Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Revenue And Facility Contribution Of Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To CCA's Operating Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 434,171	$ 423,753
Total operating expenses	310,695	289,947
Rental and other revenue	1,134	1,427
Other operating expense	(4,839)	(3,215)
General and administrative	(21,840)	(21,447)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,387)	(26,926)
Total facility contribution	69,544	83,645
Owned And Managed [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	345,701	335,631
Total operating expenses	230,480	213,191
Total facility contribution	115,221	122,440
Managed-Only [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	88,470	88,122
Total operating expenses	80,215	76,756
Total facility contribution	8,255	11,366
Facility Contribution [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total facility contribution	$ 123,476	$ 133,806