Segment Reporting (Schedule of Revenue and Facility Contribution of Reportable Segments and Reconciliation to CCA's Operating Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Total management revenue	$ 430,710	$ 407,738	$ 857,357	$ 812,122
Total operating expenses	292,845	281,766	585,735	568,073
Rental and other revenue	2,093	2,161	3,520	3,559
Other operating expense	(4,204)	(4,461)	(7,419)	(7,827)
General and administrative	(21,782)	(19,867)	(43,229)	(38,481)
Depreciation and amortization	(27,191)	(25,556)	(54,246)	(50,520)
Operating income	86,781	78,249	170,248	150,780
Facility Contribution [Member]
Operating income	137,865	125,972	271,622	244,049
Owned and Managed [Member]
Total management revenue	336,078	327,248	671,709	653,266
Total operating expenses	214,105	211,103	427,296	427,034
Operating income	121,973	116,145	244,413	226,232
Managed-Only [Member]
Total management revenue	94,632	80,490	185,648	158,856
Total operating expenses	78,740	70,663	158,439	141,039
Operating income	$ 15,892	$ 9,827	$ 27,209	$ 17,817