Brookdale Senior Living (BKD) 10-Q 11 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	4-May-15	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1332349
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$4.20
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		184,142,672
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$115,182	$104,083
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted	38,377	38,862
Accounts receivable, net	162,853	149,730
Deferred tax asset	84,199	84,199
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	152,913	237,915
Total current assets	553,524	614,789
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	8,434,413	8,389,505
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted	44,572	56,376
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	318,232	312,925
Goodwill	734,989	736,805
Other intangible assets, net	154,677	154,773
Other assets, net	250,558	256,190
Total assets	10,490,965	10,521,363
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	147,217	159,922
Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations	76,770	112,343
Trade accounts payable	69,131	76,314
Accrued expenses	417,795	422,654
Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue	112,830	101,613
Tenant security deposits	4,508	4,916
Total current liabilities	828,251	877,762
Long-term debt, less current portion	3,434,133	3,356,808
Capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion	2,515,363	2,536,883
Line of credit	300,000	100,000
Deferred liabilities	249,986	256,346
Deferred tax liability	165,384	243,474
Other liabilities	236,654	267,849
Total liabilities	7,729,771	7,639,122
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014; 190,612,818 and 189,466,395 shares issued and 188,184,417 and 187,037,994 shares outstanding (including 4,041,745 and 3,552,143 unvested restricted shares), respectively	1,882	1,870
Additional paid-in-capital	4,044,305	4,034,655
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,428,401 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	-46,800	-46,800
Accumulated deficit	-1,238,452	-1,108,001
Total Brookdale Senior Living Inc. stockholders' equity	2,760,935	2,882,241
Noncontrolling Interest	259	517
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,761,194	2,882,241
Total liabilities equity	$10,490,965	$10,521,363

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	190,612,818	189,466,395
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	188,184,417	187,037,994
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	2,428,401	2,428,401
Unvested Restricted Stock [Member]
Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	4,041,745	3,552,143

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenue
Resident fees	$1,052,232	$650,310
Management fees	15,097	7,402
Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities	180,552	89,563
Total revenue	1,247,881	747,275
Expense
Facility operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization of $208,823 and $62,695 respectively)	702,215	429,870
General and administrative expense (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $8,873 and $7,572 respectively)	84,204	44,665
Transaction costs	6,742	10,844
Facility lease expense	94,471	69,869
Depreciation and amortization	220,427	70,316
Loss on facility lease termination	76,143	0
Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities	180,552	89,563
Total operating expense	1,364,754	715,127
Income from operations	-116,873	32,148
Interest income	427	321
Interest expense:
Debt	-42,348	-23,844
Capital and financing lease obligations	-53,203	-6,154
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premium (discount)	-381	-4,018
Change in fair value of derivatives	-550	-847
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	-44	0
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	1,484	636
Other non-operating income	2,491	465
Loss before income taxes	-208,997	-1,293
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	78,288	-1,006
Net loss	-130,709	-2,299
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	258	0
Net loss attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders	($130,451)	($2,299)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common shareholders	($0.71)	($0.02)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share	183,678	124,478

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$208,823	$62,695
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	$8,873	$7,572

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data
Balances at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$2,882,241	$1,870	$4,034,655	($46,800)	($1,108,001)	$2,881,724	$517
Balances at beginning of period - shares (in share) at Dec. 31, 2014	187,037,994	187,038,000
Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants	8,873	0	8,873	0	0	8,873	0
Net loss	-130,709	0	0	0	-130,451	-130,451	-258
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan	716	0	716	0	0	716	0
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan - shares (in shares)		20,000
Restricted stock, net	0	12	-12	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock, net - shares (in shares)		1,126,000
Other	73	0	73	0	0	73	0
Balances at end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	$2,761,194	$1,882	$4,044,305	($46,800)	($1,238,452)	$2,760,935	$259
Balances at end of period - shares (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2015	188,184,417	188,184,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net loss	($130,709)	($2,299)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	44	0
Depreciation and amortization	220,808	74,334
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	-1,484	-636
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net earnings	500	245
Amortization of deferred gain	-1,093	-1,093
Amortization of entrance fees	-767	-7,202
Proceeds from deferred entrance fee revenue	2,455	9,035
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	-79,237	598
Change in deferred lease liability	2,801	-223
Change in fair value of derivatives	550	847
Loss on sale of assets	0	76
Non-cash stock-based compensation	8,873	7,572
Non-cash interest expense on financing leases	5,700	0
Amortization of (above) below market rents, net	-1,959	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	-13,140	-2,499
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net	24,504	-5,816
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	-38,773	-27,561
Tenant refundable fees and security deposits	-510	-615
Deferred revenue	11,494	7,933
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,057	52,696
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Decrease in lease security deposits and lease acquisition deposits, net	13,037	7
Decrease in cash and escrow deposits - restricted	12,289	6,627
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	-79,129	-59,717
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received	-174,305	-515
Payments on notes receivable, net	740	76
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	-3,923	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-231,291	-53,522
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from debt	85,365	20,516
Repayment of debt and capital and financing lease obligations	-47,555	-22,401
Proceeds from line of credit	445,000	70,000
Repayment of line of credit	-245,000	-75,000
Payment of financing costs, net of related payables	-1,481	-2,905
Refundable entrance fees:
Proceeds from refundable entrance fees	36	5,924
Refunds of entrance fees	-829	-8,446
Cash portion of loss on extinguishment of debt	-44	0
Payment on lease termination	-3,875	0
Other	716	328
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	232,333	-11,984
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,099	-12,810
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	104,083	58,511
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$115,182	$45,701

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Description of Business [Abstract]
Description of Business	1.  Description of Business
	Brookdale Senior Living Inc. ("Brookdale" or the "Company") is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States.  The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions primarily within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest quality service, care and living accommodations for residents.  The Company operates independent living, assisted living and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers ("CCRCs").  Through its ancillary services program, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of March 31, 2015, and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. All adjustments made have been of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate and provide a fair presentation of interim period results. Interim financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results for an entire year. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto, together with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on February 25, 2015.
	The results of communities and companies acquired are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the respective acquisition.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brookdale and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in affiliated companies that the Company does not control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over governance and operation, are accounted for by the equity method.
	The Company continually evaluates its potential variable interest entity ("VIE") relationships under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810").  ASC 810 broadly defines a VIE as an entity in which either (i) the equity investors as a group, if any, lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of such entity that most significantly impact such entity's economic performance or (ii) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support. The Company identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company performs this analysis on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIEs for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 13 for more information about the Company's VIE relationships.
	Revenue Recognition
	Resident Fees
	Resident fee revenue is recorded when services are rendered and consists of fees for basic housing, support services and fees associated with additional services such as personalized health and assisted living care. Residency agreements are generally for a term of 30 days to one year, with resident fees billed monthly in advance. Revenue for certain skilled nursing services and ancillary charges is recognized as services are provided and is billed monthly in arrears.
	Management Fees
	Management fee revenue is recorded as services are provided to the owners of the communities. Revenues are determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined).
	Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities
	The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a monthly management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. Where the Company is the primary obligor with respect to any such operating expenses, the Company recognizes revenue when the goods have been delivered or the service has been rendered and the Company is due reimbursement. Such revenue is included in "reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
	Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
	Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
	Cash and cash equivalents and cash and escrow deposits – restricted are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity.
	The Company estimates the fair value of its debt using a discounted cash flow analysis based upon the Company's current borrowing rate for debt with similar maturities and collateral securing the indebtedness. The Company had outstanding debt with a carrying value of approximately $3.6 billion as of March 31, 2015 and $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2014. The Company had capital and financing lease obligations with a carrying value of $2.6 billion as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Fair value of the debt and capital and financing lease obligations approximates carrying value in all periods. The Company's fair value of debt and capital and financing lease obligations disclosure is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company follows ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation ("ASC 718") in accounting for its share-based payments. This guidance requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the employee stock awards. This cost is recognized as compensation expense ratably over the employee's requisite service period. Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date are recognized when incurred.
	Certain of the Company's employee stock awards vest only upon the achievement of performance targets. ASC 718 requires recognition of compensation cost only when achievement of performance conditions is considered probable. Consequently, the Company's determination of the amount of stock compensation expense requires a significant level of judgment in estimating the probability of achievement of these performance targets. Additionally, the Company must make estimates regarding employee forfeitures in determining compensation expense. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored and estimates are updated as information is available.
	For all share-based awards with graded vesting other than awards with performance-based vesting conditions, the Company records compensation expense for the entire award on a straight-line basis (or, if applicable, on the accelerated method) over the requisite service period. For graded-vesting awards with performance-based vesting conditions, total compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the award as if the award is, in substance, multiple awards once the performance target is deemed probable of achievement. Performance goals are evaluated quarterly. If such goals are not ultimately met or it is not probable the goals will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed.
	Self-Insurance Liability Accruals
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies for its owned, leased and managed communities under a master insurance program, the Company's current policies provide for deductibles for each and every claim. As a result, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts. In addition, the Company maintains a high deductible workers compensation program and a self-insured employee medical program. The Company reviews the adequacy of its accruals related to these liabilities on an ongoing basis, using historical claims, actuarial valuations, third-party administrator estimates, consultants, advice from legal counsel and industry data, and adjusts accruals periodically. Estimated costs related to these self-insurance programs are accrued based on known claims and projected claims incurred but not yet reported. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored and estimates are updated as information is available.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires entities to present debt issuance costs as a direct adjustment to the carrying value of the debt instead of as an asset. This presentation is consistent with the current accounting for debt discounts and premiums. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016, and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement—Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items ("ASU 2015-01"). ASU 2015-01 is intended to reduce complexity and cost of compliance with GAAP by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items in the statement of operations. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-01 on January 1, 2015, and it did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 defines management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the Company beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-15 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	3.  Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.  Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also gives effect to dilutive common stock equivalents.  For purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share, vested restricted stock awards are considered outstanding. Under the treasury stock method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other instruments that are convertible into common stock were exercised or could result in the issuance of common stock.  Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents include unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible debt instruments and warrants.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company reported a consolidated net loss.  As a result of the net loss, unvested restricted stock, restricted stock unit awards and convertible debt instruments and warrants were antidilutive for each period and were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares.  The weighted average restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share were 4.0 million and 3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	The calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of conversion of the outstanding principal amount of $316.3 million of the Company's 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2018. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the notes is approximately 13.8 million (after giving effect to additional make-whole shares issuable upon conversion in connection with the occurrence of certain events); however it is the Company's current intent and policy to settle the principal amount of the notes in cash upon conversion. The maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the notes in excess of the amount of principal that would be settled in cash is approximately 3.0 million. In addition, the calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of the exercise of warrants to acquire the Company's common stock. As of March 31, 2015 and 2014, the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants was approximately 10.8 million. See Note 8 for more information about the 2.75% convertible notes.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	4.  Acquisitions
	Acquisition of Emeritus
	On July 31, 2014, the Company completed the merger contemplated by that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of February 20, 2014, (the "Merger Agreement") by and among Emeritus Corporation ("Emeritus"), the Company, and Broadway Merger Sub Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("Merger Sub"), pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Emeritus, with Emeritus continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Merger"). Prior to the Merger, Emeritus was a senior living service provider focused on operating residential style communities throughout the United States. As of July 31, 2014 Emeritus operated 493 communities, including assisted living and dementia care communities. Many of these communities offer independent living alternatives and, to a lesser extent, skilled nursing care. As of July 31, 2014, Emeritus owned 182 communities and leased 311 communities. Prior to the Merger, Emeritus also offered a range of outpatient therapy and home health services in Florida, Arizona and Texas.
	The aggregate acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred in the Merger was approximately $3.0 billion which consisted of the issuance of 47.6 million shares of the Company's common stock with a fair value of approximately $1.6 billion upon the cancellation of all shares of Emeritus' common stock and stock options, as well as the Company's assumption of approximately $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of existing mortgage indebtedness of Emeritus. The fair value of the 47.6 million common shares issued was determined based on the closing market price of the Company's common shares on July 31, 2014, the effective date of the Merger.
	Emeritus maintained general and professional liability coverage for its owned, leased and managed communities under insurance policies that provided for self-insured retention.  In certain historical periods Emeritus was uninsured for a subset of communities.  In addition, it maintained a large-deductible workers compensation and a self-insured employee medical program.  Emeritus accrued for claims under these three programs and therefore maintained reserves for liabilities related thereto.  The Company acquired these liabilities as a result of the Merger, evaluated the adequacy of Emeritus' insurance reserves by reviewing historical claims, investigating claim files with assistance from Emeritus' third party administrators and other consultants, reviewing Emeritus' historical actuarial reports, and obtaining new actuarial valuations for claims incurred but not paid as of the date of the Merger.  The Company also acquired tail insurance to provide coverage for general and professional liability claims incurred before the Merger date but made after, and maintains reserves for deductibles payable under the tail policies.
	The allocation of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed has changed from the allocation reported in "Note 4 – Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on February 25, 2015. The changes to the Company's valuation assumptions were based on more accurate information becoming available concerning the subject assets and liabilities. The purchase price allocation adjustments were related to pre-acquisition self-insurance reserves and the related deferred tax impact, resulting in a $1.8 million net decrease to the goodwill allocated to the Assisted Living segment during the three months ended March 31, 2015. None of these changes had a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements. The allocation of fair values is subject to further adjustment due primarily to information not readily available at the acquisition date related to subjective reserves and property valuations and adjustments to our valuation assumptions and the related deferred tax impact. The Company's assessment of the fair values and the allocation of the purchase price to the identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities are its current best estimate of fair value. The Company will continue to monitor this preliminary purchase price allocation during the measurement period, as allowed for under ASC 805, Business Combinations.
	The following table provides the pro forma consolidated operational data as if the Company had acquired Emeritus on January 1, 2013 (in millions, except share and per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014
	Total revenue	$	1,269
	Net loss attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders		(15	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders	$	(0.09	)
	Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands)		172,062
	The Company incurred $10.4 million of transaction costs related to the acquisition of Emeritus for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Transaction costs are primarily comprised of transaction fees and direct acquisition costs, including legal, finance, consulting, professional fees and other third party costs. The pro forma consolidated operational data for the three months ended March 31, 2014 excludes $10.4 million of transaction costs that were directly attributable to the Merger. On August 29, 2014, the Company and HCP, Inc. ("HCP") entered into two ventures and amended the terms of certain existing agreements between the Company and HCP as reported in "Note 4 – Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on February 25, 2015. The pro forma consolidated operational data reflects the Company's full ownership interests and previously existing lease terms.
	The pro forma consolidated operational data is based on assumptions and estimates considered appropriate by the Company's management; however, these pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been obtained had the Merger occurred at the beginning of the period presented, nor do they purport to represent the consolidated results of operations for future periods. The pro forma consolidated operational data does not include the impact of any synergies that may be achieved from the acquisition of Emeritus or any strategies that management may consider in order to continue to efficiently manage operations.
	Community Acquisitions
	On December 29, 2014, the Company exercised its purchase option under an amended and restated master lease with HCP, as amended. As a result, the Company agreed to purchase the fee simple interest of nine communities previously leased to the Company for an aggregate purchase price of $60.0 million. On December 31, 2014, the Company paid the full purchase price of $51.4 million of cash as a deposit for the purchase of eight of the nine communities, and the Company took title to these eight communities at the closing on January 1, 2015. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Assisted Living and CCRCs - Rental segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2015. On May 1, 2015, the Company acquired the ninth community and paid the remainder of the purchase price of $8.6 million of cash.
	In February 2015, the Company acquired the underlying real estate associated with 15 communities that were previously leased for an aggregate purchase price of $268.6 million. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Retirement Centers, Assisted Living, and CCRCs – Rental segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company financed the transaction with cash on hand, amounts drawn on the secured credit facility and $20.0 million of seller financing. The $20.0 million note has a five year term and bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.0%. The fair value of the communities acquired was determined to approximate $187.2 million. The Company recorded the difference between the amount paid and the estimated fair value of the communities acquired ($76.1 million) as a loss on facility lease termination on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and reversed $5.3 million of deferred lease liabilities associated with the termination of the operating lease agreements. The payment for the termination of the lease agreements has been included within net cash provided by operating activities within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	5.  Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company's compensation expense recorded in connection with grants of restricted stock reflects an initial estimated cumulative forfeiture rate from 0% to 15% over the requisite service period of the awards. That estimate is revised if subsequent information indicates that the actual number of awards expected to vest is likely to differ from previous estimates.
	Current year grants of restricted shares under the Company's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan were as follows (amounts in thousands except for value per share):
		Shares Granted		Value Per Share			Total Value
	Three months ended March 31, 2015		1,335		$	34.57 - 34.89		$	46,142

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net
	The following is a summary of the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014 presented on an operating segment basis (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Impairment					Carrying		Impairment
		Amount		and Other					Amount		and Other
				Charges							Charges
	Retirement Centers	$	28,141	$	(521	)	$	27,620	$	28,141	$	(521	)	$	27,620
	Assisted Living		580,807		(248	)		580,559		582,623		(248	)		582,375
	Brookdale Ancillary Services		126,810		—			126,810		126,810		—			126,810
	Total	$	735,758	$	(769	)	$	734,989	$	737,574	$	(769	)	$	736,805
	Goodwill is tested for impairment annually with a test date of October 1 or sooner if indicators of impairment are present.  No indicators of impairment were present during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	As identified in Note 4, the purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Emeritus was adjusted during the three months ended March 31, 2015, which resulted in a $1.8 million decrease to the goodwill allocated to the Assisted Living segment. The purchase price allocation for the acquisition of Emeritus is preliminary and the finalization of such estimate may result in future adjustments to goodwill balances reported in the table above.
	The following is a summary of other intangible assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization					Carrying		Amortization
		Amount							Amount
	Community purchase options	$	55,738	$	—		$	55,738	$	55,738	$	—		$	55,738
	Health care licenses		67,508		—			67,508		64,538		—			64,538
	Trade names		27,800		(6,686	)		21,114		27,800		(4,179	)		23,621
	Other		13,531		(3,214	)		10,317		13,531		(2,655	)		10,876
	Total	$	164,577	$	(9,900	)	$	154,677	$	161,607	$	(6,834	)	$	154,773
	Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $3.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Health care licenses were determined to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization. The community purchase options are not currently amortized, but will be added to the cost basis of the related communities if the option is exercised, and will then be depreciated over the estimated useful life of the community.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net	7.  Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net
	Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	510,749		$	475,485
	Buildings and improvements		5,227,145			5,017,991
	Leasehold improvements		56,603			56,515
	Furniture and equipment		777,039			735,837
	Resident and leasehold operating intangibles		852,617			852,746
	Construction in progress		108,990			99,408
	Assets under capital and financing leases		3,024,902			3,057,516
			10,558,045			10,295,498
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(2,123,632	)		(1,905,993	)
	Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	$	8,434,413		$	8,389,505
	Long-lived assets with definite useful lives are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (or, in certain cases, the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term) and are tested for impairment whenever indicators of impairment arise. No indicators of impairment were present during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	8.  Debt
	Long-term Debt and Capital and Financing Lease Obligations
	Long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Mortgage notes payable due 2016 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.82%	$	3,140,091	$	3,105,410
	for the three months ended March 31, 2015, including debt premium of $55.7 million and $59.6 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively (weighted average interest rate of 4.84% in 2014)
	Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2030; weighted average interest rate of 8.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 8.57% in 2014)		2,592,133		2,649,226
	Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt discount of $41.1 million and $43.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, interest at 2.75% per annum, due June 2018		275,198		272,345
	Construction financing due 2017 through 2019; weighted average interest rate of 5.04% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 4.90% in 2014)		65,588		50,118
	Notes payable issued to finance insurance premiums, weighted average interest rate of 2.82% for the three months ended March 31, 2015  (weighted average interest rate of 2.82% in 2014), due 2015		16,124		22,586
	Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 5.52% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 4.75% in 2014) and maturity dates ranging from 2015 to 2020		84,349		66,271
	Total		6,173,483		6,165,956
	Less current portion of long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations		223,987		272,265
	Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$	5,949,496	$	5,893,691
	Credit Facilities
	On December 19, 2014, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent, lender and swingline lender, and the other lenders from time to time parties thereto. The amended credit agreement amended and restated in its entirety the Company's previously existing Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 20, 2013, which provided a total commitment amount of $250.0 million. The amended agreement provides for a total commitment amount of $500.0 million, comprised of a $100.0 million term loan drawn at closing and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility (with a $50.0 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $50.0 million swingline feature to permit same day borrowing) and an option to increase the revolving credit facility by an additional $250.0 million, subject to obtaining commitments for the amount of such increase from acceptable lenders. In addition, the amended credit agreement extended the maturity date from March 31, 2018 to January 3, 2020 and decreased the interest rate payable on drawn amounts and the fee payable on the unused portion of the facility. Amounts drawn under the facility will continue to bear interest at 90-day LIBOR plus an applicable margin; however, the amended agreement reduces the applicable margin from a range of 3.25% to 4.25% to a range of 2.50% to 3.50%. The applicable margin varies based on the percentage of the total commitment drawn, with a 2.50% margin at utilization equal to or lower than 35%, a 3.25% margin at utilization greater than 35% but less than or equal to 50%, and a 3.50% margin at utilization greater than 50%. The amended agreement also eliminates the minimum 0.5% LIBOR rate included in the prior agreement.
	Amounts drawn on the facility may be used to finance acquisitions, fund working capital and capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.
	The credit facility will continue to be secured by first priority mortgages on certain of the Company's communities. In addition, the amended agreement permits the Company to pledge the equity interests in subsidiaries that own other communities (rather than mortgaging such communities), provided that loan availability from pledged assets cannot exceed 10% of loan availability from mortgaged assets. The availability under the line will vary from time to time as it is based on borrowing base calculations related to the appraised value and performance of the communities securing the facility.
	The amended credit agreement contains typical affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants with respect to minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage and minimum consolidated tangible net worth. A violation of any of these covenants could result in a default under the credit agreement, which would result in termination of all commitments under the credit agreement and all amounts owing under the amended credit agreement and certain other loan agreements becoming immediately due and payable.
	As of March 31, 2015, the outstanding balance under this credit facility was $300.0 million.  The Company also had secured and unsecured letter of credit facilities of up to $109.3 million in the aggregate as of March 31, 2015.  Letters of credit totaling $83.9 million had been issued under these facilities as of that date.
	Financings
	On March 31, 2015, the Company obtained a $63.0 million loan, secured by first mortgages on six communities. The loan bears interest at a variable rate equal to 90-day LIBOR plus a margin of 325 basis points and matures on April 1, 2020.
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its outstanding debt and lease agreements.

Litigation

Litigation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Litigation [Abstract]
Litigation	9.  Litigation
	The Company has been and is currently involved in litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of its business which are comparable to other companies in the senior living industry. Certain claims and lawsuits allege large damage amounts and may require significant costs to defend and resolve. Similarly, the senior living industry is continuously subject to scrutiny by governmental regulators, which could result in litigation related to regulatory compliance matters. As a result, the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies in amounts and with coverage and deductibles the Company believes are adequate, based on the nature and risks of its business, historical experience and industry standards. The Company's current policies provide for deductibles for each claim. Accordingly, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts.
	Stockholder Litigation
	In connection with the acquisition of Emeritus described in Note 4, three purported class action lawsuits relating to the Merger Agreement, by and among the Company, Emeritus and Merger Sub, were filed on behalf of Emeritus shareholders in the Superior Court of King County, Washington against Emeritus, members of the Emeritus board of directors, the Company and Merger Sub (the "Defendants"), which lawsuits were subsequently consolidated into a single action captioned In re Emeritus Corp. Shareholder Litigation, No. 14-2-06385-7 SEA (the "Washington Action"). On June 26, 2014, the Defendants entered into a memorandum of understanding (the "Memorandum of Understanding") with respect to a proposed settlement of the Washington Action, pursuant to which the parties agreed, among other things, that the Company and Emeritus would make certain supplemental disclosures related to the proposed merger, which supplemental disclosures were made by the Company in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 27, 2014 and incorporated by reference into the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 and the joint proxy statement/prospectus of the Company and Emeritus included therein. The parties agreed to use their collective best efforts to obtain final approval of the settlement and the dismissal of the Washington Action with prejudice.  Following the provision of notice of the settlement to Emeritus' shareholders, on May 1, 2015, the court approved the settlement and dismissed the Washington Action with prejudice.

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	10.  Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
	(dollars in thousands):	Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
	Interest paid	$	86,732		$	28,059
	Income taxes paid	$	41		$	268
	Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received:
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	$	(47,225	)		—
	Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net		184,964			—
	Other intangible assets, net		2,970			515
	Capital and financing lease obligations		53,596			—
	Long-term debt		(20,000	)		—
	Net cash paid	$	174,305		$	515

Facility_Operating_Leases

Facility Operating Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Facility Operating Leases [Abstract]
Facility Operating Leases	11.  Facility Operating Leases
	The following table provides a summary of facility lease expense and the impact of straight-line adjustment and amortization of deferred gains (dollars in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Cash basis payment	$	94,722		$	71,185
	Straight-line expense		2,801			(223	)
	Amortization of (above) below market rent, net		(1,959	)		—
	Amortization of deferred gain		(1,093	)		(1,093	)
	Facility lease expense	$	94,471		$	69,869

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	12.  Income Taxes
	The difference in the Company's effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was primarily due to changes in the Company's financial results under generally accepted accounting principles and the reversal of the majority of the Company's valuation allowance, which occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2014. The Company recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $79.2 million as a result of the operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets each quarter to determine if a valuation allowance is required based on whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset would not be realized. The Company's valuation allowance as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is $9.2 million.
	The Company recorded interest charges related to its tax contingency reserve for cash tax positions for the three months ended March 31, 2015 which are included in income tax expense (benefit) for the period.  Tax returns for years 2011 through 2013 are subject to future examination by tax authorities.  In addition, the net operating losses from prior years are subject to adjustment under examination.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures	13.  Variable Interest Entities
	At March 31, 2015, the Company has equity interests in unconsolidated VIEs. The Company has determined that it does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs' economic performance and is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs in accordance with ASC 810. The Company's interests in the VIEs are, therefore, accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
	The Company holds a 51% equity interest in a venture that owns and operates entry fee CCRCs (the "CCRC Venture"). The CCRC Venture's opco has been identified as a VIE. The equity members of the CCRC Venture's opco share certain operating rights, and the Company acts as manager to the CCRC Venture opco; however, the Company does not consolidate this VIE because it does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact this VIE's economic performance. The assets of the CCRC Venture opco primarily consist of the CCRCs that it owns and leases, resident fees receivable, notes receivable and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the CCRC Venture opco primarily consist of community lease obligations, mortgage debt, accounts payable, accrued expenses and refundable entrance fees. Assets generated by the CCRC operations (primarily rents from CCRC residents) of the CCRC Venture opco may only be used to settle its contractual obligations (primarily the rental costs and operating expenses incurred to operate the communities).
	The Company holds a 20% equity interest, and HCP owns an 80% equity interest, in each of the propco and opco of a venture ("HCP 49 Venture"). The opco and propco of the HCP 49 Venture have been identified as VIEs. The equity members of the HCP 49 Venture share certain operating rights and the Company acts as manager to the HCP 49 Venture opco; however, the Company does not consolidate these VIEs because it does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIEs. The assets of the HCP 49 Venture propco primarily consist of the senior housing communities that it owns and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the HCP 49 Venture propco primarily consist of a note payable to HCP. The assets of the HCP 49 Venture opco primarily consist of the senior housing communities that it leases, resident fees receivable and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the HCP 49 Venture opco primarily consist of community lease obligations, accounts payable and accrued expenses. Assets generated by the operations of the senior housing communities (primarily rents from senior housing residents) of the HCP 49 Venture may only be used to settle its contractual obligations (primarily the rental costs and operating expenses incurred to operate the communities).
	The carrying value and classification of the related assets, liabilities and maximum exposure to loss as a result of the Company's involvement with these VIEs are summarized below at March 31, 2015 (in millions):
	VIE Type	Asset Type	Maximum Exposure to Loss		Carrying Amount
	CCRC Venture opco	Investment in unconsolidated ventures	$	190.6	$	190.6
	HCP 49 Venture opco and propco	Investment in unconsolidated ventures	$	70.9	$	70.9
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company is not required to provide financial support, through a liquidity arrangement or otherwise, to its unconsolidated VIEs.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	14.  Segment Information
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company has five reportable segments: Retirement Centers; Assisted Living; CCRCs – Rental; Brookdale Ancillary Services; and Management Services. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; for which separate financial information is available; and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of the individual segment and make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment.
	Prior to August 29, 2014, the Company had an additional reportable segment, CCRCs - Entry Fee. On August 29, 2014, the Company contributed all but two of its entry fee CCRCs to the CCRC Venture, at which time the contributed CCRCs were deconsolidated.  The results of the entry fee CCRCs contributed to the CCRC Venture are reported in the CCRCs - Entry Fee segment for the time periods prior to being contributed to the CCRC Venture. The results of the two CCRCs that were not contributed to the CCRC Venture are included in the CCRCs - Entry Fee segment for the three month period March 31, 2014 and the CCRCs - Rental segment for the three month period ended March 31, 2015, based on how operating results are being reviewed by the chief operating decision maker following the creation of the CCRC Venture. The CCRC Venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting.
	Subsequent to March 31, 2014, one community was moved from the Retirement Centers segment to the CCRCs - Rental segment to more accurately reflect the underlying product offering of the community. The movement did not change our reportable segments, but it did impact the revenues and expenses reported within the Retirement Centers and CCRCs - Rental segments. Revenue and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 have not been recast.
	Retirement Centers.  The Company's Retirement Centers segment includes owned or leased communities that are primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors generally age 75 and older who desire an upscale residential environment providing the highest quality of service. The majority of the Company's retirement center communities consist of both independent living and assisted living units in a single community, which allows residents to "age-in-place" by providing them with a continuum of senior independent and assisted living services.
	Assisted Living.  The Company's Assisted Living segment includes owned or leased communities that offer housing and 24-hour assistance with activities of daily life to mid-acuity frail and elderly residents. Assisted living communities include both freestanding, multi-story communities and freestanding single story communities. The Company also operates memory care communities, which are freestanding assisted living communities specially designed for residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
	CCRCs - Rental.  The Company's CCRCs - Rental segment includes large owned or leased communities that offer a variety of living arrangements and services to accommodate all levels of physical ability and health. Most of the Company's CCRCs have independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing available on one campus or within the immediate market, and some also include memory care/Alzheimer's units. As of March 31, 2015, the CCRCs - Rental segment also includes three entry fee CCRCs.
	CCRCs - Entry Fee.  Prior to August 29, 2014, the Company had an additional reportable segment, CCRCs - Entry Fee. The communities in the Company's former CCRCs - Entry Fee segment are similar to rental CCRCs but allow for residents in the independent living apartment units to pay a one-time upfront entrance fee, which is partially refundable in certain circumstances. In addition to the initial entrance fee, residents under all entrance fee agreements also pay a monthly service fee, which entitles them to the use of certain amenities and services.
	Brookdale Ancillary Services. The Company's Brookdale Ancillary Services segment includes the outpatient therapy, home health and hospice services provided to residents of many of the Company's communities, to other senior living communities that the Company does not own or operate and to seniors living outside of the Company's communities. The Brookdale Ancillary Services segment does not include the therapy services provided in the Company's skilled nursing units, which are included in the Company's CCRCs - Rental and CCRCs - Entry Fee segments.
	Management Services.  The Company's Management Services segment includes communities operated by the Company pursuant to management agreements. In some of the cases, the controlling financial interest in the community is held by third parties and, in other cases, the community is owned in a venture structure in which the Company has an ownership interest. Under the management agreements for these communities, the Company receives management fees as well as reimbursed expenses, which represent the reimbursement of expenses it incurs on behalf of the owners.
	The accounting policies of the Company's reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2.
	The following table sets forth certain segment financial and operating data (dollars in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Revenue
	Retirement Centers(1)		$	163,486		$	132,349
	Assisted Living(1)			617,344			277,431
	CCRCs - Rental(1)			155,991			97,944
	CCRCs - Entry Fee(1)			—			79,169
	Brookdale Ancillary Services(1)			115,411			63,417
	Management Services(2)			195,649			96,965
			$	1,247,881		$	747,275
	Segment Operating Income(3)
	Retirement Centers		$	69,409		$	56,230
	Assisted Living			219,983			104,992
	CCRCs - Rental			37,883			26,830
	CCRCs - Entry Fee			—			19,635
	Brookdale Ancillary Services			22,742			12,753
	Management Services			15,097			7,402
				365,114			227,842
	General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense)			84,204			44,665
	Transaction costs			6,742			10,844
	Facility lease expense			94,471			69,869
	Depreciation and amortization			220,427			70,316
	Loss on facility lease termination			76,143			—
	(Loss) income from operations		$	(116,873	)	$	32,148
			As of
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
	Total assets
	Retirement Centers		$	1,601,789		$	1,603,704
	Assisted Living			6,538,732			6,513,376
	CCRCs - Rental			1,100,344			1,065,116
	Brookdale Ancillary Services			247,340			224,229
	Corporate and Management Services			1,002,760			1,114,938
	Total assets		$	10,490,965		$	10,521,363
	-1	All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.
	-2	Management services segment revenue includes reimbursements for which the Company is the primary obligor of costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.
	(3)  Segment operating income is defined as segment revenues less segment operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization).

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	15.       Subsequent Events
	On March 17, 2015, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 10% ownership interest in a newly formed RIDEA venture with HCP. The Company and HCP have entered into a definitive agreement for the venture to acquire 35 senior housing communities for $849 million. The Company has operated these communities under a management agreement since 2011 and will continue to manage the communities post-closing under a long-term management agreement. The closing of this acquisition, expected in 2015, is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. There can be no assurance that the acquisition will close or, if it does, when the closing will occur.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of March 31, 2015, and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. All adjustments made have been of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate and provide a fair presentation of interim period results. Interim financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results for an entire year. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto, together with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 filed with the SEC on February 25, 2015.
	The results of communities and companies acquired are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the respective acquisition.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brookdale and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in affiliated companies that the Company does not control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over governance and operation, are accounted for by the equity method.
	The Company continually evaluates its potential variable interest entity ("VIE") relationships under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810").  ASC 810 broadly defines a VIE as an entity in which either (i) the equity investors as a group, if any, lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of such entity that most significantly impact such entity's economic performance or (ii) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support. The Company identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company performs this analysis on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIEs for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 13 for more information about the Company's VIE relationships.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Resident Fees
	Resident fee revenue is recorded when services are rendered and consists of fees for basic housing, support services and fees associated with additional services such as personalized health and assisted living care. Residency agreements are generally for a term of 30 days to one year, with resident fees billed monthly in advance. Revenue for certain skilled nursing services and ancillary charges is recognized as services are provided and is billed monthly in arrears.
	Management Fees
	Management fee revenue is recorded as services are provided to the owners of the communities. Revenues are determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined).
	Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities
	The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a monthly management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. Where the Company is the primary obligor with respect to any such operating expenses, the Company recognizes revenue when the goods have been delivered or the service has been rendered and the Company is due reimbursement. Such revenue is included in "reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:
	Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
	Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
	Cash and cash equivalents and cash and escrow deposits – restricted are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity.
	The Company estimates the fair value of its debt using a discounted cash flow analysis based upon the Company's current borrowing rate for debt with similar maturities and collateral securing the indebtedness. The Company had outstanding debt with a carrying value of approximately $3.6 billion as of March 31, 2015 and $3.5 billion as of December 31, 2014. The Company had capital and financing lease obligations with a carrying value of $2.6 billion as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Fair value of the debt and capital and financing lease obligations approximates carrying value in all periods. The Company's fair value of debt and capital and financing lease obligations disclosure is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company follows ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation ("ASC 718") in accounting for its share-based payments. This guidance requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the employee stock awards. This cost is recognized as compensation expense ratably over the employee's requisite service period. Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date are recognized when incurred.
	Certain of the Company's employee stock awards vest only upon the achievement of performance targets. ASC 718 requires recognition of compensation cost only when achievement of performance conditions is considered probable. Consequently, the Company's determination of the amount of stock compensation expense requires a significant level of judgment in estimating the probability of achievement of these performance targets. Additionally, the Company must make estimates regarding employee forfeitures in determining compensation expense. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored and estimates are updated as information is available.
	For all share-based awards with graded vesting other than awards with performance-based vesting conditions, the Company records compensation expense for the entire award on a straight-line basis (or, if applicable, on the accelerated method) over the requisite service period. For graded-vesting awards with performance-based vesting conditions, total compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the award as if the award is, in substance, multiple awards once the performance target is deemed probable of achievement. Performance goals are evaluated quarterly. If such goals are not ultimately met or it is not probable the goals will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed.
Self-Insurance Liability Accruals	Self-Insurance Liability Accruals
	The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies for its owned, leased and managed communities under a master insurance program, the Company's current policies provide for deductibles for each and every claim. As a result, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts. In addition, the Company maintains a high deductible workers compensation program and a self-insured employee medical program. The Company reviews the adequacy of its accruals related to these liabilities on an ongoing basis, using historical claims, actuarial valuations, third-party administrator estimates, consultants, advice from legal counsel and industry data, and adjusts accruals periodically. Estimated costs related to these self-insurance programs are accrued based on known claims and projected claims incurred but not yet reported. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored and estimates are updated as information is available.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires entities to present debt issuance costs as a direct adjustment to the carrying value of the debt instead of as an asset. This presentation is consistent with the current accounting for debt discounts and premiums. ASU 2015-03 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016, and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement—Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items ("ASU 2015-01"). ASU 2015-01 is intended to reduce complexity and cost of compliance with GAAP by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items in the statement of operations. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-01 on January 1, 2015, and it did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures for the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern ("ASU 2014-15"). ASU 2014-15 defines management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the Company beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-15 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
	In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Acquisitions [Abstract]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data	The following table provides the pro forma consolidated operational data as if the Company had acquired Emeritus on January 1, 2013 (in millions, except share and per share data):
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2014
	Total revenue	$	1,269
	Net loss attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders		(15	)
	Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders	$	(0.09	)
	Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share (in thousands)		172,062

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Current year grants of restricted shares	Current year grants of restricted shares under the Company's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan were as follows (amounts in thousands except for value per share):
		Shares Granted		Value Per Share			Total Value
	Three months ended March 31, 2015		1,335		$	34.57 - 34.89		$	46,142

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The following is a summary of the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014 presented on an operating segment basis (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Impairment					Carrying		Impairment
		Amount		and Other					Amount		and Other
				Charges							Charges
	Retirement Centers	$	28,141	$	(521	)	$	27,620	$	28,141	$	(521	)	$	27,620
	Assisted Living		580,807		(248	)		580,559		582,623		(248	)		582,375
	Brookdale Ancillary Services		126,810		—			126,810		126,810		—			126,810
	Total	$	735,758	$	(769	)	$	734,989	$	737,574	$	(769	)	$	736,805
Other intangible assets	The following is a summary of other intangible assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):
		31-Mar-15							31-Dec-14
		Gross		Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying		Amortization					Carrying		Amortization
		Amount							Amount
	Community purchase options	$	55,738	$	—		$	55,738	$	55,738	$	—		$	55,738
	Health care licenses		67,508		—			67,508		64,538		—			64,538
	Trade names		27,800		(6,686	)		21,114		27,800		(4,179	)		23,621
	Other		13,531		(3,214	)		10,317		13,531		(2,655	)		10,876
	Total	$	164,577	$	(9,900	)	$	154,677	$	161,607	$	(6,834	)	$	154,773

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a1

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
		March 31,			December 31,
		2015			2014
	Land	$	510,749		$	475,485
	Buildings and improvements		5,227,145			5,017,991
	Leasehold improvements		56,603			56,515
	Furniture and equipment		777,039			735,837
	Resident and leasehold operating intangibles		852,617			852,746
	Construction in progress		108,990			99,408
	Assets under capital and financing leases		3,024,902			3,057,516
			10,558,045			10,295,498
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(2,123,632	)		(1,905,993	)
	Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	$	8,434,413		$	8,389,505

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	Long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations consist of the following (dollars in thousands):
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
	Mortgage notes payable due 2016 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.82%	$	3,140,091	$	3,105,410
	for the three months ended March 31, 2015, including debt premium of $55.7 million and $59.6 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively (weighted average interest rate of 4.84% in 2014)
	Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2030; weighted average interest rate of 8.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 8.57% in 2014)		2,592,133		2,649,226
	Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt discount of $41.1 million and $43.9 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, interest at 2.75% per annum, due June 2018		275,198		272,345
	Construction financing due 2017 through 2019; weighted average interest rate of 5.04% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 4.90% in 2014)		65,588		50,118
	Notes payable issued to finance insurance premiums, weighted average interest rate of 2.82% for the three months ended March 31, 2015  (weighted average interest rate of 2.82% in 2014), due 2015		16,124		22,586
	Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 5.52% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 4.75% in 2014) and maturity dates ranging from 2015 to 2020		84,349		66,271
	Total		6,173,483		6,165,956
	Less current portion of long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations		223,987		272,265
	Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$	5,949,496	$	5,893,691

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas1

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	(dollars in thousands):	Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
	Interest paid	$	86,732		$	28,059
	Income taxes paid	$	41		$	268
	Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received:
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	$	(47,225	)		—
	Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net		184,964			—
	Other intangible assets, net		2,970			515
	Capital and financing lease obligations		53,596			—
	Long-term debt		(20,000	)		—
	Net cash paid	$	174,305		$	515

Facility_Operating_Leases_Tabl

Facility Operating Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Facility Operating Leases [Abstract]
Summary of facility operating leases	The following table provides a summary of facility lease expense and the impact of straight-line adjustment and amortization of deferred gains (dollars in thousands):
		Three Months Ended
		March 31,
		2015			2014
	Cash basis payment	$	94,722		$	71,185
	Straight-line expense		2,801			(223	)
	Amortization of (above) below market rent, net		(1,959	)		—
	Amortization of deferred gain		(1,093	)		(1,093	)
	Facility lease expense	$	94,471		$	69,869

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	The carrying value and classification of the related assets, liabilities and maximum exposure to loss as a result of the Company's involvement with these VIEs are summarized below at March 31, 2015 (in millions):
	VIE Type	Asset Type	Maximum Exposure to Loss		Carrying Amount
	CCRC Venture opco	Investment in unconsolidated ventures	$	190.6	$	190.6
	HCP 49 Venture opco and propco	Investment in unconsolidated ventures	$	70.9	$	70.9
	As of March 31, 2015, the Company is not required to provide financial support, through a liquidity arrangement or otherwise, to its unconsolidated VIEs.

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information	The following table sets forth certain segment financial and operating data (dollars in thousands):
			Three Months Ended
			March 31,
			2015			2014
	Revenue
	Retirement Centers(1)		$	163,486		$	132,349
	Assisted Living(1)			617,344			277,431
	CCRCs - Rental(1)			155,991			97,944
	CCRCs - Entry Fee(1)			—			79,169
	Brookdale Ancillary Services(1)			115,411			63,417
	Management Services(2)			195,649			96,965
			$	1,247,881		$	747,275
	Segment Operating Income(3)
	Retirement Centers		$	69,409		$	56,230
	Assisted Living			219,983			104,992
	CCRCs - Rental			37,883			26,830
	CCRCs - Entry Fee			—			19,635
	Brookdale Ancillary Services			22,742			12,753
	Management Services			15,097			7,402
				365,114			227,842
	General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense)			84,204			44,665
	Transaction costs			6,742			10,844
	Facility lease expense			94,471			69,869
	Depreciation and amortization			220,427			70,316
	Loss on facility lease termination			76,143			—
	(Loss) income from operations		$	(116,873	)	$	32,148
			As of
			March 31,			December 31,
			2015			2014
	Total assets
	Retirement Centers		$	1,601,789		$	1,603,704
	Assisted Living			6,538,732			6,513,376
	CCRCs - Rental			1,100,344			1,065,116
	Brookdale Ancillary Services			247,340			224,229
	Corporate and Management Services			1,002,760			1,114,938
	Total assets		$	10,490,965		$	10,521,363
	-1	All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.
	-2	Management services segment revenue includes reimbursements for which the Company is the primary obligor of costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.
	(3)  Segment operating income is defined as segment revenues less segment operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization).

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Term of residency agreements- minimum	30 days
Term of residency agreements - maximum	1 year
Carrying Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]
Debt	3.6	$3.50
Capital and financing obligations	2.6	2.6
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]
Debt	3.6	3.5
Capital and financing obligations	2.6	$2.60

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Unvested Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	4	3.8
Convertible Debt Securities [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	13.8	13.8
Debt Instrument Convertible Maximum Number Of Equity Instrument	3
Principal	316.3
Warrant [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	10.8	10.8

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	1-May-15	Jul. 31, 2014
			Community	Community	Community	Community
Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Loss on facility lease termination	$76,143,000	$0
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	1,800,000
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Total revenue		1,269,000,000
Net loss attributable to common shares		-15,000,000
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common shares		($0.09)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share (in shares)		172,062,000
Transaction costs	6,742,000	10,844,000
January 1, 2015 purchase of communities under HCP Purchase Option [Member]
Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold	8
Aggregate purchase price	51,400,000
Communities agreed to purchase under HCP Master Lease Purchase Option [Member]
Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold			9
Aggregate purchase price			60,000,000
February 2015 acquisition of 15 communities [Member]
Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold				15
Aggregate purchase price				268,600,000
Loss on facility lease termination				76,100,000
Reversal of deferred lease liability				5,300,000
Fair Value of Assets Acquired				187,200,000
SellerFinanced Debt [Member]
Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Principal	20,000,000
LoanTerm	5 years
Seller financing fixed rate	8.00%
May 1, 2015 purchase of community under HCP Purchase Option [Member]
Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold					1
Aggregate purchase price					8,600,000
Emeritus [Member]
Schedule of Acquisitions and Disposals [Line Items]
Number of communities operated						493
Number of communities operated under long-term leases						311
Number of communities owned by the entity						182
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions						47,600,000
Amount of mortgage indebtedness assumed						1,400,000,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	1,800,000
Aggregate acquisition-date fair value of purchase consideration transferred						3,000,000,000
Fair value of Brookdale common stock issued						1,600,000,000
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Transaction costs		$10,400,000

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) (Unvested Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Grants of Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Restricted Shares Granted (in shares)	1,335
Total value of restricted shares granted	$46,142
Minimum [Member]
Grants of Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of estimated forfeitures (in hundredths)	0.00%
Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$34.57
Maximum [Member]
Grants of Restricted Stock [Line Items]
Percentage of estimated forfeitures (in hundredths)	15.00%
Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$34.89

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$735,758,000		$737,574,000
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	-769,000		-769,000
Net	734,989,000		736,805,000
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments	1,800,000
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	164,577,000		161,607,000
Accumulated Amortization	-9,900,000		-6,834,000
Net	154,677,000		154,773,000
Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets	3,100,000	1,200,000
Community Purchase Options [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	55,738,000		55,738,000
Accumulated Amortization	0		0
Net	55,738,000		55,738,000
Health Care Licenses [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	67,508,000		64,538,000
Accumulated Amortization	0		0
Net	67,508,000		64,538,000
Other [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	13,531,000		13,531,000
Accumulated Amortization	-3,214,000		-2,655,000
Net	10,317,000		10,876,000
Tradenames [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	27,800,000		27,800,000
Accumulated Amortization	-6,686,000		-4,179,000
Net	21,114,000		23,621,000
Retirement Centers [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	28,141,000		28,141,000
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	-521,000		-521,000
Net	27,620,000		27,620,000
Assisted Living [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	580,807,000		582,623,000
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	-248,000		-248,000
Net	580,559,000		582,375,000
CCRCs Rental [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	126,810,000		126,810,000
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	0		0
Net	$126,810,000		$126,810,000

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_a2

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	$10,558,045	$10,295,498
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-2,123,632	-1,905,993
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	8,434,413	8,389,505
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	510,749	475,485
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	5,227,145	5,017,991
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	56,603	56,515
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	777,039	735,837
Resident and Leasehold Operating Intangibles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	852,617	852,746
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	108,990	99,408
Assets Under Capital and Financing Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	$3,024,902	$3,057,516

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Debt	$6,173,483,000	$6,165,956,000
Less current portion	223,987,000	272,265,000
Long-term debt	5,949,496,000	5,893,691,000
Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Debt	3,140,091,000	3,105,410,000
Principal		316,300,000
Unamortized debt discount	55,700,000	59,600,000
Maturity date, start	31-Dec-16
Maturity date, end	31-Dec-17
Weighted average interest rate	4.82%	4.84%
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Debt	2,592,133,000	2,649,226,000
Maturity date, start	31-Dec-30
Weighted average interest rate	8.25%	8.57%
Convertible Debt [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Debt	275,198,000	272,345,000
Unamortized debt discount	41,100,000	43,900,000
Maturity date, start	30-Jun-18
Weighted average interest rate	2.75%	2.75%
Construction Financing [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Debt	65,588,000	50,118,000
Maturity date, start	31-Dec-17
Maturity date, end	31-Dec-19
Weighted average interest rate	5.04%	4.90%
Notes Payable, Insurance Premiums [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Debt	16,124,000	22,586,000
Maturity date, start	31-Dec-15
Weighted average interest rate	2.82%	2.82%
Other Notes Payable [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Debt	$84,349,000	$66,271,000
Maturity date, start	31-Dec-15
Maturity date, end	31-Dec-20
Weighted average interest rate	5.52%	4.75%

Debt_Line_of_Credit_Details

Debt, Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Maturity date	1-Apr-20
Line of credit	$300,000,000		$100,000,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	500,000,000	250,000,000
Maturity date	3-Jan-20	31-Mar-18
Description of applicable margin calculation based on utilization percentage	Amounts drawn under the facility bear interest at 90-day LIBOR plus an applicable margin; however, the amended agreement reduces the applicable margin from a range of 3.25% to 4.25% to a range of 2.50% to 3.50%. The applicable margin varies based on the percentage of the total commitment draw, with a 2.50% margin at utilization equal to or lower than 35%, a 3.25% margin at utilization greater than 35% but less than or equal to 50%, and a 3.50% margin at utilization greater than 50%.
Quarterly commitment fee	0.50%
Line of credit	300,000,000
Swingline Line of Credit [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Secured and Unsecured Letter of Credit Facilities
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	109,300,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	83,900,000
Option to increase maximum borrowing capacity [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	250,000,000
Term Loan [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	400,000,000
Letter of credit sublimit [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$50,000,000

Debt_Financings_Details

Debt, Financings (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
	Community
Financings [Line Items]
Proceeds from debt financing	$63
Maturity date	1-Apr-20
Number of communities securing mortgage notes	6

Supplemental_Disclosure_of_Cas2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid	$86,732	$28,059
Income taxes paid	41	268
Acquisition of Assets, Net of Related Payables and Cash Received [Member]
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received [Line Items]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-47,225	0
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	184,964	0
Other intangible assets, net	2,970	515
Long-term debt	-20,000	0
Capital and Financing Lease Obligations Cash Paid	53,596	0
Net	$174,305	$515

Facility_Operating_Leases_Deta

Facility Operating Leases (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of facility operating lease expense [Abstract]
Cash basis payment	$94,722	$71,185
Straight-line expense	2,801	-223
Amortization of deferred gain	-1,093	-1,093
Amortization of (above) below market rents, net	-1,959	0
Facility lease expense	$94,471	$69,869

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	($79,237,000)	$598,000
Deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Valuation allowance	$9,200,000		$9,200,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years open for future examination	2011
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years open for future examination	2013

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
CCRC Venture opco [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$190.60
Carrying Amount	190.6
HCP 49 Venture opco and propco [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	70.9
Carrying Amount	$70.90
CCRC Venture opco [Member]
Schedule of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	51.00%
HCP 49 Venture opco and propco [Member]
Schedule of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	20.00%

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	5
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$1,247,881		$747,275
Segment operating income	365,114	[1]	227,842	[1]
General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense)	84,204		44,665
Facility lease expense	94,471		69,869
Depreciation and amortization	220,427		70,316
Transaction costs	6,742		10,844
Loss on facility lease termination	76,143		0
(Loss) Income from operations	-116,873		32,148
Total assets	10,490,965				10,521,363
Retirement Centers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	163,486	[2]	132,349	[2]
Segment operating income	69,409	[1]	56,230	[1]
Total assets	1,601,789				1,603,704
Assisted Living [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	617,344	[2]	277,431	[2]
Segment operating income	219,983	[1]	104,992	[1]
Total assets	6,538,732				6,513,376
Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	115,411	[2]	63,417	[2]
Segment operating income	22,742	[1]	12,753	[1]
Total assets	247,340				224,229
CCRCs Rental [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	155,991	[2]	97,944	[2]
Segment operating income	37,883	[1]	26,830	[1]
Total assets	1,100,344				1,065,116
CCRCs Entry Fee [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	0	[2]	79,169	[2]
Segment operating income	0	[1]	19,635	[1]
Management Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	195,649	[3]	96,965	[3]
Segment operating income	15,097	[1]	7,402	[1]
Total assets	$1,002,760				$1,114,938
[1]	Segment operating income is defined as segment revenues less segment operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization).
[2]	All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.
[3]	Management services segment revenue includes reimbursements for which the Company is the primary obligor of costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Acquisition of Venture Interest [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
	Community
Acquisition of Venture Interest [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of facilities purchased or sold	35
Aggregate purchase price	$849
Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage	10.00%