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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 433,496	$ 425,338	$ 1,290,853	$ 1,237,460
Total operating expenses	300,502	288,499	886,237	856,572
Rental and other revenue	1,547	1,812	5,067	5,371
Other operating expense	(4,162)	(3,661)	(11,581)	(11,488)
General and administrative	(23,007)	(23,606)	(66,236)	(62,087)
Depreciation and amortization	(26,637)	(26,195)	(80,883)	(76,715)
Operating income	80,735	85,189	250,983	235,969
Facility Contribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	132,994	136,839	404,616	380,888
Owned And Managed [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	339,180	340,473	1,010,889	993,739
Total operating expenses	218,428	214,727	645,724	641,761
Operating income	120,752	125,746	365,165	351,978
Managed-Only [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	94,316	84,865	279,964	243,721
Total operating expenses	82,074	73,772	240,513	214,811
Operating income	$ 12,242	$ 11,093	$ 39,451	$ 28,910