Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2018	$ 505,783
Impairment	(351,652)
Balance at March 31, 2018	154,131
Retirement Centers [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2018	27,321
Impairment	0
Balance at March 31, 2018	27,321
Assisted Living [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2018	351,652
Impairment	(351,652)
Balance at March 31, 2018	0
Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2018	126,810
Impairment	0
Balance at March 31, 2018	$ 126,810