Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Restricted cash	5,000,000	5,000,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts	252,764,000	269,685,000
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts	2,578,000	1,218,000
Percentage of ownership required for exercise significant influence in affiliates	50.00%
Federal Correctional And Detention Authorities
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues generated from government management contracts	43.00%	43.00%	43.00%
Federal Bureau Of Prisons
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues generated from government management contracts	12.00%	12.00%	15.00%
United States Marshals Service
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues generated from government management contracts	19.00%	20.00%	16.00%
United States Immigration And Customs Enforcement
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues generated from government management contracts	12.00%	12.00%	12.00%
State Correctional Authorities
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues generated from government management contracts	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
State Of California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues generated from government management contracts	12.00%	13.00%	13.00%
Minimum
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Renewal of contract terms	2
Maximum
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Renewal of contract terms	5