Real Estate Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2024 USD ($) Bed Facility	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Operating expenses	$ 378,103	$ 354,537
Idled Correctional Facilities
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Number of facility | Facility	8
Idle Facilities
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Operating expenses	$ 3,500	$ 2,900
Facility in Colorado and CoreCivic Community Segment
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of properties	8,000
Gain on sale of properties	500
Unused Parcel Of Land In Texas [Member]
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of properties	200
Gain on sale of properties	$ 100
Three Community Corrections Facilities And One Vacant Parcel Of Land [Member]
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Net proceeds from sale of properties			$ 10,800
Gain on sale of properties			$ 800
Community | Idle Facilities
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Number of facility | Facility	2
Number of beds at the facility | Bed	450
Net carrying value	$ 3,300
Safety
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Number of beds at the facility | Bed	65,000
Safety | Idled Non-Core Facilities
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Number of facility | Facility	1
Number of beds at the facility | Bed	240
Net carrying value	$ 2,800
CoreCivic Properties
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Number of beds at the facility | Bed	10,000