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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 27, 2013	Jun. 29, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	GEO GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000923796
Document Type	10-K
Trading Symbol	geo
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 1,396,363,543
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		71,421,233

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,479,062	$ 1,407,172	$ 1,084,592
Operating Expenses	1,089,232	1,036,010	811,767
Depreciation and Amortization	91,685	81,548	44,365
General and administrative expenses	113,792	110,015	101,558
Operating Income	184,353	179,599	126,902
Interest Income	6,716	7,032	6,242
Interest Expense	(82,189)	(75,378)	(40,694)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	(8,462)	0	(7,933)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	100,418	111,253	84,517
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes	(40,562)	43,172	34,364
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, net of income tax provision of $1,660, $2,406 and $2,212	3,578	1,563	4,218
Income from Continuing Operations	144,558	69,644	54,371
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(7,805), $4,753, and $5,168	(10,660)	7,819	8,419
Net Income	133,898	77,463	62,790
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	852	1,162	678
Net Income Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	134,750	78,625	63,468
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax benefit (provision) of $1,784, $999 and ($1,313), respectively	1,561	(5,964)	5,154
Pension liability adjustment, net of tax benefit of $291, $730 and $232, respectively	(461)	(1,131)	(383)
Change in fair value of derivative instrument classified as cash flow hedge, net of tax benefit of $261, $638 and $69, respectively	(476)	(1,158)	(126)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	624	(8,253)	4,645
Total comprehensive income	134,522	69,210	67,435
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	968	1,274	608
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$ 135,490	$ 70,484	$ 68,043
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	60,934	63,425	55,379
Diluted	61,265	63,740	55,989
Basic earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$ 2.39	$ 1.12	$ 0.99
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations	(0.17)	0.12	0.15
Net income per share — basic	2.21	1.24	1.15
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	2.37	1.11	0.98
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations	(0.17)	0.12	0.15
Net income per share — diluted	$ 2.20	$ 1.23	$ 1.13

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income tax provision on equity in earnings of affiliates	$ 1,660	$ 2,406	$ 2,212
Taxes (benefit) from operations of discontinued business	(7,805)	4,753	5,168
Tax benefit on foreign currency translation adjustments	1,784	999	(1,313)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	291	730	232
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$ 261	$ 638	$ 69

- Definition

Tax effect allocated to a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items. Includes the tax effects of the following: income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32672-109319

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
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-Section 45
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18498875&loc=d3e38679-109324

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Tax effect, net of reclassification adjustments, of the change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to pension and other postretirement benefit plans, attributable to the parent entity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569643-111683

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,755	$ 43,378
Restricted cash and investments (including VIEs1 of $6,182 and $35,435, respectively)	15,654	42,534
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,546 and $2,426	246,635	265,250
Current deferred income tax assets, net	18,290	28,580
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,849	49,025
Current assets of discontinued operations	0	30,562
Total current assets	337,183	459,329
Restricted Cash and Investments (including VIEs of $15,521 and $38,930 , respectively)	32,756	56,925
Property and Equipment, Net (including VIEs of $25,840 and $162,665, respectively)	1,687,159	1,688,356
Assets Held for Sale	3,243	4,363
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	26,757	32,146
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	2,532	1,437
Goodwill	490,308	490,296
Intangible Assets, Net	178,318	195,716
Other Non-Current Assets	80,938	79,577
Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations	0	41,778
Total Assets	2,839,194	3,049,923
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	50,110	68,033
Accrued payroll and related taxes	39,322	34,806
Accrued expenses	116,557	125,836
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt (including VIEs of $5,200 and $20,770, respectively)	53,882	53,653
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	6,490
Total current liabilities	259,871	288,818
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	15,703	125,516
Other Non-Current Liabilities	82,025	54,106
Capital Lease Obligations	11,926	13,064
Long-Term Debt	1,317,529	1,319,068
Non-Recourse Debt (including VIEs of $16,997 and $108,335, respectively)	104,836	208,532
Non-Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	0	2,298
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 19)
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, 86,007,433 and 85,185,158 issued and 71,417,034 and 61,181,172 outstanding, respectively	860	852
Additional paid-in capital	832,230	727,297
Retained earnings	264,667	507,170
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,670	1,930
Treasury stock, 14,590,399 and 24,003,986 shares, at cost, at December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively	(53,615)	(214,031)
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,046,812	1,023,218
Noncontrolling interests	492	15,303
Total shareholders’ equity	1,047,304	1,038,521
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ 2,839,194	$ 3,049,923

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Restricted cash and investments, current	$ 15,654	$ 42,534
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,546	2,453
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	32,756	56,925
Property and equipment, net	1,687,159	1,688,356
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	53,882	53,653
Non-recourse debt	$ 104,836	$ 208,532
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	86,007,443	85,185,158
Treasury stock, shares	14,590,399	24,003,986
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Restricted cash and investments, current	$ 6,182	$ 35,435
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	15,521	38,930
Property and equipment, net	25,840	162,665
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	5,200	20,770
Non-recourse debt	$ 16,997	$ 108,335

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss):	$ 133,898	$ 77,463	$ 62,790
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	852	1,162	678
Net Income Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	134,750	78,625	63,468
Adjustments to reconcile net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	91,685	81,548	44,365
Deferred tax provision (benefit)	(87,710)	44,368	18,359
Amortization of debt issuance costs, discount and/or premium	3,864	1,745	3,209
Stock-based compensation	6,988	6,113	4,639
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	8,462	0	7,933
Provision for doubtful accounts	760	1,785	815
Loss on divestiture of RTS-non-cash	22,566	0	0
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of tax	(3,578)	(1,563)	(4,218)
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	(621)	(465)	(3,926)
Loss (gain) on sale/disposal of property and equipment and assets held for sale	6,319	558	(646)
Dividends received from unconsolidated joint venture	0	9,911	0
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
Changes in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	44,292	(20,128)	(11,764)
Changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	27,410	(16,756)	3,238
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	255,187	185,741	125,472
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	9,053	3,371	4,418
Net cash provided by operating activities	264,240	189,112	129,890
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of BI and Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired	0	(409,607)	(260,255)
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	(35,154)	0	0
Proceeds from RTS divestiture	33,253	0	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	65	1,483	480
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	5,641	7,121	0
Change in restricted cash and investments	51,189	(9,503)	(11,184)
Capital expenditures	(107,549)	(222,033)	(94,691)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(52,555)	(632,539)	(365,650)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(2,761)	(3,002)	(2,611)
Net cash used in investing activities	(55,316)	(635,541)	(368,261)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on long-term debt	(456,485)	(289,832)	(397,445)
Proceeds from long term debt	358,000	835,395	726,000
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(5,758)	(4,012)	0
Debt issuance costs	(1,398)	(15,462)	(8,400)
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	(14,861)	0	0
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	621	465	3,926
Payments for purchase of treasury shares	(8,666)	(74,982)	(80,000)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	460	0	0
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	9,276	2,446	6,695
Payment for retirement of common stock	1,036	0	7,078
Cash dividends paid	(102,435)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(222,282)	454,018	243,698
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,735	(2,299)	4,169
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(11,623)	5,290	9,496
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	43,378	38,088	28,592
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	31,755	43,378	38,088
Cash paid during the year for:
Income taxes	2,997	10,494	34,475
Interest	73,901	60,948	36,310
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Deferred tax assets recorded in equity in connection with MCF Transaction	10,015		0
Stock portion of Special Dividend	274,402		0
Capital expenditures in accounts payable and accrued expenses	$ 1,959	$ 26,322	$ 11,237

Statements of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance, Shares		51,629,000				16,075,000
Beginning Balance at Jan. 03, 2010	$ 665,098	$ 516	$ 351,550	$ 365,927	$ 5,496	$ (58,888)	$ 497
Proceeds from stock options exercised	6,695	$ 14	6,681
Proceeds from stock options exercised, Shares		1,353,000
Tax benefit related to equity compensation	3,926		3,926
Stock based compensation expense	1,378		1,378
Restricted stock granted, Shares		40,000
Restricted stock cancelled, Value	(1)	$ (1)
Restricted stock cancelled, Shares		(41,000)
Amortizatoin of restricted stock	3,261		3,261
Common stock issued in business combination (Note 2)	358,076	$ 158	357,918
Common stock issued in business combination, Shares		15,764,000
Noncontrolling interest acquired in business combination (Note 2)	20,700						20,700
Retirement of common stock, Value	(7,078)	$ 158	(6,225)	(850)		(161)
Retirement of common stock, Shares		(314,000)
Purchase of treasury shares, Amount	(80,000)					$ (80,000)
Purchase of treasury shares, Shares		(3,999,000)				3,999,000
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss):	62,790			63,468			(678)
Other comprehensive loss	4,645				4,575		70
Ending Balance at Jan. 02, 2011	1,039,490	$ 845	718,489	428,545	10,071	$ (139,049)	20,589
Beginning Balance, Shares		64,432,000				20,074,000
Proceeds from stock options exercised	2,446	$ 3	2,443
Proceeds from stock options exercised, Shares		298,000
Tax benefit related to equity compensation	465		465
Stock based compensation expense	2,681		2,681
Restricted stock granted	0	$ 4	(4)
Restricted stock granted, Shares		381,000
Amortizatoin of restricted stock	3,432		3,432
Purchase of treasury shares, Amount	(74,982)					$ (74,982)
Purchase of treasury shares, Shares		(3,930,000)				3,930,000
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss):	77,463			78,625			(1,162)
Other comprehensive loss	(8,253)				(8,141)		(112)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(4,012)						(4,012)
Other adjustments to Additional Paid-In Capital	(209)		(209)
Ending Balance at Jan. 01, 2012	1,038,521	$ 852	727,297	507,170	1,930	$ (214,031)	15,303
Beginning Balance, Shares		61,181,000				24,004,000
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$ 9,276	$ 6	9,270
Proceeds from stock options exercised, Shares	593,000	593,000
Tax benefit related to equity compensation	$ 621		621
Stock based compensation expense	2,539		2,539
Restricted stock granted	0	$ 3	(3)
Restricted stock granted, Shares		315,000
Restricted stock cancelled, Value	0	$ 0
Restricted stock cancelled, Shares		(28,000)
Amortizatoin of restricted stock	4,449		4,449
Retirement of common stock, Value	$ (1,036)	$ (1)	(628)	(407)
Retirement of common stock, Shares	(57,457)	58,000
Purchase of treasury shares, Amount	$ (8,666)					$ (8,666)
Purchase of treasury shares, Shares		(298,000)				298,000
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net income (loss):	133,898			134,750			(852)
Other comprehensive loss	624				740		(116)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest	(5,758)						(5,758)
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	$ (102,435)			(102,435)
Stock Dividends, Shares	9,688,568	9,689,000				(9,689,000)
Dividends, Stock	$ 0		105,784	(274,402)		$ 168,618
Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), value	460		5	(9)		$ 464
Re-issuance of treasury shares (ESPP), Shares		23,000				(23,000)
Increase in Ownership of Subsidiary (MCF)	(25,138)		(17,053)				(8,085)
Other adjustments to Additional Paid-In Capital	(51)		(51)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,047,304	$ 860	$ 832,230	$ 264,667	$ 2,670	$ (53,615)	$ 492
Beginning Balance, Shares		71,417,000				14,590,000

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies

The GEO Group, Inc., a Florida corporation, and subsidiaries (the “Company” or “GEO”) specializes 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 and community service re-entry facilities. As discussed below, the Company divested its residential treatment health care facility assets and related facility management contracts on December 31, 2012, in connection with its conversion to a real estate investment trust ("REIT"), and no longer provides mental health and residential treatment services. The Company continues to offers counseling, education and/or treatment to inmates with alcohol and drug abuse problems at most of the domestic facilities it manages. The Company is also a provider of innovative compliance technologies, industry-leading monitoring services, and evidence-based supervision and treatment programs for community-based parolees, probationers and pretrial defendants. Additionally, the Company has an exclusive contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) to provide supervision and reporting services provided under the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (“ISAP”), designed to improve the participation of non-detained aliens in the immigration court system. 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. 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”).

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's”).

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.

Applicable REIT rules substantially restrict the ability of REITs to operate health care facilities. As a result, in order to achieve and preserve REIT status, on December 31, 2012, GEO completed the divestiture of all of its residential treatment health care facility assets and related management contracts ("Residential Treatment Services" or "RTS"). Under the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries, GEO Care, Inc. and GEO Group Australia Pty. Ltd., GEO operated its RTS component which included six managed-only health care facility contracts, totaling 1,970 beds, and provided correctional mental health services for the Palm Beach County, Florida jail system as well as correctional health care services in publicly-operated prisons in the State of Victoria, Australia. Refer to Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Applicable REIT rules also require that the Company make an accumulated earnings and profit distribution ("Pre-REIT Distribution" or "Special Dividend") representing amounts it had accumulated during the years it was taxed as a C corporation by the end of the Company's first REIT year as further discussed below under Dividends and in Note 3 - Shareholders' Equity.

As of December 31, 2012, GEO's worldwide operations included the ownership and/or management of approximately 73,000 beds at 100 correctional, detention and community services facilities, including idle facilities and projects under development, and also included the provision of monitoring of approximately 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 consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The significant accounting policies of the Company are described below.

Fiscal Year

In connection with the REIT conversion discussed above, 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. For fiscal 2012, the period began on January 2, 2012 and ended on December 31, 2012. For fiscal 2011 and 2010 the Company's fiscal year ended on the Sunday closest to the calendar year end. Fiscal years 2011 and 2010 included 52 weeks. The Company reports the results of its South African equity affiliate, South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited, (“SACS”), its consolidated South African entity, South African Custodial Management Pty. Limited (“SACM”), and its joint venture GEOAmey, on a calendar year end for all periods reported, due to the availability of information.

Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the Company’s activities relative to the financing of operating facilities (the Company’s variable interest entities are discussed further below under Variable Interest Entities). The equity method of accounting is used for investments in non-controlled affiliates in which the Company’s ownership ranges from 20 to 50 percent, or in instances in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control. The Company reports SACS and its 50% owned joint venture in the United Kingdom, GEOAmey, under the equity method of accounting. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represent equity that other investors have contributed to SACM and, prior to its acquisition by the Company during 2012, Municipal Corrections Finance, L.P ("MCF"). Non-controlling interests are adjusted for income and losses allocable to the other shareholders in these entities. As further discussed under the Variable Interest Entities policy below, the Company acquired a 100% interest in MCF effective August 31, 2012 and the non-controlling interest related to MCF was reclassified to shareholders' equity attributable to GEO. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

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 concurrent with the divestiture of the Company's Residential Treatment Services operating segment to GEO Community Services as more fully disclosed in Note 2 - Discontinued Operations. All current and prior year financial position and results of operations amounts presented for this reporting segment are referred to as GEO Community Services.

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.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s significant estimates include reserves for self-insured retention related to general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, auto liability insurance, medical malpractice insurance, employer group health insurance, projected undiscounted cash flows used to evaluate asset impairment and percentage of completion and estimated cost to complete for construction projects, estimated useful lives of property and equipment, stock based compensation and allowance for doubtful accounts. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While the Company believes that such estimates are reasonable when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, the actual amounts of such estimates, when known, will vary from these estimates. If actual results significantly differ from the Company’s estimates, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially impacted.

Dividends

In February 2012, the Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy. On August 7, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $.20 per share to shareholders of record as of August 21, 2012 which was paid on September 7, 2012 for a total of $12.3 million. On October 31, 2012 the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share to shareholders of record as of November 16, 2012 which was paid on November 30, 2012 for a total of $12.3 million.

A REIT is not permitted to retain earnings and profits accumulated during the years it was taxed as a C corporation or earnings and profits accumulated by its subsidiaries that have been converted to qualified REIT subsidiaries, and must make one or more distributions to shareholders that equal or exceed these accumulated amounts by the end of the first REIT year. On December 31, 2012, the Company paid a one-time Pre-REIT Distribution to its shareholders as more fully discussed in Note 3 - Shareholders' Equity. Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to shareholders, will differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due to the differences in the treatment of gains and losses, revenue and expenses, and depreciation for financial reporting relative to federal income tax purposes.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all interest-bearing deposits or investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions. These financial institutions are located throughout the United States, Australia, South Africa, Canada and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $24.8 million in cash and cash equivalents held by its international subsidiaries.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company maintains deposits of cash in excess of federally insured limits with certain financial institutions and accordingly the Company is subject to credit risk. Other than cash, financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable, a direct finance lease receivable, long-term debt and financial instruments used in hedging activities. The Company’s cash management and investment policies restrict investments to low-risk, highly liquid securities, and the Company performs periodic evaluations of the credit standing of the financial institutions with which it deals.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consists primarily of trade accounts receivable due from federal, state, and local government agencies for operating and managing correctional facilities, providing youth and community based services, providing electronic monitoring and supervision services, providing construction and design services and providing inmate residential and prisoner transportation services. The Company generates receivables with its governmental clients and with other parties in the normal course of business as a result of billing and receiving payment. The Company regularly reviews outstanding receivables, and provides for estimated losses through an allowance for doubtful accounts. In evaluating the level of established loss reserves, the Company makes judgments regarding its customers’ ability to make required payments, economic events and other factors. As the financial condition of these parties change, circumstances develop or additional information becomes available, adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be required. The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations for some of its customers’ financial conditions and generally does not require collateral. Generally, the Company receives payment for these services thirty to sixty days in arrears. However, certain of the Company’s accounts receivable are paid by customers after the completion of their program year and therefore can be aged in excess of one year. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses, and such losses traditionally have been within its expectations. Actual write-offs are charged against the allowance when collection efforts have been unsuccessful. As of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, $0.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of the Company’s trade receivables were considered to be long-term and are classified as Other Non-Current Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets

Prepaid expenses and other current assets include assets that are expected to be realized within the next fiscal year. Included in the balance at January 1, 2012, is $22.2 million of federal and state income tax overpayments that were applied against tax payments due in 2012. There were no federal and state income tax overpayments at December 31, 2012.

Notes Receivable

The Company has notes receivable from its former joint venture partner in the United Kingdom related to a subordinated loan extended to the joint venture partner while an active member of the partnership. The notes bear interest at a rate of 13%, and have semi-annual payments due June 15 and December 15 through June 2018. The Company recognizes interest income on its Notes Receivable as it is earned. The balance outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $2.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively. These notes receivable are included in other assets in the accompanying balance sheets, current and non-current as applicable.

Note Receivable from Joint Venture

The GEO Group UK Limited, the Company’s subsidiary in the United Kingdom (“GEO UK”), has extended a non-revolving line of credit facility to GEOAmey in the principal amount of £12 million or $19.4 million, based on the applicable exchange rate at December 31, 2012. Amounts under the line of credit can be drawn down in multiple advances up to the principal amount and accrue interest at LIBOR plus 3%. The Company recognizes interest income on its Notes Receivable as it is earned. The line of credit was executed in May 2011 for the purpose of funding mobilization costs and on-going start-up and operations of GEOAmey. Principal repayments by GEOAmey under the line of credit are due in March and September, beginning September 2013, with the final payment due no later than March 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2012, the Company was owed £12 million, or $19.6 million, including accrued interest of $0.2 million, under the line of credit. As of January 1, 2012, the Company was owed £8.4 million, or $13.1 million, including accrued interest of $0.2 million, under the line of credit. These balances are included within other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, current and non-current as applicable. Refer to Note 17 - Business Segments and Geographic Information regarding the Company's investment in GEOAmey.

Restricted Cash and Investments

The Company’s restricted cash and investments at December 31, 2012 are attributable to: (i) amounts held in escrow or in trust in connection with South Texas Local Development Corporation ("STDLC") and the 1,575-bed Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, (ii) certain cash restriction requirements at the Company’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary related to the non-recourse debt and other guarantees, and (iii) restricted investments related to The GEO Group Inc. Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The current portion of restricted cash and investments primarily represents the amount expected to be paid within the next twelve months for debt service related to the Company's non-recourse debt.

Direct Finance Leases

The Company accounts for the portion of its contracts with certain governmental agencies that represent capitalized lease payments on buildings and equipment as investments in direct finance leases. Accordingly, the minimum lease payments to be received over the term of the leases less unearned income are capitalized as the Company’s investments in the leases. Unearned income is recognized as income over the term of the leases using the effective interest method.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 2 to 50 years. Equipment and furniture and fixtures are depreciated over 3 to 10 years. Accelerated methods of depreciation are generally used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease. The Company performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of the property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset. If the assessment indicates that assets will be used for a longer or shorter period than previously anticipated, the useful lives of the assets are revised, resulting in a change in estimate. The Company has not made any such changes in estimates during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 or January 1, 2012. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Interest is capitalized in connection with the construction of correctional and detention facilities. Capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life.

Assets Held for Sale

As of December 31, 2012, the Company has classified four facilities as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company classifies a long-lived asset (disposal group) as held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met (i) Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset (disposal group), (ii) the asset (disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to the terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets (disposal groups), (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset (disposal group) have been initiated, (iv) the sale of the asset (disposal group) is probable, and transfer of the asset (disposal group) is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year, except as permitted, (v) the asset (disposal group) is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The Company records assets held for sale at the lower of cost or estimated fair value and estimates fair value by using third party appraisers or other valuation techniques. The Company does not record depreciation for assets held for sale. Any gain or loss on the sale of operating assets is included in the operating income of the reportable segment to which it relates.

Asset Impairments

The Company had property and equipment of $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 including approximately 6,000 vacant beds at seven idle facilities with a carrying value of $240.2 million which are being marketed to potential customers as of December 31, 2012, excluding equipment and other assets that can be easily transferred for use at other facilities.

The Company reviews long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Events that would trigger an impairment assessment include deterioration of profits for a business segment that has long-lived assets, or when other changes occur that might impair recovery of long-lived assets such as the termination of a management contract or a prolonged decrease in inmate population. If impairment indicators are present, the Company performs a recoverability test to determine whether or not an impairment loss should be measured.

The Company tests idle facilities for impairment upon notification that the facilities will no longer be utilized by the customer. If a long-lived asset is part of a group that includes other assets, the unit of accounting for the long-lived asset is its group. Generally, the Company groups assets by facility for the purpose of considering whether any impairment exists. The estimates of recoverability are based on projected undiscounted cash flows associated with actual marketing efforts where available or, in other instances, projected undiscounted cash flows that are comparable to historical cash flows from management contracts at similar facilities and sensitivity analyses that consider reductions to such cash flows. The Company's sensitivity analyses include adjustments to projected cash flows compared to the historical cash flows due to current business conditions which impact per diem rates as well as labor and other operating costs, changes related to facility mission due to changes in prospective clients, and changes in projected capacity and occupancy rates. The Company also factors in prolonged periods of vacancies as well as the time and costs required to ramp up facility population once a contract is obtained. The Company performs the impairment analyses on an annual basis for each of the idle facilities and updates each quarter for market developments for the potential utilization of each of the facilities in order to identify events that may cause the Company to reconsider the most recent assumptions. Such events could include negotiations with a prospective customer for the utilization of an idle facility at terms significantly less favorable than used in the Company's most recent impairment analysis, or changes in legislation surrounding a particular facility that could impact the Company's ability to house certain types of inmates at such facility. Further, a substantial increase in the number of available beds at other facilities the Company owns, or in the marketplace, could lead to deterioration in market conditions and projected cash flows. Although they are not frequently received, an unsolicited offer to purchase any of the Company's idle facilities, at amounts that are less than their carrying value could also cause the Company to reconsider the assumptions used in the most recent impairment analysis. The Company has identified marketing prospects to utilize each of the remaining currently idled facilities and does not see any catalysts that would result in a current impairment. However, the Company can provide no assurance that it will be able to secure management contracts to utilize its idle facilities, or that it will not incur impairment charges in the future. In all cases the projected undiscounted cash flows in our analysis as of December 31, 2012 substantially exceeded the carrying amounts of each facility.

The Company's evaluations also take into consideration historical experience in securing new management contracts to utilize facilities that had been previously idled for periods comparable to or in excess of the periods the Company's currently idle facilities have been idle. Such previously idle facilities are currently being operated under contracts that generate cash flows resulting in the recoverability of the net book value of the previously idled facilities by substantial amounts. Due to a variety of factors, the lead time to negotiate contracts with federal and state agencies to utilize idle bed capacity is generally lengthy which has historically resulted in periods of idleness similar to the ones the Company is currently experiencing. As a result of its analyses, the Company determined each of these assets to have recoverable values substantially in excess of the corresponding carrying values with the exception of one of its idle facilities in Brush, Colorado which was written down by $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012. This facility was written down to its land value as the Company had exhausted all avenues to market the facility.

By their nature, these estimates contain uncertainties with respect to the extent and timing of the respective cash flows due to potential delays or material changes to forecasted terms and conditions in contracts with prospective customers that could impact the estimate of projected cash flows. Notwithstanding the effects the current economy has had on the Company's customers' demand for prison beds in the short term which has led to its decision to idle certain facilities, the Company believes the long-term trends favor an increase in the utilization of its idle correctional facilities. This belief is also based on the Company's experience in operating in recessionary environments and based on its experience in working with governmental agencies faced with significant budgetary challenges which is a primary contributing factor to the lack of appropriated funding to build new bed capacity by federal and state agencies.

Assets Held under Capital Leases

Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Amortization expense is recognized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the related lease and is included in depreciation expense.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

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 and other intangible assets acquired. The Company's goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter, and whenever events or circumstances arise that indicate impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing is performed for all reporting units that contain goodwill. The reporting unit is the same as the reporting segment for U.S. Corrections & Detention and is at the operating segment level for GEO Community Services. The Company has identified its reporting units based on the criteria management uses to make key decisions about the business. On the measurement date of October 1, 2012, the Company's management elected to qualitatively asses the Company's goodwill for impairment for certain of its reporting units, pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08. For certain of its other reporting units, the Company elected to quantitatively assess the Company's goodwill for impairment as discussed further below. Under provisions of the qualitative analysis, when testing goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit, using a discounted cash flow method, and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The qualitative factors used by the Company’s management to determine the likelihood that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount include, among other things, a review of overall economic conditions and their current and future impact on the Company’s existing business, the Company’s financial performance, industry outlook and market competition.

For the reporting units that the Company elected to quantitatively assess the goodwill for impairment, the Company used a third party valuation firm to determine the estimated fair value of the reporting units using a discounted cash flow and other valuation models. Growth rates for sales and profits are determined using inputs from the Company's long term planning process. The Company also makes estimates for discount rates and other factors based on market conditions, historical experience and other economic factors. Changes in these factors could significantly impact the fair value of the reporting unit. During the year, the Company's management monitors the actual performance of the business relative to the fair value assumptions used during the prior year annual impairment test and updates its annual impairment test, if needed, to determine the likelihood that the goodwill has been impaired. With respect to the reporting units that were assessed qualitatively, management determined that it was more likely than not that the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values. With respect to the reporting units that were assessed quantitatively, management did not identify any impairment in the carrying value of the Company's goodwill.

Other Intangible Assets

The Company has also recorded other finite and indefinite lived intangible assets as a result of previously completed business combinations. Other acquired finite and indefinite lived intangible assets are recognized separately if the benefit of the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, regardless of the Company’s intent to do so. The Company’s intangible assets include facility management contracts, non-compete agreements, the BI trade name and technology. The facility management contracts represent customer relationships in the form of management contracts acquired at the time of each business combination; the non-compete agreements represent the estimated value of contractually restricting certain employees from competing with the Company; the value of BI’s trade name represents, among other intangible benefits, name recognition to its customers and intellectual property rights; and the acquired technology represents BI’s innovation with respect to its GPS tracking monitoring, radio frequency monitoring, voice verification monitoring and alcohol compliance systems. When establishing useful lives, the Company considers the period and the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up; or, if that pattern cannot be reliably determined, using a straight-line amortization method over a period that may be shorter than the ultimate life of such intangible asset. The Company currently amortizes its acquired facility management contracts over periods ranging from three to eighteen years, its covenants not to compete over one to four years, and its acquired technology over seven years. There is no residual value associated with the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets. The Company reviews its finite lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company does not amortize its indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company reviews its indefinite lived intangible assets annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. These reviews resulted in no impairment to the carrying value of the indefinite lived intangible assets for all periods presented. The Company records the costs associated with renewal and extension of facility management contracts as expenses in the period they are incurred.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $9.8 million and $5.3 million, totaling $23.4 million and $26.6 million at December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, are included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related debt.

Variable Interest Entities

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 consolidates South Texas Local Development Corporation (“STLDC”), a VIE. 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 has an operating agreement with the Company, which provides the Company with the sole and exclusive right to operate and manage the detention center. The operating agreement and bond indenture require the revenue from the contract to be used to fund the periodic debt service requirements as they become due. The net revenues, if any, after various expenses such as trustee fees, property taxes and insurance premiums are distributed to the Company to cover operating expenses and management fees. The Company is responsible for the entire operations of the facility including the payment of all operating expenses whether or not there are sufficient revenues. The bonds have a 10-year term and are non-recourse to the Company. At the end of the 10-year term of the bonds, title and ownership of the facility transfers from STLDC to the Company. The carrying value of the facility as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $25.8 million and $26.4 million, respectively, and is included in Property and Equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

MCF was created in August 2001 as a special limited partnership for the purpose of acquiring, owning, leasing and operating low to medium security adult and juvenile correction and treatment facilities. At its inception, MCF purchased assets representing eleven facilities from certain wholly owned subsidiaries of Cornell Companies, Inc. (“Cornell”), a wholly owned GEO subsidiary, and leased those assets back to Cornell under a Master Lease Agreement (the “Lease”). These assets were purchased from Cornell using proceeds from the 8.47% Revenue Bonds due 2016 (the “MCF bonds”). Under the terms of the Lease, the Company would lease the assets for the remainder of the 20-year base term, which was scheduled to end in 2021, and had options at its sole discretion to renew the Lease for up to approximately 25 additional years. Prior to the transaction discussed below, MCF's sole source of revenue was from the Company and as such the Company had the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impacted its performance. The Company's risk was generally limited to the rental obligations under the operating leases. This entity was included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as a VIE through August 31, 2012. The non-controlling interests were also included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements through August 31, 2012. Upon the purchase of the ownership interests in MCF as discussed below, MCF is no longer a VIE but is still included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and all intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

On August 31, 2012, the Company purchased 100% of the partnership interests of MCF from the third party holders of these interests for a total net consideration of $35.2 million. After the purchase, the Company redeemed the MCF bonds. Refer to Note 15 - Debt. As the transaction increased GEO's ownership interest in MCF, from 0% to 100%, and GEO retained its controlling interest in MCF, the purchase of the partnership interests has been accounted for as an equity transaction with additional paid-in capital adjusted for the difference between the August 31, 2012 balance of the non-controlling interest in MCF of $8.1 million and the $35.2 million consideration paid, net of MCF deferred tax assets of $10.0 million, with no gain or loss recorded in consolidated net income or comprehensive income. Refer to Note 3 - Shareholders' Equity. The Company incurred costs related to the purchase of the ownership interests of MCF of $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. These costs were expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

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 default, 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 $7.8 million at December 31, 2012 and its guarantees related to SACS are discussed in Note 15 - 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 £12.0 million, or $19.4 million, based on exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2012, to ensure that GEOAmey can comply with future contractual commitments related to the performance of its operations. As of December 31, 2012, $19.6 million, including accrued interest, was owed to the Company by GEOAmey under the line of credit. GEOAmey commenced operations on August 29, 2011.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (“exit price”). The Company carries certain of its assets and liabilities at fair value, measured on a recurring basis, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company also has certain assets and liabilities which are not carried at fair value in its accompanying balance sheets and discloses the fair value measurements compared to the carrying values as of each balance sheet date. The Company’s fair value measurements are disclosed in Note 12 - Financial Instruments and Note 13 - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities. The Company establishes fair value of its assets and liabilities using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels which distinguish between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the respective fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 inputs are other than quotable market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities that reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company recognizes transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as of the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that cause the transfer.

Revenue Recognition

Facility management revenues are recognized as services are provided under facility management contracts with approved government appropriations based on a net rate per day per inmate or on a fixed monthly rate, as applicable. A limited number of the Company’s contracts have provisions upon which a small portion of the revenue for the contract is based on the performance of certain targets. Revenue based on the performance of certain targets is less than 1% of the Company’s consolidated annual revenues. These performance targets are based on specific criteria to be met over specific periods of time. Such criteria includes the Company’s ability to achieve certain contractual benchmarks relative to the quality of service it provides, non-occurrence of certain disruptive events, effectiveness of its quality control programs and its responsiveness to customer requirements and concerns. For the limited number of contracts where revenue is based on the performance of certain targets, revenue is either (i) recorded pro rata when revenue is fixed and determinable or (ii) recorded when the specified time period lapses. In many instances, the Company is a party to more than one contract with a single entity. In these instances, each contract is accounted for separately. The Company has not recorded any revenue that is at risk due to future performance contingencies.

Construction revenues are recognized from the Company’s contracts with certain customers to perform construction and design services (“project development services”) for various facilities. In these instances, the Company acts as the primary developer and subcontracts with bonded National and/or Regional Design Build Contractors. These construction revenues are recognized as earned on a percentage of completion basis measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date as compared to the estimated total cost for each contract. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts and changes to cost estimates are made in the period in which the Company determines that such losses and changes are probable. Typically, the Company enters into fixed price contracts and does not perform additional work unless approved change orders are in place. Costs attributable to unapproved change orders are expensed in the period in which the costs are incurred if the Company believes that it is not probable that the costs will be recovered through a change in the contract price. If the Company believes that it is probable that the costs will be recovered through a change in the contract price, costs related to unapproved change orders are expensed in the period in which they are incurred, and contract revenue is recognized to the extent of the costs incurred. Revenue in excess of the costs attributable to unapproved change orders is not recognized until the change order is approved. Changes in job performance, job conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions, and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to estimated costs and income, and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, there have been no changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability that would require a revision to the estimated costs and income related to project development services. As the primary contractor, the Company is exposed to the various risks associated with construction, including the risk of cost overruns. Accordingly, the Company records its construction revenue on a gross basis and includes the related cost of construction activities in Operating Expenses.

When evaluating multiple element arrangements for certain contracts where the Company provides project development services to its clients in addition to standard management services, the Company follows revenue recognition guidance for multiple element arrangements. This revenue recognition guidance related to multiple deliverables in an arrangement provides guidance on determining if separate contracts should be evaluated as a single arrangement and if an arrangement involves a single unit of accounting or separate units of accounting and if the arrangement is determined to have separate units, how to allocate amounts received in the arrangement for revenue recognition purposes. In instances where the Company provides these project development services and subsequent management services, generally, the arrangement results in no delivered elements at the onset of the agreement. The elements are delivered over the contract period as the project development and management services are performed. Project development services are not provided separately to a customer without a management contract. One of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries, BI, periodically sells its monitoring equipment and other services together in multiple-element arrangements. In such cases, the Company allocates revenue on the basis of the relative selling price of the delivered and undelivered elements. The selling price for each of the elements is estimated based on the price the Company charges when the elements are sold on a stand alone basis.

Lease Revenue

The Company leases one of its owned facilities to an unrelated party. The lease has a term of ten years and expires in January 2018 with an option to extend for up to three additional five-year terms. The carrying value of this leased facility as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $34.3 million and $35.2 million, respectively, net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Rental income, included in Revenues, received on this lease for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 was $4.5 million for each period. Future minimum rentals on this lease are as follows:



Fiscal Year	Annual Rental
	(In thousands)
2013	$	4,625
2014	4,764
2015	4,907
2016	5,054
2017	5,206
Thereafter	351
	$	24,907

Income Taxes

The consolidated financial statements reflect provisions for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of a change in tax rates is recognized as income in the period that includes the enactment date. At December 31, 2012, the Company has reversed certain deferred tax assets and liabilities related to its REIT activities (Refer to Note 18- Income Taxes). Effective January 1, 2013, as a REIT that plans to distribute 100% of its taxable income to shareholders, the Company does not expect to pay federal income taxes at the REIT level (including its qualified REIT subsidiaries), but instead a dividends paid deduction will generally offset its taxable income. Since the Company does not expect to pay taxes on its REIT taxable income, it does not expect to be able to recognize such net deferred tax assets and liabilities.

Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws. Significant judgments are required to determine the consolidated provision for income taxes. Deferred income tax provisions and benefits are based on changes to the assets or liabilities from year to year. Realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent upon many factors such as tax regulations applicable to the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, estimates of future taxable income and the character of such taxable income.

Additionally, the Company must use significant judgment in addressing uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations. If actual circumstances differ from the Company’s assumptions, adjustments to the carrying value of deferred tax assets or liabilities may be required, which may result in an adverse impact on the results of its operations and its effective tax rate. Valuation allowances are recorded related to deferred tax assets based on the “more likely than not” criteria. The Company has not made any significant changes to the way it accounts for its deferred tax assets and liabilities in any year presented in the consolidated financial statements, with the exception of the reversal of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities related to its REIT activities. Based on its estimate of future earnings and its favorable earnings history, the Company currently expects full realization of the deferred tax assets net of any recorded valuation allowances. Furthermore, tax positions taken by the Company may not be fully sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. In determining the adequacy of our provision (benefit) for income taxes, potential settlement outcomes resulting from income tax examinations are regularly assessed. As such, the final outcome of tax examinations, including the total amount payable or the timing of any such payments upon resolution of these issues, cannot be estimated with certainty.

Reserves for Insurance Losses

The nature of the Company’s business exposes it to various types of third-party legal claims, 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, contractual claims and claims for personal injury or other damages resulting from contact with our 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. In addition, the Company’s management contracts generally require it to indemnify the governmental agency against any damages to which the governmental agency may be subject in connection with such claims or litigation. The Company maintains a broad program of insurance coverage for these general types of claims, except for claims relating to employment matters, for which the Company carries no insurance. There can be no assurance that the Company’s insurance coverage will be adequate to cover all claims to which it may be exposed. It is the Company’s general practice to bring merged or acquired companies into its corporate master policies in order to take advantage of certain economies of scale.

The Company currently maintains a general liability policy and excess liability policies with total limits of $67.0 million per occurrence and in the aggregate covering the operations of U.S. Corrections & Detention, GEO Community Services' community based services, GEO Community Services' youth services and BI. The Company has a claims-made liability insurance program with a specific loss limit of $35.0 million per occurrence and in the aggregate related to medical professional liability claims arising out of correctional healthcare services. The Company is uninsured for any claims in excess of these limits. We also maintain insurance to cover property and other casualty risks including, workers’ compensation, environmental liability and automobile liability.

For most casualty insurance policies, the Company carries substantial deductibles or self-insured retentions of $3.0 million per occurrence for general liability and medical professional liability, $2.0 million per occurrence for workers’ compensation and $1.0 million per occurrence for automobile liability. In addition, certain of the Company’s facilities located in Florida and other high-risk hurricane areas carry substantial windstorm deductibles. Since hurricanes are considered unpredictable future events, no reserves have been established to pre-fund for potential windstorm damage. Limited commercial availability of certain types of insurance relating to windstorm exposure in coastal areas and earthquake exposure mainly in California and the Pacific Northwest may prevent the Company from insuring some of its facilities to full replacement value.

With respect to operations in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia, the Company utilizes a combination of locally-procured insurance and global policies to meet contractual insurance requirements and protect the Company. In addition to these policies, the Company’s Australian subsidiary carries tail insurance on a general liability policy related to a discontinued contract.

Of the reserves discussed above, the Company’s most significant insurance reserves relate to workers’ compensation, general liability and auto claims. These reserves are undiscounted and were $45.1 million and $45.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, and are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company uses statistical and actuarial methods to estimate amounts for claims that have been reported but not paid and claims incurred but not reported. In applying these methods and assessing their results, the Company considers such factors as historical frequency and severity of claims at each of its facilities, claim development, payment patterns and changes in the nature of its business, among other factors. Such factors are analyzed for each of the Company’s business segments. The Company estimates may be impacted by such factors as increases in the market price for medical services and unpredictability of the size of jury awards. The Company also may experience variability between its estimates and the actual settlement due to limitations inherent in the estimation process, including its ability to estimate costs of processing and settling claims in a timely manner as well as its ability to accurately estimate the Company’s exposure at the onset of a claim. Because the Company has high deductible insurance policies, the amount of its insurance expense is dependent on its ability to control its claims experience. If actual losses related to insurance claims significantly differ from the Company’s estimates, its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely impacted.

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:



	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. [1]	$	5,755		$	4,078
Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax	(457		)	19
Pension adjustments, net of tax	(2,628		)	(2,167		)
Total	$	2,670		$	1,930

[1] The foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax, related to noncontrolling interests was not significant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 or January 1, 2012.

Foreign Currency Translation

The Company’s foreign operations use their local currencies as their functional currencies. Assets and liabilities of the operations are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date and shareholders’ equity is translated at historical rates. Income statement items are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. The impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange currency rates for the Company’s international subsidiaries is recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company and its foreign subsidiaries also lend and borrow money to and from one another. These loans are measured initially in the functional currency of the recording entity using the exchange rate in effect on that day. At the balance sheet date, the Company adjusts these balances to reflect the then current exchange rate and records an unrealized translation gain or loss based on the change in foreign exchange currency rates.

Derivatives

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 and records derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. For derivatives that are designed as and qualify as effective cash flow hedges, the portion of gain or loss on the derivative instrument effective at offsetting changes in the hedged item is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated as and qualify as effective fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instruments as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged items attributable to the hedged risk is recognized in current earnings as interest income (expense) during the period of the change in fair values.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedge items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes attributing all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to floating rate liabilities and attributing all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to fixed rate liabilities. The Company also assesses whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. Fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the hedged item; however, if it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively for the affected derivative.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The Company recognizes the cost of stock-based compensation awards based upon the grant date fair value of those awards. The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of each option awarded. The impact of forfeitures that may occur prior to vesting is also estimated and considered in the amount recognized.

The fair value of stock-based awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for fiscal years ending 2012, 2011 and 2010:



	2012		2011		2010
Risk free interest rates	0.78	%	2.06	%	0.16	%
Expected term	4-5 years		4-5 years		3 months
Expected volatility	40	%	43	%	43	%
Expected dividend	3	%	—	%	—	%

The Company uses historical data to estimate award exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model. The expected term of the awards represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding and is based on historical data and expected holding periods. For awards granted as replacement stock options in connection with the Cornell Acquisition in 2010, the risk-free rate was based on the rate for three-month U.S. Treasury Bonds, which was consistent with the expected term of the award. For awards granted in 2012 and 2011, the risk-free rate was based on the rate for five-year U.S. Treasury Bonds, which is consistent with the expected term of the awards. During 2012, the Company began declaring quarterly dividends. The expected dividend rate for awards granted in 2012 was based on the Company's expected future dividend yield prior to the REIT conversion and the effect of the Special Dividend. In connection with the divestiture of RTS (refer to Note 2 - Discontinued Operations) and the stock component of the Special Dividend, the Company modified certain of its share-based payment awards as more fully discussed in Note 4 - Equity Incentive Plans.

Treasury Stock

The Company accounts for repurchases of common stock using the cost method with common stock held in treasury classified as a reduction of shareholders’ equity in its consolidated balance sheets. Shares re-issued out of treasury are recorded based on a last-in first-out method.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the income from continuing operations attributable to GEO, and income (loss) from discontinued operations and net income attributable to GEO, 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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles, Goodwill and Other, which is intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. Under the revised guidance, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of facts and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the carrying amount in accordance with Subtopic 350-30. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendment is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 with early adoption permitted. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-2, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This guidance requires an organization to present the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, but only if the item reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

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+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

Divestiture of RTS

On December 31, 2012, as a part of the Company's restructuring steps allowing it to begin operating as a REIT beginning January 1, 2013, GEO completed the divestiture of all of its health care facility assets and related management contracts in the United States and Australia (RTS) to certain members of GEO's management team and RTS executives (the "MBO Group") for a gross purchase price of $36.0 million, inclusive of a working capital adjustment as defined in the purchase agreement between the MBO Group and the Company (the "Purchase Agreement"). As a result of the working capital adjustment, the net proceeds from the sale were approximately $33.253 million. Certain members of the MBO Group sold 295,959 shares of common stock back to the Company for a total price of $8.6 million which was used to fund a portion of the purchase price. Prior to the divestiture, RTS, excluding the correctional health care services business operating in the State of Victoria, Australia which was part of the International Services reporting segment, was an operating segment of the Company's GEO Care reporting segment.

In accordance with the Purchase Agreement, the MBO Group will 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) are terminated up to one year following the divestiture. On December 12, 2012, the MBO Group formed a new entity, GEO Care Holdings LLC, for the sole purpose of acquiring RTS.

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 business management services, 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 initial annual fee of $1.8 million, payable in equal monthly installments (the “Services Agreement”). GEO Care Holdings LLC may terminate the Services Agreement at any time by paying a lump sum amount in cash equal to all remaining payments that would be required to be made to the Company during the five-year term, discounted to present value using a discount rate of 10%.

The Company and GEO Care Holdings LLC also executed a license agreement pursuant to which the Company will grant 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”). GEO Care Holdings LLC may terminate the License Agreement at any time by paying a lump sum amount in cash equal to all remaining payments of the license fee during the five-year term, discounted to present value using a 10% discount rate.

Also, 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.

The disposal of RTS resulted in a loss in the overall customer relationship as no future significant cash flows will be generated for the Company by RTS and the Company will have no continuing involvement with RTS. The operating results of RTS and the loss on disposal have been classified in discontinued operations.

During the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company recorded $14.6 million, net of tax, related to the loss on divestiture of RTS. Included in the loss on divestiture is $2.1 million of direct expenses of the sale. Revenues related to the discontinued operations of RTS through its respective disposition date were $167.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and $160.8 million and $148.8 million for the fiscal years ended, January 1, 2012, and January 2, 2011, respectively.

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations of RTS as included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2012 (in thousands):



Assets:
Accounts Receivable	$	20,560
Property and equipment, net	16,950
Goodwill	17,770
Intangible Assets, Net	4,626
Other assets	4,410
Assets of discontinued operations	$	64,316

Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	2,443
Accrued Payroll	3,324
Other liabilities	2,312
Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	8,079

U.S. Corrections & Detention

During the second fiscal quarter of 2012, the Company discontinued operations at certain of its domestic facilities further described below. The results of operations, net of taxes, and the assets and liabilities of these operations have been retrospectively reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations for all prior periods presented.

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. Revenues related to the discontinued operations of MDOC through their respective disposition dates were $24.5 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, and $44.9 million and $36.6 million for the fiscal years ended, January 1, 2012, and January 2, 2011, respectively.

The loss of all management contracts with MDOC resulted in a loss in the overall customer relationship with MDOC as no future significant cash flows will be generated and the Company will have no continuing involvement with MDOC. As such, the results are classified in discontinued operations in accordance with our critical accounting policy Discontinued Operations.

Summarized financial information for discontinued operations included in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income is as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended
				(in thousands)
	2012			2011		2010

Discontinued Operations:
Income from discontinued operations - RTS	$	10,117		$	9,416	$	8,027
Income (loss) from discontinued operations - Mississippi	(3,881		)	3,156		5,560
Loss on disposition of RTS	(24,701		)	—		—
Income tax (benefit) provision	(7,805		)	4,753		5,168
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	(10,660	)	$	7,819	$	8,419

All income (loss) from the above noted discontinued operations included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income is attributable to GEO.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43-48
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity Common Stock Each holder of the Company’s common stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the Company’s shareholders. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of common stock are entitled to share equally in all assets available for distribution after payment of all liabilities, subject to the liquidation preference of shares of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding. In February 2012, the Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy. On August 7, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $.20 per share to shareholders of record as of August 21, 2012 which was paid on September 7, 2012 for a total of $12.3 million. On October 31, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $.20 per share to shareholders of record as of November 16, 2012 which was paid on November 30, 2012 for a total of $12.3 million. On December 6, 2012, the Company announced the declaration by the Company's Board of Directors of a Special Dividend of accumulated earnings and profits to shareholders of record as of December 12, 2012, with each shareholder having the right to elect cash or shares of common stock, except that GEO limited the amount of cash payable to the amount of cash paid pursuant to a lottery procedure plus 20% of the total dividend amount remaining after the lottery. The Special Dividend, amounting to $352.2 million, or $5.68 per share of common stock, was paid on December 31, 2012 to shareholders of record as of December 12, 2012. Pursuant to Special Dividend terms, the Company issued 9,688,568 shares of common stock out of its treasury shares and paid cash of $77.8 million. The amount of the stock portion of the Special Dividend included in the accompanying consolidated statements of shareholders' equity was based on the average opening price per share of the Company's common stock. As a REIT, the Company will be 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). The Company intends to commence paying regular distributions in 2013 (Refer to Note 21-Subsequent Events). The amount, timing and frequency of future distributions, however, will be at the sole discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will be declared based upon various factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, including, the Company's financial condition and operating cash flows, the amount required to maintain REIT status and reduce any income and excise taxes that the Company otherwise would be required to pay, limitations on distributions in the Company's existing and future debt instruments, limitations on the Company's ability to fund distributions using cash generated through our TRS and other factors that the Company's Board of Directors may deem relevant. The Company did not pay any cash dividends on its common stock during fiscal years 2011 or 2010. Preferred Stock In April 1994, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized 30 million shares of “blank check” preferred stock. The Board of Directors is authorized to determine the rights and privileges of any future issuance of preferred stock such as voting and dividend rights, liquidation privileges, redemption rights and conversion privileges. Rights Agreement On October 9, 2003, the Company entered into a rights agreement with EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent. Under the terms of the rights agreement, each share of the Company’s common stock carries with it one preferred share purchase right. If the rights become exercisable pursuant to the rights agreement, each right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock at a fixed price, subject to adjustment. Until a right is exercised, the holder of the right has no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder as a result of holding the right. The rights trade automatically with shares of our common stock, and may only be exercised in connection with certain attempts to acquire the Company. The rights are designed to protect the interests of the Company and its shareholders against coercive acquisition tactics and encourage potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board of Directors before attempting an acquisition. The rights may, but are not intended to, deter acquisition proposals that may be in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders. Stock Repurchases On February 22, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program for up to $80.0 million of the Company's common stock which was effective through March 31, 2011. The stock repurchase program was implemented through purchases made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities and stock exchange requirements. The program also included repurchases from time to time from executive officers or directors of vested restricted stock. The stock repurchase program did not obligate the Company to purchase any specific amount of its common stock and could be suspended or extended at any time at the Company's discretion. During the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011, the Company completed the program and purchased 4.0 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $80.0 million using cash on hand and cash flow from operating activities. Of the aggregate 4.0 million shares repurchased during the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011, 1.1 million shares were repurchased from executive officers and directors at an aggregate cost of $22.3 million. Also during the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011, the Company repurchased 0.3 million shares of common stock from certain directors for an aggregate cost of $7.1 million. These shares were retired by the Company immediately upon repurchase. On July 14, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program of up to $100.0 million of its common stock effective through December 31, 2012. The stock repurchase program was funded primarily with cash on hand, free cash flow, and borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility. The stock repurchase program was implemented through purchases made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities and stock exchange requirements. The program also allowed for repurchases from time to time from executive officers. The stock repurchase program did not obligate the Company to purchase any specific amount of its common stock. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Company purchased 297,741 shares of its common stock at a cost of $8.7 million primarily purchased with proceeds from the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility. All of the shares repurchased during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 were from executive officers, directors and certain senior employees. Of the total shares purchased during fiscal year 2012, 295,959 shares of common stock at a cost of $8.6 million were purchased from certain members of GEO's management team in connection with the divestiture of RTS. Refer to Note 2 - Discontinued Operations. During fiscal year 2012 the Company repurchased and retired 57,457 shares of fully vested employee equity awards. During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012, the Company purchased approximately 3.9 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $75.0 million primarily purchased with proceeds from the Company's Revolving Credit Facility. All of the repurchases made during 2012 and 2011 were deposited into treasury and restricted for future use. The stock repurchase program expired on December 31, 2012. Noncontrolling Interests Upon acquisition of Cornell in August 2010, the Company assumed MCF as a variable interest entity and allocated a portion of the purchase price to the noncontrolling interest based on the estimated fair value of MCF. The noncontrolling interest in MCF represented 100% of the equity in MCF which was contributed by its partners at inception in 2001. The Company recorded the results of operations and financial position of MCF as noncontrolling interest in its consolidated financial statements through August 31, 2012. As further discussed in Note 1 - Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies under Variable Interest Entities, effective August 31, 2012, the Company purchased 100% of the partnership interests of MCF. In connection with the transaction, the noncontrolling interest was reclassified to additional paid-in-capital. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, $5.8 million and $4.0 million in cash distributions were made to the partners of MCF, respectively. The Company includes the results of operations and financial position of South African Custodial Management Pty. Limited (“SACM” or the “joint venture”), its majority-owned subsidiary, in its consolidated financial statements. SACM was established in 2001 to operate correctional centers in South Africa. The joint venture currently provides security and other management services for the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre in the Republic of South Africa under a 25-year management contract which commenced in February 2002. The Company’s and the second joint venture partner’s shares in the profits of the joint venture are 88.75% and 11.25%, respectively. There were no changes in the Company’s ownership percentage of the consolidated subsidiary during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 or January 2, 2011. There were no contributions from owners or distributions to owners in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 or January 2, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Equity Incentive Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Equity Incentive Plans

The Company had awards outstanding under four equity compensation plans at December 31, 2012: The Wackenhut Corrections Corporation 1994 Stock Option Plan (the “1994 Plan”); the 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the “1995 Plan”); the Wackenhut Corrections Corporation 1999 Stock Option Plan (the “1999 Plan”); and The GEO Group, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan” and, together with the 1994 Plan, the 1995 Plan and the 1999 Plan, the “Company Plans”).

On August 12, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted and its shareholders approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock subject to awards under the 2006 Plan by 2,000,000 shares from 2,400,000 to 4,400,000 shares of common stock. On February 16, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved Amendment No. 1 to the 2006 Plan to provide that of the 2,000,000 additional shares of Common Stock that were authorized to be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2006 Plan, up to 1,083,000 of such shares may be issued in connection with awards, other than stock options and stock appreciation rights, that are settled in common stock. The 2006 Plan, as amended, specifies that up to 2,166,000 of such total shares pursuant to awards granted under the plan may constitute awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights, including shares of restricted stock. As of December 31, 2012, under the 2006 Plan, the Company had 1,946,417 shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future awards that may be granted under the plan of which up to 656,804 shares were available for the issuance of awards other than stock options. See Restricted Stock below for further discussion.

On February 4, 2013, the Compensation Committee resolved to increase the number of shares of common stock subject to awards under the 2006 Plan from 4,400,000 to 5,087,385 shares of common stock.

Under the terms of the Company Plans, the vesting period and, in the case of stock options, the exercise price per share, are determined by the terms of each plan. All stock options that have been granted under the Company Plans are exercisable at the fair market value of the common stock at the date of the grant. Generally, the stock options vest and become exercisable ratably over a four-year period, beginning immediately on the date of the grant. However, the Board of Directors has exercised its discretion to grant stock options that vest 100% immediately for the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, stock options granted to non-employee directors under the 1995 Plan became exercisable immediately. All stock options awarded under the Company Plans expire no later than ten years after the date of the grant. When options are exercised, the Company issues shares related to exercised options out of common stock.

Award Modifications

In connection with the divestiture of RTS (Refer to Note 2 - Discontinued Operations), all employees of RTS terminated their employment with GEO effective December 31, 2012. Nineteen of these employees had 24,100 unvested options and 8,375 unvested shares of restricted stock from previously granted GEO share-based awards. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors resolved on December 11, 2012 to accelerate the vesting of these awards and the Company recorded a compensation charge of approximately $0.3 million.

In connection with mandatory anti-dilution provisions of GEO's equity incentive plans, as it pertains to the Special Dividend, an adjustment was made to all options outstanding on December 31, 2012 to (i) increase the number of shares subject to an option by multiplying the number of shares by 1.156 (the “Adjustment Factor”) and (ii) reduce the exercise price per share of common stock subject to the options by dividing the initial exercise price by the Adjustment Factor. The Adjustment Factor was determined by the percentage increase in the Company's common stock in connection with the stock portion of the Special Dividend. The adjustment affected all GEO employees who had outstanding option grants on December 31, 2012 (313 employees) and resulted in approximately 0.2 million of incremental options awarded. As the adjustment was designed to equalize the fair value of the option award for the stock portion of the Special Dividend and the Company Plans included an anti-dilution provision, there was no incremental compensation cost resulting from the incremental options awarded.

The Company recognized compensation expense related to the Company Plans for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 as follows (in thousands):



	2012		2011		2010
Stock option plan expense	$	2,539	$	2,681	$	1,378
Restricted stock expense	$	4,449	$	3,432	$	3,261

Additional tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock activity for 2012, 2011 and 2010 totaled $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $3.9 million, respectively.

Stock Options

A summary of the activity of the Company’s stock options plans is presented below:



	Shares		Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price		Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(In thousands)
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012 [1]	1,601		$	19.44	6.73	$	2,778
Granted [2]	96		22.30
Exercised [1]	(593	)	15.65
Forfeited/Canceled [1]	(73	)	22.93
Incremental shares granted due to anti-dilution provision existing in the compensation plans	167		—
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012 [2]	1,198		$	18.92	6.85	$	11,090
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2012 [2]	1,153		$	18.90	6.79	$	10,785
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012 [2]	722		$	17.51	5.95	$	7,694

[1] Weighted Average Exercise Price reflects initial exercise price and has not been adjusted in the table above for the Adjustment Factor in connection with the Special Dividend.

[2] Weighted Average Exercise Price reflects the Adjustment Factor in connection with the Special Dividend.

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (i.e., the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal year 2012 and the exercise price, times the number of shares that are “in the money”) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2012. This amount changes based on the fair value of the Company’s stock.

The following table summarizes information relative to stock option activity during the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 (in thousands):



	2012		2011		2010
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	7,051	$	4,718	$	21,095
Fair value of shares vested	$	2,062	$	2,358	$	2,054

The following table summarizes information about the exercise prices and related information of stock options outstanding under the Company Plans at December 31, 2012:



	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding	Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price		Number Exercisable	Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
	(In thousands)
3.17 – 5.26	29	1.0	$	4.55	30	1.0	$	4.55
6.66 – 13.72	46	2.42	9.15		45	2.33	9.03
14.44 – 22.26	1,021	6.97	19.44		629	6.37	18.59
22.30 – 24.61	102	9.35	22.32		18	8.10	22.36
Total	1,198	6.8	$	18.92	722	5.95	$	17.51

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 was $6.81, $9.75 and $6.73 per share, respectively.

The following table summarizes the status of non-vested stock options as of January 1, 2012 and changes during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012:



	Number of Shares		Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Options non-vested at January 1, 2012	605		$	8.99
Granted	96		6.81
Vested	(184	)	8.32
Forfeited	(41	)	8.96
Options non-vested at December 31, 2012	476		$	8.89

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested stock option awards that are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0.

Restricted Stock

Shares of restricted stock become unrestricted shares of common stock upon vesting on a one-for-one basis. The cost of these awards is determined using the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant and compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period. 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 non-performance and performance-based vesting criteria. For share-based awards that are performance-based, achievement of the milestones must be “probable” before share-based compensation expense is recorded. At each reporting date, the Company reviews the likelihood that these awards will vest and if the vesting is deemed probable, compensation expense is recorded at that time. If ultimately performance goals are not met, for any awards where vesting was previously deemed probable, previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed.

A summary of the activity of restricted stock is as follows:



	Shares		Wtd. Avg. Grant date Fair value
	(In thousands)
Restricted stock outstanding at January 1, 2012	442		$	23.32
Granted	315		18.40
Vested	(145	)	23.28
Forfeited/Canceled	(28	)	22.79
Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2012	584		$	20.98

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Company granted 315,000 shares of restricted stock to its executives and to certain senior employees. Of these awards, 205,000 are performance based awards which will be forfeited if the Company does not achieve certain annual metrics during fiscal years 2012, 2013 and 2014. These performance based awards, which were previously granted on March 12, 2012 to certain executive officers and senior employees, were canceled and new performance based awards were granted on July 20, 2012 in connection with a resolution by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to revise the performance metrics used from targeted revenues to multiple metrics, which include earnings-per-share performance and return on capital employed results. These new restricted awards granted on July 20, 2012 were to the same executive officers and senior employees covering the same number of shares of restricted stock as were granted in March 2012.

The vesting of these new restricted stock grants will be subject to the achievement by GEO of two annual performance metrics as follows: (i) up to 75% of the shares of restricted stock in each award can vest annually or cumulatively if GEO meets certain earnings per share performance targets during years 2012, 2013 and 2014; and (ii) up to 25% of the shares of restricted stock in each award can vest annually if GEO meets certain return on capital performance targets in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Based on the terms of the agreement, there was no incremental compensation cost related to the modified awards. The Company achieved the annual performance metrics in 2012.

For performance based awards granted prior to July 20, 2012, these grants vested over a three year period from the date of the award if the previous metric, targeted revenue, was achieved. The aggregate fair value of the awards issued during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012, based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the respective grant dates, was $5.8 million and $9.3 million, respectively.

See discussion of a modification to accelerate the vesting of restricted stock awards for certain employees in connection with the divestiture of RTS discussed above under Award Modifications.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $8.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On July 9, 2011, the Company adopted The GEO Group Inc. 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), subject to obtaining shareholder approval. The Plan was approved by the Company’s Compensation Committee and its Board of Directors on May 4, 2011. 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 Plan, which was approved by the Company's shareholders on May 4, 2012, specifies that the pre-shareholder approval period began on July 9, 2011 with shares being purchased on June 29, 2012. During the pre-shareholder approval periods, which ended on June 29, 2012, the Plan was considered to be compensatory due to an option feature contained in the Plan during that period. Stock-based compensation recorded during the pre-shareholder approval period was not significant. During the post-shareholder approval periods, the Plan no longer contains an option feature and therefore is considered to be non-compensatory. As such, no compensation expense has been recorded during the post-shareholder approval periods. Share purchases for the post-shareholder approval offering periods begin on the last day of each month. During the year ended December 31, 2012, 22,760 shares were issued out of the Company's treasury stock in connection with the Plan. The Company offered 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) from continuing operations were calculated for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 as follows:



Fiscal Year	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Income from continuing operations	$	144,558	$	69,644	$	54,371
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	852		1,162		678
Income from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	145,410	$	70,806	$	55,049
Basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	60,934		63,425		55,379
Per share amount from continuing operations:	$	2.37	$	1.10	$	0.98
Per share amount from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:	$	2.39	$	1.12	$	0.99
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	60,934		63,425		55,379
Diluted effect of equity incentive plans	331		315		610
Weighted average shares assuming dilution	61,265		63,740		55,989
Per share amount from continuing operations:	$	2.36	$	1.09	$	0.97
Per share amount from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:	$	2.37	$	1.11	$	0.98

As discussed in Note 3 - Shareholders' Equity, on December 31, 2012, GEO paid a Special Dividend in connection with its conversion to a REIT. The shareholders were allowed to elect to receive their entire payment of the special dividend in either cash or in shares of common stock, except that GEO placed a limit on the aggregate amount of cash payable to the shareholders.

Under ASC 505, Equity and ASU 2010-01, Accounting for Distributions to Shareholders with Components of Stock and Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force, a distribution that allows shareholders to elect to receive cash or stock with a potential limitation on the total amount of cash that all shareholders can elect to receive in the aggregate is considered a share issuance that is reflected in earnings per share prospectively. As such, the stock portion of the Special Dividend is presented prospectively in basic and diluted earnings per share as presented above and was not presented retroactively for all periods presented.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, 62,769 weighted average shares of stock underlying options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. No shares of restricted stock were anti-dilutive.

For the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012, 105,307 weighted average shares of stock underlying options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. No shares of restricted stock were anti-dilutive.

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011, 25,570 weighted average shares of stock underlying options were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be anti-dilutive. No shares of restricted stock were anti-dilutive.

Business Combinations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combinations

Acquisition of BII Holding

On February 10, 2011, the Company completed its acquisition of B.I. Incorporated (“BI”), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 21, 2010 (the “Merger Agreement”), among GEO, BII Holding (“BII Holding”), a Delaware corporation, which owns BI, GEO Acquisition IV, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of GEO (“Merger Sub”), BII Investors IF LP, in its capacity as the stockholders’ representative, and AEA Investors 2006 Fund L.P (the “BI Acquisition”). Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into BII Holding, with BII Holding emerging as the surviving corporation of the merger. As a result of the BI Acquisition, the Company paid merger consideration of $409.6 million in cash, net of cash acquired of $9.7 million, excluding transaction related expenses and any potential adjustments, for 100% of BI’s outstanding common stock. In connection with the BI Acquisition and included in general and administrative expenses, the Company incurred $4.3 million in nonrecurring acquisition related costs for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012. The Company does not believe that any of the goodwill recorded as a result of the BI Acquisition will be deductible for federal income tax purposes.

The Company believes its acquisition of BI provides it with the ability to offer turn-key solutions to its customers in managing the full lifecycle of an offender from arraignment to reintegration into the community, which the Company refers to as the corrections lifecycle. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price for BI was allocated to BI’s net tangible and intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as of February 10, 2011, the date of closing and the date that the Company obtained control over BI. In order to determine the fair values of certain tangible and intangible assets acquired, the Company engaged a third party independent valuation specialist. For all other assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the recorded fair value was determined by the Company’s management and represents an estimate of the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

During the period ended January 1, 2012, the Company retroactively adjusted provisional amounts with respect to the BI Acquisition that were recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. The purchase price allocation as of February 10, 2011 and as of January 1, 2012 and adjustments made to the estimated acquisition date fair values during the measurement period are as follows (in thousands):



	Acquisition Date Estimated Fair Value as of February 10, 2011			Measurement Period Adjustments			Final Acquisition Date Fair Value as of January 1, 2012
Accounts receivable	$	18,321		$	1,298		$	19,619
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,896			—			3,896
Deferred income tax assets	15,857			(7,923		)	7,934
Property and equipment	22,359			901			23,260
Intangible assets	126,900			4,900			131,800
Other non-current assets	8,884			—			8,884
Total assets acquired	$	196,217		$	(824	)	$	195,393
Accounts payable	(3,977		)	—			(3,977		)
Accrued expenses	(8,461		)	—			(8,461		)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(43,824		)	7,037			(36,787		)
Other non-current liabilities	(11,431		)	5,411			(6,020		)
Long-term debt	(2,014		)	—			(2,014		)
Total liabilities assumed	(69,707		)	12,448			(57,259		)
Total identifiable net assets	126,510			11,624			138,134
Goodwill	283,097			(11,624		)	271,473
Total cash consideration	$	409,607		$	—		$	409,607

Acquisition of Cornell Companies, Inc.

On August 12, 2010, the Company completed its acquisition of Cornell pursuant to a definitive merger agreement entered into on April 18, 2010, and amended on July 22, 2010, among the Company, GEO Acquisition III, Inc., and Cornell (the “Cornell Acquisition”). Under the terms of the merger agreement, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common stock of Cornell for aggregate consideration of $618.3 million. In connection with the acquisition, the Company acquired assets of $873.7 million (including goodwill recorded amounting to $196.4 million), liabilities of $234.7 million, and noncontrolling interest of $20.7 million. Of the goodwill recorded in relation to this acquisition, only $1.5 million of goodwill which resulted from a previous acquisition by Cornell, is deductible for federal income tax purposes; the remainder of goodwill is not deductible.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1500-128463

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6996-128479

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1383-128463

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e
-Appendix F

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Property and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following at fiscal year end:



	Useful Life	2012			2011
	(Years)	(In thousands)
Land	—	$	97,603		$	97,406
Buildings and improvements	2 to 50	1,459,934			1,380,723
Leasehold improvements	1 to 29	257,848			253,492
Equipment	3 to 10	133,876			111,943
Furnitures, fixtures and computer software	1 to 7	29,018			22,002
Facility construction in progress		15,272			63,974
Total		$	1,993,551		$	1,929,540
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(306,392		)	(241,184		)
Property and equipment, net		$	1,687,159		$	1,688,356

The Company depreciates its leasehold improvements over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of the leases including renewal periods that are reasonably assured. The Company’s construction in progress primarily consists of facilities under construction that are owned by the Company. Interest capitalized in property and equipment was $1.2 million and $3.1 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.

Depreciation expense was $72.2 million, $61.6 million and $37.7 million, respectively, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, respectively.

At December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company had $18.2 million and $18.2 million of assets recorded under capital leases including $17.5 million related to buildings and improvements and $0.7 million related to equipment, furniture and fixtures. Capital leases are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $6.3 million and $5.5 million, at December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively. Depreciation expense related to capital leases for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012, and January 2, 2011 was $0.8 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and is included in Depreciation and Amortization in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References + Details

Assets Held for Sale

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]

Assets held for sale

Assets Held for Sale

As of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company’s Assets Held for Sale by reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):



	2012		2011
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	—	$	3,455
GEO Community Services	3,243		908
Total	$	3,243	$	4,363

As of December 31, 2012, the Company has classified four facilities as available for sale in its consolidated balance sheet with GEO Community Services segment assets. One of these facilities, with a carrying value of $1.5 million was sold in January 2013 for $1.6 million, net of selling costs.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Company sold certain of its facilities previously classified as Assets Held for Sale as follows:

On August 12, 2010, the Company acquired the Baker Community Correctional Facility in connection with the Cornell Acquisition. This facility, an asset of the U.S. Corrections & Detention reportable segment, was classified as an Asset Held for Sale as of January 1, 2012, had a carrying value of $0.4 million and was sold in January 2012 for $0.4 million, net of selling costs.

On August 12, 2010, the Company acquired the Reality House Facility in connection with the Cornell Acquisition. This facility, an asset of the GEO Community Services reportable segment, was classified as an Asset Held For Sale as of January 1, 2012, had a carrying value of $0.1 million and was donated to a non-profit organization in September 2012.

On August 12, 2010, the Company acquired the Texas Adolescent Treatment Center in connection with the Cornell Acquisition. This facility, an asset of the GEO Community Services reportable segment, was classified as an Asset Held For Sale during 2012, had a carrying value of $4.5 million and was sold in September 2012 for $5.3 million, net of selling costs.

On March 17, 2008, the Company purchased its former Coke County Juvenile Justice Center. In October 2008, the Company classified this facility as an Asset Held for Sale. In December 2012, the Company donated this facility to a local municipality, which was included in the U.S. Corrections and Detention segment. The facility had a carrying value of $2.8 million prior to its donation.

During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012, the Company sold certain of its facilities previously classified as Assets Held for Sale as follows:

On August 12, 2010, the Company acquired the International Building in connection with its purchase of Cornell. This facility had a carrying value of $0.5 million and was sold in July 2011 for $0.5 million, net of selling costs.

On August 12, 2010, the Company acquired the Washington D.C. Facility in connection with its purchase of Cornell. This facility was classified as held for sale during the Company's fiscal year ended January 2, 2011, had a carrying value of $6.9 million and was sold in April 2011 for $6.6 million, net of selling costs.

Investment in Direct Finance Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Investment in Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]

Investment in Direct Finance Leases

The Company’s investment in direct finance leases relates to the financing and management of one Australian facility. The Company’s wholly-owned Australian subsidiary financed the facility’s development with long-term debt obligations, which are non-recourse to the Company.

The future minimum rentals to be received are as follows:



Fiscal Year	Annual Repayment
	(In thousands)
2013	$	8,747
2014	9,088
2015	9,688
2016	10,000
2017	2,893

Total minimum obligation	$	40,416
Less unearned interest income	(7,760		)
Less current portion of direct finance lease	(5,899		)

Long term portion of investment in direct finance lease	$	26,757

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
Derivative Financial Instruments	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments As of December 31, 2012, the Company had four interest rate swap agreements (the “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 7³/4% Senior Notes due 2017 (“7³/4% Senior Notes”) due to changes in underlying interest rates. The Agreements, which have payment, expiration dates and call provisions that mirror the terms of the 7³/4% Senior Notes, effectively convert $100.0 million of the 7³/4% Senior Notes into variable rate obligations. Each of the swaps has a termination clause that gives the counterparty the right to terminate the interest rate swaps at fair market value, under certain circumstances. In addition to the termination clause, the Agreements also have call provisions which specify that the lender can elect to settle the swap for the call option price. Under the Agreements, the Company receives a fixed interest rate payment from the financial counterparties to the agreements equal to 7³/4% per year calculated on the notional $100.0 million amount, while it makes a variable interest rate payment to the same counterparties equal to the three-month LIBOR plus a fixed margin of currently 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 are recorded in earnings along with related designated changes in the value of the 7³/4% Senior Notes. Total net gains (loss), entirely offset by a corresponding increase (decrease) in the fair value of the variable rate portion of the 7³/4% Senior Notes, recognized and recorded in earnings related to these fair value hedges was $(1.2) million, $4.1 million and $5.2 million in the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, respectively. As of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the fair value of the swap assets was $6.2 million and $7.4 million, respectively. There was no material ineffectiveness of these interest rate swaps during the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011. The fair value of the swap agreements are recorded in other non-current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s Australian subsidiary is a party to an interest rate swap agreement to fix the interest rate on the variable rate non-recourse debt to 9.7%. The Company has determined the swap, which has a notional amount of $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 net unrealized gain (loss) recognized in the periods and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, related to this cash flow hedge was $(0.5) million, $(1.2) million and $(0.1) million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, respectively. The total value of the swap liability as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $(0.7) million and $0.0 million, respectively, and is recorded as a component of other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. There was no material ineffectiveness of this interest rate swap for the fiscal 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).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
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-Paragraph 4D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624177-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

Changes in the Company’s goodwill balances recognized during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and January 2 1, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):



	January 1, 2012		Foreign currency translation		December 31, 2012
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	170,376	$	—	$	170,376
GEO Community Services	319,159		—		319,159
International Services	761		12		773
Total Goodwill	$	490,296	$	12	$	490,308



	January 2, 2011		Acquisitions		Foreign currency translation			January 1, 2012
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	170,376	$	—	$	—		$	170,376
GEO Community Services	47,686		271,473		—			319,159
International Services	762		—		(1		)	761
Total Goodwill	$	218,824	$	271,473	$	(1	)	$	490,296

Historically, goodwill included $17.8 million of goodwill related to RTS. In connection with the Company's divestiture of RTS, the goodwill was included in loss from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. As of January 1, 2012 , goodwill related to RTS has been presented in Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations. Refer to Note 1 - Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies and Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 (in thousands):



		December 31, 2012							January 1, 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	$	151,913	$	(33,141	)	$	118,772	$	152,004	$	(21,010	)	$	130,994
Covenants not to compete	2	8,570		(8,495		)	75		8,570		(6,348		)	2,222
Technology	7	21,200		(5,729		)	15,471		21,200		(2,700		)	18,500
Trade names	Indefinite	44,000		—			44,000		44,000		—			44,000
Total acquired intangible assets		$	225,683	$	(47,365	)	$	178,318	$	225,774	$	(30,058	)	$	195,716

The accounting for recognized intangible assets is based on the useful lives to the reporting entity. Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized. The Company estimates the useful lives of its intangible assets taking into consideration (i) the expected use of the asset by the Company, (ii) the expected useful lives of other related assets or groups of assets, (iii) legal or contractual limitations, (iv) the Company's historical experience in renewing or extending similar arrangements, (v) the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors and (vi) the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected cash flows from the asset.

Historically, intangible assets included $3.8 million of facility management contracts related to RTS. In connection with the Company's divestiture of RTS, the facility management contracts were included in loss from discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. As of January 1, 2012, the intangible assets related to RTS have been presented in Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations. Refer to Note 1 - Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies and Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Amortization expense was $18.1 million, $18.0 million and $4.8 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, respectively, and primarily related to the U.S. Corrections & Detention and GEO Community Services segments’ amortization of intangible assets for acquired management contracts. The Company relies on its historical experience in determining the useful life of facility management contracts. The Company makes assumptions related to acquired facility management contracts based on the competitive environment for individual contracts, our historical success rates in retaining contracts, the supply of available beds in the market, changes in legislation, the projected profitability of the facilities and other market conditions. As of December 31, 2012, the weighted average period before the next contract renewal or extension for the facility management contracts was approximately 1.2 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 fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):



Fiscal Year	Total Expense Amortization
2013	$	14,623
2014	14,547
2015	14,547
2016	14,547
2017	14,515
Thereafter	61,539

	$	134,318

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]

Financial Instruments

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s significant financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis (in thousands):



			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	Carrying Value at December 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Interest rate swap derivative assets	$	6,212	$	—	$	6,212	$	—
Restricted investments:
Guaranteed Investment Contract	$	5,742	$	—	$	5,742	$	—
Guaranteed Repurchase Agreements	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Rabbi Trust	$	7,718	$	7,718	$	—	$	—
Fixed income securities	$	2,152	$	—	$	2,152	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivative liability	$	708	$	—	$	708	$	—



			Fair Value Measurements at January 1, 2012
	Carrying Value at January 1, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Interest rate swap derivative assets	$	7,440	$	—	$	7,440	$	—
Restricted investments:
Guaranteed Investment Contact	$	5,742	$	—	$	5,742	$	—
Guaranteed Repurchase Agreements	$	33,821	$	—	$	33,821	$	—
Rabbi Trust	$	8,016	$	5,898	$	2,118	$	—
Fixed income securities	$	2,013	$	—	$	2,013	$	—

The Company’s Level 1 investment relates to its rabbi trust established for GEO employee and employer contributions to The GEO Group Inc. Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. Although at January 1, 2012 a portion of the rabbi trust was considered a Level 2 investment, these contributions were primarily invested in mutual funds for which quoted market prices in active markets are available. The Company’s restricted investment in the rabbi trust is measured at fair value on a recurring basis. In connection with the divestiture of RTS, $1.9 million of the rabbi trust investment was included in the assets and liabilities sold. See Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for additional information.

The Company’s Level 2 financial instruments included in the tables above as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 consist of all or a portion of the Company’s rabbi trust, an interest rate swap asset held by our Australian subsidiary, other interest rate swap assets of the Company, an investment in Canadian dollar denominated fixed income securities, a guaranteed investment contract which is a restricted investment related to CSC of Tacoma LLC and a Guaranteed Repurchase Agreement (“Repo Agreement”) relative to MCF, the Company’s previously consolidated VIE. During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012, MCF entered into the Repo Agreement to establish an investment for its debt service reserve fund and bond fund payment account. The Repo Agreement consisted of a guaranteed investment in the principal amount of $23.9 million related to the debt service reserve fund and a second guaranteed investment related to the bond fund payment account which was $9.9 million as of January 1, 2012. Both of these investments were restricted to eligible investments as defined in the 8.47% Revenue Bond indenture (refer to Note 15 - Debt) and were to mature on August 1, 2016. On August 31, 2012, the Company closed on the purchase of MCF and in connection with the transaction, redeemed the MCF bonds and the Repo Agreement was terminated. Refer to Note 1 - Variable Interest Entities for additional information. As of January 1, 2012, the Repo Agreement was included above as a Level 2 restricted investment since its fair value was based using market interest rates for similar securities. A portion of the rabbi trust as of January 1, 2012 was invested in interest bearing assets, such as long term bonds, which were valued using market interest rates for similar securities. The Australian subsidiary’s interest rate swap asset is valued using a discounted cash flow model based on projected Australian borrowing rates. The Company’s other interest rate swap assets and liabilities 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 instruments.

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

The Company’s consolidated balance sheets reflect certain financial instruments at carrying value. The following table presents the carrying values of those instruments and the corresponding fair values (in thousands):



	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		—



	Estimated Fair Value Measurements at January 1, 2012
	Carrying Value as of January 1, 2012		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,377	$	43,377	$	43,377	$	—	$	—
Restricted cash	51,881		51,881		51,881		—		—
Liabilities:
Borrowings under Senior Credit Facility	$	782,962	$	785,917	$	—	$	785,917	$	—
7¾% Senior Notes	247,141		262,033		—		262,033		—
6.625% Senior Notes	300,000		300,375		—		300,375		—
Non-recourse debt, Australian subsidiary	40,345		41,347		—		41,347		—
Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	201,453		206,712		—		206,712		—

The fair values of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash approximates the carrying values of these assets at December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 . Restricted cash consists of commercial paper used for payments on the Company’s non-recourse debt. The fair values of the Company’s 7¾% senior unsecured notes due 2017 (“7¾% Senior Notes”) and the 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (“6.625% 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”) are 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.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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-Topic 825
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Accrued Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):



	2012		2011
Accrued interest	$	14,371	$	18,072
Accrued bonus	11,762		8,849
Accrued insurance	52,593		52,437
Accrued property and other taxes	12,074		12,959
Construction retainage	293		8,247
Other	25,464		25,272
Total	$	116,557	$	125,836

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

Debt consisted of the following (in thousands):



	2012			2011
Senior Credit Facility:
Term loans	563,625			482,500
Discount on term loan	(1,195		)	(1,538		)
Revolver	235,000			302,000
Total Senior Credit Facility	$	797,430		$	782,962
6.625% Senior Notes:
Notes Due in 2021	$	300,000		$	300,000
7³/4% Senior Notes:
Notes Due in 2017	$	250,000		$	250,000
Discount on Notes	(2,457		)	(2,859		)
Swap on Notes	6,212			7,411
Total 7³/4% Senior Notes	$	253,755		$	254,552
Non-Recourse Debt :
Non-Recourse Debt	$	124,947		$	235,430
Premium on Non-Recourse Debt	—			8,304
Discount on Non-Recourse Debt	(1,465		)	(1,936		)
Total Non-Recourse Debt	123,482			241,798
Capital Lease Obligations	$	12,994		$	14,135
Other debt	512			870
Total debt	$	1,488,173		$	1,594,317
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	(53,882		)	(53,653		)
Capital Lease Obligations, long-term portion	(11,926		)	(13,064		)
Non-Recourse Debt	(104,836		)	(208,532		)
Long-Term Debt	$	1,317,529		$	1,319,068

Senior Credit Facility

On August 4, 2010, the Company terminated its Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“Prior Senior Credit Agreement”) and entered into a new Credit Agreement (the “Senior Credit Facility”), by and among GEO, as Borrower, BNP Paribas, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders who are, or may from time to time become, a party thereto. On August 4, 2010, the Company borrowed approximately $280.0 million in aggregate proceeds from the Term Loan B and the Revolver primarily to repay existing borrowings and accrued interest under its Prior Senior Credit Agreement of $267.7 million and also used $6.7 million for financing fees related to the Senior Credit Facility. The Company received, as cash, the remaining proceeds of $3.2 million. The Company had accounted for the termination of its Prior Senior Credit Agreement as an extinguishment of debt. In connection with repayment of all outstanding borrowings and the termination of the Prior Senior Credit Agreement, the Company wrote-off $7.9 million of associated deferred financing fees in its third fiscal quarter of 2010. On August 12, 2010, in connection with the Cornell Acquisition, the Company used aggregate proceeds of $290.0 million from the Term Loan A and the Revolver primarily to repay Cornell’s obligations plus accrued interest under its revolving line of credit due December 2011 of $67.5 million, to repay its obligations plus accrued interest under the existing 10.75% senior notes due July 2012 of $114.4 million, to pay $14.0 million in transaction costs and to pay the cash component of the merger consideration of $84.9 million.

On February 8, 2011, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Senior Credit Facility. Amendment No. 1, among other things amended certain definitions and covenants relating to the total leverage ratios and the senior secured leverage ratios set forth in the Senior Credit Facility. This amendment increased the Company’s borrowing capacity under the Revolver by $100.0 million and increased the term loans, through the issuance of Term Loan A-2, by $150.0 million for an aggregate increase of $250.0 million. On February 10, 2011, incremental borrowings of $150.0 million under the Company’s amended Senior Credit Facility along with proceeds from the Company’s $300.0 million offering of the 6.625% Senior Notes were used to finance the acquisition of BI.

On May 2, 2011, the Company executed Amendment No. 2 to its Senior Credit Facility (“Amendment No. 2”). As a result of this amendment, relative to the Company’s Term Loan B, the Applicable Rate, as defined, was reduced to 2.75% per annum from 3.25% per annum in the case of Eurodollar loans and to 1.75% per annum from 2.25% per annum in the case of ABR loans and the LIBOR floor was reduced to 1.00% from 1.50%.

On August 30, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment No. 3, dated as of August 30, 2012, to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 4, 2010, by and among the Company, the guarantors party thereto and BNP Paribas, as administrative agent. Amendment No. 3, among other things, reset the Company's restricted payment basket to $50 million and increased the Pro Forma Senior Secured Leverage Ratio test to 2.75 to 1.00 from 2.50 to 1.00. Additionally, Amendment No. 3 provided that the aggregate principal amount of all incremental loan commitments established after August 30, 2012 plus the aggregate principal amount of all revolving credit commitment increases obtained after August 30, 2012 shall not exceed $250,000,000.

Also on August 30, 2012, GEO entered into the Series A-3 Incremental Loan Agreement dated as of August 30, 2012, by and among the Company, the lenders party thereto and BNP Paribas, as administrative agent (“Term Loan A-3”). Under the terms of the Term Loan A-3, the Company borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $100,000,000 to fund the purchase price for the acquisition by the Company of all of the outstanding partnership interests in Municipal Corrections Finance L.P. (“MCF”), redeem the 8.47% Taxable Revenue Bonds, Series 2001, due August 1, 2016 issued by MCF (the “MCF Bonds”) and pay fees, commissions, costs and expenses relating to the foregoing on September 4, 2012. The new incremental term loan bears interest at the same rate as the Company's existing Tranche A Term Loans at LIBOR plus 2.75% and matures in August 2015.

On December 14, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment No. 4, to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 4, 2010, by and among the Company, the guarantors party thereto and BNP Paribas, as administrative agent. Amendment No. 4 amends a number of provisions in the Credit Agreement, as amended, for the purpose of providing the Company with flexibility in connection with its decision to take all steps necessary to operate as a REIT as of January 1, 2013. Refer to Note 1 - Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Accounting Policies. Amendment No. 4, among other things, amends the definition of EBITDA in the Credit Agreement for the purpose of including an adjustment to net income for transaction costs, expenses and other charges incurred by the Company in connection with the Company's REIT conversion; allows the Company to change its fiscal year to a calendar year and allows for the Company's fiscal quarters to coincide with each calendar quarter; provides that the Company sell all of its equity interest in GEO Care, Inc. to GEO Care Holdings LLC; resets two restricted payment baskets - one basket was reset to $90 million for the purpose of permitting the Company to elect to qualify as a REIT (i.e., to make the special dividend of accumulated earnings and profits) and one basket was reset to $75 million for the purpose of permitting the Company to pay cash dividends generally; and modifies the Total Leverage Ratio covenant by extending the current applicable total leverage ratio of 5.00 to 1.00 through the last day of the second quarter of fiscal year 2013 instead of through the last day of fiscal year 2012 and as a result delaying the starting date of the next applicable total leverage ratio of 4.75 to 1.00 to the first day of the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 instead of the first day of the fiscal year 2013.

As of December 31, 2012, the Senior Credit Facility, as amended, was comprised of: (i) a $150.0 million Term Loan A , currently bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% and maturing August 4, 2015, (ii) a $150.0 million Term Loan A-2, currently bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% and maturing August 4, 2015, (iii) a $100.0 million Term Loan A-3, currently bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% and maturing August 4, 2015, (iv) a $200.0 million Term Loan B (“Term Loan B”) currently bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00% and maturing August 4, 2016, and (v) a $500.0 million Revolving Credit Facility (“Revolver”) currently bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.75% and maturing August 4, 2015.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $562.4 million in aggregate borrowings outstanding, net of discount, under the Term Loan A, Term Loan A-2, Term Loan A-3 and Term Loan B, $235.0 million in borrowings under the Revolver, and approximately $61.3 million in outstanding letters of credit which leaves $203.7 million in additional borrowing capacity under the Revolver. The weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was 3.2% and 3.4%, respectively. In connection with the borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility, as of December 31, 2012, the Company has $9.0 million of deferred financing fees, net of accumulated amortization, included in Other Non-Current Assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Indebtedness under the Revolver, the Term Loan A, Term Loan A-2 and Term Loan A-3 bears interest based on the Total Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date, as defined, in each of the instances below at the stated rate:




		Interest Rate under the Revolver, and Term Loan A, Term Loan A-2 and Term Loan A-3
LIBOR borrowings		LIBOR plus 2.00% to 3.00%.
Base rate borrowings		Prime Rate plus 1.00% to 2.00%.
Letters of credit		2.00% to 3.00%.
Unused Revolver		0.375% to 0.50%.

The Senior Credit Facility contains certain customary representations and warranties, and certain customary covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things as permitted (i) create, incur or assume indebtedness, (ii) create, incur, assume or permit liens, (iii) make loans and investments, (iv) engage in mergers, acquisitions and asset sales, (v) make restricted payments, (vi) issue, sell or otherwise dispose of capital stock, (vii) engage in transactions with affiliates, (viii) allow the total leverage ratio or senior secured leverage ratio to exceed certain maximum ratios or allow the interest coverage ratio to be less than a certain ratio, (ix) cancel, forgive, make any voluntary or optional payment or prepayment on, or redeem or acquire for value any senior notes, (x) alter the business the Company conducts, and (xi) materially impair the Company’s lenders’ security interests in the collateral for its loans.

The Company must not exceed the following Total Leverage Ratios, as computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the immediately preceding four quarter-period:



Period		Total Leverage Ratio — Maximum Ratio
First day of fiscal year 2012 through and including the last day of the Second Quarter of fiscal year 2013		5.00 to 1.00
First day of the Third Quarter of fiscal year 2013 through and including the last day of fiscal year 2013		4.75 to 1.00
Thereafter		4.25 to 1.00

The Senior Credit Facility also does not permit the Company to exceed the following Senior Secured Leverage Ratios, as computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the immediately preceding four quarter-period:



Period		Senior Secured Leverage Ratio — Maximum Ratio
Through and including the last day of the Second Quarter of fiscal year 2012		3.25 to 1.00
First day of the Third Quarter of fiscal year 2012 through and including the last day of the Second Quarter of fiscal year 2013		3.00 to 1.00
Thereafter		2.75 to 1.00

Additionally, there is an Interest Coverage Ratio under which the lenders will not permit a ratio of less than 3.00 to 1.00 relative to (a) Adjusted EBITDA for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters to (b) Interest Expense, less that attributable to non-recourse debt of unrestricted subsidiaries.

Events of default under the Senior Credit Facility include, but are not limited to, (i) the Company’s failure to pay principal or interest when due, (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 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 Senior Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and secured by substantially all of the Company’s present and future tangible and intangible assets and all present and future tangible and intangible assets of each guarantor, including but not limited to (i) a first-priority pledge of substantially all of the outstanding capital stock owned by the Company and each guarantor, and (ii) perfected first-priority security interests in substantially all of the Company’s, and each guarantors, present and future tangible and intangible assets and the present and future tangible and intangible assets of each guarantor. The Company’s failure to comply with any of the covenants under its Senior Credit Facility 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 Senior Credit Facility as of December 31, 2012.

6.625% Senior Notes

On February 10, 2011, the Company completed a private offering of $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2021. These senior unsecured notes pay interest semi-annually in cash in arrears on February 15 and August 15, beginning on August 15, 2011. The Company realized net proceeds of $293.3 million upon the closing of the transaction and used the net proceeds of the offering, together with borrowings of $150.0 million under the Senior Credit Facility, to finance the BI Acquisition. The remaining net proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes. On August 22, 2011, the Company completed its exchange offer for the full $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.625% Senior Notes due 2021, and the guarantees thereof, which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for a like amount of the outstanding 6.625% Senior Notes. The terms of the notes exchanged are identical to the notes originally issued in the private offering, except that the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to a registration rights default will not apply to the registered notes exchanged. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

The 6.625% Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries and are unsecured, senior obligations of the Company and these obligations rank as follows: pari passu with any unsecured, senior indebtedness of the Company and the guarantors, including the 7³/4% Senior Notes (see below); senior to any future indebtedness of the Company and the guarantors that is expressly subordinated to the 6.625% Senior Notes and the guarantees; effectively junior to any secured indebtedness of the Company and the guarantors, including indebtedness under its Senior Credit Facility, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors.

On or after February 15, 2016, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or part of the 6.625% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 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 6.625% Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on February 15 of the years indicated below:



Year	Percentage
2016	103.3125	%
2017	102.2083	%
2018	101.1042	%
2019 and thereafter	100.0000	%

Before February 15, 2016, the Company may redeem some or all of the 6.625% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of each note to be redeemed plus a “make whole” premium, together with accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of redemption. In addition, at any time before February 15, 2014, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 6.625% Senior Notes with the net cash proceeds from specified equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 106.625% of the principal amount of each note to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, to the date of redemption.

The indenture governing the notes contains certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur additional indebtedness or issue preferred stock; make dividend payments or other restricted payments; create liens; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; and enter into mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. As of the date of the indenture, all of the Company’s subsidiaries, other than certain dormant domestic and other subsidiaries and all foreign subsidiaries in existence on the date of the indenture, were restricted subsidiaries. The Company’s failure to comply with certain of the covenants under the indenture governing the 6.625% Senior Notes could cause an event of default of any indebtedness and result in an acceleration of such indebtedness. In addition, there is a cross-default provision which becomes enforceable upon failure of payment of indebtedness at final maturity. The Company’s unrestricted subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants in the indenture. The Company believes it was in compliance with all of the covenants of the indenture governing the 6.625% Senior Notes as of December 31, 2012.

7³/4% Senior Notes

On October 20, 2009, the Company completed a private offering of $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 7³/4% Senior Notes due 2017. These senior unsecured notes pay interest semi-annually in cash in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on April 15, 2010. The Company realized net proceeds of $246.4 million at the close of the transaction, net of the discount on the notes of $3.6 million. The Company used the net proceeds of the offering to fund the repurchase of all of its 8¹/4% Senior Notes due 2013 and pay down part of the Revolving Credit Facility under its Prior Senior Credit Agreement. On October 21, 2010, the Company completed its exchange offer for the full $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7³/4% Senior Notes due 2017, and the guarantees thereof, which were registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for a like amount of the outstanding 7³/4% Senior Notes. The terms of the notes exchanged are identical to the notes originally issued in the private offering, except that the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to a registration rights default will not apply to the registered notes exchanged. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer.

The 7³/4% Senior Notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries and are unsecured, senior obligations of The GEO Group Inc., and these obligations rank as follows: pari passu with any unsecured, senior indebtedness of GEO and the guarantors, including the 6.625% Senior Notes; senior to any future indebtedness of GEO and the guarantors that is expressly subordinated to the notes and the guarantees; effectively junior to any secured indebtedness of GEO and the guarantors, including indebtedness under the Company’s Senior Credit Facility, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and effectively junior to all obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries that are not guarantors.

On or after October 15, 2013, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or a part of the 7³/4% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 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 7³/4% Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on October 15 of the years indicated below:



Year	Percentage
2013	103.875	%
2014	101.938	%
2015 and thereafter	100.000	%

Before October 15, 2013, the Company may redeem some or all of the 7³/4% Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of each note to be redeemed plus a make-whole together with accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any.

The indenture governing the notes contains certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to: incur additional indebtedness or issue preferred stock; make dividend payments or other restricted payments; create liens; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; and enter into mergers, consolidations, or sales of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets. As of the date of the indenture, all of the Company’s subsidiaries, other than certain dormant domestic subsidiaries and all foreign subsidiaries in existence on the date of the indenture, were restricted subsidiaries. The Company’s failure to comply with certain of the covenants under the indenture governing the 7³/4% Senior Notes could cause an event of default of any indebtedness and result in an acceleration of such indebtedness. In addition, there is a cross-default provision which becomes enforceable upon failure of payment of indebtedness at final maturity. The Company’s unrestricted subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the restrictive covenants in the indenture. The Company believes it was in compliance with all of the covenants of the Indenture governing the 7³/4% Senior Notes as of December 31, 2012.

Non-Recourse Debt

South Texas Detention Complex

The Company has a debt service requirement related to the development of the South Texas Detention Complex, a 1,904-bed detention complex in Frio County, Texas acquired in November 2005 from Correctional Services Corporation (“CSC”). CSC was awarded the contract in February 2004 by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) for development and operation of the detention center. In order to finance the construction of the complex, STLDC was created and issued $49.5 million in taxable revenue bonds. These bonds mature in February 2016 and have fixed coupon rates between 4.76% and 5.07%. Additionally, the Company is owed $5.0 million in the form of subordinated notes by STLDC which represents the principal amount of financing provided to STLDC by CSC for initial development.

The Company has an operating agreement with STLDC, the owner of the complex, which provides it with the sole and exclusive right to operate and manage the detention center. The operating agreement and bond indenture require the revenue from the contract with ICE to be used to fund the periodic debt service requirements as they become due. The net revenues, if any, after various expenses such as trustee fees, property taxes and insurance premiums are distributed to the Company to cover operating expenses and management fees. The Company is responsible for the entire operation of the facility including the payment of all operating expenses whether or not there are sufficient revenues. STLDC has no liabilities resulting from its ownership. The bonds have a ten-year term and are non-recourse to the Company and STLDC. The bonds are fully insured and the sole source of payment for the bonds is the operating revenues of the center. At the end of the ten-year term of the bonds, title and ownership of the facility transfers from STLDC to the Company. The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of STLDC and consolidates the entity as a result. The carrying value of the facility as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $25.8 million and $26.4 million, respectively, and is included in property and equipment, net in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

On February 1, 2012, STLDC made a payment from its restricted cash account of $5.0 million for the current portion of its periodic debt service requirement in relation to the STLDC operating agreement and bond indenture. As of December 31, 2012, the remaining balance of the debt service requirement under the STLDC financing agreement is $22.4 million, of which $5.2 million is due within the next twelve months. Also, as of December 31, 2012, included in current restricted cash and non-current restricted cash is $6.2 million and $15.5 million, respectively, of funds held in trust with respect to the STLDC for debt service and other reserves.

Northwest Detention Center

On June 30, 2003, CSC arranged financing for the construction of a detention center in Tacoma, Washington, referred to as the Northwest Detention Center, which was completed and opened for operation in April 2004. The Company began to operate this facility following its acquisition of CSC in November 2005 (this facility was expanded by GEO in 2009 to 1,575 beds from the original 1,030 beds). In connection with the original financing, CSC formed a special purpose entity, CSC of Tacoma, LLC, of which CSC is the only member, the sole purpose of which is to own, operate, mortgage, lease, finance, refinance and otherwise deal with this facility. CSC of Tacoma, LLC owns the facility, as well as all of its other assets; the Company provides detention, transportation and related services for the United States Government from this facility pursuant to a Use Agreement between the Company and CSC of Tacoma, LLC. The assets of CSC of Tacoma, LLC are owned by CSC of Tacoma, LLC and are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The assets and liabilities of CSC of Tacoma, LLC are recognized on the CSC of Tacoma, LLC balance sheet.

In connection with the original financing, CSC of Tacoma, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CSC, issued a $57.0 million note payable to the Washington Economic Development Finance Authority (“WEDFA”), an instrumentality of the State of Washington, which issued revenue bonds and subsequently loaned the proceeds of the bond issuance back to CSC for the purposes of constructing the Northwest Detention Center. The proceeds of the loan were disbursed into escrow accounts held in trust to be used to pay the issuance costs for the revenue bonds, to construct the Northwest Detention Center and to establish debt service and other reserves. The bonds are non-recourse to the Company and the loan from WEDFA to CSC is non-recourse to the Company. These bonds mature in February 2014 and have fixed coupon rates of 4.10%. On October 1, 2012, CSC of Tacoma, LLC made a payment from its restricted cash account of $6.3 million for the current portion of its periodic debt service requirement in relation to the WEDFA bond indenture. As of December 31, 2012, the remaining balance of the debt service requirement relative to the original financing is $13.4 million, of which $6.5 million is classified as current in the accompanying balance sheet.

On December 9, 2011, WEDFA issued $54.4 million of its Washington Economic Development Finance Authority Taxable Economic Development Revenue Bonds, series 2011 (“2011 Revenue Bonds”). The bonds were rated AA- by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and the scheduled payment of principal and interest is guaranteed by municipal bond insurance issued by Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp. The 2011 Revenue Bonds have an average all-in cost of approximately 6.4%, including debt issuance costs and the bond discount, and maturity dates ranging from October 1, 2014 through October 1, 2021. The 2011 Revenue Bonds were issued to provide funds to make a loan to CSC of Tacoma, LLC for purposes of reimbursing GEO for costs incurred by GEO for the 2009 expansion of the Northwest Detention Facility and paying the costs of issuing the 2011 Revenue Bonds. The payment of principal and interest on the bonds is non-recourse to GEO. None of the bonds nor CSC’s obligations under the loan are obligations of GEO nor are they guaranteed by GEO.

As of December 31, 2012, included in current restricted cash and non-current restricted cash and investments is $9.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of funds held in trust with respect to the Northwest Detention Center for debt service and other reserves which had not been released to the Company as of December 31, 2012.

MCF

MCF was obligated for the outstanding balance of the MCF Bonds. The bonds bore interest at a rate of 8.47% per annum and were payable in semi-annual installments of interest and annual installments of principal. All unpaid principal and accrued interest on the bonds was due on the earlier of August 1, 2016 (maturity) or as noted under the bond documents. The bonds were limited, non-recourse obligations of MCF and were collateralized by the property and equipment, bond reserves, assignment of subleases and substantially all assets related to the eleven facilities owned by MCF. The bonds were not guaranteed by the Company or its subsidiaries. As of January 1, 2012, the aggregate principal amount of these bonds was $77.9 million, excluding the effect of the unamortized premium of $8.3 million and net of the current portion of $15.8 million. These balances are included as Non-Recourse Debt as of January 1, 2012 in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

On August 31, 2012 the Company purchased 100% of the partnership interests of MCF from the third party holders of these interests for a total net consideration of $35.2 million. Subsequent to the acquisition, the indenture relating to the MCF bonds was discharged and the remaining principal balance as of August 31, 2012 of $77.9 million was redeemed, with an effective date of September 4, 2012. GEO financed the acquisition of the partnership interests in MCF and the redemption of the MCF bonds with the proceeds from the above described Term Loan A-3.

The Company incurred a one-time loss on early extinguishment of debt in connection with the early redemption of the MCF bonds of $8.5 million which consisted of a make-whole premium of $14.9 million which includes $0.1 million of bond redemption costs, offset by the effect of the then unamortized bond premium of $6.4 million .

Australia

The Company’s wholly-owned Australian subsidiary financed the development of a facility and subsequent expansion in 2003 with long-term debt obligations. These obligations are non-recourse to the Company and total $34.8 million (AUD 33.6 million) and $40.3 million (AUD 39.5 million) at December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, based on exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2012. 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, at December 31, 2012, was $5.2 million based on exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2012. This amount is included in non-current restricted cash and the annual maturities of the future debt obligation are included in Non-Recourse Debt.

Debt Repayment

Debt repayment schedules under Capital Lease Obligations, Long-Term Debt, Non-Recourse Debt and the Senior Credit Facility are as follows:



Fiscal Year	Capital Leases			Long-Term Debt			Non- Recourse Debt			Revolver		Term Loans			Total Annual Repayment
	(In thousands)
2013	$	2,094		$	294		$	18,646		$	—	$	33,875		$	54,909
2014	1,952			183			24,473			—		73,250			99,858
2015	1,932			21			20,043			235,000		314,000			570,996
2016	1,935			4			21,316			—		142,500			165,755
2017	1,934			250,004			10,489			—		—			262,427
2018	1,936			4			6,970			—		—			8,910
Thereafter	7,037			300,002			23,010			—		—			330,049
	$	18,820		$	550,512		$	124,947		$	235,000	$	563,625		$	1,492,904
Interest imputed on Capital Leases	(5,826		)	—			—			—		—			(5,826		)
Original issuer’s discount	—			(2,457		)	(1,465		)	—		(1,195		)	(5,117		)
Interest rate swap	—			6,212			—			—		—			6,212
Current portion	(1,068		)	(293		)	(18,646		)	—		(33,875		)	(53,882		)
Non-current portion	$	11,926		$	553,974		$	104,836		$	235,000	$	528,555		$	1,434,291

Guarantees

In connection with the creation of SACS, the Company entered into certain guarantees related to the financing, construction and operation of the prison. The Company guaranteed certain obligations of SACS under its debt agreements to SACS’ senior lenders through the issuance of letters of credit for 60.0 million South African Rand. During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012, the Company was notified by SACS’ lenders that these guarantees were reduced from 60.0 million South African Rand to 34.8 million South African Rand, or $4.1 million based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2012. Additionally, SACS was required to fund a Rectification Account for the repayment of certain costs in the event of contract termination. As such, the Company had guaranteed the payment of 60% of amounts which may have been payable by SACS into the Rectification Account by providing a standby letter of credit of 8.4 million South African Rand as security for this guarantee. During the fiscal year ended January 1, 2012, SACS met its obligation for the funding of the Rectification Account and the letter of credit for 8.4 million South African Rand relative to this guarantee was not renewed. In the event SACS is unable to maintain the required funding in the Rectification Account, the guarantee for the shortfall will need to be re-instated. No amounts were drawn against these letters of credit. The remaining guarantee of 34.8 million South African Rand is included as part of the value of Company’s outstanding letters of credit under its Revolver as of December 31, 2012.

In addition to the above, the Company has also agreed to provide a loan, of up to 20.0 million South African Rand, or $2.4 million based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2012, 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 Shareholder’s Loan, 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 $2.5 million based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2012, 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 December 31, 2012 and January 1, 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 market value of those securities included in Other Non-Current Assets as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, on its consolidated balance sheets. The Company does not currently operate or manage this facility.

At December 31, 2012, the Company also had eight letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees of its Australian subsidiary totaling $12.6 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 £12.1 million, or $19.6 million based on exchange rates as of December 31, 2012, was outstanding as of December 31, 2012. The Company’s maximum exposure relative to the joint venture is its note receivable of $19.6 million, including accrued interest of $0.2 million, and future financial support necessary to guarantee performance under the contract.

Except as discussed above, the Company does not have any off balance sheet arrangements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Benefit Plans

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Benefit Plans

The Company has two non-contributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain of the Company’s executives. Retirement benefits are based on years of service, employees’ average compensation for the last five years prior to retirement and social security benefits. Currently, the plans are not funded. The Company purchased and is the beneficiary of life insurance policies for certain participants enrolled in the plans. There were no significant transactions between the employer or related parties and the plan during the period.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had a non-qualified deferred compensation agreement with its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”). In August, 2012, the CEO's agreement was amended to eliminate the tax gross-up provision which was previously applicable to his lump sum retirement payment. The current agreement provides for a lump sum payment upon retirement, no sooner than age 55. As of December 31, 2012, the CEO had reached age 55 and was eligible to receive the payment upon retirement. If the Company’s CEO had retired as of December 31, 2012, the Company would have had to pay him $6.6 million. During the fiscal year ended January 2, 2011, the Company paid a former executive $4.4 million, including an income tax gross up of $1.6 million, in discounted retirement benefits under the executive’s non-qualified deferred compensation agreement. As a result of the payments made to this executive, the Company recognized settlement charges during the fiscal years ended January 2, 2011 of $0.3 million. The long-term portion of the pension liability as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $19.5 million and $16.7 million, respectively, and is included in Other Non-Current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets.

The following table summarizes key information related to the Company’s pension plans and retirement agreements. The table illustrates the reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the benefit obligation showing the effects during the periods presented attributable to service cost, interest cost, plan amendments, termination benefits, actuarial gains and losses. The assumptions used in the Company’s calculation of accrued pension costs are based on market information and the Company’s historical rates for employment compensation and discount rates.



	2012			2011
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected Benefit Obligation, Beginning of Year	$	16,879		$	13,830
Service Cost	774			645
Interest Cost	787			667
Plan Amendments	569			—
Actuarial Loss	945			1,922
Benefits Paid	(193		)	(185		)
Projected Benefit Obligation, End of Year	$	19,761		$	16,879
Change in Plan Assets
Plan Assets at Fair Value, Beginning of Year	$	—		$	—
Company Contributions	193			185
Benefits Paid	(193		)	(185		)
Plan Assets at Fair Value, End of Year	$	—		$	—
Unfunded Status of the Plan	$	(19,761	)	$	(16,879	)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Prior Service Cost	—			—
Net Loss	4,283			3,531
Total Pension Cost	$	4,283		$	3,531



	2012			2011
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service Cost	$	774		$	645
Interest Cost	787			667
Amortization of:
Prior Service Cost	569			—
Net Loss	193			62
Net Periodic Pension Cost	$	2,323		$	1,374
Weighted Average Assumptions for Expense
Discount Rate	4.40		%	5.50		%
Expected Return on Plan Assets	N/A			N/A
Rate of Compensation Increase	4.60		%	4.29		%

The amount included in other accumulated comprehensive income as of December 31, 2012 that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in fiscal year 2013 is $0.3 million.

The benefit payments reflected in the table below represent the Company’s obligations to employees that are eligible for retirement or have already retired and are receiving deferred compensation benefits:



Fiscal Year	Pension Benefits
	(In thousands)
2013	$	6,925
2014	367
2015	380
2016	428
2017	470
Thereafter	11,191

	$	19,761

The Company also maintains the GEO Group Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (“Deferred Compensation Plan”), a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for employees who are ineligible to participate in its qualified 401(k) plan. Eligible employees may defer a fixed percentage of their salary and the Company matches employee contributions up to a certain amount based on the employee’s years of service. Payments will be made at retirement age of 65, at termination of employment or earlier depending on the employees’ elections. Effective December 18, 2009, the Company established a rabbi trust; the purpose of which is to segregate the assets of the Deferred Compensation Plan from the Company’s cash balances. The funds in the rabbi trust are included in Restricted Cash and Investments in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These funds are not available to the Company for any purpose other than to fund the Deferred Compensation Plan; however, these funds may be available to the Company’s creditors in the event the Company becomes insolvent. All employee and employer contributions relative to the Deferred Compensation Plan are made directly to the rabbi trust. The Company recognized expense related to its contributions of $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively. The total liability, including the current portion, for this plan at December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $7.8 million and $8.0 million, respectively. The liability, excluding the current portion of $1.1 million and $0.6 million as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, is included in other non-current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Business Segments and Geographic Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

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 International Services segment; the GEO Community Services segment; and Facility Construction & Design segment. The GEO Community Services segment was previously referred to as the GEO Care segment but was renamed concurrent with the divestiture of RTS (refer to Note 2 - Discontinued Operations). All current and prior year financial position and results of operations amounts presented for this segment are referred to as GEO Community Services. The Company has identified these four reportable segments to reflect the current view that the Company operates four distinct business lines, each of which constitutes a material part of its overall business. The U.S. Corrections & Detention segment primarily encompasses U.S.-based privatized corrections and detention business. The International Services segment primarily consists of privatized corrections and detention operations in South Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom. The Company’s community-based services, youth services and BI are operating segments aggregated under the GEO Community Services reporting segment. The GEO Community Services segment, which conducts its services in the United States, represents services provided to adult offenders and juveniles for non-residential treatment, educational and community based programs, pre-release and half-way house programs, compliance technologies, monitoring services and evidence-based supervision and treatment programs for community-based parolees, probationers, and pretrial defendants. The Facility Construction & Design segment primarily contracts with various state, local and federal agencies for the design and construction of facilities for which the Company has management contracts. Generally, the assets and revenues from the Facility Construction & Design segment are offset by a similar amount of liabilities and expenses. As a result of the acquisition of Cornell, management’s review of certain segment financial data was revised with regards to the Bronx Community Re-entry Center and the Brooklyn Community Re-entry Center. These facilities now report within the GEO Community Services segment and are no longer included with U.S. Corrections & Detention. Segment disclosures below (in thousands) reflect the results of continuing operations. All transactions between segments are eliminated.



Fiscal Year	2012			2011			2010
Revenues:
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	975,445		$	925,695		$	805,857
GEO Community Services	291,891			280,080			76,913
International Services	211,726			201,397			178,567
Facility Construction and Design	$	—		$	—		$	23,255
Total revenues	$	1,479,062		$	1,407,172		$	1,084,592
Depreciation and amortization:
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	62,587		$	55,208		$	39,417
GEO Community Services	26,738			24,271			3,246
International Services	2,360			2,069			1,702
Total depreciation and amortization	$	91,685		$	81,548		$	44,365
Operating Income:
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	222,703		$	215,406		$	198,837
GEO Community Services	65,401			61,270			15,877
International Services	10,041			12,938			11,364
Facility Construction & Design	—			—			2,382
Operating income from segments	298,145			289,614			228,460
General and Administrative Expenses	(113,792		)	(110,015		)	(101,558		)
Total operating income	$	184,353		$	179,599		$	126,902



	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Segment assets:
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	1,967,226	$	2,022,600
GEO Community Services	673,397		688,240
International Services	97,584		93,732
Facility Construction & Design	—		157
Total segment assets	$	2,738,207	$	2,804,729

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, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations, in each case, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, respectively.



Fiscal Year Ended	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Operating income from segments	$	298,145		$	289,614		$	228,460
Unallocated amounts:
General and administrative expense	(113,792		)	(110,015		)	(101,558		)
Net interest expense	(75,473		)	(68,346		)	(34,452		)
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt	(8,462		)	—			(7,933		)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	$	100,418		$	111,253		$	84,517

Asset Reconciliation

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s reportable segment assets to the Company’s total assets as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.



	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Reportable segment assets	$	2,738,207	$	2,804,729
Cash	31,755		43,378
Deferred income tax	20,822		30,017
Restricted cash and investments	48,410		99,459
Assets of discontinued operations	—		72,340
Total assets	$	2,839,194	$	3,049,923

Geographic Information

During each of the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, the Company’s international operations were conducted through (i) the Company’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary, The GEO Group Australia Pty. Ltd., through which the Company has management contracts for four correctional facilities (ii) the Company’s consolidated joint venture in South Africa, SACM, through which the Company manages one correctional facility; and (iii) the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary in the United Kingdom, The GEO Group UK Ltd., through which the Company managed both the Dungavel House Immigration Removal Centre and the Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre as of January 1, 2012 and managed both the Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre and the Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre as of December 31, 2012 and January 2, 2011.



Fiscal Year	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Revenues:
U.S. operations	$	1,267,335	$	1,205,775	$	906,025
Australia operations	159,444		150,753		130,738
South African operations	20,029		21,357		19,231
United Kingdom operations	32,254		29,287		28,598
Total revenues	$	1,479,062	$	1,407,172	$	1,084,592
Long-lived assets:
U.S. operations	$	1,680,038	$	1,683,124
Australia operations	5,634		4,296
South African operations	234		334
United Kingdom operations	1,253		602
Total long-lived assets	$	1,687,159	$	1,688,356

Sources of Revenue

The Company derives most of its revenue from the management of privatized correction and detention facilities. The Company also derives revenue from GEO Community Services and from the construction and expansion of new and existing correctional, detention and GEO Community Services facilities. All of the Company’s revenue is generated from external customers.



Fiscal Year	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Revenues:
Corrections & Detention	$	1,187,171	$	1,127,092	$	984,424
GEO Community Services	291,891		280,080		76,913
Facility Construction and Design	—		—		23,255
Total revenues	$	1,479,062	$	1,407,172	$	1,084,592

Equity in Earnings of Affiliates

Equity in earnings of affiliates for 2012, 2011 and 2010 includes the operating results the Company’s joint ventures in SACS and GEOAmey. These joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method and the Company’s investments in SACS and GEOAmey are presented as a component of other non-current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has recorded $5.3 million, $3.9 million and $4.2 million in earnings, net of tax impact, for SACS operations during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, and January 2, 2011,respectively, which are included in equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company’s investment in SACS was $7.8 million and $5.6 million, respectively. The investment is included in other non-current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has recorded $(1.7) million and $(2.4) million in losses, net of tax impact, for GEOAmey’s operations during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, which are included in equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision, in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company’s investment in GEOAmey was $(4.1) million and $(2.4) 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 15-Debt and Note 1 - Summary of Business Organization, Operations and Significant Account Policies - Note Receivable from Joint Venture.

Business Concentration

Except for the major customer noted in the following table, no other single customer made up greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the following fiscal years.



Customer	2012		2011		2010
Various agencies of the U.S Federal Government:	47	%	40	%	35	%

Credit risk related to accounts receivable is reflective of the related revenues.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

The United States and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes and equity income from affiliates are as follows:



	2012			2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings in affiliates, and discontinued operations
United States	$	91,048		$	96,670	$	71,890
Foreign	9,370			14,583		12,627
	100,418			111,253		84,517
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from operation of discontinued business	(18,465		)	12,572		13,587
Total	$	81,953		$	123,825	$	98,104

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following components:



	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Continuing Operations:
Federal income taxes:
Current	$	36,631		$	(4,198	)	$	8,902
Deferred	(78,275		)	36,716			16,308
	(41,644		)	32,518			25,210
State income taxes:
Current	5,020			2,099			1,907
Deferred	(8,770		)	4,732			3,234
	(3,750		)	6,831			5,141
Foreign income taxes:
Current	5,497			4,211			5,196
Deferred	(665		)	(388		)	(1,183		)
	4,832			3,823			4,013
Total U.S. and foreign	(40,562		)	43,172			34,364
Discontinued operations:
Tax (benefit) provision allocated to discontinued operations	(7,805		)	4,753			5,168
Total	$	(48,367	)	$	47,925		$	39,532

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax rate 35.00% and the effective income tax rate is as follows:



	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Continuing operations:
Provisions using statutory federal income tax rate	$	35,147		$	38,939		$	29,581
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	4,291			4,480			3,211
Impact of REIT election	(79,033		)	—			—
Change in contingent tax liabilities	—			(337		)	(2,366		)
Impact of nondeductible transaction costs	—			65			3,230
Other, net	(967		)	25			708
Total continuing operations	(40,562		)	43,172			34,364
Discontinued operations:
Tax benefit from operations of discontinued business	(7,805		)	4,753			5,168
Provision for income taxes	$	(48,367	)	$	47,925		$	39,532

The components of the net current deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are as follows:



	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Accrued liabilities	$	13,060		$	21,192
Accrued compensation	6,433			5,884
Other, net	(1,203		)	1,504
Total asset	$	18,290		$	28,580

The components of the net non-current deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are as follows:



	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Depreciation	$	2,532	$	1,437
Total asset	$	2,532	$	1,437

The components of the net non-current deferred income tax liability as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are as follows:



	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Deferred compensation	$	7,666		$	9,247
Net operating losses	23,062			16,542
Tax credits	8,380			6,017
Deferred loan costs	—			2,073
Equity awards	1,816			2,881
Other, net	9,263			1,585
Bond discount	—			(657		)
Residual U.S. tax liability on unrepatriated foreign earnings	—			(3,668		)
Valuation allowance	(13,506		)	(8,025		)
Deferred rent	4,864			(6,220		)
Intangible assets	(45,955		)	(70,860		)
Depreciation	(11,293		)	(74,431		)
Total liability	$	(15,703	)	$	(125,516	)

Deferred income taxes should be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is not more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. On a periodic basis, management evaluates and determines the amount of the valuation allowance required and adjusts such valuation allowance accordingly. At fiscal year end 2012 and 2011, the Company has a valuation allowance of $13.5 million and $8.0 million, respectively related to deferred tax assets for foreign net operating losses, state net operating losses and state tax credits. The valuation allowance increased by $5.5 million during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

The Company provides income taxes on the undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries except to the extent that such earnings are indefinitely invested outside the United States. At December 31, 2012, $23.7 million of accumulated undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries were indefinitely invested. At the existing U.S. federal income and applicable foreign withholding tax rates., additional taxes (net of foreign tax credits) of $0.5 million would have to be provided if such earnings were remitted currently.

As of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Company had $37.0 million of Federal net operating loss carryforwards which begin to expire in 2022 and $110.9 million of combined net operating loss carryforwards in various states which begin to expire in 2013. The Company has recorded a partial valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets related to the state operating losses.

Also as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Company had $16.0 million of foreign operating losses which carry forward indefinitely and $6.7 million of state tax credits which begin to expire in 2013. The Company has recorded a full and partial valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets related to the foreign operating losses and state tax credits, respectively.

The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based upon the grant date fair value of those awards. The exercise of non-qualified stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards which have been granted under the Company’s equity award plans give rise to compensation income which is includable in the taxable income of the applicable employees and deducted by the Company for federal and state income tax purposes. Such compensation income results from increases in the fair market value of the Company’s common stock subsequent to the date of grant. At fiscal year end 2012, the deferred tax asset net of a valuation allowance related to unexercised stock options and restricted stock grants for which the Company has recorded a book expense was $2.7 million.

The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Balance at Beginning of Period	$	6,528		$	9,062		$	5,947
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,437			13			3,251
Additions for tax positions of prior years	13,356			43			—
Additions from current year acquisitions	—			3,848			2,928
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	—			(3,237		)	(2,891		)
Reductions as a result of a lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(592		)	(845		)	—
Settlements	(3,230		)	(2,356		)	(173		)
Balance at End of Period	$	18,499		$	6,528		$	9,062

All amounts in the reconciliation are reported on a gross basis and do not reflect a federal tax benefit on state income taxes. The Company has accrued $16.9 million of accrued uncertain tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 which is inclusive of the federal tax benefit on state income taxes. The Company anticipates a decrease in the unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of the reporting date of approximately $0.5 million. Settlements reported in the reconciliation for 2011 include amounts related to federal audit adjustments for the years 2002 through 2005, for which a settlement was finalized in 2011. The accrued uncertain tax balance at December 31, 2012 includes $16.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits which, if ultimately recognized, will reduce the Company’s annual effective tax rate.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various states and foreign jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2009. The Company has participated in the voluntary IRS real-time tax audit Compliance Assurance Process (“CAP”) since 2011. The 2009 and 2010 years are under audit as transition years as provided under the IRS CAP program.

During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2009, the IRS completed its examination of the Company’s U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 2002 through 2005. Following the examination, the IRS notified the Company that it proposed to disallow a deduction that the Company realized during the 2005 tax year. The Company appealed this proposed disallowed deduction with the IRS’s appeals division. In December 2010, the Company reached an agreement with the office of IRS Appeals on the amount of the deduction which was then reviewed at a higher level. The Company previously reported that if the disallowed deduction were to be sustained on appeal, it could result in a potential tax exposure to the Company of up to $15.4 million. In the second quarter 2011, the matter was resolved with no change.

The calculation of the Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes requires the use of significant judgment and involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations. In determining the adequacy of the Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes, potential settlement outcomes resulting from income tax examinations are regularly assessed. As such, the final outcome of tax examinations, including the total amount payable or the timing of any such payments upon resolution of these issues, cannot be estimated with certainty.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, the Company recognized $0.0 million, $0.0 million and $(0.8) million in interest and penalties, respectively. The Company had accrued $0.4 million and $0.4 million for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively. The Company classifies interest and penalties as interest expense and other expense, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

The Company leases correctional facilities, office space, computers and transportation equipment under non-cancelable operating leases expiring between 2013 and 2050. The future minimum commitments under these leases are as follows:



Fiscal Year	Annual Rental
	(In thousands)
2013	$	33,987
2014	30,643
2015	21,964
2016	15,793
2017	14,493
Thereafter	36,035
	$	152,915

The Company leases its corporate offices, which are located in Boca Raton, Florida, under a lease agreement which was amended in October 2011. The current lease expires in March 2020 and has two 5-year renewal options, which if exercised will result in a maximum term ending in March 2030. In addition, the Company leases office space for its regional offices in Charlotte, North Carolina; San Antonio, Texas; and Los Angeles, California. The Company is also currently leasing office space in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Boulder, Colorado. The Company also leases office space in Sydney, Australia, Sandton, South Africa, and Berkshire, England through its overseas affiliates to support its Australian, South African, and UK operations, respectively. The Company also leases 39 ISAP service centers and 23 nonresidential re-entry centers related to BI. These rental commitments are included in the table above. Certain of these leases contain leasehold improvement incentives, rent holidays, and scheduled rent increases which are included in the Company’s rent expense recognized on a straight-line basis. Minimum rent expense associated with the Company’s leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year was $34.4 million, $35.9 million and $25.4 million for fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Litigation, Claims and Assessments

On June 22, 2011, a jury verdict for $6.5 million was returned against the Company in a wrongful death action brought by the Personal Representative of the Estate of Ronald Sites, a former inmate at the Company's Lawton Oklahoma Correctional Facility. On August 22, 2011, the court entered judgment against GEO in the amount of $8.4 million, which includes pre judgment interest on the amount of the verdict from January 26, 2007, the date of the filing of the lawsuit, through the date of the jury verdict. The lawsuit, Ronald L. Sites, as the administrator of the Estate of Ronald S. Sites, deceased v. The GEO Group, Inc. was filed on January 28, 2007 in the District Court of Comanche County, State of Oklahoma, Case No. CJ-2007-84. It was alleged that on January 29, 2005, Mr. Sites was harmed by his cellmate as a result of the Company's negligence. The Company disagrees with the judgment and is pursuing an appeal. A supersedeas bond in the amount of $10.0 million was posted on August 29, 2011 by the insurance company of the State of Pennsylvania, one of the Company's insurers. The Company intends to vigorously defend its rights and believes its accrual relative to this judgment is adequate. Under its insurance plan, the Company is responsible for the first $3.0 million of liability. Aside from this amount, which the Company would pay directly from general corporate funds, the Company believes it has insurance coverage for this matter.

In June 2004, the Company received notice of a third-party claim for property damage incurred during 2001 and

2002 at several detention facilities formerly operated by its Australian subsidiary. The claim relates to property damage

caused by detainees at the detention facilities. The notice was given by the Australian government’s insurance provider and

did not specify the amount of damages being sought. In August 2007, a lawsuit (Commonwealth of Australia v.

Australasian Correctional Services PTY, Limited No. SC 656) was filed against the Company in the Supreme Court of the

Australian Capital Territory seeking damages of up to approximately AUD 18.0 million or $18.7 million based on exchange

rates as of December 31, 2012, plus interest. The pre-judgment interest rate in Australia is currently 7.5% per annum. The

Company believes that it has several defenses to the allegations underlying the litigation and the amounts sought and

intends to vigorously defend its rights with respect to this matter. The Company has established a reserve based on its

estimate of the most probable loss based on the facts and circumstances known to date and the advice of legal counsel in

connection with this matter. The accrued reserve assumes a financial settlement of this litigation which would not require

payment of pre-judgment interest. Although the outcome of this matter cannot be predicted with certainty, based on

information known to date and the Company’s preliminary review of the claim and related reserve for loss, the Company

believes that, if settled unfavorably, this matter could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of

operations or cash flows. The Company is uninsured for any damages or costs that it may incur as a result of this claim,

including the expenses of defending the claim.

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. Except as otherwise disclosed above, 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.

Collective Bargaining Agreements

The Company had approximately 21% of its workforce covered by collective bargaining agreements at December 31, 2012. Collective bargaining agreements with 2% of employees are set to expire in less than one year.

Contract Terminations

On March 31, 2012, the Company's contract for the management of the 130-bed Migrant Operations Center at Guantanamo Bay NAS, Cuba terminated and was transferred to another operator. The termination of this contract did not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and/ or cash flows.

On April 19, 2012, the Company announced the 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 its managed-only contracts with the State of Mississippi, Department of Corrections 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. Refer to Note 2- Discontinued Operations for additional information.

The Company is currently marketing approximately 6,000 vacant beds at seven of its idle facilities to potential customers. The carrying values of these idle facilities totaled $240.2 million as of December 31, 2012, excluding equipment and other assets that can be easily transferred for use at other facilities.

Commitments

The Company is currently developing a number of projects using existing Company financing facilities. The Company’s management estimates that these existing capital projects will cost approximately $151.2 million, of which $29.5 million was spent through the end of 2012. The Company estimates the remaining capital requirements related to these capital projects to be approximately $121.7 million, which will be spent through fiscal years 2013 and 2014. Capital expenditures related to facility maintenance costs are expected to be $30.0 million for fiscal year 2013. In addition to these current estimated capital requirements for 2013 and 2014, the Company is currently in the process of bidding on, or evaluating potential bids for the design, construction and management of a number of new projects. In the event that the Company wins bids for these projects and decides to self-finance their construction, its capital requirements in 2013 and/or 2014 could materially increase.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The Company’s selected quarterly financial data is as follows (in thousands, except per share data attributable to GEO):



	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter [1]
2012
Revenues	$	360,042	$	371,174	$	369,115	$	378,731
Operating income [1]	40,497		52,941		51,602		39,313
Income from continuing operations	13,755		20,858		14,532		95,413
Income (loss) from discontinued operation, net of tax [1]	1,304		1,619		194		(13,777		)
Basic earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$	0.23	$	0.34	$	0.25	$	1.56
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	—	$	(0.23	)
Net income per share	$	0.25	$	0.37	$	0.26	$	1.33
Diluted earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$	0.23	$	0.34	$	0.25	$	1.55
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	—	$	(0.22	)
Net income per share	$	0.25	$	0.37	$	0.25	$	1.32



	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2011
Revenues	$	341,959	$	356,012	$	354,728	$	354,473
Operating income	38,738		46,298		47,265		47,298
Income from continuing operations	15,028		18,620		18,820		17,176
Income from discontinued operation, net of tax	1,351		2,544		2,474		1,450
Basic earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$	0.24	$	0.30	$	0.30	$	0.28
Income from discontinued operations	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.02
Net income per share	$	0.26	$	0.33	$	0.34	$	0.30
Diluted earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$	0.24	$	0.29	$	0.30	$	0.28
Income from discontinued operations	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.02
Net income per share	$	0.26	$	0.33	$	0.34	$	0.30

Note that earnings per share tables contain slight summation differences due to rounding.

[1] In the Fourth Quarter of 2012, the Company completed a corporate restructuring in order to operate as a REIT effective January 1, 2013. In connection with the REIT conversion, the Company divested one of its operating segments, RTS, and recorded a loss of $14.6 million, net of tax. Refer to Note 2 - Discontinued Operations for additional information. Also, as a result of the REIT restructuring, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $79.0 million related to the reversal of certain net deferred tax liabilities. Refer to Note 18 - Income Taxes for additional information.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Dec. 31, 2012
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events The Company completed its corporate restructuring and met the requirements to operate as a REIT for federal income tax purposes effective January 1, 2013. On January 18, 2013, the Company received a favorable Private Letter Ruling from the Internal Revenue Service indicating the Company qualifies as a REIT. In connection with the Company's conversion to a REIT, on January 17, 2013 the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock, which will be paid on March 1, 2013 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 15, 2013. On February 14, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted Amended and Restated Bylaws for the Company, effective upon adoption (the “Bylaws”). The Bylaws were amended to provide that directors will be elected by a majority of the votes cast in uncontested elections. In contested elections, the vote standard will continue to be a plurality of votes cast. A director who is not elected by a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election must tender his or her resignation to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, taking into consideration the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board, will then decide whether to accept or reject the resignation, or whether other action should be taken.

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

As discussed in Note 15, the Company completed a private offering of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (such 6.625% Senior Notes collectively with the 7³/4% Senior Notes issued October 20, 2009, the “Notes”). The Notes are 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”). BII Holding has been classified in the Condensed Consolidating Financial Information as a guarantor to the Company’s Notes. On February 10, 2011, the 6.625% Senior Notes were sold to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States only to non-U.S. persons in accordance with Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act. In connection with the sale of the 6.625% Senior Notes, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the initial purchasers of the 6.625% Senior Notes party thereto, pursuant to which the Company and its Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined below) agreed to file a registration statement with respect to an offer to exchange the 6.625% Senior Notes for a new issue of substantially identical notes registered under the Securities Act. The Company filed a registration statement with respect to this offer to exchange the 6.625% Senior Notes which became effective on July 22, 2011.

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 “Subsidiary Non-Guarantors”);

(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 BALANCE SHEET



	As of December 31, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.		Combined Subsidiary Guarantors		Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)
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, net	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
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	—		—		—		—			—
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:
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	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 BALANCE SHEET



	As of January 1, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.		Combined Subsidiary Guarantors		Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,086	$	3,092	$	25,200	$	—		$	43,378
Restricted cash and investments	—		—		42,534		—			42,534
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	123,426		122,758		19,066		—			265,250
Current deferred income tax assets, net	14,063		10,729		3,788		—			28,580
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,169		22,670		10,340		(1,154		)	49,025
Current assets of discontinued operations	5,021		20,284		5,257		—			30,562
Total current assets	174,765		179,533		106,185		(1,154		)	459,329
Restricted Cash and Investments	7,029		—		49,896		—			56,925
Property and Equipment, Net	620,124		817,568		250,664		—			1,688,356
Assets Held for Sale	3,083		1,280		—		—			4,363
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	—		—		32,146		—			32,146
Intercompany Receivable	387,013		13,356		13,990		(414,359		)	—
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	—		—		1,437		—			1,437
Goodwill	34		489,502		760		—			490,296
Intangible Assets, Net	—		193,851		1,865		—			195,716
Investment in Subsidiaries	1,333,885		9,784		—		(1,343,669		)	—
Other Non-Current Assets	40,695		73,481		31,022		(65,621		)	79,577
Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations	697		40,289		792		—			41,778
Total Assets	$	2,567,325	$	1,818,644	$	488,757	$	(1,824,803	)	$	3,049,923
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	47,159	$	16,932	$	3,942	$	—		$	68,033
Accrued payroll and related taxes	2,855		15,653		16,298		—			34,806
Accrued expenses	69,585		33,256		24,149		(1,154		)	125,836
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	19,037		1,350		33,266		—			53,653
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	542		4,642		1,306		—			6,490
Total current liabilities	139,178		71,833		78,961		(1,154		)	288,818
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	42,879		82,603		34		—			125,516
Intercompany Payable	14,027		378,005		22,327		(414,359		)	—
Other Non-Current Liabilities	29,384		26,702		63,641		(65,621		)	54,106
Capital Lease Obligations	—		13,064		—		—			13,064
Long-Term Debt	1,318,639		429		—		—			1,319,068
Non-Recourse Debt	—		—		208,532		—			208,532
Long term liabilities of discontinued operations	—		1,668		630		—			2,298
Commitments & Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,023,218		1,229,553		114,116		(1,343,669		)	1,023,218
Noncontrolling Interests	—		14,787		516		—			15,303
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,023,218		1,244,340		114,632		(1,343,669		)	1,038,521
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	2,567,325	$	1,818,644	$	488,757	$	(1,824,803	)	$	3,049,923

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



	For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues	$	605,091		$	721,949		$	230,261		$	(78,239	)	$	1,479,062
Operating expenses	529,318			451,564			186,589			(78,239		)	1,089,232
Depreciation and amortization	29,521			54,719			7,445			—			91,685
General and administrative expenses	44,214			52,753			16,825			—			113,792
Operating income	2,038			162,913			19,402			—			184,353
Interest income	32,580			1,713			6,122			(33,699		)	6,716
Interest expense	(68,737		)	(33,204		)	(13,947		)	33,699			(82,189		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			(8,462		)	—			—			(8,462		)
Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	(34,119		)	122,960			11,577			—			100,418
Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes	(11,303		)	(31,352		)	2,093			—			(40,562		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			3,578			—			3,578
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(22,816		)	154,312			13,062			—			144,558
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	167,374			—			—			(167,374		)	—
Income from continuing operations	144,558			154,312			13,062			(167,374		)	144,558
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	(10,660		)	(5,942		)	447			5,495			(10,660		)
Net income	133,898			148,370			13,509			(161,879		)	133,898
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			852						852
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	133,898		$	148,370		$	14,361		$	(161,879	)	$	134,750
Net income	$	133,898		$	148,370		$	13,509		$	(161,879	)	$	133,898
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(461		)	—			1,085			—			624
Total comprehensive income	$	133,437		$	148,370		$	14,594		$	(161,879	)	$	134,522
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			968			—			968
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	133,437		$	148,370		$	15,562		$	(161,879	)	$	135,490

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues	$	556,163		$	717,926		$	220,352		$	(87,269	)	$	1,407,172
Operating expenses	503,355			448,057			171,867			(87,269		)	1,036,010
Depreciation and amortization	20,615			53,458			7,475			—			81,548
General and administrative expenses	39,445			55,698			14,872			—			110,015
Operating income (loss)	(7,252		)	160,713			26,138			—			179,599
Interest income	29,087			2,608			6,462			(31,125		)	7,032
Interest expense	(61,447		)	(30,720		)	(14,336		)	31,125			(75,378		)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	(39,612		)	132,601			18,264			—			111,253
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(15,158		)	51,518			6,812			—			43,172
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			1,563			—			1,563
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(24,454		)	81,083			13,015			—			69,644
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	94,098			—			—			(94,098		)	—
Income from continuing operations	69,644			81,083			13,015			(94,098		)	69,644
Net income from discontinued operations	7,819			6,329			473			(6,802		)	7,819
Net income	77,463			87,412			13,488			(100,900		)	77,463
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	—		$	—		$	1,162		$	—		$	1,162
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	77,463		$	87,412		$	14,650		$	(100,900	)	$	78,625
Net income	$	77,463		$	87,412		$	13,488		$	(100,900	)	$	77,463
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1,131		)	—			(7,122		)	—			(8,253		)
Total comprehensive income	$	76,332		$	87,412		$	6,366		$	(100,900	)	$	69,210
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			1,274			—			1,274
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	76,332		$	87,412		$	7,640		$	(100,900	)	$	70,484

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2011
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues	$	557,473		$	380,596		$	214,095		$	(67,572	)	$	1,084,592
Operating expenses	491,532			218,546			169,261			(67,572		)	811,767
Depreciation and amortization	16,728			22,389			5,248			—			44,365
General and administrative expenses	46,840			36,746			17,972			—			101,558
Operating income	2,373			102,915			21,614			—			126,902
Interest income	5,309			1,297			5,836			(6,200		)	6,242
Interest expense	(29,484		)	(6,113		)	(11,297		)	6,200			(40,694		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(7,933		)	—			—			—			(7,933		)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	(29,735		)	98,099			16,153			—			84,517
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(8,475		)	37,705			5,134			—			34,364
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			4,218			—			4,218
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(21,260		)	60,394			15,237			—			54,371
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	75,631			—			—			(75,631		)	—
Income from continuing operations	54,371			60,394			15,237			(75,631		)	54,371
Net income from discontinued operations	8,419			4,857			864			(5,721		)	8,419
Net income	62,790			65,251			16,101			(81,352		)	62,790
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	678		$	678
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	62,790		$	65,251		$	16,101		$	(80,674	)	$	63,468
Net income	$	62,790		$	65,251		$	16,101		$	(81,352	)	$	62,790
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(383		)	—			5,028			—			4,645
Total comprehensive income	$	62,407		$	65,251		$	21,129		$	(81,352	)	$	67,435
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			608			—			608
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	62,407		$	65,251		$	21,737		$	(81,352	)	$	68,043

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidated
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	107,116		$	62,330		$	85,741		$	255,187
Cash provided (used in) by operating activities - discontinued operations	3,250			26,430			(20,627		)	9,053
Net cash provided by operating activities	110,366			88,760			65,114			264,240
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	—			(35,154		)	—			(35,154		)
Proceeds from RTS divestiture	29,653			—			3,600			33,253
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			65			—			65
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	—			5,641						5,641
Change in restricted cash and investments	—			—			51,189			51,189
Capital expenditures	(61,425		)	(42,406		)	(3,718		)	(107,549		)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	(31,772		)	(71,854		)	51,071			(52,555		)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - discontinued operations	211			(1,820		)	(1,152		)	(2,761		)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(31,561		)	(73,674		)	49,919			(55,316		)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	358,000			—			—			358,000
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	621			—			—			621
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	—			(14,861		)	—			(14,861		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(5,758		)	(5,758		)
Payment for purchase of treasury shares	(8,666		)	—			—			(8,666		)
Debt issuance costs	(1,360		)	—			(38		)	(1,398		)
Payments on long-term debt	(343,987		)	(1,400		)	(111,098		)	(456,485		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	9,276			—			—			9,276
Cash dividends paid	(102,435		)	—			—			(102,435		)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	460			—			—			460
Payment for retirement of common stock	(1,036		)	—			—			(1,036		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(89,127		)	(16,261		)	(116,894		)	(222,282		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			1,735			1,735
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(10,322		)	(1,175		)	(126		)	(11,623		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	15,086			3,092			25,200			43,378
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	4,764		$	1,917		$	25,074		$	31,755

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2012
	The GEO Group Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	173,438		$	18,834		$	(6,531	)	$	185,741
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	3,475			7,026			(7,130		)	3,371
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	176,913			25,860			(13,661		)	189,112
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of BI and Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired	(409,607		)	—			—			(409,607		)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			1,450			33			1,483
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	—			7,121						7,121
Change in restricted cash and investments	—			—			(9,503		)	(9,503		)
Capital expenditures	(191,642		)	(28,266		)	(2,125		)	(222,033		)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(601,249		)	(19,695		)	(11,595		)	(632,539		)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(696		)	(1,973		)	(333		)	(3,002		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(601,945		)	(21,668		)	(11,928		)	(635,541		)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	782,247			—			53,148			835,395
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	465			—			—			465
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(4,012		)	(4,012		)
Payment for purchase of treasury shares	(74,982		)				—			(74,982		)
Debt issuance costs	(15,462		)	—			—			(15,462		)
Payments on long-term debt	(257,210		)	(1,275		)	(31,347		)	(289,832		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	2,446			—			—			2,446
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	437,504			(1,275		)	17,789			454,018
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			(2,299		)	(2,299		)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	12,472			2,917			(10,099		)	5,290
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	2,614			175			35,299			38,088
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	15,086		$	3,092		$	25,200		$	43,378

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2011
	The GEO Group Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	79,469		$	6,542		$	39,461		$	125,472
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	(3,818		)	9,558			(1,322		)	4,418
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	75,651			16,100			38,139			129,890
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired	(260,255		)	—			—			(260,255		)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			480						480
Change in restricted cash and investments	—			—			(11,184		)	(11,184		)
Capital expenditures	(79,062		)	(14,385		)	(1,244		)	(94,691		)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(339,317		)	(13,905		)	(12,428		)	(365,650		)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(954		)	(1,369		)	(288		)	(2,611		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(340,271		)	(15,274		)	(12,716		)	(368,261		)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	726,000			—			—			726,000
Payments on long-term debt	(386,285		)	(720		)	(10,440		)	(397,445		)
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	3,926			—			—			3,926
Debt issuance costs	(8,400		)	—			—			(8,400		)
Payments for purchase of treasury shares	(80,000		)	—			—			(80,000		)
Payments for retirement of common stock	(7,078		)	—			—			(7,078		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	6,695			—			—			6,695
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	254,858			(720		)	(10,440		)	243,698
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			4,169			4,169
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(9,762		)	106			19,152			9,496
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	12,376			69			16,147			28,592
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	2,614		$	175		$	35,299		$	38,088

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

THE GEO GROUP, INC.

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012, and January 2, 2011



Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Cost and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts			Deductions, Actual Charge-Offs			Balance at End of Period
	(In thousands)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2012:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,426	$	757	$	(1	)	$	(635	)	$	2,546
YEAR ENDED JANUARY 1, 2012:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,281	$	1,812	$	3		$	(670	)	$	2,426
YEAR ENDED JANUARY 2, 2011:
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	429	$	905	$	—		$	(53	)	$	1,281

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year In connection with the REIT conversion discussed above, 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. For fiscal 2012, the period began on January 2, 2012 and ended on December 31, 2012. For fiscal 2011 and 2010 the Company's fiscal year ended on the Sunday closest to the calendar year end. Fiscal years 2011 and 2010 included 52 weeks. The Company reports the results of its South African equity affiliate, South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited, (“SACS”), its consolidated South African entity, South African Custodial Management Pty. Limited (“SACM”), and its joint venture GEOAmey, on a calendar year end for all periods reported, due to the availability of information.
Consolidation	Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the Company’s activities relative to the financing of operating facilities (the Company’s variable interest entities are discussed further below under Variable Interest Entities). The equity method of accounting is used for investments in non-controlled affiliates in which the Company’s ownership ranges from 20 to 50 percent, or in instances in which the Company is able to exercise significant influence but not control. The Company reports SACS and its 50% owned joint venture in the United Kingdom, GEOAmey, under the equity method of accounting. Noncontrolling interests in consolidated entities represent equity that other investors have contributed to SACM and, prior to its acquisition by the Company during 2012, Municipal Corrections Finance, L.P ("MCF"). Non-controlling interests are adjusted for income and losses allocable to the other shareholders in these entities. As further discussed under the Variable Interest Entities policy below, the Company acquired a 100% interest in MCF effective August 31, 2012 and the non-controlling interest related to MCF was reclassified to shareholders' equity attributable to GEO. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications	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.
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.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company’s significant estimates include reserves for self-insured retention related to general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, auto liability insurance, medical malpractice insurance, employer group health insurance, projected undiscounted cash flows used to evaluate asset impairment and percentage of completion and estimated cost to complete for construction projects, estimated useful lives of property and equipment, stock based compensation and allowance for doubtful accounts. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. While the Company believes that such estimates are reasonable when considered in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, the actual amounts of such estimates, when known, will vary from these estimates. If actual results significantly differ from the Company’s estimates, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations could be materially impacted.
Dividends	Dividends In February 2012, the Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy. On August 7, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a dividend of $.20 per share to shareholders of record as of August 21, 2012 which was paid on September 7, 2012 for a total of $12.3 million. On October 31, 2012 the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.20 per share to shareholders of record as of November 16, 2012 which was paid on November 30, 2012 for a total of $12.3 million. A REIT is not permitted to retain earnings and profits accumulated during the years it was taxed as a C corporation or earnings and profits accumulated by its subsidiaries that have been converted to qualified REIT subsidiaries, and must make one or more distributions to shareholders that equal or exceed these accumulated amounts by the end of the first REIT year. On December 31, 2012, the Company paid a one-time Pre-REIT Distribution to its shareholders as more fully discussed in Note 3 - Shareholders' Equity. Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to shareholders, will differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due to the differences in the treatment of gains and losses, revenue and expenses, and depreciation for financial reporting relative to federal income tax purposes.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include all interest-bearing deposits or investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions. These financial institutions are located throughout the United States, Australia, South Africa, Canada and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had $24.8 million in cash and cash equivalents held by its international subsidiaries.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk The Company maintains deposits of cash in excess of federally insured limits with certain financial institutions and accordingly the Company is subject to credit risk. Other than cash, financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable, a direct finance lease receivable, long-term debt and financial instruments used in hedging activities. The Company’s cash management and investment policies restrict investments to low-risk, highly liquid securities, and the Company performs periodic evaluations of the credit standing of the financial institutions with which it deals.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable consists primarily of trade accounts receivable due from federal, state, and local government agencies for operating and managing correctional facilities, providing youth and community based services, providing electronic monitoring and supervision services, providing construction and design services and providing inmate residential and prisoner transportation services. The Company generates receivables with its governmental clients and with other parties in the normal course of business as a result of billing and receiving payment. The Company regularly reviews outstanding receivables, and provides for estimated losses through an allowance for doubtful accounts. In evaluating the level of established loss reserves, the Company makes judgments regarding its customers’ ability to make required payments, economic events and other factors. As the financial condition of these parties change, circumstances develop or additional information becomes available, adjustments to the allowance for doubtful accounts may be required. The Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations for some of its customers’ financial conditions and generally does not require collateral. Generally, the Company receives payment for these services thirty to sixty days in arrears. However, certain of the Company’s accounts receivable are paid by customers after the completion of their program year and therefore can be aged in excess of one year. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses, and such losses traditionally have been within its expectations. Actual write-offs are charged against the allowance when collection efforts have been unsuccessful. As of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, $0.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, of the Company’s trade receivables were considered to be long-term and are classified as Other Non-Current Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets	Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets include assets that are expected to be realized within the next fiscal year. Included in the balance at January 1, 2012, is $22.2 million of federal and state income tax overpayments that were applied against tax payments due in 2012.
Notes Receivable	Notes Receivable The Company has notes receivable from its former joint venture partner in the United Kingdom related to a subordinated loan extended to the joint venture partner while an active member of the partnership. The notes bear interest at a rate of 13%, and have semi-annual payments due June 15 and December 15 through June 2018. The Company recognizes interest income on its Notes Receivable as it is earned. The balance outstanding as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $2.3 million and $2.7 million, respectively. These notes receivable are included in other assets in the accompanying balance sheets, current and non-current as applicable.
Note Receivable from Joint Venture	Note Receivable from Joint VentureThe GEO Group UK Limited, the Company’s subsidiary in the United Kingdom (“GEO UK”), has extended a non-revolving line of credit facility to GEOAmey in the principal amount of £12 million or $19.4 million, based on the applicable exchange rate at December 31, 2012. Amounts under the line of credit can be drawn down in multiple advances up to the principal amount and accrue interest at LIBOR plus 3%. The Company recognizes interest income on its Notes Receivable as it is earned. The line of credit was executed in May 2011 for the purpose of funding mobilization costs and on-going start-up and operations of GEOAmey. Principal repayments by GEOAmey under the line of credit are due in March and September, beginning September 2013, with the final payment due no later than March 30, 2018. As of December 31, 2012, the Company was owed £12 million, or $19.6 million, including accrued interest of $0.2 million, under the line of credit. As of January 1, 2012, the Company was owed £8.4 million, or $13.1 million, including accrued interest of $0.2 million, under the line of credit. These balances are included within other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, current and non-current as applicable. Refer to Note 17 - Business Segments and Geographic Information regarding the Company's investment in GEOAmey.
Restricted Cash and Investments	Restricted Cash and Investments The Company’s restricted cash and investments at December 31, 2012 are attributable to: (i) amounts held in escrow or in trust in connection with South Texas Local Development Corporation ("STDLC") and the 1,575-bed Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington, (ii) certain cash restriction requirements at the Company’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary related to the non-recourse debt and other guarantees, and (iii) restricted investments related to The GEO Group Inc. Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan. The current portion of restricted cash and investments primarily represents the amount expected to be paid within the next twelve months for debt service related to the Company's non-recourse debt.
Direct Finance Leases	Direct Finance Leases The Company accounts for the portion of its contracts with certain governmental agencies that represent capitalized lease payments on buildings and equipment as investments in direct finance leases. Accordingly, the minimum lease payments to be received over the term of the leases less unearned income are capitalized as the Company’s investments in the leases. Unearned income is recognized as income over the term of the leases using the effective interest method.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over 2 to 50 years. Equipment and furniture and fixtures are depreciated over 3 to 10 years. Accelerated methods of depreciation are generally used for income tax purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease. The Company performs ongoing evaluations of the estimated useful lives of the property and equipment for depreciation purposes. The estimated useful lives are determined and continually evaluated based on the period over which services are expected to be rendered by the asset. If the assessment indicates that assets will be used for a longer or shorter period than previously anticipated, the useful lives of the assets are revised, resulting in a change in estimate. The Company has not made any such changes in estimates during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 or January 1, 2012. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Interest is capitalized in connection with the construction of correctional and detention facilities. Capitalized interest is recorded as part of the asset to which it relates and is amortized over the asset’s estimated useful life. Assets Held for Sale As of December 31, 2012, the Company has classified four facilities as held for sale in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company classifies a long-lived asset (disposal group) as held for sale in the period in which all of the following criteria are met (i) Management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset (disposal group), (ii) the asset (disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to the terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets (disposal groups), (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset (disposal group) have been initiated, (iv) the sale of the asset (disposal group) is probable, and transfer of the asset (disposal group) is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year, except as permitted, (v) the asset (disposal group) is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, and (vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. The Company records assets held for sale at the lower of cost or estimated fair value and estimates fair value by using third party appraisers or other valuation techniques. The Company does not record depreciation for assets held for sale. Any gain or loss on the sale of operating assets is included in the operating income of the reportable segment to which it relates.
Asset Impairments	Asset Impairments The Company had property and equipment of $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 including approximately 6,000 vacant beds at seven idle facilities with a carrying value of $240.2 million which are being marketed to potential customers as of December 31, 2012, excluding equipment and other assets that can be easily transferred for use at other facilities. The Company reviews long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. Events that would trigger an impairment assessment include deterioration of profits for a business segment that has long-lived assets, or when other changes occur that might impair recovery of long-lived assets such as the termination of a management contract or a prolonged decrease in inmate population. If impairment indicators are present, the Company performs a recoverability test to determine whether or not an impairment loss should be measured. The Company tests idle facilities for impairment upon notification that the facilities will no longer be utilized by the customer. If a long-lived asset is part of a group that includes other assets, the unit of accounting for the long-lived asset is its group. Generally, the Company groups assets by facility for the purpose of considering whether any impairment exists. The estimates of recoverability are based on projected undiscounted cash flows associated with actual marketing efforts where available or, in other instances, projected undiscounted cash flows that are comparable to historical cash flows from management contracts at similar facilities and sensitivity analyses that consider reductions to such cash flows. The Company's sensitivity analyses include adjustments to projected cash flows compared to the historical cash flows due to current business conditions which impact per diem rates as well as labor and other operating costs, changes related to facility mission due to changes in prospective clients, and changes in projected capacity and occupancy rates. The Company also factors in prolonged periods of vacancies as well as the time and costs required to ramp up facility population once a contract is obtained. The Company performs the impairment analyses on an annual basis for each of the idle facilities and updates each quarter for market developments for the potential utilization of each of the facilities in order to identify events that may cause the Company to reconsider the most recent assumptions. Such events could include negotiations with a prospective customer for the utilization of an idle facility at terms significantly less favorable than used in the Company's most recent impairment analysis, or changes in legislation surrounding a particular facility that could impact the Company's ability to house certain types of inmates at such facility. Further, a substantial increase in the number of available beds at other facilities the Company owns, or in the marketplace, could lead to deterioration in market conditions and projected cash flows. Although they are not frequently received, an unsolicited offer to purchase any of the Company's idle facilities, at amounts that are less than their carrying value could also cause the Company to reconsider the assumptions used in the most recent impairment analysis. The Company has identified marketing prospects to utilize each of the remaining currently idled facilities and does not see any catalysts that would result in a current impairment. However, the Company can provide no assurance that it will be able to secure management contracts to utilize its idle facilities, or that it will not incur impairment charges in the future. In all cases the projected undiscounted cash flows in our analysis as of December 31, 2012 substantially exceeded the carrying amounts of each facility. The Company's evaluations also take into consideration historical experience in securing new management contracts to utilize facilities that had been previously idled for periods comparable to or in excess of the periods the Company's currently idle facilities have been idle. Such previously idle facilities are currently being operated under contracts that generate cash flows resulting in the recoverability of the net book value of the previously idled facilities by substantial amounts. Due to a variety of factors, the lead time to negotiate contracts with federal and state agencies to utilize idle bed capacity is generally lengthy which has historically resulted in periods of idleness similar to the ones the Company is currently experiencing. As a result of its analyses, the Company determined each of these assets to have recoverable values substantially in excess of the corresponding carrying values with the exception of one of its idle facilities in Brush, Colorado which was written down by $2.4 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012. This facility was written down to its land value as the Company had exhausted all avenues to market the facility. By their nature, these estimates contain uncertainties with respect to the extent and timing of the respective cash flows due to potential delays or material changes to forecasted terms and conditions in contracts with prospective customers that could impact the estimate of projected cash flows. Notwithstanding the effects the current economy has had on the Company's customers' demand for prison beds in the short term which has led to its decision to idle certain facilities, the Company believes the long-term trends favor an increase in the utilization of its idle correctional facilities. This belief is also based on the Company's experience in operating in recessionary environments and based on its experience in working with governmental agencies faced with significant budgetary challenges which is a primary contributing factor to the lack of appropriated funding to build new bed capacity by federal and state agencies.
Assets Held Under Capital Leases	Assets Held under Capital Leases Assets held under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the net present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Amortization expense is recognized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the term of the related lease and is included in depreciation expense.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill 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 and other intangible assets acquired. The Company's goodwill is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter, and whenever events or circumstances arise that indicate impairment may have occurred. Impairment testing is performed for all reporting units that contain goodwill. The reporting unit is the same as the reporting segment for U.S. Corrections & Detention and is at the operating segment level for GEO Community Services. The Company has identified its reporting units based on the criteria management uses to make key decisions about the business. On the measurement date of October 1, 2012, the Company's management elected to qualitatively asses the Company's goodwill for impairment for certain of its reporting units, pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-08. For certain of its other reporting units, the Company elected to quantitatively assess the Company's goodwill for impairment as discussed further below. Under provisions of the qualitative analysis, when testing goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company performs the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit, using a discounted cash flow method, and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. The qualitative factors used by the Company’s management to determine the likelihood that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount include, among other things, a review of overall economic conditions and their current and future impact on the Company’s existing business, the Company’s financial performance, industry outlook and market competition. For the reporting units that the Company elected to quantitatively assess the goodwill for impairment, the Company used a third party valuation firm to determine the estimated fair value of the reporting units using a discounted cash flow and other valuation models. Growth rates for sales and profits are determined using inputs from the Company's long term planning process. The Company also makes estimates for discount rates and other factors based on market conditions, historical experience and other economic factors. Changes in these factors could significantly impact the fair value of the reporting unit. During the year, the Company's management monitors the actual performance of the business relative to the fair value assumptions used during the prior year annual impairment test and updates its annual impairment test, if needed, to determine the likelihood that the goodwill has been impaired. With respect to the reporting units that were assessed qualitatively, management determined that it was more likely than not that the fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values. With respect to the reporting units that were assessed quantitatively, management did not identify any impairment in the carrying value of the Company's goodwill. Other Intangible Assets The Company has also recorded other finite and indefinite lived intangible assets as a result of previously completed business combinations. Other acquired finite and indefinite lived intangible assets are recognized separately if the benefit of the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, regardless of the Company’s intent to do so. The Company’s intangible assets include facility management contracts, non-compete agreements, the BI trade name and technology. The facility management contracts represent customer relationships in the form of management contracts acquired at the time of each business combination; the non-compete agreements represent the estimated value of contractually restricting certain employees from competing with the Company; the value of BI’s trade name represents, among other intangible benefits, name recognition to its customers and intellectual property rights; and the acquired technology represents BI’s innovation with respect to its GPS tracking monitoring, radio frequency monitoring, voice verification monitoring and alcohol compliance systems. When establishing useful lives, the Company considers the period and the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed or otherwise used up; or, if that pattern cannot be reliably determined, using a straight-line amortization method over a period that may be shorter than the ultimate life of such intangible asset. The Company currently amortizes its acquired facility management contracts over periods ranging from three to eighteen years, its covenants not to compete over one to four years, and its acquired technology over seven years. There is no residual value associated with the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets. The Company reviews its finite lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. The Company does not amortize its indefinite lived intangible assets. The Company reviews its indefinite lived intangible assets annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. These reviews resulted in no impairment to the carrying value of the indefinite lived intangible assets for all periods presented. The Company records the costs associated with renewal and extension of facility management contracts as expenses in the period they are incurred.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $9.8 million and $5.3 million, totaling $23.4 million and $26.6 million at December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, are included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the term of the related debt.
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities 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 consolidates South Texas Local Development Corporation (“STLDC”), a VIE. 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 has an operating agreement with the Company, which provides the Company with the sole and exclusive right to operate and manage the detention center. The operating agreement and bond indenture require the revenue from the contract to be used to fund the periodic debt service requirements as they become due. The net revenues, if any, after various expenses such as trustee fees, property taxes and insurance premiums are distributed to the Company to cover operating expenses and management fees. The Company is responsible for the entire operations of the facility including the payment of all operating expenses whether or not there are sufficient revenues. The bonds have a 10-year term and are non-recourse to the Company. At the end of the 10-year term of the bonds, title and ownership of the facility transfers from STLDC to the Company. The carrying value of the facility as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $25.8 million and $26.4 million, respectively, and is included in Property and Equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. MCF was created in August 2001 as a special limited partnership for the purpose of acquiring, owning, leasing and operating low to medium security adult and juvenile correction and treatment facilities. At its inception, MCF purchased assets representing eleven facilities from certain wholly owned subsidiaries of Cornell Companies, Inc. (“Cornell”), a wholly owned GEO subsidiary, and leased those assets back to Cornell under a Master Lease Agreement (the “Lease”). These assets were purchased from Cornell using proceeds from the 8.47% Revenue Bonds due 2016 (the “MCF bonds”). Under the terms of the Lease, the Company would lease the assets for the remainder of the 20-year base term, which was scheduled to end in 2021, and had options at its sole discretion to renew the Lease for up to approximately 25 additional years. Prior to the transaction discussed below, MCF's sole source of revenue was from the Company and as such the Company had the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impacted its performance. The Company's risk was generally limited to the rental obligations under the operating leases. This entity was included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as a VIE through August 31, 2012. The non-controlling interests were also included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements through August 31, 2012. Upon the purchase of the ownership interests in MCF as discussed below, MCF is no longer a VIE but is still included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and all intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation. On August 31, 2012, the Company purchased 100% of the partnership interests of MCF from the third party holders of these interests for a total net consideration of $35.2 million. After the purchase, the Company redeemed the MCF bonds. Refer to Note 15 - Debt. As the transaction increased GEO's ownership interest in MCF, from 0% to 100%, and GEO retained its controlling interest in MCF, the purchase of the partnership interests has been accounted for as an equity transaction with additional paid-in capital adjusted for the difference between the August 31, 2012 balance of the non-controlling interest in MCF of $8.1 million and the $35.2 million consideration paid, net of MCF deferred tax assets of $10.0 million, with no gain or loss recorded in consolidated net income or comprehensive income. Refer to Note 3 - Shareholders' Equity. The Company incurred costs related to the purchase of the ownership interests of MCF of $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. These costs were expensed as incurred and included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. 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 default, 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 $7.8 million at December 31, 2012 and its guarantees related to SACS are discussed in Note 15 - 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 £12.0 million, or $19.4 million, based on exchange rates in effect as of December 31, 2012, to ensure that GEOAmey can comply with future contractual commitments related to the performance of its operations. As of December 31, 2012, $19.6 million, including accrued interest, was owed to the Company by GEOAmey under the line of credit. GEOAmey commenced operations on August 29, 2011.
Fair Value Measurement/ ASU No.2011-04 related to fair value measurement principles	Fair Value Measurements The Company defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (“exit price”). The Company carries certain of its assets and liabilities at fair value, measured on a recurring basis, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company also has certain assets and liabilities which are not carried at fair value in its accompanying balance sheets and discloses the fair value measurements compared to the carrying values as of each balance sheet date. The Company’s fair value measurements are disclosed in Note 12 - Financial Instruments and Note 13 - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities. The Company establishes fair value of its assets and liabilities using a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels which distinguish between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s assumptions (unobservable inputs). The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the respective fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement in its entirety. Level 1 inputs are quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities, Level 2 inputs are other than quotable market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities that reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The Company recognizes transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 as of the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that cause the transfer.
Revenue Recognition/ ASU No.2009-13 amendments to revenue recognition separating consideration in multiple element arrangements	Revenue Recognition Facility management revenues are recognized as services are provided under facility management contracts with approved government appropriations based on a net rate per day per inmate or on a fixed monthly rate, as applicable. A limited number of the Company’s contracts have provisions upon which a small portion of the revenue for the contract is based on the performance of certain targets. Revenue based on the performance of certain targets is less than 1% of the Company’s consolidated annual revenues. These performance targets are based on specific criteria to be met over specific periods of time. Such criteria includes the Company’s ability to achieve certain contractual benchmarks relative to the quality of service it provides, non-occurrence of certain disruptive events, effectiveness of its quality control programs and its responsiveness to customer requirements and concerns. For the limited number of contracts where revenue is based on the performance of certain targets, revenue is either (i) recorded pro rata when revenue is fixed and determinable or (ii) recorded when the specified time period lapses. In many instances, the Company is a party to more than one contract with a single entity. In these instances, each contract is accounted for separately. The Company has not recorded any revenue that is at risk due to future performance contingencies. Construction revenues are recognized from the Company’s contracts with certain customers to perform construction and design services (“project development services”) for various facilities. In these instances, the Company acts as the primary developer and subcontracts with bonded National and/or Regional Design Build Contractors. These construction revenues are recognized as earned on a percentage of completion basis measured by the percentage of costs incurred to date as compared to the estimated total cost for each contract. Provisions for estimated losses on uncompleted contracts and changes to cost estimates are made in the period in which the Company determines that such losses and changes are probable. Typically, the Company enters into fixed price contracts and does not perform additional work unless approved change orders are in place. Costs attributable to unapproved change orders are expensed in the period in which the costs are incurred if the Company believes that it is not probable that the costs will be recovered through a change in the contract price. If the Company believes that it is probable that the costs will be recovered through a change in the contract price, costs related to unapproved change orders are expensed in the period in which they are incurred, and contract revenue is recognized to the extent of the costs incurred. Revenue in excess of the costs attributable to unapproved change orders is not recognized until the change order is approved. Changes in job performance, job conditions, and estimated profitability, including those arising from contract penalty provisions, and final contract settlements, may result in revisions to estimated costs and income, and are recognized in the period in which the revisions are determined. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011, there have been no changes in job performance, job conditions and estimated profitability that would require a revision to the estimated costs and income related to project development services. As the primary contractor, the Company is exposed to the various risks associated with construction, including the risk of cost overruns. Accordingly, the Company records its construction revenue on a gross basis and includes the related cost of construction activities in Operating Expenses. When evaluating multiple element arrangements for certain contracts where the Company provides project development services to its clients in addition to standard management services, the Company follows revenue recognition guidance for multiple element arrangements. This revenue recognition guidance related to multiple deliverables in an arrangement provides guidance on determining if separate contracts should be evaluated as a single arrangement and if an arrangement involves a single unit of accounting or separate units of accounting and if the arrangement is determined to have separate units, how to allocate amounts received in the arrangement for revenue recognition purposes. In instances where the Company provides these project development services and subsequent management services, generally, the arrangement results in no delivered elements at the onset of the agreement. The elements are delivered over the contract period as the project development and management services are performed. Project development services are not provided separately to a customer without a management contract. One of the Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries, BI, periodically sells its monitoring equipment and other services together in multiple-element arrangements. In such cases, the Company allocates revenue on the basis of the relative selling price of the delivered and undelivered elements. The selling price for each of the elements is estimated based on the price the Company charges when the elements are sold on a stand alone basis.
Lease Revenue	Lease Revenue The Company leases one of its owned facilities to an unrelated party. The lease has a term of ten years and expires in January 2018 with an option to extend for up to three additional five-year terms. The carrying value of this leased facility as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was $34.3 million and $35.2 million, respectively, net of accumulated depreciation of $4.9 million and $4.1 million, respectively. Rental income, included in Revenues, received on this lease for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 was $4.5 million for each period. Future minimum rentals on this lease are as follows:
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The consolidated financial statements reflect provisions for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, as well as operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of a change in tax rates is recognized as income in the period that includes the enactment date. At December 31, 2012, the Company has reversed certain deferred tax assets and liabilities related to its REIT activities (Refer to Note 18- Income Taxes). Effective January 1, 2013, as a REIT that plans to distribute 100% of its taxable income to shareholders, the Company does not expect to pay federal income taxes at the REIT level (including its qualified REIT subsidiaries), but instead a dividends paid deduction will generally offset its taxable income. Since the Company does not expect to pay taxes on its REIT taxable income, it does not expect to be able to recognize such net deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities given the provisions of enacted tax laws. Significant judgments are required to determine the consolidated provision for income taxes. Deferred income tax provisions and benefits are based on changes to the assets or liabilities from year to year. Realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent upon many factors such as tax regulations applicable to the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, estimates of future taxable income and the character of such taxable income. Additionally, the Company must use significant judgment in addressing uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws and regulations. If actual circumstances differ from the Company’s assumptions, adjustments to the carrying value of deferred tax assets or liabilities may be required, which may result in an adverse impact on the results of its operations and its effective tax rate. Valuation allowances are recorded related to deferred tax assets based on the “more likely than not” criteria. The Company has not made any significant changes to the way it accounts for its deferred tax assets and liabilities in any year presented in the consolidated financial statements, with the exception of the reversal of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities related to its REIT activities. Based on its estimate of future earnings and its favorable earnings history, the Company currently expects full realization of the deferred tax assets net of any recorded valuation allowances. Furthermore, tax positions taken by the Company may not be fully sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities. In determining the adequacy of our provision (benefit) for income taxes, potential settlement outcomes resulting from income tax examinations are regularly assessed. As such, the final outcome of tax examinations, including the total amount payable or the timing of any such payments upon resolution of these issues, cannot be estimated with certainty.
Reserves for Insurance Losses	Reserves for Insurance Losses The nature of the Company’s business exposes it to various types of third-party legal claims, 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, contractual claims and claims for personal injury or other damages resulting from contact with our 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. In addition, the Company’s management contracts generally require it to indemnify the governmental agency against any damages to which the governmental agency may be subject in connection with such claims or litigation. The Company maintains a broad program of insurance coverage for these general types of claims, except for claims relating to employment matters, for which the Company carries no insurance. There can be no assurance that the Company’s insurance coverage will be adequate to cover all claims to which it may be exposed. It is the Company’s general practice to bring merged or acquired companies into its corporate master policies in order to take advantage of certain economies of scale. The Company currently maintains a general liability policy and excess liability policies with total limits of $67.0 million per occurrence and in the aggregate covering the operations of U.S. Corrections & Detention, GEO Community Services' community based services, GEO Community Services' youth services and BI. The Company has a claims-made liability insurance program with a specific loss limit of $35.0 million per occurrence and in the aggregate related to medical professional liability claims arising out of correctional healthcare services. The Company is uninsured for any claims in excess of these limits. We also maintain insurance to cover property and other casualty risks including, workers’ compensation, environmental liability and automobile liability. For most casualty insurance policies, the Company carries substantial deductibles or self-insured retentions of $3.0 million per occurrence for general liability and medical professional liability, $2.0 million per occurrence for workers’ compensation and $1.0 million per occurrence for automobile liability. In addition, certain of the Company’s facilities located in Florida and other high-risk hurricane areas carry substantial windstorm deductibles. Since hurricanes are considered unpredictable future events, no reserves have been established to pre-fund for potential windstorm damage. Limited commercial availability of certain types of insurance relating to windstorm exposure in coastal areas and earthquake exposure mainly in California and the Pacific Northwest may prevent the Company from insuring some of its facilities to full replacement value. With respect to operations in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia, the Company utilizes a combination of locally-procured insurance and global policies to meet contractual insurance requirements and protect the Company. In addition to these policies, the Company’s Australian subsidiary carries tail insurance on a general liability policy related to a discontinued contract. Of the reserves discussed above, the Company’s most significant insurance reserves relate to workers’ compensation, general liability and auto claims. These reserves are undiscounted and were $45.1 million and $45.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively, and are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company uses statistical and actuarial methods to estimate amounts for claims that have been reported but not paid and claims incurred but not reported. In applying these methods and assessing their results, the Company considers such factors as historical frequency and severity of claims at each of its facilities, claim development, payment patterns and changes in the nature of its business, among other factors. Such factors are analyzed for each of the Company’s business segments. The Company estimates may be impacted by such factors as increases in the market price for medical services and unpredictability of the size of jury awards. The Company also may experience variability between its estimates and the actual settlement due to limitations inherent in the estimation process, including its ability to estimate costs of processing and settling claims in a timely manner as well as its ability to accurately estimate the Company’s exposure at the onset of a claim. Because the Company has high deductible insurance policies, the amount of its insurance expense is dependent on its ability to control its claims experience. If actual losses related to insurance claims significantly differ from the Company’s estimates, its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely impacted.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	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.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The Company’s foreign operations use their local currencies as their functional currencies. Assets and liabilities of the operations are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet date and shareholders’ equity is translated at historical rates. Income statement items are translated at the average exchange rates for the year. The impact of fluctuations in foreign exchange currency rates for the Company’s international subsidiaries is recorded in other comprehensive income. The Company and its foreign subsidiaries also lend and borrow money to and from one another. These loans are measured initially in the functional currency of the recording entity using the exchange rate in effect on that day. At the balance sheet date, the Company adjusts these balances to reflect the then current exchange rate and records an unrealized translation gain or loss based on the change in foreign exchange currency rates.
Derivatives	Derivatives 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 and records derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. For derivatives that are designed as and qualify as effective cash flow hedges, the portion of gain or loss on the derivative instrument effective at offsetting changes in the hedged item is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings. For derivative instruments that are designated as and qualify as effective fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instruments as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged items attributable to the hedged risk is recognized in current earnings as interest income (expense) during the period of the change in fair values. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedge items, as well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes attributing all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to floating rate liabilities and attributing all derivatives that are designated as fair value hedges to fixed rate liabilities. The Company also assesses whether each derivative is highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. Fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the hedged item; however, if it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, the Company will discontinue hedge accounting prospectively for the affected derivative.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense	Stock-Based Compensation Expense The Company recognizes the cost of stock-based compensation awards based upon the grant date fair value of those awards. The Company uses a Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of each option awarded. The impact of forfeitures that may occur prior to vesting is also estimated and considered in the amount recognized.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock The Company accounts for repurchases of common stock using the cost method with common stock held in treasury classified as a reduction of shareholders’ equity in its consolidated balance sheets. Shares re-issued out of treasury are recorded based on a last-in first-out method.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing the income from continuing operations attributable to GEO, and income (loss) from discontinued operations and net income attributable to GEO, 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.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles, Goodwill and Other, which is intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. Under the revised guidance, an entity has the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of facts and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the carrying amount in accordance with Subtopic 350-30. Under the amendments in this update, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendment is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012 with early adoption permitted. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-2, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This guidance requires an organization to present the effects on the line items of net income of significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income, but only if the item reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012. The implementation of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Components 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:



	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. [1]	$	5,755		$	4,078
Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax	(457		)	19
Pension adjustments, net of tax	(2,628		)	(2,167		)
Total	$	2,670		$	1,930

[1] The foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax, related to noncontrolling interests was not significant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 or January 1, 2012.

Future minimum rentals on lease

Future minimum rentals on this lease are as follows:



Fiscal Year	Annual Rental
	(In thousands)
2013	$	4,625
2014	4,764
2015	4,907
2016	5,054
2017	5,206
Thereafter	351
	$	24,907

Fair value of stock-based awards

The fair value of stock-based awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for fiscal years ending 2012, 2011 and 2010:



	2012		2011		2010
Risk free interest rates	0.78	%	2.06	%	0.16	%
Expected term	4-5 years		4-5 years		3 months
Expected volatility	40	%	43	%	43	%
Expected dividend	3	%	—	%	—	%

Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

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

Summarized Financial Information For Discontinued Operations

Summarized financial information for discontinued operations included in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income is as follows:



	Fiscal Year Ended
				(in thousands)
	2012			2011		2010

Discontinued Operations:
Income from discontinued operations - RTS	$	10,117		$	9,416	$	8,027
Income (loss) from discontinued operations - Mississippi	(3,881		)	3,156		5,560
Loss on disposition of RTS	(24,701		)	—		—
Income tax (benefit) provision	(7,805		)	4,753		5,168
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	(10,660	)	$	7,819	$	8,419

Residential Treatment Services [Member]

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

Summary of Assets and Liabilities of the Discontinued Operations

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations of RTS as included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2012 (in thousands):



Assets:
Accounts Receivable	$	20,560
Property and equipment, net	16,950
Goodwill	17,770
Intangible Assets, Net	4,626
Other assets	4,410
Assets of discontinued operations	$	64,316

Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	2,443
Accrued Payroll	3,324
Other liabilities	2,312
Liabilities of discontinued operations	$	8,079

Equity Incentive Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Recognized compensation expenses

The Company recognized compensation expense related to the Company Plans for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 as follows (in thousands): 2012 2011 2010Stock option plan expense $2,539 $2,681 $1,378Restricted stock expense $4,449 $3,432 $3,261

Summary of the activity of stock option awards

A summary of the activity of the Company’s stock options plans is presented below:



	Shares		Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price		Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	(In thousands)					(In thousands)
Options outstanding at January 1, 2012 [1]	1,601		$	19.44	6.73	$	2,778
Granted [2]	96		22.30
Exercised [1]	(593	)	15.65
Forfeited/Canceled [1]	(73	)	22.93
Incremental shares granted due to anti-dilution provision existing in the compensation plans	167		—
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012 [2]	1,198		$	18.92	6.85	$	11,090
Options vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2012 [2]	1,153		$	18.90	6.79	$	10,785
Options exercisable at December 31, 2012 [2]	722		$	17.51	5.95	$	7,694

[1] Weighted Average Exercise Price reflects initial exercise price and has not been adjusted in the table above for the Adjustment Factor in connection with the Special Dividend.

[2] Weighted Average Exercise Price reflects the Adjustment Factor in connection with the Special Dividend.

The following table summarizes information relative to stock option activity during the Company’s fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 (in thousands):



	2012		2011		2010
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$	7,051	$	4,718	$	21,095
Fair value of shares vested	$	2,062	$	2,358	$	2,054

Exercise prices and related information of stock option outstanding

The following table summarizes information about the exercise prices and related information of stock options outstanding under the Company Plans at December 31, 2012:



	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding	Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price		Number Exercisable	Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price
	(In thousands)
3.17 – 5.26	29	1.0	$	4.55	30	1.0	$	4.55
6.66 – 13.72	46	2.42	9.15		45	2.33	9.03
14.44 – 22.26	1,021	6.97	19.44		629	6.37	18.59
22.30 – 24.61	102	9.35	22.32		18	8.10	22.36
Total	1,198	6.8	$	18.92	722	5.95	$	17.51

Status of non - vested stock options

The following table summarizes the status of non-vested stock options as of January 1, 2012 and changes during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012:



	Number of Shares		Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Options non-vested at January 1, 2012	605		$	8.99
Granted	96		6.81
Vested	(184	)	8.32
Forfeited	(41	)	8.96
Options non-vested at December 31, 2012	476		$	8.89

Summary of the activity of restricted stock

A summary of the activity of restricted stock is as follows:



	Shares		Wtd. Avg. Grant date Fair value
	(In thousands)
Restricted stock outstanding at January 1, 2012	442		$	23.32
Granted	315		18.40
Vested	(145	)	23.28
Forfeited/Canceled	(28	)	22.79
Restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2012	584		$	20.98

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) from continuing operations were calculated for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 as follows:



Fiscal Year	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Income from continuing operations	$	144,558	$	69,644	$	54,371
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	852		1,162		678
Income from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	145,410	$	70,806	$	55,049
Basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	60,934		63,425		55,379
Per share amount from continuing operations:	$	2.37	$	1.10	$	0.98
Per share amount from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:	$	2.39	$	1.12	$	0.99
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding	60,934		63,425		55,379
Diluted effect of equity incentive plans	331		315		610
Weighted average shares assuming dilution	61,265		63,740		55,989
Per share amount from continuing operations:	$	2.36	$	1.09	$	0.97
Per share amount from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:	$	2.37	$	1.11	$	0.98

Business Combinations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Purchase price allocation

The purchase price allocation as of February 10, 2011 and as of January 1, 2012 and adjustments made to the estimated acquisition date fair values during the measurement period are as follows (in thousands):



	Acquisition Date Estimated Fair Value as of February 10, 2011			Measurement Period Adjustments			Final Acquisition Date Fair Value as of January 1, 2012
Accounts receivable	$	18,321		$	1,298		$	19,619
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,896			—			3,896
Deferred income tax assets	15,857			(7,923		)	7,934
Property and equipment	22,359			901			23,260
Intangible assets	126,900			4,900			131,800
Other non-current assets	8,884			—			8,884
Total assets acquired	$	196,217		$	(824	)	$	195,393
Accounts payable	(3,977		)	—			(3,977		)
Accrued expenses	(8,461		)	—			(8,461		)
Deferred income tax liabilities	(43,824		)	7,037			(36,787		)
Other non-current liabilities	(11,431		)	5,411			(6,020		)
Long-term debt	(2,014		)	—			(2,014		)
Total liabilities assumed	(69,707		)	12,448			(57,259		)
Total identifiable net assets	126,510			11,624			138,134
Goodwill	283,097			(11,624		)	271,473
Total cash consideration	$	409,607		$	—		$	409,607

Property and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Summary of property and equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following at fiscal year end:



	Useful Life	2012			2011
	(Years)	(In thousands)
Land	—	$	97,603		$	97,406
Buildings and improvements	2 to 50	1,459,934			1,380,723
Leasehold improvements	1 to 29	257,848			253,492
Equipment	3 to 10	133,876			111,943
Furnitures, fixtures and computer software	1 to 7	29,018			22,002
Facility construction in progress		15,272			63,974
Total		$	1,993,551		$	1,929,540
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(306,392		)	(241,184		)
Property and equipment, net		$	1,687,159		$	1,688,356

Assets Held for Sale (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]

Assets Held for Sale by reportable segment

As of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company’s Assets Held for Sale by reportable segment were as follows (in thousands):



	2012		2011
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	—	$	3,455
GEO Community Services	3,243		908
Total	$	3,243	$	4,363

Investment in Direct Finance Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Investment in Direct Finance Leases [Abstract]

Schedule of future minimum rentals to be received

The future minimum rentals to be received are as follows:



Fiscal Year	Annual Repayment
	(In thousands)
2013	$	8,747
2014	9,088
2015	9,688
2016	10,000
2017	2,893

Total minimum obligation	$	40,416
Less unearned interest income	(7,760		)
Less current portion of direct finance lease	(5,899		)

Long term portion of investment in direct finance lease	$	26,757

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in the Company's goodwill balances

Changes in the Company’s goodwill balances recognized during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and January 2 1, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):



	January 1, 2012		Foreign currency translation		December 31, 2012
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	170,376	$	—	$	170,376
GEO Community Services	319,159		—		319,159
International Services	761		12		773
Total Goodwill	$	490,296	$	12	$	490,308

Schedule of intangible assets

Intangible assets consisted of the following as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 (in thousands):



		December 31, 2012							January 1, 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	$	151,913	$	(33,141	)	$	118,772	$	152,004	$	(21,010	)	$	130,994
Covenants not to compete	2	8,570		(8,495		)	75		8,570		(6,348		)	2,222
Technology	7	21,200		(5,729		)	15,471		21,200		(2,700		)	18,500
Trade names	Indefinite	44,000		—			44,000		44,000		—			44,000
Total acquired intangible assets		$	225,683	$	(47,365	)	$	178,318	$	225,774	$	(30,058	)	$	195,716

Estimated amortization expense for the remainder

Estimated amortization expense related to the Company’s finite-lived intangible assets for fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):



Fiscal Year	Total Expense Amortization
2013	$	14,623
2014	14,547
2015	14,547
2016	14,547
2017	14,515
Thereafter	61,539

	$	134,318

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total which includes a rollforward schedule.

+ References + Details

Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]

Fair value assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s significant financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value and measured on a recurring basis (in thousands):



			Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
	Carrying Value at December 31, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Interest rate swap derivative assets	$	6,212	$	—	$	6,212	$	—
Restricted investments:
Guaranteed Investment Contract	$	5,742	$	—	$	5,742	$	—
Guaranteed Repurchase Agreements	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Rabbi Trust	$	7,718	$	7,718	$	—	$	—
Fixed income securities	$	2,152	$	—	$	2,152	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivative liability	$	708	$	—	$	708	$	—



			Fair Value Measurements at January 1, 2012
	Carrying Value at January 1, 2012		Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Interest rate swap derivative assets	$	7,440	$	—	$	7,440	$	—
Restricted investments:
Guaranteed Investment Contact	$	5,742	$	—	$	5,742	$	—
Guaranteed Repurchase Agreements	$	33,821	$	—	$	33,821	$	—
Rabbi Trust	$	8,016	$	5,898	$	2,118	$	—
Fixed income securities	$	2,013	$	—	$	2,013	$	—

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments



	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		—



	Estimated Fair Value Measurements at January 1, 2012
	Carrying Value as of January 1, 2012		Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	43,377	$	43,377	$	43,377	$	—	$	—
Restricted cash	51,881		51,881		51,881		—		—
Liabilities:
Borrowings under Senior Credit Facility	$	782,962	$	785,917	$	—	$	785,917	$	—
7¾% Senior Notes	247,141		262,033		—		262,033		—
6.625% Senior Notes	300,000		300,375		—		300,375		—
Non-recourse debt, Australian subsidiary	40,345		41,347		—		41,347		—
Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	201,453		206,712		—		206,712		—

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13476-108611

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13467-108611

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6447952&loc=d3e13220-108610

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph a, b, c(1), d(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph b-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph c(2), d, e, f
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph a, c(1), c(2), c(3), d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]

Summary of accrued expenses

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):



	2012		2011
Accrued interest	$	14,371	$	18,072
Accrued bonus	11,762		8,849
Accrued insurance	52,593		52,437
Accrued property and other taxes	12,074		12,959
Construction retainage	293		8,247
Other	25,464		25,272
Total	$	116,557	$	125,836

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Debt

Debt consisted of the following (in thousands):



	2012			2011
Senior Credit Facility:
Term loans	563,625			482,500
Discount on term loan	(1,195		)	(1,538		)
Revolver	235,000			302,000
Total Senior Credit Facility	$	797,430		$	782,962
6.625% Senior Notes:
Notes Due in 2021	$	300,000		$	300,000
7³/4% Senior Notes:
Notes Due in 2017	$	250,000		$	250,000
Discount on Notes	(2,457		)	(2,859		)
Swap on Notes	6,212			7,411
Total 7³/4% Senior Notes	$	253,755		$	254,552
Non-Recourse Debt :
Non-Recourse Debt	$	124,947		$	235,430
Premium on Non-Recourse Debt	—			8,304
Discount on Non-Recourse Debt	(1,465		)	(1,936		)
Total Non-Recourse Debt	123,482			241,798
Capital Lease Obligations	$	12,994		$	14,135
Other debt	512			870
Total debt	$	1,488,173		$	1,594,317
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	(53,882		)	(53,653		)
Capital Lease Obligations, long-term portion	(11,926		)	(13,064		)
Non-Recourse Debt	(104,836		)	(208,532		)
Long-Term Debt	$	1,317,529		$	1,319,068

Indebtedness under the revolver and the term loan A and the term loan A -2 bears interest




		Interest Rate under the Revolver, and Term Loan A, Term Loan A-2 and Term Loan A-3
LIBOR borrowings		LIBOR plus 2.00% to 3.00%.
Base rate borrowings		Prime Rate plus 1.00% to 2.00%.
Letters of credit		2.00% to 3.00%.
Unused Revolver		0.375% to 0.50%.

Maximum leverage ratios

The Company must not exceed the following Total Leverage Ratios, as computed at the end of each fiscal quarter for the immediately preceding four quarter-period:



Period		Total Leverage Ratio — Maximum Ratio
First day of fiscal year 2012 through and including the last day of the Second Quarter of fiscal year 2013		5.00 to 1.00
First day of the Third Quarter of fiscal year 2013 through and including the last day of fiscal year 2013		4.75 to 1.00
Thereafter		4.25 to 1.00

Maximum senior secured leverage ratios



Period		Senior Secured Leverage Ratio — Maximum Ratio
Through and including the last day of the Second Quarter of fiscal year 2012		3.25 to 1.00
First day of the Third Quarter of fiscal year 2012 through and including the last day of the Second Quarter of fiscal year 2013		3.00 to 1.00
Thereafter		2.75 to 1.00

Redemption of 6.625% Senior Notes



Year	Percentage
2016	103.3125	%
2017	102.2083	%
2018	101.1042	%
2019 and thereafter	100.0000	%

Redemption of 73/4% Senior Notes



Year	Percentage
2013	103.875	%
2014	101.938	%
2015 and thereafter	100.000	%

Debt repayment schedules under capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt

Debt repayment schedules under Capital Lease Obligations, Long-Term Debt, Non-Recourse Debt and the Senior Credit Facility are as follows:



Fiscal Year	Capital Leases			Long-Term Debt			Non- Recourse Debt			Revolver		Term Loans			Total Annual Repayment
	(In thousands)
2013	$	2,094		$	294		$	18,646		$	—	$	33,875		$	54,909
2014	1,952			183			24,473			—		73,250			99,858
2015	1,932			21			20,043			235,000		314,000			570,996
2016	1,935			4			21,316			—		142,500			165,755
2017	1,934			250,004			10,489			—		—			262,427
2018	1,936			4			6,970			—		—			8,910
Thereafter	7,037			300,002			23,010			—		—			330,049
	$	18,820		$	550,512		$	124,947		$	235,000	$	563,625		$	1,492,904
Interest imputed on Capital Leases	(5,826		)	—			—			—		—			(5,826		)
Original issuer’s discount	—			(2,457		)	(1,465		)	—		(1,195		)	(5,117		)
Interest rate swap	—			6,212			—			—		—			6,212
Current portion	(1,068		)	(293		)	(18,646		)	—		(33,875		)	(53,882		)
Non-current portion	$	11,926		$	553,974		$	104,836		$	235,000	$	528,555		$	1,434,291

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 470
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
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-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Benefit Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Company Plan Benefit Expense



	2012			2011
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected Benefit Obligation, Beginning of Year	$	16,879		$	13,830
Service Cost	774			645
Interest Cost	787			667
Plan Amendments	569			—
Actuarial Loss	945			1,922
Benefits Paid	(193		)	(185		)
Projected Benefit Obligation, End of Year	$	19,761		$	16,879
Change in Plan Assets
Plan Assets at Fair Value, Beginning of Year	$	—		$	—
Company Contributions	193			185
Benefits Paid	(193		)	(185		)
Plan Assets at Fair Value, End of Year	$	—		$	—
Unfunded Status of the Plan	$	(19,761	)	$	(16,879	)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Prior Service Cost	—			—
Net Loss	4,283			3,531
Total Pension Cost	$	4,283		$	3,531

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost



	2012			2011
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service Cost	$	774		$	645
Interest Cost	787			667
Amortization of:
Prior Service Cost	569			—
Net Loss	193			62
Net Periodic Pension Cost	$	2,323		$	1,374
Weighted Average Assumptions for Expense
Discount Rate	4.40		%	5.50		%
Expected Return on Plan Assets	N/A			N/A
Rate of Compensation Increase	4.60		%	4.29		%

Benefit payments representing the company's obligations to employees



Fiscal Year	Pension Benefits
	(In thousands)
2013	$	6,925
2014	367
2015	380
2016	428
2017	470
Thereafter	11,191

	$	19,761

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of one or more of the entity's defined benefit pension plans or one or more other defined benefit postretirement plans, separately for pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans including the entity's schedule of fair value of plan assets for defined benefit or other postretirement plans.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2439-114920

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
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-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2417-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e2410-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
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-Section 55
-Paragraph 17
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21916443&loc=d3e4179-114921

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 4, 7, 16, 20, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Operating and Reporting Segments

Segment disclosures below (in thousands) reflect the results of continuing operations. All transactions between segments are eliminated.



Fiscal Year	2012			2011			2010
Revenues:
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	975,445		$	925,695		$	805,857
GEO Community Services	291,891			280,080			76,913
International Services	211,726			201,397			178,567
Facility Construction and Design	$	—		$	—		$	23,255
Total revenues	$	1,479,062		$	1,407,172		$	1,084,592
Depreciation and amortization:
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	62,587		$	55,208		$	39,417
GEO Community Services	26,738			24,271			3,246
International Services	2,360			2,069			1,702
Total depreciation and amortization	$	91,685		$	81,548		$	44,365
Operating Income:
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	222,703		$	215,406		$	198,837
GEO Community Services	65,401			61,270			15,877
International Services	10,041			12,938			11,364
Facility Construction & Design	—			—			2,382
Operating income from segments	298,145			289,614			228,460
General and Administrative Expenses	(113,792		)	(110,015		)	(101,558		)
Total operating income	$	184,353		$	179,599		$	126,902



	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Segment assets:
U.S. Corrections & Detention	$	1,967,226	$	2,022,600
GEO Community Services	673,397		688,240
International Services	97,584		93,732
Facility Construction & Design	—		157
Total segment assets	$	2,738,207	$	2,804,729

Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments



Fiscal Year Ended	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Operating income from segments	$	298,145		$	289,614		$	228,460
Unallocated amounts:
General and administrative expense	(113,792		)	(110,015		)	(101,558		)
Net interest expense	(75,473		)	(68,346		)	(34,452		)
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt	(8,462		)	—			(7,933		)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates and discontinued operations	$	100,418		$	111,253		$	84,517

Asset Reconciliation of Segments

The following is a reconciliation of the Company’s reportable segment assets to the Company’s total assets as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively.



	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Reportable segment assets	$	2,738,207	$	2,804,729
Cash	31,755		43,378
Deferred income tax	20,822		30,017
Restricted cash and investments	48,410		99,459
Assets of discontinued operations	—		72,340
Total assets	$	2,839,194	$	3,049,923

Geographical Information



Fiscal Year	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Revenues:
U.S. operations	$	1,267,335	$	1,205,775	$	906,025
Australia operations	159,444		150,753		130,738
South African operations	20,029		21,357		19,231
United Kingdom operations	32,254		29,287		28,598
Total revenues	$	1,479,062	$	1,407,172	$	1,084,592
Long-lived assets:
U.S. operations	$	1,680,038	$	1,683,124
Australia operations	5,634		4,296
South African operations	234		334
United Kingdom operations	1,253		602
Total long-lived assets	$	1,687,159	$	1,688,356

Sources of Revenue



Fiscal Year	2012		2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Revenues:
Corrections & Detention	$	1,187,171	$	1,127,092	$	984,424
GEO Community Services	291,891		280,080		76,913
Facility Construction and Design	—		—		23,255
Total revenues	$	1,479,062	$	1,407,172	$	1,084,592

Business Concentration

Except for the major customer noted in the following table, no other single customer made up greater than 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the following fiscal years.



Customer	2012		2011		2010
Various agencies of the U.S Federal Government:	47	%	40	%	35	%

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income (loss) before income taxes and equity income

The United States and foreign components of income (loss) before income taxes and equity income from affiliates are as follows:



	2012			2011		2010
	(In thousands)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings in affiliates, and discontinued operations
United States	$	91,048		$	96,670	$	71,890
Foreign	9,370			14,583		12,627
	100,418			111,253		84,517
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from operation of discontinued business	(18,465		)	12,572		13,587
Total	$	81,953		$	123,825	$	98,104

Components of taxes on income (loss)

axes consists of the following components:



	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Continuing Operations:
Federal income taxes:
Current	$	36,631		$	(4,198	)	$	8,902
Deferred	(78,275		)	36,716			16,308
	(41,644		)	32,518			25,210
State income taxes:
Current	5,020			2,099			1,907
Deferred	(8,770		)	4,732			3,234
	(3,750		)	6,831			5,141
Foreign income taxes:
Current	5,497			4,211			5,196
Deferred	(665		)	(388		)	(1,183		)
	4,832			3,823			4,013
Total U.S. and foreign	(40,562		)	43,172			34,364
Discontinued operations:
Tax (benefit) provision allocated to discontinued operations	(7,805		)	4,753			5,168
Total	$	(48,367	)	$	47,925		$	39,532

Reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax rate (35.0%) and the effective income tax rate

A reconciliation of the statutory U.S. federal tax rate 35.00% and the effective income tax rate is as follows:



	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Continuing operations:
Provisions using statutory federal income tax rate	$	35,147		$	38,939		$	29,581
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	4,291			4,480			3,211
Impact of REIT election	(79,033		)	—			—
Change in contingent tax liabilities	—			(337		)	(2,366		)
Impact of nondeductible transaction costs	—			65			3,230
Other, net	(967		)	25			708
Total continuing operations	(40,562		)	43,172			34,364
Discontinued operations:
Tax benefit from operations of discontinued business	(7,805		)	4,753			5,168
Provision for income taxes	$	(48,367	)	$	47,925		$	39,532

Components of the net current deferred income tax asset

The components of the net current deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are as follows:



	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Accrued liabilities	$	13,060		$	21,192
Accrued compensation	6,433			5,884
Other, net	(1,203		)	1,504
Total asset	$	18,290		$	28,580

Components of the net non-current deferred income tax asset

The components of the net non-current deferred income tax asset as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are as follows:



	2012		2011
	(In thousands)
Depreciation	$	2,532	$	1,437
Total asset	$	2,532	$	1,437

Components of the net non-current deferred income tax liability

The components of the net non-current deferred income tax liability as of December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2012 are as follows:



	2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Deferred compensation	$	7,666		$	9,247
Net operating losses	23,062			16,542
Tax credits	8,380			6,017
Deferred loan costs	—			2,073
Equity awards	1,816			2,881
Other, net	9,263			1,585
Bond discount	—			(657		)
Residual U.S. tax liability on unrepatriated foreign earnings	—			(3,668		)
Valuation allowance	(13,506		)	(8,025		)
Deferred rent	4,864			(6,220		)
Intangible assets	(45,955		)	(70,860		)
Depreciation	(11,293		)	(74,431		)
Total liability	$	(15,703	)	$	(125,516	)

Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



	2012			2011			2010
	(In thousands)
Balance at Beginning of Period	$	6,528		$	9,062		$	5,947
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,437			13			3,251
Additions for tax positions of prior years	13,356			43			—
Additions from current year acquisitions	—			3,848			2,928
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	—			(3,237		)	(2,891		)
Reductions as a result of a lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(592		)	(845		)	—
Settlements	(3,230		)	(2,356		)	(173		)
Balance at End of Period	$	18,499		$	6,528		$	9,062

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Future minimum commitments under leases



Fiscal Year	Annual Rental
	(In thousands)
2013	$	33,987
2014	30,643
2015	21,964
2016	15,793
2017	14,493
Thereafter	36,035
	$	152,915

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Company's quarterly financial data

The Company’s selected quarterly financial data is as follows (in thousands, except per share data attributable to GEO):



	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter [1]
2012
Revenues	$	360,042	$	371,174	$	369,115	$	378,731
Operating income [1]	40,497		52,941		51,602		39,313
Income from continuing operations	13,755		20,858		14,532		95,413
Income (loss) from discontinued operation, net of tax [1]	1,304		1,619		194		(13,777		)
Basic earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$	0.23	$	0.34	$	0.25	$	1.56
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	—	$	(0.23	)
Net income per share	$	0.25	$	0.37	$	0.26	$	1.33
Diluted earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$	0.23	$	0.34	$	0.25	$	1.55
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$	0.02	$	0.03	$	—	$	(0.22	)
Net income per share	$	0.25	$	0.37	$	0.25	$	1.32



	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2011
Revenues	$	341,959	$	356,012	$	354,728	$	354,473
Operating income	38,738		46,298		47,265		47,298
Income from continuing operations	15,028		18,620		18,820		17,176
Income from discontinued operation, net of tax	1,351		2,544		2,474		1,450
Basic earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$	0.24	$	0.30	$	0.30	$	0.28
Income from discontinued operations	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.02
Net income per share	$	0.26	$	0.33	$	0.34	$	0.30
Diluted earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$	0.24	$	0.29	$	0.30	$	0.28
Income from discontinued operations	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.02
Net income per share	$	0.26	$	0.33	$	0.34	$	0.30

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET



	As of December 31, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.		Combined Subsidiary Guarantors		Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)
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, net	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
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	—		—		—		—			—
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:
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	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 BALANCE SHEET



	As of January 1, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.		Combined Subsidiary Guarantors		Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	15,086	$	3,092	$	25,200	$	—		$	43,378
Restricted cash and investments	—		—		42,534		—			42,534
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	123,426		122,758		19,066		—			265,250
Current deferred income tax assets, net	14,063		10,729		3,788		—			28,580
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,169		22,670		10,340		(1,154		)	49,025
Current assets of discontinued operations	5,021		20,284		5,257		—			30,562
Total current assets	174,765		179,533		106,185		(1,154		)	459,329
Restricted Cash and Investments	7,029		—		49,896		—			56,925
Property and Equipment, Net	620,124		817,568		250,664		—			1,688,356
Assets Held for Sale	3,083		1,280		—		—			4,363
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	—		—		32,146		—			32,146
Intercompany Receivable	387,013		13,356		13,990		(414,359		)	—
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	—		—		1,437		—			1,437
Goodwill	34		489,502		760		—			490,296
Intangible Assets, Net	—		193,851		1,865		—			195,716
Investment in Subsidiaries	1,333,885		9,784		—		(1,343,669		)	—
Other Non-Current Assets	40,695		73,481		31,022		(65,621		)	79,577
Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations	697		40,289		792		—			41,778
Total Assets	$	2,567,325	$	1,818,644	$	488,757	$	(1,824,803	)	$	3,049,923
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	$	47,159	$	16,932	$	3,942	$	—		$	68,033
Accrued payroll and related taxes	2,855		15,653		16,298		—			34,806
Accrued expenses	69,585		33,256		24,149		(1,154		)	125,836
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	19,037		1,350		33,266		—			53,653
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	542		4,642		1,306		—			6,490
Total current liabilities	139,178		71,833		78,961		(1,154		)	288,818
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	42,879		82,603		34		—			125,516
Intercompany Payable	14,027		378,005		22,327		(414,359		)	—
Other Non-Current Liabilities	29,384		26,702		63,641		(65,621		)	54,106
Capital Lease Obligations	—		13,064		—		—			13,064
Long-Term Debt	1,318,639		429		—		—			1,319,068
Non-Recourse Debt	—		—		208,532		—			208,532
Long term liabilities of discontinued operations	—		1,668		630		—			2,298
Commitments & Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity:
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,023,218		1,229,553		114,116		(1,343,669		)	1,023,218
Noncontrolling Interests	—		14,787		516		—			15,303
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,023,218		1,244,340		114,632		(1,343,669		)	1,038,521
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	2,567,325	$	1,818,644	$	488,757	$	(1,824,803	)	$	3,049,923

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



	For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues	$	605,091		$	721,949		$	230,261		$	(78,239	)	$	1,479,062
Operating expenses	529,318			451,564			186,589			(78,239		)	1,089,232
Depreciation and amortization	29,521			54,719			7,445			—			91,685
General and administrative expenses	44,214			52,753			16,825			—			113,792
Operating income	2,038			162,913			19,402			—			184,353
Interest income	32,580			1,713			6,122			(33,699		)	6,716
Interest expense	(68,737		)	(33,204		)	(13,947		)	33,699			(82,189		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			(8,462		)	—			—			(8,462		)
Income (loss) before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	(34,119		)	122,960			11,577			—			100,418
Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes	(11,303		)	(31,352		)	2,093			—			(40,562		)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			3,578			—			3,578
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(22,816		)	154,312			13,062			—			144,558
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	167,374			—			—			(167,374		)	—
Income from continuing operations	144,558			154,312			13,062			(167,374		)	144,558
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations	(10,660		)	(5,942		)	447			5,495			(10,660		)
Net income	133,898			148,370			13,509			(161,879		)	133,898
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			852						852
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	133,898		$	148,370		$	14,361		$	(161,879	)	$	134,750
Net income	$	133,898		$	148,370		$	13,509		$	(161,879	)	$	133,898
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(461		)	—			1,085			—			624
Total comprehensive income	$	133,437		$	148,370		$	14,594		$	(161,879	)	$	134,522
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			968			—			968
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	133,437		$	148,370		$	15,562		$	(161,879	)	$	135,490

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues	$	556,163		$	717,926		$	220,352		$	(87,269	)	$	1,407,172
Operating expenses	503,355			448,057			171,867			(87,269		)	1,036,010
Depreciation and amortization	20,615			53,458			7,475			—			81,548
General and administrative expenses	39,445			55,698			14,872			—			110,015
Operating income (loss)	(7,252		)	160,713			26,138			—			179,599
Interest income	29,087			2,608			6,462			(31,125		)	7,032
Interest expense	(61,447		)	(30,720		)	(14,336		)	31,125			(75,378		)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	(39,612		)	132,601			18,264			—			111,253
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(15,158		)	51,518			6,812			—			43,172
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			1,563			—			1,563
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(24,454		)	81,083			13,015			—			69,644
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	94,098			—			—			(94,098		)	—
Income from continuing operations	69,644			81,083			13,015			(94,098		)	69,644
Net income from discontinued operations	7,819			6,329			473			(6,802		)	7,819
Net income	77,463			87,412			13,488			(100,900		)	77,463
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	—		$	—		$	1,162		$	—		$	1,162
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	77,463		$	87,412		$	14,650		$	(100,900	)	$	78,625
Net income	$	77,463		$	87,412		$	13,488		$	(100,900	)	$	77,463
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(1,131		)	—			(7,122		)	—			(8,253		)
Total comprehensive income	$	76,332		$	87,412		$	6,366		$	(100,900	)	$	69,210
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			1,274			—			1,274
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	76,332		$	87,412		$	7,640		$	(100,900	)	$	70,484

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2011
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues	$	557,473		$	380,596		$	214,095		$	(67,572	)	$	1,084,592
Operating expenses	491,532			218,546			169,261			(67,572		)	811,767
Depreciation and amortization	16,728			22,389			5,248			—			44,365
General and administrative expenses	46,840			36,746			17,972			—			101,558
Operating income	2,373			102,915			21,614			—			126,902
Interest income	5,309			1,297			5,836			(6,200		)	6,242
Interest expense	(29,484		)	(6,113		)	(11,297		)	6,200			(40,694		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	(7,933		)	—			—			—			(7,933		)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	(29,735		)	98,099			16,153			—			84,517
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(8,475		)	37,705			5,134			—			34,364
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of income tax provision	—			—			4,218			—			4,218
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries	(21,260		)	60,394			15,237			—			54,371
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision	75,631			—			—			(75,631		)	—
Income from continuing operations	54,371			60,394			15,237			(75,631		)	54,371
Net income from discontinued operations	8,419			4,857			864			(5,721		)	8,419
Net income	62,790			65,251			16,101			(81,352		)	62,790
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	678		$	678
Net income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	62,790		$	65,251		$	16,101		$	(80,674	)	$	63,468
Net income	$	62,790		$	65,251		$	16,101		$	(81,352	)	$	62,790
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(383		)	—			5,028			—			4,645
Total comprehensive income	$	62,407		$	65,251		$	21,129		$	(81,352	)	$	67,435
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	—			—			608			—			608
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	$	62,407		$	65,251		$	21,737		$	(81,352	)	$	68,043

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2012
	The GEO Group, Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidated
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	107,116		$	62,330		$	85,741		$	255,187
Cash provided (used in) by operating activities - discontinued operations	3,250			26,430			(20,627		)	9,053
Net cash provided by operating activities	110,366			88,760			65,114			264,240
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	—			(35,154		)	—			(35,154		)
Proceeds from RTS divestiture	29,653			—			3,600			33,253
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			65			—			65
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	—			5,641						5,641
Change in restricted cash and investments	—			—			51,189			51,189
Capital expenditures	(61,425		)	(42,406		)	(3,718		)	(107,549		)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - continuing operations	(31,772		)	(71,854		)	51,071			(52,555		)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - discontinued operations	211			(1,820		)	(1,152		)	(2,761		)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(31,561		)	(73,674		)	49,919			(55,316		)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	358,000			—			—			358,000
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	621			—			—			621
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	—			(14,861		)	—			(14,861		)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(5,758		)	(5,758		)
Payment for purchase of treasury shares	(8,666		)	—			—			(8,666		)
Debt issuance costs	(1,360		)	—			(38		)	(1,398		)
Payments on long-term debt	(343,987		)	(1,400		)	(111,098		)	(456,485		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	9,276			—			—			9,276
Cash dividends paid	(102,435		)	—			—			(102,435		)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	460			—			—			460
Payment for retirement of common stock	(1,036		)	—			—			(1,036		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(89,127		)	(16,261		)	(116,894		)	(222,282		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			1,735			1,735
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(10,322		)	(1,175		)	(126		)	(11,623		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	15,086			3,092			25,200			43,378
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	4,764		$	1,917		$	25,074		$	31,755

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 1, 2012
	The GEO Group Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	173,438		$	18,834		$	(6,531	)	$	185,741
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	3,475			7,026			(7,130		)	3,371
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	176,913			25,860			(13,661		)	189,112
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of BI and Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired	(409,607		)	—			—			(409,607		)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			1,450			33			1,483
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	—			7,121						7,121
Change in restricted cash and investments	—			—			(9,503		)	(9,503		)
Capital expenditures	(191,642		)	(28,266		)	(2,125		)	(222,033		)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(601,249		)	(19,695		)	(11,595		)	(632,539		)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(696		)	(1,973		)	(333		)	(3,002		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(601,945		)	(21,668		)	(11,928		)	(635,541		)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	782,247			—			53,148			835,395
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	465			—			—			465
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	—			—			(4,012		)	(4,012		)
Payment for purchase of treasury shares	(74,982		)				—			(74,982		)
Debt issuance costs	(15,462		)	—			—			(15,462		)
Payments on long-term debt	(257,210		)	(1,275		)	(31,347		)	(289,832		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	2,446			—			—			2,446
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	437,504			(1,275		)	17,789			454,018
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			(2,299		)	(2,299		)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	12,472			2,917			(10,099		)	5,290
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	2,614			175			35,299			38,088
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	15,086		$	3,092		$	25,200		$	43,378

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	For the Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2011
	The GEO Group Inc.			Combined Subsidiary Guarantors			Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidated
	(Dollars in thousands)
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$	79,469		$	6,542		$	39,461		$	125,472
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	(3,818		)	9,558			(1,322		)	4,418
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	75,651			16,100			38,139			129,890
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired	(260,255		)	—			—			(260,255		)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	—			480						480
Change in restricted cash and investments	—			—			(11,184		)	(11,184		)
Capital expenditures	(79,062		)	(14,385		)	(1,244		)	(94,691		)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(339,317		)	(13,905		)	(12,428		)	(365,650		)
Cash used in investing activities - discontinued operations	(954		)	(1,369		)	(288		)	(2,611		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(340,271		)	(15,274		)	(12,716		)	(368,261		)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	726,000			—			—			726,000
Payments on long-term debt	(386,285		)	(720		)	(10,440		)	(397,445		)
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	3,926			—			—			3,926
Debt issuance costs	(8,400		)	—			—			(8,400		)
Payments for purchase of treasury shares	(80,000		)	—			—			(80,000		)
Payments for retirement of common stock	(7,078		)	—			—			(7,078		)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	6,695			—			—			6,695
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	254,858			(720		)	(10,440		)	243,698
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			4,169			4,169
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(9,762		)	106			19,152			9,496
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	12,376			69			16,147			28,592
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$	2,614		$	175		$	35,299		$	38,088

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Future minimum rentals on lease
2012	$ 4,625
2013	4,764
2014	4,907
2015	5,054
2016	5,206
Thereafter	351
Total	$ 24,907

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Details 1) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Dec. 31, 2012

Jan. 01, 2012

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax attributable to The GEO Group, Inc. [1]

^[1]

$ 5,755

$ 4,078

Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivatives, net of tax

(457)

Pension adjustments, net of tax

(2,628)

(2,167)

Total

$ 2,670

$ 1,930

[1]	The foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax, related to noncontrolling interests was not significant for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 or January 1, 2012.

- Definition

Accumulated change, net of tax, in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The total of net gain (loss), prior service cost (credit), and transition assets (obligations), as well as minimum pension liability if still remaining, included in accumulated other comprehensive income associated with a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan(s) because they have yet to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains or losses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

- Definition

Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 31
-Article 5

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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Fair value of stock-based awards
Risk free interest rates	0.78%	2.06%	0.16%
Expected term			3 months
Expected term, minimum	4 years	4 years
Expected term, maximum	5 years	5 years
Expected volatility	40.00%	43.00%	43.00%
Expected dividend	3.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Summary of Business Operations and Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, person in Thousands, £ in Millions			1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2012 $ / shares	Aug. 08, 2012 $ / shares	Nov. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2011 USD ($) director $ / shares shares	Aug. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Bed facility segment shares	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($) Bed	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 GBP (£) Bed agency bed facility person state	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Bed agency bed facility person state	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 30, 2012	Apr. 24, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012 GBP (£)	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 12, 2010	Jan. 03, 2010 USD ($)
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of beds \| bed												73,000	73,000
Correctional, detention and residential treatment facilities including projects under development \| facility												100	100
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared \| $ / shares	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Cash dividends paid									$ 102,435,000	$ 0	$ 0
Provision of monitoring services tracking offenders \| person												70	70
Number of federal, state and local correctional agencies to which company provide services \| agency												900	900
Number of states in which the company operates \| state												50	50
Ownership percentage of equity method Investments in non-controlled affiliates, Minimum									20.00%
Ownership percentage of equity method Investments in non-controlled affiliates, Maximum									50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage														100.00%	0.00%	100.00%
Cash and cash equivalents											38,088,000		$ 31,755,000					$ 43,378,000		$ 28,592,000
Minimum period for payment receivable in arrears for services									30 days
Maximum period for payment receivable in arrears for services									60 days
Trade receivables													500,000					1,700,000
Federal and state income tax overpayments																		22,200,000
Interest rate for subordinated loan extended to the former joint venture partner									13.00%
Notes receivable from its former joint venture partner													2,300,000					2,700,000
Number of beds in South Texas detention complex in Frio County \| Bed									1,904	1,904
Number of beds in Northwest detention center in Tacoma \| Bed									1,575
Accumulated amortization													9,800,000					5,300,000
Debt issuance costs included in other non-current assets													23,400,000					26,600,000
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds													49,500,000					250,000,000
Term period of non-recourse bonds of the Company									10 years
Property and equipment, net													1,687,159,000					1,688,356,000
Stated interest rate of MCF revenue bond					8.47%
Company lease assets term					20 years
Maximum period to lease renewal					25 years
Issued share capital				$ 100
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF									$ 35,154,000	$ 0	0
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests									8,100,000
Deferred tax assets recorded in equity in connection with MCF Transaction								$ 0	$ 10,015,000		0
Professional Fees							$ 1,600,000
Percentage of ownership in South African joint venture in SACS									50.00%
Reduction of government guarantee in case of default									80.00%
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage in Joint Venture									50.00%
Issued share capital, Shares \| shares				100
Par value of share issued \| $ / shares				$ 1
Allocated share capital \| shares				100
Directors appointed to board by each party \| director				3
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, net of income tax provision of 0, $2,406 and $2,212									$ 3,578,000	1,563,000	4,218,000
Line of Credit Including Accrued Interest													$ 19,600,000
Assets Held For Sale, Number of Beds \| Bed												6,000	6,000
Assets Held For Sale, Number of Assets \| facility												7	7
Carrying Values of Idle Facilities Marketed to Potential Customers													$ 240,200,000
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Revenue based on performance of certain targets									0.01
Number of years lease term									10 years
Lease expiration date									Jan. 01, 2018
Period of lease extension option									up to three additional five-year terms
Carrying value of leased facility													34,300,000					35,200,000
Accumulated depreciation of leased facility													4,900,000					4,100,000
Rental income received on lease									$ 4,500,000	$ 4,500,000	$ 4,500
General liability insurance maximum recoverage per occurrence						$ 67,000,000
GEO care insurance maximum recoverage per occurrence									35,000,000
Deductible amount for general insurance liability and hospital professional insurance liability									3,000,000
Deductible amount for worker's compensation insurance liability													2,000,000
Deductible amount for automobile insurance liability									$ 1,000,000
Undiscounted reserves for workers compensation and general liability claims													$ 45,100,000					45,300,000
Number of months of treasury bonds in risk free rate calculation											3 months
Number of years of treasury bonds in risk free rate calculationm									5 years	5 years
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued									$ 460,000
Non-controlling interest in MCF as a percentage of equity																			100.00%
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			$ 12,300,000				$ (12,300,000)		$ (102,435,000)
Disposal Group, Number of Long-lived Assets Held For Sale \| facility												4	4
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use						$ 2,400,000
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired														100.00%
Number of Reportable Segments \| segment									4
Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of years for amortization of acquired intangible assets									13 years 4 months 24 days
Covenants not to compete [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of years for amortization of acquired intangible assets									2 years
Technology [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of years for amortization of acquired intangible assets									7 years
Foreign Subsidiaries [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents													$ 24,800,000
Treasury Stock
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Treasury Stock Reissued \| shares									(23,000)
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Treasury Stock Reissued									$ 464,000
Kensani Corrections [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Percentage of ownership in South African joint venture in SACS									50.00%
Cornell Companies, Inc. [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Accounts receivable one year past due and still accruing									1
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired																			100.00%
Amey [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Issued share capital, Shares \| shares				50
Allocated share capital \| shares				50
GEO Amey [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage												50.00%	50.00%
Principal amount and accrued interest at LIBOR												3.00%	3.00%
Receivable from joint venture												£ 12.0	$ 19,400,000				£ 8.4	13,100,000
Accrued interest included under line of credit									$ 200,000	$ 200,000
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Investment in Joint Ventures													(4,100,000)					(2,400,000)
Lines of credit provided by GEO UK and Amey													12,000,000
Line of Credit Including Accrued Interest													19,600,000
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Line of credit included non current assets \| £												£ 12.1
GEO Amey [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Lines of credit provided by GEO UK and Amey																		19,400,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net													25,840,000					162,665,000
SACS
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Life term of contract									25 years
Investment in Joint Ventures													7,800,000					5,600,000
Geo UK [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Issued share capital, Shares \| shares				50
Allocated share capital \| shares				50
Lines of credit provided by GEO UK and Amey \| £																	£ 12.0
Minimum
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful life									1 year
Minimum \| Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of years for amortization of acquired intangible assets									3 years
Minimum \| Covenants not to compete [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of years for amortization of acquired intangible assets									1 year
Minimum \| Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful life									2 years
Minimum \| Equipment and Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful life									3 years
Maximum \| Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of years for amortization of acquired intangible assets									18 years
Maximum \| Covenants not to compete [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of years for amortization of acquired intangible assets									4 years
Maximum \| Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful life									50 years
Maximum \| Equipment and Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Useful life									10 years
Subordinate Notes STLDC [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] \| South Texas Detention Complex Carrying Value [Member]
Variable Interest Entities (Textual) [Abstract]
Property and equipment, net													$ 25,800,000					$ 26,400,000
Residential Treatment Services [Member]
Summary of business operations and significant accounting policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number Of Health Care Facility Contracts \| facility									6
Number of beds \| bed												1,970	1,970

Discontinued Operations (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) bed	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) bed shares	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($) shares	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 13, 2012 bed	Apr. 19, 2012 bed
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale, Proceeds from Sale		$ 36,000
Proceeds from RTS divestiture		33,253	$ 0	$ 0
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		(8,666)	(74,982)	(80,000)
Long-Term Purchase Commitment, Earn-Out		$ 5,000
Purchase Price Adjustment, Measurement Term, Events		1 year
Purchase Price Adjustment, Measurement Term, Contracts		1 year
Business Exit Costs		$ 2,100
Revenue recorded as discontinued operation		24,500	44,900	36,600
Residential Treatment Services [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		8,600
Loss on sale of discontinued operation, net of tax	$ 14,600
Revenue recorded as discontinued operation		$ 167,200	$ 160,800	$ 148,800
East Mississippi Correctional Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of beds discontinued \| bed						1,500
Marshall County Correctional Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of beds discontinued \| bed					1,000
Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of beds discontinued \| bed	1,450	1,450
Services Agreement [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Services Agreement Contract Term		5 years
Sales Revenue, Services, Other		$ 1,800
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		10.00%
License Agreement [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	10.00%
Licensing Agreement Contract Term		5 years
Licenses Revenue		$ 400
July Two-Thousand And Eleven Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares \| shares		297,741	3,900,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method		$ 8,700	$ 75,000
July Two-Thousand And Eleven Stock Repurchase Program [Member] \| Residential Treatment Services [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares \| shares		295,959

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Assets and Liabilities of the Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Assets:
Goodwill	$ 17,800
Assets of discontinued operations	0	$ 72,340
Residential Treatment Services [Member]
Assets:
Accounts Receivable	20,560
Property and equipment, net	16,950
Goodwill	17,770
Intangible Assets, Net	4,626
Other assets	4,410
Assets of discontinued operations	64,316
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,443
Accrued Payroll	3,324
Other liabilities	2,312
Liabilities of discontinued operations	$ 8,079

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Discontinued Operations:
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	$ (18,465)	$ 12,572	$ 13,587
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation	(7,805)	4,753	5,168
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(10,660)	7,819	8,419
Residential Treatment Services [Member]
Discontinued Operations:
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	10,117	9,416	8,027
Loss on divestiture of RTS-non-cash, net of tax	(24,701)	0	0
State of Mississippi Department of Corrections [Member]
Discontinued Operations:
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	$ (3,881)	$ 3,156	$ 5,560

- Definition

Overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, before income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items. Includes the following (before income tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

Amount of income (loss) from a disposal group, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items after deduction or consideration of the amount allocable to noncontrolling interests. Includes, net of tax, income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2012	Aug. 08, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Dec. 06, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Aug. 30, 2012	Apr. 24, 2012	Aug. 12, 2010
Shareholders Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Shares repurchased					57,457
Shares repurchased at an aggregate cost					$ (1,036)		$ (7,078)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			$ 12,300	$ (12,300)	(102,435)
Special Dividend, Maximum Amount Of Cash Payable Above The Lottery Amount								20.00%
Capital Distribution, Special Dividend, Amount					$ 352,200
Capital Distribution, Amount Per Share					$ 5.68
Stock Dividends, Shares					9,688,568
Capital Distribution, Special Dividend, Amount, Paid In Cash					$ 77,800
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock, voting rights					one vote per share
Preferred stock, shares authorized					30,000,000	30,000,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method					$ (8,666)	$ (74,982)	(80,000)
Payments for purchase of treasury shares					(8,666)	(74,982)	(80,000)
Non-controlling interest in MCF as a percentage of equity												100.00%
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage									100.00%	0.00%	100.00%
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Noncontrolling Interest					$ 5,758	4,012	0
Percentage of profit share of parent in joint venture					88.75%
Percentage of profit share of noncontrolling in joint venture					11.25%
South African Custodial Services Pty Limited
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Life term of contract					25 years
February Two-Thousand And Ten Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares to be repurchased under stock repurchase program							$ 80,000
Shares of common stock repurchased							4,000,000
Payments for purchase of treasury shares							$ (80,000)
February Two-Thousand And Ten Stock Repurchase Program [Member] \| Executive Officer [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Shares repurchased							1,100,000
Shares repurchased at an aggregate cost							$ 22,300
February Two-Thousand And Ten Stock Repurchase Program [Member] \| Directors and Executives [Member]
Shareholders Equity (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Shares repurchased							300,000
Shares repurchased at an aggregate cost							$ 7,100
July Two-Thousand And Eleven Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of shares to be repurchased under stock repurchase program						$ 100,000
Shares of common stock repurchased					297,741	3,900,000
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method					$ 8,700	$ 75,000
Residential Treatment Services [Member]
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method					$ 8,600
Residential Treatment Services [Member] \| July Two-Thousand And Eleven Stock Repurchase Program [Member]
Shareholders' Equity (Textual) [Abstract]
Shares of common stock repurchased					295,959

Equity Incentive Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Equity Incentive Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Recognized compensation expenses
Stock Option Plan Expense	$ 2,539	$ 2,681	$ 1,378
Restricted Stock Expense	$ 4,449	$ 3,432	$ 3,261

Equity Incentive Plans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number	1,153
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.90
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 9 months 15 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$ 10,785
Summary of the activity of stock option awards
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance , Shares	1,601
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$ 19.44
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2	6 years 10 months 6 days	6 years 8 months 23 days
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance, Average Intrinsic Value	$ 2,778
Options granted, Shares	96
Options granted, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$ 22.30
Options exercised, Shares	593
Options exercised, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$ 15.65
Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Shares	(73)
Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$ 22.93
Options outstanding, Ending Balance , Shares	1,198	1,601
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Wtd. Avg. Exercise Price	$ 18.92	$ 19.44
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm2	6 years 10 months 6 days	6 years 8 months 23 days
Options outstanding, Ending Balance, Average Intrinsic Value	$ 11,090	$ 2,778
SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerm1	5 years 11 months 12 days
Incremental Shares Granted due to Anti-dilution Provision	167

Equity Incentive Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Equity Incentive Plans (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Summarizes information relative to stock option activity
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 7,051	$ 4,718	$ 21,095
Fair value of shares vested	$ 2,062	$ 2,358	$ 2,054

Equity Incentive Plans (Details 3) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Equity Incentive Plans (Details 3) shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 $ / shares shares
Exercise prices and related information of stock option outstanding
Options outstanding, Number outstanding \| shares	1,198
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. remaining contractual life	6 years 10 months 6 days
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 18.92
Options exercisable, Number exercisable \| shares	722
Options exercisable Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 11 months 12 days
Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 17.51
3.17 - 5.26 [Member]
Exercise prices and related information of stock option outstanding
Lower range limit, Exercise price	3,170
Upper range limit, Exercise price	$ 5.26
Options outstanding, Number outstanding \| shares	29
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. remaining contractual life	1 year
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 4.55
Options exercisable, Number exercisable \| shares	30
Options exercisable Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	1 year
Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 4.55
6.66 - 13.72 [Member]
Exercise prices and related information of stock option outstanding
Lower range limit, Exercise price	6,660
Upper range limit, Exercise price	$ 13,720
Options outstanding, Number outstanding \| shares	46
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. remaining contractual life	2 years 5 months 1 day
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 9.15
Options exercisable, Number exercisable \| shares	45
Options exercisable Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 3 months 29 days
Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 9.03
14.44 - 22.26 [Member]
Exercise prices and related information of stock option outstanding
Lower range limit, Exercise price	14,440
Upper range limit, Exercise price	$ 22,260
Options outstanding, Number outstanding \| shares	1,021
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. remaining contractual life	6 years 11 months 19 days
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 19.44
Options exercisable, Number exercisable \| shares	629
Options exercisable Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 4 months 13 days
Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 18.59
22.30 - 24.61 [Member]
Exercise prices and related information of stock option outstanding
Lower range limit, Exercise price	22,300
Upper range limit, Exercise price	$ 24,610
Options outstanding, Number outstanding \| shares	102
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. remaining contractual life	9 years 4 months 6 days
Options outstanding, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 22.32
Options exercisable, Number exercisable \| shares	18
Options exercisable Wtd. Avg. Remaining Contractual Life	8 years 1 month 6 days
Options exercisable, Wtd. Avg. exercise price	$ 22.36

Equity Incentive Plans (Details 4) - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Status of non vested stock options
Options outstanding, Beginning Balance , Shares	605
Options granted, Shares	96
Options vested, shares	(184)
Options forfeited/canceled/expired, Shares	(73)
Forfeited	(41)
Options outstanding, Ending Balance , Shares	476	605
Option non vested, Wtd. Avg. grant date fair value, Beginning balance		$ 8.99
Granted, Wtd. Avg. grant date fair value	$ 6.81	$ 9.75	$ 6.73
Vested, Wtd. Avg. grant date fair value	8.32
Forfeited, Wtd. Avg. grant date fair value	8.96
Option non vested, Wtd. Avg. grant date fair value, Ending balance	$ 8.89		$ 8.99

Equity Incentive Plans (Details 5) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Equity Incentive Plans (Details 5) shares in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 $ / shares shares
Summary of the activity of restricted stock
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Beginning Balance \| shares	442
Restricted stock outstanding Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance \| $ / shares	$ 23.32
Granted shares \| shares	315
Granted Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 18.40
Vested shares \| shares	(145)
Vested Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 23.28
Forfeited/canceled shares \| shares	(28)
Forfeited/Canceled Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 22.79
Restricted stock outstanding shares, Ending Balance \| shares	584
Restricted stock outstanding Wtd. Avg. Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance \| $ / shares	$ 20.98

- Definition

The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units.

+ References + Details

Equity Incentive Plans (Details Textual) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Person person $ / shares shares	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares	Feb. 04, 2013 shares	Jul. 20, 2012 performance_metrics	Feb. 16, 2011 shares	Aug. 12, 2010 shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options \| $	$ 0.6	$ 0.5	$ 3.9
Common Stock Subject to Awards under Plan One						2,000,000	2,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value \| $ / shares	$ 6.81	$ 9.75	$ 6.73
Share based compensation arrangement by share based payment award number of shares authorized previously				4,400,000			2,400,000
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Retirement of common stock, shares	57,457
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized				5,087,385		1,083,000	4,400,000
Number of RTS Employees with Unvested Stock Options and Restricted Stocks \| person	19
Stock Option Vest Immediately for the Chief Executive Officer		100.00%
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Non Vested Stock Options Outstanding Number	476,000	605,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	584,000	442,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	315,000
Schedule of Share-based compensation, Options, Share Conversion Ratio	1.156
Number of Employees in Stock-based Compensation Plan \| Person	313
Incremental Shares Granted due to Anti-dilution Provision	167,000
Maximum
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	10 years
Share based compensation awards other than option [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized						2,166,000
Restricted Stock [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock available for the issuance of awards	656,804
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non vested stock option awards \| $	$ 8.3
Expected weighted average period to recognize expense		2 years 2 months 19 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value \| $	$ 5.8	$ 9.3
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	315,000
Number of annual performance metrics \| performance_metrics					2
Restricted Stock [Member] \| Minimum
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Restricted Stock [Member] \| Maximum
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Weighted Towards Earnings Per Share Performance					75.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Weighted Towards Capital Performance Targets					25.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Discount on purchase of Common Stock for employee from the current market price	5.00%
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	22,760
Maximum Shares Authorized Under ESPP for Sale Offer to Eligible Employees	500,000
Stock Options [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non vested stock option awards \| $	$ 2.7
Expected weighted average period to recognize expense	2 years
Performance Based Share [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	205,000
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Common stock available for the issuance of awards	1,946,417
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation costs related to non vested stock option awards \| $	$ 0.3
Restricted Stock [Member]
Equity Incentive Plans (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Non Vested Stock Options Outstanding Number	24,100
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	8,375

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Income from Continuing Operations	$ 95,413	$ 14,532	$ 20,858	$ 13,755	$ 17,176	$ 18,820	$ 18,620	$ 15,028	$ 144,558	$ 69,644	$ 54,371
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									852	1,162	678
Income from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									$ 145,410	$ 70,806	$ 55,049
Basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding									60,934,000	63,425,000	55,379,000
Per share amount from continuing operations:									$ 2.37	$ 1.10	$ 0.98
Per share amount from continuing operations attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.:	$ 1.56	$ 0.25	$ 0.34	$ 0.23	$ 0.28	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.24	$ 2.39	$ 1.12	$ 0.99
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding									60,934,000	63,425,000	55,379,000
Diluted effect of equity incentive plans									331,000	315,000	610,000
Weighted average shares assuming dilution									61,265,000	63,740,000	55,989,000
Per share amount from continuing operations:									$ 2.36	$ 1.09	$ 0.97
IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsPerDilutedShare	$ 1.55	$ 0.25	$ 0.34	$ 0.23	$ 0.28	$ 0.30	$ 0.29	$ 0.24	$ 2.37	$ 1.11	$ 0.98
Stock Options [Member]
Basic and diluted earnings per share (Textual) [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share									62,769	105,307	25,570
Restricted Stock [Member]
Basic and diluted earnings per share (Textual) [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share									0	0	0

Business Combinations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Business Combinations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2012	Feb. 10, 2011	Aug. 12, 2010
BII Holding [Member]
Purchase price allocation
Accounts receivable	$ 19,619
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,896
Deferred income tax assets	7,934
Property and equipment	23,260
Intangible assets	131,800
Other non-current assets	8,884
Total assets acquired	195,393
Accounts payable	(3,977)
Accrued expenses	(8,461)
Deferred income tax liabilities	36,787
Other non-current liabilities	(6,020)
Long-term debt	(2,014)
Total liabilities assumed	(57,259)
Total identifiable net assets	138,134
Goodwill	271,473
Total consideration for Cornell, net of cash acquired	409,607
BII Holding [Member] \| Acquisition Date Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Purchase price allocation
Accounts receivable		$ 18,321
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		3,896
Deferred income tax assets		15,857
Property and equipment		22,359
Intangible assets		126,900
Other non-current assets		8,884
Total assets acquired		196,217
Accounts payable		(3,977)
Accrued expenses		(8,461)
Deferred income tax liabilities		43,824
Other non-current liabilities		(11,431)
Long-term debt		(2,014)
Total liabilities assumed		(69,707)
Total identifiable net assets		126,510
Goodwill		283,097
Total consideration for Cornell, net of cash acquired		$ 409,607
BII Holding [Member] \| Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
Purchase price allocation
Measurement Period Adjustments, Accounts receivable	1,298
Measurement Period Adjustments, Deferred income tax assets	(7,923)
Measurement Period Adjustments, Property and equipment	901
Measurement Period Adjustments, Intangible assets	4,900
Measurement Period Adjustments, Assets Acquired	(824)
Measurement Period Adjustments Deferred income tax liabilities	7,037
Measurement Period Adjustments, Other non-current liabilities	5,411
Measurement Period Adjustments Liabilities Assumed	12,448
Measurement Period Adjustments Identifiable Net Assets	11,624
Aggregate respective adjustments	$ 11,624
Cornell Companies Inc [Member]
Purchase price allocation
Total assets acquired			$ 873,700
Total liabilities assumed			(234,700)
Goodwill			$ 196,400

Business Combinations (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Feb. 10, 2011	Aug. 12, 2010
Additional Business Combination (Textual) [Abstract]
Outstanding common stock		100.00%
BII Holding [Member]
Additional Business Combination (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash consideration				$ 409,600
Cash acquired from acquisition	$ 9,700
Outstanding common stock				100.00%
Non recurring transaction costs			$ 4,300
Assets acquired			195,393
Goodwill recorded			271,473
Liabilities assumed			57,259
Cornell Companies, Inc. [Member]
Additional Business Combination (Textual) [Abstract]
Cash consideration					$ 84,900
Outstanding common stock					100.00%
Non recurring transaction costs					$ 14,000
Aggregate consideration of acquisition, Net of cash acquired					618,300
Assets acquired					873,700
Goodwill recorded					196,400
Liabilities assumed					234,700
Noncontrolling interest					$ 20,700
Tax deductible goodwill from an acquisition by Cornell prior to its acquisition by GEO			$ 1,500

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Total	$ 1,993,551	$ 1,929,540
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(306,392)	(241,184)
Property and equipment, net	1,687,159	1,688,356
Land
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Total	97,603	97,406
Buildings and improvements
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Total	1,459,934	1,380,723
Leasehold improvements
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Total	257,848	253,492
Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Total	133,876	111,943
Furnitures, fixtures and computer software
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Total	29,018	22,002
Facility construction in progress
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Total	$ 15,272	$ 63,974
Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	1 year
Minimum \| Land
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	2 years
Minimum \| Buildings and improvements
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	2 years
Minimum \| Leasehold improvements
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	1 year
Minimum \| Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	3 years
Maximum \| Land
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	50 years
Maximum \| Buildings and improvements
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	50 years
Maximum \| Leasehold improvements
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	29 years
Maximum \| Equipment
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	10 years
Maximum \| Furnitures, fixtures and computer software
Property Plant And Equipment Net By Type [Abstract]
Useful life	7 years

Property and Equipment (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Property and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets under capital leases	$ 18.0	$ 18.2
Property and Equipment (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Interest in property and equipment	1.2	3.1
Depreciation expense	72.2	61.6	$ 37.7
Accumulated amortization related to capital leases	6.3	5.5
Depreciation expense related to capital leases	1.0	$ 0.8	$ 0.8
Building Improvements [Member]
Property and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets under capital leases	18.0
Equipment [Member]
Property and Equipment (Textual) [Abstract]
Assets under capital leases	$ 1.0

Assets Held for Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Assets Held for Sale by reportable segment
Total	$ 3,243	$ 4,363
U.S. Corrections and Detention
Assets Held for Sale by reportable segment
Total	0	3,455
GEO Community Services
Assets Held for Sale by reportable segment
Total	$ 3,243	$ 908

Assets Held for Sale (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Facility facility	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)
U.S. Corrections and Detention
Assets Held for Sale (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate carrying value			$ 0.4
Selling Price			0.4
GEO Community Services
Assets Held for Sale (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Facilities Acquired and Kept as Assets Held for Sale \| Facility		4
Assets Held For Sale, Number of Assets \| facility		1
Aggregate carrying value		$ 1.5	0.1
Selling Price	$ 1.6
Cornell Companies, Inc. [Member]
Assets Held for Sale (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate carrying value		4.5
Selling Price		$ 5.3
Cornell Companies, Inc. [Member] \| Coke County Juvenile Justice Center [Member]
Assets Held for Sale (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate carrying value			2.8
Cornell Companies, Inc. [Member] \| International Building [Member]
Assets Held for Sale (Textual) [Abstract]
Selling Price			$ 0.5
Correctional Services Corporation [Member] \| Washington D.C. Facility [Member]
Assets Held for Sale (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate carrying value				$ 6.9
Selling Price				$ 6.6

Investment in Direct Finance Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Future minimum rentals on lease
Investment in direct finance lease	$ 26,757	$ 32,146
Direct Finance Leases [Member]
Future minimum rentals on lease
2013	8,747
2014	9,088
2015	9,688
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Receivable in Four Years	10,000
2016	2,893
Total	40,416
Less Unearned Interest Income	(7,760)
Less current portion of direct finance lease	5,899
Investment in direct finance lease	$ 26,757

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details Textual) $ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) agreement	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 AUD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Feb. 10, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Oct. 20, 2009
Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]
Notes bear interest at a rate							8.47%
Notional amount coincide with the terms of the non-recourse debt					$ 100.0
Interest Rate Swap Agreements				$ 50.9
Derivative Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Number of Interest Rate Swap Agreements \| agreement	4
Fair value of the swap assets included as Other Non-Current Assests		$ 7.4			$ 6.2
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	$ (0.5)	(1.2)	$ (0.1)
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value		0.0			$ 0.7
Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]
Notes bear interest at a rate				7.75%	7.75%	6.625%		7.75%
Fair Value Hedging [Member] \| Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (loss) recongized and recorded in earnings related to fair value hedge	$ (1.2)	$ 4.1	$ 5.2
Minimum
Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]
Variable interest rate payment to the same counterparties	4.16%
Maximum
Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract]
Variable interest rate payment to the same counterparties	4.29%

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Balance as of January 2, 2011	$ 490,296	$ 218,824
Acquisitions		271,473
Goodwill Translation Adjustment	12	(1)
Balance as of January 1, 2012	490,308	490,296
U.S. Corrections and Detention
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Balance as of January 2, 2011	170,376	170,376
Balance as of January 1, 2012	170,376	170,376
International Services
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Balance as of January 2, 2011	761	762
Goodwill Translation Adjustment	12	(1)
Balance as of January 1, 2012	773	761
GEO Community Services
Changes in the Company's goodwill balances
Balance as of January 2, 2011	319,159	47,686
Acquisitions		271,473
Balance as of January 1, 2012	$ 319,159	$ 319,159

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=14024403&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 350
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 72
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e
-Clause 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 68
-Subparagraph l
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Schedule of intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	$ 225,683	$ 225,774
Accumulated amortization	(47,365)	(30,058)
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	178,318	195,716
Net carrying amount	$ 134,318	195,716
Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	13 years 4 months 24 days
Schedule of intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	$ 151,913	152,004
Accumulated amortization	(33,141)	(21,010)
Net carrying amount	$ 118,772	130,994
Covenants not to compete [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	2 years
Schedule of intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	$ 8,570	8,570
Accumulated amortization	(8,495)	(6,348)
Net carrying amount	$ 75	2,222
Technology [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Schedule of intangible assets
Gross carrying amount	$ 21,200	21,200
Accumulated amortization	(5,729)	(2,700)
Net carrying amount	15,471	18,500
Trade Names [Member]
Schedule of intangible assets
Accumulated amortization	0	0
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	44,000	44,000
Indefinite-Lived Trade Names	$ 44,000	$ 44,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2013	$ 14,623
2014	14,547
2015	14,547
2016	14,547
2016	14,515
Thereafter	61,539
Total Expense Amortization	$ 134,318	$ 195,716

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 17,800
Goodwill	490,308	$ 490,296	$ 218,824
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Net (Textual) [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$ 18,100	$ 18,000	$ 4,800
Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets Net (Textual) [Abstract]
Weighted average period	1 year 2 months 5 days
Residential Treatment Services [Member] \| Facility Management Contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible Assets, Net	$ 3,800

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Financial Instruments (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Assets:
Interest rate swap derivative assets	$ 6,212	$ 7,440
Restricted investments:
Guaranteed Investment Contract	5,742	5,742
Guaranteed Repurchase Agreements	0	33,821
Rabbi Trust	7,718	8,016
Fixed income securities	2,152	2,013
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivative liability	708
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets:
Interest rate swap derivative assets	0	0
Restricted investments:
Guaranteed Investment Contract	0	0
Guaranteed Repurchase Agreements	0	0
Rabbi Trust	7,718	5,898
Fixed income securities	0	0
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivative liability	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets:
Interest rate swap derivative assets	6,212	7,440
Restricted investments:
Guaranteed Investment Contract	5,742	5,742
Guaranteed Repurchase Agreements	0	33,821
Rabbi Trust	0	2,118
Fixed income securities	2,152	2,013
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivative liability	708
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets:
Interest rate swap derivative assets	0	0
Restricted investments:
Guaranteed Investment Contract	0	0
Guaranteed Repurchase Agreements	0	0
Rabbi Trust	0	0
Fixed income securities	0	$ 0
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap derivative liability	$ 0

Financial Instruments (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Aug. 31, 2010
Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Stated interest rate of MCF revenue bond			8.47%
MCFs Non Recourse Debt [Member]
Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Principal amount of guaranteed investment related to debt service reserve fund		$ 23.9
Guaranteed investment related to bond fund payment		$ 9.9
Stated interest rate of MCF revenue bond	8.47%	8.47%

Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 12, 2010	Jan. 03, 2010
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,755		$ 43,378	$ 38,088			$ 28,592
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	49,500		250,000
Non-recourse debt	123,482	$ 77,900	241,798
Notes bear interest at a rate					8.47%
Carrying Value [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	31,755		43,377
Restricted cash	34,949		51,881
Liabilities:
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility	797,430		782,962
Carrying Value [Member] \| Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	247,543		247,141
Carrying Value [Member] \| 6.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	300,000		300,000
Carrying Value [Member] \| Other [Member]
Liabilities:
Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	88,650		201,453
Total Fair Value [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	31,755		43,377
Restricted cash	34,949		51,881
Liabilities:
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility	803,097		785,917
Total Fair Value [Member] \| Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	270,313		262,033
Total Fair Value [Member] \| 6.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	335,814		300,375
Total Fair Value [Member] \| Other [Member]
Liabilities:
Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	91,345		206,712
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	31,755		43,377
Restricted cash	34,949		51,881
Liabilities:
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility	0		0
Level 1 [Member] \| Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	0		0
Level 1 [Member] \| 6.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	0		0
Level 1 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Liabilities:
Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	0		0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Restricted cash	0		0
Liabilities:
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility	803,097		785,917
Level 2 [Member] \| Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	270,313		262,033
Level 2 [Member] \| 6.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	335,814		300,375
Level 2 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Liabilities:
Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	91,345		206,712
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0		0
Restricted cash	0		0
Liabilities:
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility	0		0
Level 3 [Member] \| Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	0		0
Level 3 [Member] \| 6.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Liabilities:
Senior Notes	0		0
Level 3 [Member] \| Other [Member]
Liabilities:
Other non-recourse debt, including current portion	0		0
Australian Subsidiary [Member] \| Carrying Value [Member]
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt	34,832		40,345
Australian Subsidiary [Member] \| Total Fair Value [Member]
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt	34,973		41,347
Australian Subsidiary [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt	0		0
Australian Subsidiary [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt	34,973		41,347
Australian Subsidiary [Member] \| Level 3 [Member]
Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt	$ 0		$ 0
Senior Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Liabilities:
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.625%					10.75%

Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Summary of accrued expenses
Accrued interest	$ 14,371	$ 18,072
Accrued bonus	11,762	8,849
Accrued insurance	52,593	52,437
Accrued property and other taxes	12,074	12,959
Construction retainage	293	8,247
Other	25,464	25,272
Total	$ 116,557	$ 125,836

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for real and property taxes. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for incentive compensation awarded to employees and directors or earned by them based on the terms of one or more relevant arrangements. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable to insurance entities to mitigate potential loss from various risks or to satisfy a promise to provide certain coverage's to employees. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of [accrued] interest payable on all forms of debt, including trade payables, that has been incurred and is unpaid. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 03, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)
Summary of debt [Abstract]
Capital Lease Obligations		$ 12,994		$ 14,135
Senior Credit Facility:
Term loans		563,625		482,500
Discount on term loan		(1,195)		(1,538)
Revolver		235,000		302,000
Total Senior Credit Facility		797,430		782,962
Swap on Notes		6,212
Non-Recourse Debt		124,947		235,430
Non-recourse debt		123,482	$ 77,900	241,798
Other debt		512		870
Total debt		1,488,173		1,594,317
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt		(53,882)		(53,653)
Capital Lease Obligations, long-term portion		(11,926)		(13,064)
Non-Recourse Debt		(104,836)		(208,532)
Long-Term Debt		1,317,529		1,319,068
6.625% Senior Notes [Member]
Senior Credit Facility:
Notes Due		300,000		300,000
7.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Senior Credit Facility:
Discount on term loan		(2,457)		(2,859)
Notes Due		250,000		250,000
Swap on Notes		6,212		7,411
Total 7 3/4% Senior Notes		253,755		254,552
Non Recourse Debt [Member]
Senior Credit Facility:
Discount on term loan		(1,465)		(1,936)
Premium on Non-Recourse Debt		$ 0		$ 8,304
Unused Letters of Credit [Member]
Indebtedness under the revolver and the term loan A and term loan A-2 bears interest
Bonds fixed coupon rates minimum		2.00%
Bonds fixed coupon rates maximum		3.00%
Unused Revolver [Member]
Indebtedness under the revolver and the term loan A and term loan A-2 bears interest
Bonds fixed coupon rates minimum		0.375%
Bonds fixed coupon rates maximum		0.50%
Minimum
Indebtedness under the revolver and the term loan A and term loan A-2 bears interest
Debt instrument interest rate in addition to LIBOR		2.00%
Debt instrument interest rate in addition to base rate borrowings		1.00%
Maximum
Indebtedness under the revolver and the term loan A and term loan A-2 bears interest
Debt instrument interest rate in addition to LIBOR		3.00%
Debt instrument interest rate in addition to base rate borrowings		2.00%
Maximum Leverage Ratios
First day of fiscal year 2012 through and including that last day of fiscal year 2012		5
First day of fiscal year 2013 through and including that last day of fiscal year 2013		4.75
Thereafter		4.25
Maximum senior secured leverage ratios
Through and including the last day of the fiscal year 2012		3.25
First day of the third quarter of fiscal year 2012 through and including that last day of the second quarter of the fiscal year 2013		3
Thereafter	2.50	2.75

Debt (Details 1)	Dec. 31, 2012
Redemption of 6.625% Senior Notes
2019 and thereafter	100.00%
Redemption of 7 3/4% Senior Notes
2015 and thereafter	100.00%
Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Redemption of 7 3/4% Senior Notes
2013	103.875%
2014	101.938%
Senior Unsecured Note Due 2021 [Member]
Redemption of 6.625% Senior Notes
2016	103.3125%
2017	102.2083%
2018	101.1042%

Debt (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Debt repayment schedules under capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt
2012	$ 54,909
2013	99,858
2014	570,996
2015	165,755
2016	262,427
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal In Year Six	8,910
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal After Year Six	330,049
Total Debt	1,492,904
Interest imputed on Capital Leases	(5,826)
Original issuer's discount	(5,117)
Swap on Notes	6,212
Current portion	53,882
Non-current portion	1,434,291
Capital Leases [Member]
Debt repayment schedules under capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt
2012	2,094
2013	1,952
2014	1,932
2015	1,935
2016	1,934
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal In Year Six	1,936
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal After Year Six	7,037
Total Debt	18,820
Interest imputed on Capital Leases	(5,826)
Original issuer's discount	0
Swap on Notes	0
Current portion	1,068
Non-current portion	11,926
Long-Term Debt [Member]
Debt repayment schedules under capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt
2012	294
2013	183
2014	21
2015	4
2016	250,004
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal In Year Six	4
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal After Year Six	300,002
Total Debt	550,512
Interest imputed on Capital Leases	0
Original issuer's discount	(2,457)
Swap on Notes	6,212
Current portion	293
Non-current portion	553,974
Non- Recourse [Member]
Debt repayment schedules under capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt
2012	18,646
2013	24,473
2014	20,043
2015	21,316
2016	10,489
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal In Year Six	6,970
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal After Year Six	23,010
Total Debt	124,947
Interest imputed on Capital Leases	0
Original issuer's discount	(1,465)
Swap on Notes	0
Current portion	18,646
Non-current portion	104,836
Revolver [Member]
Debt repayment schedules under capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt
2012	0
2013	0
2014	235,000
2015	0
2016	0
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal In Year Six	0
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal After Year Six	0
Total Debt	235,000
Interest imputed on Capital Leases	0
Original issuer's discount	0
Swap on Notes	0
Current portion	0
Non-current portion	235,000
Term Loan [Member]
Debt repayment schedules under capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt
2012	33,875
2013	73,250
2014	314,000
2015	142,500
2016	0
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal In Year Six	0
Long-Term Debt, Maturities, Repayments Of Principal After Year Six	0
Total Debt	563,625
Interest imputed on Capital Leases	0
Original issuer's discount	(1,195)
Swap on Notes	0
Current portion	33,875
Non-current portion	$ 528,555

Debt (Details Textual) R in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Debt (Details Textual) R in Millions, $ in Millions	Feb. 10, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Bed	Dec. 31, 2012 ZAR (R) Bed	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($) Bed	Dec. 31, 2012 CAD ($) guarantees	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) guarantees	Dec. 31, 2012 ZAR (R) guarantees	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Apr. 24, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012 ZAR (R)	Aug. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 21, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 12, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 04, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 20, 2009
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Bond Redemption Costs				$ 100,000
Non-recourse debt						$ 241,798,000		$ 123,482,000		$ 77,900,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage										100.00%	0.00%	100.00%
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Libor floor rate						1.50%
Reduced LIBOR floor rate						1.00%
Senior Notes						$ 250,000,000		49,500,000
Notes bear interest at a rate																8.47%
Outstanding balance in Senior Credit Facility								1,492,904,000
Long-term Line of Credit						302,000,000		235,000,000
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Deferred financing fees, net of accumulated amortization								$ 9,000,000
Borrowing under amended senior credit facility						$ 150,000,000
Remaining cash received under borrowing capacity																		$ 3,200,000
Weighted average interest rates on outstanding borrowings under Senior Credit Facility						3.40%	3.20%	3.20%	3.20%				3.40%
Number of beds in South Texas detention complex in Frio County \| Bed				1,904	1,904	1,904
Maximum amount of obligation of SACS guaranteed through the issuance of letters of credit \| R													R 60.0
Percentage of amount payable by SACS into the restricted account guaranteed by company							60.00%	60.00%	60.00%
Stand by letters of credit provided as security for guarantee \| R									R 8.4
Remaining guarantee under letter of credit				$ 4,100,000
Maximum loan amount under stand by facility to SACS								$ 2,400,000	R 20.0
Reduction in stand by letter of credit guarantee \| R					R 34.8
Potential estimated exposure of tax obligations							$ 2.5	2,500,000
Liability related to potential tax exposure						$ 2,000,000		2,200,000
Letters of guarantee outstanding relating to performance guarantees								$ 12,600,000
Number of letters of guarantee outstanding under separate international facilities relating to performance guarantees \| guarantees							8	8	8
Cornell Companies, Inc. [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Transaction costs under obligation																	$ 14,000,000
Cash consideration payment to Cornell stockholders																	$ 84,900,000
Maximum
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Secured Leverage Ratio There After			2.50	2.75	2.75
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Notes	$ 300,000,000
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.625%						6.625%	6.625%	6.625%
Increased additional borrowing capacity	$ 300,000,000
Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notice Period for Redemption of Note				not less than 30 nor more than 60 days	not less than 30 nor more than 60 days
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Notes														$ 300,000,000
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.625%						7.75%	7.75%	7.75%										7.75%
Principal Amount of Senior notes due 2021 exchanged														$ 300,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Increased additional borrowing capacity		$ 250,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Notes bear interest at a rate							6.625%	6.625%	6.625%								10.75%
Repayment of borrowing and accrued interest																	$ 114,400,000
MCFs Non Recourse Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Non-recourse debt						$ 77,900,000
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Notes bear interest at a rate						8.47%	8.47%	8.47%	8.47%				8.47%
Subordinate Notes STLDC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent								$ 5,000,000
Prior Senior Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Repayment of borrowing and accrued interest																		267,700,000
Write off amount of deferred financing fees			$ 7,900,000
ABR Loans [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Reduced senior credit facility interest rate						1.75%							1.75%
Notes bear interest at a rate						2.25%							2.25%
Eurodollar Loans [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Reduced senior credit facility interest rate						2.75%							2.75%
Notes bear interest at a rate						3.25%							3.25%
Term Loan A, B And A - 2 [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Outstanding balance in Senior Credit Facility								562,400,000
Revolver [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Borrowing capacity remaining								500,000,000
LIBOR interest rate				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Repayment of borrowing and accrued interest																	67,500,000
Increased additional borrowing capacity						$ 100,000,000
Additional Revolver [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Outstanding balance in Senior Credit Facility								203,700,000
Term Loan A - 2 [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Notes						150,000,000		150,000,000
LIBOR interest rate				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Increased additional borrowing capacity						$ 150,000,000
Term Loan A - 3 [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Notes								100,000,000			$ 100,000,000
LIBOR interest rate				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Term Loan A [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Notes								150,000,000
LIBOR interest rate				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Term Loan A [Member] \| Cornell Companies, Inc. [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Notes																	$ 290,000,000
Term Loan B [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Senior Notes								200,000,000										280,000,000
LIBOR interest rate				LIBOR plus 2.75% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%	LIBOR plus 2.75% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%
Letter of credit [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Outstanding balance in Senior Credit Facility								$ 61,300,000
Senior Credit Facility [Member]
Debt (Textual) [Abstract]
Financing fess related to senior credit facility																		$ 6,700,000

Debt (Details Textual 1) £ in Millions, R in Millions, $ in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 10, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Bed facility	Dec. 31, 2012 ZAR (R) Bed facility	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($) Bed	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 AUD ($) guarantees	Dec. 31, 2012 CAD ($) guarantees	Dec. 31, 2012 GBP (£) guarantees	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) guarantees	Dec. 31, 2012 ZAR (R) guarantees	Dec. 14, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Aug. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Apr. 24, 2012	Feb. 02, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2012 AUD ($)	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2012 ZAR (R)	Dec. 09, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 21, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 04, 2010 USD ($)	Oct. 20, 2009
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number Of Restricted Payment Baskets													2
Total Leverage Ratio													500.00%
Modified Total Leverage Ratio													475.00%
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted \| R																				R 60.0
Potential estimated exposure of tax obligations									$ 2.5		$ 2,500,000
Variable Interest Entity Ownership Percentage in Joint Venture				50.00%	50.00%
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds											49,500,000								$ 250,000,000
Long-Term Debt											1,317,529,000								1,319,068,000
Notes bear interest at a rate																									8.47%
Number of Facilities Purchased From Cornell \| facility				11	11
Non-recourse debt											123,482,000			$ 77,900,000					241,798,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage														100.00%	0.00%	100.00%
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF				$ 35,154,000		$ 0	$ 0
Ownership percentage in South African Custodial Services Pty. Limited				50.00%	50.00%
Lines of credit facility											19,600,000
Loss on early extinguishment of debt				$ 8,462,000		0	7,933,000
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt				14,861,000		0	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt				$ 358,000,000		$ 835,395,000	$ 726,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount											1,195,000								1,538,000
Number of bed in detention Complex \| Bed				1,904	1,904	1,904
Term period of non-recourse bonds of the Company				10 years	10 years
Property and equipment, net											1,687,159,000								1,688,356,000
Revised Number of Beds \| Bed						1,575
Initial Number of Beds \| Bed						1,030
Reduction in stand by letter of credit guarantee \| R					R 34.8
Maximum loan amount under stand by facility to SACS											$ 2,400,000	R 20.0
Remaining guarantee under letter of credit				$ 4,100,000
Percentage of amount payable guaranteed by Company								60.00%	60.00%	60.00%	60.00%	60.00%
Stand by letters of credit provided as security for guarantee \| R												R 8.4
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 \| guarantees								8	8	8	8	8
Letters of guarantee outstanding relating to performance guarantees											$ 12,600,000
Maximum
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Senior Secured Leverage Ratio There After			2.50	2.75	2.75
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Subordinated notes receivable from STLDC											5,200,000
Payment from restricted cash for the current portion of periodic debt service requirement																	$ 5,000,000
Long-term Debt, Gross											22,400,000
Property and equipment, net											$ 25,840,000								162,665,000
GEO Amey [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage								50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate								3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Maximum exposure to joint venture relative to note receivable \| £										£ 12.0
Accrued interest included under line of credit				$ 200,000		$ 200,000
Lines of credit outstanding \| £										£ 12.1
Lines of credit facility											$ 19,600,000
Lines of credit											12,000,000
Non Recourse Debt Northwest Detention Center [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds																			57,000,000
Bonds fixed coupon rates minimum				4.10%	4.10%
Payment from restricted cash for the current portion of periodic debt service requirement																						$ 6,300,000
Current Portion of Non recourse Debt											6,500,000
Current restricted cash											9,400,000
Non current restricted cash											1,500,000
Non Recourse Debt Two Thousand Eleven Revenue Bonds [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Long-Term Debt																					$ 54,400,000
Notes bear interest at a rate																					6.40%
MCFs Non Recourse Debt [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Long-term Debt, Gross											$ 13,400,000
Current Portion of Non recourse Debt																			$ 15,800,000
Notes bear interest at a rate								8.47%	8.47%	8.47%	8.47%	8.47%						8.47%	8.47%	8.47%
Non-recourse debt																			$ 77,900,000
Fair value premium on non-recourse																			$ 8,300,000
Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal Amount before Period Two								100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings		$ 250,000,000
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds																							$ 300,000,000
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.625%							7.75%	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%	7.75%															7.75%
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt		246,400,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount		$ 3,600,000
Principal Amount of Senior notes Exchanged																							$ 300,000,000	$ 250,000,000
MCF Taxable Revenue Bonds [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Notes bear interest at a rate															8.47%
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal Amount before Period Two																		100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings	$ 300,000,000
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds	$ 300,000,000
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.625%							6.625%	6.625%	6.625%	6.625%	6.625%
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 293,300,000
Percentage of Notes Redeemable By Proceed from Specified Equity Offerings																		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Redemption Price as Percentage of Principal Amount before Period One																		106.625%	106.625%	106.625%
Senior Notes Due 2013 [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Notes bear interest at a rate																											8.25%
Taxable Revenue Bonds STLDC [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds											$ 49,500,000
Bonds fixed coupon rates minimum				4.76%	4.76%
Bonds fixed coupon rates maximum				5.07%	5.07%
Subordinate Notes STLDC [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Subordinated notes receivable from STLDC											5,000,000
Current restricted cash											6,200,000
Non current restricted cash											15,500,000
Australian Subsidiary's Non Recourse Debt [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Non current restricted cash								$ 5.0			5,200,000
Non-recourse debt								$ 33.6			34,800,000							$ 39.5	$ 40,300,000
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
South Texas Detention Complex Carrying Value [Member] \| Subordinate Notes STLDC [Member] \| Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Property and equipment, net											25,800,000								26,400,000
Number Three [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description, Maximum Aggregate Indebtedness															$ 250,000,000
Restricted Payment Basket One															50,000,000
Number Four [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted Payment Basket One													$ 90,000,000
Restricted Payment Basket Two													$ 75,000,000
Term Loan A - 3 [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds											100,000,000				$ 100,000,000
Interest rate terms				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Aug. 04, 2015	Aug. 04, 2015
Term Loan A [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds											150,000,000
Interest rate terms				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Aug. 04, 2015	Aug. 04, 2015
Term Loan B [Member]
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds											200,000,000															$ 280,000,000
Interest rate terms				LIBOR plus 2.75% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%	LIBOR plus 2.75% with a LIBOR floor of 1.00%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Aug. 04, 2016	Aug. 04, 2016
Revolver [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings						100,000,000
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Interest rate terms				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Aug. 04, 2015	Aug. 04, 2015
Term Loan A2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Increase, Additional Borrowings						$ 150,000,000
Debt (Textual) (Abstract)
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds											$ 150,000,000								$ 150,000,000
Interest rate terms				LIBOR plus 2.75%	LIBOR plus 2.75%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Aug. 04, 2015	Aug. 04, 2015

Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period	$ 16,879	$ 13,830
Service cost	774	645
Interest cost	787	667
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments	569	0
Actuarial (Gain) Loss	945	1,922
Benefits paid	(193)	(185)
Projected benefit obligation, end of period	19,761	16,879
Change in Plan Assets
Plan assets at fair value, beginning of period	0	0
Company contributions	193	185
Benefits paid	(193)	(185)
Plan assets at fair value, end of period	0	0
Unfunded Status of the Plan	(19,761)	(16,879)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Prior service cost	0	0
Net loss	4,283	3,531
Total Pension Cost	$ 4,283	$ 3,531

Benefit Plans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	$ 774	$ 645
Interest cost	787	667
Amortization of: Prior service cost	569	0
Net loss	193	62
Net periodic pension cost	$ 2,323	$ 1,374
Weighted Average Assumptions for Expense
Discount rate	4.40%	5.50%
Rate of compensation increase, percentage	4.60%	4.29%

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a, h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Benefit Plans (Details 2) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Benefit payments representing the company's obligations to employees
2013	$ 6,925
2014	367
2015	380
2016	428
2017	470
Thereafter	11,191
Total benefit payments	$ 19,761

Benefit Plans (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans (Details Textual) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) noncontributory_defined_benefit_pension_plans	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)
Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Recorded Liability	$ 6.6
Additional Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of Non-Contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plans \| noncontributory_defined_benefit_pension_plans	2
Period of average compensation for pension benefit computation	5 years
Age limit for a lump sum payment	55
Long-term portion of the pension liability	$ 19.5	$ 16.7
Recognized as net periodic benefit cost	$ 0.3
Retirement age	65
Expense related to contributions	$ 0.4	0.3	$ 0.2
Total deferred compensation liability	7.8	8.0
Deferred Compensation Liability, Current	$ 1.1	0.6
Former Chief Operating Officer [Member]
Benefit Plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Discounted retirement benefits under non-qualified deferred compensation agreement, including taxes as specified in the deferred compensation agreement		4.4
Non-qualified deferred compensation arrangement with individual taxes as specified in agreement		2.0
Recognized settlement charges		$ 0.0

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Revenues:
Revenues									$ 1,479,062	$ 1,407,172	$ 1,084,592
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and Amortization									91,685	81,548	44,365
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments									298,145	289,614	228,460
General and Administrative Expenses									(113,792)	(110,015)	(101,558)
Operating Income	$ 39,313	$ 51,602	$ 52,941	$ 40,497	$ 47,298	$ 47,265	$ 46,298	$ 38,738	184,353	179,599	126,902
Total segment assets	2,839,194				3,049,923				2,839,194	3,049,923
U.S. Corrections and Detention
Revenues:
Revenues									975,445	925,695	805,857
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and Amortization									62,587	55,208	39,417
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments									222,703	215,406	198,837
Total segment assets	1,967,226				2,022,600				1,967,226	2,022,600
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues									291,891	280,080	76,913
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and Amortization									26,738	24,271	3,246
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments									65,401	61,270	15,877
Total segment assets	673,397				688,240				673,397	688,240
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues									211,726	201,397	178,567
Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and Amortization									2,360	2,069	1,702
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments									10,041	12,938	11,364
Total segment assets	97,584				93,732				97,584	93,732
Facility Constructions and Design
Revenues:
Revenues									0	0	23,255
Operating Income:
Operating income from segments									0	0	2,382
Total segment assets	0				157				0	157
Operating Segments
Operating Income:
Operating Income									298,145	289,614	$ 228,460
Reportable Segment [Member]
Operating Income:
Total segment assets	$ 2,738,207				$ 2,804,729				$ 2,738,207	$ 2,804,729

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	$ 2,839,194				$ 3,049,923				$ 2,839,194	$ 3,049,923
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating Income	39,313	$ 51,602	$ 52,941	$ 40,497	47,298	$ 47,265	$ 46,298	$ 38,738	184,353	179,599	$ 126,902
Total operating income from segments									298,145	289,614	228,460
Unallocated Amount:
General and Administrative Expenses									(113,792)	(110,015)	(101,558)
Interest Income (Expense), Net									(75,473)	(68,346)	(34,452)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									(8,462)	0	(7,933)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations									100,418	111,253	84,517
Us Corrections and Detention
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	1,967,226				2,022,600				1,967,226	2,022,600
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments									222,703	215,406	198,837
Operating Segments
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Operating Income									298,145	289,614	228,460
GEO Community Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	673,397				688,240				673,397	688,240
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments									65,401	61,270	15,877
International Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	97,584				93,732				97,584	93,732
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments									10,041	12,938	11,364
Facility Constructions and Design
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment assets	$ 0				$ 157				0	157
Pre-Tax Income Reconciliation of Segments
Total operating income from segments									$ 0	$ 0	$ 2,382

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,755	$ 43,378	$ 38,088	$ 28,592
Deferred income tax	20,822	30,017
Restricted cash and investments	48,410	99,459
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation	0	72,340
Total segment assets	2,839,194	3,049,923
Reportable segment assets [Member]
Asset Reconciliation of Segments
Total segment assets	$ 2,738,207	$ 2,804,729

- Definition

Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Cash
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361293&loc=d3e6676-107765

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3044-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Cash Equivalents
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 1
-Article 5

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 7, 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 7
-Footnote 1
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 8, 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Geographical Information
Revenues	$ 378,731	$ 369,115	$ 371,174	$ 360,042	$ 354,473	$ 354,728	$ 356,012	$ 341,959	$ 1,479,062	$ 1,407,172	$ 1,084,592
Property and equipment, net	1,687,159				1,688,356				1,687,159	1,688,356
U.S. operations
Geographical Information
Revenues									1,267,335	1,205,775	906,025
Property and equipment, net	1,680,038				1,683,124				1,680,038	1,683,124
Australia operations
Geographical Information
Revenues									159,444	150,753	130,738
Property and equipment, net	5,634				4,296				5,634	4,296
South African operations
Geographical Information
Revenues									20,029	21,357	19,231
Property and equipment, net	234				334				234	334
United Kingdom operations
Geographical Information
Revenues									32,254	29,287	$ 28,598
Property and equipment, net	$ 1,253				$ 602				$ 1,253	$ 602

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 1,479,062	$ 1,407,172	$ 1,084,592
Detention & Corrections [Member]
Revenues:
Revenues	1,187,171	1,127,092	984,424
GEO Community Services
Revenues:
Revenues	291,891	280,080	76,913
International Services
Revenues:
Revenues	211,726	201,397	178,567
Facility Constructions and Design
Revenues:
Revenues	$ 0	$ 0	$ 23,255

Business Segments And Geographical Information (Details 6)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
U S Federal Government
Business Concentration
Percentage of revenue	47.00%	40.00%	35.00%

Business Segments and Geographic Information (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Facility segment	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Number of Managed Correctional Facilities in Australia \| Facility	4
Business Segment and Geographical Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of reportable business segments \| segment	4
Business Segment and Geographical Information (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Consolidated revenue to single customer		10.00%
SACS
Business Segment and Geographical Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Net income	$ 5.3	$ 3.9	$ 4.2
Investment in Joint Ventures	7.8	5.6
Geo Amey [Member]
Business Segment and Geographical Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Net income	(1.7)	(2.4)
Investment in Joint Ventures	$ (4.1)	$ (2.4)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings in affiliates, and discontinued operations
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations	$ 100,418	$ 111,253	$ 84,517
Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from operation of discontinued business	(18,465)	12,572	13,587
Total	81,953	123,825	98,104
Foreign Country [Member]
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings in affiliates, and discontinued operations
Foreign	9,370	14,583	12,627
United States [Member]
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings in affiliates, and discontinued operations
United States	$ 91,048	$ 96,670	$ 71,890

- Definition

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Federal income taxes:
Current	$ 36,631	$ (4,198)	$ 8,902
Deferred	(78,275)	36,716	16,308
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	(41,644)	32,518	25,210
State income taxes:
Current	5,020	2,099	1,907
Deferred	(8,770)	4,732	3,234
State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	(3,750)	6,831	5,141
Foreign:
Current	5,497	4,211	5,196
Deferred	(665)	(388)	(1,183)
Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Total	4,832	3,823	4,013
Total U.S. and foreign income taxes from continuing operations	(40,562)	43,172	34,364
Discontinued operations:
Taxes (benefit) from operations of discontinued business	7,805	(4,753)	(5,168)
Total	$ (48,367)	$ 47,925	$ 39,532

Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Continuing operations
Provisions using statutory federal income tax rate	$ 35,147	$ 38,939	$ 29,581
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	4,291	4,480	3,211
Impact of REIT election	(79,033)	0	0
Change in contingent tax liabilities	0	(337)	(2,366)
Impact of nondeductible transaction costs	0	65	3,230
Other, net	(967)	25	708
Total U.S. and foreign income taxes from continuing operations	(40,562)	43,172	34,364
Discontinued operations
Taxes (benefit) from operations of discontinued business	7,805	(4,753)	(5,168)
Total	$ (48,367)	$ 47,925	$ 39,532

Income Taxes (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Components of Deferred Tax Assets
Accrued liabilities	$ 13,060	$ 21,192
Accrued compensation	6,433	5,884
Other, net	(1,203)	1,504
Total asset	$ 18,290	$ 28,580

- Definition

Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards expected to be realized or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from accrued liabilities.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from other reserves and accruals not separately disclosed.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Components of the net non-current deferred income tax asset
Depreciation	$ 2,532	$ 1,437
Total Asset	$ 2,532	$ 1,437

- Definition

Amount after allocation of valuation allowances of noncurrent deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences and carryforwards. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012
Components of the net non-current deferred income tax liability
Deferred compensation	$ (7,666)	$ (9,247)
Net operating losses	(23,062)	(16,542)
Tax credits	(8,380)	(6,017)
Deferred loan costs	0	(2,073)
Equity Awards	(1,816)	(2,881)
Other, net	(9,263)	(1,585)
Bond discount	0	(657)
Residual US tax liability on unrepatriated foreign earnings	0	(3,668)
Valuation allowance	(13,506)	(8,025)
Deferred Rent	4,864	(6,220)
Intangible assets	(45,955)	(70,860)
Depreciation	(11,293)	(74,431)
Total liability	$ (15,703)	$ (125,516)

Income Taxes (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits
Balance at Beginning of Period	$ 6,528	$ 9,062	$ 5,947
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	2,437	13	3,251
Additions for tax positions of prior years	13,356	43	0
Additions from current year acquisitions	0	3,848	2,928
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	(3,237)	(2,891)
Reductions as result of a lapse of applicable statutes of limitations	(592)	(845)	0
Settlements	(3,230)	(2,356)	(173)
Balance at End of Period	$ 18,499	$ 6,528	$ 9,062

Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Income Taxes Additional (Textual) [Abstract]
U.S federal income tax rate	35.00%
Valuation allowance related to deferred tax assets	$ 13.5	$ 8.0
Increase in valuation allowance	5.5
Accumulated undistributed earnings invested	23.7
Additional taxes (net of foreign tax credits)	0.5
Foreign operating losses carry forward	16.0
State tax credits	6.7
Deferred tax asset net of valuation allowance	2.7
Unrecognized tax benefits, net	17.0
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	0.5
Recognized tax benefits that will reduce company's tax rate	17.0
Tax exposure by sustaining disallowed deduction			$ 15.4
Interest and penalties recognized	0.0	0.0	$ (0.8)
Accrued income tax examination penalties and interest	0.4	$ 0.4
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$ 110.9
Expiration date of operating loss carryforwards	2013
Domestic Country [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$ 37.0
Expiration date of operating loss carryforwards	2022

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)
Future minimum commitments under leases
2013	$ 33,987
2014	30,643
2015	21,964
2016	15,793
2017	14,493
Thereafter	36,035
Total	$ 152,915

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Company's quarterly financial data
Revenues	$ 378,731	$ 369,115	$ 371,174	$ 360,042	$ 354,473	$ 354,728	$ 356,012	$ 341,959	$ 1,479,062	$ 1,407,172	$ 1,084,592
Operating Income	39,313	51,602	52,941	40,497	47,298	47,265	46,298	38,738	184,353	179,599	126,902
Net Income	95,413	14,532	20,858	13,755	17,176	18,820	18,620	15,028	144,558	69,644	54,371
Net income loss from discontinued operations	$ (13,777)	$ 194	$ 1,619	$ 1,304	$ 1,450	$ 2,474	$ 2,544	$ 1,351	$ (10,660)	$ 7,819	$ 8,419
Basic earnings per share
Income from continuing operations	$ 1.56	$ 0.25	$ 0.34	$ 0.23	$ 0.28	$ 0.30	$ 0.30	$ 0.24	$ 2.39	$ 1.12	$ 0.99
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(0.23)	0.00	0.03	0.02	0.02	0.04	0.04	0.02	(0.17)	0.12	0.15
Net income per share — basic	1.33	0.26	0.37	0.25	0.30	0.34	0.33	0.26	2.21	1.24	1.15
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	1.55	0.25	0.34	0.23	0.28	0.30	0.29	0.24	2.37	1.11	0.98
Income from discontinued operations	(0.22)	0.00	0.03	0.02	0.02	0.04	0.04	0.02	(0.17)	0.12	0.15
Net income per share — diluted	$ 1.32	$ 0.25	$ 0.37	$ 0.25	$ 0.30	$ 0.34	$ 0.33	$ 0.26	$ 2.20	$ 1.23	$ 1.13

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual) Bed in Thousands, $ in Thousands, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Bed bed facility	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Oct. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Jul. 03, 2011 USD ($)	Apr. 03, 2011 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 AUD ($) ServiceCenter	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Bed ServiceCenter bed facility	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 13, 2012 bed	Apr. 19, 2012 bed	Mar. 31, 2012 bed	Aug. 29, 2011 USD ($)	Aug. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Jun. 22, 2011 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Operating Agreements, Renewal Option, Number									2	2
Operating Agreements, Renewal Option, Term									5 years	5 years
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Leased ISAP service centers in connection with acquisition \| ServiceCenter									39	39
Number of Real Estate Properties	23									23
Minimum rent expense										$ 34,400	$ 35,900	$ 25,400
Verdict against the company in wrongful death action																		$ 6,500
Court entered judgment against Company																	$ 8,400
Amount of bond litigation																$ 10,000
Amount of liability responsible for wrongful death action																		$ 3,000
Claims against the company related to property damages including interest									$ 18	$ 18,700
Pre-judgemet Interest Rate	7.50%									7.50%
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 39,313	$ 51,602	$ 52,941	$ 40,497	$ 47,298	$ 47,265	$ 46,298	$ 38,738		$ 184,353	179,599	126,902
Depreciation										$ 72,200	$ 61,600	$ 37,700
Number of beds under terminated contract \| bed															130
Number of vacant beds at its idle facilities \| Bed	6									6
Number of marketed idle facilities \| facility	7									7
Carrying values of idle facilities	$ 240,200									$ 240,200
Estimated construction capital project cost										151,200
Cost already spent on existing capital projects										29,500
Remaining capital required for capital projects										121,700
Capital expenditure related to facility maintenance cost minimum range										$ 30,000
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									21.00%	21.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									2.00%	2.00%
East Mississippi Correctional Facility [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of beds discontinued \| bed														1,500
Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of beds discontinued \| bed	1,450									1,450
Marshall County Correctional Facility [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of beds discontinued \| bed													1,000

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details Textual) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) segment	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 01, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2011 USD ($)
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Number of divested operating segments \| segment	1
Impact of REIT election		$ 79,033	$ 0	$ 0
Residential Treatment Services [Member]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Additional Textual) [Abstract]
Loss on sale of discontinued operation, net of tax	$ 14,600

Subsequent Events (Details) - $ / shares	Jan. 18, 2013	Nov. 01, 2012	Aug. 08, 2012
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.20	$ 0.20
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.50

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011	Jan. 03, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 31,755,000	$ 43,378,000	$ 38,088,000	$ 28,592,000
Restricted cash and investments, current	15,654,000	42,534,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	246,635,000	265,250,000
Current deferred income tax assets, net	18,290,000	28,580,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	24,849,000	49,025,000
Current assets of discontinued operations	0	30,562,000
Total current assets	337,183,000	459,329,000
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	32,756,000	56,925,000
Property and equipment, net	1,687,159,000	1,688,356,000
Assets Held for Sale	3,243,000	4,363,000
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	26,757,000	32,146,000
Intercompany Receivable	0	0
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	2,532,000	1,437,000
Goodwill	490,308,000	490,296,000	218,824,000
Intangible Assets, Net	178,318,000	195,716,000
Investment in Subsidiaries	0	0
Other Non-Current Assets	80,938,000	79,577,000
Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations	0	41,778,000
Total Assets	2,839,194,000	3,049,923,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	50,110,000	68,033,000
Accrued payroll and related taxes	39,322,000	34,806,000
Accrued expenses	116,557,000	125,836,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	53,882,000	53,653,000
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	6,490,000
Total current liabilities	259,871,000	288,818,000
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	15,703,000	125,516,000
Intercompany Payable	0	0
Other Non-Current Liabilities	82,025,000	54,106,000
Capital Lease Obligations	11,926,000	13,064,000
Long-Term Debt	1,317,529,000	1,319,068,000
Non-recourse debt	104,836,000	208,532,000
Non-Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations	0	2,298,000
Commitments and Contingencies
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,046,812,000	1,023,218,000
Noncontrolling interests	492,000	15,303,000
Total shareholders’ equity	1,047,304,000	1,038,521,000	1,039,490,000	665,098,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	2,839,194,000	3,049,923,000
The GEO Group Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	4,764,000	15,086,000	2,614,000	12,376,000
Restricted cash and investments, current	0	0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	124,670,000	123,426,000
Current deferred income tax assets, net	13,106,000	14,063,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	8,657,000	17,169,000
Current assets of discontinued operations		5,021,000
Total current assets	151,197,000	174,765,000
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	7,953,000	7,029,000
Property and equipment, net	633,458,000	620,124,000
Assets Held for Sale	0	3,083,000
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	0	0
Intercompany Receivable	591,273,000	387,013,000
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	16,230,000	0
Goodwill	34,000	34,000
Intangible Assets, Net	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	1,151,998,000	1,333,885,000
Other Non-Current Assets	38,574,000	40,695,000
Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations		697,000
Total Assets	2,590,717,000	2,567,325,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	29,889,000	47,159,000
Accrued payroll and related taxes	4,774,000	2,855,000
Accrued expenses	94,350,000	69,585,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	33,925,000	19,037,000
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	542,000
Total current liabilities	162,938,000	139,178,000
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0	42,879,000
Intercompany Payable	0	14,027,000
Other Non-Current Liabilities	63,657,000	29,384,000
Capital Lease Obligations	0	0
Long-Term Debt	1,317,310,000	1,318,639,000
Non-recourse debt	0	0
Non-Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations		0
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,046,812,000	1,023,218,000
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	1,046,812,000	1,023,218,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	2,590,717,000	2,567,325,000
Combined Subsidiary Guarantors [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	1,917,000	3,092,000	175,000	69,000
Restricted cash and investments, current	0	0
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	102,704,000	122,758,000
Current deferred income tax assets, net	1,498,000	10,729,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	5,890,000	22,670,000
Current assets of discontinued operations		20,284,000
Total current assets	112,009,000	179,533,000
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	0	0
Property and equipment, net	939,995,000	817,568,000
Assets Held for Sale	3,243,000	1,280,000
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	0	0
Intercompany Receivable	14,305,000	13,356,000
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	0	0
Goodwill	489,502,000	489,502,000
Intangible Assets, Net	176,666,000	193,851,000
Investment in Subsidiaries	41,356,000	9,784,000
Other Non-Current Assets	84,931,000	73,481,000
Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations		40,289,000
Total Assets	1,862,007,000	1,818,644,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	17,407,000	16,932,000
Accrued payroll and related taxes	16,264,000	15,653,000
Accrued expenses	5,515,000	33,256,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	1,311,000	1,350,000
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	4,642,000
Total current liabilities	40,497,000	71,833,000
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	31,933,000	82,603,000
Intercompany Payable	586,428,000	378,005,000
Other Non-Current Liabilities	96,822,000	26,702,000
Capital Lease Obligations	11,926,000	13,064,000
Long-Term Debt	219,000	429,000
Non-recourse debt	0	0
Non-Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations		1,668,000
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	1,094,182,000	1,229,553,000
Noncontrolling interests	0	14,787,000
Total shareholders’ equity	1,094,182,000	1,244,340,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	1,862,007,000	1,818,644,000
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	25,074,000	25,200,000	$ 35,299,000	$ 16,147,000
Restricted cash and investments, current	15,654,000	42,534,000
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts	19,261,000	19,066,000
Current deferred income tax assets, net	3,686,000	3,788,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,456,000	10,340,000
Current assets of discontinued operations		5,257,000
Total current assets	75,131,000	106,185,000
Restricted cash and investments, non-current	24,803,000	49,896,000
Property and equipment, net	113,706,000	250,664,000
Assets Held for Sale	0	0
Direct Finance Lease Receivable	26,757,000	32,146,000
Intercompany Receivable	0	13,990,000
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	2,532,000	1,437,000
Goodwill	772,000	760,000
Intangible Assets, Net	1,652,000	1,865,000
Investment in Subsidiaries	0	0
Other Non-Current Assets	36,584,000	31,022,000
Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations		792,000
Total Assets	281,937,000	488,757,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	2,814,000	3,942,000
Accrued payroll and related taxes	18,284,000	16,298,000
Accrued expenses	17,846,000	24,149,000
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	18,646,000	33,266,000
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	1,306,000
Total current liabilities	57,590,000	78,961,000
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0	34,000
Intercompany Payable	19,150,000	22,327,000
Other Non-Current Liabilities	697,000	63,641,000
Capital Lease Obligations	0	0
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Non-recourse debt	104,836,000	208,532,000
Non-Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations		630,000
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	99,172,000	114,116,000
Noncontrolling interests	492,000	516,000
Total shareholders’ equity	99,664,000	114,632,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	281,937,000	488,757,000
Eliminations [Member]
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, net	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(1,154,000)	(1,154,000)
Current assets of discontinued operations		0
Total current assets	(1,154,000)	(1,154,000)
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	(605,578,000)	(414,359,000)
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets	(16,230,000)	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangible Assets, Net	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	(1,193,354,000)	(1,343,669,000)
Other Non-Current Assets	(79,151,000)	(65,621,000)
Non-Current Assets of Discontinued Operations		0
Total Assets	(1,895,467,000)	(1,824,803,000)
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued payroll and related taxes	0	0
Accrued expenses	(1,154,000)	(1,154,000)
Current portion of capital lease obligations, long-term debt and non-recourse debt	0	0
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	0	0
Total current liabilities	(1,154,000)	(1,154,000)
Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	(16,230,000)	0
Intercompany Payable	(605,578,000)	(414,359,000)
Other Non-Current Liabilities	(79,151,000)	(65,621,000)
Capital Lease Obligations	0	0
Long-Term Debt	0	0
Non-recourse debt	0	0
Non-Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations		0
Total shareholders’ equity attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.	(1,193,354,000)	(1,343,669,000)
Noncontrolling interests	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	(1,193,354,000)	(1,343,669,000)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$ (1,895,467,000)	$ (1,824,803,000)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jul. 01, 2012	Apr. 01, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Oct. 02, 2011	Jul. 03, 2011	Apr. 03, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 378,731	$ 369,115	$ 371,174	$ 360,042	$ 354,473	$ 354,728	$ 356,012	$ 341,959	$ 1,479,062	$ 1,407,172	$ 1,084,592
Operating expenses									1,089,232	1,036,010	811,767
Depreciation and amortization									91,685	81,548	44,365
General and administrative expenses									113,792	110,015	101,558
Operating Income	39,313	51,602	52,941	40,497	47,298	47,265	46,298	38,738	184,353	179,599	126,902
Interest Income									6,716	7,032	6,242
Interest Expense									(82,189)	(75,378)	(40,694)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									(8,462)	0	(7,933)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations									100,418	111,253	84,517
Provision for Income Taxes									(40,562)	43,172	34,364
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, net of income tax provision of $1,660, $2,406 and $2,212									3,578	1,563	4,218
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries									144,558	69,644	54,371
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision									0	0	0
Income from Continuing Operations	95,413	14,532	20,858	13,755	17,176	18,820	18,620	15,028	144,558	69,644	54,371
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(7,805), $4,753, and $5,168	$ (13,777)	$ 194	$ 1,619	$ 1,304	$ 1,450	$ 2,474	$ 2,544	$ 1,351	(10,660)	7,819	8,419
Net Income									133,898	77,463	62,790
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									852	1,162	678
Net Income Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									134,750	78,625	63,468
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									624	(8,253)	4,645
Total comprehensive income									134,522	69,210	67,435
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									968	1,274	608
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									135,490	70,484	68,043
The GEO Group Inc. [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues									605,091	556,163	557,473
Operating expenses									529,318	503,355	491,532
Depreciation and amortization									29,521	20,615	16,728
General and administrative expenses									44,214	39,445	46,840
Operating Income									2,038	(7,252)	2,373
Interest Income									32,580	29,087	5,309
Interest Expense									(68,737)	(61,447)	(29,484)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									0		(7,933)
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations									(34,119)	(39,612)	(29,735)
Provision for Income Taxes									(11,303)	(15,158)	(8,475)
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, net of income tax provision of $1,660, $2,406 and $2,212									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries									(22,816)	(24,454)	(21,260)
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision									167,374	94,098	75,631
Income from Continuing Operations									144,558	69,644	54,371
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(7,805), $4,753, and $5,168									(10,660)	7,819	8,419
Net Income									133,898	77,463	62,790
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net Income Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									133,898	77,463	62,790
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(461)	(1,131)	(383)
Total comprehensive income									133,437	76,332	62,407
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									133,437	76,332	62,407
Combined Subsidiary Guarantors [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues									721,949	717,926	380,596
Operating expenses									451,564	448,057	218,546
Depreciation and amortization									54,719	53,458	22,389
General and administrative expenses									52,753	55,698	36,746
Operating Income									162,913	160,713	102,915
Interest Income									1,713	2,608	1,297
Interest Expense									(33,204)	(30,720)	(6,113)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									(8,462)		0
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations									122,960	132,601	98,099
Provision for Income Taxes									(31,352)	51,518	37,705
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, net of income tax provision of $1,660, $2,406 and $2,212									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries									154,312	81,083	60,394
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision									0	0	0
Income from Continuing Operations									154,312	81,083	60,394
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(7,805), $4,753, and $5,168									(5,942)	6,329	4,857
Net Income									148,370	87,412	65,251
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net Income Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									148,370	87,412	65,251
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									0	0	0
Total comprehensive income									148,370	87,412	65,251
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									148,370	87,412	65,251
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues									230,261	220,352	214,095
Operating expenses									186,589	171,867	169,261
Depreciation and amortization									7,445	7,475	5,248
General and administrative expenses									16,825	14,872	17,972
Operating Income									19,402	26,138	21,614
Interest Income									6,122	6,462	5,836
Interest Expense									(13,947)	(14,336)	(11,297)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									0		0
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations									11,577	18,264	16,153
Provision for Income Taxes									2,093	6,812	5,134
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, net of income tax provision of $1,660, $2,406 and $2,212									3,578	1,563	4,218
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries									13,062	13,015	15,237
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision									0	0	0
Income from Continuing Operations									13,062	13,015	15,237
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(7,805), $4,753, and $5,168									447	473	864
Net Income									13,509	13,488	16,101
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									852	1,162	0
Net Income Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									14,361	14,650	16,101
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									1,085	(7,122)	5,028
Total comprehensive income									14,594	6,366	21,129
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									968	1,274	608
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									15,562	7,640	21,737
Eliminations [Member]
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Revenues									(78,239)	(87,269)	(67,572)
Operating expenses									(78,239)	(87,269)	(67,572)
Depreciation and amortization									0	0	0
General and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Operating Income									0	0	0
Interest Income									(33,699)	(31,125)	(6,200)
Interest Expense									33,699	31,125	6,200
Loss on early extinguishment of debt									0		0
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of affiliates, and discontinued operations									0	0	0
Provision for Income Taxes									0	0	0
Equity in Earnings of Affiliates, net of income tax provision of $1,660, $2,406 and $2,212									0	0	0
Income (loss) from continuing operations before equity in income of consolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Income from consolidated subsidiaries, net of income tax provision									(167,374)	(94,098)	(75,631)
Income from Continuing Operations									(167,374)	(94,098)	(75,631)
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, net of income tax provision (benefit) of $(7,805), $4,753, and $5,168									5,495	(6,802)	(5,721)
Net Income									(161,879)	(100,900)	(81,352)
Less: loss attributable to noncontrolling interests										0	678
Net Income Attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									(161,879)	(100,900)	(80,674)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									0	0	0
Total comprehensive income									(161,879)	(100,900)	(81,352)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to The GEO Group, Inc.									$ (161,879)	$ (100,900)	$ (81,352)

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - continuing operations	$ 255,187	$ 185,741	$ 125,472
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	9,053	3,371	4,418
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	264,240	189,112	129,890
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	(35,154)	0	0
Proceeds from RTS divestiture	33,253	0	0
Acquisition of BI and Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired		(409,607)	(260,255)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	65	1,483	480
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	5,641	7,121	0
Change in restricted cash and investments	51,189	(9,503)	(11,184)
Capital expenditures	(107,549)	(222,033)	(94,691)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(52,555)	(632,539)	(365,650)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - discontinued operations	(2,761)	(3,002)	(2,611)
Net cash used in investing activities	(55,316)	(635,541)	(368,261)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long term debt	358,000	835,395	726,000
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	621	465	3,926
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	(14,861)	0	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	(5,758)	(4,012)	0
Payments for purchase of treasury shares	(8,666)	(74,982)	(80,000)
Debt issuance costs	(1,398)	(15,462)	(8,400)
Payments on long-term debt	(456,485)	(289,832)	(397,445)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	9,276	2,446	6,695
Cash dividends paid	102,435	0	0
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	460	0	0
Payments for retirement of common stock	(1,036)	0	(7,078)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(222,282)	454,018	243,698
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,735	(2,299)	4,169
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(11,623)	5,290	9,496
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	43,378	38,088	28,592
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	31,755	43,378	38,088
The GEO Group Inc. [Member]
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - continuing operations	107,116	173,438	79,469
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	3,250	3,475	(3,818)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	110,366	176,913	75,651
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	0
Proceeds from RTS divestiture	29,653
Acquisition of BI and Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired		(409,607)	(260,255)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	0	0
Change in restricted cash and investments	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	(61,425)	(191,642)	(79,062)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(31,772)	(601,249)	(339,317)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - discontinued operations	211	(696)	(954)
Net cash used in investing activities	(31,561)	(601,945)	(340,271)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long term debt	358,000	782,247	726,000
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	621	465	3,926
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Payments for purchase of treasury shares	8,666	(74,982)	(80,000)
Debt issuance costs	(1,360)	(15,462)	(8,400)
Payments on long-term debt	343,987	(257,210)	(386,285)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	9,276	2,446	6,695
Cash dividends paid	(102,435)
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	460
Payments for retirement of common stock	(1,036)		(7,078)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(89,127)	437,504	254,858
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(10,322)	12,472	(9,762)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	15,086	2,614	12,376
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	4,764	15,086	2,614
Combined Subsidiary Guarantors [Member]
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - continuing operations	62,330	18,834	6,542
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	26,430	7,026	9,558
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	88,760	25,860	16,100
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	(35,154)
Proceeds from RTS divestiture	0
Acquisition of BI and Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired		0	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	65	1,450	480
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale	5,641	7,121
Change in restricted cash and investments	0	0	0
Capital expenditures	(42,406)	(28,266)	(14,385)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	(71,854)	(19,695)	(13,905)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - discontinued operations	(1,820)	(1,973)	(1,369)
Net cash used in investing activities	(73,674)	(21,668)	(15,274)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long term debt	0	0	0
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	0	0	0
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	(14,861)
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	0	0
Payments for purchase of treasury shares	0		0
Debt issuance costs	0	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	1,400	(1,275)	(720)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Cash dividends paid	0
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	0
Payments for retirement of common stock	0		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(16,261)	(1,275)	(720)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(1,175)	2,917	106
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	3,092	175	69
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	1,917	3,092	175
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Cash Flow from Operating Activities:
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - continuing operations	85,741	(6,531)	39,461
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities - discontinued operations	(20,627)	(7,130)	(1,322)
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	65,114	(13,661)	38,139
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of ownership interests in MCF	0
Proceeds from RTS divestiture	3,600
Acquisition of BI and Cornell, cash consideration, net of cash acquired		0	0
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	0	33
Change in restricted cash and investments	51,189	(9,503)	(11,184)
Capital expenditures	(3,718)	(2,125)	(1,244)
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	51,071	(11,595)	(12,428)
Cash (used in) provided by investing activities - discontinued operations	(1,152)	(333)	(288)
Net cash used in investing activities	49,919	(11,928)	(12,716)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from long term debt	0	53,148	0
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	0	0	0
Payment of make-whole provision and other fees for early extinguishment of debt	0
Distribution to noncontrolling interests	5,758	(4,012)
Payments for purchase of treasury shares	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs	(38)	0	0
Payments on long-term debt	111,098	(31,347)	(10,440)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	0	0	0
Cash dividends paid	0
Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock in connection with ESPP	0
Payments for retirement of common stock	0		0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(116,894)	17,789	(10,440)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,735	(2,299)	4,169
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(126)	(10,099)	19,152
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period	25,200	35,299	16,147
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	$ 25,074	$ 25,200	$ 35,299

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Aug. 22, 2011	Feb. 10, 2011	Aug. 31, 2010	Aug. 12, 2010	Oct. 20, 2009
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate					8.47%
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds	$ 49.5	$ 250.0
Percentage of subsidiary owned	100.00%
Senior Notes Due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.625%					10.75%
Senior Note Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate	7.75%			6.625%			7.75%
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds			$ 300.0
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate	6.625%			6.625%
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Textual) [Abstract]
Aggregate principal amount of taxable revenue bonds				$ 300.0
Senior Note Issued October 20, 2009 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes bear interest at a rate							7.75%

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Jan. 01, 2012	Jan. 02, 2011
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Valuation and qualifying accounts, beginning balance	$ 2,426	$ 1,281	$ 429
Valuation and qualifying accounts, charged to cost and expenses	757	1,812	905
Valuation and qualifying accounts, charged to other accounts	(1)	3	0
Valuation and qualifying accounts, Deductions, actual charge-offs	(635)	(670)	(53)
Valuation and qualifying accounts, ending balance	$ 2,546	$ 2,426	$ 1,281

Label	Element	Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableWeightedAverageExercisePrice	$ 17.51
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding	61,181,172
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding	71,417,034
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableNumber	722,000
Payments of Special Dividends, Stock	geo_PaymentsOfSpecialDividendsStock	$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisableIntrinsicValue1	7,694,000
MCFs Non Recourse Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedPremium	$ 6,400,000