Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2018

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill

The following is a summary of the carrying value of goodwill by operating segment.

(in thousands)	Retirement Centers		Assisted Living			Brookdale Ancillary Services		Total
Balance at January 1, 2018	$	27,321	$	351,652		$	126,810	$	505,783
Impairment	—		(351,652		)	—		(351,652		)
Balance at September 30, 2018	$	27,321	$	—		$	126,810	$	154,131

Schedule of definite-lived intangible assets

Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows:

Asset Category	Estimated Useful Life (in years)
Trade names	2 – 5
Management contracts	3 – 9

The following is a summary of other intangible assets.

	September 30, 2018
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Community purchase options	$	4,738	$	—		$	4,738
Health care licenses	49,701		—			49,701
Trade names	27,800		(25,650		)	2,150
Management contracts	9,610		(6,546		)	3,064
Total	$	91,849	$	(32,196	)	$	59,653

	December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Community purchase options	$	9,533	$	—		$	9,533
Health care licenses	50,927		—			50,927
Trade names	27,800		(23,714		)	4,086
Management contracts	11,360		(7,929		)	3,431
Total	$	99,620	$	(31,643	)	$	67,977

Schedule of indefinite-lived intangible assets

The following is a summary of other intangible assets.

	September 30, 2018
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Community purchase options	$	4,738	$	—		$	4,738
Health care licenses	49,701		—			49,701
Trade names	27,800		(25,650		)	2,150
Management contracts	9,610		(6,546		)	3,064
Total	$	91,849	$	(32,196	)	$	59,653

	December 31, 2017
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Net
Community purchase options	$	9,533	$	—		$	9,533
Health care licenses	50,927		—			50,927
Trade names	27,800		(23,714		)	4,086
Management contracts	11,360		(7,929		)	3,431
Total	$	99,620	$	(31,643	)	$	67,977