v3.19.3
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Nov. 01, 2019
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2019  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol CXW  
Entity Registrant Name CoreCivic, Inc.  
Entity Central Index Key 0001070985  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   119,095,550
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity File Number 001-16109  
Entity Tax Identification Number 62-1763875  
Entity Address, Address Line One 5501 VIRGINIA WAY  
Entity Address, City or Town BRENTWOOD  
Entity Address, State or Province TN  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 37027  
City Area Code 615  
Local Phone Number 263-3000  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MD  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes