Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental cash flow information Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of segment reporting information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Description of Business Nature of Operations [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of facility operating lease expense [Abstract] Leases, Operating [Abstract] Cash basis payment Payments for Rent Straight-line (income) expense Straight Line Rent Adjustments Amortization of (above) below market lease, net Amortization of above and below Market Leases Amortization of deferred gain Amortization Of Deferred Gains From Sale Leaseback Transaction The amount of expense charged against earnings by an Entity to record deferred gains from sale leaseback transactions. Facility lease expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Mortgage Notes Payable [Member] Mortgages [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] HCP, Inc. [Member] HCP, Inc. [Member] HCP, Inc. [Member] Affiliates of HCP [Member] Affiliates of HCP [Member] Affiliates of HCP [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] CCRC Venture opco [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Operating Company [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). RIDEA Ventures [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Real Estate Company [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). Blackstone Venture [Member] Blackstone Venture [Member] Blackstone Venture [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Number of joint ventures Number Of Joint Ventures Number Of Joint Ventures Number of communities managed Equity Method Investments, Number Of Communities Managed Equity Method Investments, Number Of Communities Managed Long term mortgage debt Mortgage Loans on Real Estate Mortgage debt payable Notes Payable, Noncurrent Maximum amount to lend in case of refinancing short fall Debt Arrangement, Shortfall Amount, Maximum Amount To Lend Debt Arrangement, Shortfall Amount, Maximum Amount To Lend Number of communities leased Operating Leases, Number Of Communities Operating Leases, Number Of Communities Lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Fair market value of communities Operating Leases, Leasing Arrangement, Fair Market Value Of Communities Operating Leases, Leasing Arrangement, Fair Market Value Of Communities Maximum Exposure to Loss Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Carrying Amount Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Schedule of Preferred and Common Stock [Table] Statement [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Unvested Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Current year grants of restricted shares Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Convertible Senior Notes Due June 2018 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Due June 2018 [Member] Convertible Senior Notes Due June 2018 [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Convertible Debt Securities [Member] Warrant [Member] Warrant [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Principal Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument Convertible Maximum Number Of Equity Instrument Debt Instrument Convertible Maximum Number Of Equity Instrument 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. Litigation [Abstract] Litigation Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Retirement Centers [Member] Retirement Centers [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. Assisted Living [Member] Assisted Living [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. CCRCs Rental [Member] CCRCs Rental [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. Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member] Brookdale Ancillary Services [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. Management Services [Member] Management Services [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. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue Revenues Segment Operating Income Gross Profit General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense) General and Administrative Expense Transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Facility lease expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Asset impairment Asset Impairment Charges Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Total assets Assets Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Other intangible assets Finite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] 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. Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Restricted Shares Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Value Per Share (in dollars per share) Share Based Compensation Shares Value Per Share 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. Total value of restricted shares granted Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Business Combinations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Joint Venture [Member] Joint Venture [Member] Joint Venture [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] 16 Communities Held For Sale [Member] 16 Communities Held For Sale [Member] 16 Communities Held For Sale [Member] 59 Communities Disposed Of By Sale Or Lease Terminations [Member] 59 Communities Disposed Of By Sale Or Lease Terminations [Member] 59 Communities Disposed Of By Sale Or Lease Terminations [Member] Termination Of Triple Net Leases [Member] Termination Of Triple Net Leases [Member] Termination Of Triple Net Leases [Member] Termination Of 25 Triple Net Leases [Member] Termination Of 25 Triple Net Leases1 [Member] Termination Of 25 Triple Net Leases1 [Member] Termination Of 8 Triple Net Leases [Member] Termination of 8 triple net leases [Member] Description of the termination of 8 triple net leases by the Company and HCP Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Number of communities classified as held for sale Number of Communities classified as held for sale Number of communities classified as held for sale during the period. Number of communities disposed of Disposal Group, Number Of Communities Disposed Of Disposal Group, Number Of Communities Disposed Of Additional communities disposed of in agreement Disposal Group, Number Of Additional Communities Disposed Of Disposal Group, Number Of Additional Communities Disposed Of Assets held for sale Real Estate Held-for-sale Resident fee revenue Health Care Organization, Resident Service Revenue Facility operating expenses Cost of Real Estate Revenue Number of community leases terminated Number Of Communities In Which Leases Were Terminated Number Of Communities In Which Leases Were Terminated Cash lease payments Number of communities contributed to joint venture Number Of Communities Contributed To Joint Venture Number Of Communities Contributed To Joint Venture Number of communities acquired Number Of Communities Acquired Number Of Communities Acquired Percentage ownership Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of facility operating leases Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-Term Debt, Capital Leases and Financing Obligations [Abstract] Debt Instruments [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Capital and Financing Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Construction Financing [Member] Construction Loans [Member] Notes Payable, Insurance Premiums [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Other Notes Payable [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations Long-term Debt Less current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Unamortized debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Weighted average interest rate Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Operating, Investing and Financing Activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Table] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Table] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions by Unique Description [Axis] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Name [Domain] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Name [Domain] Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net [Member] Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold improvements [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. Acquisition of assets, net of related payables [Member] Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] Proceeds from sale of assets, net [Member] Proceeds from sale of assets, net [Member] The cash inflow from the sale of property, plant and equipment (capital expenditures), software, and other intangible assets. Formation of Blackstone Joint Venture [Member] Formation of Blackstone Joint Venture [Member] Formation of Blackstone Joint Venture [Member] Assets designated as held for sale [Member] Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] Acquisition of assets, net of related payables [Line Items] Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Assets held for sale Assets Held-for-sale, Long Lived, Fair Value Disclosure Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Net Nonmonetary Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed) Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Other intangible assets, net Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Intangible Assets Acquired Acquisition of assets, net of related payables Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Investments in unconsolidated ventures Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Joint Venture Loss (gain) on sale of assets Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Proceeds from sale of assets, net Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Investments in unconsolidated ventures Equity Method Investments Capital and financing lease obligations Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Consideration To Joint Venture Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Consideration To Joint Venture Deferred liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Liabilities Other liabilities Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Other Liabilities Assumed Formation of the Blackstone Venture Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture Net Net Net amount of non-cash operating, investing and financing activities Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and escrow deposits – restricted Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Assets held for sale Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Cash and escrow deposits – restricted Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Investment in unconsolidated ventures Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Goodwill Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Other Intangible Assets, Net Other assets, net Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Trade accounts payable Accounts Payable, Trade, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue Deferred Revenue and Credits, Current Tenant security deposits Security Deposit Liability Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Deferred liabilities Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; no shares issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; 194,977,351 and 193,224,082 shares issued and 191,798,950 and 190,045,681 shares outstanding (including 5,595,620 and 4,608,187 unvested restricted shares), respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in-capital Additional Paid in Capital Treasury stock, at cost; 3,178,401 shares at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 Treasury Stock, Value Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total Brookdale Senior Living Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Facility Operating Leases Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Cost of Goods and Services Sold, Depreciation and Amortization Non-cash stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Stock-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Self-Insurance Liability Accruals Self-Insurance Liability Accruals [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for self-insurance liability accruals. Community Leases Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Adoption Of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Adoption Of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Adoption Of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Allowance Against Current Operating Loss [Member] Allowance Against Current Operating Loss [Member] Allowance Against Current Operating Loss [Member] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Change in valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Deferred federal, state and local tax benefit Gross Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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. Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Revenue Revenues [Abstract] Resident fees Management fees Management Fees Revenue Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities Reimbursement Revenue Total revenue Expense Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Facility operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization of $114,879 and $114,103, respectively) General and administrative expense (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $7,774 and $9,769, respectively) Depreciation and amortization Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities Cost of Reimbursable Expense Total operating expense Costs and Expenses Interest income Investment Income, Interest Interest expense: Interest Expense [Abstract] Debt Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Capital and financing lease obligations Interest Expense, Lessee, Assets under Capital Lease Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premium (discount) Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Change in fair value of derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Debt modification and extinguishment costs Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments (Loss) gain on sale of assets, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Other non-operating income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Accumulated Deficit [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Stockholders' Equity [Member] Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Balances at beginning of period Balances at beginning of period (in shares) Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock Unit or Restricted Stock Award, Requisite Service Period Recognition Net income (loss) Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans Restricted stock, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Restricted stock, net (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Shares withheld for employee taxes Adjustments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares) Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation Balances at end of period Balances at end of period (in shares) Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] 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 Outstanding debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letter of credit sublimit [Member] Letter of credit sublimit [Member] Letter of credit sublimit on the secured line of credit facility Swingline Line of Credit [Member] Swingline Line of Credit [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. Option to increase maximum borrowing capacity [Member] Option to increase maximum borrowing capacity [Member] Amount available to increase the revolving credit facility. Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member] Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member] Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument, Term Of Agreement [Axis] Debt Instrument, Term Of Agreement [Axis] Debt Instrument, Term Of Agreement [Axis] Debt Instrument, Term Of Agreement [Domain] Debt Instrument, Term Of Agreement [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Instrument, Term Of Agreement [Axis] Applicable Margin, Less Than Or Equal To 35% Utilization [Member] Applicable Margin, Less Than Or Equal To 35% Utilization [Member] Applicable Margin, Less Than Or Equal To 35% Utilization [Member] Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization [Member] Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization [Member] Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization [Member] Applicable Margin, Greater Than 50% Utilization [Member] Applicable Margin, Greater Than 50% Utilization [Member] Applicable Margin, Greater Than 50% Utilization [Member] Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Greater Than Or Equal To 50% [Member] Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Greater Than Or Equal To 50% [Member] Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Greater Than Or Equal To 50% [Member] Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Less Than 50% [Member] Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Less Than 50% [Member] Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Less Than 50% [Member] Credit Facilities [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Basis spread on variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Percentage of utilization Line Of Credit Facility, Facility Utilization Percentage Line Of Credit Facility, Facility Utilization Percentage Quarterly commitment fee Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage Outstanding debt percentage Line Of Credit, Percentage Outstanding Line Of Credit, Percentage Outstanding Line of credit Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Letters of credit issued Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Schedule of debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Loss on extinguishment of debt, net Debt Issuance Costs Incurred During Noncash or Partial Noncash Transaction Depreciation and amortization, net Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures Distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net earnings Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Amortization of entrance fees Recognition of Deferred Revenue Proceeds from deferred entrance fee revenue Proceeds From Deferred Entrance Fee Revenue Proceeds From Deferred Entrance Fee Revenue Deferred income tax provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Change in deferred lease liability Change in fair value of derivatives Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net Non-cash stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Non-cash interest expense on financing lease obligations Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Prepaid expenses and other assets, net Accounts payable and accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Tenant refundable fees and security deposits Increase (Decrease) in Security Deposits Deferred revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Increase in lease security deposits and lease acquisition deposits, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Deposits (Increase) decrease in cash and escrow deposits — restricted Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received Investment in unconsolidated ventures Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Distributions received from unconsolidated ventures Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Proceeds from sale of assets, net Property insurance proceeds Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of debt and capital and financing lease obligations Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Proceeds from line of credit Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayment of line of credit Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Payment of financing costs, net of related payables Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from refundable entrance fees, net of refunds Customer Refundable Fees, Proceeds Payment on lease termination Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Payments of employee taxes for withheld shares Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Senior Housing Communities [Member] Senior Housing Communities [Member] Senior Housing Communities [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Purchase price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Term of lease Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract Number of community leasehold interests contributed Equity Method Investments, Leasehold Interests Contributed, Number Of Communities Equity Method Investments, Leasehold Interests Contributed, Number Of Communities Payments to acquire joint venture Carrying value of investment Fair value of investment Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment by Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land [Member] Buildings and Improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Leasehold Improvements [Member] Furniture and Equipment [Member] Furniture and Fixtures [Member] Resident and Leasehold Operating Intangibles [Member] Resident and leasehold operating intangibles [Member] 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). Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Assets Under Capital and Financing Leases [Member] Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation and amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net Asset impairment, non-cash charge Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount Goodwill, Gross Dispositions and Other Reductions Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Net Goodwill impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table] Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] 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, Major Class Name [Domain] Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] 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. Community Purchase Options [Member] Community Purchase Options [Member] Community Purchase Options Health Care Licenses [Member] Health care licenses [Member] Health care licenses Tradenames [Member] Trade Names [Member] Management Contracts [Member] Contract-Based Intangible Assets [Member] Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items] 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. Gross Carrying Amount Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Gross 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. Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets