Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 760,420	$ 755,113
Dispositions and Other Reductions	(49,637)	(49,637)
Accumulated Impairment	(205,000)	0
Net	505,783	705,476
Retirement Centers
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	28,141	28,141
Dispositions and Other Reductions	(820)	(820)
Accumulated Impairment	0	0
Net	27,321	27,321
Assisted Living
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	605,469	600,162
Dispositions and Other Reductions	(48,817)	(48,817)
Accumulated Impairment	(205,000)	0
Net	351,652	551,345
Brookdale Ancillary Services
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	126,810	126,810
Dispositions and Other Reductions	0	0
Accumulated Impairment	0	0
Net	$ 126,810	$ 126,810