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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 420,282	$ 434,022	$ 1,260,005	$ 1,291,689
Total operating expenses	297,955	300,810	891,411	905,937
Rental and other revenue	1,184	1,705	3,189	4,291
Other operating expense	(3,534)	(4,781)	(12,301)	(14,128)
General and administrative	(23,570)	(22,015)	(80,162)	(66,950)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,151)	(28,388)	(83,203)	(84,656)
Asset impairments	(985)		(985)
Operating income	67,271	79,733	195,132	224,309
Owned and managed
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	344,150	358,730	1,034,251	1,068,431
Total operating expenses	232,778	235,065	696,681	708,931
Operating income	111,372	123,665	337,570	359,500
Managed-only
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	76,132	75,292	225,754	223,258
Total operating expenses	65,177	65,745	194,730	197,006
Operating income	10,955	9,547	31,024	26,252
Facility
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 122,327	$ 133,212	$ 368,594	$ 385,752