Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income	$ 115,197	$ 133,898	$ 77,463
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax benefit (provision) of $0, $1,784 and $999, respectively	(8,296)	1,561	(5,964)
Pension liability adjustment, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(576), $291 and $730, respectively	(914)	461	1,131
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of income tax (provision) benefit of $(134), $261 and $638, respectively	183	(476)	(1,158)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(7,199)	624	(8,253)
Total comprehensive income	107,998	134,522	69,210
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(38)	(968)	(1,274)
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 108,036	$ 135,490	$ 70,484