Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 412,348	$ 396,804	$ 813,605	$ 777,148
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	83,506	76,623	153,428	149,245
U.S. Corrections and Detention [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	246,060	230,662	481,094	460,870
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	59,849	52,881	106,960	107,598
GEO Care [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	110,320	110,857	220,013	207,746
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	21,203	21,443	39,827	35,293
International services [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	55,968	55,285	112,498	108,413
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	2,454	2,322	6,641	6,274
Facility Constructions and Design [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	0	0	0	119
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments	$ 0	$ (23)	$ 0	$ 80