Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2012
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 377,031	$ 360,042
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	73,299	67,083
U.S. Corrections and Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	248,896	235,035
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	54,086	47,106
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues	73,941	72,258
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	17,405	16,249
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	54,194	52,749
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	$ 1,808	$ 3,728