Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jul. 01, 2012
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 57,657	$ 37,535
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(30)	(9)
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	57,627	37,526
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	705	1,433
Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,527	0
Depreciation and amortization expense	46,632	45,201
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium	3,015	1,369
Restricted stock expense	2,640	2,061
Provision for doubtful accounts	158	517
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(2,246)	(1,178)
Income tax (benefit) provision related to equity compensation	(1,308)	270
Release of reserve for uncertain tax positions	(6,356)	0
Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment	603	915
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	9,501	23,373
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(15,184)	5,445
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	101,314	116,932
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	0	10,034
Net cash provided by operating activities	101,314	126,966
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	51	231
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	1,968	297
Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture	(996)	0
Change in restricted cash and investments	(5,910)	553
Capital expenditures	(89,921)	(69,536)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	(94,808)	(68,455)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	0	(2,537)
Net cash used in investing activities	(94,808)	(70,992)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	(5,758)
Proceeds from long term debt	785,000	145,000
Payments on long-term debt	(697,748)	(169,282)
Payments for retirement of common stock	0	(1,035)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	155	0
Debt issuance costs	(17,017)	(44)
Income tax benefit (provision) of equity compensation	1,308	(270)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,082	396
Cash dividends paid	(71,527)	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,253	(30,993)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(4,003)	(43)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	6,756	24,938
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	31,755	43,378
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	38,511	68,316
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 2,739	$ 6,801