Business Segments and Geographic Information Asset Reconciliation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 52,125	$ 31,755	$ 43,378	$ 38,088
Deferred income tax	62,220	59,835
Restricted cash and investments	29,867	48,410
Total segment assets	2,889,364	2,839,194
Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	2,781,615	2,738,207
Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Deferred income tax	25,757	20,822
Total segment assets	2,781,615	2,738,207
International Services Segment | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	78,381	97,584
GEO Community Services | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	654,352	673,397
U.S. Corrections and Detention | Operating Segments
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	$ 2,048,882	$ 1,967,226