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, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	$ 400,352	$ 423,918	$ 799,267	$ 839,723
Total operating expenses	281,515	299,460	567,608	593,457
Rental and other revenue	10,342	1,087	15,649	2,005
Other operating expense	(6,095)	(4,541)	(7,382)	(8,766)
General and administrative	(26,559)	(25,360)	(51,951)	(56,592)
Depreciation and amortization	(28,752)	(27,675)	(57,136)	(55,052)
Asset impairments	(2,238)		(2,238)
OPERATING INCOME	65,535	67,969	128,601	127,861
Owned and managed
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	340,024	348,608	674,936	690,101
Total operating expenses	227,679	234,648	455,327	463,903
OPERATING INCOME	112,345	113,960	219,609	226,198
Managed-only
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total management revenue	60,328	75,310	124,331	149,622
Total operating expenses	53,836	64,812	112,281	129,554
OPERATING INCOME	6,492	10,498	12,050	20,068
Facility
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
OPERATING INCOME	$ 118,837	$ 124,458	$ 231,659	$ 246,266