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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 443,148	$ 430,590	$ 1,318,733	$ 1,282,194
Total operating expenses	309,557	297,527	932,328	877,285
Rental and other revenue	1,705	1,547	4,291	5,067
Other operating expense	(4,781)	(4,162)	(14,128)	(11,581)
General and administrative	(22,015)	(23,007)	(66,950)	(66,236)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,612)	(26,536)	(85,301)	(80,509)
Operating income	79,888	80,905	224,317	251,650
Owned and managed
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	352,908	339,180	1,050,803	1,010,889
Total operating expenses	231,205	218,428	694,751	645,724
Operating income	121,703	120,752	356,052	365,165
Managed-only
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	90,240	91,410	267,930	271,305
Total operating expenses	78,352	79,099	237,577	231,561
Operating income	11,888	12,311	30,353	39,744
Facility contribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 133,591	$ 133,063	$ 386,405	$ 404,909