Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 01, 2012
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 23,438	$ 15,059
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(18)	(34)
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	23,420	15,025
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	1,685	1,472
Depreciation and amortization expense	22,935	22,239
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium	1,537	690
Provision for doubtful accounts	0	403
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(1,217)	(748)
Income tax (benefit) provision of equity compensation	(1,127)	342
Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment	125	323
Deferred tax benefit	(67)	(296)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	(6,603)	26,385
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	4,749	448
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	45,437	66,283
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	0	2,197
Net cash provided by operating activities	45,437	68,480
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	4	158
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	1,602	297
Change in restricted cash and investments	2,330	960
Capital expenditures	(11,402)	(47,916)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	(7,466)	(46,501)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	0	(1,085)
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,466)	(47,586)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	(5,758)
Proceeds from long term debt	410,000	53,000
Payments on long-term debt	(358,438)	(64,075)
Payments for retirement of common stock	0	(1,035)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	66	0
Debt issuance costs	(5,650)	(44)
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	1,127	(342)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	3,049	231
Cash dividends paid	(35,711)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	14,443	(18,023)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(445)	995
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	51,969	3,866
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	31,755	43,378
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	83,724	47,244
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 2,844	$ 8,239