Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets	$ 900	$ 1,500	$ 4,800	$ 8,300
Asset impairment, non-cash charge	368,551	$ 19,111	390,816	$ 26,638
Assisted Living [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Excess carrying value of reporting unit	205,000		205,000
Goodwill impairment	205,000
Asset impairment, non-cash charge			133,700
Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Asset impairment, non-cash charge	13,700		$ 13,700
Health care licenses [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Asset impairment, non-cash charge	$ 13,700