Business Segment and Geographic Information (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 04, 2010	Jul. 03, 2011	Jul. 04, 2010
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 407,817	$ 280,095	$ 799,583	$ 567,637
Statement of Operations Data
Revenues	12,830	10,994	25,001	21,755
Operating income	5,369	4,508	10,129	8,600
Net income	2,837	2,257	4,160	3,437
Detention & Corrections [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	296,960	236,789	591,718	472,378
GEO Care [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	110,857	36,973	207,746	74,475
Facility Constructions and Design [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues		$ 6,333	$ 119	$ 20,784