Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 22, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Entity Registrant Name	CORRECTIONS CORP OF AMERICA
Entity Central Index Key	0001070985
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		99,542,077
Entity Public Float			$ 2,281,002,627
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 55,832	$ 25,505
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,218 and $1,568, respectively	271,217	305,305
Deferred tax assets	11,768	14,132
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	18,764	31,196
Current assets of discontinued operations	1,848	2,155
Total current assets	359,429	378,293
Property and equipment, net	2,608,918	2,549,295
Restricted cash	5,013	6,756
Investment in direct financing lease	9,233	10,798
Goodwill	11,988	11,988
Other assets	25,050	26,092
Non-current assets of discontinued operations		6
Total assets	3,019,631	2,983,228
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	196,667	203,796
Income taxes payable	605	476
Current liabilities of discontinued operations	1,090	1,583
Total current liabilities	198,362	205,855
Long-term debt	1,245,014	1,156,568
Deferred tax liabilities	136,503	118,245
Other liabilities	31,730	31,689
Total liabilities	1,611,609	1,512,357
Commitments and contingencies
Preferred stock-$0.01 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively
Common stock - $0.01 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 99,528 and 109,754 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively	995	1,098
Additional paid-in capital	1,129,435	1,354,691
Retained earnings	277,592	115,082
Total stockholders' equity	1,408,022	1,470,871
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,019,631	$ 2,983,228

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Allowance for accounts receivable	$ 1,218	$ 1,568
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000	50,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	300,000	300,000
Common stock, shares issued	99,528	109,754
Common stock, shares outstanding	99,528	109,754

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
REVENUE:
Management and other	$ 1,733,409	$ 1,672,474	$ 1,626,728
Rental	2,204	2,557	2,165
Total Revenues	1,735,613	1,675,031	1,628,893
EXPENSES:
Operating	1,203,400	1,163,771	1,135,055
General and administrative	91,227	84,148	86,537
Depreciation and amortization	108,931	104,051	99,939
Total operating expenses	1,403,558	1,351,970	1,321,531
OPERATING INCOME	332,055	323,061	307,362
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:
Interest expense, net	72,940	71,127	72,780
Expenses associated with debt refinancing transactions			3,838
Other (income) expense	304	40	(139)
Total non-operating (income) expense	73,244	71,167	76,479
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	258,811	251,894	230,883
Income tax expense	(96,301)	(94,297)	(79,541)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	162,510	157,597	151,342
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(404)	3,612
NET INCOME	$ 162,510	$ 157,193	$ 154,954
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations	$ 1.55	$ 1.41	$ 1.30
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$ (0.01)	$ 0.03
Net income	$ 1.55	$ 1.40	$ 1.33
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations	$ 1.54	$ 1.39	$ 1.29
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes			$ 0.03
Net income	$ 1.54	$ 1.39	$ 1.32

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 162,510	$ 157,193	$ 154,954
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	108,931	106,273	100,803
Goodwill impairment		1,684
Amortization of debt issuance costs and other non-cash interest	4,331	4,250	4,017
Expenses associated with debt refinancing transactions			3,838
Deferred income taxes	19,321	26,203	22,622
Other non-cash items	1,559	645	503
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	(1,962)	(4,371)	(6,896)
Non-cash equity compensation	10,384	9,646	9,828
Changes in assets and liabilities, net:
Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets	46,941	(70,964)	20,767
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(2,456)	21,049	(2,672)
Income taxes payable	1,517	3,907	6,927
Net cash provided by operating activities	351,076	255,515	314,691
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for facility development and expansions	(125,682)	(101,820)	(94,313)
Expenditures for other capital improvements	(48,258)	(41,843)	(48,644)
Decrease in restricted cash	1,749
Proceeds from sale of assets	885	86	273
Increase in other assets	(2,248)	(1,875)	(2,285)
Payments received on direct financing lease and notes receivable	1,515	1,229	1,089
Net cash used in investing activities	(172,039)	(144,223)	(143,880)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of debt	383,623	171,167	587,478
Principal repayments of debt	(296,589)	(165,000)	(631,334)
Payment of debt issuance and other refinancing and related costs			(11,485)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,137	6,601	15,166
Purchase and retirement of common stock	(239,847)	(148,830)	(125,701)
Income tax benefit of equity compensation	1,962	4,371	6,896
Net cash used in financing activities	(148,714)	(131,691)	(158,980)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	30,323	(20,399)	11,831
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of year	25,509	45,908	34,077
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of year	55,832	25,509	45,908
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized of $1,584, $3,922, and $1,582 in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively)	71,002	69,121	74,466
Income taxes	$ 70,341	$ 61,396	$ 63,534

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	Total
Balance as of at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 1,247	$ 1,576,177	$ (197,065)	$ 1,380,359
Balance as of (shares) at Dec. 31, 2008	124,673
Comprehensive income:
Net income			154,954	154,954
Total comprehensive income			154,954	154,954
Issuance of common stock		50		50
Issuance of common stock, shares	3
Retirement of common stock	(103)	(123,631)		(123,734)
Retirement of common stock, shares	(10,314)
Amortization of restricted stock compensation, net of forfeitures		5,719		5,719
Amortization of restricted stock compensation, net of forfeitures, shares	(30)
Stock option compensation expense, net of forfeitures		4,059		4,059
Income tax benefit of equity compensation		5,973		5,973
Restricted stock grant	1	(1)
Restricted stock grant, shares	135
Stock options exercised	15	15,151		15,166
Stock options exercised, shares	1,495
Balance as of at Dec. 31, 2009	1,160	1,483,497	(42,111)	1,442,546
Balance as of (shares) at Dec. 31, 2009	115,962
Comprehensive income:
Net income			157,193	157,193
Total comprehensive income			157,193	157,193
Issuance of common stock		47		47
Issuance of common stock, shares	2
Retirement of common stock	(73)	(148,879)		(148,952)
Retirement of common stock, shares	(7,288)
Amortization of restricted stock compensation, net of forfeitures		5,508		5,508
Amortization of restricted stock compensation, net of forfeitures, shares	(26)
Stock option compensation expense, net of forfeitures		4,091		4,091
Income tax benefit of equity compensation		3,837		3,837
Restricted stock grant	3	(3)
Restricted stock grant, shares	293
Stock options exercised	8	6,593		6,601
Stock options exercised, shares	811
Balance as of at Dec. 31, 2010	1,098	1,354,691	115,082	1,470,871
Balance as of (shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	109,754
Comprehensive income:
Net income			162,510	162,510
Total comprehensive income			162,510	162,510
Issuance of common stock		51		51
Issuance of common stock, shares	3
Retirement of common stock	(107)	(239,618)		(239,725)
Retirement of common stock, shares	(10,661)
Amortization of restricted stock compensation, net of forfeitures		6,123		6,123
Amortization of restricted stock compensation, net of forfeitures, shares	(22)
Stock option compensation expense, net of forfeitures		4,210		4,210
Income tax benefit of equity compensation		1,845		1,845
Restricted stock grant	2	(2)
Restricted stock grant, shares	186
Stock options exercised	2	2,135		2,137
Stock options exercised, shares	268			268
Balance as of at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 995	$ 1,129,435	$ 277,592	$ 1,408,022
Balance as of (shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	99,528

Organization And Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Organization And Operations [Abstract]

Organization And Operations

1.	ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

Corrections Corporation of America (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company" or "CCA") is the nation's largest owner and operator of privatized correctional and detention facilities and one of the largest prison operators in the United States, behind only the federal government and three states. As of December 31, 2011, CCA owned 48 correctional and detention facilities, two of which CCA leased to other operators. At December 31, 2011, CCA operated 67 facilities, including 46 facilities that it owned, located in 20 states and the District of Columbia. CCA is also constructing an additional 1,124-bed correctional facility under a contract awarded by the Georgia Department of Corrections in Millen, Georgia that is currently expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2012.

CCA specializes in owning, operating and managing prisons and other correctional facilities and providing inmate residential and prisoner transportation services for governmental agencies. In addition to providing the fundamental residential services relating to inmates, CCA's facilities offer a variety of rehabilitation and educational programs, including basic education, religious services, life skills and employment training and substance abuse treatment. These services are intended to help reduce recidivism and to prepare inmates for their successful reentry into society upon their release. CCA also provides health care (including medical, dental and psychiatric services), food services, and work and recreational programs.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

2.	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CCA on a consolidated basis with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

CCA considers all liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash at December 31, 2011 and 2010 of $5.0 million and $6.8 million, respectively, is restricted for a capital improvements, replacements, and repairs reserve.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, accounts receivable of $271.2 million and $305.3 million were net of allowances for doubtful accounts totaling $1.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due from federal, state, and local government agencies for operating and managing prisons and other correctional facilities and providing inmate residential and prisoner transportation services.

Accounts receivable are stated at estimated net realizable value. CCA recognizes allowances for doubtful accounts to ensure receivables are not overstated due to uncollectibility. Bad debt reserves are maintained for customers in the aggregate based on a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, significant one-time events and historical experience. If circumstances related to customers change, estimates of the recoverability of receivables would be further adjusted.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost. Assets acquired by CCA in conjunction with acquisitions are recorded at estimated fair market value. Betterments, renewals and significant repairs that extend the life of an asset are capitalized; other repair and maintenance costs are expensed. Interest is capitalized to the asset to which it relates in connection with the construction or expansion of facilities. Preacquisition costs directly associated with the development of a correctional facility are capitalized as part of the cost of the development project. Preacquisition costs are written-off to general and administrative expense whenever a project is abandoned. The cost and accumulated depreciation applicable to assets retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or loss on disposition is recognized in income. Depreciation is computed over the estimated useful lives of depreciable assets using the straight-line method. Useful lives for property and equipment are as follows:


Land improvements			5 – 20 years
Buildings and improvements			5 – 50 years
Equipment and software			3– 5 years
Office furniture and fixtures			5 years

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

Long-lived assets other than goodwill are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For assets that are to be held and used, impairment is recognized when the estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset or group of assets is less than their carrying value. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded as the difference between the carrying value and fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the net assets of businesses acquired in CCA's managed-only segment. As further discussed in Note 3, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually using a fair-value based approach.

Investment in Direct Financing Lease

Investment in direct financing lease represents the portion of CCA's management contract with a governmental agency that represents lease payments on buildings and equipment. The lease is accounted for using the financing method and, accordingly, the minimum lease payments to be received over the term of the lease less unearned income are capitalized as CCA's investment in the lease. Unearned income is recognized as income over the term of the lease using the interest method.

Investment in Affiliates

Investments in affiliates that are equal to or less than 50%-owned over which CCA can exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Debt Issuance Costs

Generally, debt issuance costs, which are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets, are capitalized and amortized into interest expense using the interest method, or on a straight-line basis over the term of the related debt, if not materially different than the interest method. However, certain debt issuance costs incurred in connection with debt refinancings are charged to expense in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 470-50, "Modifications and Extinguishments."

Management and Other Revenue

CCA maintains contracts with certain governmental entities to manage their facilities for fixed per diem rates. CCA also maintains contracts with various federal, state, and local governmental entities for the housing of inmates in company-owned facilities at fixed per diem rates or monthly fixed rates. These contracts usually contain expiration dates with renewal options ranging from annual to multi-year renewals. Most of these contracts have current terms that require renewal every two to five years. Additionally, most facility management contracts contain clauses that allow the government agency to terminate a contract without cause, and are generally subject to legislative appropriations. CCA generally expects to renew these contracts for periods consistent with the remaining renewal options allowed by the contracts or other reasonable extensions; however, no assurance can be given that such renewals will be obtained. Fixed monthly rate revenue is recorded in the month earned and fixed per diem revenue, including revenue under those contracts that include guaranteed minimum populations, is recorded based on the per diem rate multiplied by the number of inmates housed or guaranteed during the respective period.

CCA recognizes any additional management service revenues upon completion of services provided to the customer. Certain of the government agencies also have the authority to audit and investigate CCA's contracts with them. For contracts that actually or effectively provide for certain reimbursement of expenses, if the agency determines that CCA has improperly allocated costs to a specific contract, CCA may not be reimbursed for those costs and could be required to refund the amount of any such costs that have been reimbursed. The reimbursement of expenses is recognized as a reduction to expense in the period the expenses are incurred by CCA. There were no material adverse audit findings during any of the periods presented.

Other revenue consists primarily of ancillary revenues associated with operating correctional and detention facilities, such as commissary, phone, and vending sales, and are recorded in the period the goods and services are provided to the inmates. Revenues generated from prisoner transportation services for governmental agencies are recorded in the period the inmates have been transported to their destination. Design and construction management fees earned from governmental agencies for certain expansion and development projects at managed-only facilities operated by CCA are recorded based on a percentage of completion of the construction project.

Rental Revenue

Rental revenue is recognized based on the terms of CCA's leases.

Self-Funded Insurance Reserves

CCA is significantly self-insured for employee health, workers' compensation, automobile liability claims, and general liability claims. As such, CCA's insurance expense is largely dependent on claims experience and CCA's ability to control its claims experience. CCA has consistently accrued the estimated liability for employee health insurance based on its history of claims experience and time lag between the incident date and the date the cost is paid by CCA. CCA has accrued the estimated liability for workers' compensation and automobile insurance based on an actuarially determined liability, discounted to the net present value of the outstanding liabilities, using a combination of actuarial methods used to project ultimate losses. The liability for employee health, workers' compensation, and automobile insurance includes estimates for both claims incurred and for claims incurred but not reported. CCA records litigation reserves related to general liability matters for which it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the range of such loss can be estimated. These estimates could change in the future.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the provisions of ASC 740, "Income Taxes". ASC 740 generally requires CCA to record deferred income taxes for the tax effect of differences between book and tax bases of its assets and liabilities.

Deferred income taxes reflect the available net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards and the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Realization of the future tax benefits related to deferred tax assets is dependent on many factors, including CCA's past earnings history, expected future earnings, the character and jurisdiction of such earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of its deferred tax assets, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

Income tax contingencies are accounted for under the provisions of ASC 740, "Income Taxes". ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Foreign Currency Transactions

CCA has extended a working capital loan to Agecroft Prison Management, Ltd. ("APM"), the operator of a correctional facility in Salford, England previously owned by a subsidiary of CCA. The working capital loan is denominated in British pounds; consequently, CCA adjusts these receivables to the current exchange rate at each balance sheet date and recognizes the unrealized currency gain or loss in current period earnings. See Note 6 for further discussion of CCA's relationship with APM.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

To meet the reporting requirements of ASC 825, "Financial Instruments", CCA calculates the estimated fair value of financial instruments using market interest rates and quoted market prices of similar instruments or discounted cash flow techniques with observable Level 2 inputs, as defined in ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement". At December 31, 2011 and 2010, there were no material differences between the carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of CCA's financial instruments, other than as follows (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011						2010
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
Investment in direct financing lease	$	10,798		$	12,613		$	12,185		$	14,439
Note receivable from APM	$	4,749		$	7,825		$	4,880		$	7,970
Debt	$	(1,245,014	)	$	(1,302,550	)	$	(1,156,568	)	$	(1,206,347	)

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and those differences could be material.

Concentration of Credit Risks

CCA's credit risks relate primarily to cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and an investment in a direct financing lease. Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments. CCA maintains deposits of cash in excess of federally insured limits with certain financial institutions. CCA's accounts receivable and investment in direct financing lease represent amounts due primarily from governmental agencies. CCA's financial instruments are subject to the possibility of loss in carrying value as a result of either the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations or changes in market prices that make the instruments less valuable.

CCA derives its revenues primarily from amounts earned under federal, state, and local government management contracts. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, federal correctional and detention authorities represented 43%, 43%, and 40%, respectively, of CCA's total revenue. Federal correctional and detention authorities consist primarily of the Federal Bureau of Prisons ("BOP"), the United States Marshals Service ("USMS"), and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE"). The BOP accounted for 12%, 15%, and 13% of total revenue for 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The USMS accounted for 20%, 16%, and 15% of total revenue for 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. ICE accounted for 12% of total revenue for each of 2011, 2010, and 2009. These federal customers have management contracts at facilities CCA owns and at facilities CCA manages but does not own. Additionally, CCA's management contracts with state correctional authorities represented 50%, 50%, and 52% of total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (the "CDCR") accounted for 13%, 13%, and 11% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. No other customer generated more than 10% of total revenue during 2011, 2010, or 2009. Although the revenue generated from each of these agencies is derived from numerous management contracts, the loss of one or more of such contracts could have a material adverse impact on CCA's financial condition and results of operations.

In June 2011, the state of California passed the fiscal year 2012 state budget which included funding for up to 9,588 beds available to them at the four CCA facilities currently housing CDCR inmates under an existing agreement. Further, the fiscal year 2012 budget calls for a significant reallocation of responsibilities from state government to local jurisdictions, including housing certain lower level inmates currently the responsibility of the State. This realignment plan commenced on October 1, 2011. The plan is prospective in nature such that inmates housed in state prisons before October 1, 2011 will remain in state custody. It is unclear at this time how the realignment plan may impact the long-term utilization by CDCR of CCA's out of state beds.

Comprehensive Income

ASC 220, "Comprehensive Income" establishes standards for reporting and displaying comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general purpose financial statements. Comprehensive income encompasses all changes in stockholders' equity except those arising from transactions with stockholders.

CCA reports comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Restricted Stock

CCA accounts for restricted stock-based compensation under the recognition and measurement principles of ASC 718, "Compensation-Stock Compensation". CCA amortizes the fair market value as of the grant date of restricted stock awards over the vesting period using the straight-line method. The fair market value of performance-based restricted stock is amortized over the vesting period as long as CCA expects to meet the performance criteria. If achievement of the performance criteria becomes improbable, an adjustment is made to reverse the expense previously recognized.

Stock Options

CCA's stock option plans are described more fully in Note 14. CCA accounts for those plans under the recognition and measurement principles of ASC 718. All options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

+ References+ Details

Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill [Abstract]

Goodwill

3.	GOODWILL

Goodwill for continuing operations was $12.0 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and was associated with facilities CCA manages but does not own. This goodwill was established in connection with the acquisitions of two service companies during 2000. ASC 350, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other", establishes accounting and reporting requirements for goodwill and other intangible assets. In September 2011, CCA early adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board's Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2011-08 that gives companies the option to perform a qualitative assessment that may allow them to skip the annual two-step impairment test. Under the amendments in ASU 2011-08, a company has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the two-step impairment test is required, CCA determines the fair value of a reporting unit using a collaboration of various common valuation techniques, including market multiples and discounted cash flows. These impairment tests are required to be performed at least annually. CCA performed its impairment tests during the fourth quarter, in connection with CCA's annual budgeting process, and concluded no additional impairments had occurred. CCA will perform these impairment tests at least annually and whenever circumstances indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.

During the second quarter of 2010, a goodwill impairment charge of $1.7 million was recorded as a result of the contract terminations at the Gadsden Correctional Institution and the Hernando County Jail as further described in Note 13. The operations of these two facilities were transferred to other operators during the third quarter of 2010 and are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Property And Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property And Equipment [Abstract]

Property And Equipment

4.	PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

At December 31, 2011, CCA owned 50 real estate properties, including 48 correctional and detention facilities, two of which CCA leased to other operators, and two corporate office buildings. At December 31, 2011, CCA also managed 21 correctional and detention facilities owned by governmental agencies.

Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Land and improvements	$	119,721		$	112,137
Buildings and improvements		2,958,578			2,874,388
Equipment and software		303,286			279,155
Office furniture and fixtures		30,309			29,937
Construction in progress		99,408			52,240

		3,511,302			3,347,857
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(902,384	)		(798,562	)

	$	2,608,918		$	2,549,295

Construction in progress primarily consists of correctional facilities under construction or expansion. Interest is capitalized on construction in progress and amounted to $1.6 million, $3.9 million, and $1.6 million in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Depreciation expense was $109.1 million, $106.4 million, and $103.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

Ten of the facilities owned by CCA, including the facility under construction in Millen, Georgia, are subject to options that allow various governmental agencies to purchase those facilities. Certain of these options to purchase are based on a depreciated book value while others are based on a fair market value calculation. In addition, two facilities, one of which is also subject to a purchase option, are constructed on land that CCA leases from governmental agencies under ground leases. Under the terms of those ground leases, the facilities become the property of the governmental agencies upon expiration of the ground leases. CCA depreciates these properties over the shorter of the term of the applicable ground lease or the estimated useful life of the property.

CCA leases portions of the land and building of the San Diego Correctional Facility under an operating lease that expires December 2015 pursuant to amended lease terms executed between CCA and the County of San Diego in January 2010. CCA also leases land and building at the Elizabeth Detention Center under operating leases that expire June 2015. During January 2009, CCA commenced a new lease for land and building at the North Georgia Detention Center under an operating lease that expires in 2029. The rental expense incurred for these leases was $6.2 million, $6.2 million, and $5.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2011 under these operating leases are as follows:


2012	$	6,122
2013		6,142
2014		6,162
2015		4,794
2016		2,112
Thereafter		26,188

In December 2009, CCA entered into an Economic Development Agreement with the Wheeler County Development Authority ("Wheeler County") in Wheeler County, Georgia to implement a tax abatement plan related to CCA's bed expansion project at its Wheeler Correctional Facility. The tax abatement plan provides for 50% abatement of real property taxes for six years. Under the plan, legal title of CCA's real property was transferred to Wheeler County. In December 2009, Wheeler County issued bonds in a maximum principal amount of $30.0 million. The bonds were issued to CCA, so no cash exchanged hands. Wheeler County then leased the real property back to CCA. The lease payments are equal to the amount of the payments on the bonds. At any time, CCA has the option to purchase the real property by paying off the bonds, plus $100. Due to the form of the transaction, CCA has not recorded the bond or the capital lease associated with sale lease-back transaction. The original cost of CCA's property and equipment is recorded on the balance sheet and is being depreciated over its estimated useful life.

In December 2009, CCA also entered into an Economic Development Agreement with the Douglas-Coffee County Industrial Authority ("Coffee County") in Coffee County, Georgia to implement a tax abatement plan related to CCA's bed expansion project at its Coffee Correctional Facility. The tax abatement plan provides for 100% abatement of real property taxes for five years. Under the plan, legal title of CCA's real property was transferred to Coffee County. In December 2009, Coffee County issued bonds in a maximum principal amount of $33.0 million. The bonds were issued to CCA, so no cash exchanged hands. Coffee County then leased the real property back to CCA. The lease payments are equal to the amount of the payments on the bonds. At any time, CCA has the option to purchase the real property by paying off the bonds, plus $100. Due to the form of the transaction, CCA has not recorded the bond or the capital lease associated with sale lease-back transaction. The original cost of CCA's property and equipment is recorded on the balance sheet and is being depreciated over its estimated useful life.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References+ Details

Facility Activations, Developments, And Closures

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Facility Activations, Developments, And Closures [Abstract]

Facility Activations, Developments, And Closures

5.	FACILITY ACTIVATIONS, DEVELOPMENTS, AND CLOSURES

In February 2008, CCA announced its intention to construct a new correctional facility in Trousdale County, Tennessee. However, during the first quarter of 2009 CCA temporarily suspended the construction of this facility until there is greater clarity around the timing of future bed absorption by its customers. CCA will continue to monitor its customers' needs, and could promptly resume construction of the facility. As of December 31, 2011, CCA has capitalized $29.0 million related to the Trousdale facility, including $0.6 million in equipment and $15.2 million of pre-fabricated concrete cells that are constructed and being stored on this site but are generally transferable to other potential CCA development projects.

During December 2009, CCA announced its decision to idle its 1,600-bed Prairie Correctional Facility in Minnesota due to low inmate populations at the facility. During 2009, the Prairie facility housed offenders from the states of Minnesota and Washington. However, due to excess capacity in the states' systems, both states reduced the populations held at Prairie throughout 2009. The state of Washington removed all of its offenders from the Prairie facility by the end of 2009, and during January 2010, the final transfer of offenders from the Prairie facility to the state of Minnesota was completed.

On January 15, 2010, the Arizona Governor and Legislature proposed budgets that would phase out the utilization of private out-of-state beds due to in-state capacity coming on-line and severe budget conditions. During January 2010, the Arizona Department of Corrections notified CCA that it elected not to renew the contract at CCA's 752-bed Huerfano County Correctional Center in Colorado upon expiration of the contract in March 2010. As a result, the Arizona Department of Corrections removed all of the inmates from the Huerfano facility during March 2010. Further, during March 2010, the Arizona Department of Corrections notified CCA that it elected not to renew its contract at CCA's 2,160-bed Diamondback Correctional Facility in Oklahoma, which expired on May 1, 2010. The Arizona Department of Corrections completed the transfer of offenders from the Diamondback facility during May 2010. As a result, CCA has idled the Huerfano and Diamondback facilities. The Diamondback facility previously housed inmates from the states of Wisconsin, Hawaii, and Oklahoma, while the Huerfano facility previously housed inmates from the state of Colorado. CCA continues to manage inmate populations from the states of Oklahoma, Hawaii, and Colorado at other facilities it owns and operates.

CCA is currently pursuing new management contracts to take advantage of the beds that have become available at the Huerfano, Diamondback, and Prairie facilities but can provide no assurance that it will be successful in doing so. Additionally, CCA owns the Queensgate Correctional Facility in Ohio and Shelby Training Center in Tennessee that were both idled in 2008 and are currently being marketed to potential customers to utilize these available beds. The carrying values of these five idle facilities totaled $103.7 million and $107.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, excluding equipment and other assets that could generally be transferred and used at other facilities CCA owns without significant cost. CCA tested each of the aforementioned five currently idled facilities for impairment when it was notified by the customer that they would no longer be utilizing such facility. CCA re-performs the impairment analyses on an annual basis for each of the idle facilities and for the suspended construction project in Trousdale County, Tennessee, and evaluates on a quarterly basis market developments for the potential utilization of each of these facilities in order to identify events that may cause CCA to reconsider its most recent assumptions. As a result of CCA's analyses, CCA determined each of these assets to have recoverable values in excess of the corresponding carrying values.

During November 2010, the CDCR extended their existing agreement with CCA to house up to 9,588 inmates at four of the five facilities CCA was operating for them outside the state of California, and notified CCA of its Intent to Award an additional contract to house up to 3,256 offenders at CCA's Crowley County Correctional Facility in Colorado and its currently idle Prairie Correctional Facility in Minnesota. The extension, which is subject to appropriations by the state of California's legislature, began July 1, 2011 and expires June 30, 2013. Currently, CCA does not believe the state of California will negotiate a contract under the Intent to Award until they determine the impact of a realignment program set forth in their fiscal 2012 budget.

In May 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling requiring California to reduce its inmate population to 137.5% of its current capacity, or to 110,000 inmates, by May 24, 2013.As of December 31, 2011, the adult inmate population held in state of California institutions totaled approximately 132,750 inmates (unaudited), which did not include the California inmates held in CCA's out of state facilities. In connection with this ruling, the court set forth targeted reductions, measured every six months, to inmate populations held in the 33 facilities located in the state of California. In an effort to meet the Federal court ruling, the fiscal year 2012 budget of the state of California calls for a significant reallocation of responsibilities from state government to local jurisdictions, including housing certain lower level inmates currently the responsibility of the State. This realignment plan commenced on October 1, 2011. The plan is prospective in nature such that inmates housed in state prisons before October 1, 2011 will remain in state custody. The fiscal year 2012 state budget included funding for up to 9,588 beds available to them at the four CCA facilities currently housing CDCR inmates under the existing agreement. The fiscal year 2013 budget proposed by the Governor of California will increase the funding for an additional 270 beds, if approved as currently drafted. It is unclear at this time how realignment may impact the long-term utilization by CDCR of CCA's out of state beds. Approximately 13%, 13%, and 11% of CCA's management revenue during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, was generated from the CDCR.

In September 2010, CCA announced it was awarded a contract by the Georgia Department of Corrections to manage up to 1,150 male inmates in the Jenkins Correctional Center, which will be constructed, owned and operated by CCA in Millen, Georgia. CCA commenced development of the new Jenkins Correctional Center during the third quarter of 2010, with an estimated total construction cost of approximately $51.0 million (unaudited). Construction is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2012. The contract has an initial one-year base term with 24 one-year renewal options. Additionally, the contract provides for a population guarantee of 90% following a 120-day ramp-up period.

In September 2011, CCA announced that it entered into a contract with the state of Ohio to purchase the Lake Erie Correctional Institution located in Conneaut, Ohio. In December 2011, CCA completed the purchase of the Lake Erie facility, which was constructed in 1999, for a purchase price of approximately $73.0 million. CCA expects to invest approximately $3.1 million (unaudited) in capital improvements. CCA also entered into a management contract to manage state of Ohio inmates at this facility, which commenced on January 1, 2012 and has an initial term of twenty years with unlimited renewal options subject to appropriations and mutual agreement. The management contract also provides a guaranteed occupancy of 90% following a transition period.

In November 2011, CCA announced its joint decision with the state of Mississippi to cease operations at the state-owned 1,172-bed Delta Correctional Facility in Greenwood, Mississippi. In December 2011, CCA began the process of transferring the population of approximately 900 inmates from the state-owned Delta facility, which was completed in January 2012.

In late January 2012, the governor of Kentucky submitted his proposed budget which included the transfer of the inmates currently held at one of CCA's facilities to a facility owned by the state of Kentucky that had previously been closed as the result of damage sustained during an inmate disturbance. Based on conversations with the Kentucky Department of Corrections, CCA believes that Kentucky will likely remove inmates currently housed in the 656-bed Otter Creek Correctional Center, a facility CCA owns in Wheelwright, Kentucky, by the end of June 2012. Assuming the budget is passed as proposed, CCA plans to idle the facility if it is unable to identify a partner to utilize the facility.

In order to retain federal inmate populations CCA currently manages in the 1,154-bed San Diego Correctional Facility, CCA will be required to construct a new facility in the future at a site it is currently developing. The San Diego Correctional Facility is subject to a ground lease with the County of San Diego. Under the provisions of the lease, the facility is divided into different premises whereby, pursuant to an amendment to the ground lease executed in January 2010, ownership of the entire facility reverts to the County upon expiration of the lease on December 31, 2015. As of December 31, 2011, CCA has invested approximately $44.0 million to acquire property, conduct environmental studies, obtain building permits, and complete various other design activities. CCA has developed plans to build a detention facility and a construction timeline that coincides with the expiration of the ground lease with the County of San Diego. CCA currently estimates the total construction cost, inclusive of land and site development costs already incurred, will range from approximately $142.0 million to $150.0 million (unaudited). CCA plans to use this new facility to house the existing federal inmate populations at the San Diego Correctional Facility. However, CCA can provide no assurance that it will be able to retain these inmate populations.

Investment In Affiliate

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investment In Affiliate [Abstract]

Investment In Affiliate

6.	INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE

CCA has determined that its joint venture investment in APM represents a variable interest entity ("VIE") in accordance with ASC 810, "Consolidation" of which CCA is not the primary beneficiary. CCA has a 50% ownership interest in APM, an entity holding the management contract for a correctional facility, HM Prison Forest Bank, under a 25-year prison management contract with an agency of the United Kingdom government. The Forest Bank facility, located in Salford, England, was previously constructed and owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of CCA, which was sold in April 2001. All gains and losses under the joint venture are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. During 2000, CCA extended a working capital loan to APM, which totaled $4.7 million as of December 31, 2011. The outstanding working capital loan represents CCA's maximum exposure to loss in connection with APM.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, equity in losses of joint venture was $134,000, while during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 equity in earnings of joint venture was $18,000 and $27,000, respectively, which is included in other (income) expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Because CCA's investment in APM has no carrying value, equity in the net deficit of APM is applied as a reduction to the net carrying value of the note receivable balance, which is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity investment, or group of investments, for which combined disclosure is appropriate, including: (a) the name of each investee and percentage of ownership of common stock, (b) accounting policies for investments in common stock, (c) difference between the amount at which the investment is carried and the amount of underlying equity in net assets and the accounting treatment of the difference, (d) the total fair value of each identified investment for which a market value is available, (e) summarized information as to assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the investees (for investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, common stock of joint ventures, or other investments using the equity method), and (f) material effects of possible conversions, exercises, or contingent issuances of the investee. Other disclosures include (a) the names of any investee in which the investor owns 20 percent or more of the voting stock and investment is not accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why not, and (b) the names of any investee in which the investor owns less than 20 percent of the voting stock and the investment is accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why it is.

+ References+ Details

Investment In Direct Financing Lease

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investment In Direct Financing Lease [Abstract]

Investment In Direct Financing Lease

7.	INVESTMENT IN DIRECT FINANCING LEASE

At December 31, 2011, CCA's investment in a direct financing lease represents net receivables under a building and equipment lease between CCA and the District of Columbia for the D.C. Correctional Treatment Facility.

A schedule of minimum rentals to be received under the direct financing lease in future years is as follows (in thousands):


2012	$	2,793
2013		2,793
2014		2,793
2015		2,793
2016		2,793
Thereafter		694

Total minimum obligation		14,659
Less unearned interest income		(3,861	)
Less current portion of direct financing lease		(1,565	)

Investment in direct financing lease	$	9,233

During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, CCA recorded interest income of $1.4 million, $1.6 million, and $1.7 million, respectively, under this direct financing lease.

Other Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Assets [Abstract]

Other Assets

8.	OTHER ASSETS

Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Debt issuance costs, less accumulated amortization of $13,779 and $10,859, respectively	$	10,115	$	12,988
Notes receivable, net		3,922		4,236
Cash surrender value of life insurance		8,801		6,907
Deposits		1,794		1,548
Other intangible assets		418		413

	$	25,050	$	26,092

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Abstract]

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses

9.	ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Trade accounts payable	$	45,800	$	47,906
Accrued salaries and wages		50,169		47,290
Accrued workers' compensation and auto liability		8,092		7,657
Accrued litigation		11,331		19,245
Accrued employee medical insurance		10,353		10,605
Accrued property taxes		23,416		22,626
Accrued interest		14,270		14,237
Other		33,236		34,230

	$	196,667	$	203,796

The total liability for workers' compensation and auto liability was $22.3 million and $23.3 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, with the long-term portion included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These liabilities were discounted to the net present value of the outstanding liabilities using a 3.0% rate in 2011 and 2010. These liabilities amounted to $25.0 million and $26.0 million on an undiscounted basis as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Debt

11.

DEBT

Debt consists of the following (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Revolving Credit Facility, principal due at maturity in December 2012; interest payable periodically at variable interest rates. The weighted average rate at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively. During January 2012, CCA entered into an amended and restated credit facility, as further described hereafter.	$	265,000	$	177,966

6.25% Senior Notes, principal due at maturity in March 2013; interest payable semi-annually in March and September at 6.25%. A portion of these notes were purchased subsequent to year-end, as further described hereafter.		375,000		375,000

6.75% Senior Notes, principal due at maturity in January 2014; interest payable semi-annually in January and July at 6.75%.		150,000		150,000

7.75% Senior Notes, principal due at maturity in June 2017; interest payable semi-annually in June and December at 7.75%. These notes were issued with a $13.4 million discount, of which $10.0 million and $11.4 million was unamortized at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.		455,014		453,602

	$	1,245,014	$	1,156,568

Revolving Credit Facility. During December 2007, CCA entered into a $450.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") arranged by Banc of America Securities LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC. The Revolving Credit Facility was utilized to fund expansion and development projects, the stock repurchase program as further described in Note 14, as well as for working capital, capital expenditures, and general corporate purposes.

The Revolving Credit Facility had an aggregate principal capacity of $450.0 million and a scheduled maturity in December 2012. At CCA's option, interest on outstanding borrowings was based on either a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.50% or a London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.50%. The applicable margins were subject to adjustments based on CCA's leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2011, CCA had $265.0 million in borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility as well as $28.3 million in letters of credit outstanding resulting in $156.7 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Revolving Credit Facility had a $20.0 million sublimit for swing line loans that enabled CCA to borrow from Bank of America Securities, N.A. without advance notice at the base rate. The Revolving Credit Facility also had a $100.0 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit.

During January 2012, CCA entered into an amended and restated $785.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Amended Revolving Credit Facility") syndicated by Wells Fargo Bank. In addition to replacing the existing $450.0 million Revolving Credit Facility, the Amended Revolving Credit Facility was used for the purchase of $335.0 million of CCA's existing 6.25% Senior Notes and the payment of fees, commissions and expenses in connection with the foregoing as well as for other general corporate purposes. CCA expects to capitalize approximately $6.0 million of new costs associated with the issuance of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility and expects to report a charge of $0.1 million during the first quarter of 2012 for the write-off of loan costs associated with the previous Revolving Credit Facility.

The Amended Revolving Credit Facility has an aggregate principal capacity of $785.0 million and matures in December 2016. At CCA's option, interest on outstanding borrowings of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility is based on either a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.0% or a LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% to 2.0% based on CCA's leverage ratio. Based on CCA's current leverage ratio, loans under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility currently bear interest at the base rate plus a margin of 0.50% or at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.50%, and a commitment fee equal to 0.30% of the unfunded balance.

The Amended Revolving Credit Facility has a $30.0 million sublimit for swing line loans that enables CCA to borrow from Bank of America, N.A. without advance notice at the base rate. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility also has a $100.0 million sublimit for the issuance of standby letters of credit.

The Amended Revolving Credit Facility, as with the previously outstanding Revolving Credit Facility, is secured by a pledge of all of the capital stock of CCA's domestic subsidiaries, 65% of the capital stock of CCA's foreign subsidiaries, all of CCA's accounts receivable, and all of CCA's deposit accounts.

The New Revolving Credit Facility and the previously outstanding Revolving Credit Facility require CCA to meet certain financial covenants, including, without limitation, a maximum total leverage ratio, a maximum secured leverage ratio, and a minimum interest coverage ratio. As of December 31, 2011, CCA was in compliance with all such covenants. In addition, the Amended Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants which, among other things, limits both the incurrence of additional indebtedness, investments, payment of dividends, transactions with affiliates, asset sales, acquisitions, capital expenditures, mergers and consolidations, prepayments and modifications of other indebtedness, liens and encumbrances and other matters customarily restricted in such agreements. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility is subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of a change of control. In addition, the Amended Revolving Credit Facility is subject to certain cross-default provisions with terms of CCA's other indebtedness.

$375 Million 6.25% Senior Notes. Interest on the $375.0 million aggregate original principal amount of CCA's 6.25% unsecured senior notes issued in March 2005 (the "6.25% Senior Notes") accrues at the stated rate and is payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The 6.25% Senior Notes are scheduled to mature on March 15, 2013. CCA may currently redeem all or a portion of the notes at par.

In conjunction with the announcement in December 2011 of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, CCA announced a cash tender offer for up to $150.0 million of its outstanding 6.25% Senior Notes. Holders who validly tendered their 6.25% Senior Notes before the early tender deadline on January 5, 2012 were entitled to receive total consideration equal to $1,002.50 per $1,000 principal amount of the 6.25% Senior Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest on the 6.25% Senior Notes up to, but not including, the payment date. On January 6, 2012, CCA paid a cash tender for $57.5 million principal amount of the 6.25% Senior Notes. Following the expiration of the tender offer, CCA announced it would redeem $277.5 million of the 6.25% Senior Notes to reduce the outstanding principal amount of the 6.25% Senior Notes to $40.0 million following the purchase and redemption. CCA expects to record a charge of approximately $1.4 million to $1.9 million during the first quarter of 2012 in connection with the purchase and redemption of $335.0 million of the 6.25% Senior Notes.

$150 Million 6.75% Senior Notes. Interest on the $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of CCA's 6.75% unsecured senior notes issued in January 2006 (the "6.75% Senior Notes") accrues at the stated rate and is payable on January 31 and July 31 of each year. The 6.75% Senior Notes are scheduled to mature on January 31, 2014. CCA may currently redeem all or a portion of the notes at par.

$465 Million 7.75% Senior Notes. Interest on the $465.0 million aggregate principal amount of CCA's 7.75% unsecured senior notes issued in June 2009 (the "7.75% Senior Notes") accrues at the stated rate and is payable on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The 7.75% Senior Notes are scheduled to mature on June 1, 2017. The 7.75% Senior Notes were issued at a price of 97.116%, resulting in a yield to maturity of 8.25%. At any time on or before June 1, 2012, CCA may redeem up to 35% of the notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, as long as 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes remains outstanding after the redemption. CCA may redeem all or a portion of the notes on or after June 1, 2013. Redemption prices are set forth in the indenture governing the 7.75% Senior Notes.

Guarantees and Covenants. The Company transferred the real property and related assets of CCA (as the parent corporation) to certain of its subsidiaries effective December 27, 2002. Accordingly, CCA (as the parent corporation to its subsidiaries) has no independent assets or operations (as defined under Rule 3-10(f) of Regulation S-X). As a result of this transfer, assets with an aggregate net book value of $2.6 billion are no longer directly available to the parent corporation to satisfy the obligations under the 6.25% Senior Notes, the 6.75% Senior Notes, or the 7.75% Senior Notes (collectively, "the Senior Notes"). Instead, the parent corporation must rely on distributions of the subsidiaries to satisfy its obligations under the Senior Notes. All of the parent corporation's domestic subsidiaries, including the subsidiaries to which the assets were transferred, have provided full and unconditional guarantees of the Senior Notes. Each of CCA's subsidiaries guaranteeing the Senior Notes are 100% owned subsidiaries of CCA; the subsidiary guarantees are full and unconditional and are joint and several obligations of the guarantors; and all non-guarantor subsidiaries are minor (as defined in Rule 3-10(h)(6) of Regulation S-X).

As of December 31, 2011, neither CCA nor any of its subsidiary guarantors had any material or significant restrictions on CCA's ability to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan or to transfer assets from such subsidiaries.

The indentures governing the Senior Notes contain certain customary covenants that, subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, restrict CCA's ability to, among other things, make restricted payments; incur additional debt or issue certain types of preferred stock; create or permit to exist certain liens; consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of CCA's assets; and enter into transactions with affiliates. In addition, if CCA sells certain assets (and generally does not use the proceeds of such sales for certain specified purposes) or experiences specific kinds of changes in control, CCA must offer to repurchase all or a portion of the Senior Notes. The offer price for the Senior Notes in connection with an asset sale would be equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of purchase. The offer price for the Senior Notes in connection with a change in control would be 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of purchase. The Senior Notes are also subject to certain cross-default provisions with the terms of CCA's Amended Revolving Credit Facility, as more fully described hereafter.

Other Debt Transactions

Letters of Credit. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, CCA had $28.3 million and $29.9 million, respectively, in outstanding letters of credit. The letters of credit were issued to secure CCA's workers' compensation and general liability insurance policies, performance bonds, and utility deposits. The letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2011 were provided by a sub-facility under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Debt Maturities

Scheduled principal payments as of December 31, 2011 for the next five years and thereafter were as follows (in thousands):


2012	$	265,000
2013		375,000
2014		150,000
2015		—
2016		—
Thereafter		465,000

Total principal payments		1,255,000
Unamortized bond discount		(9,986	)

Total debt	$	1,245,014

Pursuant to the previously described January 2012 refinancing transaction involving the execution of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility along with the purchase and redemption of $335.0 million of the 6.25% Senior Notes, the scheduled maturities disclosed in the preceding table as of December 31, 2011 have changed. The refinancing transaction results in an increase to the balance on the Amended Revolving Credit Facility and extends the maturity of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility from 2012 to 2016 and reduces the principal payment of the 6.25% Senior Notes in 2013 to $40.0 million.

Cross-Default Provisions

The provisions of CCA's debt agreements relating to the Amended Revolving Credit Facility and the Senior Notes contain certain cross-default provisions. Any events of default under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility that results in the lenders' actual acceleration of amounts outstanding thereunder also result in an event of default under the Senior Notes. Additionally, any events of default under the Senior Notes that give rise to the ability of the holders of such indebtedness to exercise their acceleration rights also result in an event of default under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility.

If CCA were to be in default under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, and if the lenders under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility elected to exercise their rights to accelerate CCA's obligations under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, such events could result in the acceleration of all or a portion of CCA's Senior Notes, which would have a material adverse effect on CCA's liquidity and financial position. CCA does not have sufficient working capital to satisfy its debt obligations in the event of an acceleration of all or a substantial portion of CCA's outstanding indebtedness.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

12.

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense is comprised of the following components (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Current income tax expense
Federal	$	70,514	$	62,588	$	50,710
State		6,466		5,506		6,209

		76,980		68,094		56,919

Deferred income tax expense
Federal		17,167		24,035		19,803
State		2,154		2,168		2,819

		19,321		26,203		22,622

Income tax expense	$	96,301	$	94,297	$	79,541

The current income tax expense for 2011, 2010, and 2009 is net of $0.9 million, $0.8 million, and $0.5 million, respectively, of tax benefits of operating loss carryforwards.

Significant components of CCA's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, are as follows (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Current deferred tax assets:
Asset reserves and liabilities not yet deductible for tax	$	14,350		$	17,386

Net current deferred tax assets		14,350			17,386

Current deferred tax liabilities:
Other		(2,582	)		(3,254	)

Net total current deferred tax assets	$	11,768		$	14,132

Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
Asset reserves and liabilities not yet deductible for tax	$	21,145		$	19,906
Tax over book basis of certain assets		17,347			19,376
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards		9,095			11,432
Other		874			2,178

Total noncurrent deferred tax assets		48,461			52,892
Less valuation allowance		(2,862	)		(3,859	)

Net noncurrent deferred tax assets		45,599			49,033

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
Book over tax basis of certain assets		(182,084	)		(167,271	)
Other		(18	)		(7	)

Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(182,102	)		(167,278	)

Net total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	$	(136,503	)	$	(118,245	)

Deferred income taxes reflect the available net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards and the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Realization of the future tax benefits related to deferred tax assets is dependent on many factors, including CCA's past earnings history, expected future earnings, the character and jurisdiction of such earnings, unsettled circumstances that, if unfavorably resolved, would adversely affect utilization of its deferred tax assets, carryback and carryforward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

The tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation reduced income taxes payable by $1.8 million, $3.8 million, and $6.0 million during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. Such benefits were recorded as increases to stockholders' equity.

A reconciliation of the income tax provision at the statutory income tax rate and the effective tax rate as a percentage of income from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:


	2011			2010			2009
Statutory federal rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit		2.6			2.7			2.9
Permanent differences		0.5			0.7			0.5
Change in valuation allowance		0.1			(0.1	)		(0.2	)
Changes in tax contingencies		(0.1	)		0.0			(2.4	)
Other items, net		(0.9	)		(0.9	)		(1.4	)

		37.2	%		37.4	%		34.4	%

CCA has approximately $3.9 million in net operating losses applicable to various states that it expects to carryforward in future years to offset taxable income in such states. CCA has a valuation allowance of $0.7 million for the estimated amount of the net operating losses that will expire unused. In addition, CCA has $5.1 million of state tax credits applicable to various states that it expects to carry forward in future years to offset taxable income in such states. We have a $1.8 million valuation allowance related to state tax credits that are expected to expire unused. These net operating losses and state tax credits expire at various dates through 2020. Although CCA's estimate of future taxable income is based on current assumptions that it believes to be reasonable, CCA's assumptions may prove inaccurate and could change in the future, which could result in the expiration of additional net operating losses or credits. CCA would be required to establish a valuation allowance at such time that it no longer expected to utilize these net operating losses or credits, which could result in a material impact on its results of operations in the future.

CCA's effective tax rate was 37.2%, 37.4%, and 34.4% during 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. CCA's annual effective tax rate is lower in 2009 compared with 2011 and 2010 primarily as a result of an income tax benefit of $5.7 million for the reversal of a liability for uncertain tax positions, as further described hereafter. CCA's overall effective tax rate is estimated based on CCA's current projection of taxable income and could change in the future as a result of changes in these estimates, the implementation of additional tax planning strategies, changes in federal or state tax rates, changes in estimates related to uncertain tax positions, or changes in state apportionment factors, as well as changes in the valuation allowance applied to CCA's deferred tax assets that are based primarily on the amount of state net operating losses and tax credits that could expire unused.

CCA had no liabilities for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2011, and had liabilities of $0.1 million recorded for uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2010, included in other non-current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet. CCA recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax positions in income tax expense and as of December 31, 2010, CCA had approximately $19,000 for the payment of interest and penalties accrued in other liabilities. The total amount of unrecognized tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $0.1 million as of December 31, 2010. CCA does not currently anticipate that the total amount of unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months.

CCA's U.S. federal and state income tax returns for tax years 2008 and beyond remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). During 2008, CCA was notified that the IRS would commence an audit of CCA's federal income tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006. CCA received a closing agreement from the IRS for the audits of its federal income tax returns for such years. During the third quarter of 2009, CCA recognized $5.7 million in income tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions effectively settled upon completion of the audit. These uncertain tax positions were primarily associated with tax positions pertaining to refinancing transaction costs that were included on federal tax returns in earlier years, but contributed to net operating losses utilized in 2006. All states in which CCA files income tax returns follow the same statute of limitations as federal, with the exception of the following states whose open tax years include December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2010: Arizona, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, and Wisconsin.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:


Unrecognized Benefit January 1, 2010	$	188
Decreases from Prior Period Tax Positions		—
Increases from Current Period Tax Positions		—
Decreases Related to Settlements of Tax Positions		—
Decreases Due to Lapse of Statute of Limitations		(90	)

Unrecognized Benefit December 31, 2010	$	98
Decreases from Prior Period Tax Positions		—
Increases from Current Period Tax Positions		—
Decreases Related to Settlements of Tax Positions		—
Decreases Due to Lapse of Statute of Limitations		(98	)

Unrecognized Benefit December 31, 2011	$	—

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 136, 172

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49

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-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

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+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

13.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Under the provisions of ASC 205-20, "Discontinued Operations", the identification and classification of a facility as held for sale, or the termination of any of CCA's management contracts by expiration or otherwise, may result in the classification of the operating results of such facility, net of taxes, as a discontinued operation, so long as the financial results can be clearly identified, and so long as CCA does not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal or termination transaction.

The results of operations, net of taxes, and the assets and liabilities of five correctional facilities each as further described below, have been reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as discontinued operations in accordance with ASC 205-20 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

In May 2008, CCA notified the Bay County Commission of its intention to exercise CCA's option to terminate the operational management contract for the 1,150-bed Bay County Jail and Annex in Panama City, Florida, effective October 9, 2008. The jail is owned by the County. During 2009, the Company reported expenses related to negative developments in outstanding legal matters at this facility which are presented as discontinued operations.

Pursuant to a re-bid of the management contracts, during September 2008, CCA was notified by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice ("TDCJ") of its intent to transfer the management of the 500- bed B.M. Moore Correctional Center in Overton, Texas and the 518-bed Diboll Correctional Center in Diboll, Texas to another operator, upon the expiration of the management contracts on January 16, 2009. Both of these facilities are owned by the TDCJ. Accordingly, the results of operations, net of taxes, and the assets and liabilities of these two facilities have been reported as discontinued operations since the termination of operations in the first quarter of 2009 for all periods presented.

In April 2010, CCA announced that pursuant to a re-bid of the management contract at the 1,520-bed Gadsden Correctional Institution in Quincy, Florida, the Florida DMS indicated its intent to award the management of the Gadsden facility to another operator. CCA transitioned management of the Gadsden facility during the third quarter of 2010 to the new operator. Additionally, in April 2010, CCA also provided notice to Hernando County, Florida of its intent to terminate the management contract at the 876-bed Hernando County Jail during the third quarter of 2010. Accordingly, the results of operations, net of taxes, and the assets and liabilities of these two facilities have been reported as discontinued operations since the termination of operations in the third quarter of 2010 for all periods presented.

The following table summarizes the results of operations for these facilities for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
REVENUE:
Managed-only	$	—	$	22,906		$	41,580

		—		22,906			41,580

EXPENSES:
Managed-only		—		19,716			35,399
Depreciation and amortization		—		2,222			864
Goodwill impairment		—		1,684			—

		—		23,622			36,263

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)		—		(716	)		5,317
Other income		—		59			18

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES		—		(657	)		5,335
Income tax (expense) benefit		—		253			(1,723	)

INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAXES	$	—	$	(404	)	$	3,612

The assets and liabilities of the discontinued operations presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011		2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	4
Accounts receivable		1,821		1,821
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		27		330

Total current assets		1,848		2,155

Other assets		—		6

Total assets	$	1,848	$	2,161

LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	1,090	$	1,583

Total current liabilities	$	1,090	$	1,583

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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+ Details

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

14.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common Stock

Restricted shares. During 2011, CCA issued approximately 265,000 shares of restricted common stock and common stock units to certain of CCA's employees and non-employee directors, with an aggregate value of $6.5 million, including 227,000 restricted shares or units to employees and non-employee directors whose compensation is charged to general and administrative expense and 38,000 restricted shares to employees whose compensation is charged to operating expense. During 2010, CCA issued approximately 446,000 shares of restricted common stock and common stock units to certain of CCA's employees, with an aggregate value of $9.7 million, including 335,000 restricted shares or units to employees whose compensation is charged to general and administrative expense and 111,000 restricted shares to employees whose compensation is charged to operating expense.

CCA established performance-based vesting conditions on the shares of restricted common stock and common stock units awarded to CCA's officers and executive officers. Unless earlier vested under the terms of the agreements, shares or units issued to officers and executive officers are subject to vesting over a three-year period based upon the satisfaction of certain performance criteria. No more than one-third of such shares or units may vest in the first performance period; however, the performance criteria are cumulative for the three-year period. Unless earlier vested under the terms of the agreements, the shares of restricted stock issued to other employees of CCA vest after three years of continuous service. Shares of restricted stock issued to non-employee directors vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date.

Nonvested restricted common stock transactions as of December 31, 2011 and for the year then ended are summarized below (in thousands, except per share amounts).


	Shares of restricted common stock and units			Weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested at December 31, 2010		820		$	19.66
Granted		265		$	24.45
Cancelled		(38	)	$	17.77
Vested		(279	)	$	21.88

Nonvested at December 31, 2011		768		$	20.47

During 2011, 2010, and 2009, CCA expensed $6.1 million ($1.1 million of which was recorded in operating expenses and $5.0 million of which was recorded in general and administrative expenses), $5.5 million ($1.1 million of which was recorded in operating expenses and $4.4 million of which was recorded in general and administrative expenses), and $5.7 million ($1.1 million of which was recorded in operating expenses and $4.6 million of which was recorded in general and administrative expenses), net of forfeitures, relating to the restricted common stock and common stock units, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, CCA had $8.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted common stock and common stock units that is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

Stock Repurchase Program In August 2011, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the aggregate amount under its previously announced share repurchase program from $350.0 million to $500.0 million after expanding the authorization in May 2011 by $100.0 million from the $250.0 million originally approved by the Board in February 2010. CCA's Board also authorized the extension of the share repurchase program through June 30, 2013. Since announcing the share repurchase program in February 2010 through December 31, 2011, CCA has completed the purchase of 17.7 million shares at a total cost, including commissions, of $383.2 million, or an average price of $21.63 per share. CCA has utilized cash on hand, net cash provided by operations, and borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility to fund the repurchases.

Preferred Stock

CCA has the authority to issue 50.0 million shares of $0.01 par value per share preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock"). The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time upon authorization by the Board of Directors, in such series and with such preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or other provisions as may be fixed by CCA's Board of Directors.

Stock Option Plans

CCA has equity incentive plans under which, among other things, incentive and non-qualified stock options are granted to certain employees and non-employee directors of CCA by the compensation committee of CCA's Board of Directors. The options are granted with exercise prices equal to the fair market value on the date of grant. Vesting periods for options granted to employees generally range from three to four years. Options granted to non-employee directors vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. The term of such options is ten years from the date of grant.

Stock option transactions relating to CCA's non-qualified stock option plans are summarized below (in thousands, except exercise prices):

No. of
options

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
of options

Weighted
-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

3,495

16.95

Granted

575

24.45

Exercised

(268

)

7.97

Cancelled

(149

)

21.02

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

3,653

18.63

6.1

14,208

Exercisable at December 31, 2011

2,464

17.55

4.9

12,157

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between CCA's stock price as of December 31, 2011 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2011. This amount changes based on the fair market value of CCA's stock. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $4.5 million, $11.4 million, and $18.8 million, respectively.

The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2011, 2010, and 2009 was $9.66, $7.76, and $4.17 per option, respectively, based on the estimated fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


	2011			2010			2009
Expected dividend yield		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
Expected stock price volatility		42.1	%		38.8	%		36.4	%
Risk-free interest rate		2.1	%		2.4	%		1.8	%
Expected life of options		5 years			5 years			5 years

CCA estimates expected stock price volatility based on actual historical changes in the market value of CCA's stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield with a term that is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. The expected life of stock options is based on CCA's historical experience and is calculated separately for groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior.

Nonvested stock option transactions relating to CCA's non-qualified stock option plans as of December 31, 2011 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2011 are summarized below (in thousands, except exercise prices):


	Number of options			Weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested at December 31, 2010		1,289		$	6.46
Granted		575		$	9.66
Cancelled		(106	)	$	6.86
Vested		(569	)	$	6.62

Nonvested at December 31, 2011		1,189		$	7.89

As of December 31, 2011, CCA had $5.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that is expected to be recognized over a remaining weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

At CCA's 2011 annual meeting of stockholders held in May 2011 CCA's stockholders approved an amendment to the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan that increased the authorized limit on issuance of new awards to an aggregate of up to 18.0 million shares. In addition, during the 2003 annual meeting the stockholders approved the adoption of CCA's Non-Employee Directors' Compensation Plan, authorizing CCA to issue up to 225,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the plan. These changes were made in order to provide CCA with adequate means to retain and attract quality directors, officers and key employees through the granting of equity incentives. As of December 31, 2011, CCA had 12.6 million shares available for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan and 0.2 million shares available for issuance under the Non-Employee Directors' Compensation Plan.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 12

-Paragraph 10

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 3

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 4

-Section 08

-Paragraph d

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 43

-Chapter 1

-Section B

-Paragraph 7, 11A

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 129

-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Article 4

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 29, 30, 31

-Article 5

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 4

-Section E

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

15.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. For CCA, diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income as adjusted, by the weighted average number of common shares after considering the additional dilution related to restricted stock-based compensation and stock options.

A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic earnings per share computation to the numerator and denominator of the diluted earnings per share computation is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
NUMERATOR
Basic:
Income from continuing operations	$	162,510	$	157,597		$	151,342
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		(404	)		3,612

Net income	$	162,510	$	157,193		$	154,954


Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	$	162,510	$	157,597		$	151,342
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		(404	)		3,612

Diluted net income	$	162,510	$	157,193		$	154,954


DENOMINATOR
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		104,736		112,015			116,088


Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		104,736		112,015			116,088
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		603		769			976
Restricted stock-based compensation		196		193			226

Weighted average shares and assumed conversions		105,535		112,977			117,290


BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations	$	1.55	$	1.41		$	1.30
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		(0.01	)		0.03

Net income	$	1.55	$	1.40		$	1.33


DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations	$	1.54	$	1.39		$	1.29
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		—			0.03

Net income	$	1.54	$	1.39		$	1.32

Approximately 1.6 million, 1.4 million, and 1.2 million stock options were excluded from the computations of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively, because they were anti-dilutive.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for earnings per share.

+ References+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

16.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings

General. The nature of CCA's business results in claims and litigation alleging that it is liable for damages arising from the conduct of its employees, inmates, or others. The nature of such claims include, but is not limited to, claims arising from employee or inmate misconduct, medical malpractice, employment matters, property loss, contractual claims, and personal injury or other damages resulting from contact with CCA's facilities, personnel or prisoners, including damages arising from a prisoner's escape or from a disturbance or riot at a facility. CCA maintains insurance to cover many of these claims, which may mitigate the risk that any single claim would have a material effect on CCA's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows, provided the claim is one for which coverage is available. The combination of self-insured retentions and deductible amounts means that, in the aggregate, CCA is subject to substantial self-insurance risk.

CCA records litigation reserves related to certain matters for which it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the range of such loss can be estimated. Based upon management's review of the potential claims and outstanding litigation and based upon management's experience and history of estimating losses, management believes a loss in excess of amounts already recognized would not be material to CCA's financial statements. In the opinion of management, there are no pending legal proceedings that would have a material effect on CCA's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Any receivable for insurance recoveries is recorded separately from the corresponding litigation reserve, and only if recovery is determined to be probable. Adversarial proceedings and litigation are, however, subject to inherent uncertainties, and unfavorable decisions and rulings could occur which could have a material adverse impact on CCA's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows for the period in which such decisions or rulings occur, or future periods. Expenses associated with legal proceedings may also fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on changes in CCA's assumptions, new developments, or by the effectiveness of CCA's litigation and settlement strategies.

Insurance Contingencies

Each of CCA's management contracts and the statutes of certain states require the maintenance of insurance. CCA maintains various insurance policies including employee health, workers' compensation, automobile liability, and general liability insurance. These policies are fixed premium policies with various deductible amounts that are self-funded by CCA. Reserves are provided for estimated incurred claims for which it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the range of such loss can be estimated.

Guarantees

Hardeman County Correctional Facilities Corporation ("HCCFC") is a nonprofit, mutual benefit corporation organized under the Tennessee Nonprofit Corporation Act to purchase, construct, improve, equip, finance, own and manage a detention facility located in Hardeman County, Tennessee. HCCFC was created as an instrumentality of Hardeman County to implement the County's incarceration agreement with the state of Tennessee to house certain inmates.

During 1997, HCCFC issued $72.7 million of revenue bonds, which were primarily used for the construction of a 2,016-bed medium security correctional facility. In addition, HCCFC entered into a construction and management agreement with CCA in order to assure the timely and coordinated acquisition, construction, development, marketing and operation of the correctional facility.

HCCFC leases the correctional facility to Hardeman County in exchange for all revenue from the operation of the facility. HCCFC has, in turn, entered into a management agreement with CCA for the correctional facility.

In connection with the issuance of the revenue bonds, CCA is obligated, under a debt service deficit agreement, to pay the trustee of the bond's trust indenture (the "Trustee") amounts necessary to pay any debt service deficits consisting of principal and interest requirements (outstanding principal balance of $33.4 million at December 31, 2011 plus future interest payments), if there is any default. In addition, in the event the state of Tennessee, which is currently utilizing the facility to house certain inmates, exercises its option to purchase the correctional facility, CCA is also obligated to pay the difference between principal and interest owed on the bonds on the date set for the redemption of the bonds and amounts paid by the state of Tennessee for the facility plus all other funds on deposit with the Trustee and available for redemption of the bonds. Ownership of the facility reverts to the state of Tennessee in 2017 at no cost. Therefore, CCA does not currently believe the state of Tennessee will exercise its option to purchase the facility. At December 31, 2011, the outstanding principal balance of the bonds exceeded the purchase price option by $10.2 million.

Retirement Plan

All employees of CCA are eligible to participate in the Corrections Corporation of America 401(k) Savings and Retirement Plan (the "Plan") upon reaching age 18 and completing one year of qualified service. Eligible employees may contribute up to 90% of their eligible compensation subject to IRS limitations. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, CCA provided a discretionary matching contribution equal to 100% of the employee's contributions up to 5% of the employee's eligible compensation to employees with at least one thousand hours of employment in the plan year, and who were employed by CCA on the last day of the plan year. Employer contributions and investment earnings or losses thereon become vested 20% after two years of service, 40% after three years of service, 80% after four years of service, and 100% after five or more years of service. Effective January 1, 2012, the Plan adopted a safe harbor provision that will allow, among other changes, future employer matching contributions to vest immediately.

During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, CCA's discretionary contributions to the Plan, net of forfeitures, were $9.2 million, $8.3 million, and $8.5 million, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plans

During 2002, the compensation committee of the board of directors approved CCA's adoption of two non-qualified deferred compensation plans (the "Deferred Compensation Plans") for non-employee directors and for certain senior executives. The Deferred Compensation Plans are unfunded plans maintained for the purpose of providing CCA's directors and certain of its senior executives the opportunity to defer a portion of their compensation. Under the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plans, certain senior executives may elect to contribute on a pre-tax basis up to 50% of their base salary and up to 100% of their cash bonus, and non-employee directors may elect to contribute on a pre-tax basis up to 100% of their director retainer and meeting fees. During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, CCA matched 100% of employee contributions up to 5% of total cash compensation. CCA also contributes a fixed rate of return on balances in the Deferred Compensation Plans, determined at the beginning of each plan year. Vesting provisions for matching contributions and investment earnings thereon conform to the vesting provisions of CCA's 401(k) Plan. However, CCA does not plan to change the vesting provisions to conform with the 401(k) Plan effective January 1, 2012. Distributions are generally payable no earlier than five years subsequent to the date an individual becomes a participant in the Plan, or upon termination of employment (or the date a director ceases to serve as a director of CCA), at the election of the participant. Distributions to senior executives must commence on or before the later of 60 days after the participant's separation from service or the fifteenth day of the month following the month the individual attains age 65.

During 2011, 2010, and 2009, CCA provided a fixed return of 6.0%, 6.2%, and 6.5% to participants in the Deferred Compensation Plans, respectively. CCA has purchased life insurance policies on the lives of certain employees of CCA, which are intended to fund distributions from the Deferred Compensation Plans. CCA is the sole beneficiary of such policies. At the inception of the Deferred Compensation Plans, CCA established an irrevocable Rabbi Trust to secure the plans' obligations. However, assets in the Deferred Compensation Plans are subject to creditor claims in the event of bankruptcy. During 2011, 2010, and 2009, CCA recorded $0.3 million, $0.3 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, of matching contributions as general and administrative expense associated with the Deferred Compensation Plans. Assets in the Rabbi Trust were $8.8 million and $6.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, CCA's liability related to the Deferred Compensation Plans was $12.2 million and $10.2 million, respectively, which was reflected in accounts payable and accrued expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets.

Employment and Severance Agreements

CCA currently has employment agreements with several of its executive officers, which provide for the payment of certain severance amounts upon termination of employment under certain circumstances or a change of control, as defined in the agreements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 14

-Paragraph 3

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 4

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 460

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 440

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 825

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

17.

SEGMENT REPORTING

As of December 31, 2011, CCA owned and managed 46 correctional and detention facilities, and managed 21 correctional and detention facilities it did not own. Management views CCA's operating results in two reportable segments: owned and managed correctional and detention facilities and managed-only correctional and detention facilities. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 2. Owned and managed facilities include the operating results of those facilities placed into service that were owned and managed by CCA. Managed-only facilities include the operating results of those facilities owned by a third party and managed by CCA. CCA measures the operating performance of each facility within the above two reportable segments, without differentiation, based on facility contribution. CCA defines facility contribution as a facility's operating income or loss from operations before interest, taxes, goodwill impairment, depreciation, and amortization. Since each of CCA's facilities within the two reportable segments exhibit similar economic characteristics, provide similar services to governmental agencies, and operate under a similar set of operating procedures and regulatory guidelines, the facilities within the identified segments have been aggregated and reported as one reportable segment.

The revenue and facility contribution for the reportable segments and a reconciliation to CCA's operating income is as follows for the three years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Revenue:
Owned and managed	$	1,356,678		$	1,331,707		$	1,313,734
Managed-only		372,516			336,572			308,541

Total management revenue		1,729,194			1,668,279			1,622,275


Operating expenses:
Owned and managed		864,252			853,248			850,760
Managed-only		323,228			294,773			270,265

Total operating expenses		1,187,480			1,148,021			1,121,025


Facility contribution:
Owned and managed		492,426			478,459			462,974
Managed-only		49,288			41,799			38,276

Total facility contribution		541,714			520,258			501,250


Other revenue (expense):
Rental and other revenue		6,419			6,752			6,618
Other operating expense		(15,920	)		(15,750	)		(14,030	)
General and administrative expense		(91,227	)		(84,148	)		(86,537	)
Depreciation and amortization		(108,931	)		(104,051	)		(99,939	)

Operating income	$	332,055		$	323,061		$	307,362

The following table summarizes capital expenditures for the reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 (in thousands):


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Capital expenditures:
Owned and managed	$	151,724	$	120,144	$	118,191
Managed-only		8,753		10,153		12,021
Corporate and other		10,905		7,822		15,332
Discontinued operations		—		83		692

Total capital expenditures	$	171,382	$	138,202	$	146,236

The assets for the reportable segments are as follows (in thousands):


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Assets:
Owned and managed	$	2,711,926	$	2,698,509
Managed-only		125,637		127,960
Corporate and other		180,220		154,598
Discontinued operations		1,848		2,161

Total assets	$	3,019,631	$	2,983,228

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 280

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 280

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 12

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 280

-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 32

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 280

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 131

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 280

-SubTopic 10

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 280

-SubTopic 10

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Topic 280

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

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+ Details

Selected Quarterly Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Selected Quarterly Financial Information

19.

SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

Selected quarterly financial information for each of the quarters in the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):


	March 31, 2011		June 30, 2011		September 30, 2011		December 31, 2011
Revenue	$	428,074	$	432,803	$	435,043	$	439,693
Operating income		83,467		86,781		80,735		81,072
Net income		40,330		42,418		39,240		40,522

Basic earnings per share:
Net income ⁽²⁾	$	0.37	$	0.40	$	0.38	$	0.41

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income ⁽²⁾	$	0.37	$	0.39	$	0.37	$	0.41


	March 31, 2010		June 30, 2010			September 30, 2010			December 31, 2010
Revenue ⁽¹⁾	$	405,782	$	409,899		$	427,150		$	432,200
Operating income ⁽¹⁾		72,531		78,249			85,189			87,092
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes ⁽¹⁾		734		(991	)		(147	)		—
Net income		34,906		36,618			41,964			43,705

Basic earnings per share:
Net income ⁽²⁾	$	0.30	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	0.40

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income ⁽²⁾	$	0.30	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	0.39

⁽¹⁾	The amounts presented for the first and second quarters of 2010 are not equal to the same amounts previously reported in Form 10-Q for each period as a result of discontinued operations. Below is a reconciliation to the previously reported amounts in Form 10-Q.

⁽²⁾	The earnings per share amounts were favorably impacted by the reduction in CCA's weighted average shares outstanding resulting from share repurchases under CCA's share repurchase program.


	March 31, 2010			June 30, 2010
Total revenue previously reported	$	414,947		$	419,382
Discontinued operations		(9,165	)		(9,483	)

Revised total revenue	$	405,782		$	409,899

Operating income previously reported	$	73,716		$	76,643
Discontinued operations		(1,185	)		1,606

Revised operating income	$	72,531		$	78,249

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	—		$	—
Additional discontinued operations subsequent to the respective reporting period		734			(991	)

Revised income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	734		$	(991	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References+ Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CCA on a consolidated basis with its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

CCA considers all liquid debt instruments with a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash at December 31, 2011 and 2010 of $5.0 million and $6.8 million, respectively, is restricted for a capital improvements, replacements, and repairs reserve.

Accounts Receivable And Allowance For Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Property And Equipment

Property and Equipment


Land improvements			5 – 20 years
Buildings and improvements			5 – 50 years
Equipment and software			3– 5 years
Office furniture and fixtures			5 years

Accounting For The Impairment Of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill

Goodwill

Goodwill

Investment In Direct Financing Lease

Investment in Direct Financing Lease

Investment In Affiliates

Investment in Affiliates

Investments in affiliates that are equal to or less than 50%-owned over which CCA can exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt Issuance Costs

Management And Other Revenue

Management and Other Revenue

Rental Revenue

Rental Revenue

Rental revenue is recognized based on the terms of CCA's leases.

Self-Funded Insurance Reserves

Self-Funded Insurance Reserves

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Foreign Currency Transactions

Foreign Currency Transactions

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments


	December 31,
	2011						2010
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
Investment in direct financing lease	$	10,798		$	12,613		$	12,185		$	14,439
Note receivable from APM	$	4,749		$	7,825		$	4,880		$	7,970
Debt	$	(1,245,014	)	$	(1,302,550	)	$	(1,156,568	)	$	(1,206,347	)

Use Of Estimates In Preparation Of Financial Statements

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

Concentration Of Credit Risks

Concentration of Credit Risks

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income

CCA reports comprehensive income in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity.

Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

Restricted Stock

Stock Options

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Organization And Operations [Abstract]

Schedule Of Useful Life Of Property And Equipment


Land improvements			5 – 20 years
Buildings and improvements			5 – 50 years
Equipment and software			3– 5 years
Office furniture and fixtures			5 years

Schedule Of Financial Instruments Having Difference Between Carrying Amount And Fair Value


	December 31,
	2011						2010
	Carrying Amount			Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Fair Value
Investment in direct financing lease	$	10,798		$	12,613		$	12,185		$	14,439
Note receivable from APM	$	4,749		$	7,825		$	4,880		$	7,970
Debt	$	(1,245,014	)	$	(1,302,550	)	$	(1,156,568	)	$	(1,206,347	)

Property And Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Property And Equipment [Abstract]

Property And Equipment


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Land and improvements	$	119,721		$	112,137
Buildings and improvements		2,958,578			2,874,388
Equipment and software		303,286			279,155
Office furniture and fixtures		30,309			29,937
Construction in progress		99,408			52,240

		3,511,302			3,347,857
Less: Accumulated depreciation		(902,384	)		(798,562	)

	$	2,608,918		$	2,549,295

Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments


2012	$	6,122
2013		6,142
2014		6,162
2015		4,794
2016		2,112
Thereafter		26,188

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

Investment In Direct Financing Lease (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investment In Direct Financing Lease [Abstract]

Schedule Of Minimum Rentals To Be Received Under The Direct Financing Lease In Future Years


2012	$	2,793
2013		2,793
2014		2,793
2015		2,793
2016		2,793
Thereafter		694

Total minimum obligation		14,659
Less unearned interest income		(3,861	)
Less current portion of direct financing lease		(1,565	)

Investment in direct financing lease	$	9,233

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Trade accounts payable	$	45,800	$	47,906
Accrued salaries and wages		50,169		47,290
Accrued workers' compensation and auto liability		8,092		7,657
Accrued litigation		11,331		19,245
Accrued employee medical insurance		10,353		10,605
Accrued property taxes		23,416		22,626
Accrued interest		14,270		14,237
Other		33,236		34,230

	$	196,667	$	203,796

Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt [Abstract]

Schedule Of Debt


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Revolving Credit Facility, principal due at maturity in December 2012; interest payable periodically at variable interest rates. The weighted average rate at December 31, 2011 and 2010 was 1.0% and 1.5%, respectively. During January 2012, CCA entered into an amended and restated credit facility, as further described hereafter.	$	265,000	$	177,966

6.25% Senior Notes, principal due at maturity in March 2013; interest payable semi-annually in March and September at 6.25%. A portion of these notes were purchased subsequent to year-end, as further described hereafter.		375,000		375,000

6.75% Senior Notes, principal due at maturity in January 2014; interest payable semi-annually in January and July at 6.75%.		150,000		150,000

7.75% Senior Notes, principal due at maturity in June 2017; interest payable semi-annually in June and December at 7.75%. These notes were issued with a $13.4 million discount, of which $10.0 million and $11.4 million was unamortized at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.		455,014		453,602

	$	1,245,014	$	1,156,568

Schedule Of Principal Payments


2012	$	265,000
2013		375,000
2014		150,000
2015		—
2016		—
Thereafter		465,000

Total principal payments		1,255,000
Unamortized bond discount		(9,986	)

Total debt	$	1,245,014

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Components Of Income Tax Expense


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Current income tax expense
Federal	$	70,514	$	62,588	$	50,710
State		6,466		5,506		6,209

		76,980		68,094		56,919

Deferred income tax expense
Federal		17,167		24,035		19,803
State		2,154		2,168		2,819

		19,321		26,203		22,622

Income tax expense	$	96,301	$	94,297	$	79,541

Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities


	December 31,
	2011			2010
Current deferred tax assets:
Asset reserves and liabilities not yet deductible for tax	$	14,350		$	17,386

Net current deferred tax assets		14,350			17,386

Current deferred tax liabilities:
Other		(2,582	)		(3,254	)

Net total current deferred tax assets	$	11,768		$	14,132

Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
Asset reserves and liabilities not yet deductible for tax	$	21,145		$	19,906
Tax over book basis of certain assets		17,347			19,376
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards		9,095			11,432
Other		874			2,178

Total noncurrent deferred tax assets		48,461			52,892
Less valuation allowance		(2,862	)		(3,859	)

Net noncurrent deferred tax assets		45,599			49,033

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
Book over tax basis of certain assets		(182,084	)		(167,271	)
Other		(18	)		(7	)

Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities		(182,102	)		(167,278	)

Net total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	$	(136,503	)	$	(118,245	)

Reconciliation Of Income Tax Provision At Statutory Income Tax Rate And Effective Tax Rate


	2011			2010			2009
Statutory federal rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit		2.6			2.7			2.9
Permanent differences		0.5			0.7			0.5
Change in valuation allowance		0.1			(0.1	)		(0.2	)
Changes in tax contingencies		(0.1	)		0.0			(2.4	)
Other items, net		(0.9	)		(0.9	)		(1.4	)

		37.2	%		37.4	%		34.4	%

Reconciliation Of The Beginning And Ending Amount Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest And Penalties


Unrecognized Benefit January 1, 2010	$	188
Decreases from Prior Period Tax Positions		—
Increases from Current Period Tax Positions		—
Decreases Related to Settlements of Tax Positions		—
Decreases Due to Lapse of Statute of Limitations		(90	)

Unrecognized Benefit December 31, 2010	$	98
Decreases from Prior Period Tax Positions		—
Increases from Current Period Tax Positions		—
Decreases Related to Settlements of Tax Positions		—
Decreases Due to Lapse of Statute of Limitations		(98	)

Unrecognized Benefit December 31, 2011	$	—

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of tax positions taken in the tax returns filed or to be filed for which it is more likely than not that the tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities (i.e., uncertain tax positions) and other types of income tax contingencies, including: (1) the policy on classification of interest and penalties; (2) a tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits at the beginning and end of the period; the total amount(s) of: (3) unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, and (4) interest and penalties recognized in each of the income statement and balance sheet; (5) for positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts unrecognized will significantly change within 12 months of the reporting date the: (i) nature of the uncertainty, (ii) nature of the event that could occur that would cause the change, and (iii) an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible change or a statement that an estimate of the range cannot be made; and (6) a description of tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.

+ References+ Details

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Summarized Results Of Operations For Discontinued Facilities


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
REVENUE:
Managed-only	$	—	$	22,906		$	41,580

		—		22,906			41,580

EXPENSES:
Managed-only		—		19,716			35,399
Depreciation and amortization		—		2,222			864
Goodwill impairment		—		1,684			—

		—		23,622			36,263

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)		—		(716	)		5,317
Other income		—		59			18

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES		—		(657	)		5,335
Income tax (expense) benefit		—		253			(1,723	)

INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAXES	$	—	$	(404	)	$	3,612

Consolidated Balance Sheets Of The Discontinued Operations


	December 31,
	2011		2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	4
Accounts receivable		1,821		1,821
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		27		330

Total current assets		1,848		2,155

Other assets		—		6

Total assets	$	1,848	$	2,161

LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	1,090	$	1,583

Total current liabilities	$	1,090	$	1,583

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]

Summary Of Nonvested Restricted Common Stock Transactions


	Shares of restricted common stock and units			Weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested at December 31, 2010		820		$	19.66
Granted		265		$	24.45
Cancelled		(38	)	$	17.77
Vested		(279	)	$	21.88

Nonvested at December 31, 2011		768		$	20.47

Summary Of Stock Option Transactions Relating To Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans

No. of
options

Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
of options

Weighted
-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

3,495

16.95

Granted

575

24.45

Exercised

(268

)

7.97

Cancelled

(149

)

21.02

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

3,653

18.63

6.1

14,208

Exercisable at December 31, 2011

2,464

17.55

4.9

12,157

Schedule Of Estimated Fair Value Of Option Grant Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model


	2011			2010			2009
Expected dividend yield		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
Expected stock price volatility		42.1	%		38.8	%		36.4	%
Risk-free interest rate		2.1	%		2.4	%		1.8	%
Expected life of options		5 years			5 years			5 years

Summary Of Nonvested Stock Option Transactions Relating To Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans


	Number of options			Weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested at December 31, 2010		1,289		$	6.46
Granted		575		$	9.66
Cancelled		(106	)	$	6.86
Vested		(569	)	$	6.62

Nonvested at December 31, 2011		1,189		$	7.89

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009
NUMERATOR
Basic:
Income from continuing operations	$	162,510	$	157,597		$	151,342
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		(404	)		3,612

Net income	$	162,510	$	157,193		$	154,954


Diluted:
Income from continuing operations	$	162,510	$	157,597		$	151,342
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		(404	)		3,612

Diluted net income	$	162,510	$	157,193		$	154,954


DENOMINATOR
Basic:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		104,736		112,015			116,088


Diluted:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		104,736		112,015			116,088
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options		603		769			976
Restricted stock-based compensation		196		193			226

Weighted average shares and assumed conversions		105,535		112,977			117,290


BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations	$	1.55	$	1.41		$	1.30
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		(0.01	)		0.03

Net income	$	1.55	$	1.40		$	1.33


DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations	$	1.54	$	1.39		$	1.29
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		—		—			0.03

Net income	$	1.54	$	1.39		$	1.32

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule Of Revenue And Facility Contribution Of Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To CCA's Operating Income


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Revenue:
Owned and managed	$	1,356,678		$	1,331,707		$	1,313,734
Managed-only		372,516			336,572			308,541

Total management revenue		1,729,194			1,668,279			1,622,275


Operating expenses:
Owned and managed		864,252			853,248			850,760
Managed-only		323,228			294,773			270,265

Total operating expenses		1,187,480			1,148,021			1,121,025


Facility contribution:
Owned and managed		492,426			478,459			462,974
Managed-only		49,288			41,799			38,276

Total facility contribution		541,714			520,258			501,250


Other revenue (expense):
Rental and other revenue		6,419			6,752			6,618
Other operating expense		(15,920	)		(15,750	)		(14,030	)
General and administrative expense		(91,227	)		(84,148	)		(86,537	)
Depreciation and amortization		(108,931	)		(104,051	)		(99,939	)

Operating income	$	332,055		$	323,061		$	307,362

Summary Of Capital Expenditures For Reportable Segments


	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Capital expenditures:
Owned and managed	$	151,724	$	120,144	$	118,191
Managed-only		8,753		10,153		12,021
Corporate and other		10,905		7,822		15,332
Discontinued operations		—		83		692

Total capital expenditures	$	171,382	$	138,202	$	146,236

Schedule Of Assets For The Reportable Segments


	December 31,
	2011		2010
Assets:
Owned and managed	$	2,711,926	$	2,698,509
Managed-only		125,637		127,960
Corporate and other		180,220		154,598
Discontinued operations		1,848		2,161

Total assets	$	3,019,631	$	2,983,228

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of all significant reconciling items in the reconciliation of total profit or loss from reportable segments, to the entity's consolidated income before income taxes, extraordinary items, and discontinued operations.

+ References+ Details

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Information


	March 31, 2011		June 30, 2011		September 30, 2011		December 31, 2011
Revenue	$	428,074	$	432,803	$	435,043	$	439,693
Operating income		83,467		86,781		80,735		81,072
Net income		40,330		42,418		39,240		40,522

Basic earnings per share:
Net income ⁽²⁾	$	0.37	$	0.40	$	0.38	$	0.41

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income ⁽²⁾	$	0.37	$	0.39	$	0.37	$	0.41


	March 31, 2010		June 30, 2010			September 30, 2010			December 31, 2010
Revenue ⁽¹⁾	$	405,782	$	409,899		$	427,150		$	432,200
Operating income ⁽¹⁾		72,531		78,249			85,189			87,092
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes ⁽¹⁾		734		(991	)		(147	)		—
Net income		34,906		36,618			41,964			43,705

Basic earnings per share:
Net income ⁽²⁾	$	0.30	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	0.40

Diluted earnings per share:
Net income ⁽²⁾	$	0.30	$	0.32		$	0.38		$	0.39

⁽¹⁾	The amounts presented for the first and second quarters of 2010 are not equal to the same amounts previously reported in Form 10-Q for each period as a result of discontinued operations. Below is a reconciliation to the previously reported amounts in Form 10-Q.

⁽²⁾	The earnings per share amounts were favorably impacted by the reduction in CCA's weighted average shares outstanding resulting from share repurchases under CCA's share repurchase program.


	March 31, 2010			June 30, 2010
Total revenue previously reported	$	414,947		$	419,382
Discontinued operations		(9,165	)		(9,483	)

Revised total revenue	$	405,782		$	409,899

Operating income previously reported	$	73,716		$	76,643
Discontinued operations		(1,185	)		1,606

Revised operating income	$	72,531		$	78,249

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	—		$	—
Additional discontinued operations subsequent to the respective reporting period		734			(991	)

Revised income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	$	734		$	(991	)

Organization And Operations (Details)	12 Months Ended
Organization And Operations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2011
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Number of facilities owned by company	48
Number of facilities leased to other operators	2
Number of facilities operated by company	67
Number of facilities owned and operated by company	46
Number of states in which company operates facilities	20
Millen Georgia Facility [Member]
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Number of beds at the facility	1,124
Expected completion date of facility	2012

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 Federal Correctional And Detention Authorities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Federal Correctional And Detention Authorities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Federal Correctional And Detention Authorities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Federal Bureau Of Prisons [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Federal Bureau Of Prisons [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Federal Bureau Of Prisons [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 United States Marshals Service [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 United States Marshals Service [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 United States Marshals Service [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 United States Immigration And Customs Enforcement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 United States Immigration And Customs Enforcement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 United States Immigration And Customs Enforcement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 State Correctional Authorities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 State Correctional Authorities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 State Correctional Authorities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 State Of California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 State Of California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 State Of California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Minimum [Member]
Organization And Operations [Line Items]
Restricted cash		$ 5,000,000	$ 6,800,000
Renewal of contract terms																						5	2
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for doubtful accounts		271,217,000	305,305,000
Accounts receivable, allowances for doubtful accounts		$ 1,218,000	$ 1,568,000
Percentage of ownership required for exercise significant influence in affiliates		50.00%
Percentage of revenues generated from government management contracts				43.00%	43.00%	40.00%	12.00%	15.00%	13.00%	20.00%	16.00%	15.00%	12.00%	12.00%	12.00%	50.00%	50.00%	52.00%	13.00%	13.00%	11.00%
Number of beds included in funding in California State Budget.	9,588

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations.

+ References+ Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Useful Life Of Property And Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Land Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Minimum number of useful life in years	5
Maximum number of useful life in years	20
Building And Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Minimum number of useful life in years	5
Maximum number of useful life in years	50
Equipment And Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Minimum number of useful life in years	3
Maximum number of useful life in years	5
Office Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Average number of useful life in years	5

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule Of Financial Instruments Having Difference Between Carrying Amount And Fair Value) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Investment in direct financing lease, Carrying Amount	$ 10,798	$ 12,185
Investment in direct financing lease, Fair Value	12,613	14,439
Note receivable from APM, Carrying Amount	4,749	4,880
Note receivable from APM, Fair Value	7,825	7,970
Debt, Carrying Amount	(1,245,014)	(1,156,568)
Debt, Fair Value	$ (1,302,550)	$ (1,206,347)

- Definition

Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

For an unclassified balance sheet, amounts due from parties associated with the reporting entity as evidenced by a written promise to pay.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 4

-Section 08

-Paragraph k

-Subparagraph 1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 57

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 03

-Paragraph 3

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 46R

-Paragraph 16, 17

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k)(1))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 850

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (d)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Related Parties

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523133

+ Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Abstract]
The establishment of goodwill	This goodwill was established in connection with the acquisitions of two service companies during 2000
Goodwill	$ 11,988	$ 11,988
Goodwill impairment charges		$ 1,684

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 43

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 68

-Subparagraph l

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 72

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

-Clause 1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 34

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 47

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

-Clause 5

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 43

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

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-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

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-Publisher FASB

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Property And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Property And Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Number of real estate properties owned	50
Number of correctional and detention facilities	48
Number of real estate properties leased	2
Number of corporate office buildings	2
Number of correctional and detention facilities owned by government agencies	21
Interest capitalization cost on construction in progress	$ 1,600,000	$ 3,900,000	$ 1,600,000
Depreciation expense	109,100,000	106,400,000	103,000,000
Number of facilities subject to options	10
Number of facilities subject to options that are constructed on land which is leased from governmental agencies	2
Number of facilities also subject to purchase option	1
Rental expenses incurred on lease property	6,200,000	6,200,000	5,600,000
Wheeler County Development Authority [Member]
Percentage of income tax abatement			50.00%
Principal amount of bond issued			30,000,000
Purchase price paid for real property in addition to bonds value			100
Number of years of tax abatement			6
Douglas-Coffee County Industrial Authority [Member]
Percentage of income tax abatement			100.00%
Principal amount of bond issued			33,000,000
Purchase price paid for real property in addition to bonds value			$ 100
Number of years of tax abatement			5
Elizabeth Detention Center [Member]
Operating lease, expire date	June 2015
North Georgia Detention Center [Member]
Operating lease, expire date	2029
San Diego Correctional Facility [Member]
Operating lease, expire date	December 2015

Property And Equipment (Property And Equipment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Property And Equipment [Abstract]
Land and improvements	$ 119,721	$ 112,137
Buildings and improvements	2,958,578	2,874,388
Equipment and software	303,286	279,155
Office furniture and fixtures	30,309	29,937
Construction in progress	99,408	52,240
Property and equipment, gross	3,511,302	3,347,857
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(902,384)	(798,562)
Property, and Equipment, total	$ 2,608,918	$ 2,549,295

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Gross amount, as of the balance sheet date, of long-lived, depreciable assets that include building structures held for productive use including any addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure, such as interior masonry, interior flooring, electrical, and plumbing.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. This can include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

Property And Equipment (Schedule Of Future Minimum Lease Payments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Property And Equipment [Abstract]
2012	$ 6,122
2013	6,142
2014	6,162
2015	4,794
2016	2,112
Thereafter	$ 26,188

Facility Activations, Developments, And Closures (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011 Prairie Correctional Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Huerfano County Correctional Center Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Diamondback Correctional Facility [Member]	Nov. 30, 2010 CDCR [Member]	Nov. 30, 2010 Crowley County Correctional Facility And Prairie Correctional Facility [Member]	Sep. 30, 2010 Jenkins Correctional Center [Member] days	Dec. 31, 2011 Lake Erie Correctional Institution [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2011 Delta Correctional Facility [Member]	Nov. 30, 2011 Delta Correctional Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Otter Creek Correctional Center [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 San Diego Correctional Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Minimum [Member] San Diego Correctional Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Maximum [Member] San Diego Correctional Facility [Member]
Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items]
Construction cost of facility, capitalized amount						$ 29.0
Equipment						0.6
Pre-fabricated concrete cells						15.2
Number of beds at the facility							1,600	752	2,160						1,172	656	1,154
Increase in the funding for number of additional beds in the proposed budget		270
Expected additional number of offenders to be managed by the company											3,256	1,150
Carrying value of five idle facilities		103.7	107.5
Expected construction cost												51.0						142.0	150.0
Construction contract initial term, in years					1
Construction contract number of renewal options					24
Construction contract renewal option term, in years					1
Population guarantee, percentage												90.00%
Ramp-up period, in days												120
Existing number of facilities managed for another company or organization										5
Existing number of facilities managed for another company or organization number in use for additional inmates										4
Federal three-judge court ruling		In May 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling requiring California to reduce its inmate population to 137.5% of its current capacity, or to 110,000 inmates, by May 24, 2013.
Existing number of inmates managed by company for another organization										9,588
Percentage of management revenue generated from CDCR		13.00%	13.00%	11.00%
Number of inmates in the state of California		132,750
Inmate population percentage to reduce to	137.50%
Number of inmates to be reduced to	110,000
Number of facilities targeted for reduction		33
Number of beds funding approved for		9,588
Terms of contract awarded by the Georgia Department of Corrections		The contract has an initial one-year base term with 24 one-year renewal options. Additionally, the contract provides for a population guarantee of 90% following a 120-day ramp-up period.
Purchase price of facility													73.0
Expected amount of investment in capital improvements													3.1
Initial term of management contract, in years													20
Percentage of guaranteed occupancy under management contract													90.00%
Number of inmates to be transferred														900
Lease expiration date																	December 31, 2015
Amount invested to acquire property																	$ 44.0

Investment In Affiliate (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Investment In Affiliate (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Investment In Affiliate [Abstract]
Ownership interest in APM	50.00%
Duration of prison management contract with an agency of the United Kingdom government	25
Working capital loan to APM	$ 4,700,000
Equity earnings (losses) of joint venture	$ (134,000)	$ 18,000	$ 27,000

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This item represents the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied. This item includes income or expense related to stock-based compensation based on the investor's grant of stock to employees of an equity method investee.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 19

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 18

-Paragraph 6

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.12)

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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 323

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382870&loc=d3e33749-111570

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 11

-Article 7

+ Details

Investment In Direct Financing Lease (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Investment In Direct Financing Lease (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Investment In Direct Financing Lease [Abstract]
2012	$ 2,793,000
2013	2,793,000
2014	2,793,000
2015	2,793,000
2016	2,793,000
Thereafter	694,000
Total minimum obligation	14,659,000
Less unearned interest income	(3,861,000)
Less current portion of direct financing lease	(1,565,000)
Investment in direct financing lease	9,233,000
Interest income of direct financing lease	$ 1,400,000	$ 1,600,000	$ 1,700,000

Other Assets (Schedule Of Other Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Other Assets [Abstract]
Debt issuance costs, less accumulated amortization of $13,779 and $10,859, respectively	$ 10,115	$ 12,988
Debt issuance costs, accumulated amortization	13,779	10,859
Notes receivable, net	3,922	4,236
Cash surrender value of life insurance	8,801	6,907
Deposits	1,794	1,548
Other intangible assets	418	413
Other assets, total	$ 25,050	$ 26,092

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of amounts which could be received based on the terms of the insurance contract upon surrendering life policies owned by the entity.

+ References+ Details

Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses (Schedule Of Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts Payable And Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Trade accounts payable	$ 45,800,000	$ 47,906,000
Accrued salaries and wages	50,169,000	47,290,000
Accrued workers' compensation and auto liability	8,092,000	7,657,000
Accrued litigation	11,331,000	19,245,000
Accrued employee medical insurance	10,353,000	10,605,000
Accrued property taxes	23,416,000	22,626,000
Accrued interest	14,270,000	14,237,000
Other	33,236,000	34,230,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses, total	196,667,000	203,796,000
Workers' compensation and auto liability	22,300,000	23,300,000
Workers' compensation discount rate	3.00%	3.00%
Workers compensation and auto liability, undiscounted basis	$ 25,000,000	$ 26,000,000

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 Banc Of America LLC And Wachovia Capital Markets LLC [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Senior Note 6.25% Due 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Senior Note 6.25% Due 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Senior Note 6.75% Due 2014 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Senior Note 7.75% Due 2017 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Swing Line Loan [Member] Bank Of America Securities, N.A. [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Swing Line Loan [Member] Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Minimum [Member] Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Minimum [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Minimum [Member] Senior Note 6.25% Due 2013 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Maximum [Member] Amended Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Maximum [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Maximum [Member] Senior Note 6.25% Due 2013 [Member]
Debt [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility initiation date						December 2007
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity			$ 450,000,000	$ 785,000,000							$ 20,000,000	$ 30,000,000
Line of credit interest on outstanding borrowings	At CCA's option, interest on outstanding borrowings was based on either a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.00% to 0.50% or a London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.50%.
Base rate plus a margin				0.50%									0.25%	0.00%		1.00%	0.50%
LIBOR plus a margin				1.50%									1.25%	0.75%		2.00%	1.50%
Percentage of commitment fee to unfunded balance				0.30%
Purchase of Senior Notes								335,000,000
Debt issuance costs, capitalized				6,000,000
Charge against write-off of loan costs					100,000
Revolving Credit Facility outstanding borrowings						265,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility letters of credit outstanding	28,300,000	29,900,000				28,300,000
Available under the Revolving Credit Facility						156,700,000
Sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit				100,000,000		100,000,000
Percentage of capital stock of foreign subsidiary secured by pledge under Revolving Credit Facilities				65.00%
Aggregate principal amount							375,000,000	375,000,000	150,000,000	465,000,000
Maximum cash tender offer							150,000,000
Early tender deadline date							January 5, 2012
Total consideration offered upon tendering of Senior Notes							1,002.50
Principal amount of Senior Notes for which consideration is offered							1,000
Cash tender paid								57,500,000
Principal amount of Senior Notes outstanding after redemption							40,000,000	40,000,000
Redemption of Senior Notes								277,500,000
Amount charged against purchase and redemption of debt															1,400,000			1,900,000
Interest rate stated percentage of Senior Notes							6.25%	6.25%	6.75%	7.75%
Unsecured senior notes issued date								March 2005	January 2006	June 2009
Senior Notes maturity date								March 2013	January 2014	June 2017
Issued price of senior notes										97.116%
Yield to maturity										8.25%
Percentage of notes redeemable by net proceeds from equity offering										35.00%
Percentage of aggregate principal amount outstanding of remaining notes										65.00%
Credit facility maturity date				December 2016		December 2012
Net book value of assets transferred to subsidiaries	$ 2,600,000,000
Percentage holding shares of subsidiaries guaranteeing the Senior Notes	100.00%
Percentage of Senior Notes offer price in connection with an asset sale	100.00%
Percentage of Senior Notes offer price in connection with change in control	101.00%

Debt (Schedule Of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Debt (Schedule Of Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 1,245,014,000	$ 1,156,568,000
Notes issued with a discount	9,986,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	265,000,000	177,966,000
Revolving Credit Facility maturity date	December 2012
Weighted average rate	1.00%	1.50%
Senior note interest payable dates	interest payable periodically at variable interest rates.
Senior Note 6.25% Due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	375,000,000	375,000,000
Senior Notes maturity date	March 2013
Interest rate stated percentage of Senior Notes	6.25%
Senior note interest payable dates	interest payable semi-annually in March and September at 6.25%
Senior Note 6.75% Due 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	150,000,000	150,000,000
Senior Notes maturity date	January 2014
Interest rate stated percentage of Senior Notes	6.75%
Senior note interest payable dates	interest payable semi-annually in January and July at 6.75%
Senior Note 7.75% Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	455,014,000	453,602,000
Senior Notes maturity date	June 2017
Interest rate stated percentage of Senior Notes	7.75%
Senior note interest payable dates	interest payable semi-annually in June and December at 7.75%
Notes issued with a discount	13,400,000
Notes, unamortized	$ 10,000,000	$ 11,400,000

- Definition

The amount of debt discount that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of debt discount (net of debt premium) that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Topic 835

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-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

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-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 21

-Paragraph 20

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Debt (Schedule Of Principal Payments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt [Abstract]
2012	$ 265,000
2013	375,000
2014	150,000
2015
2016
Thereafter	465,000
Total principal payments	1,255,000
Unamortized bond discount	(9,986)
Total debt	$ 1,245,014	$ 1,156,568

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current income tax expense		$ 900,000	$ 800,000	$ 500,000
Tax benefits associated with equity-based compensation		1,845,000	3,837,000	5,973,000
Net operating losses carry forward		3,900,000
Net operating losses valuation allowances		700,000
Tax credits carry forward		5,100,000
Tax credits carry forward, valuation allowances		1,800,000
Net operating losses carry forward expiration dates		2020
Tax credits carry forward expiration dates		2020
Effective tax rate		37.20%	37.40%	34.40%
Uncertain tax positions liabilities			100,000
Payment of interest and penalties accrued unrecognized tax positions			19,000
Unrecognized tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate			100,000
Uncertain tax positions settlements	$ 5,700,000

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current income tax expense, Federal	$ 70,514	$ 62,588	$ 50,710
Current income tax expense, State	6,466	5,506	6,209
Current income tax expense, Total	76,980	68,094	56,919
Deferred income tax expense, Federal	17,167	24,035	19,803
Deferred income tax expense, State	2,154	2,168	2,819
Deferred income tax expense, Total	19,321	26,203	22,622
Income tax expense	$ 96,301	$ 94,297	$ 79,541

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

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-Number 210

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- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

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- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

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+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law.

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- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing the increase (decrease) in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References

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-Number Topic 6

-Section I

-Subsection 7

+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

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+ Details

- Definition

The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Asset reserves and liabilities not yet deductible for tax	$ 14,350	$ 17,386
Net current deferred tax assets	14,350	17,386
Current deferred tax liabilities, Other	(2,582)	(3,254)
Net total current deferred tax assets	11,768	14,132
Asset reserves and liabilities not yet deductible for tax	21,145	19,906
Tax over book basis of certain assets	17,347	19,376
Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards	9,095	11,432
Noncurrent deferred tax assets, Other	874	2,178
Total noncurrent deferred tax assets	48,461	52,892
Less valuation allowance	(2,862)	(3,859)
Net noncurrent deferred tax assets	45,599	49,033
Book over tax basis of certain assets	(182,084)	(167,271)
Deferred tax liabilities, other	(18)	(7)
Total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	(182,102)	(167,278)
Net total noncurrent deferred tax liabilities	$ (136,503)	$ (118,245)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Income Tax Provision At Statutory Income Tax Rate And Effective Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Statutory federal rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit	2.60%	2.70%	2.90%
Permanent differences	0.50%	0.70%	0.50%
Change in valuation allowance	0.10%	(0.10%)	(0.20%)
Changes in tax contingencies	(0.10%)	0.00%	(2.40%)
Other items, net	(0.90%)	(0.90%)	(1.40%)
Effective income tax rate, Total	37.20%	37.40%	34.40%

- Definition

A ratio calculated by dividing the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the period by GAAP-basis pretax income from continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The domestic federal statutory tax rate applicable under enacted tax laws to the Company's pretax income from continuing operations for the period. The "statutory" tax rate is the regular tax rate if there are alternative tax systems.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of The Beginning And Ending Amount Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Interest And Penalties) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized Benefit Beginning		$ 98	$ 188
Decreases from Prior Period Tax Positions
Increases from Current Period Tax Positions
Decreases Related to Settlements of Tax Positions	5,700,000
Decreases Due to Lapse of Statute of Limitations		(98)	(90)
Unrecognized Benefit Ending			$ 98

Discontinued Operations (Summarized Results Of Operations For Discontinued Facilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Discontinued Operations [Abstract]

Managed-only, Revenue

$ 22,906

$ 41,580

Total, Revenue

(9,483)

(9,165)

22,906

41,580

Managed-only, Expenses

19,716

35,399

Depreciation and amortization

2,222

864

Goodwill impairment

1,684

Total, Expenses

23,622

36,263

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

1,606

(1,185)

(716)

5,317

Other income

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

(657)

5,335

Income tax (expense) benefit

253

(1,723)

INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, NET OF TAXES

$ (147)

^[1]

$ (991)

^[1]

$ 734

^[1]

$ (404)

$ 3,612

[1]	The amounts presented for the first and second quarters of 2010 are not equal to the same amounts previously reported in Form 10-Q for each period as a result of discontinued operations. Below is a reconciliation to the previously reported amounts in Form 10-Q.

Discontinued Operations (Consolidated Balance Sheets Of The Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 4
Accounts receivable	1,821	1,821
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	27	330
Total current assets	1,848	2,155
Other assets		6
Total assets	1,848	2,161
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,090	1,583
Total current liabilities	$ 1,090	$ 1,583

- Definition

For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), the aggregate of amounts due from customers or clients for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business and an amount representing an agreement for an unconditional promise by the maker to pay the entity (holder) a definite sum of money at a future date, reduced to their estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection and net of any write-downs taken for collection uncertainty on the part of the holder, respectively.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

For the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), cash includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of current obligations (due less than one year or one operating cycle, if longer) arising from the sale, disposal or planned sale in the near future (generally within one year) of a disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation).

+ References+ Details

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended			23 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 31, 2011	May 31, 2011	Feb. 28, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Approval of stock repurchase program of CCA's common stock by company's board of directors	$ 500,000,000	$ 350,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Increase in stock repurchase program authorized amount		100,000,000
Common stock repurchased by CCA, shares							17,700,000
Common stock repurchased by CCA							383,200,000
Common stock repurchased by CCA, per share							21.63
Preferred stock, shares authorized				50,000,000	50,000,000		50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares par value				$ 0.01	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Total intrinsic value of options exercised				4,500,000	11,400,000	18,800,000
Weighted average fair value of options granted per option				$ 9.66	$ 7.76	$ 4.17
Restricted Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Number of shares issued				265,000	446,000
Aggregate value of shares issued				6,500,000	9,700,000
Allocated share-based compensation expense				6,100,000	5,500,000	5,700,000
Unrecognized compensation cost				8,200,000			8,200,000
Remaining period for recognizing the unrecognized compensation cost, in years				1.8
Amount of shares that may vest in the first performance period, maximum				one-third
Vesting period of shares or units issued				three-year
Stock Option [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost				5,800,000			5,800,000
Remaining period for recognizing the unrecognized compensation cost, in years				2.1
Minimum vesting periods for options granted to employees				three
Maximum vesting periods for options granted to employees				four
Term of options				ten years
2008 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance of awards				18,000,000			18,000,000
Number of shares available for issuance				12,600,000			12,600,000
Non-Employee Directors' Compensation Plan [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for issuance of awards				225,000			225,000
Number of shares available for issuance				200,000			200,000
General And Administrative Expense [Member] \| Restricted Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Number of shares issued				227,000	335,000
Allocated share-based compensation expense				5,000,000	4,400,000	4,600,000
Operating Expense [Member] \| Restricted Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Number of shares issued				38,000	111,000
Allocated share-based compensation expense				$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000	$ 1,100,000
Non-Employee Directors [Member] \| Restricted Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
Vesting period of shares or units issued				one-year

Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Nonvested Restricted Common Stock Transactions) (Details) (Restricted Stock-Based Compensation [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock-Based Compensation [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of options, Nonvested at December 31, 2010	820
Number of options, Granted	265
Number of options, Cancelled	(38)
Number of options, Vested	(279)
Number of options, Nonvested at December 31, 2011	768
Weighted average grant date fair value, Nonvested at December 31, 2010	$ 19.66
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$ 24.45
Weighted average grant date fair value, Cancelled	$ 17.77
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	$ 21.88
Weighted average grant date fair value, Nonvested at December 31, 2011	$ 20.47

- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The number of non-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The weighted average fair value as of grant date pertaining to an equity-based award plan other than a stock (or unit) option plan for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

+ References+ Details

Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Stock Option Transactions Relating To Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
No. of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2010	3,495
No. of options, Granted	575
No. of options, Exercised	(268)
No. of options, Cancelled	(149)
No. of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,653
No. of options, Exercisable at December 31, 2011	2,464
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2010	$ 16.95
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of options, Granted	$ 24.45
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of options, Exercised	$ 7.97
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of options, Cancelled	$ 21.02
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2011	$ 18.63
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of options, Exercisable at December 31, 2011	$ 17.55
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, in years, Outstanding at December 31, 2011	6.1
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, in years, Exercisable at December 31, 2011	4.9
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding at December 31, 2011	$ 14,208
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable at December 31, 2011	$ 12,157

Stockholders' Equity (Schedule Of Estimated Fair Value Of Option Grant Using Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected stock price volatility	42.10%	38.80%	36.40%
Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	2.40%	1.80%
Expected life of options (in years)	5	5	5

- Definition

The period of time an equity-based award is expected to be outstanding. An equity-based award's expected term is generally determined based on, among other factors, the instrument's contractual term and the effects of employees' expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior.

+ References+ Details

Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Nonvested Stock Option Transactions Relating To Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
No. of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2010	3,495,000
Number of options, Cancelled	(149,000)
No. of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2011	3,653,000	3,495,000
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$ 9.66	$ 7.76	$ 4.17
Nonvested Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
No. of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2010	1,289
Number of options, Granted	575
Number of options, Cancelled	(106)
Number of options, Vested	(569)
No. of options, Outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,189
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at December 31, 2010	$ 6.46
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$ 9.66
Weighted average grant date fair value, Cancelled	$ 6.86
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	$ 6.62
Weighted average grant date fair value, Outstanding at December 31, 2011	$ 7.89

- Definition

The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options.

+ References+ Details

Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Calculation Of Numerator And Denominator In Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations

$ 162,510

$ 157,597

$ 151,342

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

(147)

^[1]

(991)

^[1]

734

^[1]

(404)

3,612

NET INCOME

40,522

39,240

42,418

40,330

43,705

41,964

36,618

34,906

162,510

157,193

154,954

Income from continuing operations, basic

$ 1.55

$ 1.41

$ 1.30

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, basic

$ (0.01)

$ 0.03

Net income

$ 0.41

^[2]

$ 0.38

^[2]

$ 0.40

^[2]

$ 0.37

^[2]

$ 0.40

^[2]

$ 0.38

^[2]

$ 0.32

^[2]

$ 0.30

^[2]

$ 1.55

$ 1.40

$ 1.33

Income from continuing operations, diluted

$ 1.54

$ 1.39

$ 1.29

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, diluted

$ 0.03

Net income

$ 0.41

^[2]

$ 0.37

^[2]

$ 0.39

^[2]

$ 0.37

^[2]

$ 0.39

^[2]

$ 0.38

^[2]

$ 0.32

^[2]

$ 0.30

^[2]

$ 1.54

$ 1.39

$ 1.32

Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from computations of diluted earnings per share

1,600,000

1,400,000

1,200,000

Stock Options [Member]

Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

Effect of dilutive securities

603,000

769,000

976,000

Restricted Stock-Based Compensation [Member]

Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

Effect of dilutive securities

196,000

193,000

226,000

Basic [Member]

Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations

162,510

157,597

151,342

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

(404)

3,612

NET INCOME

162,510

157,193

154,954

Weighted average common shares outstanding

104,736,000

112,015,000

116,088,000

Income from continuing operations, basic

$ 1.55

$ 1.41

$ 1.30

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, basic

$ (0.01)

$ 0.03

Net income

$ 1.55

$ 1.40

$ 1.33

Diluted [Member]

Earnings Per Share [Line Items]

Income from continuing operations

162,510

157,597

151,342

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

(404)

3,612

NET INCOME

$ 162,510

$ 157,193

$ 154,954

Weighted average common shares outstanding

104,736,000

112,015,000

116,088,000

Weighted average shares and assumed conversions

105,535,000

112,977,000

117,290,000

Income from continuing operations, diluted

$ 1.54

$ 1.39

$ 1.29

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, diluted

$ 0.03

Net income

$ 1.54

$ 1.39

$ 1.32

[1]	The amounts presented for the first and second quarters of 2010 are not equal to the same amounts previously reported in Form 10-Q for each period as a result of discontinued operations. Below is a reconciliation to the previously reported amounts in Form 10-Q.
[2]	The earnings per share amounts were favorably impacted by the reduction in CCA's weighted average shares outstanding resulting from share repurchases under CCA's share repurchase program.

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 1997
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Issuance of revenue bonds				$ 72.7
Outstanding principal balance of revenue bonds	33.4
Outstanding principal balance of the bonds exceeded the purchase price option	10.2
Effect of legal proceedings on CCA's consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows	0
Minimum age limit for participating in the Savings and Retirement Plan, years	18
Minimum qualified service required to participate in the Savings and Retirement Plan, years	1
Eligible employee contribution on eligible compensation	90.00%
Employer discretionary matching contribution equal to employee contribution	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Maximum percentage of employer discretionary matching contribution of employee eligible compensation	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Time period when distributions are paid, minimum years subsequent to the date an individual becomes a participant in the Plan	5
Distributions to senior executives commencement period, days after participant's separation from service	60
Distributions to senior executives commencement period, time period	the fifteenth day of the month following the month the individual attains age 65
Minimum number of hours of employment in the plan year for discretionary matching contribution	one thousand hours
Discretionary contribution plan forfeitures, net	9.2	8.3	8.5
Number of qualified deferred compensation plans	2
Employee contribution under Deferred Compensation Plans	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Total cash compensation under Deferred Compensation Plans	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Percentage of fixed return form Deferred Compensation Plans to participants	6.00%	6.20%	6.50%
Deferred Compensation Plans assets	8.8	6.9
Matching contributions as general and administrative expense associated with the Deferred Compensation Plans	0.3	0.3	0.4
Deferred Compensation Plans liability	$ 12.2	$ 10.2
Hardeman County Correctional Facilities Corporation [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of beds at the facility				2,016
Non-Employee Directors [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Contribution as percentage of retainer and meeting fees	100.00%
Senior Executives [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Contribution as percentage of salary	50.00%
Contribution as percentage of cash bonus	100.00%
After Two Years Of Service [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Vested percentage of employer contributions and investment earnings or losses	20.00%
After Three Years Of Service [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Vested percentage of employer contributions and investment earnings or losses	40.00%
After Four Years Of Service [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Vested percentage of employer contributions and investment earnings or losses	80.00%
After Five Or More Years Of Service [Member]
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Vested percentage of employer contributions and investment earnings or losses	100.00%

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Revenue And Facility Contribution Of Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To CCA's Operating Income) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total management revenue

$ 1,729,194

$ 1,668,279

$ 1,622,275

Total operating expenses

1,187,480

1,148,021

1,121,025

Rental and other revenue

6,419

6,752

6,618

Other operating expense

(15,920)

(15,750)

(14,030)

General and administrative expense

(91,227)

(84,148)

(86,537)

Depreciation and amortization

(108,931)

(104,051)

(99,939)

Operating income

81,072

80,735

86,781

83,467

87,092

^[1]

85,189

^[1]

78,249

^[1]

72,531

^[1]

332,055

323,061

307,362

Owned And Managed [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total management revenue

1,356,678

1,331,707

1,313,734

Total operating expenses

864,252

853,248

850,760

Operating income

492,426

478,459

462,974

Managed-Only [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Total management revenue

372,516

336,572

308,541

Total operating expenses

323,228

294,773

270,265

Operating income

49,288

41,799

38,276

Facility Contribution [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Operating income

$ 541,714

$ 520,258

$ 501,250

[1]	The amounts presented for the first and second quarters of 2010 are not equal to the same amounts previously reported in Form 10-Q for each period as a result of discontinued operations. Below is a reconciliation to the previously reported amounts in Form 10-Q.

- Definition

The current period expense charged against earnings on long-lived, physical assets not used in production, and which are not intended for resale, to allocate or recognize the cost of such assets over their useful lives; or to record the reduction in book value of an intangible asset over the benefit period of such asset; or to reflect consumption during the period of an asset that is not used in production.

+ References+ Details

Segment Reporting (Summary Of Capital Expenditures For Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	$ 171,382	$ 138,202	$ 146,236
Owned And Managed [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	151,724	120,144	118,191
Managed-Only [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	8,753	10,153	12,021
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures	10,905	7,822	15,332
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total capital expenditures		$ 83	$ 692

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Assets For The Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 3,019,631	$ 2,983,228
Owned And Managed [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	2,711,926	2,698,509
Managed-Only [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	125,637	127,960
Corporate And Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	180,220	154,598
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,848	$ 2,161

- Definition

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

+ References+ Details

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Schedule Of Selected Quarterly Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Revenue

$ 439,693

$ 435,043

$ 432,803

$ 428,074

$ 432,200

^[1]

$ 427,150

^[1]

$ 409,899

^[1]

$ 405,782

^[1]

$ 1,735,613

$ 1,675,031

$ 1,628,893

Operating income

81,072

80,735

86,781

83,467

87,092

^[1]

85,189

^[1]

78,249

^[1]

72,531

^[1]

332,055

323,061

307,362

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

(147)

^[1]

(991)

^[1]

734

^[1]

(404)

3,612

Net income

40,522

39,240

42,418

40,330

43,705

41,964

36,618

34,906

162,510

157,193

154,954

Basic earnings per share: Net income

$ 0.41

^[2]

$ 0.38

^[2]

$ 0.40

^[2]

$ 0.37

^[2]

$ 0.40

^[2]

$ 0.38

^[2]

$ 0.32

^[2]

$ 0.30

^[2]

$ 1.55

$ 1.40

$ 1.33

Diluted earnings per share: Net income

$ 0.41

^[2]

$ 0.37

^[2]

$ 0.39

^[2]

$ 0.37

^[2]

$ 0.39

^[2]

$ 0.38

^[2]

$ 0.32

^[2]

$ 0.30

^[2]

$ 1.54

$ 1.39

$ 1.32

Discontinued operations - revenue

(9,483)

(9,165)

22,906

41,580

Discontinued operations - Operating Income

1,606

(1,185)

(716)

5,317

Additional discontinued operations subsequent to the respective reporting period

(991)

734

Previously Reported [Member]

Revenue

419,382

414,947

Operating income

$ 76,643

$ 73,716

[1]	The amounts presented for the first and second quarters of 2010 are not equal to the same amounts previously reported in Form 10-Q for each period as a result of discontinued operations. Below is a reconciliation to the previously reported amounts in Form 10-Q.
[2]	The earnings per share amounts were favorably impacted by the reduction in CCA's weighted average shares outstanding resulting from share repurchases under CCA's share repurchase program.

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 07-4

-Paragraph 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 36, 37, 38

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 20

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 7

-Paragraph 18

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 21

-Article 9

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 52

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945512&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group apportioned to the parent that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items after deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A7

-Appendix A

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 87-21

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 10, 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28, 29, 30

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 19

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 20

-Article 9

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

+ Details

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Capitalized Interest	$ 1,584	$ 3,922	$ 1,582

Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details)	May 31, 2008 Bay County Jail And Annex Facility [Member]	Sep. 30, 2008 B.M. Moore Correctional Center Facility [Member]	Apr. 30, 2010 Gadsden Correctional Institution Facility [Member]	Apr. 30, 2010 Hernando County Jail Facility [Member]	Sep. 30, 2008 Diboll Correctional Center Facility [Member]	Jan. 16, 2009 Diboll Correctional Center Facility [Member] B.M. Moore Correctional Center Facility [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Housing capacity of terminated facility	1,150	500	1,520	876	518
Management contract expiration date	October 9, 2008					January 16, 2009

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 27, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Common stock dividend per share, declared, annual	$ 0.80	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock dividend payable, commencing from second quarter of 2012	$ 0.20

Dividends To Stockholders (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Dividends To Stockholders (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 27, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Dividends To Stockholders [Abstract]
Dividends declared for common stock	$ 0.80	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
Segment Reporting (Narrative) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reporting segments	2
Number of facilities owned and managed	46
Number of facilities managed and not owned	21