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
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 398,915	$ 415,805
Total operating expenses	286,093	293,997
Rental and other revenue	5,307	918
Other operating expense	(1,287)	(4,225)
General and administrative expense	(25,392)	(31,232)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,384)	(27,377)
Operating income	63,066	59,892
Owned and managed
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	334,912	341,493
Total operating expenses	227,648	229,255
Operating income	107,264	112,238
Managed-only
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	64,003	74,312
Total operating expenses	58,445	64,742
Operating income	5,558	9,570
Facility
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 112,822	$ 121,808