Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Establishment of goodwill				This goodwill was established in connection with the acquisition of Correctional Alternatives, Inc. ("CAI") during the third quarter of 2013, and the acquisitions of two service companies during 2000.
Goodwill	$ 15,155			$ 15,155		$ 16,110
Asset impairment charges				955	$ 2,238
Operating income (loss)	65,436		$ 69,850	214,015	198,451
Winn Correctional Center
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges		$ 1,000
Operating income (loss)	$ (1,300)		$ 300	$ (5,800)	$ 800