Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 411,524	$ 395,683	$ 1,225,129	$ 1,172,831
Total operating income from segments	81,931	76,133	235,359	225,378
U.S. Corrections and Detention [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	244,102	232,788	725,196	693,657
Total operating income from segments	58,795	53,187	165,755	160,786
GEO Care [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	110,186	109,729	330,199	317,475
Total operating income from segments	19,945	18,326	59,772	53,616
International services [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	57,236	53,166	169,734	161,580
Total operating income from segments	3,191	4,663	9,832	10,939
Facility Constructions and Design [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	0	0	0	119
Total operating income from segments	$ 0	$ (43)	$ 0	$ 37