The petitioners subsequently filed a motion seeking a temporary restraining order in federal court, seeking the same injunctive relief. The federal court entered a temporary restraining order enjoining respondents from amending conditional use permits that would permit housing federal detainees at Central Valley and Golden State. The federal court further ordered the Company and respondents to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not issue pending resolution of the lawsuit. The Company and respondents immediately moved for an emergency stay with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals which was granted on September 1, 2020. On October 26, 2020, the appellate court vacated the preliminary injunction and determined that the City of McFarland fully complied with California administrative law with the requisite public hearings, the appropriate notice to the public and permitting public comments in a lawfully compliant manner. 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. The Company's accruals for loss contingencies are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as additional information becomes available. The Company does not accrue for anticipated legal fees and costs but expenses those items as incurred. On December 30, 2019, GEO filed a lawsuit for declaratory and injunctive relief challenging California’s newly enacted law - Assembly Bill 32 (AB-32) - which bars the federal government from engaging GEO or any other government contractors to provide detention services for illegal immigrants. GEO’s claims, as described in the lawsuit, are grounded in authoritative legal doctrine that under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, the federal government is free from regulation by any state. By prohibiting federal detention facilities in California, the lawsuit argues AB-32 substantially interferes with the ability of U.S. Marshals Service (“USMS”) and ICE to carry out detention responsibilities for the federal government. Secondly, because AB-32 creates exceptions to the State of California when using GEO or any government contractors (to alleviate overcrowding), California’s statute unlawfully discriminates against the federal government. On December 31, 2019, GEO filed its motion for a preliminary injunction restraining California’s Governor and Attorney General from enforcing AB-32 against GEO’s detention facilities on behalf of USMS and ICE. On January 24, 2020, the United States filed a lawsuit challenging AB-32 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 brought by prisoners or detainees, medical malpractice claims, product liability claims, intellectual property infringement claims, claims relating to employment matters (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 or prisoners, including damages arising from a prisoner's escape or from a disturbance or riot at a facility. The Company accrues for legal costs associated with loss contingencies when those costs are probable and reasonably estimable. 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. 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 $19.4 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. Ransomware Attack On November 3, 2020, the Company began the process of notifying current and former employees and will provide additional notifications as required by applicable state and federal law regarding a ransomware attack that impacted a portion of GEO’s information technology systems and a limited amount of data that contained personally identifiable information and protected health information. GEO promptly launched an investigation, engaged legal counsel and other incident response professionals, and notified its customers and law enforcement in response to the incident. GEO implemented a number of containment and remediation measures to address the incident, restore its systems and reinforce the security of its networks and information technology systems. The Company recovered its critical operating data and the incident has not had a significant impact on the Company's business operations or its ability to perform the services required under GEO's contracts with its government customers to or the individuals entrusted to GEO's facilities and programs. At this time, the Company is not aware of any fraud or misuse of information as a result of the incident. Additionally, the Company’s financial reporting controls and procedures were not impacted and as a result, the incident did not affect the Company's ability to report accurate financial information in a timely manner. Based on the information currently known and obtained through the investigation of the incident, the Company does not believe the incident will have a material impact on its business, operations or financial results. The Company carries insurance, including cyber insurance, commensurate with its size and the nature of its operations. CARES Act On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act, among other things, allows employers to defer the deposit and payment of the employer's share of Social Security taxes. The deferral applies to deposits and payments of the employer’s share of Social Security tax that would otherwise be required to be made during the period beginning on March 27, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020. The deferred amounts are due to be paid in two equal installments on December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. As a result of the CARES Act, the Company has deferred the payment of approximately $27.6 million related to these payroll taxes as of September 30, 2020. 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 active capital projects will be approximately $62 million of which $42 million was spent through the first nine months of 2020. The Company estimates the remaining capital requirements related to these capital projects will be $20 million which will be spent through the remainder of 2020. Idle Facilities As of September 30, 2020, the Company was marketing approximately 2,100 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 $50.5 million as of September 30, 2020, 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, 2020.

Business Segments and Geographi

Business Segments and Geographic Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments and Geographic Information	12. 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, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Revenues: GEO Secure Services $ 392,384 $ 411,078 $ 1,180,211 $ 1,201,063 GEO Care 134,940 153,422 417,643 462,772 International Services 48,489 57,634 158,593 176,246 Facility Construction & Design [1] 3,323 9,445 15,535 16,131 Total revenues $ 579,136 $ 631,579 $ 1,771,982 $ 1,856,212 Operating income from segments: GEO Secure Services $ 78,076 $ 85,085 $ 226,000 $ 248,462 GEO Care 28,617 36,325 89,166 113,936 International Services 4,400 5,211 15,316 13,870 Facility Construction & Design [1] 13 26 48 26 Operating income from segments $ 111,106 $ 126,647 $ 330,530 $ 376,294 General and Administrative Expenses (46,644 ) (48,488 ) $ (145,969 ) (142,183 ) Total Operating Income $ 64,462 $ 78,159 $ 184,561 $ 234,111 [1] Facility Construction & Design revenues relate to an expansion project at the Company's managed-only Fulham Correctional Centre in Australia which was 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, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Operating income from segments $ 111,106 $ 126,647 $ 330,530 $ 376,294 Unallocated amounts: General and administrative expenses (46,644 ) (48,488 ) (145,969 ) (142,183 ) Net interest expense (24,389 ) (29,959 ) (78,493 ) (92,730 ) (Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt 1,472 594 3,035 (5,147 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates $ 41,545 $ 48,794 $ 109,103 $ 136,234 Equity in Earnings of Affiliates Equity in earnings of affiliates includes the Company’s 50% owned joint ventures in South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited (“SACS”), located in South Africa, and GEOAmey PECS Limited (“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 $2.8 million in earnings, net of tax, for SACS operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and $3.8 million in earnings, net of tax, for SACS operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s investment in SACS was $9.5 million and $12.3 million, respectively, and represents its share of cumulative reported earnings. The Company has recorded $4.4 million in earnings, net of tax, for GEOAmey's operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2020, and $2.8 million in earnings, net of tax, for GEOAmey's operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2019, 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, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company’s investment in GEOAmey was $10.1 million and $5.7 million, respectively, and represents its share of cumulative reported earnings.

Benefit Plans

Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Benefit Plans	13. 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, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Change in Projected Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 37,551 $ 32,474 Service cost 940 998 Interest cost 979 1,393 Actuarial gain — 3,449 Other reclassification [1] (8,925 ) — Benefits paid (563 ) (763 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of period $ 29,982 $ 37,551 Change in Plan Assets Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period $ — $ — Company contributions 563 763 Benefits paid (563 ) (763 ) Plan assets at fair value, end of period $ — $ — Unfunded Status of the Plan $ 29,982 $ 37,551 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost $ 313 $ 300 $ 940 $ 749 Interest cost 326 348 979 1,045 Net loss 135 53 405 158 Net periodic pension cost $ 774 $ 701 $ 2,324 $ 1,952 [1] The Company has a non-qualified deferred compensation agreement with its CEO. The agreement provides for a lump sum payment upon retirement, no sooner than age 55. As of September 30, 2020, the CEO had reached age 55 and was eligible to receive the payment upon retirement. If the Company’s CEO had retired as of September 30, 2020, the Company would have had to pay him approximately $8.9 million in shares of the Company’s common stock (determined as of February 26, 2020) plus additional shares credited for dividends declared and paid on the shares of the Company’s common stock. On February 26, 2020 (the "Effective Date"), the Company and its CEO entered into an amended and restated executive retirement agreement that amends the CEO’s executive retirement agreement discussed above. The amended and restated executive retirement agreement provides that upon the CEO’s retirement from the Company, the Company will pay a lump sum amount equal to $8,925,065 (determined as of February 26, 2020) (the “Grandfathered Payment”) which will be paid in the form of a fixed number of shares of the Company’s common stock. The Grandfathered Payment will be delayed for six months and a day following the effective date of the CEO’s termination of employment in compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. On the Effective Date, an amount equal to the Grandfathered Payment was invested in the Company’s common stock (“GEO Shares”). The number of the Company’s shares of common stock as of the Effective Date was equal to the Grandfathered Payment divided by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date (rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares), which equals 553,665 shares of the Company’s common stock. Additional shares of the Company’s common stock will be credited with a value equal to any dividends declared and paid on the Company’s shares of common stock, calculated by reference to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the payment date for such dividends (rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares). The Company has establish ed several trusts for the purpose of paying the retirement benefit pursuant to the amended and restated executive retirement agreement. The trusts are revocable “rabbi trusts” and the assets of the trusts are subject to the claims of the Company’s creditors in the event of the Company’s insolvency. The Company repurchased shares of its outstanding common stock under its stock buyback program and contributed such shares to the trusts in order to fund the retirement benefit under the amended and restated executive retirement agreement. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 710 – Compensation-General, the shares of common stock held in the rabbi trusts are classified as treasury stock. In addition, the amended and restated executive retirement agreement qualifies for equity accounting under ASC 710 and therefore, the fair value of the Grandfathered Payment has been reclassified to stockholders’ equity. The long-term portion of the pension liability as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was $29.7 million and $33.4 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, 2020
New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	14. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS The Company implemented the following accounting standards during the nine months ended September 30, 2020: The SEC recently adopted the final rule in Release No. 33-10762 (the “Final Rule”), Financial Disclosures about Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities Guarantors and issuers of guaranteed securities registered or being registered Affiliates whose securities collateralize securities registered or being registered In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, " Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC No. 2016-13, " Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments The following accounting standards will be adopted in future periods: In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “ Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options Derivatives and Hedging: Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Reform Rate (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” . In 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. Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the SEC did not, or are not expected to, have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Dividend On October 6, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.34 per share of common stock which was paid on October 23, 2020 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 16, 2020.The Board of Directors reduced the quarterly dividend payment in order to preserve capital and focus on paying down debt. Automatic Shelf Registration on Form S-3 On October 30, 2020, the Company filed an automatic shelf registration on Form S-3 with the SEC that enables the Company to offer for sale, from time to time and as the capital markets permit, an unspecified amount of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, guarantees of debt securities, warrants and units. Each time the Company offers to 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. The shelf registration statement is automatically effective and is valid for three years.

Basis of Presentation (Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020: The SEC recently adopted the final rule in Release No. 33-10762 (the “Final Rule”), Financial Disclosures about Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities and Affiliates Whose Securities Collateralize a Registrant’s Securities Guarantors and issuers of guaranteed securities registered or being registered Affiliates whose securities collateralize securities registered or being registered In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, " Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820 In June 2016, the FASB issued ASC No. 2016-13, " Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments The following accounting standards will be adopted in future periods: In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, “ Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options Derivatives and Hedging: Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Reform Rate (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” . In 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. Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the SEC did not, or are not expected to, have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in the Company's Goodwill Balances	Changes in the Company's goodwill balances from January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 are as follows (in thousands): January 1, 2020 Foreign Currency Translation September 30, 2020 GEO Secure Services $ 316,366 $ — $ 316,366 GEO Care 459,589 — 459,589 International Services 401 8 409 Total Goodwill $ 776,356 $ 8 $ 776,364
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, 2020 December 31, 2019 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 $ 308,336 $ (163,671 ) $ 144,665 $ 308,432 $ (148,171 ) $ 160,261 Technology 7.3 33,700 (30,300 ) 3,400 33,700 (29,091 ) 4,609 Trade names Indefinite 45,200 — 45,200 45,200 — 45,200 Total acquired intangible assets $ 387,236 $ (193,971 ) $ 193,265 $ 387,332 $ (177,262 ) $ 210,070
Estimated Amortization Expense for the Remainder	Estimated amortization expense related to the Company's finite-lived intangible assets for the remainder of 2020 through 2024 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands): Fiscal Year Total Amortization Expense Remainder of 2020 $ 7,222 2021 19,769 2022 18,125 2023 13,481 2024 9,748 Thereafter 79,720 $ 148,065

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2020 Carrying Value at September 30, 2020 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Restricted investment: Rabbi Trust $ 32,787 $ — $ 32,787 $ — Fixed income securities 1,893 — 1,893 — Liabilities: Interest rate swap derivatives $ 7,310 $ — $ 7,310 $ — Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Carrying Value at December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Restricted investments: Rabbi Trust $ 28,332 $ — $ 28,332 $ — Fixed income securities 1,892 — 1,892 — Liabilities: Interest rate swap derivatives $ 1,869 $ — $ 1,869 $ —

Fair Value of Assets and Liab_2

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and December 31, 2019 (in thousands): Estimated Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2020 Carrying Value as of September 30, 2020 Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,676 $ 53,676 $ 53,676 $ — $ — Restricted cash and investments 35,412 35,412 35,412 — — Liabilities: Borrowings under senior credit facility $ 1,244,130 $ 1,148,880 $ — $ 1,148,880 $ — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 193,958 191,466 — 191,466 — 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 288,988 238,519 — 238,519 — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 248,000 190,218 — 190,218 — 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 350,000 254,993 — 254,993 — Non-recourse debt 329,062 329,377 — 329,377 — Estimated Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019 Carrying Value as of December 31, 2019 Total Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 32,463 $ 32,463 $ 32,463 $ — $ — Restricted cash and investments 35,010 35,010 35,010 — — Liabilities: Borrowings under senior credit facility $ 1,298,671 $ 1,218,861 $ — $ 1,218,861 $ — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 193,958 194,239 — 194,239 — 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 300,000 287,982 — 287,982 — 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 250,000 228,493 — 228,493 — 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 350,000 314,052 — 314,052 — Non-recourse debt 328,178 327,792 — 327,792 —

Restricted Cash and Cash Equi_2

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and 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: September30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 53,676 $ 54,030 Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current 27,229 33,536 Restricted cash and investments - non-current 40,970 33,728 Less Restricted investments - non-current (32,787 ) (26,341 ) Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the statement of cash flows $ 89,088 $ 94,953

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Shareholders' Equity that are Attributable to the Company's Shareholders and to Noncontrolling Interests	The following tables present 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, 2020 and 2019 (in thousands): Common shares Additional Paid-In Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shareholders' Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Balance, July 1, 2020 121,371 $ 1,262 $ 1,252,037 $ (174,038 ) $ (29,554 ) 4,787 $ (104,457 ) $ (955 ) $ 944,295 Stock-based compensation expense — — 4,689 — — — — — 4,689 Restricted stock canceled (22 ) — — — — — — — — Dividends paid [1] — — — (58,527 ) — — — — (58,527 ) Other adjustment to additional paid-in capital [2] — — 280 — — — — — 280 Purchase of treasury shares [2] (25 ) — — — — 25 (280 ) — (280 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards [3] (1 ) — — — — — — — — Issuance of common stock - ESPP 16 — 170 — — — — — 170 Net income (loss) — — — 39,220 — — — (48 ) 39,172 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — 2,481 — — 4 2,485 Balance, September 30, 2020 121,339 $ 1,262 $ 1,257,176 $ (193,345 ) $ (27,073 ) 4,812 $ (104,737 ) $ (999 ) $ 932,284 Common shares Additional Paid-In Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shareholders' 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 granted 0 — — — — — — — - Restricted stock canceled (14 ) (1 ) 1 — — — — — - Dividends paid [1] — — — (58,200 ) — — — — (58,200 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards [3] (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 Paid-In Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shareholders' Shares Amount Capital Earnings Loss Shares Amount Interests Equity For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Balance January 1, 2020 121,225 $ 1,254 $ 1,230,865 $ (119,779 ) $ (20,335 ) 4,210 $ (95,175 ) $ (782 ) $ 996,048 Proceeds from exercise of stock options — — 1 — — — — — 1 Stock-based compensation expense — — 19,163 — — — — — 19,163 Restricted stock granted 900 9 (9 ) — — — — — — Restricted stock canceled (49 ) — — — — — — — — Dividends paid [1] — — — (174,687 ) — — — — (174,687 ) Other adjustment to additional paid-in capital [2] — — 9,479 — — — — — 9,479 Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards [3] (174 ) (1 ) (2,788 ) — — — — — (2,789 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 39 — 465 — — — — — 465 Purchase of treasury shares [2] (602 ) — — — — 602 (9,562 ) — (9,562 ) Net income (loss) — — — 101,121 — — — (174 ) 100,947 Other comprehensive income (loss) — — — — (6,738 ) — — (43 ) (6,781 ) Balance, September 30, 2020 121,339 $ 1,262 $ 1,257,176 $ (193,345 ) $ (27,073 ) 4,812 $ (104,737 ) $ (999 ) $ 932,284 Common shares Additional Paid-In Earnings in Excess of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Treasury shares Noncontrolling Total Shareholders' Shares Amount Capital Distributions 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 [1] — — — (174,322 ) — — — — (174,322 ) Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards [3] (198 ) (2 ) (4,175 ) — — — — — (4,177 ) Issuance of common stock - ESPP 21 — 400 — — — — — 400 Transition adjustment for accounting standard adoption (4) — — — (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 [ 1] Dividends paid are net of dividends forfeited on unvested shares of restricted stock. [ 2 ] On February 26, 2020 (the "Effective Date"), the Company and its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) entered into an amended and restated executive retirement agreement that amends the CEO’s executive retirement agreement. The amended and restated executive retirement agreement provides that upon the CEO’s retirement from the Company, the Company will pay a lump sum amount equal to $8,925,065 (the “Grandfathered Payment”) which will be paid in the form of a fixed number of shares of the Company’s common stock. The fair value of the Grandfathered Payment was reclassified to stockholders’ equity. Additional shares of the Company’s common stock are credited with a value equal to any dividends declared and paid on the Company’s shares of common stock, calculated by reference to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the payment date for such dividends (rounded up to the nearest whole number of shares). Refer to Note 13 – Benefit Plans for further information. [ 3 ] During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company withheld shares through net share settlements to satisfy statutory tax withholding requirements upon vesting of shares of restricted stock held by employees. [ 4 ] 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
Dividends Declared	During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and the year ended December 31, 2019, 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 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 October 14, 2019 October 25, 2019 November 1, 2019 $ 0.48 $ 58.2 February 3, 2020 February 14, 2020 February 21, 2020 $ 0.48 $ 58.2 April 6, 2020 April 17, 2020 April 24, 2020 $ 0.48 $ 58.5 July 7, 2020 July 17, 2020 July 24, 2020 $ 0.48 $ 58.5
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, 2020 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax Pension adjustments, net of tax Total Balance, January 1, 2020 $ (12,314 ) $ (1,476 ) $ (6,545 ) $ (20,335 ) Current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (2,802 ) (4,299 ) 320 (6,781 ) Balance, September 30, 2020 $ (15,116 ) $ (5,775 ) $ (6,225 ) $ (27,116 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 (In thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax Pension adjustments, net of tax Total Balance, January 1, 2019 $ (14,573 ) $ (5,746 ) $ (3,299 ) $ (23,618 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (2,787 ) (882 ) (563 ) (4,232 ) Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings — 3,851 — 3,851 Net current-period comprehensive income (loss) (2,787 ) 2,969 (563 ) (381 ) Balance, September 30, 2019 $ (17,360 ) $ (2,777 ) $ (3,862 ) $ (23,999 )

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Options Activity	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, 2020: Shares Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term (years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) (in thousands) Options outstanding at January 1, 2020 1,590 $ 24.29 6.90 $ 232 Options granted 480 14.64 Options exercised — — Options forfeited/canceled/expired (93 ) 21.83 Options outstanding at September 30, 2020 1,977 $ 22.07 6.87 $ — Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2020 1,877 $ 22.31 6.76 $ — Options exercisable at September 30, 2020 1,065 $ 24.55 5.38 $ —
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity	A summary of the activity of restricted stock outstanding is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020: Shares Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands) Restricted stock outstanding at January 1, 2020 2,047 $ 27.33 Granted 900 15.30 Vested (736 ) 27.79 Forfeited/canceled (49 ) 20.67 Restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2020 2,162 $ 20.60

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2020 and 2019 as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Net income $ 39,172 $ 45,885 $ 100,947 $ 128,370 Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 48 47 174 181 Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. 39,220 45,932 101,121 128,551 Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding 119,826 119,209 119,677 119,052 Per share amount $ 0.33 $ 0.39 $ 0.84 $ 1.08 Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.: Weighted average shares outstanding 119,826 119,209 119,677 119,052 Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans 206 73 287 262 Weighted average shares assuming dilution 120,032 119,282 119,964 119,314 Per share amount $ 0.33 $ 0.39 $ 0.84 $ 1.08

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Debt	Debt outstanding as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 consisted of the following (in thousands): September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Senior Credit Facility: Term loan $ 772,000 $ 778,000 Unamortized discount on term loan (1,847 ) (2,281 ) Unamortized debt issuance costs on term loan (4,381 ) (5,410 ) Revolver 472,130 520,671 Total Senior Credit Facility 1,237,902 1,290,980 6.00% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2026 350,000 350,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (3,857 ) (4,282 ) Total 6.00% Senior Notes Due in 2026 346,143 345,718 5.875% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2024 248,000 250,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,165 ) (2,532 ) Total 5.875% Senior Notes Due in 2024 245,835 247,468 5.125% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2023 288,988 300,000 Unamortized debt issuance costs (2,261 ) (2,876 ) Total 5.125% Senior Notes Due in 2023 286,727 297,124 5.875% Senior Notes: Notes Due in 2022 193,958 193,958 Unamortized debt issuance costs (875 ) (1,351 ) Total 5.875% Senior Notes Due in 2022 193,083 192,607 Non-Recourse Debt 329,062 328,178 Unamortized debt issuance costs on non-recourse debt (4,984 ) (5,279 ) Unamortized discount on non-recourse debt (33 ) (81 ) Total Non-Recourse Debt 324,045 322,818 Finance Lease Liabilities 4,896 4,570 Other debt 42,662 43,410 Total debt 2,681,293 2,744,695 Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt (25,073 ) (24,208 ) Finance Lease Liabilities, long-term portion (2,979 ) (2,954 ) Non-Recourse Debt, long-term portion (309,899 ) (309,236 ) Long-Term Debt $ 2,343,342 $ 2,408,297

Business Segments and Geograp_2

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of 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, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Revenues: GEO Secure Services $ 392,384 $ 411,078 $ 1,180,211 $ 1,201,063 GEO Care 134,940 153,422 417,643 462,772 International Services 48,489 57,634 158,593 176,246 Facility Construction & Design [1] 3,323 9,445 15,535 16,131 Total revenues $ 579,136 $ 631,579 $ 1,771,982 $ 1,856,212 Operating income from segments: GEO Secure Services $ 78,076 $ 85,085 $ 226,000 $ 248,462 GEO Care 28,617 36,325 89,166 113,936 International Services 4,400 5,211 15,316 13,870 Facility Construction & Design [1] 13 26 48 26 Operating income from segments $ 111,106 $ 126,647 $ 330,530 $ 376,294 General and Administrative Expenses (46,644 ) (48,488 ) $ (145,969 ) (142,183 ) Total Operating Income $ 64,462 $ 78,159 $ 184,561 $ 234,111 [1] Facility Construction & Design revenues relate to an expansion project at the Company's managed-only Fulham Correctional Centre in Australia which was completed in the third quarter of 2020.
Schedule of 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, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Operating income from segments $ 111,106 $ 126,647 $ 330,530 $ 376,294 Unallocated amounts: General and administrative expenses (46,644 ) (48,488 ) (145,969 ) (142,183 ) Net interest expense (24,389 ) (29,959 ) (78,493 ) (92,730 ) (Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt 1,472 594 3,035 (5,147 ) Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates $ 41,545 $ 48,794 $ 109,103 $ 136,234

Benefit Plans (Tables)

Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [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, 2020 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Change in Projected Benefit Obligation Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period $ 37,551 $ 32,474 Service cost 940 998 Interest cost 979 1,393 Actuarial gain — 3,449 Other reclassification [1] (8,925 ) — Benefits paid (563 ) (763 ) Projected benefit obligation, end of period $ 29,982 $ 37,551 Change in Plan Assets Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period $ — $ — Company contributions 563 763 Benefits paid (563 ) (763 ) Plan assets at fair value, end of period $ — $ — Unfunded Status of the Plan $ 29,982 $ 37,551
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Service cost $ 313 $ 300 $ 940 $ 749 Interest cost 326 348 979 1,045 Net loss 135 53 405 158 Net periodic pension cost $ 774 $ 701 $ 2,324 $ 1,952

Basis of Presentation - Additio

Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020bedfacilitypersondetainee
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of beds | bed	93,000
Correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities including projects under development | facility	123
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

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Beginning balance	$ 776,356
Foreign Currency Translation	8
Ending balance	776,364
GEO Secure Services
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Beginning balance	316,366
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Ending balance	316,366
GEO Care
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Beginning balance	459,589
Foreign Currency Translation	0
Ending balance	459,589
International Services
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Beginning balance	401
Foreign Currency Translation	8
Ending balance	$ 409

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Schedule of intangible assets
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	$ 387,236	$ 387,332
Accumulated Amortization	(193,971)	(177,262)
Total acquired intangible assets, Net carrying amount	193,265	210,070
Net Carrying Amount	148,065
Trade names
Schedule of intangible assets
Indefinite lived intangible assets	45,200	45,200
Facility management contracts
Schedule of intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	308,336	308,432
Accumulated Amortization	(163,671)	(148,171)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 144,665	160,261
Amortization period	16 years 3 months 18 days
Technology
Schedule of intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 33,700	33,700
Accumulated Amortization	(30,300)	(29,091)
Net Carrying Amount	$ 3,400	$ 4,609
Amortization period	7 years 3 months 18 days

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 16.7	$ 16.7
Facility management contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average period before renewal or extension	2 years 1 month 6 days

Goodwill and Other Intangible_6

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Remainder of 2020	$ 7,222
2021	19,769
2022	18,125
2023	13,481
2024	9,748
Thereafter	79,720
Net Carrying Amount	$ 148,065

Financial Instruments - Fair Va

Financial Instruments - Fair Value Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - Recurring - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Restricted investment:
Rabbi Trust	$ 32,787	$ 28,332
Fixed income securities	1,893	1,892
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Restricted investment:
Rabbi Trust	0	0
Fixed income securities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Restricted investment:
Rabbi Trust	32,787	28,332
Fixed income securities	1,893	1,892
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Restricted investment:
Rabbi Trust	0	0
Fixed income securities	0	0
Interest Rate Swap
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	7,310	1,869
Interest Rate Swap | Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	0	0
Interest Rate Swap | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	7,310	1,869
Interest Rate Swap | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivatives	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value of Assets and Liab_3

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities - Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,676	$ 32,463	$ 54,030
Carrying Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	53,676	32,463
Restricted cash and investments	35,412	35,010
Liabilities:
Borrowings under senior credit facility	1,244,130	1,298,671
Non-recourse debt	329,062	328,178
Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	53,676	32,463
Restricted cash and investments	35,412	35,010
Liabilities:
Borrowings under senior credit facility	1,148,880	1,218,861
Non-recourse debt	329,377	327,792
Level 1 | Fair Value
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	53,676	32,463
Restricted cash and investments	35,412	35,010
Level 2 | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Borrowings under senior credit facility	1,148,880	1,218,861
Non-recourse debt	329,377	327,792
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 | Senior Notes | Carrying Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	193,958	193,958
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 | Senior Notes | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	191,466	194,239
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 | Level 2 | Senior Notes | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	191,466	194,239
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 | Senior Notes | Carrying Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	288,988	300,000
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 | Senior Notes | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	238,519	287,982
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 | Level 2 | Senior Notes | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	238,519	287,982
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 | Senior Notes | Carrying Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	248,000	250,000
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 | Senior Notes | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	190,218	228,493
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 | Level 2 | Senior Notes | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	190,218	228,493
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 | Senior Notes | Carrying Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	350,000	350,000
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 | Senior Notes | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	254,993	314,052
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 | Level 2 | Senior Notes | Fair Value
Liabilities:
Senior notes, fair value	$ 254,993	$ 314,052

Fair Value of Assets and Liab_4

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities - Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Parenthetical) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 | Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%	5.875%
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.125%
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 | Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.125%	5.125%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 | Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%	5.875%
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.00%
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 | Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.00%	6.00%

Fair Value of Assets and Liab_5

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities - Additional Information (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022 | Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%	5.875%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024 | Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%	5.875%
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.00%
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026 | Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.00%	6.00%
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.125%
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023 | Senior Notes
Fair Value Balance Sheet Grouping Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.125%	5.125%

Restricted Cash and Cash Equi_3

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents - Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,676	$ 32,463	$ 54,030
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current	27,229		33,536
Restricted cash and investments - non-current	40,970	30,923	33,728
Less Restricted investments - non-current	(32,787)		(26,341)
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents shown in the statement of cash flows	$ 89,088	$ 67,472	$ 94,953	$ 84,472

Shareholders' Equity - Changes

Shareholders' Equity - Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ 944,295	$ 1,021,538	$ 996,048	$ 1,039,904
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		182	1	1,259
Stock-based compensation expense	4,689	4,739	19,163	16,919
Dividends paid	(58,527)	(58,200)	(174,687)	(174,322)
Other adjustment to additional paid-in capital	280		9,479
Purchase of treasury shares	(280)		(9,562)
Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards		(2)	(2,789)	(4,177)
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	170	150	465	400
Net income (loss)	39,172	45,885	100,947	128,370
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,485	(7,288)	(6,781)	(381)
Ending Balance	932,284	1,007,004	932,284	1,007,004
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(1,349)
Common shares
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ 1,262	$ 1,254	$ 1,254	$ 1,248
Beginning Balance (shares)	121,371	121,213	121,225	120,585
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		$ 1		$ 1
Proceeds from exercise of stock options (shares)		15		78
Restricted stock granted			$ 9	$ 8
Restricted stock granted (shares)		0	900	788
Restricted stock canceled		$ (1)
Restricted stock canceled (shares)	(22)	(14)	(49)	(52)
Purchase of treasury shares (in shares)	(25)		(602)
Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards			$ (1)	$ (2)
Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards (shares)	(1)	(1)	(174)	(198)
Issuance of common stock - ESPP		$ 1
Issuance of common stock - ESPP (shares)	16	9	39	21
Ending Balance	$ 1,262	$ 1,255	$ 1,262	$ 1,255
Ending Balance (shares)	121,339	121,222	121,339	121,222
Additional Paid-In Capital
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ 1,252,037	$ 1,220,242	$ 1,230,865	$ 1,210,916
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		181	1	1,258
Stock-based compensation expense	4,689	4,739	19,163	16,919
Restricted stock granted			(9)	(8)
Restricted stock canceled		1
Other adjustment to additional paid-in capital	280		9,479
Shares withheld for net settlements of share- based awards		(2)	(2,788)	(4,175)
Issuance of common stock - ESPP	170	149	465	400
Ending Balance	1,257,176	1,225,310	1,257,176	1,225,310
Distributions in Excess of Earnings
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	(174,038)	(87,339)	(119,779)	(52,868)
Dividends paid	(58,527)	(58,200)	(174,687)	(174,322)
Net income (loss)	39,220	45,932	101,121	128,551
Ending Balance	(193,345)	(99,607)	(193,345)	(99,607)
Distributions in Excess of Earnings | Cumulative Effect Period of Adoption Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance				(968)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	(29,554)	(16,716)	(20,335)	(23,618)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,481	(7,273)	(6,738)
Ending Balance	(27,073)	(23,989)	(27,073)	(23,989)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Other comprehensive income (loss)				(1,339)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Cumulative Effect Period of Adoption Adjustment | Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance				968
Treasury shares
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ (104,457)	$ (95,175)	$ (95,175)	$ (95,175)
Beginning Balance (shares)	4,787	4,210	4,210	4,210
Purchase of treasury shares	$ (280)		$ (9,562)
Purchase of treasury shares (in shares)	25		602
Ending Balance	$ (104,737)	$ (95,175)	$ (104,737)	$ (95,175)
Ending Balance (shares)	4,812	4,210	4,812	4,210
Noncontrolling Interests
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Beginning Balance	$ (955)	$ (728)	$ (782)	$ (599)
Net income (loss)	(48)	(47)	(174)	(181)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4	(15)	(43)
Ending Balance	$ (999)	$ (790)	$ (999)	(790)
Noncontrolling Interests | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests
Other comprehensive income (loss)				$ (10)

Shareholders' Equity - Change_2

Shareholders' Equity - Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (Details)	Feb. 26, 2020USD ($)
Common shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, value of shares issued	$ 8,925,065

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Jul. 12, 2019	Feb. 14, 2018	Nov. 09, 2017
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Minimum % of REIT taxable income to be paid as dividend annually	90.00%
Prospectus Supplement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum common stock value authorized under prospectus supplement					$ 150,000,000
Shares sold (in shares)	0	0
Amended Credit Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 100,000
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Amended Credit Agreement
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 900,000,000	$ 900,000,000
Common shares | February 2018 Stock Buyback Program
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 200,000,000
Purchase of treasury shares (in shares)	553,665

Shareholders' Equity - Dividend

Shareholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Oct. 06, 2020	Jul. 07, 2020	Apr. 06, 2020	Feb. 03, 2020	Oct. 14, 2019	Jul. 09, 2019	Apr. 03, 2019	Feb. 04, 2019
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Oct. 6, 2020	Jul. 7, 2020	Apr. 6, 2020	Feb. 3, 2020	Oct. 14, 2019	Jul. 9, 2019	Apr. 3, 2019	Feb. 4, 2019
Record Date	Oct. 16, 2020	Jul. 17, 2020	Apr. 17, 2020	Feb. 14, 2020	Oct. 25, 2019	Jul. 19, 2019	Apr. 15, 2019	Feb. 15, 2019
Payment Date	Oct. 23, 2020	Jul. 24, 2020	Apr. 24, 2020	Feb. 21, 2020	Nov. 1, 2019	Jul. 26, 2019	Apr. 22, 2019	Feb. 22, 2019
Dividend Paid
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Distribution Per Share (in dollars per share)		$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 0.48	$ 0.48
Aggregate Payment Amount (in millions)		$ 58.5	$ 58.5	$ 58.2	$ 58.2	$ 58.2	$ 58.2	$ 57.9

Shareholders' Equity - Componen

Shareholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			$ 996,830
Current-period comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(6,781)	$ (4,232)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings				3,851
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 2,485	$ (7,288)	(6,781)	(381)
Ending balance	933,283		933,283
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(12,314)	(14,573)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(2,802)	(2,787)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax				(2,787)
Ending balance	(15,116)	(17,360)	(15,116)	(17,360)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(1,476)	(5,746)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(4,299)	(882)
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income into earnings				3,851
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax				2,969
Ending balance	(5,775)	(2,777)	(5,775)	(2,777)
Pension adjustments, net of tax
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(6,545)	(3,299)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			320	(563)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax				(563)
Ending balance	(6,225)	(3,862)	(6,225)	(3,862)
Total
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			(20,335)	(23,618)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,481	(7,273)	(6,738)
Ending balance	$ (27,116)	$ (23,999)	$ (27,116)	$ (23,999)

Equity Incentive Plans - Additi

Equity Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Mar. 01, 2020$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Metricshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 1.59
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility rate		41.41%
Expected term		5 years
Risk free interest rate		1.79%
Expected dividend yield		13.11%
Options granted (in shares)	480,000
Share based compensation expense | $		$ 0.8	$ 0.8
Unrecognized compensation costs related to awards | $		$ 2
Expected weighted average period to recognize expense		2 years 4 months 24 days
Restricted Stock Award
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility rate		30.30%
Risk free interest rate		0.85%
Share based compensation expense | $		$ 18.3	$ 16.1
Unrecognized compensation costs related to awards | $		$ 26.6
Expected weighted average period to recognize expense		2 years 3 months 18 days
Granted (in shares)		900,000
Performance measurement | Metric		2
Beta		1.1
Restricted Stock Award | Tranche One
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (as percent)		50.00%
Performance period		3 years
Restricted Stock Award | Tranche Two
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting rights (as percent)		50.00%
Performance period		3 years
Restricted Stock Award | Certain Employees and Executive Officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	900,000
Restricted Stock Award | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)		3 years
Award vesting rights (as percent)		0.00%
Restricted Stock Award | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)		4 years
Award vesting rights (as percent)		200.00%
Performance Shares | Certain Employees and Executive Officers
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	360,000
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%
Capital shares reserved for future issuance		750,000
Issuance of common stock (ESPP) (in shares)		39,213
2014 Stock Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized		4,600,000

Equity Incentive Plans - Summar

Equity Incentive Plans - Summary of Options Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Summary of the activity of stock option awards, shares
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance (in Shares)	1,590
Options granted (in shares)	480
Options forfeited/canceled/expired (in shares)	(93)
Options outstanding, Ending Balance (in Shares)	1,977	1,590
Options vested and expected to vest (in Shares)	1,877
Options exercisable (in Shares)	1,065
Summary of the activity of stock option awards, weighted average exercise price
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.29
Options granted, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	14.64
Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	21.83
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	22.07	$ 24.29
Options vested and expected to vest, Wtd. Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	22.31
Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.55
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 10 months 13 days	6 years 10 months 24 days
Options vested and expected to vest, Wtd. Avg Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 9 months 3 days
Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 4 months 17 days
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Average Intrinsic Value	$ 232
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Average Intrinsic Value		$ 232

Equity Incentive Plans - Summ_2

Equity Incentive Plans - Summary of Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - Restricted Stock Award shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020$ / sharesshares
Summary of the activity of restricted stock
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Beginning Balance (in shares) | shares	2,047
Granted (in shares) | shares	900
Vested (in shares) | shares	(736)
Forfeited/canceled (in shares) | shares	(49)
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Ending Balance (in shares) | shares	2,162
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Restricted stock outstanding Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 27.33
Granted Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	15.30
Vested Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	27.79
Forfeited/Canceled Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	20.67
Restricted stock outstanding Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.60

Earnings Per Share - Basic and

Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract]
Net income	$ 39,172	$ 45,885	$ 100,947	$ 128,370
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	48	47	174	181
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 39,220	$ 45,932	$ 101,121	$ 128,551
Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	119,826	119,209	119,677	119,052
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.39	$ 0.84	$ 1.08
Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	119,826	119,209	119,677	119,052
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plans (in shares)	206	73	287	262
Weighted average shares assuming dilution (in shares)	120,032	119,282	119,964	119,314
Per share amount (in dollars per share)	$ 0.33	$ 0.39	$ 0.84	$ 1.08

Earnings Per Share - Additional

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Stock Options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	1,996,201	1,522,227	1,921,600	1,497,922
Restricted Stock Award
Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	1,810,572	1,801,015	1,610,107	1,479,719

Derivative Financial Instrume_2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	May 22, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Instrument
Ravenhall
Derivative [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedge ineffectiveness	$ 3.9
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, number of instruments held | Instrument		2
Notional amount		$ 44.3
Derivative, fixed interest rate		4.22%
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge		$ 4.3
Value of swap liability		$ 7.3
Interest Rate Swap | Operating Phase of Asset | Ravenhall, Australia
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, fixed interest rate		4.20%

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Finance Lease Liabilities	$ 4,896	$ 4,570
Other debt	42,662	43,410
Total debt	2,681,293	2,744,695
Current portion of finance lease liabilities, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	(25,073)	(24,208)
Finance Lease Liabilities, long-term portion	(2,979)	(2,954)
Non-Recourse Debt, long-term portion	(309,899)	(309,236)
Long-Term Debt	2,343,342	2,408,297
Line of Credit
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term loan	772,000	778,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(1,847)	(2,281)
Unamortized discount	(4,381)	(5,410)
Revolver	472,130	520,671
Total Senior Credit Facility	1,237,902	1,290,980
Senior Notes | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(3,857)	(4,282)
Long-term debt, gross	350,000	350,000
Long-term debt	346,143	345,718
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(2,165)	(2,532)
Long-term debt, gross	248,000	250,000
Long-term debt	245,835	247,468
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(2,261)	(2,876)
Long-term debt, gross	288,988	300,000
Long-term debt	286,727	297,124
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(875)	(1,351)
Long-term debt, gross	193,958	193,958
Long-term debt	193,083	192,607
Non Recourse Debt
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(4,984)	(5,279)
Unamortized discount	(33)	(81)
Non-Recourse Debt	329,062	328,178
Total Non-Recourse Debt	$ 324,045	$ 322,818

Debt (Parenthetical) (Details)

Debt (Parenthetical) (Details)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.00%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.125%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%
Senior Notes | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.00%	6.00%
Debt instrument maturity year	2026	2026
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%	5.875%
Debt instrument maturity year	2024	2024
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.125%	5.125%
Debt instrument maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Line Of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%	5.875%
Debt instrument maturity year	2022	2022

Debt (Amended Credit Agreement)

Debt (Amended Credit Agreement) (Details)	Jul. 12, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Jul. 12, 2019AUD ($)	Feb. 14, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt		$ 1,472,000	$ 594,000	$ 3,035,000	$ (5,147,000)
Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		100,000		100,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ (1,200,000)
Debt issuance costs, gross	4,700,000
Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolver		472,100,000		472,100,000
Additional Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity remaining		368,300,000		368,300,000
Line of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan		772,000,000		772,000,000			$ 778,000,000
Revolver		$ 472,130,000		$ 472,130,000			$ 520,671,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 900,000,000								$ 900,000,000
Covenant, total leverage ratio, maximum	6.25							6.25
Senior secured leverage ratio	3.50							3.50
Interest coverage ratio	3							3
Weighted average interest rates on outstanding borrowings		2.62%		2.62%		2.62%
Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.25%							2.25%
Variable rate, floor	0.00%							0.00%
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan		$ 772,000,000		$ 772,000,000
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%
Variable rate, floor	0.75%							0.75%
Letter of credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		59,600,000		59,600,000
Letter of credit | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		196,000,000		196,000,000				$ 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		$ 41,400,000		$ 41,400,000		$ 58,000,000
Debt instrument agreement notice period				90 days
Accordion | Line of Credit | Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Accordion feature, increase limit	$ 450,000,000

Debt (6.00% Senior Notes) (Deta

Debt (6.00% Senior Notes) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	6.00%

Debt (5.875% Senior Notes Due 2

Debt (5.875% Senior Notes Due 2024) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%

Debt (5.125% Senior Notes) (Det

Debt (5.125% Senior Notes) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.125%

Debt (5.875% Senior Notes) (Det

Debt (5.875% Senior Notes) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2020
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	5.875%

Debt (Debt Repurchases) (Detail

Debt (Debt Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 12, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt		$ 1,472,000	$ 594,000	$ 3,035,000	$ (5,147,000)
5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.125%		5.125%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.875%		5.875%
Amended Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 100,000		$ 100,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ (1,200,000)
6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		6.00%		6.00%
5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.875%		5.875%
Senior Notes | 5.125% Senior Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.125%		5.125%		5.125%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount		$ 11,000,000		$ 11,000,000
Percentage of principal amount redeemed				75.66%
Repurchase amount		$ 8,300,000		$ 8,300,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt				$ 3,000,000
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.875%		5.875%		5.875%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount						$ 56,000,000
Percentage of principal amount redeemed						97.55%
Repurchase amount						$ 54,700,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt						$ (300,000)
Senior Notes | 6.00% Senior Notes due 2026
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		6.00%		6.00%		6.00%
Senior Notes | 5.875% Senior Notes due 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate		5.875%		5.875%		5.875%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount		$ 2,000,000		$ 2,000,000
Percentage of principal amount redeemed		76.75%
Repurchase amount		$ 1,500,000		$ 1,500,000

Debt (Nonrecourse Debt) (Detail

Debt (Nonrecourse Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	$ 2,343,342,000	$ 2,408,297,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current	27,229,000		$ 33,536,000
Non Recourse Debt 2011 Revenue Bonds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long term debt	$ 54,400,000
Stated interest rate	5.25%
Non Recourse Debt 2011 Revenue Bonds | Northwest Detention Center
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Non-recourse debt	$ 15,700,000
Current portion of non-recourse debt	7,700,000
Non Recourse Debt Northwest Detention Center | Northwest Detention Center
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - current	$ 8,300

Debt (Australia - Ravenhall) (D

Debt (Australia - Ravenhall) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020AUD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	May 22, 2019USD ($)	May 22, 2019AUD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments on long-term debt			$ 380,055,000		$ 310,616,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ 1,472,000	$ 594,000	$ 3,035,000		$ (5,147,000)
LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate			2.00%	2.00%
Interest Rate Swap
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative, fixed interest rate	4.22%		4.22%			4.22%
Non Recourse Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs, net	$ 4,984,000		$ 4,984,000				$ 5,279,000
Notes Payable, Other Payables
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	44,300,000		44,300,000
Debt issuance costs, net	$ 700,000		700,000
Ravenhall | Non Recourse Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt			(4,500,000)
Ravenhall | Non Recourse Debt | Construction Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments on long-term debt			$ 221,400,000	$ 310,000,000
Ravenhall | Non Recourse Debt | Non Recourse Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount								$ 329,900,000	$ 462,000,000
Stated interest rate	4.23%		4.23%			4.23%
Ravenhall | National Australia Bank Limited | Non Recourse Debt | Construction Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 564,900,000		$ 564,900,000			$ 791,000,000
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate			2.00%	2.00%

Debt - Guarantees (Details)

Debt - Guarantees (Details) - Ravenhall	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Guarantee	Sep. 30, 2020AUD ($)Guarantee
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees | Guarantee	7	7
Letters of credit outstanding relating to performance guarantees | $	$ 9,500
Letter of credit | Revolver
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum exposure, undiscounted	$ 41,400,000	$ 58,000,000

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 19, 2017Claim	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)bedfacilityInstallment
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss		$ 19.4
Number of deferred payment installment related to payroll taxes | Installment		2
Deferred payment related to payroll taxes amount		$ 27.6
Estimated construction existing active capital projects cost		62
Cost already spent on existing active capital projects		42
Remaining capital required for existing active capital projects		$ 20
Number of vacant beds at idle facilities marketed to potential customers | bed		2,100
Number of marketed idle facilities | facility		4
Property and Equipment, Net
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Carrying values of idle facilities marketed to potential customers		$ 50.5
Pending Litigation | Immigration Detainees Against Company
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of claims filed | Claim	3
WASHINGTON | Pending Litigation | Immigration Detainees Against Company
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of claims filed | Claim	2
CALIFORNIA | Pending Litigation | Immigration Detainees Against Company
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of claims filed | Claim	1

Business Segments and Geograp_3

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Segment	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments | Segment			4
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	$ 2,243	$ 2,228	$ 7,202	$ 6,645
SACS
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in entity			50.00%
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision			$ 2,800	3,800
Investment in joint venture	9,500		9,500		$ 12,300
GEOAmey
Schedule Of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision			4,400	$ 2,800
Advances to affiliate	$ 10,100		$ 10,100		$ 5,700

Business Segments and Geograp_4

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Schedule of Operating and Reporting Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 579,136	$ 631,579	$ 1,771,982	$ 1,856,212
Operating income from segments:
Operating income from segments	111,106	126,647	330,530	376,294
General and Administrative Expenses	(46,644)	(48,488)	(145,969)	(142,183)
Operating income	64,462	78,159	184,561	234,111
Operating Segments
Revenues:
Revenues	579,136	631,579	1,771,982	1,856,212
Operating income from segments:
Operating income from segments	111,106	126,647	330,530	376,294
Operating Segments | GEO Secure Services
Revenues:
Revenues	392,384	411,078	1,180,211	1,201,063
Operating income from segments:
Operating income from segments	78,076	85,085	226,000	248,462
Operating Segments | GEO Care
Revenues:
Revenues	134,940	153,422	417,643	462,772
Operating income from segments:
Operating income from segments	28,617	36,325	89,166	113,936
Operating Segments | International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	48,489	57,634	158,593	176,246
Operating income from segments:
Operating income from segments	4,400	5,211	15,316	13,870
Operating Segments | Facility Construction and Design
Revenues:
Revenues	3,323	9,445	15,535	16,131
Operating income from segments:
Operating income from segments	13	26	48	26
Segment Reconciling Items
Operating income from segments:
General and Administrative Expenses	$ (46,644)	$ (48,488)	$ (145,969)	$ (142,183)

Business Segments and Geograp_5

Business Segments and Geographic Information - Schedule of Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating income from segments	$ 111,106	$ 126,647	$ 330,530	$ 376,294
Unallocated amounts:
General and Administrative Expenses	(46,644)	(48,488)	(145,969)	(142,183)
Net interest expense	(24,389)	(29,959)	(78,493)	(92,730)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	1,472	594	3,035	(5,147)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	$ 41,545	$ 48,794	$ 109,103	$ 136,234

Benefit Plans - Components of C

Benefit Plans - Components of Company Plan Benefit Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period			$ 37,551	$ 32,474	$ 32,474
Service cost	$ 313	$ 300	940	749	998
Interest cost	326	$ 348	979	1,045	1,393
Actuarial gain			0		3,449
Other reclassification			(8,925)		0
Benefits paid			(563)		(763)
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	29,982		29,982		37,551
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period			0	$ 0	0
Company contributions			563		763
Benefits paid			(563)		(763)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	0		0		0
Unfunded Status of the Plan	$ 29,982		$ 29,982		$ 37,551

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, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 313	$ 300	$ 940	$ 749	$ 998
Interest cost	326	348	979	1,045	$ 1,393
Net loss	135	53	405	158
Net periodic pension cost	$ 774	$ 701	$ 2,324	$ 1,952

Benefit Plans - Components of_2

Benefit Plans - Components of Company Plan Benefit Expense (Parenthetical) (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]
Age limit for a lump sum payment		55 years
Common Stock
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, value of shares issued	$ 8,925,065

Benefit Plans - Additional Info

Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 26, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]
Long-term portion of the pension liability		$ 29,700,000	$ 33,400,000
Common Stock
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Share Based Payments [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, value of shares issued	$ 8,925,065
Deferred compensation arrangement with individual, shares issued	553,665

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - $ / shares

Oct. 06, 2020

Jul. 07, 2020

Apr. 06, 2020

Feb. 03, 2020

Oct. 14, 2019

Jul. 09, 2019

Apr. 03, 2019

Feb. 04, 2019

Sep. 30, 2020

Sep. 30, 2019

Sep. 30, 2020

Sep. 30, 2019

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Dividends payable, date declared

Oct. 6, 2020

Jul. 7, 2020

Apr. 6, 2020

Feb. 3, 2020

Oct. 14, 2019

Jul. 9, 2019

Apr. 3, 2019

Feb. 4, 2019

Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)

$ 0.34

$ 0.48

$ 0.48

$ 1.44

$ 1.44

Dividends payable, date to be paid

Oct. 23, 2020

Jul. 24, 2020

Apr. 24, 2020

Feb. 21, 2020

Nov. 1, 2019

Jul. 26, 2019

Apr. 22, 2019

Feb. 22, 2019

Dividends payable, date of record

Oct. 16, 2020

Jul. 17, 2020

Apr. 17, 2020

Feb. 14, 2020

Oct. 25, 2019

Jul. 19, 2019

Apr. 15, 2019

Feb. 15, 2019