Schedule of Revenue and Facility Net Operating Income 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, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 432,894	$ 441,414	$ 857,700	$ 875,585
Total operating expenses	309,736	312,076	613,041	622,771
Rental and other revenue	1,087	1,452	2,005	2,586
Other operating expense	(4,541)	(4,508)	(8,766)	(9,347)
General and administrative	(25,360)	(23,095)	(56,592)	(44,935)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,097)	(28,302)	(55,727)	(56,689)
Asset impairments	(2,637)		(2,637)
Operating income	63,610	74,885	122,942	144,429
Owned and managed
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	348,608	357,938	690,101	709,701
Total operating expenses	234,648	238,228	463,903	473,866
Operating income	113,960	119,710	226,198	235,835
Managed-only
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	84,286	83,476	167,599	165,884
Total operating expenses	75,088	73,848	149,138	148,905
Operating income	9,198	9,628	18,461	16,979
Facility
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 123,158	$ 129,338	$ 244,659	$ 252,814