Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jul. 01, 2012	Jul. 03, 2011
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 37,535	$ 37,543
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(9)	825
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	37,526	38,368
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense	46,882	39,646
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium	1,369	640
Restricted stock expense	2,061	1,785
Stock option plan expense	1,433	1,813
Provision for doubtful accounts	517	999
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(1,178)	(2,080)
Income tax provision (benefit) of equity compensation	270	(392)
Loss on sale of property and equipment	915	52
Dividends received from unconsolidated joint venture	0	5,402
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	27,137	16,176
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	7,820	(11,124)
Net cash provided by operating activities	124,752	91,285
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	1,061	3,977
Net cash provided by operating activities	125,813	95,262
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition, cash consideration, net of cash acquired	0	(409,607)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	231	619
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	297	6,640
Change in restricted cash and investments	333	(11,478)
Capital expenditures	(71,853)	(87,362)
Net cash used in investing activities	(70,992)	(501,188)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt	(169,282)	(46,832)
Proceeds from long-term debt	145,000	482,260
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(5,758)	(4,012)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	396	2,209
Payments for Retirement of Common Stock	(1,035)	0
Income tax (provision) benefit of equity compensation	(270)	392
Debt issuance costs	(44)	(10,771)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(30,993)	423,246
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(43)	469
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	23,785	17,789
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	44,753	39,664
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	68,538	57,453
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 6,801	$ 30,870