| Document and Entity Information | Dec. 18, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001070985 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Dec. 18, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CoreCivic, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-16109 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 62-1763875 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 10 Burton Hills Boulevard |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Nashville |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 37215 |
| City Area Code | (615) |
| Local Phone Number | 263-3000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | CXW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
