Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands	Oct. 02, 2011
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	$ 27,242
U.S. Detention & Corrections [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	14,561
U.S. Detention & Corrections [Member] | Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	12,710
U.S. Detention & Corrections [Member] | Covenants not to compete [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	1,851
U.S. Detention & Corrections [Member] | Technology [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	0
International services [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	358
International services [Member] | Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	358
International services [Member] | Covenants not to compete [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	0
International services [Member] | Technology [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	0
GEO Care [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	12,323
GEO Care [Member] | Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	8,117
GEO Care [Member] | Covenants not to compete [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	2,263
GEO Care [Member] | Technology [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	1,943
Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	21,185
Technology [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	1,943
Covenants not to compete [Member]
Accumulated amortization expense
Accumulated amortization expense	$ 4,114