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
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 424,806	$ 434,171
Total operating expenses	303,305	310,695
Other revenue	918	1,134
Other operating expense	(4,225)	(4,839)
General and administrative	(31,232)	(21,840)
Depreciation and amortization	(27,630)	(28,387)
Operating income	59,332	69,544
Owned and managed
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	341,493	351,763
Total operating expenses	229,255	235,638
Operating income	112,238	116,125
Managed-only
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	83,313	82,408
Total operating expenses	74,050	75,057
Operating income	9,263	7,351
Facility contribution
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 121,501	$ 123,476