Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010	Oct. 02, 2011	Oct. 03, 2010
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 406,847	$ 327,933	$ 1,206,430	$ 895,570
Statement of Operations Data
Revenues	12,580	11,692	37,581	33,447
Operating income	4,994	4,571	15,123	13,171
Net income	2,688	2,298	6,848	5,735
Detention & Corrections [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	297,118	265,361	888,836	737,740
GEO Care [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	109,729	60,934	317,475	135,409
Facility Constructions and Design [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues		$ 1,638	$ 119	$ 22,421