Schedule of Revenue and Facility Contribution of Reportable Segments and Reconciliation to CCA's Operating Income (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 441,414	$ 427,851	$ 875,585	$ 851,604
Total operating expenses	312,076	289,811	622,771	579,758
Rental and other revenue	1,452	2,093	2,586	3,520
Other operating expense	(4,508)	(4,204)	(9,347)	(7,419)
General and administrative	(23,095)	(21,782)	(44,935)	(43,229)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,302)	(27,047)	(56,689)	(53,973)
Operating income	74,885	87,100	144,429	170,745
Owned and managed
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	352,194	336,078	697,895	671,709
Total operating expenses	233,066	214,105	463,546	427,296
Operating income	119,128	121,973	234,349	244,413
Managed-only
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	89,220	91,773	177,690	179,895
Total operating expenses	79,010	75,706	159,225	152,462
Operating income	10,210	16,067	18,465	27,433
Facility Contribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 129,338	$ 138,040	$ 252,814	$ 271,846