Business Segments and Geographic Information Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jul. 01, 2012		Apr. 01, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	$ 2,889,364				$ 2,839,194								$ 2,889,364	$ 2,839,194
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating Income	48,009	44,829	51,387	41,259	39,313	[1]	51,602	[1]	52,941	[1]	40,497	[1]	185,484	184,353	179,599
Total operating income from segments													302,545	298,145	289,614
Unallocated Amount:
General and Administrative Expenses													(117,061)	(113,792)	(110,015)
Interest Income (Expense), Net													(79,680)	(75,473)	(68,346)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt													(20,657)	(8,462)	0
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations													85,147	100,418	111,253
U.S. Corrections and Detention
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments													217,918	222,976	215,281
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	2,781,615				2,738,207								2,781,615	2,738,207
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating Income													302,545	298,145	289,614
GEO Community Services
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments													71,279	65,401	61,270
International Services
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments													$ 13,348	$ 9,768	$ 13,063

[1] In the Fourth Quarter of 2012, the Company completed a corporate restructuring in order to operate as a REIT effective January 1, 2013. In connection with the REIT conversion, the Company divested one of its operating segments, RTS, and recorded a loss of $14.6 million, net of tax. Refer to Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for additional information. Also, as a result of the REIT restructuring, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $79.0 million related to the reversal of certain net deferred tax liabilities. Refer to Note 17 - Income Taxes for additional information.