Other Real Estate Other real estate assets Other Real Estate, Total Other Real Estate, Beginning Balance Other Real Estate, Ending Balance Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Domain] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Previous bank credit facility. Previous Bank Credit Facility [Member] Previous Bank Credit Facility Gain on sale of properties Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Non-cash revenue and other income. Non Cash Revenue And Other Income Non-cash revenue and other income Operating partnership units. Operating Partnership Unit [Member] Non-controlling interest - Operating Partnership Units Tabular disclosure of capital expenditures for reportable segments. Summary Of Capital Expenditures For Reportable Segments Table [Text Block] Summary of Capital Expenditures Including Accrued Amounts Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Non-controlling Interest-Operating Partnership Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Vesting period Idled correctional facilities. Idled Correctional Facilities [Member] Idled Correctional Facilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] RSU Term Loan A Due In April Twenty Twenty Three. Term Loan A Due In April Twenty Twenty Three [Member] Term Loan A Due in April 2023 Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Debt instrument stated LIBOR floor rate. Debt Instrument Stated L I B O R Floor Rate Libor floor rate Oklahoma Department of Corrections [Member] Oklahoma Department of Corrections [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type Repayments of Other Debt Other repayments of debt Debt redemption date Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, End Date Net borrowings before transaction costs Net borrowings before transaction costs Net borrowings before transaction costs Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Subsequent Events [Text Block] United states marshals service. United States Marshals Service [Member] United States Marshals Service Carrying value of idle facility. Carrying Value Of Idle Facility Net carrying value Net Carrying Value Name of Property [Domain] Name of Property Number of shares repurchased under share repurchase program. Number Of Shares Repurchased Under Share Repurchase Program Number of shares repurchased under share repurchase program Stock repurchased during period, shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Net proceeds (from the sale) after the repayment of debt. Net Proceeds After Repayment Of Debt Net proceeds after the repayment of debt Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Total Assets Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized original issue discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount, Total The number of facilities which are operated by the company. Number Of Facilities Operated By Company Number of facilities operated by the company Organization consolidation and presentation of financial statements. Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Table] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Table] Assets, Current Total current assets Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Number of facilities. Number Of Facilities Number of facility Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued 2025 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Two Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities Lease Expiration Date Lease Expiration Date Schedule of Long-Term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Table] Shares, Outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity Long-Term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of long-term debt Current portion of long-term debt Long-Term Debt, Current Maturities, Total Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Operating Assets, Total Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town 2023 (remainder) Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Remainder of Fiscal Year Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type Finance Lease, Principal Payments Payment of lease obligations for financing leases Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Government Contracts Concentration Risk [Member] Government Contracts Concentration Risk Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Tabular disclosure of information pertaining to financial instruments having differences between carrying amounts and fair value. Schedule Of Financial Instruments Having Difference Between Carrying Amount And Fair Value Table [Text Block] Schedule of Financial Instruments Having Difference Between Carrying Amount and Fair Value Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt maturity date Net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents related to secured leverage ratio. Net Unrestricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Related To Secured Leverage Ratio Net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents related to secured leverage ratio Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,798,675 and $1,716,283, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total Bank credit facility aggregate principal amount Bank Credit Facility Aggregate Principal Amount Bank Credit Facility Aggregate Principal Amount Initial balance Term Loan Initial Balance Term Loan Initial Balance Pro rata write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and debt issue discount. Pro Rata Write Off Of Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs And Debt Issue Discount Pro rata write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount Forfeiture of dividends on restricted stock units. Forfeiture Of Dividends On Restricted Stock Units Forfeiture of dividends on RSUs Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent U.S. Statutory Federal Tax Rate Increase Decrease in vesting percentage based on performance relative to annual performance criteria Decrease in vesting percentage based on performance relative to annual performance criteria. Decrease In Vesting Percentage Based On Performance Relative To Annual Performance Criteria Scenario [Domain] Scenario Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative [Axis] Collaborative Arrangement and Arrangement Other than Collaborative Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock compensation, net of forfeitures Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures, Total Related Party [Member] Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES Uncategorized [Abstract] Uncategorized [Abstract] Resulting from revaluation of deferred tax liabilities. Resulting From Revaluation Of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Member] Resulting From Revaluation Of Deferred Tax Liabilities Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Table] Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in assets and liabilities, net: Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Notes issuance costs Aggregate purchase price. Aggregate Purchase Price Debt instrument repurchase amount Line of Credit Facility [Table] Debt Instrument, Term Scheduled maturity term Related and Nonrelated Party Status [Axis] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted stock based awards Other General Expense Other operating expense Assets Total assets Total assets Real estate and related assets. Real Estate And Related Assets [Abstract] Real estate and related assets: Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Total Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Deficit Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate and Other Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Restricted common stock units remained outstanding and subject to vesting Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Beginning Balance Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number, Ending Balance Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Balance Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Non-current deferred tax liabilities Minimum [Member] Minimum Sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit. Sublimit For Issuance Of Standby Letters Of Credit Sublimit for issuance of standby letters of credit Revenues REVENUE Revenue Revenues, Total Parent [Member] Total Stockholders' Equity Forecast [Member] Forecast Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component Segments [Axis] Segments Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option Noncash Or Part Noncash Distributions To Non Controlling Interest Noncash Or Part Noncash Distributions To Non Controlling Interest Distributions to non-controlling interest Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Amortization of debt issuance costs and other non-cash interest Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts, Total Repayments of Lines of Credit Principal repayments of credit facility Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Table] Revolving credit facility due in may twenty twenty six. Revolving Credit Facility Due In May Twenty Twenty Six [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Due in May 2026 Net unamortized original issue premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Total Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted, Total Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt instrument, percentage points added to reference rate Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Properties segment. Properties Segment [Member] CoreCivic Properties CoreCivic Properties Net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents related to total leverage ratio Net unrestricted cash and cash equivalents related to leverage ratio. Net Unrestricted Cash And Cash Equivalents Related To Leverage Ratio Long-Term Debt, Fair Value Debt, Fair Value Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Share repurchase program, authorized Amount Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Diamondback Correctional Facility. Diamondback Correctional Facility [Member] Diamondback Correctional Facility Additional senior notes eight point two five percent due twenty twenty six. Additional Senior Notes Eight Point Two Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Six [Member] Additional Senior Notes Eight Point Two Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Six Base Rate [Member] Base Rate Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Number of Units Number of properties for lease to third parties and used by government agencies Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Retirement of common stock Common stock - $0.01 par value; 300,000 shares authorized; 113,605 and 114,988 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Repayments of Long-Term Debt Scheduled principal repayments Repayments of Long-Term Debt, Total Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Net proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense Non-cash equity compensation Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense, Total Operating Income (Loss) Operating income Operating Income (Loss), Total Repayments of Debt Repayments of debt Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax expense Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total 2027 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Four Nature of Operations [Text Block] ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS Concentration Risk, Percentage Percentage of revenues generated from government management contracts Line of credit facility earning before interest tax depreciation and amortization. Line Of Credit Facility Earning Before Interest Tax Depreciation And Amortization Line of credit facility, Consolidated EBITDA Percent of awards eligible to vest. Percent Of Awards Eligible To Vest Percent of awards eligible to vest Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expense Allocated share-based compensation expense Operating Expense [Member] Operating New Bank Credit Facility [Member] New Bank Credit Facility [Member] New Bank Credit Facility [Member] Share repurchase program additional amount authorized to be repurchased. Share Repurchase Program Additional Amount Authorized To Be Repurchased Share repurchase program, additional amount authorized to be repurchased Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Table] Schedule Of Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Table] Debt Instrument, Face Amount Aggregate principal amount Gain on sale of real estate assets, net Gain on sale of real estate assets, net Gains (Losses) on Sales of Investment Real Estate Gain (loss) on sale of real estate assets, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other income (expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Total Housing capacity of center. Housing Capacity Of Center Number of beds at the center Gross sale price. Gross Sale Price Gross sale price Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Long-Term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-Term Debt, Type Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total Subsequent Events [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Original senior notes eight point two five percent due twenty twenty six. Original Senior Notes Eight Point Two Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Six [Member] Original 8.25% Senior Notes Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Equity [Text Block] STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Officers and executive officers. Officers And Executive Officers [Member] Officers And Executive Officers Bridge Loan Sublimit swing line loans Interest (net of amounts capitalized of $0.8 million in 2022) Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Interest (net of amounts capitalized of $____ million and $0.2 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively) Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Cash paid during the period. Cash Paid During Period [Abstract] Cash paid during the period for: Senior notes five point zero percent due twenty twenty two. Senior Notes Five Point Zero Percent Due Twenty Twenty Two [Member] Senior Notes 5.0% Due 2022 Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Other Operating Liabilities Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities Credit agreement. Credit Agreement [Member] Credit Agreement Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Bank credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Payments of Loan Costs Capitalized loan costs Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Senior Notes Eight Point Two Five Percent. Senior Notes Eight Point Two Five Percent [Member] 8.25% Senior Notes Roth Hall Residential Reentry Center and the Walker Hall Residential Reentry Center [Member] Roth Hall Residential Reentry Center and the Walker Hall Residential Reentry Center [Member] Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted average rate Write-off of loan costs. Write Off Of Loan Costs Write-off of loan costs Accounting Policies [Abstract] Segments [Domain] Segments Net sales proceeds Net sales proceeds Net sales proceeds Reducing the outstanding balance Reducing the outstanding balance Reducing the outstanding balance amount Scenario [Axis] Scenario Number of centers owned and operated by company. Number Of Centers Owned And Operated By Company Number of centers owned and operated by company Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt interest rate Debt instrument interest rate effective percentage Fixed charge coverage ratio. Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Fixed charge coverage ratio Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Bank Credit Facility Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable [Domain] Interim Period, Costs Not Allocable BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic, Total Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Income Statement [Abstract] Other employees. Other Employees [Member] Other Employees Percentage of capital stock of foreign subsidiary secured by pledge under Bank Credit Facility Percentage of capital stock of foreign subsidiary secured by pledge under revolving credit facilities. Percentage Of Capital Stock Of Foreign Subsidiary Secured By Pledge Under Revolving Credit Facilities The housing capacity of facility. Housing Capacity Of Facility Number of beds at the facility Design Capacity Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Idled non core facilities. Idled Non Core Facilities [Member] Idled Non-Core Facilities Employee Retention Credit Employee Retention Credit [Member] Employee Retention Credit [Member] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member] Redemption Beginning on April 15, 2025 DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Total Product and Service [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark Long-Term Debt, Maturity, after Year Five Thereafter Risks and uncertainties. Risks And Uncertainties Policy Policy [Text Block] Risks and Uncertainties Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period Vesting period, continuous service requirement Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name Increase in vesting percentage based on performance relative to annual performance criteria. Increase In Vesting Percentage Based On Performance Relative To Annual Performance Criteria Increase in vesting percentage based on performance relative to annual performance criteria Huerfano County Correctional Center. Huerfano County Correctional Center [Member] Huerfano County Correctional Center Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Additional paid-in capital Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect NET DECREASE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH Asset, Held-for-Sale, Not Part of Disposal Group, Current Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Not Part of Disposal Group, Current, Total Federal bureau of prisons. Federal Bureau Of Prisons [Member] Federal Bureau Of Prisons Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Principal Payments Term loan A due in may twenty twenty six. Term Loan A Due In May Twenty Twenty Six [Member] Term Loan A Due in May 2026 Note receivable from Agecroft Prison Management, LTD, Fair Value Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Cost of repurchase of shares Purchase and retirement of common stock Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Secured leverage ratio. Secured Leverage Ratio Secured leverage ratio Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic By Common Class [Table] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Private Placement [Member] Private Placement Related and Nonrelated Party Status [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility West Tennessee Detention Facility. West Tennessee Detention Facility [Member] West Tennessee Detention Facility Term Loan B Due In December Twenty Twenty Four. Term Loan B Due In December Twenty Twenty Four [Member] Term Loan B Due In December 2024 Text Block [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Senior notes four point one twenty five percent due twenty twenty. Senior Notes Four Point One Twenty Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty [Member] Senior Notes 4.125% Due 2020 Stockton Female Community Corrections Facility and Long Beach Community Corrections Center. Stockton Female Community Corrections Facility And Long Beach Community Corrections Center [Member] Stockton Female Community Corrections Facility and Long Beach Community Corrections Center Increase Decrease in vesting percentage based on performance relative to annual performance criteria Increase Decrease in vesting percentage based on performance relative to annual performance criteria Increase Decrease in vesting percentage based on performance relative to annual performance criteria Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Excise tax amount Excise and Sales Taxes Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Current Liabilities for uncertain tax positions Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components Midwest Regional Reception Center Midwest Regional Reception Center [Member] Midwest Regional Reception Center [Member] Debt instrument price. Debt Instrument Price Debt instrument price Senior Notes 8.25% Due 2026 Senior notes eight point two five percent due twenty twenty six. Senior Notes Eight Point Two Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Six [Member] Interest Paid, Capitalized, Investing Activities Interest, capitalized interest Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock Goodwill and intangible assets disclosure. Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Line Items] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock compensation, net of forfeitures (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures, Total Goodwill Goodwill Goodwill, Total Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill, Ending Balance New Bank Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms Organization consolidation and presentation of financial statements. Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Line Items] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] company-owned bed company-owned bed Company Owned Bed Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Retirement of common stock (in shares) Debt Instrument, Redemption Period, Start Date Debt instrument redemption beginning period Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value West Tennessee Detention Facility And the Midwest Regional Reception Center [Member] West Tennessee Detention Facility And the Midwest Regional Reception Center [Member] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Stated interest rate Debt instrument issued price percentage of principal. Debt Instrument Issued Price Percentage Of Principal Debt instrument, issued price percentage of principal Maximum [Member] Maximum Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights Vesting description Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items Payments of Dividends Dividends paid on RSUs Payments of Dividends, Total Senior notes five point zero percent. Senior Notes Five Point Zero Percent [Member] 5.0% Senior Notes Consolidated total leverage ratio Consolidated leverage ratio. Consolidated Leverage Ratio General and Administrative Expense [Member] General and Administrative Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-Based Payment Arrangements Effect of dilutive securities Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] SEGMENT REPORTING City Area Code City Area Code Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items Expenses associated with debt repayments and refinancing transactions. Expenses Associated With Debt Repayments And Refinancing Transactions Expenses associated with debt repayments and refinancing transactions Expenses associated with debt repayments and refinancing transactions Document Information [Line Items] Document Information [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Debt instrument repurchase amount Reducing the outstanding balance percentage Reducing the outstanding balance percentage Reducing the outstanding balance percentage Proceeds from borrowings from credit facility Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-Term Debt, Total Customer [Domain] Customer Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Beginning Balance Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Ending Balance General and Administrative Expense General and administrative General and administrative General and Administrative Expense, Total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic, Total Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Debt instrument redemption amount. Debt Instrument Redemption Amount Debt instrument redemption amount Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Payments of Financing Costs Payment of debt defeasance, issuance and other refinancing and related costs Payments of Financing Costs, Total Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Shares excluded from computation of earnings (loss) per share because they were anti-dilutive Subsequent Event [Line Items] Revolving credit facility, Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Leverage ratio. Leverage Ratio Total leverage ratio Accounts receivable, net of credit loss reserve of $7,358 and $8,008, respectively Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current, Total Customer [Axis] Customer Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt Outstanding Increase Decrease in vesting percentage based on shareholder return relative to peer group Increase decrease investing percentage based on shareholder return relative to peer group. Increase Decrease In Vesting Percentage Based On Shareholder Return Relative To Peer Group Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-Term Debt Net proceeds from issuance of debt Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Term Loan A. Term Loan A [Member] Term Loan A Letter of Intent. Letter of Intent [Member] Letter of Intent Write-off of remaining unamortized debt issuance costs, original issue discount, and fees and fees associated with the voluntary repayment Write Off Of Remaining Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Original Issue Discount And Fees And Fees Associated With Voluntary Repayment Write-off of remaining unamortized debt issuance costs, original issue discount, and fees and fees associated with the voluntary repayment Allowance for doubtful accounts credit loss reserve. Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Credit Loss Reserve Accounts receivable, credit loss reserve Income Taxes Paid, Net Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid, Net, Total Tabular disclosure of information pertaining to idled facilities and their respective carrying value. Schedule Of Idled Facilities And Respective Carrying Values Table [Text Block] Summary of Idled Facilities and Respective Carrying Values Litigation Settlement, Expense Shareholder litigation expense Litigation settlement, expense Shareholder litigation expense Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock Government Real Estate Solutions, LLC. Government Real Estate Solutions L L C [Member] GRES Segment Reporting [Abstract] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Senior notes four point six twenty five percent due twenty twenty three. Senior Notes Four Point Six Twenty Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Three [Member] Senior Notes 4.625% Due 2023 Leavenworth Detention Center. Leavenworth Detention Center [Member] Leavenworth Detention Center New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Facilities operated by company. Facilities Operated By Company [Axis] Facilities Operated By Company Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Operating Costs and Expenses Operating Operating expenses Operating Costs and Expenses, Total Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Establishment of right of use assets and lease liabilities Vacant Parcel Land [Member] Vacant Parcel Land [Member] Current initial balance Term Loan Current Initial Balance Term Loan Current Initial Balance Percentage of loan to value of certain specified real property assets secured by first lien under term loan facilities. Percentage Of Loan To Value Of Certain Specified Real Property Assets Secured By First Lien Under Term Loan Facilities Percentage of loan to value of certain specified real property assets secured by a first lien Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Idle facilities. Idle Facilities [Member] Idle Facilities Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Number of direct contracts. Number Of Direct Contracts Number of direct contracts that expired and were not renewed Bank Credit Facility [Member] Bank Credit Facility [Member] Facilities Operated by Company Domain. Facilities Operated By Company [Domain] Facilities Operated By Company Employees and non employee directors. Employees And Non Employee Directors [Member] Employees And Non Employee Directors Nature of Expense [Axis] Nature of Expense Income taxes. Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate Securities Act File Number Entity File Number Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Revolving Credit Facility maturity date Debt maturity period Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] A description of the origin of goodwill recognized by the reporting entity. Goodwill Recognition Description Establishment of goodwill Long-Term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term debt, net Long-term debt, net Facility Activation and Developments Table. Facility Activation And Developments [Table] Facility Activation And Developments [Table] Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Total Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Note receivable from Agecroft Prison Management, LTD, Carrying Amount Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Assets Held for Sale/Community [Member] Assets Held for Sale/Community [Member] 2028 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Five Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses, Total 2024 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year One Preferred stock - $0.01 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Number of Operating Segments Number of Operating segments Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual Bank Credit Agreement Bank Credit Agreement [Member] Bank Credit Agreement [Member] Debt, Long-Term and Short-Term, Combined Amount Total debt Total debt Debt, Carrying Amount Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Percentage of commitment fee to unfunded balance Earnings Per Share [Text Block] EARNINGS PER SHARE Bloomberg short term bank yield index. Bloomberg Short Term Bank Yield Index [Member] Bloomberg Short-Term Bank Yield Index (BSBY) Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Revenue Benchmark [Member] Sales Revenue, Net The number of facilities which are owned by the company. Number Of Facilities Owned By Company Number of facilities owned by the company Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] GOODWILL Share-Based Payment Arrangement, Expensed and Capitalized, Amount [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Compensation Cost [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Number of square feet. Number Of Square Feet Number of square feet Payments for Capital Improvements Expenditures for other capital improvements Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type Number of detention facilities. Number Of Detention Facilities Number of detention facilities Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location 2026 Long-Term Debt, Maturity, Year Three Long-Term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Type Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] NET INCOME Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Total The cash outflow for facility development and expansions. Expenditures For Facility Development And Expansions Expenditures for facility development and expansions Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment Interest payable dates Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Restricted common stock units issued by CoreCivic Long-Term Debt, Gross Total debt Debt Instrument outstanding balance Product and Service [Axis] Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Deferred revenue North Fork Correctional Facility North Fork Correctional Facility [Member] North Fork Correctional Facility. Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Value of share instruments newly issued under a share-based compensation plan. Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Shares Issued In Period Aggregate Fair Value Fair value of restricted common stock units issued by CoreCivic to certain of its employees and non-employee directors Net book value of properties. Net Book Value Of Properties Assets Held for Sale Other Noncash Expense Other expenses and non-cash items Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Restricted stock grants Shares Issued, Value, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture, Total Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue and Facility Net Operating Income for Each of the Three Segments and a Reconciliation to CoreCivic's Operating Income Before Income Taxes Kit Carson Correctional Center. Kit Carson Correctional Center [Member] Kit Carson Correctional Center Bank credit facility, Consolidated EBITDA Bank Credit Facility, Consolidated EBITDA Bank Credit Facility, Consolidated EBITDA Purchase and sale agreement. Purchase And Sale Agreement [Member] Purchase & Sale Agreement Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Accounts payable and accrued expenses Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current, Total Long-Term Line of Credit Borrowings outstanding under credit facility Long-Term Line of Credit, Total Other Income [Member] Other Revenue Subsequent Event [Table] Senior notes four point seventy five percent due twenty twenty seven. Senior Notes Four Point Seventy Five Percent Due Twenty Twenty Seven [Member] Senior Notes 4.75% Due 2027 Indefinite number of extension options term. Indefinite Number Of Extension Options Term Indefinite number of extension options term Safety segment. Safety Segment [Member] Safety CoreCivic Safety Prairie Correctional Facility. Prairie Correctional Facility [Member] Prairie Correctional Facility Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Document And Entity Information. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Unamortized debt issuance costs Unamortized debt issuance costs Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location New revolving credit facility. New Revolving Credit Facility [Member] New Revolving Credit Facility New Revolving Credit Facility Senior notes four point six two five percentage. Senior Notes Four Point Six Two Five Percentage [Member] 4.625% Senior Notes Document Type Document Type Revolving credit facility current borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Davis Correctional Facility Davis Correctional Facility [Member] Davis Correctional Facility. Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Community segment. Community Segment [Member] Community CoreCivic Community Lansing Correctional Center non recourse mortgage note four point four three percent due twenty forty. Lansing Correctional Center Non Recourse Mortgage Note Four Point Four Three Percent Due Twenty Forty [Member] Lansing Correctional Facility Non-Recourse Mortgage Note 4.43% Due 2040 Net income Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic, Total Dividends on restricted stock units. Dividends On Restricted Stock Units Dividends on RSUs Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Cost of repurchase of shares under share repurchase program. Cost of Repurchase of Shares Under Share Repurchase Program Cost of repurchase of shares under share repurchase program McRae Correctional Facility. Mc Rae Correctional Facility [Member] McRae Correctional Facility Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Non-recourse senior secured notes. Non Recourse Senior Secured Notes [Member] Non-Recourse Senior Secured Notes Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Total Term Loan B. Term Loan B [Member] Term Loan B Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate Excise tax rate. Excise Tax Rate Excise tax rate Liabilities Total liabilities Percentage of loan to value. Percentage Of Loan To Value Percentage of loan to value Five point zero percentage and four point six two five percentage senior notes. Five Point Zero Percentage And Four Point Six Two Five Percentage Senior Notes [Member] 5.0% Senior Notes and 4.625% Senior Notes Asset Impairment Charges Asset impairments Asset impairments Asset Impairment Charges, Total Equity, Attributable to Parent Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Ending Balance North Fork facility [Member] North Fork facility [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities NET INCOME (LOSS) Employee. Employee [Member] Employee Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): Non employee directors. Non Employee Directors [Member] Non Employee Directors Interest Expense Interest expense, net Interest Expense, Total Name of Property [Axis] Name of Property Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture Restricted stock grants (in shares) Shares Issued, Shares, Share-Based Payment Arrangement, after Forfeiture, Total Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted average shares and assumed conversions Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted, Total Weighted average common shares outstanding, Diluted Increase in other assets Payments for (Proceeds from) other assets. Payments For Proceeds From Other Assets Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Total capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Productive Assets, Total Marion Adjustment Center. Marion Adjustment Center [Member] Marion Adjustment Center Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Debt instrument redemption percentage of par Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] INCOME TAXES Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Costs and Expenses [Abstract] EXPENSES: Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member] Redemption Beginning on April 15, 2024 Facility activations developments and closures. Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items] Facility Activations Developments And Closures [Line Items] Bank credit facility, aggregate principal amount of additional borrowing Bank Credit Facility, Aggregate Principal Amount Of Additional Borrowing Bank Credit Facility, Aggregate Principal Amount Of Additional Borrowing Expected project completion period. Expected Project Completion Period Expected project completion period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, end of period CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH, beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Including Disposal Group and Discontinued Operations, Total Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]