Organization And Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Organization And Operations [Abstract]

Organization And Operations

1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

Corrections Corporation of America (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company" or "CCA") is the nation's largest owner and operator of privatized correctional and detention facilities and one of the largest prison operators in the United States, behind only the federal government and three states. As of December 31, 2011, CCA owned 48 correctional and detention facilities, two of which CCA leased to other operators. At December 31, 2011, CCA operated 67 facilities, including 46 facilities that it owned, located in 20 states and the District of Columbia. CCA is also constructing an additional 1,124-bed correctional facility under a contract awarded by the Georgia Department of Corrections in Millen, Georgia that is currently expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2012.

CCA specializes in owning, operating and managing prisons and other correctional facilities and providing inmate residential and prisoner transportation services for governmental agencies. In addition to providing the fundamental residential services relating to inmates, CCA's facilities offer a variety of rehabilitation and educational programs, including basic education, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment. These services are intended to help reduce recidivism and to prepare inmates for their successful reentry into society upon their release. CCA also provides health care (including medical, dental and psychiatric services), food services, and work and recreational programs.