Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 381,653	$ 371,173	$ 758,684	$ 731,215
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	78,750	79,070	152,049	146,153
U.S. Corrections & Detention
Revenues:
Revenues	254,043	245,916	502,815	480,710
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	56,631	59,762	110,723	106,861
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues	75,072	72,767	149,013	145,025
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	18,854	17,093	36,259	33,342
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	52,538	52,490	106,856	105,480
Operating Income:
Total operating income from segments	$ 3,265	$ 2,215	$ 5,067	$ 5,950