The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO) 10-Q 8 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 06, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'GEO GROUP INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000923796	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Trading Symbol	'GEO	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	72,053,841

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	$379,842		$369,116		$1,138,526		$1,100,331
Operating expenses	283,903		268,142		843,946		808,003
Depreciation and amortization	23,888		22,944		70,480		68,145
General and administrative expenses	27,222		26,428		86,625		79,143
Operating income	44,829		51,602		137,475		145,040
Interest income	1,084		1,651		3,433		5,219
Interest expense	-21,569		-20,605		-62,013		-62,029
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-1,451		-8,462		-6,978		-8,462
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	22,893		24,186		71,917		79,768
Income tax (benefit) provision	-7,755		10,125		-14,142		32,275
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision of $578, $234, $1,472 and $858, respectively	1,526		474		3,772		1,652
Income from continuing operations	32,174		14,535		89,831		49,145
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax provision of $0, $90, $0 and $1,819, respectively	-2,265		192		-2,265		3,117
Net income	29,909		14,727		87,566		52,262
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-12		890		-42		881
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$29,897		$15,617		$87,524		$53,143
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:	'		'		'		'
Basic (in shares)	71,201		60,906		71,046		60,838
Diluted (in shares)	71,655		61,302		71,557		61,083
Basic:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.45		$0.25		$1.26		$0.82
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.03)		$0		($0.03)		$0.05
Income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.42	[1]	$0.26	[1]	$1.23	[1]	$0.87	[1]
Diluted:	'		'		'		'
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.45		$0.25		$1.25		$0.82
Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.03)		$0		($0.03)		$0.05
Income per common share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.42	[1]	$0.25	[1]	$1.22	[1]	$0.87	[1]
[1]	Note that earnings per share tables may contain slight summation differences due to rounding

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope1

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income tax provision on equity in earnings of affiliates	$578	$234	$1,472	$858
Income tax provision (benefit) on income (loss) from discontinued operations	$0	$90	$0	$1,819

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$29,909	$14,727	$87,566	$52,262
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax (benefit) provision of $0, $364, $0 and $239, respectively	611	187	-6,050	33
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit of $25, $19, $76 and $56, respectively	40	30	121	89
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax provision (benefit) of ($2), ($56), $75 and ($276), respectively	-3	-102	138	-502
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	648	115	-5,791	-380
Total comprehensive income	30,557	14,842	81,775	51,882
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4	903	38	900
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$30,553	$15,745	$81,813	$52,782

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Tax (benefit) provision on foreign currency translation adjustments	$0	$364	$0	$239
Tax provision on defined benefit pension plans	25	19	76	56
Tax provision on loss on derivative instrument classified as a cash flow hedge	($2)	($56)	$75	($276)

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	$53,161		$31,755
Restricted cash and investments (including VIEs of $0 and $6,182, respectively)	9,337	[1]	15,654	[1]
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,891 and $2,546, respectively	244,558		246,635
Current deferred income tax assets	18,290		18,290
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	48,481		24,849
Total current assets	373,827		337,183
Restricted Cash and Investments (including VIEs of $0 and $15,521, respectively)	24,303		32,756
Property and Equipment, Net (including VIEs of $0 and $25,840, respectively)	1,729,407		1,687,159
Assets Held for Sale	1,200		3,243
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	19,310		26,757
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	2,532		2,532
Goodwill	490,230		490,308
Intangible Assets, Net	167,085		178,318
Other Non-Current Assets	87,511		80,938
Total Assets	2,895,405		2,839,194
Current Liabilities	'		'
Accounts payable	46,057		50,110
Accrued payroll and related taxes	46,437		39,322
Accrued expenses	119,268		116,557
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt (including VIEs of $0 and $5,200, respectively)	17,120		53,882
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	2,265		0
Total current liabilities	231,147		259,871
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	15,703		15,703
Other Non-Current Liabilities	74,224		82,025
Capital Lease Obligations	11,177		11,926
Long-Term Debt	1,448,233		1,317,529
Non-Recourse Debt (including VIEs of $0 and $16,997 respectively)	80,548		104,836
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)	'		'
Shareholders’ Equity	'		'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, none issued or outstanding	0		0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized, 86,637,734 and 86,007,433 issued and 72,054,307 and 71,417,034 outstanding, respectively	866		860
Additional paid-in capital	845,019		832,230
Earnings in excess of distributions	244,665		264,667
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,041		2,670
Treasury stock, 14,583,427 and 14,590,399 shares, at cost, respectively	-53,590		-53,615
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,033,919		1,046,812
Noncontrolling interests	454		492
Total shareholders’ equity	1,034,373		1,047,304
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$2,895,405		$2,839,194
[1]	Variable interest entities or “VIEs”

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Un1

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Restricted cash and investments, current	$9,337	[1]	$15,654	[1]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,891		2,546
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	24,303		32,756
Property and equipment, net	1,729,407		1,687,159
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	17,120		53,882
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01		$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	30,000,000		30,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0		0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0		0
Common stock, par value	$0.01		$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000,000		90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	86,637,734		86,007,433
Common stock, shares outstanding	72,054,307		71,417,034
Treasury stock, shares	14,583,427		14,590,399
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary	'		'
Restricted cash and investments, current	0		6,182
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	0		15,521
Property and equipment, net	0		25,840
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	0		5,200
Non-recourse debt	$0		$16,997
[1]	Variable interest entities or “VIEs”

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	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

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	The GEO Group, Inc., a Florida corporation, and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “GEO”), is a fully-integrated real estate investment trust (“REIT”) specializing in the ownership, leasing and management of correctional, detention and re-entry facilities and the provision of community-based services and youth services in the United States, Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Canada. The Company owns, leases and operates a broad range of correctional and detention facilities including maximum, medium and minimum security prisons, immigration detention centers, minimum security detention centers, as well as community based re-entry facilities. The Company develops new facilities based on contract awards, using its project development expertise and experience to design, construct and finance what it believes are state-of-the-art facilities that maximize security and efficiency. GEO provides innovative compliance technologies, industry-leading monitoring services, and evidence-based supervision and treatment programs for community-based parolees, probationers and pretrial defendants. The Company also provides secure transportation services for offender and detainee populations as contracted domestically and in the United Kingdom through its joint venture GEO Amey PECS Ltd. (“GEOAmey”). As of September 30, 2013, the Company’s worldwide operations included the management and/or ownership of approximately 73,000 beds at 96 correctional and detention facilities, including projects under development, and also included the provision of monitoring of more than 70,000 offenders in a community-based environment on behalf of approximately 900 federal, state and local correctional agencies located in all 50 states.
	The Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and the instructions to Form 10-Q and consequently do not include all disclosures required by Form 10-K. The accounting policies followed for quarterly financial reporting are the same as those disclosed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. The accompanying December 31, 2012 consolidated balance sheet has been derived from those audited financial statements. Additional information may be obtained by referring to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information for the interim periods reported in this Form 10-Q have been made. Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire fiscal year ending December 31, 2013, or for any other future interim or annual periods.
	REIT Conversion - GEO began operating as a REIT for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2013. As a result of the REIT conversion, GEO reorganized its operations and moved non-real estate components into taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”). Through the TRS structure, the portion of GEO's businesses which are non-real estate related, such as its managed-only contracts, international operations, electronic monitoring services, and other non-residential and community based facilities, are part of wholly-owned taxable subsidiaries of the REIT. Most of GEO's business segments, which are real estate related and involve company-owned and company-leased facilities, are part of the REIT. The TRS structure allows the Company to maintain the strategic alignment of almost all of its diversified business segments under one entity. The TRS assets and operations will continue to be subject to federal and state corporate income taxes and to foreign taxes as applicable in the jurisdictions in which those assets and operations are located. As a REIT, GEO is required to make distributions of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders. Refer to Note 5 - Shareholders' Equity.
	Divestiture of Residential Treatment Services - The operating results of Residential Treatment Services (“RTS”), which was divested on December 31, 2012, have been retroactively reclassified to discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Refer to Note 8 - Discontinued Operations.
	Change of Reporting Segment Name from GEO Care to GEO Community Services - The Company's GEO Care reporting segment previously consisted of four aggregated operating segments including Residential Treatment Services, Community Based Services, Youth Services and B.I. Incorporated (“BI”). The GEO Care reporting segment was renamed GEO Community Services concurrent with the divestiture of the Company's Residential Treatment Services operating segment. All current and prior year financial position and results of operations amounts presented for this reporting segment are referred to as GEO Community Services.
	Fiscal Year - In connection with the REIT conversion, effective December 31, 2012, the Company changed to a calendar year from a fiscal year that ended on the Sunday closest to the calendar year end and changed its fiscal quarters to coincide with each calendar quarter. The third fiscal quarter of 2012 began on July 2, 2012 and ended on September 30, 2012, and is referred to as Third Quarter 2012. The nine month period of 2012 began on January 2, 2012 and ended on September 30, 2012, and is referred to as Nine Months 2012.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The Company has recorded goodwill as a result of its business combinations. Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the net tangible assets, other intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including noncontrolling interests. Changes in goodwill from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 are related solely to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
	The Company has also recorded other finite and indefinite lived intangible assets as a result of business combinations completed prior to 2013. Changes in the gross carrying amounts from December 31, 2012 to September 30, 2013 are solely related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company's intangible assets include facility management contracts, non-compete agreements and the trade name and technology of BI, as follows (in thousands):
				September 30, 2013							December 31, 2012
		Weighted Average Useful Life (years)		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	Facility management contracts	13.4		$	151,657	$	(41,772	)	$	109,885	$	151,913	$	(33,141	)	$	118,772
	Covenants not to compete	2		8,570		(8,570		)	—		8,570		(8,495		)	75
	Technology	7		21,200		(8,000		)	13,200		21,200		(5,729		)	15,471
	Trade name (Indefinite lived)	Indefinite		44,000		—			44,000		44,000		—			44,000
	Total acquired intangible assets			$	225,427	$	(58,342	)	$	167,085	$	225,683	$	(47,365	)	$	178,318
	Amortization expense was $3.6 million and $11.0 million, respectively, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Amortization expense was $4.2 million and $13.4 million, respectively, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Amortization expense was primarily related to the U.S. Corrections & Detention and GEO Community Services segments' amortization of acquired facility management contracts. As of September 30, 2013, the weighted average period before the next contract renewal or extension for the facility management contracts was approximately 1.4 years. Although the facility management contracts acquired have renewal and extension terms in the near term, the Company has historically maintained these relationships beyond the contractual periods.
	Estimated amortization expense related to the Company's finite-lived intangible assets for the remainder of fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year		Total Amortization Expense
	Remainder of 2013		$	3,633
	2014		14,529
	2015		14,529
	2016		14,529
	2017		14,529
	Thereafter		61,336
			$	123,085

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s significant financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value at September 30, 2013		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
				Active Markets		Observable  Inputs		Unobservable
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets:
	Interest rate swap derivative assets	$	4,045	$	—	$	4,045	$	—
	Restricted investments:
	Guaranteed Investment Contract	5,742		—		5,742		—
	Rabbi Trust	8,772		8,772		—		—
	Fixed income securities	2,042		—		2,042		—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	$	495	$	—	$	495	$	—
				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
		Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Value at		Active Markets		Observable  Inputs		Unobservable
		31-Dec-12		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets:
	Interest rate swap derivative assets	$	6,212	$	—	$	6,212	$	—
	Restricted investments:
	Guaranteed Investment Contract	5,742		—		5,742		—
	Rabbi Trust	7,718		7,718		—		—
	Fixed income securities	2,152		—		2,152		—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	$	708	$	—	$	708	$	—
	The Company’s Level 1 investment included in the tables above as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 relates to the Company's rabbi trust established for GEO employee and employer contributions to The GEO Group Inc. Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. These contributions are invested in cash and mutual funds for which quoted market prices in active markets are available.
	The Company’s Level 2 financial instruments included in the tables above as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consist of an interest rate swap liability held by the Company's Australian subsidiary, interest rate swap assets of the Company relating to the 7¾% senior unsecured notes due 2017 (the "7¾% Senior Notes") held as of those dates, an investment in Canadian dollar denominated fixed income securities, and a guaranteed investment contract which is a restricted investment related to CSC of Tacoma LLC ("CSC"). The Australian subsidiary’s interest rate swap liability is valued using a discounted cash flow model based on projected Australian borrowing rates. The fair value measurement of the Company’s other interest rate swap assets are based on pricing models which consider prevailing interest rates, credit risk and similar instruments. The Canadian dollar denominated securities, not actively traded, are valued using quoted rates for these and similar securities. The restricted investment in the guaranteed investment contract is valued using quoted rates for these and similar securities.
	In October 2013, the lenders to the Company's interest rate swap assets elected to prepay their obligations at the call option price which equaled the fair values of the respective call dates. Refer to Note 9 - Derivative Financial Instruments.

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities	'
	FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
	The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect certain financial assets and liabilities at carrying value. The carrying value of certain debt instruments, if applicable, is net of unamortized discount. The following tables present the carrying values of those financial instruments and the estimated corresponding fair values at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value as of September 30, 2013		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	53,161	$	53,161	$	53,161	$	—	$	—
	Restricted cash	19,126		19,126		19,126		—		—
	Liabilities:
	Borrowings under senior credit facility	$	599,250	$	602,991	$	—	$	602,991	$	—
	7¾% Senior Notes	247,867		261,095		—		261,095		—
	6.625% Senior Notes	300,000		317,064		—		317,064		—
	5.125% Senior Notes	300,000		276,750		—		276,750		—
	Non-recourse debt, Australian subsidiary	26,759		27,446		—		27,446		—
	Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	66,813		68,852		—		68,852		—
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value as of December 31, 2012		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	31,755	$	31,755	$	31,755	$	—	$	—
	Restricted cash	34,949		34,949		34,949		—		—
	Liabilities:
	Borrowings under senior credit facility	$	797,430	$	803,097	$	—	$	803,097	$	—
	7¾% Senior Notes	247,543		270,313		—		270,313		—
	6.625% Senior Notes	300,000		335,814		—		335,814		—
	Non-recourse debt, Australian subsidiary	34,832		34,973		—		34,973		—
	Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	88,650		91,345		—		91,345		—
	The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash approximates the carrying values of these assets at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Restricted cash consists of debt service funds used for payments on the Company’s non-recourse debt and rabbi trust funds. The fair values of the Company's 7¾% Senior Notes, 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (“6.625% Senior Notes”), and the 5.125% senior unsecured notes due 2023 ("5.125% Senior Notes"), although not actively traded, are based on published financial data for these instruments. The fair values of the Company's non-recourse debt related to South Texas Local Development Corporation ("STLDC") and Washington Economic Development Finance Authority ("WEDFA") is based on market prices for similar instruments. The fair value of the non-recourse debt related to the Company’s Australian subsidiary is estimated using a discounted cash flow model based on current Australian borrowing rates for similar instruments. The fair value of borrowings under the senior credit facility is based on an estimate of trading value considering the Company’s borrowing rate, the undrawn spread and similar instruments.
	On September 30, 2013, the Company completed a defeasance of the non-recourse debt related to STLDC. Refer to Note 10 - Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Affiliates and Note 11 - Debt.
	On October 3, 2013, the Company completed the purchase of $209.1 million in aggregate principal amount of its 7¾% Senior Notes validly tendered in connection with the Company's tender offer and consent solicitation on or prior to the consent payment deadline. On November 4, 2013, the Company completed the redemption of the remaining 7¾% Senior Notes in connection with the terms of the notice of redemption delivered to the noteholders pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 7¾% Senior Notes. Refer to Note 16 - Subsequent Events.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	The following table presents the changes in shareholders’ equity that are attributable to the Company’s shareholders and to noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
		Common shares							Additional				Earnings in Excess of				Accumulated			Treasury shares					Noncontrolling			Total
									Paid-In								Other											Shareholders'
																	Comprehensive
		Shares			Amount				Capital				Distributions				Income (Loss)			Shares		Amount			Interests			Equity
	Balance, December 31, 2012	71,417			$	860			$	832,230			$	264,667			$	2,670		14,590		$	(53,615	)	$	492		$	1,047,304
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	293			3				4,938				—				—			—		—			—			4,941
	Tax benefit related to equity compensation	—			—				1,883				—				—			—		—			—			1,883
	Stock based compensation expense	—			—				1,014				—				—			—		—			—			1,014
	Restricted stock granted	345			3				(3		)		—				—					—			—			—
	Restricted stock canceled	(8	)		—				—				—				—			—		—			—			—
	Amortization of restricted stock	—			—				4,754				—				—			—		—			—			4,754
	Dividends paid	—			—				—				(107,526		)		—			—		—			—			(107,526		)
	Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP)	7			—				203				—				—			(7	)	25			—			228
	Net income	—			—				—				87,524				—			—		—			42			87,566
	Other comprehensive loss	—			—				—				—				(5,711		)	—		—			(80		)	(5,791		)
	Balance, September 30, 2013	72,054			$	866			$	845,019			$	244,665			$	(3,041	)	14,583		$	(53,590	)	$	454		$	1,034,373
	REIT Distributions
	As a REIT, GEO is required to distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and by excluding net capital gain) and began paying regular quarterly REIT dividends in 2013. The amount, timing and frequency of future dividends, however, will be at the sole discretion of GEO's Board of Directors (the "Board”) and will be declared based upon various factors, many of which are beyond GEO's control, including, GEO's financial condition and operating cash flows, the amount required to maintain REIT status and reduce any income taxes that GEO otherwise would be required to pay, limitations on distributions in GEO's existing and future debt instruments, limitations on GEO's ability to fund distributions using cash generated through GEO's TRSs and other factors that GEO's Board may deem relevant. Dividends of $0.50 per share of common stock were paid during the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Dividends of $0.50 per share of common stock were paid during the quarter ended June 30, 2013. Dividends of $0.50 per share of common stock were paid during the quarter ended September 30, 2013.
	Prospectus Supplement
	On May 8, 2013, the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a prospectus supplement related to the offer and sale from time to time of the Company's common stock at an aggregate offering price of up to $100 million through sales agents. Sales of shares of the Company's common stock under the prospectus supplement and equity distribution agreement entered into with the sales agents, if any, may be made in negotiated transactions or transactions that are deemed to be "at the market" offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933. There were no sales of shares of the Company's common stock under the prospectus supplement during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Comprehensive income (loss) represents the change in shareholders' equity from transactions and other events and circumstances arising from non-shareholder sources. The Company's total comprehensive income is comprised of net income attributable to GEO, net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, foreign currency translation adjustments that arise from consolidating foreign operations that do not impact cash flows, net unrealized gains and/or losses on derivative instruments, and pension liability adjustments in the consolidated statements of shareholders' equity and comprehensive income.
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GEO included in the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity are as follows:
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			(In thousands)
			Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. [1]				Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax				Pension adjustments, net of tax				Total
	Balance, December 31, 2012		$	5,755			$	(457	)		$	(2,628	)		$	2,670
	Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(5,970		)		138				121				(5,711		)
	Balance, September 30, 2013		$	(215	)		$	(319	)		$	(2,507	)		$	(3,041	)
	[1] The foreign currency translation related to noncontrolling interests was not significant at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012, respectively.

Equity_Incentive_Plans

Equity Incentive Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Equity Incentive Plans	'
	EQUITY INCENTIVE PLANS
	As of September 30, 2013, under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan ("2006 Plan"), the Company had 1,723,899 shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future awards that may be granted under the plan of which up to 438,603 shares were available for the issuance of awards other than stock options.
	Stock Options
	The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of each option awarded. A summary of the activity of stock option awards issued and outstanding under Company plans is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares		Wtd. Avg.		Wtd. Avg.	Aggregate
				Exercise		Remaining	Intrinsic
				Price		Contractual Term (years)	Value
		(in thousands)					(in thousands)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,198		$	18.92	6.85	$	11,090
	Options granted	—		—
	Options exercised	(293	)	$	16.85
	Options forfeited/canceled/expired	(21	)	$	21.43
	Options outstanding at September 30, 2013	884		$	19.68	6.65	$	11,994
	Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	861		$	19.63	6.62	$	11,727
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	545		$	18.92	6.17	$	7,819
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, the amount of stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was $1.0 million and $1.8 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $1.5 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock option awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
	Restricted Stock
	Compensation expense for nonvested stock awards is recorded over the vesting period based on the fair value at the date of grant. Generally, the restricted stock awards vest in equal increments over either a three or four year period. The Company has issued share-based awards with service-based, performance-based and market-based vesting criteria.
	A summary of the activity of restricted stock outstanding is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares		Wtd. Avg.
				Grant  Date
				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2012	670		$	18.14
	Granted	345		37.4
	Vested	(271	)	18.45
	Forfeited/canceled	(8	)	34.88
	Restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2013	736		$	26.87
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company granted 345,060 shares of restricted stock to certain employees and executive officers. Of these awards, 92,810 are performance-based awards which will be forfeited if the Company does not achieve certain annual metrics during 2013, 2014 and 2015.
	The vesting of these performance-based restricted stock grants are subject to the achievement by GEO of two annual performance metrics as follows: (i) up to 75% of the shares of restricted stock ("TSR Target Award") can vest at the end of a three-year performance period if GEO meets certain total shareholder return ("TSR") performance targets, as compared to the total shareholder return of a peer group of companies, during 2013, 2014 and 2015; and (ii) up to 25% of the shares of restricted stock ("ROCE Target Award") can vest at the end of a three-year period if GEO meets certain return on capital employed ("ROCE") performance targets in 2013, 2014 and 2015. These performance awards can vest at between 0% and 200% of the target awards for both metrics. The number of shares shown for the performance-based awards is based on the target awards for both metrics.
	The metric related to ROCE is considered to be a performance condition. For share-based awards that contain a performance condition, the achievement of the targets must be probable before any share-based compensation expense is recorded. The Company reviews the likelihood of which target in the range will be achieved and if deemed probable, compensation expense is recorded at that time. If subsequent to initial measurement there is a change in the estimate of the probability of meeting the performance condition, the effect of the change in the estimated quantity of awards expected to vest is recognized by cumulatively adjusting compensation expense. If ultimately the performance targets are not met, for any awards where vesting was previously deemed probable, previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed in the period in which vesting is no longer deemed probable. The fair value of these awards was determined based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant.
	The metric related to TSR is considered to be a market condition. For share-based awards that contain a market condition, the probability of satisfying the market condition must be considered in the estimate of grant-date fair value and previously recorded compensation expense is not reversed if the market condition is never met. The fair value of these awards was determined based on a Monte Carlo simulation, which calculates a range of possible outcomes and the probabilities that they will occur, using the following key assumptions: (i) volatility of 26.6%; (ii) beta of 0.681; and (iii) risk free rate of 0.42%.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012, the Company recognized $4.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively, of compensation expense related to its restricted stock awards. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $16.1 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested restricted stock awards, including non-vested restricted stock awards with performance-based and market-based vesting, that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.9 years.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Company previously adopted The GEO Group Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) which was approved by the Company's shareholders. The purpose of the Plan, which is qualified under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, as amended, is to encourage stock ownership through payroll deductions by the employees of GEO and designated subsidiaries of GEO in order to increase their identification with the Company’s goals and secure a proprietary interest in the Company’s success. These deductions are used to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a 5% discount from the then current market price. The Company has made available up to 500,000 shares of its common stock, which were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 4, 2012, for sale to eligible employees under the Plan.
	The Plan is considered to be non-compensatory. As such, there is no compensation expense required to be recognized. Share purchases under the Plan are made on the last day of each month. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 7,010 shares were issued out of the Company's treasury stock in connection with the Plan.

Earnings_Per_Share_From_Contin

Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the income from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. shareholders by the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is similar to that of basic earnings per share except that the denominator includes dilutive common stock equivalents such as stock options and shares of restricted stock. Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) from continuing operations were calculated for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12
	Income from continuing operations	$	32,174		$	14,535	$	89,831		$	49,145
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12		)	890		(42		)	881
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	32,162			15,425		89,789			50,026
	Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:
	Weighted average shares outstanding	71,201			60,906		71,046			60,838
	Per share amount from continuing operations	$	0.45		$	0.25	$	1.26		$	0.82
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:
	Weighted average shares outstanding	71,201			60,906		71,046			60,838
	Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock	454			396		511			245
	Weighted average shares assuming dilution	71,655			61,302		71,557			61,083
	Per share amount from continuing operations	$	0.45		$	0.25	$	1.25		$	0.82
	Three Months
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013, 1,589 weighted average common stock equivalents from restricted stock awards were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. There were no shares of common stock underlying options that were anti-dilutive.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2012, 24,303 weighted average shares of common stock underlying options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. There were no common stock equivalents from restricted shares that were anti-dilutive.
	Nine Months
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no shares of common stock underlying options or common stock equivalents from restricted shares that were anti-dilutive.
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, 59,915 weighted average shares of common stock underlying options and 538 weighted average common stock equivalents from restricted stock awards were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
	The Company reports the results of operations of a component of an entity that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale or where the management contracts with that component have terminated, either by expiration or otherwise, in discontinued operations. The Company presents such events as discontinued operations so long as the financial results can be clearly identified, the future operations and cash flows are completely eliminated from ongoing operations, and so long as the Company does not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal or termination transaction.
	When a component of an entity has been disposed of or classified as held for sale or a management contract is terminated, the Company looks at its overall relationship with the customer. If the operations or cash flows of the component have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity as a result of the transaction and the entity will not have significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the transaction, the results of operations of the component of an entity are reported in discontinued operations. If the Company will continue to maintain a relationship generating significant cash flows and having continuing involvement with the customer, the disposal, the asset held for sale classification or the loss of the management contract(s) is not treated as discontinued operations. If the disposal, the asset held for sale classification or the loss of the management contract(s) results in a loss in the overall customer relationship as no future significant cash flows will be generated and the Company will have no continuing involvement with the customer, the results are classified in discontinued operations.
	Divestiture of RTS Operations
	On December 31, 2012, the Company completed the divestiture of its RTS operating component, which was purchased by GEO Care Holdings LLC, an entity owned by certain current and former members of GEO's management team (the “MBO Group”). Cash proceeds received on December 31, 2012 from the divestiture amounted to $33.3 million, net of an initial working capital adjustment, subject to a final working capital adjustment determined within 105 days of the transaction closing date. The final working capital adjustment resulted in a net cash sale price of $32.3 million In accordance with the purchase agreement, the MBO Group would also be obligated to pay up to an additional $5.0 million in purchase price on a contingent earn-out basis if certain potential future contract awards are received by RTS. In addition, the purchase agreement provides for (i) a purchase price adjustment in favor of the MBO Group in the event certain client consents are not obtained within one year following the divestiture, and (ii) a purchase price adjustment in favor of the MBO Group if certain key contracts (as defined in the Purchase Agreement) are terminated up to one year following the divestiture. There were no amounts recorded under these earn-out provisions during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	In connection with the RTS divestiture, the Company and GEO Care Holdings LLC entered into a services agreement pursuant to which the Company will provide accounting support, information systems services, legal support services, risk management services, property management and design services and office space for a five-year term in return for an annual fee of $1.8 million payable in equal monthly installments (the “Services Agreement”). The Company and GEO Care Holdings LLC also executed a license agreement pursuant to which the Company granted to GEO Care Holdings LLC an exclusive license for a five-year term to use the GEO Care service mark and domain name in connection with the RTS business in return for an annual fee of $0.4 million payable in equal monthly installments (the “License Agreement”). In addition, the Company and GEO Care Holdings LLC entered into employment agreements with certain executive officers in order to allocate the services to be provided by the executive officers and related compensation and benefits between the Company and GEO Care Holdings LLC. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company earned fees under the above noted Services Agreement and License Agreement amounting to an aggregate of $0.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively, which have been recorded as an offset to operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2012, RTS had revenue and pre-tax income of $42.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, RTS had revenue and pre-tax income of $124.8 million and $8.6 million, respectively. The operating results and cash flows of RTS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 have been retrospectively reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.
	U.S. Corrections & Detention
	On April 19, 2012, the Company announced its discontinuation of its managed-only contract with the State of Mississippi, Department of Corrections for the 1,500-bed East Mississippi Correctional Facility (“East Mississippi”) effective July 19, 2012. In connection with the discontinuation of East Mississippi, the Company has also discontinued all other management contracts with the State of Mississippi Department of Corrections (“MDOC”) including its managed-only contracts for the 1,000-bed Marshall County Correctional Facility effective August 13, 2012, and the 1,450-bed Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility effective July 1, 2012.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2012, revenues and a pre-tax loss relating to the operations of MDOC were $2.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, MDOC had revenue and a pre-tax loss of $24.7 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Loss from discontinued operations includes a charge of $2.3 million of insurance liability claims during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 which are directly related to these discontinued operations. The operating results and cash flows relating to the operations of MDOC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2013 are reflected as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and cash flows.
	All income from discontinued operations included in the consolidated statements of operations is attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in interest rates. The Company measures its derivative financial instruments at fair value.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had four interest rate swap agreements in the aggregate notional amount of $100.0 million. The Company has designated these interest rate swaps as hedges against changes in the fair value of a designated portion of the 7¾% Senior Notes due to changes in underlying interest rates. These swap agreements, which had payment, expiration dates and call provisions that mirrored the terms of the 7¾% Senior Notes, effectively converted $100.0 million of the 7¾% Senior Notes into variable rate obligations. Each of the swaps had a termination clause that gave the counterparty the right to terminate the interest rate swaps at fair value, as defined in the swap agreements, under certain circumstances. In addition to the termination clause, the agreements also had call provisions which specified that the lender could elect to settle the swap for the call option price. Under the agreements, the Company received a fixed interest rate payment from the financial counterparties to the agreements equal to 7¾% per year calculated on the notional $100.0 million amount, while it made a variable interest rate payment to the same counterparties equal to the three-month LIBOR plus a fixed margin of between 4.16% and 4.29%, also calculated on the notional $100.0 million amount. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps were recorded in earnings along with related designated changes in the value of the 7¾% Senior Notes. Total net losses, entirely offset by a corresponding increase in the fair value of the variable rate portion of the 7¾% Senior Notes, recognized and recorded in earnings related to these fair value hedges were $0.6 million and $2.2 million during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the swap assets’ fair values were $4.0 million and $6.2 million, respectively, and are included as Other Non-Current Assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. There was no material ineffectiveness of these interest rate swaps during the quarters ended September 30, 2013 or September 30, 2012.
	In October 2013, the Company received proceeds of $5.1 million, including accrued interest of $1.1 million, for the settlement of the four interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $100.0 million discussed above. The lenders to those swap agreements elected to prepay their obligations at the call option price which equaled the fair value at the respective call dates. Also on October 3, 2013, the Company completed the purchase of $209.1 million in aggregate principal amount of its 7¾% Senior Notes validly tendered in connection with the Company's tender offer and consent solicitation on or prior to the consent payment deadline. On November 4, 2013, the Company completed the redemption of the remaining 7¾% Senior Notes in connection with the terms of the notice of redemption delivered to the noteholders pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 7¾% Senior Notes. Refer to Note 16 - Subsequent Events.
	The Company’s Australian subsidiary is a party to an interest rate swap agreement to fix the interest rate on its variable rate non-recourse debt to 9.7%. The Company has determined the swap, which has a notional amount of AUD 50.9 million, payment and expiration dates, and call provisions that coincide with the terms of the non-recourse debt to be an effective cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the Company records the change in the value of the interest rate swap in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. Total unrealized gains recorded in other comprehensive income, net of tax, related to this cash flow hedge was $0.0 million and $0.1 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The total fair value of the swap liability as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively, and is recorded as a component of other assets within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. There was no material ineffectiveness of this interest rate swap for the periods presented. The Company does not expect to enter into any transactions during the next twelve months which would result in the reclassification into earnings or losses associated with this swap currently reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

Variable_Interest_Entities_And

Variable Interest Entities And Investment In Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]	'
Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Affiliates	'
	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES
	The Company evaluates its joint ventures and other entities in which it has a variable interest (a “VIE”), generally in the form of investments, loans, guarantees, or equity, in order to determine if it has a controlling financial interest and is required to consolidate the entity as a result. The reporting entity with a variable interest that provides the entity with a controlling financial interest in the VIE will have both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
	The Company consolidated South Texas Local Development Corporation (“STLDC”), a VIE until September 30, 2013. STLDC was created to finance construction for the development of a 1,904-bed facility in Frio County, Texas. STLDC, the owner of the complex, issued $49.5 million in taxable revenue bonds and had an operating agreement with the Company, which provided the Company with the sole and exclusive right to operate and manage the detention center. The operating agreement and bond indenture required the revenue from the contract to be used to fund the periodic debt service requirements as they became due. The net revenues, if any, after various expenses such as trustee fees, property taxes and insurance premiums were distributed to the Company to cover operating expenses and management fees. The Company was responsible for the entire operations of the facility including the payment of all operating expenses whether or not there were sufficient revenues. The bonds had a 10-year term and were non-recourse to the Company. At the end of the 10-year term of the bonds, or if the bonds were redeemed, canceled or defeased, title and ownership of the facility transfers from STLDC to the Company.
	On September 30, 2013, the Company completed a defeasance of the bonds and the title to the facility was transferred to the Company. In connection with the defeasance, the Company incurred a $1.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt which represented the excess of the reacquisition price of the defeasance over the net carrying value of the bonds and other defeasance related fees and expenses. Upon the closing of the transaction, the operating agreement was terminated and STLDC is no longer a VIE and is no longer consolidated with the Company. The carrying value of the facility as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $25.4 million and $25.8 million, respectively, and is included in Property and Equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company does not consolidate its 50% owned South African joint venture interest in South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited (“SACS”), a VIE. SACS joint venture investors are GEO and Kensani Corrections, Pty. Ltd (an independent third party); each partner owns a 50% share. The Company has determined it is not the primary beneficiary of SACS since it does not have the power to direct the activities of SACS that most significantly impact its performance. As such, the Company's investment in this entity is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. SACS was established and subsequently, in 2001, was awarded a 25-year contract to design, finance and build the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre in Louis Trichardt, South Africa. To fund the construction of the prison, SACS obtained long-term financing from its equity partners and lenders, the repayment of which is fully guaranteed by the South African government, except in the event of a default by SACS, in which case the government guarantee is reduced to 80%. The Company's maximum exposure for loss under this contract is limited to its investment in the joint venture of $8.7 million at September 30, 2013 and its guarantees related to SACS that are discussed in Note 11 - Debt.
	The Company does not consolidate its 50% owned joint venture in the United Kingdom. In February 2011, The GEO Group Limited, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary in the United Kingdom (“GEO UK”), executed a shareholders agreement (the “Shareholders Agreement”) with Amey Community Limited (“Amey”) and Amey UK PLC (“Amey Guarantor”) to form GEO Amey PECS Limited (“GEOAmey”), a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. GEOAmey was formed by GEO UK and Amey (an independent third party) for the purpose of performing prisoner escort and related custody services in England and Wales. In order to form this private company, GEOAmey issued share capital of £100 divided into 100 shares of £1 each and allocated the shares 50/50 to GEO UK and Amey. GEO UK and Amey each have three directors appointed to the board of directors and neither party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the performance of GEOAmey. As such, the Company's investment in this entity is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Both parties provide lines of credit of £12 million, or $19.4 million, based on exchange rates in effect as of September 30, 2013, to ensure that GEOAmey can comply with future contractual commitments related to the performance of its operations. As of September 30, 2013, $20.5 million, including accrued interest, was owed to the Company by GEOAmey under the line of credit. GEOAmey commenced operations on August 29, 2011. Refer to Note 11 - Debt for further discussion of the Company's maximum exposure for loss relating to GEOAmey.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	DEBT
	Debt outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Senior Credit Facility:
	Term loan	$	299,250		$	563,625
	Unamortized discount on term loan	—			(1,195		)
	Revolver	300,000			235,000
	Total Senior Credit Facility	599,250			797,430
	5.125% Senior Notes:
	Notes due in 2023	300,000			—
	6.625% Senior Notes:
	Notes due in 2021	300,000			300,000
	7 3/4% Senior Notes:
	Notes due in 2017	250,000			250,000
	Unamortized discount on Notes	(2,133		)	(2,457		)
	Swap on Notes	4,045			6,212
	Total 7 3/4% Senior Notes	251,912			253,755
	Non-Recourse Debt :
	Non-Recourse Debt	94,504			124,947
	Unamortized discount on Non-Recourse Debt	(1,028		)	(1,465		)
	Total Non-Recourse Debt	93,476			123,482
	Capital Lease Obligations	12,165			12,994
	Other debt	275			512
	Total debt	1,557,078			1,488,173
	Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	(17,120		)	(53,882		)
	Capital Lease Obligations, long-term portion	(11,177		)	(11,926		)
	Non-Recourse Debt	(80,548		)	(104,836		)
	Long-Term Debt	$	1,448,233		$	1,317,529
	Credit Agreement
	On April 3, 2013, the Company entered into the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with GEO Corrections Holdings, Inc. (with the Company as the sole term loan borrower, and the Company and GEO Corrections Holdings, Inc. as joint and several revolver borrowers), BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders who are, or may from time to time become, a party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement evidences a Senior Credit Facility (the “Senior Credit Facility”) consisting of a $300 million Term Loan (the “Term Loan”) initially bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% (with a LIBOR floor of 0.75%), and a $700 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) initially bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% (with no LIBOR floor), in each case subject to adjustment based on a total leverage ratio pricing grid. The Company also has the ability to increase the Senior Credit Facility by an additional $350 million, subject to lender demand, prevailing market conditions and satisfying the borrowing and other conditions thereunder. The Revolver component is scheduled to mature on April 3, 2018 and the Term Loan component is scheduled to mature on April 3, 2020. The Term Loan and Revolver may be prepaid in whole or in part by the Company at any time without premium or penalty, subject to certain conditions. The Senior Credit Facility is a refinancing of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Prior Senior Credit Facility") which consisted of a Term Loan A, Term Loan A-2, Term Loan A-3, Term Loan B ("Prior Term Loans") and a revolver ("Prior Revolver").
	The Company has accounted for the refinancing of the Prior Term Loans component of its Prior Senior Credit Facility as an extinguishment of debt and has accounted for the termination of the Prior Revolver component of the Prior Senior Credit Facility based upon the borrowing capacity accounting guidance for modification of revolving credit arrangements. Loan costs of $10.2 million were incurred in connection with the Credit Agreement transaction, of which $1.1 million was expensed as incurred as this amount was associated with the extinguishment of the Prior Term Loan component, and $9.1 million has been capitalized as deferred financing fees and is included in Other Non-Current Assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2013, and will be amortized to interest expense using an effective interest method throughout the term of the Revolver or Term Loan B as applicable. In addition, the Company wrote off $1.1 million in unamortized debt discount and $3.3 million of unamortized deferred financing costs pertaining to the Prior Term Loans related to the termination of the Prior Senior Credit Facility. The remaining unamortized deferred financing fees pertaining to the Prior Revolver will be amortized to interest expense using an effective interest method throughout the term of the Revolver.
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $299.3 million in aggregate borrowings outstanding under the Term Loan B, $300.0 million in borrowings under the Revolver, and approximately $58.2 million in letters of credit which left $341.8 million in additional borrowing capacity under the Revolver. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2013 was 3.0%.
	Indebtedness under the Revolver bears interest based on the Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, as of the most recent determination date, as defined, in each of the instances below at the stated rate:
	LIBOR borrowings		LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.75%.
	Base rate borrowings		Prime Rate plus 0.75% to 1.75%.
	Letters of credit		1.75% to 2.75%.
	Unused Revolver		0.35% to 0.375%.
	The Credit Agreement contains certain representations and warranties, certain affirmative covenants and certain negative covenants that (subject to certain exceptions and allowances) restrict the Company's ability to, among other things, (i) create, incur or assume indebtedness, (ii) create, incur, assume or permit liens, (iii) make loans and other investments, (iv) engage in mergers, acquisitions, liquidations and asset sales, (v) make certain restricted payments, (vi) issue, sell or otherwise dispose of certain types of non-common equity, (vii) engage in transactions with affiliates, (viii) allow the total leverage ratio to exceed 5.75 to 1.00, allow the senior secured leverage ratio to exceed 3.50 to 1.00 or allow the interest coverage ratio to be less than 3.00 to 1.00, (ix) cancel, forgive, make any voluntary or optional payment or prepayment on, or redeem or acquire for value certain of its senior notes, except as permitted, (x) alter the business the Company conducts, and (xi) materially impair the Company's lenders' security interests in the collateral for its loans.
	The Senior Credit Facility generally requires the Interest Coverage Ratio to be calculated as (a) Adjusted EBITDA (as defined under the Senior Credit Facility) for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters to (b) Interest Expense (as defined under the Senior Credit Facility), minus Interest Expense attributable to Indebtedness of Unrestricted Subsidiaries and Other Consolidated Persons that is Non-Recourse to the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such four quarter period (capitalized terms are defined in the Senior Credit Facility).
	Events of default under the Credit Agreement include, but are not limited to, (i) the Company's failure to pay principal or letter of credit reimbursement obligations when due or to pay any interest or other amounts within three business days of the payment deadline, (ii) the Company's material breach of any representations or warranty, (iii) covenant defaults, (iv) liquidation, reorganization or other relief relating to bankruptcy or insolvency, (v) cross default under certain other material indebtedness, (vi) unsatisfied final monetary judgments over a specified threshold, (vii) material environmental liability claims which have been asserted against the Company, and (viii) a change in control. All of the obligations under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Company's domestic subsidiaries that are restricted subsidiaries under the Senior Credit Facility. The Senior Credit Facility and the related guarantees are secured on a first-priority basis by substantially all of the Company's present and future tangible and intangible assets, subject to certain exceptions, and all present and future tangible and intangible assets, subject to certain exceptions, of each guarantor. The Company's failure to comply with any of the covenants under its Credit Agreement could cause an event of default under such documents and result in an acceleration of all outstanding senior secured indebtedness. The Company believes it was in compliance with all of the covenants of the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2013.
	5.125% Senior Notes
	On March 19, 2013, the Company completed an offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes. The notes will mature on April 1, 2023 and have a coupon rate and yield to maturity of 5.125%. Interest is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 each year, beginning October 1, 2013. The 5.125% Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of the Company's restricted subsidiaries that guarantee obligations under the Senior Credit Facility, the Company's 6.625% Senior Notes, and the Company's 5 ⅞% senior notes due 2022 (the "5.125% Senior Notes). The 5.125% Senior Notes and the guarantees are the Company's general unsecured senior obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company's and the guarantors' existing and future unsecured senior debt, including the Company's 6.625% Senior Notes and the 5 ⅞% Senior Notes. The 5.125% Senior Notes and the guarantees are effectively subordinated to any of the Company's and the guarantors' existing and future secured debt to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, including all anticipated borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. The 5.125% Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities (including trade payables) of the Company's subsidiaries that do not guarantee the 5.125% Senior Notes.
	At any time on or prior to April 1, 2016, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding 5.125% Senior Notes issued under the indenture governing the 5.125% Senior Notes (including any additional notes) at a redemption price of 105.125% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages (as defined in the indenture), if any, to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings (as defined in the indenture); provided, that: (1) at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of notes issued under the indenture (including any additional notes) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (excluding notes held by us and our Subsidiaries); and (2) the redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of the closing of such equity offering.
	At any time prior to April 1, 2018, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or a part of the 5.125% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days' prior notice at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture) as of the date of redemption, plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of redemption. On or after April 1, 2018, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or a part of the 5.125% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days' notice at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the 5.125% Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:
	Year		Percentage
	2018		102.563
	2019		101.708
	2020		100.854
	2021 and thereafter		100
	The indenture contains certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiary guarantors (Refer to Note 17-Condensed Consolidating Financial Information). The Company believes it was in compliance with all of the covenants of the indenture as of September 30, 2013.
	A portion of the proceeds received from the 5.125% Senior Notes were used on the date of financing to repay the Revolver loans outstanding under the Prior Senior Credit Facility. As discussed above, on April 3, 2013, the Company's Prior Senior Credit Facility was refinanced and a portion of the proceeds of the 5.125% Senior Notes were used to pay a portion of the outstanding Prior Term Loans and a portion of the Prior Revolver credit draws outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility.
	Under the terms of a registration rights agreement dated as of March 19, 2013, among GEO, the guarantors and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as the representative of the initial purchasers of the 5.125% Senior Notes, GEO agreed to register under the Securities Act notes having terms identical in all material respects to the 5.125% Senior Notes (the “5.125% Exchange Notes”) and to make an offer to exchange the 5.125% Exchange Notes for the 5.125% Senior Notes. GEO filed the registration statement on May 30, 2013 which was declared effective on September 12, 2013. GEO launched the exchange offer on September 13, 2013 and the exchange offer expired on October 11, 2013.
	7¾% Senior Notes and 5⅞% Senior Notes
	Interest on the 7¾% Senior Notes accrued at the stated rate. The Company paid interest semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The indenture contained certain covenants including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiary guarantors (Refer to Note 17-Condensed Consolidating Financial Information). The Company believes it was in compliance with all of the covenants of the indenture as of September 30, 2013.
	On September 19, 2013, the Company announced the commencement of a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for any and all of its outstanding 7¾% Senior Notes. On October 3, 2013, the Company completed the purchase of $209.1 million in aggregate principal amount of its 7¾% senior notes validly tendered in connection with the Company's tender offer and consent solicitation on or prior to the consent payment deadline. On November 4, 2013, the Company completed the redemption of the remaining 7¾% Senior Notes in connection with the terms of the notice of redemption delivered to the noteholders pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 7¾% Senior Notes. The Company financed the purchase of the 7¾% Senior Notes under the tender offer and the redemption of the remaining 7¾% Senior Notes with the net cash proceeds from its offering of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5 ⅞% Senior Notes which closed on October 3, 2013 and cash on hand. The 5 ⅞% Senior Notes will mature on January 15, 2022 and have a coupon rate and yield to maturity of 5 ⅞%. Refer to Note 16 - Subsequent Events. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, commencing on January 15, 2014.
	Under the terms of a registration rights agreement, dated as of October 3, 2013, among GEO, the guarantors and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, as the representative of the initial purchasers of the 5 ⅞% Senior Notes, GEO has agreed to register under the Securities Act notes having terms identical in all material respects to the 5 ⅞% Senior Notes (the “5⅞% Exchange Notes”) and to make an offer to exchange the 5 ⅞% Exchange Notes for the 5 ⅞% Senior Notes. Pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement, GEO has agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the 5 ⅞% Exchange Notes for the Notes on or prior to 75 days after the closing of the offering of the 5⅞% Senior Notes and to use its reasonable best efforts to have the registration statement declared effective on or prior to 180 days after the closing of the offering of the 5 ⅞% Senior Notes. If GEO fails to satisfy certain filing and other obligations described in the Registration Rights Agreement, GEO will be obligated to pay additional interest of 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period and an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period thereafter, until GEO’s registration obligations are fulfilled, up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum.
	6.625% Senior Notes
	Interest on the 6.625% Senior Notes accrues at the stated rate. The Company pays interest semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. On or after February 15, 2016, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or part of the 6.625% Senior Notes at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture governing the 6.625% Senior Notes. The indenture contains certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiary guarantors (Refer to Note 17-Condensed Consolidating Financial Information). The Company believes it was in compliance with all of the covenants of the indenture governing the 6.625% Senior Notes as of September 30, 2013.
	Non-Recourse Debt
	South Texas Detention Complex
	On September 30, 2013, the Company completed a legal defeasance of the $49.5 million taxable revenue bonds with an outstanding balance of $17.2 million which were to mature in February 2016. Refer to Note 10 - Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Affiliates. Upon closing of the transaction, the Company received $17.3 million of funds held in trust with respect to the STLDC which was held for future debt service and other reserves. These funds were previously included in the Company's current and non-current restricted cash and investments. In connection with the defeasance, the Company incurred a $1.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt which represented the excess of the reacquisition price of the defeasance over the net carrying value of the bonds and other defeasance related fees and expenses.
	Northwest Detention Center
	As of September 30, 2013, the remaining balance of the debt service requirement under the $57.0 million note payable ("2003 Revenue Bonds") and the $54.4 million note payable ("2011 Revenue Bonds") to the Washington Economic Finance Authority ("WEDFA") maturing in October 2014 and October 2021 with fixed coupon rates ranging from 4.10% to 5.25%, respectively, is $67.7 million, of which $6.6 million is classified as current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The payment of principal and interest on the 2011 Revenue Bonds and the 2003 Revenue Bonds issued by WEDFA is non-recourse to GEO.
As of September 30, 2013, included in current restricted cash and investments and non-current restricted cash and investments is $9.3 million and $6.9 million, respectively, of funds held in trust with respect to the Northwest Detention Center for debt service and other reserves.
Australia
The non-recourse obligations to the Company total $26.8 million (AUD 28.7 million) and $34.8 million (AUD 33.6 million), based on the exchange rates in effect at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The term of the non-recourse debt is through 2017 and it bears interest at a variable rate quoted by certain Australian banks plus 140 basis points. Any obligations or liabilities of the subsidiary are matched by a similar or corresponding commitment from the government of the State of Victoria. As a condition of the loan, the Company is required to maintain a restricted cash balance of AUD 5.0 million, which, based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2013, was $4.7 million. This amount is included in non-current restricted cash and investments and the annual maturities of the future debt obligation are included in Non-Recourse Debt.
Guarantees
In connection with the creation of SACS, the Company entered into certain guarantees related to the financing, construction and operation of the prison. As of September 30, 2013, the Company guaranteed obligations amounting to 34.8 million South African Rand, or $3.5 million based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2013. In the event SACS is unable to maintain the required funding in a rectification account maintained for the payment of certain costs in the event of contract termination, a previously existing guarantee by the Company for the shortfall will need to be re-instated. The remaining guarantee of 34.8 million South African Rand is secured by outstanding letters of credit under the Company's Revolver as of September 30, 2013.
In addition to the above, the Company has also agreed to provide a loan, if required, of up to 20 million South African Rand, or $2.0 million based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2013, referred to as the Shareholder's Loan, to SACS for the purpose of financing SACS’ obligations under its contract with the South African government. No amounts have been funded under the standby facility, and the Company does not currently anticipate that such funding will be required by SACS in the future. The Company’s obligations under the Shareholder's Loan expire upon the earlier of full funding or SACS’s release from its obligations under its debt agreements. The lenders’ ability to draw on the Shareholder's Loan is limited to certain circumstances, including termination of the contract.
The Company has also guaranteed certain obligations of SACS to the security trustee for SACS’ lenders. The Company secured its guarantee to the security trustee by ceding its rights to claims against SACS in respect of any loans or other finance agreements, and by pledging the Company’s shares in SACS. The Company’s liability under the guarantee is limited to the cession and pledge of shares. The guarantee expires upon expiration of the cession and pledge agreements.
In connection with a design, build, finance and maintenance contract for a facility in Canada, the Company guaranteed certain potential tax obligations of a trust. The potential estimated exposure of these obligations is Canadian Dollar (“CAD”) 2.5 million, or $2.4 million, based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2013, commencing in 2017. The Company has a liability of $2.2 million and $2.0 million related to this exposure included in Other Non-Current Liabilities as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. To secure this guarantee, the Company purchased Canadian dollar denominated securities with maturities matched to the estimated tax obligations in 2017 to 2021. The Company has recorded an asset equal to the current fair value of those securities included in Other Non-Current Assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not currently operate or manage this facility.
At September 30, 2013, the Company also had eight letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees of its Australian subsidiary totaling $11.3 million.
In connection with the creation of GEOAmey, the Company and its joint venture partner guarantee the availability of working capital in equal proportion to ensure that GEOAmey can comply with current and future contractual commitments related to the performance of its operations. The Company and the 50% joint venture partner have each extended a £12 million line of credit of which £12.7 million, or $20.5 million, including interest, based on exchange rates as of September 30, 2013, was outstanding as of September 30, 2013. The Company's maximum exposure relative to the joint venture is its note receivable of $20.5 million, including accrued interest of $1.2 million, and future financial support necessary to guarantee performance under the contract.
On October 3, 2013, the Company and its joint venture partner entered into a modified line of credit agreement with GEOAmey. Under the modified agreement, the terms of the line of credit were amended such that (i) the balance of accrued interest at September 30, 2013 will be forgiven; (ii) the principal amount will be due on demand rather than in accordance with the previous repayment schedule; interest payments will continue to accrue but payment will be deferred and added to the principal sum; and (iii) the interest rate will be reset to the base rate of the Bank of England plus 0.5%.
Except as discussed above, the Company does not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

Commitments_Contingencies_And_

Commitments, Contingencies And Other Tax Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Tax Matters	'
	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER TAX MATTERS
	Litigation, Claims and Assessments
	The nature of the Company's business exposes it to various types of third-party legal claims or litigation against the Company, including, but not limited to, civil rights claims relating to conditions of confinement and/or mistreatment, sexual misconduct claims brought by prisoners or detainees, medical malpractice claims, product liability claims, intellectual property infringement claims, claims relating to employment matters (including, but not limited to, employment discrimination claims, union grievances and wage and hour claims), property loss claims, environmental claims, automobile liability claims, indemnification claims by its customers and other third parties, contractual claims and claims for personal injury or other damages resulting from contact with the Company's facilities, programs, electronic monitoring products, personnel or prisoners, including damages arising from a prisoner's escape or from a disturbance or riot at a facility. The Company does not expect the outcome of any pending claims or legal proceedings to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
	Construction Commitments
	The Company currently has contractual commitments for a number of projects using Company financing. The Company’s management estimates that the cost of these existing capital projects will be $62.1 million of which $17.6 million was spent through the third quarter of 2013. The Company estimates the remaining capital requirements related to these capital projects will be $44.5 million which will be spent through fiscal year 2013. Capital expenditures related to facility maintenance costs are expected to range between $30.0 million and $35.0 million for fiscal year 2013.
	Facility Purchase
	On May 7, 2013, the Company executed a definitive agreement for the purchase of the land, buildings and improvements, and tangible personal property and fixtures of the 1,287 bed Joe Corley Detention Center (the "Center") located in Montgomery County, Texas for a purchase price of approximately $65.0 million. The Center was previously managed by the Company under a managed-only contract with Montgomery County and will continue to house federal detainees for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service under an Intergovernmental Services Agreement. The transaction closed on June 7, 2013.
	Employment Agreement
	On April 29, 2013, GEO and Mr. George C. Zoley, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, entered into the First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment modifies Mr. Zoley’s employment agreement by eliminating the automatic cost of living increase applicable to his annual base salary and instead provides that his annual base salary may be increased in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors for cost of living increases to be determined by the Board of Directors Additionally, the First Amendment modifies the termination payment Mr. Zoley would receive in the event of a termination of employment other than a termination by GEO for cause (as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement) or a termination by Mr. Zoley without good reason (as defined in the Third Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement) from three times the amount of Mr. Zoley’s base salary plus annual bonus to two times the amount of Mr. Zoley’s base salary plus annual bonus.
	On May 29, 2013, the Company and the Chief Executive Officer entered into the Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement (the "Second Amendment"). The Second Amendment modifies the Chief Executive Officer's employment agreement by decreasing the maximum target annual performance award he may receive from 150% of his annual base salary to 100% of his annual base salary.
	Contract Awards and Terminations
	On September 9, 2013, GEO announced that it has entered into five year contracts inclusive of renewal options, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE") for the housing of immigration detainees in a new 400-bed Transfer Center to be located at England Airpark in Alexandria, Louisiana (the "Center"). GEO will finance, develop and manage the company-owned Center, which is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2014.
	On September 23, 2013, GEO announced that it had signed a five year contract with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the housing of 1,400 California inmates at the company-owned 700-bed Central Valley Modified Community Correctional Facility and the Company-owned 700-bed Desert View Modified Community Correctional Facility located in McFarland, California and Adelanto, California, respectively. GEO expects to begin the intake of inmates at both facilities in the fourth quarter of 2013. These facilities were previously included in the Company's idle facility inventory.
	As previously disclosed, the contract for the housing of Alaskan inmates at the Hudson Correctional Facility located in Hudson, Colorado was terminated during the third quarter of 2013.  The termination of this contract did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
	Refer to Note 16 - Subsequent Events for additional contract awards and terminations occurring in October and November 2013.
	Idle Facilities
	The Company is currently marketing approximately 6,000 vacant beds at six of its idle facilities to potential customers. The carrying values of these idle facilities, which are included in Property and Equipment, Net and Assets Held for Sale in the consolidated balance sheets, totaled $193.6 million as of September 30, 2013, excluding equipment and other assets that can be easily transferred for use at other facilities.
	Other Tax Matters
	•	As a result of the REIT conversion as more fully discussed in Note 1 - Basis of Presentation, the Company reorganized its operations and moved non-real estate components into TRSs. The TRS structure requires the provisions of services between affiliated companies which are conducted at arm's length subject to applicable tax law and promulgated tax regulations. The Company has, with the assistance of its tax advisors, undertaken substantial analysis to determine and document the appropriateness of the arm's length compensation used in compliance with such tax rules which is reviewed on a periodic basis.
	•	During 2013, GEO had a tax benefit relating to its REIT conversion, miscellaneous nonrecurring items, and a net release of tax reserves primarily due to the settlement of IRS audit years 2010 and 2011, partially offset by an initial reserve for uncertain tax positions relating to the REIT conversion.  Together these items had a favorable impact to the effective tax rate and resulted in a tax benefit of $7.8 million and $14.1 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Business_Segments_and_Geograph

Business Segments and Geographic Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Business Segments and Geographic Information	'
	BUSINESS SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
	Operating and Reporting Segments
	The Company conducts its business through four reportable business segments: the U.S. Corrections & Detention segment; the GEO Community Services segment; the International Services segment; and the Facility Construction & Design segment. The Facility Construction & Design segment did not have any operating activity during the 2013 and 2012 periods presented. The GEO Community Services segment was previously referred to as the GEO Care segment but was renamed concurrent with the divestiture of RTS. The U.S. Corrections and Detention and the GEO Community Services segments have been retroactively reclassified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 for the results of discontinued operations. Refer to Note 8 - Discontinued Operations. In addition, the Company has reclassified the results of its operations in Canada to the International Services segment for all periods presented. Canada's results, which were previously included in the U.S. Corrections & Detention segment, were not significant during 2013 or 2012. The Company's segment revenues from external customers and a measure of segment profit are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12
	Revenues:
	U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	253,414		$	243,955		$	756,229		$	724,665
	GEO Community Services	76,879			72,657			225,892			217,682
	International Services	49,549			52,504			156,405			157,984
	Total revenues	$	379,842		$	369,116		$	1,138,526		$	1,100,331
	Operating income:
	U.S. Corrections & Detention (1)	$	50,826		$	58,814		$	161,550		$	165,675
	GEO Community Services (1)	17,128			16,277			53,387			49,620
	International Services	4,097			2,939			9,163			8,888
	Operating income from segments	$	72,051		$	78,030		$	224,100		$	224,183
	(1) In order to estimate workers' compensation and general liability reserves, the Company engages an independent actuary to make a projection of its annual losses based on its actual claim experience. This analysis is performed annually during the third quarter using historical data. As a result of this analysis, the Company increased its reserves by $4.5 million in its U.S. Corrections & Detention segment, and by $1.7 million in its GEO Community Services segment as of September 30, 2013. Also, as a result of the same analysis, the Company decreased its reserves in its U.S. Corrections & Detention Segment by $0.8 million and increased its reserves by $1.3 million in its GEO Community Services segment as of September 30, 2012. These charges to expense are included in the Company's operating expense for all periods presented.
	Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
	The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s total operating income from its reportable segments to the Company’s income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12
	Total operating income from segments	$	72,051		$	78,030		$	224,100		$	224,183
	Unallocated amounts:
	General and Administrative Expenses	(27,222		)	(26,428		)	(86,625		)	(79,143		)
	Net Interest Expense	(20,485		)	(18,954		)	(58,580		)	(56,810		)
	Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	(1,451		)	(8,462		)	(6,978		)	(8,462		)
	Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	$	22,893		$	24,186		$	71,917		$	79,768
	Equity in Earnings of Affiliates
	Equity in earnings of affiliates includes the Company’s 50% owned joint ventures in SACS, located in South Africa, and GEOAmey, located in the United Kingdom. Our investments in these entities are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investments in these entities are presented as a component of Other Non-Current Assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company has recorded $1.3 million and $3.8 million in earnings, net of tax, for SACS operations during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $1.4 million and $4.0 million in earnings, net of tax, during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. SACS earnings are included in equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s investment in SACS was $8.7 million and $7.8 million, respectively.
	The Company has recorded $0.2 million in earnings and $0.1 million in losses, net of tax, for GEOAmey’s operations during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and $0.9 million and $2.3 million in losses, net of tax, during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. GEOAmey's earnings are included in equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s investment in GEOAmey was $(4.2) million and $(4.1) million, respectively, and represents its share of cumulative reported losses. Losses in excess of the Company's investment have been recognized as the Company has provided certain loans and guarantees to provide financial support to GEOAmey (Refer to Note 11-Debt.)

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Benefit Plans	'
	BENEFIT PLANS
	The following table summarizes key information related to the Company’s pension plans and retirement agreements (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	$	19,761		$	16,879
	Service cost	694			774
	Interest cost	622			787
	Plan amendments	—			569
	Actuarial loss	—			945
	Benefits paid	(205		)	(193		)
	Projected benefit obligation, end of period	$	20,872		$	19,761
	Change in Plan Assets
	Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period	$	—		$	—
	Company contributions	205			193
	Benefits paid	(205		)	(193		)
	Plan assets at fair value, end of period	$	—		$	—
	Unfunded Status of the Plan	$	(20,872	)	$	(19,761	)
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12			30-Sep-13		30-Sep-12
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$	232		$	193		$	694	$	580
	Interest cost	207			197			622		590
	Net loss	66			48			197		145
	Net periodic pension cost	$	505		$	438		$	1,513	$	1,315
	The long-term portion of the pension liability as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $20.6 million and $19.5 million, respectively, and is included in Other Non-Current Liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Recent_Accounting_Standards

Recent Accounting Standards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Standards	'
	RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
	In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-05, Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent's Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) (“ASU 2013-05”). The objective of ASU 2013-05 is to resolve diversity in practice regarding the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-10, Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) ("ASU 2013-10"). The objective of ASU 2013-10 is to provide for the inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to U.S Government Treasury obligations and the London Interbank Offered Rate. ASU 2-13-10 is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Tax Force) ("ASU 2013-11"). The objective of ASU 2013-11 is to resolve diversity in practice regarding the presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.
	Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by the FASB (including its Emerging Issues Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the SEC did not, or are not expected to, have a material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial position.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Tender Offer and Consent Solicitation
	On September 19, 2013, the Company announced the commencement of a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for any and all of its outstanding $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7¾% Senior Notes. Holders who validly tendered their 7¾% Senior Notes prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time on October 2, 2013 (“Consent Payment Deadline”), received a cash payment of $1,013.45 for each $1,000 principal amount of notes, which included a consent payment of $30.00 per $1,000 principal amount of notes. Holders of the 7¾% Senior Notes accepted for purchase received accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the applicable payment date. Valid early tenders received by the Company represented $209.1 million aggregate principal amount of the 7¾% Senior Notes which was 83.6% of the outstanding principal balance. The Company settled these notes on October 3, 2013. There were no holders who tendered their notes after the Consent Payment Deadline, but before the expiration date of 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard time on October 17, 2013 (the "Expiration Date") who would have otherwise been entitled to receive $1,013.45 per $1,000 principal amount of notes. On November 4, 2013, the Company completed the redemption of the remaining 7¾% Senior Notes in connection with the terms of the notice of redemption delivered to the noteholders pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the 7¾% Senior Notes.
	As a result of the tender offer and redemption, the Company incurred a loss of $17.4 million related to the tender premium and deferred costs associated with the 7¾% Senior Notes. This loss was partially offset by proceeds of $4.0 million received for the settlement of the four interest rate swaps related to the 7¾% Senior Notes. Refer to Note 9 - Derivative Financial Instruments.
	The Company financed the tender offer and redemption with the net cash proceeds from its offering of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 57/8% Senior Notes which closed on October 3, 2013 and cash on hand. The 57/8% Senior Notes will mature on January 15, 2022 and have a coupon rate and yield to maturity of 57/8%. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15, commencing on January 15, 2014. Refer to Note 11 - Debt.
	Contract Awards and Terminations
	On October 17, 2013, GEO announced that it had received a notice of intent to award a contract from the Florida Department of Management Services for the management of the 1,884-bed Graceville Correctional Facility. The managed-only agreement will have a contract term of three years, with successive two-year renewal option periods, effective February 1, 2014.
	On October 21, 2013, GEO announced that it had signed a new contract, effective from November 1, 2013 through June 30, 2018, with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the housing of up to 700 California inmates at the company-owned Golden State Modified Community Correctional Facility located in McFarland, California. The new agreement, which will replace the GEO's existing contract at the facility that was previously effective through June 30, 2016, will expand the Facility's contract capacity by 100-beds.
	On October 23, 2013, GEO announced that it has received a notice of award for two contracts from the Florida Department of Management Services for the management of the 985-bed Moore Haven Correctional Facility and the 985-bed Bay Correctional Facility. The managed-only agreements will have contract terms of three years, with successive two-year renewal option periods, effective February 1, 2014.
	On November 1, 2013, GEO terminated the contract for the management of the county-owned 688-bed Maverick County Detention Center located in Maverick, Texas. The termination of this managed-only contract did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows.
	Dividend
	On November 1, 2013, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.55 per share of common stock, which is to be paid on November 26, 2013 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 14, 2013.
	Other
	Refer to Note 9- Derivative Financial Instruments and Note 11- Debt for additional subsequent event information regarding the Company's interest rate swap agreements and GEOAmey line of credit, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company's 6.625% Senior Notes, 7¾% Senior Notes, and 5.125% Senior Notes were fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several senior unsecured basis by the Company and certain of its wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). The following condensed consolidating financial information, which has been prepared in accordance with the requirements for presentation of Rule 3-10(d) of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act, presents the condensed consolidating financial information separately for:
	(i)	The GEO Group, Inc., as the issuer of the notes;
	(ii)	The Subsidiary Guarantors, on a combined basis, which are 100% owned by The GEO Group, Inc., and which are guarantors of the notes;
	(iii)	The Company’s other subsidiaries, on a combined basis, which are not guarantors of the notes (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”);
	(iv)	Consolidating entries and eliminations representing adjustments to (a) eliminate intercompany transactions between or among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Subsidiary Non-Guarantors and (b) eliminate the investments in the Company’s subsidiaries; and
	(v)	The Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	(dollars in thousands)
	(unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
					Guarantors			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	131,159		$	301,244		$	52,584		$	(105,145	)	$	379,842
	Operating expenses	115,671			233,143			40,234			(105,145		)	283,903
	Depreciation and amortization	6,266			16,411			1,211			—			23,888
	General and administrative expenses	9,235			14,314			3,673			—			27,222
	Operating income (loss)	(13		)	37,376			7,466			—			44,829
	Interest income	11,358			382			980			(11,636		)	1,084
	Interest expense	(10,650		)	(20,328		)	(2,227		)	11,636			(21,569		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(1,451		)	—			—			(1,451		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	695			15,979			6,219			—			22,893
	Income tax (benefit) provision	(5,673		)	(3,300		)	1,218			—			(7,755		)
	Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			1,526			—			1,526
	Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	6,368			19,279			6,527			—			32,174
	Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	25,806			—			—			(25,806		)	—
	Income from continuing operations	32,174			19,279			6,527			(25,806		)	32,174
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(2,265		)	—			—			—			(2,265		)
	Net income	29,909			19,279			6,527			(25,806		)	29,909
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(12		)	—			(12		)
	Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	29,909		$	19,279		$	6,515		$	(25,806	)	$	29,897
	Net income	$	29,909		$	19,279		$	6,527		$	(25,806	)	$	29,909
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—			40			608			—			648
	Total comprehensive income	$	29,909		$	19,319		$	7,135		$	(25,806	)	$	30,557
	Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(4		)	—			(4		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	29,909		$	19,319		$	7,131		$	(25,806	)	$	30,553
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	(dollars in thousands)
	(unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
					Guarantors			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	152,628		$	179,803		$	56,967		$	(20,282	)	$	369,116
	Operating expenses	129,012			111,489			47,923			(20,282		)	268,142
	Depreciation and amortization	7,328			13,687			1,929			—			22,944
	General and administrative expenses	9,625			12,903			3,900			—			26,428
	Operating income	6,663			41,724			3,215			—			51,602
	Interest income	8,178			385			1,640			(8,552		)	1,651
	Interest expense	(17,288		)	(8,433		)	(3,436		)	8,552			(20,605		)
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			(8,462		)	—			—			(8,462		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	(2,447		)	25,214			1,419			—			24,186
	Income tax (benefit) provision	(994		)	9,873			1,246			—			10,125
	Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			474			—			474
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(1,453		)	15,341			647			—			14,535
	Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	15,988			—			—			(15,988		)	—
	Income from continuing operations	14,535			15,341			647			(15,988		)	14,535
	Net income from discontinued operations	192			1,724			164			(1,888		)	192
	Net income	14,727			17,065			811			(17,876		)	14,727
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			890			—			890
	Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	14,727		$	17,065		$	1,701		$	(17,876	)	$	15,617
	Net income	$	14,727		$	17,065		$	811		$	(17,876	)	$	14,727
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	30			—			85			—			115
Total comprehensive income	$	14,757		$	17,065		$	896		$	(17,876	)	$	14,842
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			903			—			903
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	14,757		$	17,065		$	1,799		$	(17,876	)	$	15,745
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
				Guarantors			Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	363,508		$	927,893		$	165,553		$	(318,428	)	$	1,138,526
Operating expenses	317,189			712,814			132,371			(318,428		)	843,946
Depreciation and amortization	17,963			48,849			3,668			—			70,480
General and administrative expenses	26,589			47,926			12,110			—			86,625
Operating income (loss)	1,767			118,304			17,404			—			137,475
Interest income	19,347			1,291			3,199			(20,404		)	3,433
Interest expense	(30,942		)	(44,467		)	(7,008		)	20,404			(62,013		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(2,600		)	(4,378		)	—			—			(6,978		)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	(12,428		)	70,750			13,595			—			71,917
Income tax (benefit) provision	(14,679		)	(2,668		)	3,205			—			(14,142		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			3,772			—			3,772
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	2,251			73,418			14,162			—			89,831
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	87,580			—			—			(87,580		)	—
Income from continuing operations	89,831			73,418			14,162			(87,580		)	89,831
Net income loss from discontinued operations	(2,265		)	—			—			—			(2,265		)
Net income	87,566			73,418			14,162			(87,580		)	87,566
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(42		)	—			(42		)
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	87,566		$	73,418		$	14,120		$	(87,580	)	$	87,524
Net income	$	87,566		$	73,418		$	14,162		$	(87,580	)	$	87,566
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—			121			(5,912		)	—			(5,791		)
Total comprehensive income	87,566			73,539			8,250			(87,580		)	81,775
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			38			—			38
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	87,566		$	73,539		$	8,288		$	(87,580	)	$	81,813
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
				Guarantors			Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	446,997		$	541,291		$	172,740		$	(60,697	)	$	1,100,331
Operating expenses	390,472			339,494			138,734			(60,697		)	808,003
Depreciation and amortization	21,572			40,372			6,201			—			68,145
General and administrative expenses	28,405			38,980			11,758			—			79,143
Operating income (loss)	6,548			122,445			16,047			—			145,040
Interest income	23,833			1,271			4,902			(24,787		)	5,219
Interest expense	(51,042		)	(24,270		)	(11,504		)	24,787			(62,029		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			(8,462		)	—			—			(8,462		)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	(20,661		)	90,984			9,445			—			79,768
Income tax (benefit) provision	(7,316		)	35,044			4,547			—			32,275
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			1,652			—			1,652
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(13,345		)	55,940			6,550			—			49,145
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	62,489			—			—			(62,489		)	—
Income from continuing operations	49,144			55,940			6,550			(62,489		)	49,145
Net income from discontinued operations	3,117			4,842			716			(5,558		)	3,117
Net income	52,261			60,782			7,266			(68,047		)	52,262
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			881			—			881
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	52,261		$	60,782		$	8,147		$	(68,047	)	$	53,143
Net income	$	52,261		$	60,782		$	7,266		$	(68,047	)	$	52,262
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	89			—			(469		)	—			(380		)
Total comprehensive income	$	52,350		$	60,782		$	6,797		$	(68,047	)	$	51,882
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			900			—			900
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	52,350		$	60,782		$	7,697		$	(68,047	)	$	52,782
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
	As of September 30, 2013
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
				Guarantors			Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,964		$	3,479		$	24,718		$	—		$	53,161
Restricted cash and investments	—			—			9,337			—			9,337
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	78,712			147,352			18,494			—			244,558
Current deferred income tax assets	—			14,605			3,685			—			18,290
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,264			23,817			16,554			(1,154		)	48,481
Total current assets	112,940			189,253			72,788			(1,154		)	373,827
Restricted Cash and Investments	149			10,008			14,146			—			24,303
Property and Equipment, Net	684,368			959,137			85,902			—			1,729,407
Assets Held for Sale	—			1,200			—			—			1,200
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	—			—			19,310			—			19,310
Intercompany Receivable	935,735			193,497			—			(1,129,232		)	—
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	—			—			2,532			—			2,532
Goodwill	34			489,502			694			—			490,230
Intangible Assets, Net	—			165,767			1,318			—			167,085
Investment in Subsidiaries	969,465			420,318			—			(1,389,783		)	—
Other Non-Current Assets	25,890			105,758			35,431			(79,568		)	87,511
Total Assets	$	2,728,581		$	2,534,440		$	232,121		$	(2,599,737	)	$	2,895,405
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	2,163		$	40,723		$	3,171		$	—		$	46,057
Accrued payroll and related taxes	207			29,371			16,859			—			46,437
Accrued expenses	41,780			62,520			16,123			(1,155		)	119,268
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	3,000			1,193			12,927			—			17,120
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	2,265			—			—			—			2,265
Total current liabilities	49,415			133,807			49,080			(1,155		)	231,147
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	—			15,703			—			—			15,703
Intercompany Payable	183,142			931,904			14,187			(1,129,233		)	—
Other Non-Current Liabilities	13,872			136,647			3,269			(79,564		)	74,224
Capital Lease Obligations	—			11,177			—			—			11,177
Long-Term Debt	1,448,233			—			—			—			1,448,233
Non-Recourse Debt	—			—			80,548			—			80,548
Commitments & Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	1,033,919			1,305,202			84,583			(1,389,785		)	1,033,919
Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			454			—			454
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,033,919			1,305,202			85,037			(1,389,785		)	1,034,373
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	2,728,581		$	2,534,440		$	232,121		$	(2,599,737	)	$	2,895,405
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(dollars in thousands)
	As of December 31, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
				Guarantors			Subsidiaries
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,764		$	1,917		$	25,074		$	—		$	31,755
Restricted cash and investments	—			—			15,654			—			15,654
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	124,670			102,704			19,261			—			246,635
Current deferred income tax assets	13,106			1,498			3,686			—			18,290
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,657			5,890			11,456			(1,154		)	24,849
Total current assets	151,197			112,009			75,131			(1,154		)	337,183
Restricted Cash and Investments	7,953			—			24,803			—			32,756
Property and Equipment, Net	633,458			939,995			113,706			—			1,687,159
Assets Held for Sale	—			3,243			—			—			3,243
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	—			—			26,757			—			26,757
Intercompany Receivable	591,273			14,305			—			(605,578		)	—
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	16,230			—			2,532			(16,230		)	2,532
Goodwill	34			489,502			772			—			490,308
Intangible Assets, Net	—			176,666			1,652			—			178,318
Investment in Subsidiaries	1,151,998			41,356			—			(1,193,354		)	—
Other Non-Current Assets	38,574			84,931			36,584			(79,151		)	80,938
Total Assets	$	2,590,717		$	1,862,007		$	281,937		$	(1,895,467	)	$	2,839,194
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	29,889		$	17,407		$	2,814		$	—		$	50,110
Accrued payroll and related taxes	4,774			16,264			18,284			—			39,322
Accrued expenses	94,350			5,515			17,846			(1,154		)	116,557
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	33,925			1,311			18,646			—			53,882
Total current liabilities	162,938			40,497			57,590			(1,154		)	259,871
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	—			31,933			—			(16,230		)	15,703
Intercompany Payable	—			586,428			19,150			(605,578		)	—
Other Non-Current Liabilities	63,657			96,822			697			(79,151		)	82,025
Capital Lease Obligations	—			11,926			—			—			11,926
Long-Term Debt	1,317,310			219			—			—			1,317,529
Non-Recourse Debt	—			—			104,836			—			104,836
Commitments & Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	1,046,812			1,094,182			99,172			(1,193,354		)	1,046,812
Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			492			—			492
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,046,812			1,094,182			99,664			(1,193,354		)	1,047,304
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	2,590,717		$	1,862,007		$	281,937		$	(1,895,467	)	$	2,839,194
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Consolidated
				Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
				Guarantors			Subsidiaries
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	110,143		$	30,302		$	15,110		$	155,555
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	$	2,265		$	—		$	—		$	2,265
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	112,408		$	30,302		$	15,110		$	157,820
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			204			—			204
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	—			1,968			—			1,968
Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture	(996		)	—			—			(996		)
Change in restricted cash and investments	(149		)	(2,055		)	16,180			13,976
Capital expenditures	(71,848		)	(27,967		)	(1,635		)	(101,450		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(72,993		)	(27,850		)	14,545			(86,298		)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	842,000			—			—			842,000
Payments on long-term debt	(741,424		)	(890		)	(27,042		)	(769,356		)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	228			—			—			228
Debt issuance costs	(19,317		)	—			—			(19,317		)
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	1,883			—			—			1,883
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,941			—			—			4,941
Cash dividends paid	(107,526		)	—			—			(107,526		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(19,215		)	(890		)	(27,042		)	(47,147		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			(2,969		)	(2,969		)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	20,200			1,562			(356		)	21,406
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	4,764			1,917			25,074			31,755
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	24,964		$	3,479		$	24,718		$	53,161
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Consolidated
				Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
				Guarantors			Subsidiaries
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	85,422		$	81,376		$	61,941		$	228,739
Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	339			(4,378		)	2,863			(1,176		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	85,761			76,998			64,804			227,563
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	—			(35,154		)	—			(35,154		)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	302			203			103			608
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	—			5,641						5,641
Change in restricted cash and investments	416			—			40,659			41,075
Capital expenditures	(58,709		)	(28,750		)	(3,019		)	(90,478		)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	(57,991		)	(58,060		)	37,743			(78,308		)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(388		)	(1,787		)	—			(2,175		)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(58,379		)	(59,847		)	37,743			(80,483		)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(5,758		)	(5,758		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	263,000			—			—			263,000
Payments on long-term debt	(247,834		)	(1,038		)	(103,259		)	(352,131		)
Payments for retirement of common stock	(1,035		)	—			—			(1,035		)
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	—			(14,861		)	—			(14,861		)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	373			—			—			373
Decrease in common stock	(48		)	—			—			(48		)
Debt issuance costs	(880		)	—			(37		)	(917		)
Income tax provision of equity compensation	241			—			—			241
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,846			—			—			1,846
Cash dividends paid	(12,304		)	—			—			(12,304		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,359			(15,899		)	(109,054		)	(121,594		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			15			15
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	30,741			1,252			(6,492		)	25,501
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	15,086			3,091			25,200			43,377
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	45,827		$	4,343		$	18,708		$	68,878

Basis_of_Presentation_Policies

Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Consolidation policy	'
	The Company evaluates its joint ventures and other entities in which it has a variable interest (a “VIE”), generally in the form of investments, loans, guarantees, or equity, in order to determine if it has a controlling financial interest and is required to consolidate the entity as a result. The reporting entity with a variable interest that provides the entity with a controlling financial interest in the VIE will have both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'
	The Company's intangible assets include facility management contracts, non-compete agreements and the trade name and technology of BI, as follows (in thousands):
				September 30, 2013							December 31, 2012
		Weighted Average Useful Life (years)		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Amount
	Facility management contracts	13.4		$	151,657	$	(41,772	)	$	109,885	$	151,913	$	(33,141	)	$	118,772
	Covenants not to compete	2		8,570		(8,570		)	—		8,570		(8,495		)	75
	Technology	7		21,200		(8,000		)	13,200		21,200		(5,729		)	15,471
	Trade name (Indefinite lived)	Indefinite		44,000		—			44,000		44,000		—			44,000
	Total acquired intangible assets			$	225,427	$	(58,342	)	$	167,085	$	225,683	$	(47,365	)	$	178,318
Estimated amortization expense for the remainder	'
	Estimated amortization expense related to the Company's finite-lived intangible assets for the remainder of fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):
	Fiscal Year		Total Amortization Expense
	Remainder of 2013		$	3,633
	2014		14,529
	2015		14,529
	2016		14,529
	2017		14,529
	Thereafter		61,336
			$	123,085

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]	'
Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	'
	The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s significant financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
				Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value at September 30, 2013		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
				Active Markets		Observable  Inputs		Unobservable
				(Level 1)		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets:
	Interest rate swap derivative assets	$	4,045	$	—	$	4,045	$	—
	Restricted investments:
	Guaranteed Investment Contract	5,742		—		5,742		—
	Rabbi Trust	8,772		8,772		—		—
	Fixed income securities	2,042		—		2,042		—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	$	495	$	—	$	495	$	—
				Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
		Carrying		Quoted Prices in		Significant Other		Significant
		Value at		Active Markets		Observable  Inputs		Unobservable
		31-Dec-12		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)
	Assets:
	Interest rate swap derivative assets	$	6,212	$	—	$	6,212	$	—
	Restricted investments:
	Guaranteed Investment Contract	5,742		—		5,742		—
	Rabbi Trust	7,718		7,718		—		—
	Fixed income securities	2,152		—		2,152		—
	Liabilities:
	Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	$	708	$	—	$	708	$	—

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi1

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'
	The following tables present the carrying values of those financial instruments and the estimated corresponding fair values at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
		Carrying Value as of September 30, 2013		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	53,161	$	53,161	$	53,161	$	—	$	—
	Restricted cash	19,126		19,126		19,126		—		—
	Liabilities:
	Borrowings under senior credit facility	$	599,250	$	602,991	$	—	$	602,991	$	—
	7¾% Senior Notes	247,867		261,095		—		261,095		—
	6.625% Senior Notes	300,000		317,064		—		317,064		—
	5.125% Senior Notes	300,000		276,750		—		276,750		—
	Non-recourse debt, Australian subsidiary	26,759		27,446		—		27,446		—
	Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	66,813		68,852		—		68,852		—
				Estimated Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
		Carrying Value as of December 31, 2012		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	31,755	$	31,755	$	31,755	$	—	$	—
	Restricted cash	34,949		34,949		34,949		—		—
	Liabilities:
	Borrowings under senior credit facility	$	797,430	$	803,097	$	—	$	803,097	$	—
	7¾% Senior Notes	247,543		270,313		—		270,313		—
	6.625% Senior Notes	300,000		335,814		—		335,814		—
	Non-recourse debt, Australian subsidiary	34,832		34,973		—		34,973		—
	Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	88,650		91,345		—		91,345		—

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to noncontrolling interests	'
	The following table presents the changes in shareholders’ equity that are attributable to the Company’s shareholders and to noncontrolling interests (in thousands):
		Common shares							Additional				Earnings in Excess of				Accumulated			Treasury shares					Noncontrolling			Total
									Paid-In								Other											Shareholders'
																	Comprehensive
		Shares			Amount				Capital				Distributions				Income (Loss)			Shares		Amount			Interests			Equity
	Balance, December 31, 2012	71,417			$	860			$	832,230			$	264,667			$	2,670		14,590		$	(53,615	)	$	492		$	1,047,304
	Proceeds from exercise of stock options	293			3				4,938				—				—			—		—			—			4,941
	Tax benefit related to equity compensation	—			—				1,883				—				—			—		—			—			1,883
	Stock based compensation expense	—			—				1,014				—				—			—		—			—			1,014
	Restricted stock granted	345			3				(3		)		—				—					—			—			—
	Restricted stock canceled	(8	)		—				—				—				—			—		—			—			—
	Amortization of restricted stock	—			—				4,754				—				—			—		—			—			4,754
	Dividends paid	—			—				—				(107,526		)		—			—		—			—			(107,526		)
	Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP)	7			—				203				—				—			(7	)	25			—			228
	Net income	—			—				—				87,524				—			—		—			42			87,566
	Other comprehensive loss	—			—				—				—				(5,711		)	—		—			(80		)	(5,791		)
	Balance, September 30, 2013	72,054			$	866			$	845,019			$	244,665			$	(3,041	)	14,583		$	(53,590	)	$	454		$	1,034,373
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to GEO included in the consolidated statement of shareholders' equity are as follows:
			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
			(In thousands)
			Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. [1]				Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax				Pension adjustments, net of tax				Total
	Balance, December 31, 2012		$	5,755			$	(457	)		$	(2,628	)		$	2,670
	Current-period other comprehensive (loss) income		(5,970		)		138				121				(5,711		)
	Balance, September 30, 2013		$	(215	)		$	(319	)		$	(2,507	)		$	(3,041	)
	[1] The foreign currency translation related to noncontrolling interests was not significant at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012, respectively.

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Tables

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Summary of the activity of stock option awards	'
	The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of each option awarded. A summary of the activity of stock option awards issued and outstanding under Company plans is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares		Wtd. Avg.		Wtd. Avg.	Aggregate
				Exercise		Remaining	Intrinsic
				Price		Contractual Term (years)	Value
		(in thousands)					(in thousands)
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,198		$	18.92	6.85	$	11,090
	Options granted	—		—
	Options exercised	(293	)	$	16.85
	Options forfeited/canceled/expired	(21	)	$	21.43
	Options outstanding at September 30, 2013	884		$	19.68	6.65	$	11,994
	Options vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	861		$	19.63	6.62	$	11,727
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	545		$	18.92	6.17	$	7,819
Summary of the activity of restricted stock	'
	A summary of the activity of restricted stock outstanding is as follows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
		Shares		Wtd. Avg.
				Grant  Date
				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2012	670		$	18.14
	Granted	345		37.4
	Vested	(271	)	18.45
	Forfeited/canceled	(8	)	34.88
	Restricted stock outstanding at September 30, 2013	736		$	26.87

Earnings_Per_Share_From_Contin1

Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) from continuing operations were calculated for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and September 30, 2012 as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12
	Income from continuing operations	$	32,174		$	14,535	$	89,831		$	49,145
	Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(12		)	890		(42		)	881
	Net income from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	32,162			15,425		89,789			50,026
	Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:
	Weighted average shares outstanding	71,201			60,906		71,046			60,838
	Per share amount from continuing operations	$	0.45		$	0.25	$	1.26		$	0.82
	Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:
	Weighted average shares outstanding	71,201			60,906		71,046			60,838
	Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock	454			396		511			245
	Weighted average shares assuming dilution	71,655			61,302		71,557			61,083
	Per share amount from continuing operations	$	0.45		$	0.25	$	1.25		$	0.82

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Debt	'
	Debt outstanding as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Senior Credit Facility:
	Term loan	$	299,250		$	563,625
	Unamortized discount on term loan	—			(1,195		)
	Revolver	300,000			235,000
	Total Senior Credit Facility	599,250			797,430
	5.125% Senior Notes:
	Notes due in 2023	300,000			—
	6.625% Senior Notes:
	Notes due in 2021	300,000			300,000
	7 3/4% Senior Notes:
	Notes due in 2017	250,000			250,000
	Unamortized discount on Notes	(2,133		)	(2,457		)
	Swap on Notes	4,045			6,212
	Total 7 3/4% Senior Notes	251,912			253,755
	Non-Recourse Debt :
	Non-Recourse Debt	94,504			124,947
	Unamortized discount on Non-Recourse Debt	(1,028		)	(1,465		)
	Total Non-Recourse Debt	93,476			123,482
	Capital Lease Obligations	12,165			12,994
	Other debt	275			512
	Total debt	1,557,078			1,488,173
	Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	(17,120		)	(53,882		)
	Capital Lease Obligations, long-term portion	(11,177		)	(11,926		)
	Non-Recourse Debt	(80,548		)	(104,836		)
	Long-Term Debt	$	1,448,233		$	1,317,529
Indebtedness under the revolver and the term loan A and term loan A -2 bears interest	'
	Indebtedness under the Revolver bears interest based on the Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, as of the most recent determination date, as defined, in each of the instances below at the stated rate:
	LIBOR borrowings		LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.75%.
	Base rate borrowings		Prime Rate plus 0.75% to 1.75%.
	Letters of credit		1.75% to 2.75%.
	Unused Revolver		0.35% to 0.375%.
Debt Instrument Redemption	'
	On or after April 1, 2018, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or a part of the 5.125% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days' notice at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, on the 5.125% Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:
	Year		Percentage
	2018		102.563
	2019		101.708
	2020		100.854
	2021 and thereafter		100

Business_Segments_and_Geograph1

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating and Reporting Segments	'
	The Company's segment revenues from external customers and a measure of segment profit are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12
	Revenues:
	U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	253,414		$	243,955		$	756,229		$	724,665
	GEO Community Services	76,879			72,657			225,892			217,682
	International Services	49,549			52,504			156,405			157,984
	Total revenues	$	379,842		$	369,116		$	1,138,526		$	1,100,331
	Operating income:
	U.S. Corrections & Detention (1)	$	50,826		$	58,814		$	161,550		$	165,675
	GEO Community Services (1)	17,128			16,277			53,387			49,620
	International Services	4,097			2,939			9,163			8,888
	Operating income from segments	$	72,051		$	78,030		$	224,100		$	224,183
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s total operating income from its reportable segments to the Company’s income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12			30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12
	Total operating income from segments	$	72,051		$	78,030		$	224,100		$	224,183
	Unallocated amounts:
	General and Administrative Expenses	(27,222		)	(26,428		)	(86,625		)	(79,143		)
	Net Interest Expense	(20,485		)	(18,954		)	(58,580		)	(56,810		)
	Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	(1,451		)	(8,462		)	(6,978		)	(8,462		)
	Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	$	22,893		$	24,186		$	71,917		$	79,768

Benefit_Plans_Tables

Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Company Plan Benefit Expense	'
	The following table summarizes key information related to the Company’s pension plans and retirement agreements (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
	Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	$	19,761		$	16,879
	Service cost	694			774
	Interest cost	622			787
	Plan amendments	—			569
	Actuarial loss	—			945
	Benefits paid	(205		)	(193		)
	Projected benefit obligation, end of period	$	20,872		$	19,761
	Change in Plan Assets
	Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period	$	—		$	—
	Company contributions	205			193
	Benefits paid	(205		)	(193		)
	Plan assets at fair value, end of period	$	—		$	—
	Unfunded Status of the Plan	$	(20,872	)	$	(19,761	)
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13			30-Sep-12			30-Sep-13		30-Sep-12
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
	Service cost	$	232		$	193		$	694	$	580
	Interest cost	207			197			622		590
	Net loss	66			48			197		145
	Net periodic pension cost	$	505		$	438		$	1,513	$	1,315

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET	'
		As of September 30, 2013
		The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
					Guarantors			Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	24,964		$	3,479		$	24,718		$	—		$	53,161
	Restricted cash and investments	—			—			9,337			—			9,337
	Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	78,712			147,352			18,494			—			244,558
	Current deferred income tax assets	—			14,605			3,685			—			18,290
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,264			23,817			16,554			(1,154		)	48,481
	Total current assets	112,940			189,253			72,788			(1,154		)	373,827
	Restricted Cash and Investments	149			10,008			14,146			—			24,303
	Property and Equipment, Net	684,368			959,137			85,902			—			1,729,407
	Assets Held for Sale	—			1,200			—			—			1,200
	Direct Finance Lease Receivable	—			—			19,310			—			19,310
	Intercompany Receivable	935,735			193,497			—			(1,129,232		)	—
	Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	—			—			2,532			—			2,532
	Goodwill	34			489,502			694			—			490,230
	Intangible Assets, Net	—			165,767			1,318			—			167,085
	Investment in Subsidiaries	969,465			420,318			—			(1,389,783		)	—
	Other Non-Current Assets	25,890			105,758			35,431			(79,568		)	87,511
	Total Assets	$	2,728,581		$	2,534,440		$	232,121		$	(2,599,737	)	$	2,895,405
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	Accounts payable	$	2,163		$	40,723		$	3,171		$	—		$	46,057
	Accrued payroll and related taxes	207			29,371			16,859			—			46,437
	Accrued expenses	41,780			62,520			16,123			(1,155		)	119,268
	Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	3,000			1,193			12,927			—			17,120
	Current liabilities of discontinued operations	2,265			—			—			—			2,265
	Total current liabilities	49,415			133,807			49,080			(1,155		)	231,147
	Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	—			15,703			—			—			15,703
	Intercompany Payable	183,142			931,904			14,187			(1,129,233		)	—
	Other Non-Current Liabilities	13,872			136,647			3,269			(79,564		)	74,224
	Capital Lease Obligations	—			11,177			—			—			11,177
	Long-Term Debt	1,448,233			—			—			—			1,448,233
	Non-Recourse Debt	—			—			80,548			—			80,548
	Commitments & Contingencies
	Shareholders' Equity:
	The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	1,033,919			1,305,202			84,583			(1,389,785		)	1,033,919
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			454			—			454
	Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,033,919			1,305,202			85,037			(1,389,785		)	1,034,373
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	2,728,581		$	2,534,440		$	232,121		$	(2,599,737	)	$	2,895,405
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	(dollars in thousands)
		As of December 31, 2012
		The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
					Guarantors			Subsidiaries
	ASSETS
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,764		$	1,917		$	25,074		$	—		$	31,755
	Restricted cash and investments	—			—			15,654			—			15,654
	Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	124,670			102,704			19,261			—			246,635
	Current deferred income tax assets	13,106			1,498			3,686			—			18,290
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,657			5,890			11,456			(1,154		)	24,849
	Total current assets	151,197			112,009			75,131			(1,154		)	337,183
	Restricted Cash and Investments	7,953			—			24,803			—			32,756
	Property and Equipment, Net	633,458			939,995			113,706			—			1,687,159
	Assets Held for Sale	—			3,243			—			—			3,243
	Direct Finance Lease Receivable	—			—			26,757			—			26,757
	Intercompany Receivable	591,273			14,305			—			(605,578		)	—
	Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	16,230			—			2,532			(16,230		)	2,532
	Goodwill	34			489,502			772			—			490,308
	Intangible Assets, Net	—			176,666			1,652			—			178,318
	Investment in Subsidiaries	1,151,998			41,356			—			(1,193,354		)	—
Other Non-Current Assets	38,574			84,931			36,584			(79,151		)	80,938
Total Assets	$	2,590,717		$	1,862,007		$	281,937		$	(1,895,467	)	$	2,839,194
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	29,889		$	17,407		$	2,814		$	—		$	50,110
Accrued payroll and related taxes	4,774			16,264			18,284			—			39,322
Accrued expenses	94,350			5,515			17,846			(1,154		)	116,557
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	33,925			1,311			18,646			—			53,882
Total current liabilities	162,938			40,497			57,590			(1,154		)	259,871
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	—			31,933			—			(16,230		)	15,703
Intercompany Payable	—			586,428			19,150			(605,578		)	—
Other Non-Current Liabilities	63,657			96,822			697			(79,151		)	82,025
Capital Lease Obligations	—			11,926			—			—			11,926
Long-Term Debt	1,317,310			219			—			—			1,317,529
Non-Recourse Debt	—			—			104,836			—			104,836
Commitments & Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
The GEO Group, Inc. Shareholders' Equity	1,046,812			1,094,182			99,172			(1,193,354		)	1,046,812
Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			492			—			492
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,046,812			1,094,182			99,664			(1,193,354		)	1,047,304
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	2,590,717		$	1,862,007		$	281,937		$	(1,895,467	)	$	2,839,194
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME	'
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	(dollars in thousands)
	(unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
					Guarantors			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	131,159		$	301,244		$	52,584		$	(105,145	)	$	379,842
	Operating expenses	115,671			233,143			40,234			(105,145		)	283,903
	Depreciation and amortization	6,266			16,411			1,211			—			23,888
	General and administrative expenses	9,235			14,314			3,673			—			27,222
	Operating income (loss)	(13		)	37,376			7,466			—			44,829
	Interest income	11,358			382			980			(11,636		)	1,084
	Interest expense	(10,650		)	(20,328		)	(2,227		)	11,636			(21,569		)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt	—			(1,451		)	—			—			(1,451		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	695			15,979			6,219			—			22,893
	Income tax (benefit) provision	(5,673		)	(3,300		)	1,218			—			(7,755		)
	Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			1,526			—			1,526
	Income before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	6,368			19,279			6,527			—			32,174
	Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	25,806			—			—			(25,806		)	—
	Income from continuing operations	32,174			19,279			6,527			(25,806		)	32,174
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(2,265		)	—			—			—			(2,265		)
	Net income	29,909			19,279			6,527			(25,806		)	29,909
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(12		)	—			(12		)
	Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	29,909		$	19,279		$	6,515		$	(25,806	)	$	29,897
	Net income	$	29,909		$	19,279		$	6,527		$	(25,806	)	$	29,909
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—			40			608			—			648
	Total comprehensive income	$	29,909		$	19,319		$	7,135		$	(25,806	)	$	30,557
	Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(4		)	—			(4		)
	Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	29,909		$	19,319		$	7,131		$	(25,806	)	$	30,553
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	(dollars in thousands)
	(unaudited)
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
					Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
					Guarantors			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	152,628		$	179,803		$	56,967		$	(20,282	)	$	369,116
	Operating expenses	129,012			111,489			47,923			(20,282		)	268,142
	Depreciation and amortization	7,328			13,687			1,929			—			22,944
	General and administrative expenses	9,625			12,903			3,900			—			26,428
	Operating income	6,663			41,724			3,215			—			51,602
	Interest income	8,178			385			1,640			(8,552		)	1,651
	Interest expense	(17,288		)	(8,433		)	(3,436		)	8,552			(20,605		)
	Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			(8,462		)	—			—			(8,462		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	(2,447		)	25,214			1,419			—			24,186
	Income tax (benefit) provision	(994		)	9,873			1,246			—			10,125
	Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			474			—			474
	Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(1,453		)	15,341			647			—			14,535
	Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	15,988			—			—			(15,988		)	—
	Income from continuing operations	14,535			15,341			647			(15,988		)	14,535
	Net income from discontinued operations	192			1,724			164			(1,888		)	192
	Net income	14,727			17,065			811			(17,876		)	14,727
	Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			890			—			890
	Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	14,727		$	17,065		$	1,701		$	(17,876	)	$	15,617
	Net income	$	14,727		$	17,065		$	811		$	(17,876	)	$	14,727
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	30			—			85			—			115
	Total comprehensive income	$	14,757		$	17,065		$	896		$	(17,876	)	$	14,842
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			903			—			903
	Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	14,757		$	17,065		$	1,799		$	(17,876	)	$	15,745
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
	(dollars in thousands)
	(unaudited)
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
				Guarantors			Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	363,508		$	927,893		$	165,553		$	(318,428	)	$	1,138,526
Operating expenses	317,189			712,814			132,371			(318,428		)	843,946
Depreciation and amortization	17,963			48,849			3,668			—			70,480
General and administrative expenses	26,589			47,926			12,110			—			86,625
Operating income (loss)	1,767			118,304			17,404			—			137,475
Interest income	19,347			1,291			3,199			(20,404		)	3,433
Interest expense	(30,942		)	(44,467		)	(7,008		)	20,404			(62,013		)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(2,600		)	(4,378		)	—			—			(6,978		)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	(12,428		)	70,750			13,595			—			71,917
Income tax (benefit) provision	(14,679		)	(2,668		)	3,205			—			(14,142		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			3,772			—			3,772
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	2,251			73,418			14,162			—			89,831
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	87,580			—			—			(87,580		)	—
Income from continuing operations	89,831			73,418			14,162			(87,580		)	89,831
Net income loss from discontinued operations	(2,265		)	—			—			—			(2,265		)
Net income	87,566			73,418			14,162			(87,580		)	87,566
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(42		)	—			(42		)
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	87,566		$	73,418		$	14,120		$	(87,580	)	$	87,524
Net income	$	87,566		$	73,418		$	14,162		$	(87,580	)	$	87,566
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	—			121			(5,912		)	—			(5,791		)
Total comprehensive income	87,566			73,539			8,250			(87,580		)	81,775
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			38			—			38
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	87,566		$	73,539		$	8,288		$	(87,580	)	$	81,813
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Eliminations			Consolidated
				Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
				Guarantors			Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	446,997		$	541,291		$	172,740		$	(60,697	)	$	1,100,331
Operating expenses	390,472			339,494			138,734			(60,697		)	808,003
Depreciation and amortization	21,572			40,372			6,201			—			68,145
General and administrative expenses	28,405			38,980			11,758			—			79,143
Operating income (loss)	6,548			122,445			16,047			—			145,040
Interest income	23,833			1,271			4,902			(24,787		)	5,219
Interest expense	(51,042		)	(24,270		)	(11,504		)	24,787			(62,029		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			(8,462		)	—			—			(8,462		)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	(20,661		)	90,984			9,445			—			79,768
Income tax (benefit) provision	(7,316		)	35,044			4,547			—			32,275
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			1,652			—			1,652
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(13,345		)	55,940			6,550			—			49,145
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	62,489			—			—			(62,489		)	—
Income from continuing operations	49,144			55,940			6,550			(62,489		)	49,145
Net income from discontinued operations	3,117			4,842			716			(5,558		)	3,117
Net income	52,261			60,782			7,266			(68,047		)	52,262
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			881			—			881
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	52,261		$	60,782		$	8,147		$	(68,047	)	$	53,143
Net income	$	52,261		$	60,782		$	7,266		$	(68,047	)	$	52,262
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	89			—			(469		)	—			(380		)
Total comprehensive income	$	52,350		$	60,782		$	6,797		$	(68,047	)	$	51,882
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			900			—			900
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	52,350		$	60,782		$	7,697		$	(68,047	)	$	52,782
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	'
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Consolidated
					Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
					Guarantors			Subsidiaries
	Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
	Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	110,143		$	30,302		$	15,110		$	155,555
	Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	$	2,265		$	—		$	—		$	2,265
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	112,408		$	30,302		$	15,110		$	157,820
	Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
	Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			204			—			204
	Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	—			1,968			—			1,968
	Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture	(996		)	—			—			(996		)
	Change in restricted cash and investments	(149		)	(2,055		)	16,180			13,976
	Capital expenditures	(71,848		)	(27,967		)	(1,635		)	(101,450		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(72,993		)	(27,850		)	14,545			(86,298		)
	Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
	Proceeds from long-term debt	842,000			—			—			842,000
	Payments on long-term debt	(741,424		)	(890		)	(27,042		)	(769,356		)
	Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	228			—			—			228
	Debt issuance costs	(19,317		)	—			—			(19,317		)
	Income tax benefit of equity compensation	1,883			—			—			1,883
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,941			—			—			4,941
	Cash dividends paid	(107,526		)	—			—			(107,526		)
	Net cash used in financing activities	(19,215		)	(890		)	(27,042		)	(47,147		)
	Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			(2,969		)	(2,969		)
	Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	20,200			1,562			(356		)	21,406
	Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	4,764			1,917			25,074			31,755
	Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	24,964		$	3,479		$	24,718		$	53,161
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	(dollars in thousands)
	(unaudited)
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined			Combined			Consolidated
					Subsidiary			Non-Guarantor
					Guarantors			Subsidiaries
	Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
	Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	85,422		$	81,376		$	61,941		$	228,739
	Cash provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	339			(4,378		)	2,863			(1,176		)
	Net cash provided by operating activities	85,761			76,998			64,804			227,563
	Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
	Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	—			(35,154		)	—			(35,154		)
	Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	302			203			103			608
	Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	—			5,641						5,641
	Change in restricted cash and investments	416			—			40,659			41,075
	Capital expenditures	(58,709		)	(28,750		)	(3,019		)	(90,478		)
	Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	(57,991		)	(58,060		)	37,743			(78,308		)
	Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(388		)	(1,787		)	—			(2,175		)
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(58,379		)	(59,847		)	37,743			(80,483		)
	Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
	Distribution to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(5,758		)	(5,758		)
	Proceeds from long-term debt	263,000			—			—			263,000
	Payments on long-term debt	(247,834		)	(1,038		)	(103,259		)	(352,131		)
	Payments for retirement of common stock	(1,035		)	—			—			(1,035		)
	Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	—			(14,861		)	—			(14,861		)
	Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	373			—			—			373
	Decrease in common stock	(48		)	—			—			(48		)
	Debt issuance costs	(880		)	—			(37		)	(917		)
	Income tax provision of equity compensation	241			—			—			241
	Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	1,846			—			—			1,846
	Cash dividends paid	(12,304		)	—			—			(12,304		)
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,359			(15,899		)	(109,054		)	(121,594		)
	Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			15			15
	Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	30,741			1,252			(6,492		)	25,501
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	15,086			3,091			25,200			43,377
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	45,827		$	4,343		$	18,708		$	68,878

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_

Basis of Presentation (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 2013
	agency
	state
	person
	bed
	facility
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Number of beds	73,000
Correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities including projects under development	96
Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders (more than 70,000)	70,000
Number of federal, state and local correctional agencies to which company provides monitoring services	900
Number of states in which the company operates	50

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	($58,342)	($47,365)
Net Carrying Amount	123,085	'
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	167,085	178,318
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill)	225,427	225,683
Facility management contracts	'	'
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Useful Life (years)	'13 years 4 months 24 days	'
Gross Carrying Amount	151,657	151,913
Accumulated Amortization	-41,772	-33,141
Net Carrying Amount	109,885	118,772
Covenants not to compete	'	'
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Useful Life (years)	'2 years	'
Gross Carrying Amount	8,570	8,570
Accumulated Amortization	-8,570	-8,495
Net Carrying Amount	0	75
Technology	'	'
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted Average Useful Life (years)	'7 years	'
Gross Carrying Amount	21,200	21,200
Accumulated Amortization	-8,000	-5,729
Net Carrying Amount	13,200	15,471
Trade names	'	'
Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Trade name (Indefinite lived)	44,000	44,000
Trade name	$44,000	$44,000

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details 1) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Estimated amortization expense for the remainder	'
Remainder of 2013	$3,633
2014	14,529
2015	14,529
2016	14,529
2017	14,529
Thereafter	61,336
Net Carrying Amount	$123,085

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization expense	$3.60	$4.20	$11	$13.40
Facility management contracts	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average period	'	'	'1 year 4 months 24 days	'

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative assets	$4,045	$6,212
Restricted investments:	'	'
Guaranteed Investment Contract	5,742	5,742
Rabbi Trust	8,772	7,718
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,042	2,152
Liabilities:	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	495	708
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative assets	0	0
Restricted investments:	'	'
Guaranteed Investment Contract	0	0
Rabbi Trust	8,772	7,718
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative assets	4,045	6,212
Restricted investments:	'	'
Guaranteed Investment Contract	5,742	5,742
Rabbi Trust	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	2,042	2,152
Liabilities:	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	495	708
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative assets	0	0
Restricted investments:	'	'
Guaranteed Investment Contract	0	0
Rabbi Trust	0	0
Held-to-maturity Securities, Fair Value	0	0
Liabilities:	'	'
Interest rate swap derivative liabilities	$0	$0

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi2

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$53,161,000	$31,755,000	$68,878,000	$43,377,000
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	93,476,000	123,482,000	'	'
Carrying Value	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	53,161,000	31,755,000	'	'
Restricted cash	19,126,000	34,949,000	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Borrowings under senior credit facility	599,250,000	797,430,000	'	'
Carrying Value | 7¾% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	247,867,000	247,543,000	'	'
Carrying Value | 6.625% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	300,000,000	300,000,000	'	'
Carrying Value | 5.125% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	300,000,000	'	'	'
Carrying Value | Other non recourse debt including current portion [Member]	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	66,813,000	88,650,000	'	'
Total Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	53,161,000	31,755,000	'	'
Restricted cash	19,126,000	34,949,000	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Borrowings under senior credit facility	602,991,000	803,097,000	'	'
Total Fair Value | 7¾% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	261,095,000	270,313,000	'	'
Total Fair Value | 6.625% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	317,064,000	335,814,000	'	'
Total Fair Value | 5.125% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	276,750,000	'	'	'
Total Fair Value | Other non recourse debt including current portion [Member]	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	68,852,000	91,345,000	'	'
Level 1	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	53,161,000	31,755,000	'	'
Restricted cash	19,126,000	34,949,000	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Borrowings under senior credit facility	0	0	'	'
Level 1 | 7¾% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	0	0	'	'
Level 1 | 6.625% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	0	0	'	'
Level 1 | 5.125% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	0	'	'	'
Level 1 | Other non recourse debt including current portion [Member]	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	0	0	'	'
Level 2	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Restricted cash	0	0	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Borrowings under senior credit facility	602,991,000	803,097,000	'	'
Level 2 | 7¾% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	261,095,000	270,313,000	'	'
Level 2 | 6.625% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	317,064,000	335,814,000	'	'
Level 2 | 5.125% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	276,750,000	'	'	'
Level 2 | Other non recourse debt including current portion [Member]	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	68,852,000	91,345,000	'	'
Level 3	'	'	'	'
Assets:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Restricted cash	0	0	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Borrowings under senior credit facility	0	0	'	'
Level 3 | 7¾% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	0	0	'	'
Level 3 | 6.625% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	0	0	'	'
Level 3 | 5.125% Senior Notes	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes	0	'	'	'
Level 3 | Other non recourse debt including current portion [Member]	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	0	0	'	'
Australian subsidiary | Carrying Value	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	26,759,000	34,832,000	'	'
Australian subsidiary | Total Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	27,446,000	34,973,000	'	'
Australian subsidiary | Level 1	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	0	0	'	'
Australian subsidiary | Level 2	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	27,446,000	34,973,000	'	'
Australian subsidiary | Level 3	'	'	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Non-recourse debt	$0	$0	'	'

Fair_Value_of_Assets_and_Liabi3

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details Textual) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

6.625% Senior Notes

6.625% Senior Notes

Senior Notes Due 2023

Senior Notes Due 2023

Senior Notes Due 2023

7.75% Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Subsequent Event

6.625% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

7.75%

7.75%

7.75%

7.75%

6.63%

6.63%

5.13%

5.13%

5.13%

7.75%

6.63%

7.75%

'

Repurchased amount of aggregate principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$209.10

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	$1,047,304	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised, shares	'	'	293	'
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	29,897	15,617	87,524	53,143
Net Income	29,909	14,727	87,566	52,262
Other comprehensive loss	648	115	-5,791	-380
Ending Balance	1,034,373	'	1,034,373	'
Common shares	'	'	'	'
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	860	'
Beginning Balance, shares	'	'	71,417	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised, shares	'	'	293	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised, value	'	'	3	'
Restricted stock granted, shares	'	'	345	'
Restricted stock granted, value	'	'	3	'
Restricted stock canceled, shares	'	'	-8	'
Restricted stock canceled, value	'	'	0	'
Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), shares	'	'	7	'
Ending Balance	866	'	866	'
Ending Balance, shares	72,054	'	72,054	'
Additional Paid-In Capital	'	'	'	'
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	832,230	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised, value	'	'	4,938	'
Tax benefit related to equity compensation	'	'	1,883	'
Stock based compensation expense	'	'	1,014	'
Restricted stock granted, value	'	'	-3	'
Amortization of restricted stock	'	'	4,754	'
Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), value	'	'	203	'
Ending Balance	845,019	'	845,019	'
Earnings in Excess of Distributions	'	'	'	'
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	264,667	'
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	'	'	-107,526	'
Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), value	'	'	0	'
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	'	'	87,524	'
Ending Balance	244,665	'	244,665	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	'	'
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	2,670	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-5,711	'
Ending Balance	-3,041	'	-3,041	'
Treasury shares	'	'	'	'
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	-53,615	'
Beginning Balance, shares	'	'	14,590	'
Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), shares	'	'	-7	'
Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), value	'	'	25	'
Ending Balance	-53,590	'	-53,590	'
Ending Balance, shares	14,583	'	14,583	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'	'	'	'
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	492	'
Net Income	'	'	42	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-80	'
Ending Balance	454	'	454	'
Stockholders' Equity, Total	'	'	'	'
Changes in shareholders' equity that are attributable to the Company's shareholders and to non controlling interests	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	1,047,304	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised, value	'	'	4,941	'
Tax benefit related to equity compensation	'	'	1,883	'
Stock based compensation expense	'	'	1,014	'
Restricted stock granted, value	'	'	0	'
Restricted stock canceled, value	'	'	0	'
Amortization of restricted stock	'	'	4,754	'
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	'	'	-107,526	'
Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), value	'	'	228	'
Net Income	'	'	87,566	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-5,791	'
Ending Balance	$1,034,373	'	$1,034,373	'

Shareholders_Equity_Components

Shareholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		8-May-13
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'	$2,670,000		$2,670,000		'
Other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to Parent	'		'	'		-5,711,000		'
Ending Balance	-3,041,000		'	'		-3,041,000		'
Minimum percentage of taxable income to be distributed as REIT	'		'	'		90.00%		'
Cash dividend	$0.50		$0.50	$0.50		'		'
Maximum common stock value authorized under prospectus supplement	'		'	'		'		100,000,000
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	'		'	'		'		'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'	5,755,000	[1]	5,755,000	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to Parent	'		'	'		-5,970,000	[1]	'
Ending Balance	-215,000	[1]	'	'		-215,000	[1]	'
Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax	'		'	'		'		'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'	-457,000		-457,000		'
Other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to Parent	'		'	'		138,000		'
Ending Balance	-319,000		'	'		-319,000		'
Pension adjustments, net of tax	'		'	'		'		'
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]	'		'	'		'		'
Beginning balance	'		'	-2,628,000		-2,628,000		'
Other comprehensive income (loss), attributable to Parent	'		'	'		121,000		'
Ending Balance	($2,507,000)		'	'		($2,507,000)		'
[1]	The foreign currency translation related to noncontrolling interests was not significant at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012, respectively.

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Details

Equity Incentive Plans (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of the activity of stock option awards	'	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Shares	1,198	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$18.92	'
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Wtd. Avg., Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 7 months 24 days	'6 years 10 months 6 days
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$11,090	'
Options granted, Shares	0	'
Options granted, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$0	'
Options exercised, Shares	-293	'
Options exercised, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$16.85	'
Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Shares	-21	'
Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$21.43	'
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Shares	884	1,198
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$19.68	$18.92
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg., Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 7 months 24 days	'6 years 10 months 6 days
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	11,994	11,090
Options vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2013, Shares	861	'
Options vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2013, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$19.63	'
Options vested and expected to vest at June 30, Wtd. Avg., Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 7 months 13 days	'
Options vested and expected to vest at June 30, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	11,727	'
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013 Shares	545	'
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$18.92	'
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013, Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	'6 years 2 months 1 day	'
Options exercisable at June 30, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$7,819	'

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Details1

Equity Incentive Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of the activity of restricted stock	'
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Beginning Balance	670
Restricted stock outstanding Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$18.14
Granted shares	345
Granted Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value	$37.40
Vested shares	-271
Vested Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value	$18.45
Forfeited/canceled shares	-8
Forfeited/canceled Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value	$34.88
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Ending Balance	736
Restricted stock outstanding Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$26.87

Equity_Incentive_Plans_Details2

Equity Incentive Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Granted shares	345,000	'
Number of annual performance metrics	2	'
Expected volatility rate	26.60%	'
Beta of Portfolio	0.681	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	0.42%	'
Share based compensation awards other than option [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock available for the issuance of awards	438,603	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share based compensation expense	$4.80	$3.20
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non vested stock option awards	16.1	'
Expected weighted average period to recognize expense	'2 years 10 months 24 days	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'
Granted shares	345,060	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period	'4 years	'
Vesting rights, percentage weighted towards earnings per share performance	75.00%	'
Award vesting rights, percentage weighted towards capital performance targets	25.00%	'
Employee Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Discount on purchase of Common Stock for employee from the current market price	5.00%	'
Maximum Shares Authorized Under ESPP for Sale Offer to Eligible Employees	500,000	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	7,010	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Share based compensation expense	1	1.8
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non vested stock option awards	$1.50	'
Expected weighted average period to recognize expense	'1 year 8 months 0 days	'
Performance Based Share [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Granted shares	92,810	'
Performance Based Share [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting percentage of target	0.00%	'
Performance Based Share [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting percentage of target	200.00%	'
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Common stock available for the issuance of awards	1,723,899	'

Earnings_Per_Share_From_Contin2

Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income from continuing operations	$32,174	$14,535	$89,831	$49,145
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-12	890	-42	881
Net income from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$32,162	$15,425	$89,789	$50,026
Basic earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding	71,201,000	60,906,000	71,046,000	60,838,000
Per share amount from continuing operations	$0.45	$0.25	$1.26	$0.82
Diluted earnings per share attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding	71,201,000	60,906,000	71,046,000	60,838,000
Effect of dilutive securities: Stock options and restricted stock	454,000	396,000	511,000	245,000
Weighted average shares assuming dilution	71,655,000	61,302,000	71,557,000	61,083,000
Income from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.45	$0.25	$1.25	$0.82
Basic and diluted earnings per share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	0	'	0	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted earnings per share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	1,589	0	'	538
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Basic and diluted earnings per share (Textual) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	24,303	'	59,915

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Jul. 19, 2012

Aug. 13, 2012

Jul. 01, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

RTS

RTS

MDOC

MDOC

MDOC

MDOC

East Mississippi Correctional Facility

Marshall County Correctional Facility

Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility

Services Agreement

License Agreement

Services and Licensing Agreement

Services and Licensing Agreement

bed

bed

bed

Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from divestiture of businesses

$33.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period of working capital adjustment after divestiture

'0 years 0 months 105 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from divestiture of business, final

32.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Earn-Out

5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Services agreement contract term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

Sales Revenue, Services, Other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.8

'

'

'

Licensing Agreement Contract Term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

Licenses Revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.4

'

'

Sales service revenue other and license revenue

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.6

1.6

Number of beds discontinued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500

1,000

1,450

'

'

'

'

Discontinued operations, revenue

'

42.2

124.8

'

2.4

'

24.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Discontinued operations, pre-tax loss

'

3.1

8.6

'

-2.8

'

-3.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Charge of insurance liability claim, loss from discontinued operations

'

'

'

$2.30

'

$2.30

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details Textual)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Fair Value Hedging

Fair Value Hedging

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Subsequent Event

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

agreement

USD ($)

AUD

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Interest Rate Swap

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

USD ($)

USD ($)

agreement

Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of interest rates swap agreements

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

Notional amount coincide with the terms of the non-recourse debt

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

50,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

7.75%

'

7.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.75%

7.75%

'

'

Variable interest rate payment to the same counterparties

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.16%

4.29%

'

'

'

'

'

Gains (loss) recognized and recorded in earnings related to fair value hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

2,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of the swap assets included as Other Non-Current Assets

'

'

'

'

6,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

Ineffective portion of Fair value interest rate swap

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from settlement of notional amount of interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,100,000

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from settlement of notional amount derivative, accrued interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

Repurchased amount of aggregate principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

209,100,000

Fixed interest rate on cash flow interest rate derivative

9.70%

'

9.70%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net unrealized loss recognized in the periods and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax

0

'

100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value

500,000

'

500,000

'

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ineffective portion of Cash Flow Hedge interest rate swap

$0

$0

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable_Interest_Entities_And1

Variable Interest Entities And Investment In Affiliates (Details Textual)

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Feb. 28, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 28, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 02, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

director

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

South Texas Detention Complex Carrying Value

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary

South African Custodial Services Pty Limited

South African Custodial Services Pty Limited

Geo Amey

Geo Amey

Geo Amey

Geo Amey

Geo Amey

Bonds Defeasance [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

South Texas Detention Complex Carrying Value

South Texas Detention Complex Carrying Value

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

bed

Subordinate Notes STLDC

Subordinate Notes STLDC

USD ($)

USD ($)

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of beds in detention Complex

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,904

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds

'

'

'

'

'

'

$49,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term period of non-recourse bonds of the Company

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

'

1,451,000

8,462,000

6,978,000

8,462,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

Property and equipment, net

'

1,729,407,000

'

1,729,407,000

'

1,687,159,000

'

0

25,840,000

25,400,000

25,800,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership percentage in South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

50.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

Life term of contract

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'25 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction of government guarantee in case of default

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equity Method Investments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,700,000

7,800,000

'

-4,200,000

'

-4,100,000

'

'

Issued share capital

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100

'

'

'

'

'

Issued share capital divided in no. of share

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100

'

Par value of share issued

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

£ 1

'

Directors appointed to board by each party

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Working Capital Line of Credit Issued to GEO Amey

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,400,000

12,000,000

'

'

'

Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$20,500,000

£ 12,700,000

'

'

'

Debt_Outstanding_Details

Debt Outstanding (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Term loan	$299,250	$563,625
Unamortized discount	0	-1,195
Revolver	300,000	235,000
Total Senior Credit Facility	599,250	797,430
Non-Recourse Debt	94,504	124,947
Total Non-Recourse Debt	93,476	123,482
Capital Lease Obligations	12,165	12,994
Other debt	275	512
Total debt	1,557,078	1,488,173
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	-17,120	-53,882
Capital Lease Obligations, long-term portion	-11,177	-11,926
Non-Recourse Debt	-80,548	-104,836
Long-Term Debt	1,448,233	1,317,529
5.125% Senior Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	300,000	0
6.625% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	300,000	300,000
7.75% Senior Notes	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Unamortized discount	-2,133	-2,457
Senior Notes	250,000	250,000
Swap on Notes	4,045	6,212
Total 7 3/4% Senior Notes	251,912	253,755
Non Recourse Debt [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Unamortized discount	($1,028)	($1,465)

Debt_Senior_Credit_Facility_De

Debt Senior Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Term Loan A B A-2 and A-3 and revolver [Member]

Term Loan A

Term Loan A2

Term Loan B [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Letter of Credit

Additional Revolver

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Term Loan B [Member]

Revolver [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

2.75%

2.75%

2.75%

'

2.75%

'

'

'

2.50%

'

2.50%

2.75%

Floor interest rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.75%

'

'

Current borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity increase

350,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

341,800,000

'

'

'

'

Debt Issuance Cost

10,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs

0

14,861,000

'

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments of Financing Costs

9,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write off unamortized debt discount

1,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost

3,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

299,300,000

'

300,000,000

'

58,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

Revolver

$300,000,000

'

$235,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Leverage Ratio

5.75

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Senior Secured Leverage Ratio

3.5

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest Coverage Ratio

3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_Credit_Facility_Interest_

Debt Credit Facility Interest Rates (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Term Loan B [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Revolver [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Minimum [Member] | Letter of Credit	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	1.75%
Minimum [Member] | Unused Revolver	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum	0.35%
Maximum [Member] | Letter of Credit	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	2.75%
Maximum [Member] | Unused Revolver	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum	0.38%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Term Loan B [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolver [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	1.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Base Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	0.75%
Base Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'
Basis spread on variable rate	1.75%

Debt_Senior_Notes_Details

Debt Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 19, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Sep. 19, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Nov. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Senior Notes Due 2013

Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023

Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023

Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

Senior Notes Due 2021

Senior Notes Due 2021

Senior Notes Due 2021

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023

Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023

Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023

Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

Registration Rights Agreement

Registration Rights Agreement

Maximum [Member]

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Registration Rights Agreement

Senior Notes

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount

'

'

'

$300,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$250,000,000

'

'

$250,000,000

'

'

'

Maturity date

'

'

'

1-Apr-23

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

7.75%

7.75%

'

5.13%

'

7.75%

7.75%

7.75%

7.75%

7.75%

6.63%

6.63%

6.63%

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

5.88%

'

'

'

'

Repurchased amount of aggregate principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$209,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Coupon rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

5.88%

'

'

'

'

Yield to maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

5.88%

'

'

'

'

File period after closing of offering

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'75 days

'

'

Declare period after closing of offering

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'180 days

'

'

Additional Interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

1.00%

Period registration obligations are not satisfied

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'90 days

'

Notice period prior to redemption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'0 years 0 months 60 days

'

'0 years 0 months 30 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price calculation contributor, percentage

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption period, percentage of principal amount redeemable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

35.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price, percentage

'

'

'

105.13%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption price, percentage of principal remaining after redemption

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption period after closing of offering

'

'

'0 years 0 months 90 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Redemption period beginning April 1, 2018

'

'

'

'

'12 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt_NonRecourse_Debt_Details

Debt Non-Recourse Debt (Details)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 03, 2013

Sep. 19, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Nov. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Three Revenue Bonds [Member]

Non Recourse Debt Northwest Detention Center [Member]

Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Eleven Revenue Bonds [Member]

Australian Subsidiaries Non Recourse Debt [Member]

Australian Subsidiaries Non Recourse Debt [Member]

Australian Subsidiaries Non Recourse Debt [Member]

Australian Subsidiaries Non Recourse Debt [Member]

South Texas Detention Complex Carrying Value

Bonds Defeasance [Member]

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

AUD

USD ($)

USD ($)

Senior Notes

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount

'

'

'

'

'

$57,000,000

'

$54,400,000

'

'

'

'

$49,500,000

'

'

'

'

$250,000,000

'

'

$250,000,000

'

'

'

Outstanding balance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from funds held in trust

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

1,451,000

8,462,000

6,978,000

8,462,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

17,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Current Portion of Non recourse Debt

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Non-Recourse Debt

93,476,000

'

93,476,000

'

123,482,000

'

67,700,000

'

26,800,000

28,700,000

34,800,000

33,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Basis spread on variable rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.40%

1.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'variable rate quoted by certain Australian banks plus 140 basis points

'variable rate quoted by certain Australian banks plus 140 basis points

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent

'

'

'

'

'

'

$6,900,000

'

$4,700,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

7.75%

'

7.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.75%

7.75%

'

'

5.88%

5.88%

'

7.75%

7.75%

7.75%

Debt_Guarantees_Details

Debt Guarantees (Details)	9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 03, 2013
	USD ($)	ZAR	CAD	USD ($)	Geo Amey	Geo Amey	Bank of England [Member]
	guarantee				USD ($)	GBP (£)	Geo Amey
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Working Capital Line of Credit Issued to GEO Amey	'	'	'	'	$19,400,000	£ 12,000,000	'
Remaining Guarantee under Letter of Credit	3,500,000	34,800,000	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum Loan Amount under Stand by Facility	1,987,600	20,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Potential Estimated Exposure of tax obligations	2,400,000	'	2,500,000	'	'	'	'
Liability Related to Potential Tax Exposure	2,200,000	'	'	2,000,000	'	'	'
Number of letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees	8	8	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of Guarantee Outstanding Relating to Performance Guarantees	11,300,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited	'	'	'	'	50.00%	50.00%	'
Due from Affiliate, Noncurrent	'	'	'	'	20,500,000	12,700,000	'
Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Accrued Interest	'	'	'	'	$1,200,000	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.50%

Debt_Summary_of_Redemption_Per

Debt Summary of Redemption Percentages (Details) (Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023, Senior Notes)	Sep. 30, 2013
Senior Unsecured Notes Due April 2023 | Senior Notes	'
Debt Instrument Redemption [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage, 2018	102.56%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage, 2019	101.71%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage, 2020	100.85%
Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage, 2021 and thereafter	100.00%

Commitments_Contingencies_And_1

Commitments, Contingencies And Other Tax Matters (Details Textual) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

7-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

29-May-13

Sep. 09, 2013

Sep. 23, 2013

Sep. 23, 2013

Sep. 23, 2013

bed

bed

Minimum [Member]

Joe Corley Detention Center [Member]

Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Chief Executive Officer [Member]

Immigration and Customs Enforcement [Member]

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation [Member]

Central Valley Modified Community Correctional Facility [Member]

Desert View Modified Community Correctional Facility [Member]

facility

facility

bed

bed

inmate

bed

bed

Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Estimated construction capital project cost

'

'

'

'

$62,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cost already spent on existing capital projects

'

'

17,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining capital required for capital projects

'

'

'

'

44,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditure related to facility maintenance cost minimum range

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital expenditure related to facility maintenance cost maximum range

'

'

35,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of beds

73,000

'

73,000

'

'

1,287

'

'

400

'

700

700

Purchase price

'

'

'

'

'

65,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum Performance Award as Percent of Annual Base Salary

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

150.00%

'

'

'

'

Services agreement contract term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'5 years

'

'

Number of inmates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,400

'

'

Number of vacant beds at idle facilities marketed to potential customers

6,000

'

6,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of marketed idle facilities

6

'

6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying values of idle facilities marketed to potential customers

193,600,000

'

193,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax (benefit) provision

($7,755,000)

$10,125,000

($14,142,000)

$32,275,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business_Segments_and_Geograph2

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Revenues	$379,842,000		$369,116,000		$1,138,526,000		$1,100,331,000
Operating Income:	'		'		'		'
Total operating income from segments	72,051,000		78,030,000		224,100,000		224,183,000
U.S. Corrections & Detention	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Workers' Compensation Liability	4,500,000		'		4,500,000		'
Decrease in Workers' Compensation and General Liability Reserve	'		800,000		'		800,000
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Revenues	253,414,000		243,955,000		756,229,000		724,665,000
Operating Income:	'		'		'		'
Total operating income from segments	50,826,000	[1]	58,814,000	[1]	161,550,000	[1]	165,675,000	[1]
GEO Community Services	'		'		'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Workers' Compensation Liability	1,700,000		1,300,000		1,700,000		1,300,000
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Revenues	76,879,000		72,657,000		225,892,000		217,682,000
Operating Income:	'		'		'		'
Total operating income from segments	17,128,000	[1]	16,277,000	[1]	53,387,000	[1]	49,620,000	[1]
International Services	'		'		'		'
Revenues:	'		'		'		'
Revenues	49,549,000		52,504,000		156,405,000		157,984,000
Operating Income:	'		'		'		'
Total operating income from segments	$4,097,000		$2,939,000		$9,163,000		$8,888,000
[1]	In order to estimate workers' compensation and general liability reserves, the Company engages an independent actuary to make a projection of its annual losses based on its actual claim experience. This analysis is performed annually during the third quarter using historical data. As a result of this analysis, the Company increased its reserves by $4.5 million in its U.S. Corrections & Detention segment, and by $1.7 million in its GEO Community Services segment as of September 30, 2013. Also, as a result of the same analysis, the Company decreased its reserves in its U.S. Corrections & Detention Segment by $0.8 million and increased its reserves by $1.3 million in its GEO Community Services segment as of September 30, 2012. These charges to expense are included in the Company's operating expense for all periods presented.

Business_Segments_and_Geograph3

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments	'	'	'	'
Total operating income from segments	$72,051	$78,030	$224,100	$224,183
Unallocated Amount:	'	'	'	'
General and Administrative Expenses	-27,222	-26,428	-86,625	-79,143
Net Interest Expense	-20,485	-18,954	-58,580	-56,810
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-1,451	-8,462	-6,978	-8,462
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	$22,893	$24,186	$71,917	$79,768

Business_Segments_and_Geograph4

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details Textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable business segment	'	'	4	'	'
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	$1,526,000	$474,000	$3,772,000	$1,652,000	'
SACS	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in Entity	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	1,300,000	1,400,000	3,800,000	4,000,000	'
Investment in Joint Ventures	8,700,000	'	8,700,000	'	7,800,000
Geo Amey	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in Entity	'	'	50.00%	'	'
Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net of income tax provision	200,000	-900,000	-100,000	-2,300,000	'
Investment in Joint Ventures	($4,200,000)	'	($4,200,000)	'	($4,100,000)

Benefit_Plans_Details

Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation	'	'	'	'	'
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	'	'	$19,761	$16,879	$16,879
Service cost	232	193	694	580	774
Interest cost	207	197	622	590	787
Plan amendments	'	'	0	'	569
Actuarial loss	'	'	0	'	945
Benefits paid	'	'	-205	'	-193
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	20,872	'	20,872	'	19,761
Change in Plan Assets	'	'	'	'	'
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period	'	'	0	0	0
Company contributions	'	'	205	'	193
Benefits paid	'	'	-205	'	-193
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	0	'	0	'	0
Unfunded Status of the Plan	($20,872)	'	($20,872)	'	($19,761)

Benefit_Plans_Details_1

Benefit Plans (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$232	$193	$694	$580	$774
Interest cost	207	197	622	590	787
Net loss	66	48	197	145	'
Net periodic pension cost	$505	$438	$1,513	$1,315	'

Benefit_Plans_Details_Textual

Benefit Plans (Details Textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Long-term portion of the pension liability	$20.60	$19.50

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 01, 2013

Oct. 17, 2013

Oct. 21, 2013

Oct. 23, 2013

Oct. 23, 2013

Oct. 23, 2013

Nov. 01, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

Oct. 02, 2013

Sep. 19, 2013

Nov. 03, 2013

Oct. 03, 2013

bed

agreement

Subsequent Event

Graceville Correctional Facility [Member]

Golden State Modified Community Correctional Facility [Member]

Moore Haven Correctional Facility [Member]

Bay Correctonal Facility [Member]

Moore Haven and Bay Correctional Facilities [Member]

Maverick County Detention Center [Member]

7.75% Senior Notes

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

Senior Notes

bed

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

7.75% Senior Notes

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

Senior Notes Due January 15, 2022

bed

bed

bed

bed

bed

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

inmate

contract

agreement

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Face amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$250,000,000

'

$250,000,000

Cash tender offer, including tender premium, percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

101345.00%

'

'

'

Cash tender offer, tender premium, percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3000.00%

'

'

'

Cash tender offer, percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100000.00%

'

'

'

Repurchased amount of aggregate principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

209,100,000

'

'

'

'

Percent of repurchased aggregate principal amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

83.60%

'

'

'

Loss on extinguishment of debt

1,451,000

8,462,000

6,978,000

8,462,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

17,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of the swap assets included as Other Non-Current Assets

'

'

'

'

$6,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$4,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

Number of interest rates swap agreements

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate

7.75%

'

7.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.75%

5.88%

7.75%

'

'

'

'

5.88%

'

Coupon rate

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

'

Yield to maturity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

'

'

'

'

'

5.88%

'

Cash dividend per share of common stock declared

'

'

'

'

'

$0.55

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of beds

73,000

'

73,000

'

'

'

1,884

100

985

985

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of contracts awarded for management of correctional facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Services agreement contract term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Renewal term

'

'

'

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of inmates

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of beds under terminated contract

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

688

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$379,842	$369,116	$1,138,526	$1,100,331
Operating expenses	283,903	268,142	843,946	808,003
Depreciation and amortization	23,888	22,944	70,480	68,145
General and administrative expenses	27,222	26,428	86,625	79,143
Operating income	44,829	51,602	137,475	145,040
Interest income	1,084	1,651	3,433	5,219
Interest expense	-21,569	-20,605	-62,013	-62,029
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-1,451	-8,462	-6,978	-8,462
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	22,893	24,186	71,917	79,768
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-7,755	10,125	-14,142	32,275
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	1,526	474	3,772	1,652
Income from Continuing Operations before Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	32,174	14,535	89,831	49,145
Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Income from continuing operations	32,174	14,535	89,831	49,145
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	-2,265	192	-2,265	3,117
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-12	890	-42	881
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	29,897	15,617	87,524	53,143
Net income	29,909	14,727	87,566	52,262
Other comprehensive income (loss)	648	115	-5,791	-380
Total comprehensive income	30,557	14,842	81,775	51,882
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4	903	38	900
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	30,553	15,745	81,813	52,782
The GEO Group, Inc.	'	'	'	'
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	131,159	152,628	363,508	446,997
Operating expenses	115,671	129,012	317,189	390,472
Depreciation and amortization	6,266	7,328	17,963	21,572
General and administrative expenses	9,235	9,625	26,589	28,405
Operating income	-13	6,663	1,767	6,548
Interest income	11,358	8,178	19,347	23,833
Interest expense	-10,650	-17,288	-30,942	-51,042
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	-2,600	0
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	695	-2,447	-12,428	-20,661
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-5,673	-994	-14,679	-7,316
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Income from Continuing Operations before Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	6,368	-1,453	2,251	-13,345
Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	25,806	15,988	87,580	62,489
Income from continuing operations	32,174	14,535	89,831	49,144
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	-2,265	192	-2,265	3,117
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	29,909	14,727	87,566	52,261
Net income	29,909	14,727	87,566	52,261
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	30	0	89
Total comprehensive income	29,909	14,757	87,566	52,350
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	29,909	14,757	87,566	52,350
Combined Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'	'	'
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	301,244	179,803	927,893	541,291
Operating expenses	233,143	111,489	712,814	339,494
Depreciation and amortization	16,411	13,687	48,849	40,372
General and administrative expenses	14,314	12,903	47,926	38,980
Operating income	37,376	41,724	118,304	122,445
Interest income	382	385	1,291	1,271
Interest expense	-20,328	-8,433	-44,467	-24,270
Loss on extinguishment of debt	-1,451	-8,462	-4,378	-8,462
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	15,979	25,214	70,750	90,984
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-3,300	9,873	-2,668	35,044
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Income from Continuing Operations before Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	19,279	15,341	73,418	55,940
Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Income from continuing operations	19,279	15,341	73,418	55,940
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	1,724	0	4,842
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	19,279	17,065	73,418	60,782
Net income	19,279	17,065	73,418	60,782
Other comprehensive income (loss)	40	0	121	0
Total comprehensive income	19,319	17,065	73,539	60,782
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	19,319	17,065	73,539	60,782
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'	'	'
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	52,584	56,967	165,553	172,740
Operating expenses	40,234	47,923	132,371	138,734
Depreciation and amortization	1,211	1,929	3,668	6,201
General and administrative expenses	3,673	3,900	12,110	11,758
Operating income	7,466	3,215	17,404	16,047
Interest income	980	1,640	3,199	4,902
Interest expense	-2,227	-3,436	-7,008	-11,504
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	6,219	1,419	13,595	9,445
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	1,218	1,246	3,205	4,547
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	1,526	474	3,772	1,652
Income from Continuing Operations before Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	6,527	647	14,162	6,550
Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Income from continuing operations	6,527	647	14,162	6,550
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	164	0	716
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-12	890	-42	881
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	6,515	1,701	14,120	8,147
Net income	6,527	811	14,162	7,266
Other comprehensive income (loss)	608	85	-5,912	-469
Total comprehensive income	7,135	896	8,250	6,797
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4	903	38	900
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	7,131	1,799	8,288	7,697
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	-105,145	-20,282	-318,428	-60,697
Operating expenses	-105,145	-20,282	-318,428	-60,697
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
General and administrative expenses	0	0	0	0
Operating income	0	0	0	0
Interest income	-11,636	-8,552	-20,404	-24,787
Interest expense	11,636	8,552	20,404	24,787
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	0	0
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	0	0	0	0
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	0	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	0	0	0	0
Income from Continuing Operations before Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	0	0	0	0
Equity in Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries	-25,806	-15,988	-87,580	-62,489
Income from continuing operations	-25,806	-15,988	-87,580	-62,489
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	0	-1,888	0	-5,558
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	-25,806	-17,876	-87,580	-68,047
Net income	-25,806	-17,876	-87,580	-68,047
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Total comprehensive income	-25,806	-17,876	-87,580	-68,047
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	($25,806)	($17,876)	($87,580)	($68,047)

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$53,161		$31,755		$68,878	$43,377
Restricted cash and investments, current	9,337	[1]	15,654	[1]	'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	244,558		246,635		'	'
Current deferred income tax assets	18,290		18,290		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	48,481		24,849		'	'
Total current assets	373,827		337,183		'	'
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	24,303		32,756		'	'
Property and equipment, net	1,729,407		1,687,159		'	'
Assets Held for Sale	1,200		3,243		'	'
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	19,310		26,757		'	'
Intercompany Receivable	0		0		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net	2,532		2,532		'	'
Goodwill	490,230		490,308		'	'
Intangible Assets, Net	167,085		178,318		'	'
Investment in Subsidiaries	0		0		'	'
Other Non-Current Assets	87,511		80,938		'	'
Total Assets	2,895,405		2,839,194		'	'
Current Liabilities	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	46,057		50,110		'	'
Accrued payroll and related taxes	46,437		39,322		'	'
Accrued expenses	119,268		116,557		'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	17,120		53,882		'	'
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	2,265		0		'	'
Total current liabilities	231,147		259,871		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	15,703		15,703		'	'
Intercompany Payable	0		0		'	'
Other Non-Current Liabilities	74,224		82,025		'	'
Capital Lease Obligations	11,177		11,926		'	'
Long-Term Debt	1,448,233		1,317,529		'	'
Non-recourse debt	80,548		104,836		'	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'		'		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,033,919		1,046,812		'	'
Noncontrolling interests	454		492		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	1,034,373		1,047,304		'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	2,895,405		2,839,194		'	'
The GEO Group, Inc.	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	24,964		4,764		45,827	15,086
Restricted cash and investments, current	0		0		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	78,712		124,670		'	'
Current deferred income tax assets	0		13,106		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	9,264		8,657		'	'
Total current assets	112,940		151,197		'	'
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	149		7,953		'	'
Property and equipment, net	684,368		633,458		'	'
Assets Held for Sale	0		0		'	'
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	0		0		'	'
Intercompany Receivable	935,735		591,273		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net	0		16,230		'	'
Goodwill	34		34		'	'
Intangible Assets, Net	0		0		'	'
Investment in Subsidiaries	969,465		1,151,998		'	'
Other Non-Current Assets	25,890		38,574		'	'
Total Assets	2,728,581		2,590,717		'	'
Current Liabilities	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	2,163		29,889		'	'
Accrued payroll and related taxes	207		4,774		'	'
Accrued expenses	41,780		94,350		'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	3,000		33,925		'	'
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	2,265		'		'	'
Total current liabilities	49,415		162,938		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0		0		'	'
Intercompany Payable	183,142		0		'	'
Other Non-Current Liabilities	13,872		63,657		'	'
Capital Lease Obligations	0		0		'	'
Long-Term Debt	1,448,233		1,317,310		'	'
Non-recourse debt	0		0		'	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'		'		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,033,919		1,046,812		'	'
Noncontrolling interests	0		0		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	1,033,919		1,046,812		'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	2,728,581		2,590,717		'	'
Combined Subsidiary Guarantors	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	3,479		1,917		4,343	3,091
Restricted cash and investments, current	0		0		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	147,352		102,704		'	'
Current deferred income tax assets	14,605		1,498		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	23,817		5,890		'	'
Total current assets	189,253		112,009		'	'
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	10,008		0		'	'
Property and equipment, net	959,137		939,995		'	'
Assets Held for Sale	1,200		3,243		'	'
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	0		0		'	'
Intercompany Receivable	193,497		14,305		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net	0		0		'	'
Goodwill	489,502		489,502		'	'
Intangible Assets, Net	165,767		176,666		'	'
Investment in Subsidiaries	420,318		41,356		'	'
Other Non-Current Assets	105,758		84,931		'	'
Total Assets	2,534,440		1,862,007		'	'
Current Liabilities	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	40,723		17,407		'	'
Accrued payroll and related taxes	29,371		16,264		'	'
Accrued expenses	62,520		5,515		'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	1,193		1,311		'	'
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0		'		'	'
Total current liabilities	133,807		40,497		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	15,703		31,933		'	'
Intercompany Payable	931,904		586,428		'	'
Other Non-Current Liabilities	136,647		96,822		'	'
Capital Lease Obligations	11,177		11,926		'	'
Long-Term Debt	0		219		'	'
Non-recourse debt	0		0		'	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'		'		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,305,202		1,094,182		'	'
Noncontrolling interests	0		0		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	1,305,202		1,094,182		'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	2,534,440		1,862,007		'	'
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	24,718		25,074		18,708	25,200
Restricted cash and investments, current	9,337		15,654		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	18,494		19,261		'	'
Current deferred income tax assets	3,685		3,686		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	16,554		11,456		'	'
Total current assets	72,788		75,131		'	'
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	14,146		24,803		'	'
Property and equipment, net	85,902		113,706		'	'
Assets Held for Sale	0		0		'	'
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	19,310		26,757		'	'
Intercompany Receivable	0		0		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net	2,532		2,532		'	'
Goodwill	694		772		'	'
Intangible Assets, Net	1,318		1,652		'	'
Investment in Subsidiaries	0		0		'	'
Other Non-Current Assets	35,431		36,584		'	'
Total Assets	232,121		281,937		'	'
Current Liabilities	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	3,171		2,814		'	'
Accrued payroll and related taxes	16,859		18,284		'	'
Accrued expenses	16,123		17,846		'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	12,927		18,646		'	'
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0		'		'	'
Total current liabilities	49,080		57,590		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0		0		'	'
Intercompany Payable	14,187		19,150		'	'
Other Non-Current Liabilities	3,269		697		'	'
Capital Lease Obligations	0		0		'	'
Long-Term Debt	0		0		'	'
Non-recourse debt	80,548		104,836		'	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'		'		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	84,583		99,172		'	'
Noncontrolling interests	454		492		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	85,037		99,664		'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	232,121		281,937		'	'
Eliminations	'		'		'	'
Assets	'		'		'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0		'	'
Restricted cash and investments, current	0		0		'	'
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	0		0		'	'
Current deferred income tax assets	0		0		'	'
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,154		-1,154		'	'
Total current assets	-1,154		-1,154		'	'
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	0		0		'	'
Property and equipment, net	0		0		'	'
Assets Held for Sale	0		0		'	'
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	0		0		'	'
Intercompany Receivable	-1,129,232		-605,578		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net	0		-16,230		'	'
Goodwill	0		0		'	'
Intangible Assets, Net	0		0		'	'
Investment in Subsidiaries	-1,389,783		-1,193,354		'	'
Other Non-Current Assets	-79,568		-79,151		'	'
Total Assets	-2,599,737		-1,895,467		'	'
Current Liabilities	'		'		'	'
Accounts payable	0		0		'	'
Accrued payroll and related taxes	0		0		'	'
Accrued expenses	-1,155		-1,154		'	'
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	0		0		'	'
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0		'		'	'
Total current liabilities	-1,155		-1,154		'	'
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0		-16,230		'	'
Intercompany Payable	-1,129,233		-605,578		'	'
Other Non-Current Liabilities	-79,564		-79,151		'	'
Capital Lease Obligations	0		0		'	'
Long-Term Debt	0		0		'	'
Non-recourse debt	0		0		'	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'		'		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	-1,389,785		-1,193,354		'	'
Noncontrolling interests	0		0		'	'
Total shareholders’ equity	-1,389,785		-1,193,354		'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	($2,599,737)		($1,895,467)		'	'
[1]	Variable interest entities or “VIEs”

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 3) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:	'	'
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	'	35,154
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, 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 provided by (used in) investing activities	-86,298	-80,483
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	842,000	263,000
Payments on long-term debt	-769,356	-352,131
Reissuance of treasury stock	228	373
Debt issuance costs	-19,317	-917
Income tax benefit related to equity compensation	1,883	241
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	0	-14,861
Payment for purchase of treasury shares	0	-48
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,941	1,846
Cash dividends paid	-107,526	-12,304
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	-5,758
Payments for retirement of common stock	0	-1,035
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
The GEO Group, Inc.	'	'
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:	'	'
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	110,143	85,422
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations	2,265	339
Net cash provided by operating activities	112,408	85,761
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:	'	'
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	'	0
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	0	302
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	0	0
Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture	-996	'
Change in restricted cash and investments	-149	416
Capital expenditures	-71,848	-58,709
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	'	-57,991
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	'	-388
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-72,993	-58,379
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	842,000	263,000
Payments on long-term debt	-741,424	-247,834
Reissuance of treasury stock	228	373
Debt issuance costs	-19,317	-880
Income tax benefit related to equity compensation	1,883	241
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	'	0
Payment for purchase of treasury shares	'	-48
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	4,941	1,846
Cash dividends paid	-107,526	-12,304
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	'	0
Payments for retirement of common stock	'	-1,035
Net cash used in financing activities	-19,215	3,359
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	20,200	30,741
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	4,764	15,086
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	24,964	45,827
Combined Subsidiary Guarantors	'	'
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:	'	'
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	30,302	81,376
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations	0	-4,378
Net cash provided by operating activities	30,302	76,998
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:	'	'
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	'	35,154
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	204	203
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	1,968	5,641
Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture	0	'
Change in restricted cash and investments	-2,055	0
Capital expenditures	-27,967	-28,750
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	'	-58,060
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	'	-1,787
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-27,850	-59,847
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	-890	-1,038
Reissuance of treasury stock	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	0
Income tax benefit related to equity compensation	0	0
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	'	-14,861
Payment for purchase of treasury shares	'	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	'	0
Payments for retirement of common stock	'	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-890	-15,899
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,562	1,252
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	1,917	3,091
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	3,479	4,343
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries	'	'
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:	'	'
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	15,110	61,941
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities - discontinued operations	0	2,863
Net cash provided by operating activities	15,110	64,804
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:	'	'
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	'	0
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	0	103
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	0	'
Net working capital adjustment from RTS divestiture	0	'
Change in restricted cash and investments	16,180	40,659
Capital expenditures	-1,635	-3,019
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	'	37,743
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	'	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	14,545	37,743
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	-27,042	-103,259
Reissuance of treasury stock	0	0
Debt issuance costs	0	-37
Income tax benefit related to equity compensation	0	0
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	'	0
Payment for purchase of treasury shares	'	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0
Cash dividends paid	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	'	-5,758
Payments for retirement of common stock	'	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-27,042	-109,054
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-2,969	15
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-356	-6,492
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	25,074	25,200
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$24,718	$18,708

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details Textual)	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 19, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes bear interest at a rate	7.75%	'	'
Percentage of subsidiary owned	100.00%	'	'
Senior Notes Due 2021	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.63%	'	6.63%
Senior Notes Due 2023	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes bear interest at a rate	5.13%	5.13%	5.13%
7.75% Senior Notes	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Notes bear interest at a rate	7.75%	'	'