Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Award Type [Axis] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Accumulated depreciation and amortization Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants Non-cash stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premium (discount) Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets Amortization of (above) below market rents, net Non-cash interest expense on financing leases Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Asset impairment Asset Impairment Charges Assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Held-for-sale Total assets Total assets Assets Under Capital and Financing Leases [Member] Total current assets Assets, Current Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Buildings and Improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Acquisitions and Disposals, Transaction [Domain] Acquisitions and Disposals by Transaction [Axis] Acquisitions [Abstract] Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items] Transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Loss on acquisition Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount Refunds of entrance fees Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Advance Fees, Refunds Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations Capital and Financing Lease Obligations Carrying Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Operating, Investing and Financing Activities: Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Facility Operating Leases [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015; 193,257,659 and 190,767,191 shares issued and 190,829,258 and 188,338,790 shares outstanding (including 5,026,688 and 3,453,991 unvested restricted shares), respectively Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock [Member] Balances at beginning of period - shares (in share) Balances at end of period - shares (in shares) Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Deferred income tax assets [Abstract] Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income: Principles of Consolidation Construction Financing [Member] Construction Loans [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities Expense Depreciation and amortization Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Depreciation and Amortization Facility operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization of $114,103 and $208,823, respectively) Total operating expense Costs and Expenses Proceeds from refundable entrance fees Customer Refundable Fees, Cash Received Description of Variable Rate Basis Maturity date, start Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items] Debt Maturity date, end Debt [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Basis spread on variable rate basis (in hundredths) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Unamortized debt discount Maturity date Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Principal Debt Instrument, Face Amount Loss on extinguishment of debt, net Debt Issuance Costs Incurred During Noncash or Partial Noncash Transaction Long-Term Debt, Capital Leases and Financing Obligations [Abstract] Deferred liabilities Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income tax benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred entrance fee revenue Deferred Revenue and Credits, Noncurrent Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Depreciation and amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization, net Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative, Remaining Maturity Derivative, Cap Interest Rate Derivative Contract Type [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncements Facility Operating Expense Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Basic earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings (loss) per share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures Distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net earnings Gain on sale of assets Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Equity Component [Domain] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Escrow Deposit Disbursements Related to Property Acquisition Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Financings [Abstract] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Financings [Line Items] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Assets Acquired Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Accumulated Amortization Furniture and Equipment [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Loss on facility lease termination Loss on facility lease termination Gain (Loss) on Contract Termination Gain on Sale of Communities Debt modification and extinguishment costs Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt General and administrative expense (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $9,769 and $8,873, respectively) General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense) Net Goodwill Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Goodwill, Gross Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Segment operating income Gross Profit Resident fees Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) [Abstract] Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Tax years open for future examination Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Benefit for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income taxes paid Income Taxes Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Changes in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in lease security deposits and lease acquisition deposits, net Tenant refundable fees and security deposits Increase (Decrease) in Security Deposits Decrease in cash and escrow deposits - restricted Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Prepaid expenses and other assets, net Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Debt Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Interest expense: Capital and financing lease obligations Interest Expense, Lessee, Assets under Capital Lease Interest paid Interest Rate Cap [Member] Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] Interest income Investment Income, Interest Investment in unconsolidated ventures Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Weighted average interest rate Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Facility lease expense Facility lease expense Community Leases Leasehold Improvements [Member] Facility Operating Leases Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of facility operating lease expense [Abstract] Litigation Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Secured and Unsecured Letter of Credit Facilities Letter of Credit [Member] Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Total liabilities Liabilities Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Line of Credit Facility [Table] Quarterly commitment fee Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Axis] Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Description of applicable margin calculation based on utilization percentage Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Credit Facilities [Line Items] Line of credit availability Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Debt Long-term Debt Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Line of credit Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Management fees Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Mortgage Notes Payable [Member] Mortgages [Member] Description of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Cash Flows from Investing Activities Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Name [Domain] Other intangible assets, net Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Intangible Assets Acquired Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received [Line Items] Other liabilities Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Table] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis] Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired Long-term debt Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed Other Notes Payable [Member] Number of reportable segments Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Income (loss) from operations Income (loss) from operations Operating Income (Loss) Summary of facility operating leases Description of Business [Abstract] Total other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other [Member] Net Other intangible assets, net Other Intangible Assets, Net Other Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on marketable securities - restricted Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other non-operating income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Stockholders' Equity [Member] Payments for Rent Payments for Rent Cash portion of loss on extinguishment of debt Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs Payments on notes receivable, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Loans Receivable Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Aggregate purchase price Payments of Debt Restructuring Costs Investment in unconsolidated ventures Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Payment of financing costs, net of related payables Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] [Default] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015; no shares issued and outstanding Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Reclassifications Proceeds from debt financing Distributions received from unconsolidated ventures Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Aggregate selling price Proceeds from Sales of Business, Affiliate and Productive Assets Proceeds from debt Proceeds from line of credit Proceeds from public equity offering, net Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from sale of assets, net Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Net income (loss) Net income (loss) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Range [Domain] Range [Axis] Amortization of entrance fees Recognition of Deferred Revenue Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities Repayment of line of credit Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Repayment of debt and capital and financing lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Payment on lease termination Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Repayments of Debt Reclassification [Member] Unvested Restricted Stock [Member] Cash and escrow deposits - restricted Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Cash and escrow deposits - restricted Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Accumulated Deficit [Member] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition Total revenue Revenue Revenue Revenues [Abstract] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] as previously reported [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Supplemental cash flow information Current year grants of restricted shares Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Table] Schedule of debt Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill Schedule of Extinguishment of Debt [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of segment reporting information Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Tenant security deposits Security Deposit Liability Segment Information [Abstract] Segment [Domain] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisition of Assets, Net of Related Payables and Cash Received [Member] Restricted Shares Granted (in shares) Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Award Type [Domain] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statement [Line Items] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY [Abstract] CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Schedule of Preferred and Common Stock [Table] Scenario [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) [Abstract] Restricted stock, net Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other Restricted stock, net - shares (in shares) Total value of restricted shares granted Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan - shares (in shares) Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balances at end of period Balances at beginning of period Total Equity Total Brookdale Senior Living Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Tradenames [Member] Transfer to Investments Transfer to Investments Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury stock, at cost; 2,428,401 shares at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 Treasury Stock, Value Change in fair value of derivatives Change in fair value of derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Notes Payable, Insurance Premiums [Member] Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Maximum Exposure to Loss Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Carrying Amount Warrant [Member] Weighted average shares used in computing basic earnings (loss) per share Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Weighted average shares used in computing diluted earnings (loss) per share Tabular disclosure of the carrying value of indefinite and definite-lived intangible assets, excluding goodwill, in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the company. Finite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Other intangible assets Litigation [Abstract] The grant date fair values for purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under restricted stock awards on all restricted stock plans and other required information pertaining to awards in the customized range. Share Based Compensation Shares Value Per Share Value Per Share (in dollars per share) The estimated measure of the percentage of shares, units or grants expected to be forfeited. Stock based compensation, Percentage of estimated forfeitures Percentage of estimated forfeitures (in hundredths) Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] The axis of a table defines the relationship between the domain members or categories in the table and the line items or concepts that complete the table. Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] The major class of intangible asset (for example, patents, trademarks, copyrights, etc.) A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Health care licenses Health care licenses [Member] Health Care Licenses [Member] The communities in the Company's CCRCs - Entry Fee segment are similar to those in the Company's CCRCs - Rental segment but allow for residents in the independent living apartment units to pay a one-time upfront entrance fee, which is partially refundable in certain circumstances. The amount of the entrance fee varies depending upon the type and size of the dwelling unit, the type of contract plan selected, whether the contract contains a lifecare benefit for the resident, the amount and timing of refund, and other variables. In addition to the initial entrance fee, residents under all entrance fee agreements also pay a monthly service fee, which entitles them to the use of certain amenities and services. Since entrance fees are received upon initial occupancy, the monthly fees are generally less than fees at a comparable rental community. CCRCs Entry Fee [Member] Assisted living communities offer housing and 24-hour assistance with activities of daily life to mid-acuity frail and elderly residents. The company's assisted living communities include both freestanding, multi-story communities and freestanding single story communities. The company also operates memory care communities, which are freestanding assisted living communities specially designed for residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Assisted Living [Member] Retirement center communities are primarily designed for middle to upper income senior citizens age 70 and older who desire an upscale residential environment providing the highest quality of service. The majority of the Company's retirement center communities consist of both independent living and asssisted living units in a single commjunity, which allows residents to "age-in-place" by providing them with a continuum of senior independent and assisted living services. Retirement Centers [Member] The Company's CCRCs - Rental segment includes large owned or leased communities that offer a variety of living arrangements and services to accommodate all levels of physical ability and health. Most of the Company's CCRCs have independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing available on one campus or within the immediate market, and some also include memory care/Alzheimer's units. CCRCs Rental [Member] Sum of the gross carrying amounts before accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date of all finite and indefinite lived intangible assets. The aggregate gross carrying amount (including any previously recognized impairment charges) of a major finite-lived intangible asset class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company. Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Gross Gross Carrying Amount Community Purchase Options Community Purchase Options [Member] The Company's Brookdale Ancillary Services segment includes the outpatient therapy, home health and hospice services provided to residents of many of the Company's communities, to other senior living communities that the Company does not own or operate and to seniors living outside of the Company's communities. Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member] Disclosure of accounting policy for self-insurance liability accruals. Self-Insurance Liability Accruals [Policy Text Block] Self-Insurance Liability Accruals Other Information [Abstract] Term of Residency Agreements- Minimum. Term of Residency Agreements Minimum Term of residency agreements- minimum Term Of Residency Agreements Maximum Term Of Residency Agreements Maximum Term of residency agreements - maximum The fair value amount of capital and financing lease obligations presented in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. Capital And Financing Lease Obligation Fair Value Capital and financing obligations February 2015 acquisition of 15 communities from Ventas February 2015 acquisition of 15 communities [Member] Communities acquired from HCP HCP Community Acquisitions [Member] Amount of deferred lease liability reversed upon the termination of a lease agreement. Reversal of deferred lease liability Information on the seller-financed debt used to partially finance the acquisition of the underlying real estate of certain communities. SellerFinanced Debt [Member] The number of communities purchased or sold during the period. Number of communities purchased or sold The original length of time until maturity of a note payable. LoanTerm Term of loan Acquisition of Venture Interest Acquisition of Venture Interest [Member] The interest rate applicable to the portion of the carrying amount of seller financing outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a set, unchanging rate. Seller financing fixed rate May 1, 2015 purchase of the final community under the HCP Master Lease Purchase Option. May 1, 2015 purchase of community under HCP Purchase Option [Member] Emeritus Corporation, the acquiree in a material business combination. Emeritus [Member] The amount of expense charged against earnings by an Entity to record deferred gains from sale leaseback transactions. Amortization Of Deferred Gains From Sale Leaseback Transaction Amortization of deferred gain Proceeds From Deferred Entrance Fee Revenue Proceeds From Deferred Entrance Fee Revenue Proceeds from deferred entrance fee revenue Increase or decrease in deferred lease liability. Change In Deferred Lease Liability Change in deferred lease liability Straight-line expense Refundable Entrance Fees [Abstract] Refundable entrance fees: Non-cash gain related to the termination of a contract between the parties. The termination may be due to many causes including early termination of a lease by a lessee, a breach of contract by one party, or a failure to perform. Gain on facility lease termination Loss on facility lease termination The maximum number of equity instruments that the holder of the debt instrument would receive in excess of the amount of principal that would be settled in cash if the debt was converted to equity. Debt Instrument Convertible Maximum Number Of Equity Instrument Long-lived, depreciable assets including all assets held by a lessee under a capital lease and any addition or improvement to assets held under lease arrangement (including addition or improvement to asset held by lessee under operating lease arrangement). Resident and leasehold operating intangibles [Member] Resident and Leasehold Operating Intangibles [Member] Formation of CCRC venture with HCP Formation of CCRC venture with HCP [Member] The net total of the acquisition of assets (Property, plant and equipment plus leasehold intangibles and Other intangible assets) less accrued expenses. Acquisition of Assets, Related Payables and Cash Received Net Net cash paid The amount of current assets that an Entity acquires in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets The increase during the period in capital lease obligations due to entering into new capital leases. Capital and financing leases [Member] Capital and financing leases [Member] Amount of acquisition of long-lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold improvements [Member] The cash inflow from the sale of property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Proceeds from sale of assets, net [Member] Emeritus HCP lease amendments Master lease amendments [Member] Contribution to CCRC venture with HCP Contribution to CCRC venture with HCP [Member] Disclosure of the the first mortgage loans extinguished in August 2015 First Mortgage Loans extinguished in August 2015 [Member] Information on the first mortgage loans refinanced in March 2016 and secured by certain underlying communities. First Mortgage loan refinanced in March 2016 [Member] Amortization period for debt principal. Amortization period The number of the company's communities securing the Long-term debt instrument. Number of communities securing mortgage notes Information on the first mortgage loans issued on August 1, 2013, secured by certain underlying communities, and maturing in August 2020. Loans maturing in August 2020 [Member] Loans Maturing in August 2020 [Member] Information on the first mortgage loans issued on April 3, 2013 and secured by certain underlying communities. First mortgage loan issued on April 3, 2013 [Member] First Mortgage Loan Issued on April 3, 2013 [Member] Information on the first mortgage loans issued on August 1, 2013, secured by certain underlying communities, and maturing in August 2023. Loans maturing in August 2023 [Member] Loans Maturing in August 2023 [Member] Information on the first mortgage loans issued in December 2012 and secured by certain underlying communities. First mortgage loan issued in March 2015 [Member] Information on the first mortgage loans issued in April 2015 and secured by the underlying communities. First mortgage loan issued in April 2015 [Member] Information on the first mortgage loans refinanced in August 2015 and secured by certain underlying communities. First Mortgage Loan refinanced in August 2015 [Member] Information on the first mortgage loans refinanced in September 2015 and secured by certain underlying communities. First Mortgage Loan repaid in September 2015 [Member] Information on the first mortgage loans refinanced in the three months ended September 30, 2015 and secured by certain underlying communities. First Mortgage Loans repaid in the three months ended September 30, 2015 [Member] The Company's management services segment includes communities owned by others and operated by the company pursuant to management agreements. Under the management agreements for these communities, the company receives management fees as well as reimbursed expenses, which represent the reimbursement of certain expenses it incurs on behalf of the owners. Management Services [Member] The amount of cash collateral as of the balance sheet date as security for mortgage debt. Cash Collateral Securing Mortgages Amount of cash collateral securing debt A loan to finance the purchase of real estate where the lender has a lien on the property as collateral for the loan. Discount Mortgage Note payable due June 2013 [Member] Discount Mortgage Note Payable Due June 2013 [Member] Tax exempt bonds credit-enhanced by Fannie Mae. Variable rate tax exempt bonds [Member] Variable Rate Tax Exempt Bonds [Member] Gross amount of deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to income (loss) from continuing operations, excluding the impact of an increase (decrease) in the valuation allowance for a specified deferred tax asset. Gross Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) The designated tax department of Federal and a state and local government entitled to levy and collect income taxes from the entity. Federal, State and Local [Member] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Variable Interest Entity (VIE) which is not included in the consolidated financial statements of the entity because the entity does not have a controlling financial interest (not the primary beneficiary). Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Operating Company [Member] CCRC Venture opco [Member] Variable Interest Entity (VIE) which is not included in the consolidated financial statements of the entity because the entity does not have a controlling financial interest (not the primary beneficiary). Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Real Estate Company [Member] RIDEA Ventures [Member] A contractual arrangement with a lender under which swingline borrowings can be made up to a specific amount with same-day borrowing permitted, and under which borrowings outstanding may be either short-term or long-term, depending upon the particulars. Swingline Line of Credit [Member] Amount available to increase the revolving credit facility. Option to increase maximum borrowing capacity [Member] Amount of line of credit facility term loan. Term Loan [Member] Letter of credit sublimit on the secured line of credit facility Letter of credit sublimit [Member]