Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net Income	$ 87,566	$ 52,262
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(42)	881
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	87,524	53,143
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	5,768	5,012
Loss on extinguishment of debt	6,978	8,462
Depreciation and amortization expense	70,480	68,145
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium	4,609	2,341
Restricted stock expense	0	0
Provision for doubtful accounts	321	478
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(3,772)	(1,652)
Income tax (benefit) provision related to equity compensation	(1,883)	(241)
Release of reserve for uncertain tax positions	(6,356)	0
Loss on sale/disposal of property and equipment	668	1,059
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	(16,258)	61,922
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	7,476	30,070
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	155,555	228,739
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations	2,265	(1,176)
Net cash provided by operating activities	157,820	227,563
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	0	(35,154)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	204	608
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	1,968	5,641
Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture	(996)	0
Change in restricted cash and investments	13,976	41,075
Capital expenditures	(101,450)	(90,478)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	(86,298)	(78,308)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	0	(2,175)
Net cash used in investing activities	(86,298)	(80,483)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	(5,758)
Proceeds from long-term debt	842,000	263,000
Payments on long-term debt	(769,356)	(352,131)
Payments for retirement of common stock	0	(1,035)
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	0	(14,861)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	228	373
Decrease in common stock	0	(48)
Debt issuance costs	(19,317)	(917)
Income tax benefit related to equity compensation	1,883	241
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,941	1,846
Cash dividends paid	(107,526)	(12,304)
Net cash used in financing activities	(47,147)	(121,594)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(2,969)	15
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	21,406	25,501
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	31,755	43,377
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	53,161	68,878
Non-cash Investing and Financing activities:
Deferred tax assets recorded in equity in connections with MCF transaction	0	8,213
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 529	$ 2,818