Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GEO included in the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity are as follows:

	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. [1]	$	5,755		$	4,078
Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax	(457		)	19
Pension adjustments, net of tax	(2,628		)	(2,167		)
Total	$	2,670		$	1,930

[1] The foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax, related to noncontrolling interests was not significant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 or January 1, 2012.

Future minimum rentals on lease

Future minimum rentals on this lease are as follows:

Fiscal Year	Annual Rental
	(In thousands)
2013	$	4,625
2014	4,764
2015	4,907
2016	5,054
2017	5,206
Thereafter	351
	$	24,907

Fair value of stock-based awards

The fair value of stock-based awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for fiscal years ending 2012, 2011 and 2010:

	2012		2011		2010
Risk free interest rates	0.78	%	2.06	%	0.16	%
Expected term	4-5 years		4-5 years		3 months
Expected volatility	40	%	43	%	43	%
Expected dividend	3	%	—	%	—	%