Document And Entity Information (USD $) In Billions, except Share data	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Aug. 04, 2011
Entity Registrant Name	Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	0001332349
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 1
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		121,973,612
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2011