Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
Oct. 02, 2011	Oct. 02, 2011 U.S. Detention & Corrections [Member]	Jan. 02, 2011 U.S. Detention & Corrections [Member]	Oct. 02, 2011 International services [Member]	Oct. 02, 2011 GEO Care [Member]
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Balance as of January 2, 2011	$ 236,594	$ 170,376	$ 170,376	$ 762	$ 65,456
Acquisitions	276,117				276,117
Goodwill Translation Adjustment	(42)			(42)
Balance as of October 2, 2011	$ 512,669	$ 170,376	$ 170,376	$ 720	$ 341,573

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

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+ Details