Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Apr. 03, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 412,342	$ 391,766
Operating expenses	319,128	299,286
Depreciation and amortization	23,215	18,802
General and administrative expenses	27,441	32,788
Operating income	42,558	40,890
Interest income	1,807	1,569
Interest expense	(20,807)	(16,961)
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	23,558	25,498
Provision for income taxes	9,247	9,780
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision of $321 and $1,024	748	662
Net income	15,059	16,380
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(34)	410
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	15,025	16,790
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	60,768	64,291
Diluted	60,929	64,731
Income per Common Share Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc - Basic	$ 0.25	$ 0.26
Income per Common Share Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc - Diluted	$ 0.25	$ 0.26
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax provision of $320 and $152, respectively	1,926	473
Defined benefit pension plans, net of tax provision of $19 and $6, respectively	30	9
Gain (loss) on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision of $(17) and $97, respectively	31	(177)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,987	305
Total comprehensive income	17,046	16,685
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(62)	417
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 16,984	$ 17,102