Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2012	Apr. 03, 2011
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 412,342	$ 391,766
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	69,999	73,678
U.S. Corrections and Detention [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	246,119	241,630
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	47,188	55,773
GEO Care [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	109,693	96,889
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	18,624	13,850
International services [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	56,530	53,128
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	4,187	3,952
Facility Constructions and Design [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	0	119
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	$ 0	$ 103