Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 746,765		$ 746,765
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	(21,069)		(21,069)
Net	725,696		725,696
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	140,913		148,213
Accumulated Amortization	(21,878)		(19,027)
Net	119,035		129,186
Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets	2,900	$ 3,100
Retirement Centers [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	28,141		28,141
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	(721)		(721)
Net	27,420		27,420
Assisted Living [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	591,814		591,814
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	(20,348)		(20,348)
Net	571,466		571,466
Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	126,810		126,810
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	0		0
Net	126,810		126,810
Community Purchase Options [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	32,970		40,270
Accumulated Amortization	0		0
Net	32,970		40,270
Health Care Licenses [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	66,612		66,612
Accumulated Amortization	0		0
Net	66,612		66,612
Tradenames [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	27,800		27,800
Accumulated Amortization	(16,717)		(14,209)
Net	11,083		13,591
Other [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	13,531		13,531
Accumulated Amortization	(5,161)		(4,818)
Net	$ 8,370		$ 8,713