Brookdale Senior Living (BKD) 10-K 12 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Billions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 10, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,332,349
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 6.5
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		184,890,549
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 88,029	$ 104,083
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted	32,570	38,862
Accounts receivable, net	144,053	149,730
Assets Held-for-sale	110,620	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	122,671	237,915
Total current assets	497,943	530,590
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	8,031,376	8,389,505
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted	33,382	56,376
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	371,639	312,925
Goodwill	725,696	736,805
Other intangible assets, net	129,186	154,773
Other assets, net	259,342	236,487
Total assets	10,048,564	10,417,461
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	173,454	156,056
Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations	62,150	112,343
Trade accounts payable	128,006	76,314
Accrued expenses	372,874	422,654
Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue	99,277	101,613
Tenant security deposits	4,387	4,916
Total current liabilities	840,148	873,896
Long-term debt, less current portion	3,459,371	3,340,971
Capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion	2,427,438	2,536,883
Line of credit	310,000	100,000
Deferred liabilities	266,537	256,346
Deferred tax liability	69,051	159,275
Other liabilities	217,292	267,849
Total liabilities	7,589,837	7,535,220
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2015 and 2014; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2015 and 2014; 190,767,191 and 189,466,395 shares issued and 188,338,790 and 187,037,994 shares outstanding (including 3,453,991 and 3,552,143 unvested restricted shares), respectively	1,883	1,870
Additional paid-in-capital	4,069,283	4,034,655
Treasury stock, at cost; 2,428,401 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014	(46,800)	(46,800)
Accumulated deficit	(1,565,478)	(1,108,001)
Total stockholders' equity	2,458,888	2,881,724
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(161)	517
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	2,458,727	2,882,241
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 10,048,564	$ 10,417,461

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) [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)	190,767,191	189,466,395
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	188,338,790	187,037,994
Common stock, unvested restricted shares (in shares)	3,453,991	3,552,143
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	2,428,401	2,428,401

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue
Resident fees	$ 4,177,127	$ 3,301,297	$ 2,515,033
Management fees	60,183	42,239	31,125
Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities	723,298	488,170	345,808
Total revenue	4,960,608	3,831,706	2,891,966
Expense
Facility operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization of $684,448, $503,662 and $238,153, respectively)	2,788,862	2,210,368	1,671,945
General and administrative expense (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $31,651, $28,299 and $25,978, respectively)	370,579	280,267	180,627
Transaction costs	8,252	66,949	3,921
Facility lease expense	367,574	323,830	276,729
Depreciation and amortization	733,165	537,035	268,757
Asset impairment	57,941	9,992	12,891
Loss on facility lease termination	76,143	0	0
Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities	723,298	488,170	345,808
Total operating expense	5,125,814	3,916,611	2,760,678
Income (loss) from operations	(165,206)	(84,905)	131,288
Interest income	1,603	1,343	1,339
Interest expense:
Debt	(173,484)	(128,002)	(96,131)
Capital and financing lease obligations	(211,132)	(109,998)	(25,194)
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premium (discount)	(3,351)	(7,477)	(17,054)
Change in fair value of derivatives	(797)	(2,711)	980
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	(7,020)	(6,387)	(1,265)
Equity in (loss) earnings of unconsolidated ventures	(804)	171	1,484
Other non-operating income	9,827	7,235	2,725
Income (loss) before income taxes	(550,364)	(330,731)	(1,828)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	92,209	181,305	(1,756)
Net income (loss)	(458,155)	(149,426)	(3,584)
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	678	436	0
Net (income) loss attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders	$ (457,477)	$ (148,990)	$ (3,584)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders	$ (2.48)	$ (1.01)	$ (0.03)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in shares)	184,333	148,185	123,671

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPE5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 684,448	$ 503,662	$ 238,153
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	$ 31,651	$ 28,299	$ 25,978

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balances at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 996,986	$ 1,267	$ 1,997,946	$ (46,800)	$ (955,427)	$ 996,986	$ 0
Balances at beginning of period - shares (in share) at Dec. 31, 2012		126,689,000
Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants	25,978	$ 0	25,978	0	0	25,978	0
Net income (loss)	(3,584)	0	0	0	(3,584)	(3,584)	0
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan	1,503	$ 0	1,503	0	0	1,503	0
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan - shares (in shares)		62,000
Restricted stock, net	$ 0	$ 10	(10)	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock, net - shares (in shares)		976,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	0
Other	$ 54	$ 0	54	0	0	54	0
Balances at end of period at Dec. 31, 2013	1,020,937	$ 1,277	2,025,471	(46,800)	(959,011)	1,020,937	0
Balances at end of period - shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		127,727,000
Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants	28,299	$ 0	28,299	0	0	28,299	0
Establishment of noncontrolling interest in Emeritus acquisition	953	0	0	0	0	0	953
Net income (loss)	(149,426)	0	0	0	(148,990)	(148,990)	(436)
Common stock issued in connection with Emeritus acquisition	$ 1,648,782	$ 476	1,648,306	0	0	1,648,782	0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	47,584,000	47,584,000
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues	$ 330,386	$ 103	330,283	0	0	330,386	0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues		10,299,000
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan	2,004	$ 0	2,004	0	0	2,004	0
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan - shares (in shares)		64,000
Restricted stock, net	$ 0	$ 14	(14)	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock, net - shares (in shares)		1,364,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	0
Other	$ 306	$ 0	306	0	0	306	0
Balances at end 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 end of period - shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	187,037,994	187,038,000
Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants	$ 31,651	$ 0	31,651	0	0	31,651	0
Net income (loss)	$ (458,155)	0	0	0	(457,477)	(457,477)	(678)
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues	10,298,506
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan	$ 2,870	$ 1	2,869	0	0	2,870	0
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan - shares (in shares)		122,000
Restricted stock, net	$ 0	$ 12	(12)	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock, net - shares (in shares)		1,179,000
Purchase of treasury stock (in shares)	0
Other	$ 120	$ 0	120	0	0	120	0
Balances at end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 2,458,727	$ 1,883	$ 4,069,283	$ (46,800)	$ (1,565,478)	$ 2,458,888	$ (161)
Balances at end of period - shares (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	188,338,790	188,339,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ (458,155)	$ (149,426)	$ (3,584)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net	121	6,387	1,265
Depreciation and amortization, net	736,516	544,512	285,811
Asset impairment	57,941	9,992	12,891
Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated ventures	804	(171)	(1,484)
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net earnings	7,825	1,840	2,691
Amortization of deferred gain	(4,372)	(4,372)	(4,372)
Amortization of entrance fees	(3,204)	(21,220)	(29,009)
Proceeds from deferred entrance fee revenue	11,113	32,704	44,191
Deferred income tax benefit	(95,261)	(182,371)	(183)
Change in deferred lease liability	6,956	1,439	2,597
Change in fair value of derivatives	797	2,711	(980)
(Gain) on sale of assets	(1,270)	(446)	(972)
Change in future service obligation	(941)	670	(1,917)
Non-cash stock-based compensation	31,651	28,299	25,978
Non-cash interest expense on financing leases	23,472	12,647	0
Amortization of (above) below market rents, net	(7,158)	(3,444)	0
Other	(3,157)	0	0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	5,608	3,510	(5,449)
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net	51,079	(52,868)	7,483
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(60,564)	16,812	33,837
Tenant refundable fees and security deposits	(524)	(1,183)	(792)
Deferred revenue	(6,911)	(3,370)	(1,881)
Net cash provided by operating activities	292,366	242,652	366,121
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Decrease (increase) in lease security deposits and lease acquisition deposits, net	10,866	(48,944)	(2,051)
Decrease in cash and escrow deposits - restricted	29,286	56,935	10,726
Additions to property, plant and equipment, and leasehold intangibles	(411,051)	(304,245)	(257,527)
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received	(191,216)	(40,441)	(34,686)
Acquisition of Emeritus Corporation, cash acquired	0	28,429	0
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	(69,297)	(26,499)	(17,172)
Distributions received from unconsolidated ventures	9,054	12,275	1,600
Proceeds from sale of assets, net	49,226	4,339	34,136
Other	4,155	3,269	168
Net cash used in investing activities	(568,977)	(314,882)	(264,806)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from debt	585,650	326,639	662,934
Repayment of debt and capital and financing lease obligations	(485,762)	(584,345)	(724,133)
Proceeds from line of credit	1,175,000	442,000	425,000
Repayment of line of credit	(965,000)	(372,000)	(475,000)
Proceeds from public equity offering, net	0	330,386	0
Payment of financing costs, net of related payables	(32,622)	(9,393)	(11,576)
Refundable entrance fees:
Proceeds from refundable entrance fees	1,939	20,342	48,140
Refunds of entrance fees	(4,411)	(25,865)	(35,325)
Cash portion of loss on extinguishment of debt	(44)	(4,101)	(502)
Payment on lease termination	(17,000)	(7,750)	0
Other	2,807	1,889	(1,582)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	260,557	117,802	(112,044)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(16,054)	45,572	(10,729)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	104,083	58,511	69,240
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 88,029	$ 104,083	$ 58,511

Description of Business and Org

Description of Business and Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business and Organization	1. Description of Business and Organization 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 programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The significant accounting policies are summarized below: Principles of Consolidation The 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 Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, revenue, goodwill and asset impairments, self-insurance reserves, performance-based compensation, the allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation and amortization, income taxes and other contingencies. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from the original estimates. 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 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 consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the consolidated statements of operations. Purchase Accounting In determining the allocation of the purchase price of companies and communities to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the Company makes estimates of fair value using information obtained as a result of pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing, leasing activities and/or independent appraisals. The Company assigned the purchase prices for companies or communities to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their determined fair values in accordance with the provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations Working capital assets acquired and working capital liabilities assumed are valued on a carryover/cost basis which approximates fair value. Property, plant and equipment are valued utilizing either a discounted cash flow projection of future revenue and costs and capitalization and discount rates using current market conditions, or a direct capitalization method. The Company allocates the fair values of buildings acquired on an as-if-vacant basis and depreciates the building values over the estimated remaining lives of the buildings, not to exceed 40 years. The Company determines the allocated values of other fixed assets, such as site improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, based upon the replacement cost and depreciates such values over the assets' estimated remaining useful lives as determined at the applicable acquisition date. The Company determines the value of land either by considering the sales prices of similar properties in recent transactions or based on internal analysis of recently acquired and existing comparable properties within its portfolio. In connection with a business combination, the Company may assume rights and obligations under certain lease agreements pursuant to which the Company becomes the lessee of a given property. The Company assumes the lease classification previously determined by the prior lessee absent a modification in the assumed lease agreement. The Company assesses assumed operating leases, including ground leases, to determine whether the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable to the Company given current market conditions on the acquisition date. To the extent the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable relative to market conditions on the acquisition date, the Company recognizes an intangible asset or liability at fair value. The Company amortizes any acquired lease-related intangibles to facility lease expense over the remaining life of the associated lease plus any assumed bargain renewal periods. The fair value of acquired lease-related intangibles associated with the relationship with the Company's residents, if any, reflects the estimated value of in-place leases as represented by the cost to obtain residents and an estimated absorption period to reflect the value of the rent and recovery costs foregone during a reasonable lease-up period as if the acquired space was vacant. The Company amortizes any acquired in-place lease intangibles to depreciation and amortization expense over the average remaining length of stay of the residents, which is evaluated on an acquisition by acquisition basis but is generally estimated at 12 months. The Company estimates the fair value of purchase option intangible assets by discounting the difference between the applicable property's acquisition date fair value and the stated or anticipated future option price. The Company estimates the fair value of trade names using a royalty rate methodology and amortizes that value over the estimated useful life of the trade name. Management contracts and other acquired contracts are valued at a multiple of management fees and operating income or are valued utilizing discounted cash flow projections that assume certain future revenues and costs over the remaining contract term. The assets are then amortized over the estimated term of the agreement. The Company calculates the fair value of acquired long-term debt by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows of each instrument at the current market rate for those borrowings, which the Company approximates based on the rate at which the Company would expect to incur a replacement instrument on the date of acquisition, and recognizes any fair value adjustments related to long-term debt as effective yield adjustments over the remaining term of the instrument. Capital lease assets are valued by the Company as a right-to-use asset. Financing lease assets are valued as if the Company owns the assets and thus are recorded at fair value. Capital and financing lease obligations are valued based on the present value of the estimated lease payments applying a discount rate equal to the Company's estimated incremental borrowing rate at the date of acquisition. Additionally, the valuation of financing lease obligations reflects a residual value component. Preacquisition contingencies are valued when considered probable and reasonably estimable, and estimated legal fees are accrued for in accordance with the Company's existing policy. Self-insurance reserves including incurred but not reported liabilities are estimated by actuary analyses. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized at statutory rates for the difference between the book and tax bases of the acquired assets and liabilities. The tax bases of assets and liabilities in the Emeritus transaction were carried over at historical values. The excess of the fair value of liabilities assumed and common stock issued and cash paid over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired is allocated to goodwill, which is not amortized by the Company. Deferred Financing Costs Third-party fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term debt are recorded as a direct adjustment to the carrying value of debt and amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective yield method, over the term of the related debt. Refer to the New Accounting Pronouncements section of this note for discussion of the Company's adoption of a new accounting standard related to deferred financing costs during the period. Unamortized deferred financing fees are written-off if the associated debt is retired before the maturity date. Upon the refinancing of mortgage debt or amendment of the line of credit, unamortized deferred financing fees and additional financing costs incurred are accounted for in accordance with ASC 470-50, Debt Modifications and Extinguishments Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability approach which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has elected the "with-and-without approach" regarding ordering of windfall tax benefits to determine whether the windfall tax benefit did reduce taxes payable in the current year. Under this approach, the windfall tax benefits would be recognized in additional paid-in capital only if an incremental tax benefit is realized after considering all other tax benefits presently available. Fair Value of Financial Instruments ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures 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 consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity. The Company's derivative assets include interest rate caps that effectively manage the risk above certain interest rates for a portion of the Company's variable rate debt. The derivative positions are valued using models developed internally by the respective counterparty that use as their basis readily observable market parameters (such as forward yield curves) and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company considers the credit risk of its counterparties when evaluating the fair value of its derivatives. 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 approxim ately $3.6 billion a Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company defines cash and cash equivalents as cash and investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased. Cash and Escrow Deposits – Restricted Cash and escrow deposits – restricted consist principally of deposits required by certain lenders and lessors pursuant to the applicable agreement and consist of the following (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 Current: Real estate tax and property insurance escrows $ 18,862 $ 17,926 Replacement reserve escrows 8,011 15,535 Resident deposits 862 1,054 Other 4,835 4,347 Subtotal 32,570 38,862 Long term: Insurance deposits 15,318 19,299 CCRC escrows 13,233 13,214 Debt service reserve 3,429 1,728 Letter of credit collateral 1,202 21,935 Other 200 200 Subtotal 33,382 56,376 Total $ 65,952 $ 95,238 Accounts Receivable, net Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, to represent the Company's estimate of the amount that ultimately will be realized in cash. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $26.5 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014. The adequacy of the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on an ongoing basis, using historical payment trends, write-off experience, analyses of receivable portfolios by payor source and aging of receivables, as well as a review of specific accounts, and adjustments are made to the allowance as necessary. Billings for services under third-party payor programs are recorded net of estimated retroactive adjustments, if any, under reimbursement programs. Retroactive adjustments are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the related services are rendered and adjusted in future periods or as final settlements are determined. Contractual or cost related adjustments from Medicare or Medicaid are accrued when assessed (without regard to when the assessment is paid or withheld). Subsequent positive or negative adjustments to these accrued amounts are recorded in net revenues when known. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include amounts recorded under capital and financing leases, are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Buildings and improvements 40 Furniture and equipment 3 – 7 Resident lease intangibles 1 – 3 Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Renovations and improvements, which improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life or if the renovations or improvements are made with respect to communities subject to an operating lease, over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the renovations or improvements, or the term of the operating lease. Assets under capital and financing leases and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the assets or the term of the lease. Facility operating expense excludes depreciation and amortization directly attributable to the operation of the facility. Long-lived assets (groups) are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets held for use are assessed by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset then the fair value of the asset is estimated. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset to its carrying value, with any amount in excess of fair value recognized as an expense in the current period. Undiscounted cash flow projections and estimates of fair value amounts are based on a number of assumptions such as revenue and expense growth rates, estimated holding periods and estimated capitalization rates. Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company follows ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Acquired intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and all intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. The evaluation of impairment for definite-lived intangibles is based upon a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then the fair value of the asset is estimated. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense in the current period. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently as required. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference. Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Trade names 2 - 5 Other 3 – 9 Stock-Based Compensation The Company follows ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation 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. Convertible Debt Instruments Convertible debt instruments are accounted for under ASC 470-20, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options 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 becomes available. Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures In accordance with ASC 810 , The Company's reported share of earnings of an unconsolidated venture is adjusted for the impact, if any, of basis differences between its carrying value of the equity investment and its share of the venture's underlying assets. The Company generally does not have future requirements to contribute additional capital over and above the original capital commitments, and therefore, the Company discontinues applying the equity method of accounting when its investment is reduced to zero barring an expectation of an imminent return to profitability. If the venture subsequently reports net income, the equity method of accounting is resumed only after the Company's share of that net income equals the share of net losses not recognized during the period the equity method was suspended. The Company evaluates realization of its investment in ventures accounted for using the equity method if circumstances indicate that the Company's investment is other than temporarily impaired. Community Leases The Company, as lessee, makes a determination with respect to each of its community leases as to whether each should be accounted for as an operating lease or capital lease. The classification criteria is based on estimates regarding the fair value of the leased community, minimum lease payments, effective cost of funds, the economic life of the community and certain other terms in the lease agreements. In a business combination, the Company assumes the lease classification previously determined by the prior lessee absent a modification, as determined by ASC 840, Leases For communities under capital lease and lease financing obligation arrangements, a liability is established on the Company's consolidated balance sheets representing the present value of the future minimum lease payments and a residual value for financing leases and a corresponding long-term asset is recorded in property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles in the consolidated balance sheets. For capital lease assets, the asset is depreciated over the remaining lease term unless there is a bargain purchase option in which case the asset is depreciated over the useful life. For financing lease assets, the asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements purchased during the term of the lease are amortized over the shorter of their economic life or the lease term. All of the Company's leases contain fixed or formula-based rent escalators. To the extent that the escalator increases are tied to a fixed index or rate, lease payments are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. In addition, all rent-free or rent holiday periods are recognized in lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the rent holiday period. Sale-leaseback accounting is applied to transactions in which an owned community is sold and leased back from the buyer if certain continuing involvement criteria are met. Under sale-leaseback accounting, the Company removes the community and related liabilities from the consolidated balance sheets. Gain on the sale is deferred and recognized as a reduction of facility lease expense for operating leases and a reduction of interest expense for capital leases. For leases in which the Company is involved with the construction of the building, the Company accounts for the lease during the construction period under the provisions of ASC 840. If the Company concludes that it has substantively all of the risks of ownership during construction of a leased property and therefore is deemed the owner of the project for accounting purposes, it records an asset and related financing obligation for the amount of total project costs related to construction in progress. Once construction is complete, the Company considers the requirements under ASC 840-40. If the arrangement qualifies for sale-leaseback accounting, the Company removes the assets and related liabilities from the consolidated balance sheets. If the arrangement does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting, the Company continues to amortize the financing obligation and depreciate the assets over the lease term. Treasury Stock The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders' equity. New Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement—Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items -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 as of January 1, 2015, and it did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures for the year ended December 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 The Company will adopt ASU 2014-15 on January 1, 2016, and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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 fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 year 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 3.7 million, 3.6 million and 3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, 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 and warrants.

Acquisitions and Other Signific

Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions [Abstract]
Acquisitions and Dispositions	4. Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions 2015 Community Acquisitions and Dispositions On December 29, 2014, the Company exercised its purchase option under an amended and restated master lease with HCP Inc. ("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. On May 1, 2015, the Company acquired the ninth community and paid the remainder of the purchase price of $8.6 million of cash. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Assisted Living and CCRCs - Rental segments within the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. 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 consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 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 fair values of the property, plant and equipment of the acquired communities were determined utilizing a direct capitalization method considering stabilized facility operating income and market capitalization rates. These fair value measurements were based on current market conditions as of the acquisition date and are considered Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The range of capitalization rates utilized was 6.25% to 8.75%, depending upon the property type, geographical location, and the quality of the respective community. 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 consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015, which includes the reversal of $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 consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015. In October 2015, the Company acquired the underlying real estate associated with five communities that were previously leased for an aggregate purchase price of $78.4 million. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Assisted Living segment. The Company financed the transaction with seller-financing. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold 17 communities for an aggregate selling price of $82.9 million. The results of operations of the communities were previously reported in the Retirement Centers, Assisted Living, and CCRCs - Rental segments. Impairment charges related to communities sold in 2015 totaled $18.4 million and were recognized in the fourth quarter of 2015 in impairment expense within the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company designates communities as held for sale when it is probable that the properties will be sold. If appropriate, the Company records impairment losses and records these assets on the consolidated balance sheet at the lesser of the carrying value and fair value less estimated selling costs. The Company allocates a portion of the goodwill of a reporting unit to the disposal groups if the disposal group constitutes a business. The Company determines the fair value of the communities based primarily on purchase and sale agreements from prospective purchasers (Level 2 input). The long-lived assets are not depreciated while classified as held for sale. As of December 31, 2015, the Company has identified 17 communities as held for sale. The sale of these communities is expected in 2016, although there can be no assurance that the transactions will close or if they do, when the actual closing will occur. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Assisted Living and CCRCs – Rental segments within the consolidated financial statements. Impairment charges related to communities identified as held for sale as of December 31, 2015 totaled $15.2 million and were recognized in impairment expense in the fourth quarter of 2015 within the Company's consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2015, $110.6 million was recorded as assets held for sale and $60.8 million of mortgage debt related to communities held for sale was included in the current portion of long-term debt within the Company's consolidated balance sheet. This debt will either be assumed by the prospective purchasers or be repaid with the proceeds from the sales. Investment in Unconsolidated RIDEA Venture On June 30, 2015, the Company and HCP entered into a venture, which acquired 35 senior housing communities ("HCP 35 Venture") for $847 million. The venture uses a REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") structure, whereby we and HCP invested in an "opco" and a "propco". The Company contributed $30.3 million in cash to the RIDEA venture. The Company owns a 10% ownership interest, and HCP owns a 90% ownership interest, in each of the propco and opco. The Company had operated these communities under a management agreement since 2011 and will continue to manage the communities under a market rate long-term management agreement with the venture. The Company's interest in the venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. 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, 2015, (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. As a result of the acquisition of Emeritus, the Company acquired, directly or indirectly, entities that were lessees under operating and capital leases covering 311 communities, as well as certain other leases such as office leases and leases associated with Emeritus' Nurse on Call home health business. The community leases contain customary terms, including assignment and change of control restrictions, maintenance and capital expenditure obligations, termination provisions and financial covenants. In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into guarantees of certain of these leases. The $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of existing mortgage debt assumed, directly or indirectly, by the Company in the Merger was collateralized by a total of 179 underlying communities, bore interest either at fixed rates at a weighted average of 6.06% per annum or at variable rates at a weighted average of 5.49% per annum (in each case, as of July 31, 2014), and had remaining maturities ranging from approximately three months to 33 years. The mortgage loans contained customary terms including assignment and change of control restrictions, acceleration provisions and financial covenants. In connection with the Merger, the Company entered into guarantees of certain of these debt arrangements. 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. On June 4, 2013, in Joan Boice et al. v. Emeritus Corporation et al. , the Sacramento County Superior Court entered final judgment in favor of Joan Boice (deceased) and against Emeritus in the amount of $250,000 in compensatory damages and $23.0 million in punitive damages. Judgment was also entered in favor of Joan Boice's three adult children for $250,000 and the court awarded the plaintiffs' lawyer over $4.1 million in attorneys' fees. The judgment accrued interest at prescribed statutory rates. On July 8, 2014, Emeritus filed a Notice of Appeal challenging, among other things, the excessive nature of the punitive damages award. Emeritus was required to post a bond in connection with its appeal, and made a cash deposit in the amount of $20.9 million to collateralize the bond. The amount of the cash deposit and the reserve regarding the judgment have been contemplated in the purchase price allocation. Subsequent to the closing of the Merger, the Company was no longer required to collateralize the bond with a cash deposit. The case was settled by the parties during the year ended December 31, 2015. The fair values of the acquired property, plant and equipment, including communities and assets under capital and financing leases, were determined utilizing a direct capitalization method considering stabilized facility operating income and market capitalization rates. These fair value measurements were based on current market conditions as of the acquisition date and are considered Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The range of capitalization rates utilized was 5.5% to 9.75%, depending upon the property type, geographical location, and the quality of the respective community. The fair values of the acquired capital and financing lease obligations were determined utilizing a discounted cash flow approach considering the estimated contractual lease payments and a market discount rate. These fair value measurements were based on current market conditions as of the acquisition date and are considered Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The range of discount rates utilized was 6.0% to 10.75%, depending upon the remaining lease term, property type, geographical location, and the quality of the respective community. The fair values of the acquired long-term debt obligations were determined utilizing a discounted cash flow approach considering the estimated contractual long-term debt payments and a market discount rate. These fair value measurements were based on current market conditions as of the acquisition date and are considered Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The range of discount rates utilized was 3.0% to 7.0%, depending upon the remaining debt term and collateral securing the indebtedness. 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. 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 primarily related to pre-acquisition self-insurance reserves and the related deferred tax impact, resulting in a $5.9 million net increase to the goodwill allocated to the Assisted Living segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. The table below presents the allocation of purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in millions): Cash and cash equivalents $ 28 Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles 5,506 Goodwill 645 Other intangible assets, net 259 Other assets, net 307 Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses (297 ) Long-term debt (1,516 ) Capital and financing lease obligations (2,692 ) Deferred tax liability (339 ) Other liabilities (251 ) Noncontrolling interest (1 ) Fair value of Brookdale common stock issued $ 1,649 The goodwill of $645.2 million is primarily attributable to the synergies expected to arise after the Merger. The Retirement Centers, Assisted Living and Brookdale Ancillary Services segments were allocated goodwill of $20.5 million, $497.9 million and $126.8 million, respectively. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The following table provides the pro forma consolidated operational data as if the Company had acquired Emeritus on January 1, 2013 (unaudited, in millions, except share and per share data): Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Total revenue $ 5,055 $ 4,853 Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders (103 ) (424 ) Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders $ (0.59 ) $ (2.48 ) Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands) 175,823 171,255 The Company incurred $57.1 million of transaction costs related to the acquisition of Emeritus for the year ended December 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 year ended December 31, 2014 excludes $57.1 million of transaction costs that were directly attributable to the Merger. The proforma consolidated operational data for the year ended December 31, 2013 includes $57.1 million of transaction costs that were directly attributable to the Merger. On August 29, 2014, the Company completed the HCP Transactions (as defined below). The pro forma consolidated operational data reflects the Company's full ownership interests and previously existing lease terms through the closing of the HCP Transactions on August 29, 2014 and reflects the Company's subsequent venture arrangements and amended lease terms for the remainder of the 2014 period. 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 periods 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. On July 30, 2014, in connection with the Merger, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation was amended to authorize up to 400 million shares of common stock. HCP Transactions On August 29, 2014, the Company completed the transactions contemplated by that certain Master Contribution and Transactions Agreement (the "Master Agreement"), dated as of April 23, 2014, by and between the Company and HCP, Inc. ("HCP"). At the closing of these transactions (the "Closing"), the Company and HCP entered into two ventures and amended the terms of certain existing agreements between the Company and HCP ("HCP Transactions"). Each of the ventures contemplated by the Master Agreement uses a "RIDEA" structure, whereby at the Closing each of the Company and HCP invested in an "opco" entity and a "propco" entity. The propco owns most of the applicable communities and leases such communities to the opco pursuant to long-term leases entered into at the Closing. The opco owns the remainder of the applicable communities not owned by the propco, and at the Closing the opco engaged an affiliate of the Company to manage all of the owned and leased communities pursuant to management agreements with 15-year terms subject to certain extension options. Venture Relating to Entry Fee CCRCs. The results of operations and financial position of the ten previously owned or leased entry fee CCRCs, including refundable entrance fee liabilities and deferred revenue, were in all material respects deconsolidated from the Company prospectively upon formation of the CCRC Venture. The Company's interest in the CCRC Venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company's investment basis in the CCRC Venture is based on the carrying values of the net assets it contributed which is less than the Company's proportional share of underlying fair value of equity. Venture Relating to Emeritus / HCP Communities. The results and financial position of the communities were, in all material respects, deconsolidated from the Company prospectively upon formation of the HCP 49 Venture. The Company's interest in the venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Pursuant to the terms of the Master Agreement, the Company is required to pay HCP a fee related to the lease restructuring in the amount of $34 million, which is payable over a two-year period beginning September 30, 2014. The elimination of the recorded lease values upon termination of the aforementioned leases approximated the $34 million liability to HCP. Amendments to Existing Agreements (including Triple Net Leases). In connection with the transactions contemplated by the Master Agreement, at the Closing, (i) the parties terminated the purchase option rights granted by HCP to Emeritus pursuant to 49 of the previously existing Emeritus leases, (ii) the parties agreed to modify the existing term extension hurdle and incentive management fee structure applicable to an existing venture between the Company and HCP in respect of 20 independent living, assisted living, memory care and/or skilled nursing care communities, and (iii) HCP released certain deposits and reserves posted by the Company and held by HCP or its affiliates in connection with existing leases between the parties. For accounting purposes, the amended leases were treated as new leases and classified as either capital or financing leases. The terminated purchase options were included in the determination of recorded capital or financing lease related balances. Equity Offering In September 2014, the Company completed a public equity offering of 10,298,506 shares of common stock, which yielded net proceeds of approximately $330.4 million, net of approximately $0.4 million of costs related to the offering. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, the Company repaid $275.9 million of existing long-term debt with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 5.5%, financed primarily with the proceeds of the public equity offering, and the Company has used and is using net proceeds to finance the exercise of purchase options on certain communities currently leased by the Company and for other general corporate purposes, which may include additional debt repayments and the acceleration of capital investments in the Company's communities and corporate infrastructure platform. 2014 Community Acquisitions and Dispositions In July 2014, the Company acquired the underlying real estate associated with four communities that were previously leased for an aggregate purchase price of $51.4 million. The results of operations of three and one of these communities, prior and subsequent to the acquisition, are reported in the Retirement Centers and Assisted Living segments, respectively. The Company financed the transactions with $17.0 million of seller-financing secured by three of the communities. The balance of the purchase price was paid from cash on hand. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company sold four communities for an aggregate selling price of $9.2 million. The results of operations of the communities were previously reported in the Assisted Living and CCRCs - Rental segments.

Investment in Unconsolidated Ve

Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures	5. Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures Variable Interest Entities At December 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 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, 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). See Note 4 for more information about the Company's entry into the CCRC Venture. The Company holds a 20% equity interest in the 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). See Note 4 for more information about the Company's entry into the HCP 49 Venture. The Company holds a 10% equity interest in the HCP 35 Venture. The venture's opco has been identified as a VIE. The equity members of the opco share certain operating rights, and the Company acts as manager to the 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 opco primarily consist of the communities that it owns and leases, resident fees receivable and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the opco primarily consist of community lease obligations, debt, accounts payable and accrued expenses. Assets generated by the opco's operations (primarily rents from senior housing residents) of the opco may only be used to settle its contractual obligations (primarily the rental costs and operating expenses incurred to operate the communities). The Company's maximum exposure to loss and carrying amount of this opco are included within "Other" within the table below. See Note 4 for more information about the Company's entry into the HCP 35 Venture. 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 December 31, 2015 (in millions): VIE Asset Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Amount CCRC Venture opco Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 180.5 $ 180.5 HCP 49 Venture opco and propco Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 72.4 $ 72.4 Other Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 5.3 $ 1.7 As of December 31, 2015, the Company is not required to provide financial support, through a liquidity arrangement or otherwise, to its unconsolidated VIEs. Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures The Company owns interests in the following ventures that are accounted for under the equity method as of December 31, 2015: Venture Ownership Percentage CCRC Venture 51% HCP 49 Venture 20% BKD-HCN venture opco and propco 20% HCP 35 Venture 10% S-H Twenty-One venture opco and propco 10%

Property, Plant and Equipment a

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net	6. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, net property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 Land $ 486,567 $ 475,485 Buildings and improvements 5,260,826 5,017,991 Leasehold improvements 100,430 56,515 Furniture and equipment 895,447 735,837 Resident and leasehold operating intangibles 783,434 852,746 Construction in progress 138,054 99,408 Assets under capital and financing leases 2,909,653 3,057,516 10,574,411 10,295,498 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,543,035 ) (1,905,993 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 8,031,376 $ 8,389,505 During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company evaluated property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles for impairment and identified properties with a carrying amount of the assets in excess of the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. The Company compared the estimated fair value of the assets to their carrying value for these identified properties and recorded an impairment charge for the excess of carrying value over fair value. The Company recorded property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles non-cash impairment charges in its operating results of $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily within the $10.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily within the CCRCs - Rental and Assisted Living segments and $12.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, primarily within the Retirement Centers and Assisted Living segments. These impairment charges are primarily due to lower than expected operating performance at these properties and reflect the amount by which the carrying values of the assets exceeded their estimated fair value. During 2015, the Company sold 17 communities for an aggregate selling price of $82.9 million and recorded $18.4 million of impairment charges related to the communities sold, inclusive of the allocation of $8.1 million of goodwill to the disposed communities. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded $15.2 million of impairment charges related to 17 communities identified as held for sale as of December 31, 2015, inclusive of the allocation of $12.2 million of goodwill to the disposal groups. These impairment charges are primarily due to the excess of carrying value, including allocated goodwill, over the estimated selling price less costs to dispose. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the Company's community dispositions and assets held for sale. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized depreciation and amortization expense on its property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles of $721.0 million, $529.1 million and $264.1 million, respectively. Future amortization expense for resident and leasehold operating intangibles is estimated to be as follows (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Future Amortization 2016 $ 19,390 2017 13,011 2018 7,603 2019 6,247 2020 4,345 Thereafter 12,663 Total $ 63,259 In connection with the acquisition of Emeritus, the Company recorded intangible assets for resident-in-place leases and below market operating lease intangibles. The Company is amortizing the resident-in-place leases and below market operating lease intangibles over their estimated weighted average useful lives of one and nine years, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 presented on an operating segment basis (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges Net Retirement Centers $ 28,141 $ (721 ) $ 27,420 $ 28,141 $ (521 ) $ 27,620 Assisted Living 591,814 (20,348 ) 571,466 582,623 (248 ) 582,375 Brookdale Ancillary Services 126,810 — 126,810 126,810 — 126,810 Total $ 746,765 $ (21,069 ) $ 725,696 $ 737,574 $ (769 ) $ 736,805 The Company concluded that goodwill for all reporting units was not impaired as of October 1, 2015 (our annual measurement date) and as of December 31, 2015. Factors the Company considers important in its analysis, which could trigger an impairment of such assets, include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant negative industry or economic trends, a significant decline in the Company's stock price for a sustained period and a decline in its market capitalization below net book value. A change in anticipated operating results or the other metrics indicated above could necessitate further analysis of potential impairment at an interval prior to the Company's annual measurement date. Approximately $7.9 million and $0.2 million of goodwill in the Assisted Living and Retirement Centers segments, respectively, was allocated to the disposed communities during the fourth quarter of 2015. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the Company's community dispositions. As of December 31, 2015, $12.2 million of goodwill related to assisted living communities held for sale was allocated to assets held for sale within the Company's consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the Company's assets held for sale. The following is a summary of other intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Community purchase options $ 40,270 $ — $ 40,270 $ 55,738 $ — $ 55,738 Health care licenses 66,612 — 66,612 64,538 — 64,538 Trade names 27,800 (14,209 ) 13,591 27,800 (4,179 ) 23,621 Other 13,531 (4,818 ) 8,713 13,531 (2,655 ) 10,876 Total $ 148,213 $ (19,027 ) $ 129,186 $ 161,607 $ (6,834 ) $ 154,773 Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $12.2 million, $8.0 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Health care licenses were determined to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization. In connection with the acquisition of Emeritus, the Company recorded intangible assets for community purchase options, trade names, management contracts and health care licenses. Health care licenses were determined to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization. The lease 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. The Company is amortizing the trade names and management contract intangibles assets over their estimated weighted average useful lives of three years and nine years, respectively. The weighted average amortization periods at acquisition for the other intangible assets is three years. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company contributed certain community purchase options to the CCRC Venture and terminated the community purchase option rights pursuant to 49 of the previously existing Emeritus leases in connection with closing the HCP Transactions. See Note 4 for more information about the Company's community purchase option activity. Future amortization expense for intangible assets with definite lives is estimated to be as follows (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Future Amortization 2016 $ 8,165 2017 3,726 2018 3,717 2019 2,638 2020 1,133 Thereafter 2,925 Total $ 22,304

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 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): December 31, 2015 2014 Mortgage notes payable due 2016 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.51% in 2015, including net debt premium and deferred financing costs of $3.3 million in 2015 and including net debt premium and deferred financing costs of $42.9 million in 2014 (weighted average interest rate of 4.84% in 2014) $ 3,246,513 $ 3,088,752 Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2031; weighted average interest rate of 8.11% in 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 8.57% in 2014) 2,489,588 2,649,226 Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $34.3 million and $46.9 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, interest at 2.75% per annum, due June 2018 281,902 269,300 Construction financing due 2017 through 2019; weighted average interest rate of 4.84% in 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 4.90% in 2014) 24,105 50,118 Notes payable issued to finance insurance premiums (weighted average interest rate of 2.82% in 2014) — 22,586 Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 5.16% in 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 4.75% in 2014) and maturity dates ranging from 2016 to 2020 80,305 66,271 Total debt and capital and financing lease obligations 6,122,413 6,146,253 Less current portion 235,604 268,399 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations $ 5,886,809 $ 5,877,854 As of December 31, 2015, the current portion of long-term debt within the Company's consolidated financial statements includes $60.8 million of mortgage notes payable secured by assets held for sale. This debt will either be assumed by the prospective purchasers or be repaid with the proceeds from the sales. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the Company's assets held for sale. The annual aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Long-term Debt Capital and Financing Lease Obligations Total Debt 2016 $ 180,423 $ 237,810 $ 418,233 2017 308,023 263,671 571,694 2018 1,179,702 282,951 1,462,653 2019 143,473 262,800 406,273 2020 490,605 207,594 698,199 Thereafter 1,361,903 3,629,265 4,991,168 Total obligations 3,664,129 4,884,091 8,548,220 Less amount representing debt discount and deferred financing costs, net (31,304 ) — (31,304 ) Less amount representing interest (weighted average interest rate of 8.11%) — (2,394,503 ) (2,394,503 ) Total $ 3,632,825 $ 2,489,588 $ 6,122,413 Credit Facilities O n December 19, 2014, the Company Amounts drawn on the facility may be used to finance acquisitions, fund working capital and capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes. The facility is secured by a first priority mortgage 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 December 31, 2015, the outstanding balance under this credit facility was $310.0 million. Additionally, there were $19.4 million of letters of credit outstanding under this credit facility. In addition to the sublimit for letters of credit on this credit facility, the Company also had secured and unsecured letter of credit facilities of up to $80.2 million in the aggregate as of December 31, 2015. Letters of credit totaling $63.0 million had been issued under these separate facilities as of that date. Convertible Debt Offering In June 2011, the Company completed a registered offering of $316.3 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2018 (the "Notes"). The Company received net proceeds of approximately $308.2 million after the deduction of underwriting commissions and offering expenses. The Company used a portion of the net proceeds to pay the Company's cost of the convertible note hedge transactions described below, taking into account the proceeds to the Company of the warrant transactions described below, and used the balance of the net proceeds to repay existing outstanding debt. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment to all of the Company's other senior unsecured debt, if any. The Notes will be senior in right of payment to any of the Company's debt which is subordinated by its terms to the Notes (if any). The Notes are also structurally subordinated to all debt and other liabilities and commitments (including trade payables) of the Company's subsidiaries. The Notes are also effectively subordinated to the Company's secured debt to the extent of the assets securing the debt. The Notes bear interest at 2.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash. The Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 34.1006 shares of Company common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $29.33 per share), subject to adjustment. On and after March 15, 2018, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Notes at any time. In addition, Holders may convert their Notes at their option under the following circumstances: (i) during any fiscal quarter if the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on the last day of such preceding fiscal quarter; (ii) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the "measurement period"), in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such day; or (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. As of December 31, 2015, the Notes are not convertible. Unconverted Notes mature at par in June 2018. Upon conversion, the Company will satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock at the Company's election. It is the Company's current intent and policy to settle the principal amount of the Notes (or, if less, the amount of the conversion obligation) in cash upon conversion. In addition, following certain corporate transactions, the Company will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert in connection with such transaction by a number of additional shares of common stock as set forth in the supplemental indenture governing the Notes. The Notes were issued in an offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act). In accordance with FASB guidance regarding the accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial settlement), the liability and equity components of the convertible debt are separated in a manner that will reflect the Company's non-convertible debt borrowing rate when interest expense is recognized in subsequent periods. The Company is accreting the carrying value to the principal amount at maturity using an imputed interest rate of 7.5% (the estimated effective borrowing rate for nonconvertible debt at the time of issuance, Level 2) over its expected life of seven years. As of December 31, 2015, the "if converted" value of the Notes does not exceed their principal amount. The interest expense associated with the Notes (excluding amortization of the associated deferred financing costs) was as follows (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Coupon interest $ 8,697 $ 8,697 $ 8,697 Amortization of discount 11,732 10,902 10,131 Interest expense related to convertible notes $ 20,429 $ 19,599 $ 18,828 In connection with the offering of the Notes, in June 2011, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the "Convertible Note Hedges") with certain financial institutions (the "Hedge Counterparties"). The Convertible Note Hedges cover, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, 10,784,315 shares of common stock. The Company also entered into warrant transactions with the Hedge Counterparties whereby the Company sold to the Hedge Counterparties warrants to acquire, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, up to 10,784,315 shares of common stock (the "Sold Warrant Transactions"). The warrants have a strike price of $40.25 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The Convertible Note Hedges are expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to common stock upon conversion of the Notes in the event that the price per share of common stock at the time of exercise is greater than the strike price of the Convertible Note Hedges, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes and is similarly subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. If, however, the price per share of common stock exceeds the strike price of the Sold Warrant Transactions when they expire, there would be additional dilution from the issuance of common stock pursuant to the warrants. The Convertible Note Hedges and Sold Warrant Transactions are separate transactions (in each case entered into by the Company and Hedge Counterparties), are not part of the terms of the Notes and will not affect the holders' rights under the Notes. Holders of the Notes do not have any rights with respect to the Convertible Note Hedges or the Sold Warrant Transactions. These hedging transactions had a net cost of approximately $31.9 million, which was paid from the proceeds of the Notes and recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. The Company has contractual rights, and, at execution of the related agreements, had the ability to settle its obligations under the conversion features of the Notes, the Convertible Note Hedges and Sold Warrant Transactions, with the Company's common stock. Accordingly, these transactions are accounted for as equity, with no subsequent adjustment for changes in the value of these obligations. 2015 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. On April 30, 2015, the Company obtained a $65.3 million loan, secured by first mortgages on six communities. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.98% and matures on May 1, 2027. On August 27, 2015, the Company obtained $226.4 million in loans secured by first mortgages on 21 communities. The mortgage facility has a ten year term and 75% of it bears interest at a variable rate of 30-day LIBOR plus a margin of 221 basis points and the remaining 25% bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.80%. Proceeds of the loans were used to refinance $209.9 million of fixed rate mortgage debt on 28 communities that was scheduled to mature in September 2017. In connection with the transaction, the Company paid a prepayment penalty of $17.9 million, of which $10.4 million was recorded against the existing debt premium, $6.3 million was recorded as a debt discount for the new loans, and $1.2 million was recorded as an extinguishment cost for the seven communities that became unencumbered. On September 15, 2015, the Company obtained $140.4 million in loans secured by first mortgages on 18 communities. The mortgage facility has a seven year term and bears interest at a variable rate of one-month LIBOR plus a margin of 223 basis points. Proceeds of the loans were used to refinance $122.3 million of fixed rate mortgage debt that was scheduled to mature in May 2018. In connection with the transaction, the Company paid a prepayment penalty of $13.6 million, of which $7.6 million was recorded against the existing debt premium and $6.0 million was recorded as a debt discount for the new loans. The financings that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2015 were accounted for as debt modifications and $5.5 million of debt modification costs were recorded on the consolidated statement of operations for that period. 2014 Financings On April 9, 2014, the Company obtained $146.0 million in loans, secured by first mortgages, on 20 communities. The loans bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.77% and mature in May 2021. Proceeds of the loans were used to refinance $140.0 million of mortgage debt that was scheduled to mature in November 2014. In October 2014, the Company obtained $89.7 million in supplemental loans, secured by the 21 underlying communities. The loans bear interest at a fixed rate of approximately 4.6%. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the Company repaid $275.9 million of existing long-term debt with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 5.5%, including the $68 million loan from HCP used to fund the Company's initial capital contribution to the HCP 49 Venture. The Company financed the repayment of debt primarily with the proceeds from the public equity offering completed during the third quarter. See Note 4 for more information about the HCP 49 Venture and the public equity offering. As of December 31, 2015, the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its outstanding debt and lease agreements. Interest Rate Caps In the normal course of business, the Company has entered into certain interest rate protection agreements to effectively manage the risk above certain interest rates for a portion of the Company's variable rate debt. The following table summarizes the Company's interest rate cap instruments at December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands): Current notional balance $ 983,281 Weighted average fixed cap rate 4.34 % Earliest maturity date 2016 Latest maturity date 2018 Estimated asset fair value (included in other assets, net at December 31, 2015) $ 29 Estimated asset fair value (included in other assets, net at December 31, 2014) $ 763

Accrued Expenses

Accrued Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	9. Accrued Expenses Accrued expenses consist of the following components as of December 31, (in thousands): 2015 2014 Insurance reserves $ 94,948 $ 116,858 Salaries and wages 80,291 124,935 Vacation 44,421 43,037 Real estate taxes 37,206 43,155 Lease payable 20,714 30,001 Interest 12,940 12,757 Accrued utilities 11,949 12,798 Taxes payable 3,265 2,679 Other 67,140 36,434 Total $ 372,874 $ 422,654

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	10. Commitments and Contingencies Facility Operating Leases The Company has entered into sale leaseback and lease agreements with certain real estate investment trusts ("REIT"s). Under these agreements communities are either sold to the REIT and leased back or a long-term lease agreement is entered into for the communities. The initial lease terms primarily vary from 10 to 20 years and generally include renewal options ranging from 5 to 30 years. The Company is responsible for all operating costs, including repairs, property taxes and insurance. The substantial majority of the Company's lease arrangements are structured as master leases. Under a master lease, numerous communities are leased through an indivisible lease. The Company typically guarantees its performance and the lease payments under the master lease and the lease may include performance covenants, such as net worth, minimum capital expenditure requirements per community per annum and minimum lease coverage ratios. Failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default. The Company's leases and mortgage debt generally contain cross-default and cross-collateralization provisions. Certain leases contain cure provisions generally requiring the posting of an additional lease security deposit if the required covenant is not met. As of December 31, 2015 the Company operated 546 communities under long-term leases (322 operating leases and 224 capital and financing leases). As of December 31, 2014 the Company operated 583 communities under long-term leases (342 operating leases and 241 capital and financing leases). The remaining base lease terms vary from one year to 17 years and generally provide for renewal, extension and purchase options. A summary of facility lease expense and the impact of straight-line adjustment and amortization of (above) below market rents and deferred gains are as follows (in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cash basis payment $ 372,148 $ 330,207 $ 278,504 Straight-line (income) expense 6,956 1,439 2,597 Amortization of (above) below market rents, net (7,158 ) (3,444 ) — Amortization of deferred gain (4,372 ) (4,372 ) (4,372 ) Facility lease expense $ 367,574 $ 323,830 $ 276,729 The aggregate amounts of future minimum operating lease payments, including community and office leases, as of December 31, 2015, are as follows (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Operating Leases 2016 $ 390,816 2017 373,690 2018 358,168 2019 340,747 2020 300,674 Thereafter 1,336,099 Total $ 3,100,194 Other The Company has employment or letter agreements with certain officers of the Company and has adopted policies to which certain officers of the Company are eligible to participate that grant these employees the right to receive a portion or multiple of their base salary, pro-rata bonus, bonus and/or continuation of certain benefits, for a defined period of time, in the event of certain terminations of the officers' employment, as described in those agreements and policies.

Self-Insurance

Self-Insurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Self-Insurance [Abstract]
Self-Insurance	11. Self-Insurance The Company obtains various insurance coverages from commercial carriers at stated amounts as defined in the applicable policy. Losses related to deductible amounts are accrued based on the Company's estimate of expected losses plus incurred but not reported claims. Emeritus provided professional liability coverage for approximately one-half of its operating locations through a wholly-owned captive insurance carrier, and the captive did not itself acquire excess professional liability coverage until October 1, 2013. Consequently, as a result of the Emeritus acquisition, the Company retains full exposure for professional liability claims incurred at those locations before October 1, 2013 and made prior to July 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company accrued reserves of $248.4 million and $301.6 million, respectively, for these programs of which $153.5 million and $184.7 million is classified as long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company accrued $41.5 million and $52.7 million, respectively, of estimated amounts receivable from the insurance companies under these insurance programs. The Company has secured self-insured retention risk under workers' compensation and general liability and professional liability programs with cash deposits of $15.6 million and $19.6 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Letters of credit securing the programs aggregated $49.8 million and $33.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Emeritus previously maintained workers' compensation insurance coverage through a high deductible, collateralized insurance policy with deposits of $40.5 million

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	12. Retirement Plans The Company maintains a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan for all employees that meet minimum employment criteria. The plan provides that the participants may defer eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis subject to certain Internal Revenue Code maximum amounts. The Company makes matching contributions in amounts equal to 25.0% of the employee's contribution to the plan, up to a maximum of 4.0% of contributed compensation. An additional matching contribution of 12.5%, subject to the same limit on contributed compensation, may be made at the discretion of the Company, based upon the Company's performance. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company's expense to the plan was $6.6 million, $7.1 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	13. Stock-Based Compensation The following table sets forth information about the Company's restricted stock awards (excluding restricted stock units) (share amounts in thousands): Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding on January 1, 2013 3,952 $ 16.67 Granted 1,328 $ 26.98 Vested (1,455 ) $ 15.08 Cancelled/forfeited (452 ) $ 18.87 Outstanding on December 31, 2013 3,373 $ 21.12 Granted 1,662 $ 29.79 Vested (1,185 ) $ 19.58 Cancelled/forfeited (298 ) $ 21.02 Outstanding on December 31, 2014 3,552 $ 25.70 Granted 1,698 $ 32.75 Vested (1,275 ) $ 23.55 Cancelled/forfeited (521 ) $ 18.68 Outstanding on December 31, 2015 3,454 $ 28.80 As of December 31, 2015, there was $63.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation awards granted. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years and is based on grant date fair value, net of forfeiture estimates. The compensation cost reflects an initial estimated cumulative forfeiture rate from 0% to 20% 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. During 2015, 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 Three months ended June 30, 2015 70 $ 36.12 $ 2,540 Three months ended September 30, 2015 49 $ 33.02 $ 1,611 Three months ended December 31, 2015 244 $ 21.82 $ 5,327 The Company has an employee stock purchase plan for all eligible employees. Under the plan, eligible employees of the Company can purchase shares of the Company's common stock on a quarterly basis at a discounted price through accumulated payroll deductions. Each eligible employee may elect to deduct up to 15% of his or her base pay each quarter. Subject to certain limitations specified in the plan, on the last trading date of each calendar quarter, the amount deducted from each participant's pay over the course of the quarter will be used to purchase whole shares of the Company's common stock at a purchase price equal to 90% of the closing market price on the New York Stock Exchange on that date. The Company reserved 1,800,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the plan. The impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements is not material.

Share Repurchase Program

Share Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program	14. Share Repurchase Program On August 11, 2011, the Company's board of directors approved a share repurchase program that authorizes the Company to purchase up to $100.0 million in the aggregate of the Company's common stock. Purchases may be made from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or block trades, or by any combination of these methods, in accordance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws and regulations. The size, scope and timing of any purchases will be based on business, market and other conditions and factors, including price, regulatory and contractual requirements or consents, and capital availability. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time at the Company's discretion without prior notice. Shares of stock repurchased under the program will be held as treasury shares. No shares were purchased pursuant to this authorization during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. As of December 31, 2015, approximately $82.4 million remains available under this share repurchase authorization.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	15. Income Taxes The benefit (provision) for income taxes is comprised of the following (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Federal: Current $ 49 $ 1,367 $ (312 ) Deferred 95,259 182,371 183 Total Federal 95,308 183,738 (129 ) State: Current (3,099 ) (2,433 ) (1,627 ) Deferred (included in Federal above) — — — Total State (3,099 ) (2,433 ) (1,627 ) Total $ 92,209 $ 181,305 $ (1,756 ) A reconciliation of the benefit (provision) for income taxes to the amount computed at the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% is as follows (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate $ 192,390 $ 115,603 $ 640 State taxes, net of federal income tax 18,323 11,582 (985 ) Tax credits 3,937 (2,222 ) 9,757 Valuation allowance (111,797 ) 64,155 (7,097 ) Goodwill impairment (7,856 ) — — Meals and entertainment (1,090 ) (946 ) (496 ) Other, net (1,626 ) (713 ) (1,007 ) Return to provision (72 ) 716 (2,568 ) Non-deductible transaction costs — (6,870 ) — Total $ 92,209 $ 181,305 $ (1,756 ) Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows (dollars in thousands): 2015 2014 Deferred income tax assets: Capital and financing lease obligations $ 872,002 $ 945,000 Operating loss carryforwards 282,075 227,956 Accrued expenses 144,691 146,536 Deferred lease liability 94,105 77,790 Tax credits 40,974 34,860 Intangible assets 22,522 17,785 Deferred gain on sale leaseback 5,661 7,073 Prepaid revenue 2,415 5,835 Total gross deferred income tax asset 1,464,445 1,462,835 Valuation allowance (121,602 ) (9,213 ) Net deferred income tax assets 1,342,843 1,453,622 Deferred income tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment (1,320,423 ) (1,556,603 ) Investment in unconsolidated ventures (88,798 ) (54,113 ) Other (2,673 ) (2,181 ) Total gross deferred income tax liability (1,411,894 ) (1,612,897 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (69,051 ) $ (159,275 ) As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $930.4 million and $745.1 million, respectively, which are available to offset future taxable income through 2035. The Company determined that a valuation allowance was required due to the loss before income taxes in 2015, and in consideration of the Company's estimated future reversal of existing timing differences as of December 31, 2015. In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a provision of approximately $111.8 million to reflect the necessary valuation allowance of $121.6 million as of December 31, 2015. The valuation allowance reflects that the Company's net operating losses will begin to expire in 2027. As a result of the acquisition of Emeritus on July 31, 2014, the Company recorded deferred tax liabilities in excess of deferred tax assets that reflect the difference between the fair market value of the acquired assets over the historical basis of the acquired assets. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that its federal net operating loss carryforwards and a majority of its state net operating loss carryforwards, and the majority of its tax credits will be utilized in the future, based on the future reversal of these deferred tax liabilities. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2014 the Company recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local income tax benefit of $64.2 million from the release of the valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. Additionally, the Company recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $94.1 million as a result of the operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company has recorded valuation allowances of $89.5 million and $7.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, against its federal and state net operating losses, as the Company anticipates these losses will not be utilized prior to expiration. The Company also recorded a valuation allowance against federal and state credits of $32.1 million and $1.8 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had $126.7 million and $112.6 million, respectively, included in its net operating loss carryforward relating to restricted stock grants. Under ASC 718-10, this loss will be recorded in additional paid-in capital in the period in which the loss is effectively used to reduce taxes payable. The formation of the Company, the reorganization of a predecessor company and the acquisitions of several wholly-owned subsidiaries constituted ownership changes under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. As a result, the Company's ability to utilize the net operating loss carryforward to offset future taxable income is subject to certain limitations and restrictions. Furthermore, the Company had an ownership change under Section 382 in May 2010 which resulted in an additional annual limitation to the utilization of the net operating loss in the amount of $92.8 million. The acquisition of Emeritus on July 31, 2014 resulted in an ownership change for Emeritus resulting in an annual limitation of $53.9 million on net operating losses acquired by the Company from Emeritus. The Company expects the net operating losses of the Company from prior to May 2010 and of Emeritus to be fully released before expiration and therefore does not anticipate a financial statement impact as a result of the limitations. At December 31, 2015, the Company had gross tax affected unrecognized tax benefits of $30.2 million, which, if recognized, would result in an income tax benefit in accordance with ASC 805. Interest and penalties related to these tax positions are classified as tax expense in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Total interest and penalties reserved is $0.1 million at December 31, 2015. Tax returns for years 2011 through 2014 are subject to future examination by tax authorities. In addition, the net operating losses from prior years are subject to adjustment under examination. The Company does not expect that unrecognized tax benefits for tax positions taken with respect to 2015 and prior years will significantly change in 2016. A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for the year 2015 is as follows (dollars in thousands): Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 30,195 Additions for tax positions related to the current year — Additions for tax positions related to prior years 50 Reductions for tax positions related to prior years (9 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 30,236 On September 13, 2013, Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations regarding the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property. The final regulations under Internal Revenue Code Sections 162, 167 and 263(a) apply to amounts paid to acquire, produce, or improve tangible property as well as dispositions of such property and are generally effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015. The Company has evaluated these regulations and determined they will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	16. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (dollars in thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 360,960 $ 226,594 $ 123,036 Income taxes paid $ 2,952 $ 2,746 $ 2,283 Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold improvements Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 448,682 $ 304,245 $ 257,527 Accounts payable (37,631 ) — — Net cash paid $ 411,051 $ 304,245 $ 257,527 Acquisitions of assets, net of related payables and cash received, net: Cash and escrow deposits—restricted $ — $ — $ 466 Prepaid expenses and other assets, net (53,405 ) (3,138 ) 346 Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net 198,558 80,330 99,657 Other intangible assets, net (7,294 ) (23,978 ) 3,517 Accrued expenses — — (5,169 ) Long-term debt (101,558 ) 7,795 (64,131 ) Capital and financing lease obligations 155,230 — — Other liabilities (315 ) (20,568 ) — Net cash paid $ 191,216 $ 40,441 $ 34,686 Proceeds from sale of assets, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets, net $ 25,780 $ — $ — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (82,953 ) — — Capital and financing lease obligations 8,907 — — Other liabilities (960 ) — — Net cash received $ (49,226 ) $ — $ — Formation of CCRC Venture: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ — $ (729,123 ) $ — Investment in unconsolidated ventures — 194,485 — Other intangible assets, net — (56,829 ) — Other assets, net — (9,137 ) — Long-term debt — 170,416 — Capital and financing lease obligations — 27,085 — Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue — 413,761 — Other liabilities — 1,514 — Net cash paid $ — $ 12,172 $ — Formation of HCP 49 Venture: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ — $ (525,446 ) $ — Investment in unconsolidated ventures — 71,656 — Long-term debt — (67,640 ) — Capital and financing lease obligations — 538,355 — Other liabilities — (9,034 ) — Net cash paid $ — $ 7,891 $ — Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Operating, Investing and Financing Activities: Capital and financing leases: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 26,644 $ 27,100 $ — Other intangible assets, net (5,202 ) — — Capital and financing lease obligations (23,738 ) (27,100 ) — Other liabilities 2,296 — — Net $ — $ — $ — Master Lease amendment: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ — $ 385,696 $ — Other intangible assets, net — (174,012 ) — Capital and financing lease obligations — (217,022 ) — Other liabilities — 5,338 — Net $ — $ — $ — Assets designated as held for sale: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ (113,592 ) $ — $ — Assets held for sale 110,620 — — Goodwill (12,200 ) — — Asset impairment 15,172 — — Net $ — $ — $ — Contribution to CCRC venture: Property, plant and equipment $ (25,717 ) $ — $ — Investment in unconsolidated ventures 7,422 — — Long-term debt 18,295 — — Net $ — $ — $ —

Litigation

Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Litigation [Abstract]
Litigation	17. 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.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	18. Segment Information As of December, 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 the legacy Brookdale 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 legacy Brookdale CCRCs that were not contributed to the CCRC Venture are included in the CCRCs - Entry Fee segment for the six month period ended June 30, 2014 and the CCRCs - Rental segment for periods subsequent to June 30, 2014, 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. See Note 4 for more information about the Company's entry into the CCRC Venture. During 2014, two communities were moved from the Retirement Centers segment to the Assisted Living segment and one community was moved from the Retirement Centers segment to the CCRCs – Rental segment to more accurately reflect the underlying product offering of the communities. The movement did not change the Company's reportable segments, but it did impact the revenues and expenses reported within the Retirement Centers, Assisted Living and CCRCs - Rental segments. Revenue and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013 have not been recast. Retirement Centers Assisted Living. CCRCs - Rental. CCRCs - Entry Fee Brookdale Ancillary Services Management Services. 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 selected segment financial and operating data (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue: Retirement Centers (1) $ 657,940 $ 582,312 $ 526,284 Assisted Living (1) 2,445,457 1,685,563 1,051,868 CCRCs - Rental (1) 604,572 493,173 396,975 CCRCs - Entry Fee (1) — 202,414 297,756 Brookdale Ancillary Services (1) 469,158 337,835 242,150 Management Services (2) 783,481 530,409 376,933 $ 4,960,608 $ 3,831,706 $ 2,891,966 Segment Operating Income (3) Retirement Centers $ 285,257 $ 248,883 $ 222,282 Assisted Living 877,303 608,489 389,678 CCRCs - Rental 150,495 121,661 109,026 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 48,433 76,393 Brookdale Ancillary Services 75,210 63,463 45,709 Management Services 60,183 42,239 31,125 1,448,448 1,133,168 874,213 General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense) 370,579 280,267 180,627 Transaction costs 8,252 66,949 3,921 Facility lease expense: Retirement Centers 114,738 98,321 91,258 Assisted Living 197,452 162,575 123,980 CCRCs - Rental 47,937 51,523 48,809 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 4,362 7,470 Brookdale Ancillary Services — 890 — Corporate and Management Services 7,447 6,159 5,212 Depreciation and amortization: Retirement Centers 104,063 86,188 64,353 Assisted Living 489,933 317,918 85,337 CCRCs - Rental 87,754 60,175 30,957 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 37,524 55,842 Brookdale Ancillary Services 7,451 4,764 3,023 Corporate and Management Services 43,964 30,466 29,245 Asset impairment 57,941 9,992 12,891 Loss on facility lease termination 76,143 — — (Loss) income from operations $ (165,206 ) $ (84,905 ) $ 131,288 Total interest expense: Retirement Centers $ 58,397 $ 41,906 $ 31,286 Assisted Living 250,116 140,001 51,410 CCRCs - Rental 39,502 28,418 17,512 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 7,530 11,911 Brookdale Ancillary Services 1,354 823 — Corporate and Management Services 39,395 29,510 25,280 $ 388,764 $ 248,188 $ 137,399 Total capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment, and leasehold intangibles: Retirement Centers $ 161,986 $ 76,285 $ 63,519 Assisted Living 220,893 107,037 95,829 CCRCs - Rental 54,864 42,412 27,134 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 36,575 43,019 Brookdale Ancillary Services 4,061 1,805 1,855 Corporate and Management Services 6,878 40,131 26,171 $ 448,682 $ 304,245 $ 257,527 As of December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets: Retirement Centers $ 1,556,169 $ 1,600,007 Assisted Living 6,354,415 6,577,821 CCRCs - Rental 1,037,384 1,027,854 Brookdale Ancillary Services 292,540 275,618 Corporate and Management Services 808,056 936,161 $ 10,048,564 $ 10,417,461 (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).

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	19. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for each of the fiscal quarters in 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts): For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 Revenues $ 1,247,881 $ 1,238,184 $ 1,238,841 $ 1,235,702 Asset impairment — — — 57,941 Income (loss) from operations (116,873 ) (43,123 ) 3,663 (8,873 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (208,997 ) (137,400 ) (99,132 ) (104,835 ) Net income (loss) (130,709 ) (84,807 ) (68,336 ) (174,303 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders (130,451 ) (84,547 ) (68,220 ) (174,259 ) Weighted average basic and diluted income (loss) per share $ (0.71 ) $ (0.46 ) $ (0.37 ) $ (0.94 ) For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2014 June 30, 2014 September 30, 2014 December 31, 2014 Revenues $ 747,275 $ 748,393 $ 1,083,935 $ 1,252,103 Asset impairment — — — 9,992 Income (loss) from operations 32,148 30,657 (73,197 ) (74,513 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (1,293 ) (2,333 ) (153,109 ) (173,996 ) Net income (loss) (2,299 ) (3,295 ) (37,036 ) (106,796 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders (2,299 ) (3,295 ) (36,862 ) (106,534 ) Weighted average basic and diluted income (loss) per share $ (0.02 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (0.58 )

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUN

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS [Abstract]
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS December 31, 2015 (In thousands) Additions Description Balance at beginning of period Acquisition of Emeritus Charged to costs and expenses Charged to other accounts Deductions Balance at end of period Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: Year ended December 31, 2013 $ 15,262 $ — $ 21,048 $ 444 $ (19,026 ) $ 17,728 Year ended December 31, 2014 $ 17,728 $ 11,087 $ 20,509 $ 771 $ (23,594 ) $ 26,501 Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 26,501 $ - $ 25,132 $ 2,135 $ (27,298 ) $ 26,470 Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance: Year ended December 31, 2013 $ 65,269 $ — $ 7,272 (1) $ (175 ) (2 ) $ — $ 72,366 Year ended December 31, 2014 $ 72,366 $ 1,002 $ — $ — $ (64,155 ) (3) $ 9,213 Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 9,213 $ — $ 111,797 (4) $ 592 (4) $ — $ 121,602 (1) Adjustment to valuation allowance for federal net operating losses and federal credits of $(4,851) and $12,123, respectively. (2) Adjustment to valuation allowance for state net operating losses of $(175). (3) Adjustment to reverse valuation allowance for federal and state net operating losses of $(64,155). (4) Adjustment to valuation allowance for federal and state net operating losses and federal credits of $81,968 and $30,421, respectively

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The 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
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, revenue, goodwill and asset impairments, self-insurance reserves, performance-based compensation, the allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation and amortization, income taxes and other contingencies. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from the original estimates.
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 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 consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the consolidated statements of operations.
Purchase Accounting	Purchase Accounting In determining the allocation of the purchase price of companies and communities to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the Company makes estimates of fair value using information obtained as a result of pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing, leasing activities and/or independent appraisals. The Company assigned the purchase prices for companies or communities to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their determined fair values in accordance with the provisions of ASC 805, Business Combinations Working capital assets acquired and working capital liabilities assumed are valued on a carryover/cost basis which approximates fair value. Property, plant and equipment are valued utilizing either a discounted cash flow projection of future revenue and costs and capitalization and discount rates using current market conditions, or a direct capitalization method. The Company allocates the fair values of buildings acquired on an as-if-vacant basis and depreciates the building values over the estimated remaining lives of the buildings, not to exceed 40 years. The Company determines the allocated values of other fixed assets, such as site improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, based upon the replacement cost and depreciates such values over the assets' estimated remaining useful lives as determined at the applicable acquisition date. The Company determines the value of land either by considering the sales prices of similar properties in recent transactions or based on internal analysis of recently acquired and existing comparable properties within its portfolio. In connection with a business combination, the Company may assume rights and obligations under certain lease agreements pursuant to which the Company becomes the lessee of a given property. The Company assumes the lease classification previously determined by the prior lessee absent a modification in the assumed lease agreement. The Company assesses assumed operating leases, including ground leases, to determine whether the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable to the Company given current market conditions on the acquisition date. To the extent the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable relative to market conditions on the acquisition date, the Company recognizes an intangible asset or liability at fair value. The Company amortizes any acquired lease-related intangibles to facility lease expense over the remaining life of the associated lease plus any assumed bargain renewal periods. The fair value of acquired lease-related intangibles associated with the relationship with the Company's residents, if any, reflects the estimated value of in-place leases as represented by the cost to obtain residents and an estimated absorption period to reflect the value of the rent and recovery costs foregone during a reasonable lease-up period as if the acquired space was vacant. The Company amortizes any acquired in-place lease intangibles to depreciation and amortization expense over the average remaining length of stay of the residents, which is evaluated on an acquisition by acquisition basis but is generally estimated at 12 months. The Company estimates the fair value of purchase option intangible assets by discounting the difference between the applicable property's acquisition date fair value and the stated or anticipated future option price. The Company estimates the fair value of trade names using a royalty rate methodology and amortizes that value over the estimated useful life of the trade name. Management contracts and other acquired contracts are valued at a multiple of management fees and operating income or are valued utilizing discounted cash flow projections that assume certain future revenues and costs over the remaining contract term. The assets are then amortized over the estimated term of the agreement. The Company calculates the fair value of acquired long-term debt by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows of each instrument at the current market rate for those borrowings, which the Company approximates based on the rate at which the Company would expect to incur a replacement instrument on the date of acquisition, and recognizes any fair value adjustments related to long-term debt as effective yield adjustments over the remaining term of the instrument. Capital lease assets are valued by the Company as a right-to-use asset. Financing lease assets are valued as if the Company owns the assets and thus are recorded at fair value. Capital and financing lease obligations are valued based on the present value of the estimated lease payments applying a discount rate equal to the Company's estimated incremental borrowing rate at the date of acquisition. Additionally, the valuation of financing lease obligations reflects a residual value component. Preacquisition contingencies are valued when considered probable and reasonably estimable, and estimated legal fees are accrued for in accordance with the Company's existing policy. Self-insurance reserves including incurred but not reported liabilities are estimated by actuary analyses. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized at statutory rates for the difference between the book and tax bases of the acquired assets and liabilities. The tax bases of assets and liabilities in the Emeritus transaction were carried over at historical values. The excess of the fair value of liabilities assumed and common stock issued and cash paid over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired is allocated to goodwill, which is not amortized by the Company.
Deferred Costs	Deferred Financing Costs Third-party fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term debt are recorded as a direct adjustment to the carrying value of debt and amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective yield method, over the term of the related debt. Refer to the New Accounting Pronouncements section of this note for discussion of the Company's adoption of a new accounting standard related to deferred financing costs during the period. Unamortized deferred financing fees are written-off if the associated debt is retired before the maturity date. Upon the refinancing of mortgage debt or amendment of the line of credit, unamortized deferred financing fees and additional financing costs incurred are accounted for in accordance with ASC 470-50, Debt Modifications and Extinguishments
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability approach which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has elected the "with-and-without approach" regarding ordering of windfall tax benefits to determine whether the windfall tax benefit did reduce taxes payable in the current year. Under this approach, the windfall tax benefits would be recognized in additional paid-in capital only if an incremental tax benefit is realized after considering all other tax benefits presently available.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures 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 consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity. The Company's derivative assets include interest rate caps that effectively manage the risk above certain interest rates for a portion of the Company's variable rate debt. The derivative positions are valued using models developed internally by the respective counterparty that use as their basis readily observable market parameters (such as forward yield curves) and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company considers the credit risk of its counterparties when evaluating the fair value of its derivatives. 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 approxim ately $3.6 billion a
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company defines cash and cash equivalents as cash and investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased.
Cash and Escrow Deposits - Restricted	Cash and Escrow Deposits – Restricted Cash and escrow deposits – restricted consist principally of deposits required by certain lenders and lessors pursuant to the applicable agreement and consist of the following (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 Current: Real estate tax and property insurance escrows $ 18,862 $ 17,926 Replacement reserve escrows 8,011 15,535 Resident deposits 862 1,054 Other 4,835 4,347 Subtotal 32,570 38,862 Long term: Insurance deposits 15,318 19,299 CCRC escrows 13,233 13,214 Debt service reserve 3,429 1,728 Letter of credit collateral 1,202 21,935 Other 200 200 Subtotal 33,382 56,376 Total $ 65,952 $ 95,238
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable, net Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, to represent the Company's estimate of the amount that ultimately will be realized in cash. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $26.5 million as of both December 31, 2015 and 2014. The adequacy of the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on an ongoing basis, using historical payment trends, write-off experience, analyses of receivable portfolios by payor source and aging of receivables, as well as a review of specific accounts, and adjustments are made to the allowance as necessary. Billings for services under third-party payor programs are recorded net of estimated retroactive adjustments, if any, under reimbursement programs. Retroactive adjustments are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the related services are rendered and adjusted in future periods or as final settlements are determined. Contractual or cost related adjustments from Medicare or Medicaid are accrued when assessed (without regard to when the assessment is paid or withheld). Subsequent positive or negative adjustments to these accrued amounts are recorded in net revenues when known.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles	Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include amounts recorded under capital and financing leases, are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Buildings and improvements 40 Furniture and equipment 3 – 7 Resident lease intangibles 1 – 3 Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Renovations and improvements, which improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life or if the renovations or improvements are made with respect to communities subject to an operating lease, over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the renovations or improvements, or the term of the operating lease. Assets under capital and financing leases and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the assets or the term of the lease. Facility operating expense excludes depreciation and amortization directly attributable to the operation of the facility. Long-lived assets (groups) are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets held for use are assessed by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset then the fair value of the asset is estimated. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the asset to its carrying value, with any amount in excess of fair value recognized as an expense in the current period. Undiscounted cash flow projections and estimates of fair value amounts are based on a number of assumptions such as revenue and expense growth rates, estimated holding periods and estimated capitalization rates.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company follows ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Acquired intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and all intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. The evaluation of impairment for definite-lived intangibles is based upon a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then the fair value of the asset is estimated. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense in the current period. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently as required. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference. Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Trade names 2 - 5 Other 3 – 9
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company follows ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation 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.
Convertible Debt Instruments	Convertible Debt Instruments Convertible debt instruments are accounted for under ASC 470-20, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options
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 becomes available.
Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures	Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures In accordance with ASC 810 , The Company's reported share of earnings of an unconsolidated venture is adjusted for the impact, if any, of basis differences between its carrying value of the equity investment and its share of the venture's underlying assets. The Company generally does not have future requirements to contribute additional capital over and above the original capital commitments, and therefore, the Company discontinues applying the equity method of accounting when its investment is reduced to zero barring an expectation of an imminent return to profitability. If the venture subsequently reports net income, the equity method of accounting is resumed only after the Company's share of that net income equals the share of net losses not recognized during the period the equity method was suspended. The Company evaluates realization of its investment in ventures accounted for using the equity method if circumstances indicate that the Company's investment is other than temporarily impaired.
Community Leases	Community Leases The Company, as lessee, makes a determination with respect to each of its community leases as to whether each should be accounted for as an operating lease or capital lease. The classification criteria is based on estimates regarding the fair value of the leased community, minimum lease payments, effective cost of funds, the economic life of the community and certain other terms in the lease agreements. In a business combination, the Company assumes the lease classification previously determined by the prior lessee absent a modification, as determined by ASC 840, Leases For communities under capital lease and lease financing obligation arrangements, a liability is established on the Company's consolidated balance sheets representing the present value of the future minimum lease payments and a residual value for financing leases and a corresponding long-term asset is recorded in property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles in the consolidated balance sheets. For capital lease assets, the asset is depreciated over the remaining lease term unless there is a bargain purchase option in which case the asset is depreciated over the useful life. For financing lease assets, the asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements purchased during the term of the lease are amortized over the shorter of their economic life or the lease term. All of the Company's leases contain fixed or formula-based rent escalators. To the extent that the escalator increases are tied to a fixed index or rate, lease payments are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. In addition, all rent-free or rent holiday periods are recognized in lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the rent holiday period. Sale-leaseback accounting is applied to transactions in which an owned community is sold and leased back from the buyer if certain continuing involvement criteria are met. Under sale-leaseback accounting, the Company removes the community and related liabilities from the consolidated balance sheets. Gain on the sale is deferred and recognized as a reduction of facility lease expense for operating leases and a reduction of interest expense for capital leases. For leases in which the Company is involved with the construction of the building, the Company accounts for the lease during the construction period under the provisions of ASC 840. If the Company concludes that it has substantively all of the risks of ownership during construction of a leased property and therefore is deemed the owner of the project for accounting purposes, it records an asset and related financing obligation for the amount of total project costs related to construction in progress. Once construction is complete, the Company considers the requirements under ASC 840-40. If the arrangement qualifies for sale-leaseback accounting, the Company removes the assets and related liabilities from the consolidated balance sheets. If the arrangement does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting, the Company continues to amortize the financing obligation and depreciate the assets over the lease term.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders' equity.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In November 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement—Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items -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 as of January 1, 2015, and it did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures for the year ended December 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 The Company will adopt ASU 2014-15 on January 1, 2016, and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Summary of Significant Accoun29

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted	Cash and escrow deposits – restricted consist principally of deposits required by certain lenders and lessors pursuant to the applicable agreement and consist of the following (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 Current: Real estate tax and property insurance escrows $ 18,862 $ 17,926 Replacement reserve escrows 8,011 15,535 Resident deposits 862 1,054 Other 4,835 4,347 Subtotal 32,570 38,862 Long term: Insurance deposits 15,318 19,299 CCRC escrows 13,233 13,214 Debt service reserve 3,429 1,728 Letter of credit collateral 1,202 21,935 Other 200 200 Subtotal 33,382 56,376 Total $ 65,952 $ 95,238
Property, plant and equipment, useful lives	Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include amounts recorded under capital and financing leases, are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Buildings and improvements 40 Furniture and equipment 3 – 7 Resident lease intangibles 1 – 3
Definite lived intangible assets, useful lives	Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Trade names 2 - 5 Other 3 – 9

Acquisitions and Other Signif30

Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price	Cash and cash equivalents $ 28 Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles 5,506 Goodwill 645 Other intangible assets, net 259 Other assets, net 307 Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses (297 ) Long-term debt (1,516 ) Capital and financing lease obligations (2,692 ) Deferred tax liability (339 ) Other liabilities (251 ) Noncontrolling interest (1 ) Fair value of Brookdale common stock issued $ 1,649
Annualized 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 (unaudited, in millions, except share and per share data): Year Ended December 31, 2014 2013 Total revenue $ 5,055 $ 4,853 Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders (103 ) (424 ) Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders $ (0.59 ) $ (2.48 ) Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in thousands) 175,823 171,255

Investment in Unconsolidated 31

Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	VIE Asset Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Amount CCRC Venture opco Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 180.5 $ 180.5 HCP 49 Venture opco and propco Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 72.4 $ 72.4 Other Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 5.3 $ 1.7
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	Venture Ownership Percentage CCRC Venture 51% HCP 49 Venture 20% BKD-HCN venture opco and propco 20% HCP 35 Venture 10% S-H Twenty-One venture opco and propco 10%

Property, Plant and Equipment32

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, net property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following (in thousands): 2015 2014 Land $ 486,567 $ 475,485 Buildings and improvements 5,260,826 5,017,991 Leasehold improvements 100,430 56,515 Furniture and equipment 895,447 735,837 Resident and leasehold operating intangibles 783,434 852,746 Construction in progress 138,054 99,408 Assets under capital and financing leases 2,909,653 3,057,516 10,574,411 10,295,498 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,543,035 ) (1,905,993 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 8,031,376 $ 8,389,505
Resident and Leasehold Operating Intangibles, Future Amortization Expense	Future amortization expense for resident and leasehold operating intangibles is estimated to be as follows (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Future Amortization 2016 $ 19,390 2017 13,011 2018 7,603 2019 6,247 2020 4,345 Thereafter 12,663 Total $ 63,259

Goodwill and Other Intangible33

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The following is a summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 presented on an operating segment basis (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges Net Retirement Centers $ 28,141 $ (721 ) $ 27,420 $ 28,141 $ (521 ) $ 27,620 Assisted Living 591,814 (20,348 ) 571,466 582,623 (248 ) 582,375 Brookdale Ancillary Services 126,810 — 126,810 126,810 — 126,810 Total $ 746,765 $ (21,069 ) $ 725,696 $ 737,574 $ (769 ) $ 736,805
Other intangible assets	The following is a summary of other intangible assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Community purchase options $ 40,270 $ — $ 40,270 $ 55,738 $ — $ 55,738 Health care licenses 66,612 — 66,612 64,538 — 64,538 Trade names 27,800 (14,209 ) 13,591 27,800 (4,179 ) 23,621 Other 13,531 (4,818 ) 8,713 13,531 (2,655 ) 10,876 Total $ 148,213 $ (19,027 ) $ 129,186 $ 161,607 $ (6,834 ) $ 154,773
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Future amortization expense for intangible assets with definite lives is estimated to be as follows (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Future Amortization 2016 $ 8,165 2017 3,726 2018 3,717 2019 2,638 2020 1,133 Thereafter 2,925 Total $ 22,304

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	Long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations consist of the following (dollars in thousands): December 31, 2015 2014 Mortgage notes payable due 2016 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.51% in 2015, including net debt premium and deferred financing costs of $3.3 million in 2015 and including net debt premium and deferred financing costs of $42.9 million in 2014 (weighted average interest rate of 4.84% in 2014) $ 3,246,513 $ 3,088,752 Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2031; weighted average interest rate of 8.11% in 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 8.57% in 2014) 2,489,588 2,649,226 Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $34.3 million and $46.9 million in 2015 and 2014, respectively, interest at 2.75% per annum, due June 2018 281,902 269,300 Construction financing due 2017 through 2019; weighted average interest rate of 4.84% in 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 4.90% in 2014) 24,105 50,118 Notes payable issued to finance insurance premiums (weighted average interest rate of 2.82% in 2014) — 22,586 Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 5.16% in 2015 (weighted average interest rate of 4.75% in 2014) and maturity dates ranging from 2016 to 2020 80,305 66,271 Total debt and capital and financing lease obligations 6,122,413 6,146,253 Less current portion 235,604 268,399 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations $ 5,886,809 $ 5,877,854 As of December 31, 2015, the current portion of long-term debt within the Company's consolidated financial statements includes $60.8 million of mortgage notes payable secured by assets held for sale. This debt will either be assumed by the prospective purchasers or be repaid with the proceeds from the sales. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the Company's assets held for sale.
Annual aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt obligations outstanding	The annual aggregate scheduled maturities of long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2015 are as follows (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Long-term Debt Capital and Financing Lease Obligations Total Debt 2016 $ 180,423 $ 237,810 $ 418,233 2017 308,023 263,671 571,694 2018 1,179,702 282,951 1,462,653 2019 143,473 262,800 406,273 2020 490,605 207,594 698,199 Thereafter 1,361,903 3,629,265 4,991,168 Total obligations 3,664,129 4,884,091 8,548,220 Less amount representing debt discount and deferred financing costs, net (31,304 ) — (31,304 ) Less amount representing interest (weighted average interest rate of 8.11%) — (2,394,503 ) (2,394,503 ) Total $ 3,632,825 $ 2,489,588 $ 6,122,413
Interest expense associated with the convertible notes	The interest expense associated with the Notes (excluding amortization of the associated deferred financing costs) was as follows (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Coupon interest $ 8,697 $ 8,697 $ 8,697 Amortization of discount 11,732 10,902 10,131 Interest expense related to convertible notes $ 20,429 $ 19,599 $ 18,828
Summary of swap and cap instruments	Current notional balance $ 983,281 Weighted average fixed cap rate 4.34 % Earliest maturity date 2016 Latest maturity date 2018 Estimated asset fair value (included in other assets, net at December 31, 2015) $ 29 Estimated asset fair value (included in other assets, net at December 31, 2014) $ 763

Accrued Expenses (Tables)

Accrued Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses	Accrued expenses consist of the following components as of December 31, (in thousands): 2015 2014 Insurance reserves $ 94,948 $ 116,858 Salaries and wages 80,291 124,935 Vacation 44,421 43,037 Real estate taxes 37,206 43,155 Lease payable 20,714 30,001 Interest 12,940 12,757 Accrued utilities 11,949 12,798 Taxes payable 3,265 2,679 Other 67,140 36,434 Total $ 372,874 $ 422,654

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Summary of facility operating leases	A summary of facility lease expense and the impact of straight-line adjustment and amortization of (above) below market rents and deferred gains are as follows (in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Cash basis payment $ 372,148 $ 330,207 $ 278,504 Straight-line (income) expense 6,956 1,439 2,597 Amortization of (above) below market rents, net (7,158 ) (3,444 ) — Amortization of deferred gain (4,372 ) (4,372 ) (4,372 ) Facility lease expense $ 367,574 $ 323,830 $ 276,729
Future minimum operating lease payments	The aggregate amounts of future minimum operating lease payments, including community and office leases, as of December 31, 2015, are as follows (dollars in thousands): Year Ending December 31, Operating Leases 2016 $ 390,816 2017 373,690 2018 358,168 2019 340,747 2020 300,674 Thereafter 1,336,099 Total $ 3,100,194

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Restricted stock awards	The following table sets forth information about the Company's restricted stock awards (excluding restricted stock units) (share amounts in thousands): Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding on January 1, 2013 3,952 $ 16.67 Granted 1,328 $ 26.98 Vested (1,455 ) $ 15.08 Cancelled/forfeited (452 ) $ 18.87 Outstanding on December 31, 2013 3,373 $ 21.12 Granted 1,662 $ 29.79 Vested (1,185 ) $ 19.58 Cancelled/forfeited (298 ) $ 21.02 Outstanding on December 31, 2014 3,552 $ 25.70 Granted 1,698 $ 32.75 Vested (1,275 ) $ 23.55 Cancelled/forfeited (521 ) $ 18.68 Outstanding on December 31, 2015 3,454 $ 28.80
Current year grants of restricted shares and restricted stock units	During 2015, 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 Three months ended June 30, 2015 70 $ 36.12 $ 2,540 Three months ended September 30, 2015 49 $ 33.02 $ 1,611 Three months ended December 31, 2015 244 $ 21.82 $ 5,327

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit)	The benefit (provision) for income taxes is comprised of the following (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Federal: Current $ 49 $ 1,367 $ (312 ) Deferred 95,259 182,371 183 Total Federal 95,308 183,738 (129 ) State: Current (3,099 ) (2,433 ) (1,627 ) Deferred (included in Federal above) — — — Total State (3,099 ) (2,433 ) (1,627 ) Total $ 92,209 $ 181,305 $ (1,756 )
Reconciliation of the benefit for income taxes to the amount computed at the U.S. Federal statutory rate	A reconciliation of the benefit (provision) for income taxes to the amount computed at the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% is as follows (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate $ 192,390 $ 115,603 $ 640 State taxes, net of federal income tax 18,323 11,582 (985 ) Tax credits 3,937 (2,222 ) 9,757 Valuation allowance (111,797 ) 64,155 (7,097 ) Goodwill impairment (7,856 ) — — Meals and entertainment (1,090 ) (946 ) (496 ) Other, net (1,626 ) (713 ) (1,007 ) Return to provision (72 ) 716 (2,568 ) Non-deductible transaction costs — (6,870 ) — Total $ 92,209 $ 181,305 $ (1,756 )
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows (dollars in thousands): 2015 2014 Deferred income tax assets: Capital and financing lease obligations $ 872,002 $ 945,000 Operating loss carryforwards 282,075 227,956 Accrued expenses 144,691 146,536 Deferred lease liability 94,105 77,790 Tax credits 40,974 34,860 Intangible assets 22,522 17,785 Deferred gain on sale leaseback 5,661 7,073 Prepaid revenue 2,415 5,835 Total gross deferred income tax asset 1,464,445 1,462,835 Valuation allowance (121,602 ) (9,213 ) Net deferred income tax assets 1,342,843 1,453,622 Deferred income tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment (1,320,423 ) (1,556,603 ) Investment in unconsolidated ventures (88,798 ) (54,113 ) Other (2,673 ) (2,181 ) Total gross deferred income tax liability (1,411,894 ) (1,612,897 ) Net deferred tax liability $ (69,051 ) $ (159,275 )
Reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits	A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits for the year 2015 is as follows (dollars in thousands): Balance at January 1, 2015 $ 30,195 Additions for tax positions related to the current year — Additions for tax positions related to prior years 50 Reductions for tax positions related to prior years (9 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 30,236

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca39

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	(dollars in thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: 2015 2014 2013 Interest paid $ 360,960 $ 226,594 $ 123,036 Income taxes paid $ 2,952 $ 2,746 $ 2,283 Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold improvements Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 448,682 $ 304,245 $ 257,527 Accounts payable (37,631 ) — — Net cash paid $ 411,051 $ 304,245 $ 257,527 Acquisitions of assets, net of related payables and cash received, net: Cash and escrow deposits—restricted $ — $ — $ 466 Prepaid expenses and other assets, net (53,405 ) (3,138 ) 346 Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net 198,558 80,330 99,657 Other intangible assets, net (7,294 ) (23,978 ) 3,517 Accrued expenses — — (5,169 ) Long-term debt (101,558 ) 7,795 (64,131 ) Capital and financing lease obligations 155,230 — — Other liabilities (315 ) (20,568 ) — Net cash paid $ 191,216 $ 40,441 $ 34,686 Proceeds from sale of assets, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets, net $ 25,780 $ — $ — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (82,953 ) — — Capital and financing lease obligations 8,907 — — Other liabilities (960 ) — — Net cash received $ (49,226 ) $ — $ — Formation of CCRC Venture: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ — $ (729,123 ) $ — Investment in unconsolidated ventures — 194,485 — Other intangible assets, net — (56,829 ) — Other assets, net — (9,137 ) — Long-term debt — 170,416 — Capital and financing lease obligations — 27,085 — Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue — 413,761 — Other liabilities — 1,514 — Net cash paid $ — $ 12,172 $ — Formation of HCP 49 Venture: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ — $ (525,446 ) $ — Investment in unconsolidated ventures — 71,656 — Long-term debt — (67,640 ) — Capital and financing lease obligations — 538,355 — Other liabilities — (9,034 ) — Net cash paid $ — $ 7,891 $ — Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Operating, Investing and Financing Activities: Capital and financing leases: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 26,644 $ 27,100 $ — Other intangible assets, net (5,202 ) — — Capital and financing lease obligations (23,738 ) (27,100 ) — Other liabilities 2,296 — — Net $ — $ — $ — Master Lease amendment: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ — $ 385,696 $ — Other intangible assets, net — (174,012 ) — Capital and financing lease obligations — (217,022 ) — Other liabilities — 5,338 — Net $ — $ — $ — Assets designated as held for sale: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ (113,592 ) $ — $ — Assets held for sale 110,620 — — Goodwill (12,200 ) — — Asset impairment 15,172 — — Net $ — $ — $ — Contribution to CCRC venture: Property, plant and equipment $ (25,717 ) $ — $ — Investment in unconsolidated ventures 7,422 — — Long-term debt 18,295 — — Net $ — $ — $ —

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Information [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting infomration	The following table sets forth selected segment financial and operating data (dollars in thousands): For the Years Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Revenue: Retirement Centers (1) $ 657,940 $ 582,312 $ 526,284 Assisted Living (1) 2,445,457 1,685,563 1,051,868 CCRCs - Rental (1) 604,572 493,173 396,975 CCRCs - Entry Fee (1) — 202,414 297,756 Brookdale Ancillary Services (1) 469,158 337,835 242,150 Management Services (2) 783,481 530,409 376,933 $ 4,960,608 $ 3,831,706 $ 2,891,966 Segment Operating Income (3) Retirement Centers $ 285,257 $ 248,883 $ 222,282 Assisted Living 877,303 608,489 389,678 CCRCs - Rental 150,495 121,661 109,026 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 48,433 76,393 Brookdale Ancillary Services 75,210 63,463 45,709 Management Services 60,183 42,239 31,125 1,448,448 1,133,168 874,213 General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense) 370,579 280,267 180,627 Transaction costs 8,252 66,949 3,921 Facility lease expense: Retirement Centers 114,738 98,321 91,258 Assisted Living 197,452 162,575 123,980 CCRCs - Rental 47,937 51,523 48,809 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 4,362 7,470 Brookdale Ancillary Services — 890 — Corporate and Management Services 7,447 6,159 5,212 Depreciation and amortization: Retirement Centers 104,063 86,188 64,353 Assisted Living 489,933 317,918 85,337 CCRCs - Rental 87,754 60,175 30,957 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 37,524 55,842 Brookdale Ancillary Services 7,451 4,764 3,023 Corporate and Management Services 43,964 30,466 29,245 Asset impairment 57,941 9,992 12,891 Loss on facility lease termination 76,143 — — (Loss) income from operations $ (165,206 ) $ (84,905 ) $ 131,288 Total interest expense: Retirement Centers $ 58,397 $ 41,906 $ 31,286 Assisted Living 250,116 140,001 51,410 CCRCs - Rental 39,502 28,418 17,512 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 7,530 11,911 Brookdale Ancillary Services 1,354 823 — Corporate and Management Services 39,395 29,510 25,280 $ 388,764 $ 248,188 $ 137,399 Total capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment, and leasehold intangibles: Retirement Centers $ 161,986 $ 76,285 $ 63,519 Assisted Living 220,893 107,037 95,829 CCRCs - Rental 54,864 42,412 27,134 CCRCs - Entry Fee — 36,575 43,019 Brookdale Ancillary Services 4,061 1,805 1,855 Corporate and Management Services 6,878 40,131 26,171 $ 448,682 $ 304,245 $ 257,527 As of December 31, 2015 2014 Total assets: Retirement Centers $ 1,556,169 $ 1,600,007 Assisted Living 6,354,415 6,577,821 CCRCs - Rental 1,037,384 1,027,854 Brookdale Ancillary Services 292,540 275,618 Corporate and Management Services 808,056 936,161 $ 10,048,564 $ 10,417,461 (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).

Quarterly Results of Operatio41

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly results of operations	The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for each of the fiscal quarters in 2015 and 2014 (in thousands, except per share amounts): For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2015 June 30, 2015 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2015 Revenues $ 1,247,881 $ 1,238,184 $ 1,238,841 $ 1,235,702 Asset impairment — — — 57,941 Income (loss) from operations (116,873 ) (43,123 ) 3,663 (8,873 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (208,997 ) (137,400 ) (99,132 ) (104,835 ) Net income (loss) (130,709 ) (84,807 ) (68,336 ) (174,303 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders (130,451 ) (84,547 ) (68,220 ) (174,259 ) Weighted average basic and diluted income (loss) per share $ (0.71 ) $ (0.46 ) $ (0.37 ) $ (0.94 ) For the Quarters Ended March 31, 2014 June 30, 2014 September 30, 2014 December 31, 2014 Revenues $ 747,275 $ 748,393 $ 1,083,935 $ 1,252,103 Asset impairment — — — 9,992 Income (loss) from operations 32,148 30,657 (73,197 ) (74,513 ) Income (loss) before income taxes (1,293 ) (2,333 ) (153,109 ) (173,996 ) Net income (loss) (2,299 ) (3,295 ) (37,036 ) (106,796 ) Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders (2,299 ) (3,295 ) (36,862 ) (106,534 ) Weighted average basic and diluted income (loss) per share $ (0.02 ) $ (0.03 ) $ (0.23 ) $ (0.58 )

Summary of Significant Accoun42

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Term of residency agreements - minimum (in days)	30 days
Term of residency agreements - maximum (in years)	1 year
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, current	$ 32,570	$ 38,862
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, long term	33,382	56,376
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, total	65,952	95,238
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 26,500	26,500
Finite lived intangible assets - useful lives [Abstract]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Reclassified Upon Adoption of ASU		$ 19,700
Buildings and Improvements [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	40 years
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	3 years
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	7 years
Resident lease intangibles [Member]
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)		12 months
Resident lease intangibles [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	1 year
Resident lease intangibles [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Estimated useful life of property, plant and equipment [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	3 years
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] | Minimum [Member]
Finite lived intangible assets - useful lives [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	3 years
Other Intangible Assets [Abstract] | Maximum [Member]
Finite lived intangible assets - useful lives [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	9 years
Tradenames [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Finite lived intangible assets - useful lives [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	2 years
Tradenames [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Finite lived intangible assets - useful lives [Abstract]
Estimated Useful Life (in years)	5 years
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair value of financial instruments [Abstract]
Debt at carrying value	$ 3,600,000	$ 3,500,000
Real estate taxes [Member]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, current	18,862	17,926
Tenant security deposits [Member]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, current	862	1,054
Insurance reserves [Member]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, long term	15,318	19,299
Entrance fees [Member]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, long term	13,233	13,214
Replacement reserve and other [Member]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, current	8,011	15,535
Debt service and other deposits [Member]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, long term	3,429	1,728
Other Restricted Cash [Member]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, current	4,835	4,347
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, long term	200	200
Letter of Credit Collateral [Member]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted [Line Items]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted, long term	$ 1,202	$ 21,935

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	3.7	3.6	3.9
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
Principal	$ 316.3
Debt Instrument Convertible Maximum Number Of Equity Instrument	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

Acquisitions and Other Signif44

Acquisitions and Other Significant Transactions (Details)	May. 01, 2015USD ($)Community	Jun. 04, 2013USD ($)Child	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)Community	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)Community	Aug. 31, 2014USD ($)CommunityUnitEntityPropertyMemberRepresentative	Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)Community	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Communityshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Communityshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)Community	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Communityshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Community$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jul. 30, 2014shares
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired						100.00%
Number of communities operated under long-term leases | Community							546				583						546	583
Aggregate acquisition-date fair value of purchase consideration transferred						$ 3,000,000,000
Amount of mortgage indebtedness assumed						$ 1,400,000,000
Number of underlying communities with which mortgage loans collateralized | Community						179
Transaction costs of acquisition																	$ 8,252,000	$ 66,949,000	$ 3,921,000
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) | shares							400,000,000				400,000,000						400,000,000	400,000,000		400
Number of venture transactions entered by the entity | Unit					2
Term of master agreement					15 years
Percentage of interest acquired in joint venture (in hundredths)					51.00%
Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage (in hundredths)					49.00%
Number of wholly-owned entities contributed to the venture by the entity | Entity					8
Number of communities owned by the entity | Community					8
Number of wholly-owned entities contributed to the venture by venture partner | Entity					3
Number of properties owned by venture partner | Property					3
Number of communities owned by venture partner | Community					2
Number of Communities Deconsolidated | Community																		10
Cash contributed to venture by venture partner					$ 323,500,000
Number of members on board | Member					6
Number of representatives on board | Representative					3
Number of communities under master lease and security agreement | Community					112
Number of communities under triple net leases agreement | Community					41
Number of pools under amended master leases agreement | Unit					3
Master leases term for Pool one communities					14 years
Master leases term for Pool two communities					15 years
Master leases term for Pool three communities					16 years
Number of extension options | Unit					2
Term of extension option					10 years
Base rent as per amended master leases agreement					$ 158,000,000
Maximum available reimbursement for capital expenditures by co venturer					$ 100,000,000
Initial lease rate for lessor reimbursements for capital expenditures (in hundredths)					7.00%
Number of communities for which purchase option included in master lease | Community					10
Maximum aggregate purchase price of communities under purchase option					$ 60,000,000
Number Of Communities With Cancelled Purchase Options | Community					49
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community																		4
Number of communities with modified term | Community					20
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount																		$ 275,900,000
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Total revenue																		5,055,000,000	4,853,000,000
Net loss attributable to common shares																		$ (103,000,000)	$ (424,000,000)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to common shares | $ / shares																		$ (0.59)	$ (2.48)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share (in shares) | shares																		175,823	171,255
Loss on facility lease termination																	$ 76,143,000	$ 0	$ 0
Asset impairment							$ 57,941,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 9,992,000	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0			57,941,000	9,992,000	12,891,000
Aggregate selling price																	82,900,000	9,200,000
Assets Held-for-sale							110,620,000				0						110,620,000	0
Long-term debt, less current portion							$ 3,459,371,000				3,340,971,000						$ 3,459,371,000	3,340,971,000
Communities classified as held for sale | Community							17										17
Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage					49.00%
Investment in unconsolidated ventures																	$ (69,297,000)	(26,499,000)	(17,172,000)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of adult children of Joan Boice | Child		3
Attorney fees awarded to plaintiffs' lawyer		$ 4,100,000
Cash deposit made to collateralize the bond		20,900,000
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues | shares																	10,298,506
Proceeds from public equity offering, net																	$ 0	330,386,000	0
Deferred Offering Costs											$ 400,000							$ 400,000
Weighted average interest rate											5.50%							5.50%
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount																		$ 275,900,000
Common stock issued in connection with Emeritus acquisition																		$ 1,648,782,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions | shares																		47,584,000
CCRCs JV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community					4
RIDEA JV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of interest acquired in joint venture (in hundredths)					20.00%
Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage (in hundredths)					80.00%
Advance from co venturers affiliate					$ 68,000,000
Number of communities contributed by venture partner | Community					49
Lease restructuring fee payable to co venturer					$ 34,000,000
Period with in which lease restructuring fee payable					2 years
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount																		$ 68,000,000
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage					80.00%
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount																		68,000,000
Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate (in hundredths)						5.49%
Debt maturity period						3 months
Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate (in hundredths)						6.06%
Debt maturity period						33 years
Punitive damages [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages to be paid		23,000,000
Compensatory damages [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Damages to be paid		$ 250,000
Retirement Centers [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community						3
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price [Abstract]
Goodwill acquired during period																		20,499,000
Assisted Living [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community						1
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price [Abstract]
Goodwill acquired during period																		497,900,000
Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price [Abstract]
Goodwill acquired during period																		126,810,000
Emeritus [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities operated | Community						493
Number of communities operated under long-term leases | Community						311
Transaction costs of acquisition																		57,100,000
Number of communities owned by the entity | Community						182
Preliminary Allocation of Purchase Price [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents							$ 28,000,000										28,000,000
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles							5,506,000,000										5,506,000,000
Goodwill acquired during period																		$ 645,000
Other intangible assets, net							259,000,000										259,000,000
Other assets, net							307,000,000										307,000,000
Trade Accounts Payable and accrued expenses							(297,000,000)										(297,000,000)
Long-term debt							(1,516,000,000)										(1,516,000,000)
Capital and Financing Lease obligations							(2,692,000,000)										(2,692,000,000)
Deferred tax liability							(339,000,000)										(339,000,000)
Other liabilities							(251,000,000)										(251,000,000)
Noncontrolling interest							(1,000,000)										(1,000,000)
Fair value of Brookdale common stock issued							$ 1,649,000,000										$ 1,649,000,000
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments																$ 5,900,000
Acquisition of Communities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community						4
Aggregate purchase price						$ 51,400,000
Acquisition purchase price amount financed						$ 17,000,000
Number of communities securing acquisition financing | Community						3
Acquired property plant and equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate						5.50%
Acquired property plant and equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate						9.75%
Acquired capital and financing lease obligations [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate						6.00%
Acquired capital and financing lease obligations [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate						10.75%
Acquired long-term debt obligations [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate						3.00%
Acquired long-term debt obligations [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate						7.00%
SellerFinanced Debt [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
LoanTerm																	5 years
Seller financing fixed rate							8.00%										8.00%
Principal							$ 20,000,000										$ 20,000,000
Acquisition of Venture Interest [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage (in hundredths)									10.00%						10.00%
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community															35
Aggregate purchase price															$ 847,000,000
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Partners Joint Venture Ownership Percentage									10.00%						10.00%
Investment in unconsolidated ventures															$ 30,300,000
February 2015 acquisition of 15 communities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community				15
Aggregate purchase price				$ 268,600,000
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets Acquired				187,200,000
Reversal of deferred lease liability				5,300,000
Loss on facility lease termination				$ 76,100,000
February 2015 acquisition of 15 communities [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate				6.25%
February 2015 acquisition of 15 communities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Fair Value Inputs, Cap Rate				8.75%
5 Communities acquired in October 2015 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community			5
Aggregate purchase price			$ 78,400,000
Communities sold during 2015 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community																	17
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Asset impairment																	$ 18,400,000
Aggregate selling price																	82,900,000
HCP Community Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community	1																	9
Aggregate purchase price	$ 8,600,000																	$ 60,000,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Pro-forma consolidated operational data [Abstract]
Asset impairment																	15,172,000	0	0
Assets Held-for-sale							110,620,000				$ 0						110,620,000	$ 0	$ 0
Long-term debt, less current portion							$ 60,800,000										$ 60,800,000

Investment in Unconsolidated 45

Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Community
CCRC Venture opco [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 180.5
Carrying Amount	180.5
HCP 49 Venture opco and propco [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	72.4
Carrying Amount	72.4
Other Ventures [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Maximum Exposure to Loss	5.3
Carrying Amount	$ 1.7
CCRC Ventures, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	51.00%
BKD-HCN Venture, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	20.00%
S-H Forty-Nine Ventures, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	20.00%
S-H Twenty-One Ventures, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	10.00%
S-H Thirty-Five Venture, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	10.00%
Equity Method Investment Additional Information, Number of Communities Owned | Community	35

Property, Plant and Equipment46

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Community	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Community	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Community	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	$ 10,574,411				$ 10,295,498				$ 10,574,411	$ 10,295,498
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,543,035)				(1,905,993)				(2,543,035)	(1,905,993)
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	8,031,376				8,389,505				8,031,376	8,389,505
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset impairment, non-cash charge	57,941	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	9,992	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	57,941	9,992	$ 12,891
Depreciation and amortization expense on property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles									721,000	$ 529,100	$ 264,100
Resident And Leasehold Operating Intangibles Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2,016	19,390								19,390
2,017	13,011								13,011
2,018	7,603								7,603
2,019	6,247								6,247
2,020	4,345								4,345
Thereafter	12,663								12,663
Total	63,259								63,259
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community										4
Aggregate selling price									82,900	$ 9,200
Goodwill	$ 725,696				736,805				$ 725,696	736,805
Communities classified as held for sale | Community	17								17
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	$ 486,567				475,485				$ 486,567	475,485
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	5,260,826				5,017,991				5,260,826	5,017,991
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	100,430				56,515				100,430	56,515
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	895,447				735,837				895,447	735,837
Resident and Leasehold Operating Intangibles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	783,434				852,746				783,434	852,746
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	138,054				99,408				138,054	99,408
Assets Under Capital and Financing Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	2,909,653				$ 3,057,516				2,909,653	$ 3,057,516
Property, Plant and Equipment [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset impairment, non-cash charge									24,300
Communities sold during 2015 [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset impairment, non-cash charge									$ 18,400
Resident And Leasehold Operating Intangibles Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Number of communities purchased or sold | Community									17
Goodwill	8,100								$ 8,100
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items]
Asset impairment, non-cash charge									15,000
Resident And Leasehold Operating Intangibles Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 12,200								$ 12,200
Communities classified as held for sale | Community	17								17
Resident lease intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life										1 year
Below Market Operating Lease Intangibles [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life										9 years

Goodwill and Other Intangible47

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 746,765	$ 737,574
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	(21,069)	(769)
Net	725,696	736,805
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	148,213	161,607
Accumulated Amortization	(19,027)	(6,834)
Net	129,186	154,773
Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets	12,200	8,000	$ 4,700
Finite Lived Intangible Assets Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2,016	8,165
2,017	3,726
2,018	3,717
2,019	2,638
2,020	1,133
Thereafter	2,925
Total	22,304
Retirement Centers [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	28,141	28,141
Goodwill acquired during period		20,499
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	(721)	(521)
Net	27,420	27,620
Disposal Group, Goodwill	200
Assisted Living [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	591,814	582,623
Goodwill acquired during period		497,900
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	(20,348)	(248)
Net	571,466	582,375
Disposal Group, Goodwill	7,900
Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	126,810	126,810
Goodwill acquired during period		126,810
Accumulated Impairment and Other Charges	0	0
Net	126,810	126,810
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Goodwill	12,200
Community Purchase Options [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	40,270	55,738
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Net	40,270	55,738
Health Care Licenses [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	66,612	64,538
Accumulated Amortization	0	0
Net	66,612	64,538
Tradenames [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	27,800	27,800
Accumulated Amortization	(14,209)	(4,179)
Net	13,591	23,621
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	13,531	13,531
Accumulated Amortization	(4,818)	(2,655)
Net	$ 8,713	$ 10,876
Tradenames [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		3 years
Other Intangible Assets [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		3 years
Management Contract Intangible [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		9 years

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Community	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Community	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 6,122,413,000	$ 6,146,253,000
Long-term debt		5,886,809,000	5,877,854,000
Less current portion		235,604,000	$ 268,399,000
Weighted average interest rate			5.50%
Unamortized debt discount		$ (31,304,000)
Number of communities securing debt (in number of communities) | Community		28
Coupon interest		$ 173,484,000	$ 128,002,000	$ 96,131,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			275,900,000
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
2,016		418,233,000
2,017		571,694,000
2,018		1,462,653,000
2,019		406,273,000
2,020		698,199,000
Thereafter		4,991,168,000
Total obligations		8,548,220,000
Unamortized debt discount		(31,304,000)
Less amount representing interest		(2,394,503,000)
Total		6,122,413,000	6,146,253,000
Long-term debt, less current portion		3,459,371,000	3,340,971,000
Mortgages Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 3,246,513,000	$ 3,088,752,000
Maturity date, start		Mar. 28, 2016
Maturity date, end		Jan. 1, 2047
Weighted average interest rate		4.51%	4.84%
Unamortized debt premium		$ 3,300,000		$ 42,900,000
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
Total		3,246,513,000	$ 3,088,752,000
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 2,489,588,000	$ 2,649,226,000
Maturity date		Sep. 30, 2031
Weighted average interest rate		8.11%	8.57%
Unamortized debt discount		$ 0
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
2,016		237,810,000
2,017		263,671,000
2,018		282,951,000
2,019		262,800,000
2,020		207,594,000
Thereafter		3,629,265,000
Total obligations		4,884,091,000
Unamortized debt discount		0
Less amount representing interest		(2,394,503,000)
Total		2,489,588,000	$ 2,649,226,000
Convertible Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 281,902,000	$ 269,300,000
Maturity date		Jun. 30, 2018
Weighted average interest rate			2.75%	2.75%	2.75%
Unamortized debt discount		$ 34,300,000	$ 46,900,000
Principal		316,300,000			$ 316,300,000
Proceeds from debt financing	$ 308,200,000
Initial conversion rate (in shares per $1,000 of principal)	34.1006
Equivalent initial conversion price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 29.325
Conversion terms	The Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 34.1006 shares of Company common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $29.325 per share), subject to adjustment. Holders may convert their Notes at their option prior to the close of business on the second trading day immediately preceding the stated maturity date only under the following circumstances: (i) during any fiscal quarter commencing after the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2011, if the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price on each applicable trading day; (ii) during the five business day period after any five consecutive trading day period (the "measurement period"), in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock and the applicable conversion rate on each such day; or (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. On and after March 15, 2018, until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. Unconverted Notes mature at par in June 2018.
Imputed interest rate	7.50%
Expected life of convertible debt	7 years
Coupon interest		8,697,000	8,697,000	$ 8,697,000
Amortization of discount		11,732,000	10,902,000	10,131,000
Interest expense related to convertible notes		20,429,000	19,599,000	$ 18,828,000
Number of shares of common stock covered by hedging transactions (in shares) | shares	10,784,315
Number of warrants to acquire common stock sold to Hedge Counterparties (in shares) | shares	10,784,315
Strike price of warrants (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 40.25
Net cost of hedging transaction	$ 31,900,000
Conversion rate per value of notes		$ 1,000
Number of trading days for pricing		20 days
Number of consecutive trading days		30 days
Percentage minimum of applicable conversion price (in hundredths)		130.00%
Number of consecutive trading days less than 98% of test period		5 days
Applicable percentage rate for five day consecutive trading days (in hundredths)		98.00%
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
Unamortized debt discount		$ 34,300,000	46,900,000
Total		281,902,000	269,300,000
Construction Financing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 24,105,000	$ 50,118,000
Maturity date, start		Dec. 31, 2017
Maturity date, end		Dec. 31, 2019
Weighted average interest rate		4.84%	4.90%
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
Total		$ 24,105,000	$ 50,118,000
Notes Payable, Insurance Premiums [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 0	$ 22,586,000
Maturity date		Oct. 31, 2015
Weighted average interest rate		2.82%	2.82%
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
Total		$ 0	$ 22,586,000
Other Notes Payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		$ 80,305,000	$ 66,271,000
Maturity date, start		Feb. 29, 2016
Maturity date, end		Feb. 1, 2020
Weighted average interest rate		5.16%	4.75%
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
Total		$ 80,305,000	$ 66,271,000
Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt		3,632,825,000
Unamortized debt discount		(31,304,000)
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
2,016		180,423,000
2,017		308,023,000
2,018		1,179,702,000
2,019		143,473,000
2,020		490,605,000
Thereafter		1,361,903,000
Total obligations		3,664,129,000
Unamortized debt discount		(31,304,000)
Less amount representing interest		0
Total		3,632,825,000
First mortgage loan issued on April 9, 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date			May 31, 2021
Weighted average interest rate			4.77%
Number of communities securing debt (in number of communities) | Community			20
Proceeds from debt financing			$ 146,000,000
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			$ 140,000,000
First mortgage loan issued in October, 2014 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			4.60%
Number of communities securing debt (in number of communities) | Community			21
Proceeds from debt financing			$ 89,700,000
Debt extinguished with proceeds of public equity offering [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			5.50%
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Long-term debt maturity [Abstract]
Long-term debt, less current portion		$ 60,800,000

Debt, Line of Credit Facility (

Debt, Line of Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 500	$ 250
Maturity date	Jan. 3, 2020	Mar. 31, 2018
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%
Credit facilities borrowings outstanding	$ 310
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	19.4
Swingline Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	50
Secured and Unsecured Letter of Credit Facilities
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	80.2
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	63
Letter of credit sublimit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	50
Option to increase maximum borrowing capacity [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	250
Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	100
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400

Debt, Financings (Details)

Debt, Financings (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Community	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Financings [Line Items]
Number of communities securing mortgage notes | Community	28
Weighted average interest rate		5.50%
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs	$ 44	$ 4,101	$ 502
Unamortized debt discount	(31,304)
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	7,020	6,387	$ 1,265
Repayments of Debt	209,900
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		275,900
First mortgage loan issued in March 2015 [Member]
Financings [Line Items]
Proceeds from debt financing	$ 63,000
Description of Variable Rate Basis	variable rate equal to 90-day LIBOR plus a margin of 325 basis points
Maturity date	Apr. 1, 2020
Number of communities securing mortgage notes | Community	6
First mortgage loan issued in April 2015 [Member]
Financings [Line Items]
Proceeds from debt financing	$ 65,300
Maturity date	May 1, 2027
Number of communities securing mortgage notes | Community	6
Weighted average interest rate	3.98%
First Mortgage Loan refinanced in August 2015 [Member]
Financings [Line Items]
Proceeds from debt financing	$ 226,400
Description of Variable Rate Basis	30-day LIBOR plus a margin of 221 basis points
Term of loan	10 years
Maturity date	Sep. 30, 2017
Number of communities securing mortgage notes | Community	21
Weighted average interest rate	4.80%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	25.00%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate	75.00%
Unamortized debt premium	$ 10,400
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs	17,900
Unamortized debt discount	6,300
First Mortgage Loan repaid in September 2015 [Member]
Financings [Line Items]
Proceeds from debt financing	$ 140,400
Description of Variable Rate Basis	30-day LIBOR plus a margin of 223 basis points
Term of loan	7 years
Maturity date	May 31, 2018
Number of communities securing mortgage notes | Community	18
Unamortized debt premium	$ 7,600
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs	13,600
Unamortized debt discount	6,000
Repayments of Debt	122,300
First Mortgage Loans repaid in the three months ended September 30, 2015 [Member]
Financings [Line Items]
Payments of Debt Restructuring Costs	$ 5,500
First Mortgage Loans extinguished in August 2015 [Member]
Financings [Line Items]
Number of communities securing mortgage notes | Community	7
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	$ 1,200
RIDEA JV [Member]
Financings [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		68,000
Debt extinguished with proceeds of public equity offering [Member]
Financings [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount		$ 275,900

Debt, Derivatives (Details)

Debt, Derivatives (Details) - Interest Rate Cap [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Current notional balance	$ 983,281
Average fixed rate	4.34%
Earliest maturity date	1 year
Latest maturity date	3 years
Estimated asset fair value (included in other assets)	$ 29	$ 763

Accrued Expenses (Details)

Accrued Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accrued Expenses [Abstract]
Salaries and wages	$ 80,291	$ 124,935
Insurance reserves	94,948	116,858
Real estate taxes	37,206	43,155
Vacation	44,421	43,037
Lease payable	20,714	30,001
Interest	12,940	12,757
Accrued Utilities	11,949	12,798
Income taxes	3,265	2,679
Other	67,140	36,434
Total	$ 372,874	$ 422,654

Commitments and Contingencies53

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)CommunityLease	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)CommunityLease	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Initial lease terms, minimum	10 years
Initial lease terms, maximum	20 years
Renewal options, minimum	5 years
Renewal options, maximum	30 years
Number of communities operated under long-term leases | Community	546	583
Number of operating leases | Lease	322	342
Number of capital and financing leases | Lease	224	241
Remaining base lease terms, minimum	1 year
Remaining base lease terms, maximum	17 years
Schedule of facility operating lease expense [Abstract]
Cash basis payment	$ 372,148	$ 330,207	$ 278,504
Straight-line expense	6,956	1,439	2,597
Amortization of (above) below market rent, net	(7,158)	(3,444)	0
Amortization of deferred gain	(4,372)	(4,372)	(4,372)
Facility lease expense	367,574	$ 323,830	$ 276,729
Future minimum operating lease payments [Abstract]
2,016	390,816
2,017	373,690
2,018	358,168
2,019	340,747
2,020	300,674
Thereafter	1,336,099
Total	$ 3,100,194

Self-Insurance (Details)

Self-Insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Self-Insurance [Abstract]
Loss Contingency, Receivable, Total	$ 41.5	$ 52.7
Self-insured portions of programs accrued, total	248.4	301.6
Accrued self-insured portions of programs , noncurrent	153.5	184.7
Secured self-insured retention risk under workers' compensation, general liability, and professional liability programs with cash	15.6	19.6
Letters of credit associated to the secured self-insured retention risk	49.8	$ 33.8
Cash deposit to collateralize the insurance policy	$ 40.5

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Matching contributions equal to employee's contributions	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Maximum contributed compensation	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
Additional matching contribution	12.50%	12.50%	12.50%
Expense related to retirement savings plan	$ 6.6	$ 7.1	$ 6.6

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted stock awards [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)					1,698,000	1,662,000	1,328,000
Vested (in shares)					(1,275,000)	(1,185,000)	(1,455,000)
Cancelled or forfeited (in shares)					(521,000)	(298,000)	(452,000)
Ending balance (in shares)	3,454,000				3,454,000	3,552,000	3,373,000	3,952,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in dollars per share)				$ 25.70	$ 25.70	$ 21.12	$ 16.67
Granted (in dollars per share)					32.75	29.79	26.98
Vested (in dollars per share)					23.55	19.58	15.08
Cancelled/forfeited (in dollars per share)					18.68	21.02	18.87
Ending balance (in dollars per share)	$ 28.80				$ 28.80	$ 25.70	$ 21.12
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted	$ 63,800				$ 63,800
Period over which cost is expected to be recognized					2 years 3 months 18 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares granted (in shares)					1,698,000	1,662,000	1,328,000
Percentage of estimated forfeitures, minimum					0.00%
Percentage of estimated forfeitures, maximum					20.00%
Restricted Stock [Member]
Restricted stock awards [Roll Forward]
Granted (in shares)	244,000	49,000	70,000	1,335,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares granted (in shares)	244,000	49,000	70,000	1,335,000
Value per share minimum (in dollars per share)	$ 21.82	$ 33.02	$ 36.12	$ 34.57
Value per share maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 21.82	$ 33.02	$ 36.12	$ 34.89
Total value of restricted shares granted	$ 5,327	$ 1,611	$ 2,540	$ 46,142
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage payroll deduction that each employee may deduct					15.00%
Percentage of closing market price paid for purchase of whole shares					90.00%
Number of shares reserved (in shares)	1,800,000				1,800,000

Share Repurchase Program (Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Authorized share repurchased program amount	$ 100
Repurchased shares (in shares)	0	0	0
Amount available under the share repurchase program	$ 82.4

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Federal [Abstract]
Current	$ 49	$ 1,367	$ (312)
Deferred	95,259	182,371	183
Total Federal Tax Expense	95,308	183,738	(129)
State [Abstract]
Current	(3,099)	(2,433)	(1,627)
Deferred (included in Federal above)	0	0	0
Total State Tax Expense	(3,099)	(2,433)	(1,627)
Total	$ 92,209	181,305	(1,756)
U.S. Federal statutory rate	35.00%
Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate	$ 192,390	115,603	640
Credits	3,937	(2,222)	9,757
Valuation allowance	(111,797)	64,155	(7,097)
Goodwill Impairment	(7,856)	0	0
Non-deductible transaction costs	0	(6,870)	0
Return to provision	(72)	716	(2,568)
State taxes, net of federal income tax	18,323	11,582	(985)
Meals and entertainment	(1,090)	(946)	(496)
Other, net	(1,626)	(713)	(1,007)
Deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Operating loss carryforwards	282,075	227,956
Accrued expenses	144,691	146,536
Prepaid revenue	2,415	5,835
Deferred lease liability	94,105	77,790
Capital and financing lease obligations	872,002	945,000
Tax credits	40,974	34,860
Intangible Assets	22,522	17,785
Deferred gain on sale leaseback	5,661	7,073
Total gross deferred income tax asset	1,464,445	1,462,835
Valuation allowance	(121,602)	(9,213)
Net deferred income tax assets	1,342,843	1,453,622
Deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment	(1,320,423)	(1,556,603)
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	(88,798)	(54,113)
Other	(2,673)	(2,181)
Total gross deferred income tax liability	(1,411,894)	(1,612,897)
Net deferred tax liability	(69,051)	(159,275)
Deferred tax assets (liabilities), Net [Abstract]
Net deferred tax liability	(69,051)	(159,275)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(95,261)	(182,371)	(183)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability		64,200
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credits, valuation allowance	32,100	1,800
Net operating loss, limitation of utilization	92,800
Unrecognized tax benefits [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	30,195
Additions for tax positions taken by Emeritus	0
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	0
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	50
Reductions for tax positions related to prior years	(9)
Balance at end of period	30,236	30,195
Total interest and penalties reserved	100
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	930,400	745,100
State and Local Jurisdiction [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carry forwards, valuation allowance	89,500	7,500
Emeritus [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Net operating loss, limitation of utilization	53,900
State [Member]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credits, valuation allowance			$ 0
Federal, State and Local [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		94,100
Restricted Stock [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carry-forwards	$ 126,700	$ 112,600

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca59

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid									$ 360,960	$ 226,594	$ 123,036
Income taxes paid									2,952	2,746	2,283
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred									155,230	0	0
Assets Held-for-sale	$ 110,620				$ 0				110,620	0
Trade accounts payable	128,006				76,314				128,006	76,314
Goodwill	725,696				736,805				725,696	736,805
Asset impairment	57,941	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	9,992	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	57,941	9,992	12,891
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Cash and escrow deposits - restricted									0	0	466
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net									(53,405)	(3,138)	346
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									198,558	80,330	99,657
Other intangible assets, net									(7,294)	(23,978)	3,517
Accrued expenses									0	0	(5,169)
Other liabilities									(315)	(20,568)	0
Long-term debt									(101,558)	7,795	(64,131)
Net									191,216	40,441	34,686
Capital and financing leases [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									26,644	27,100	0
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred									(23,738)	(27,100)	0
Other intangible assets, net									(5,202)	0	0
Other liabilities									2,296	0	0
Net									0	0	0
Formation of CCRC venture with HCP [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Other intangible assets, net									0	(56,829)	0
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									0	(729,123)	0
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred									0	27,085	0
Other assets, net									0	(9,137)	0
Other liabilities									0	1,514	0
Transfer to Investments									0	194,485	0
Long-term debt									0	170,416	0
Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue									0	413,761	0
Net									0	12,172	0
Formation of HCP 49 Venture [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									0	(525,446)	0
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred									0	538,355	0
Other liabilities									0	(9,034)	0
Transfer to Investments									0	71,656	0
Long-term debt									0	(67,640)	0
Net									0	7,891	0
Master lease amendments [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									0	385,696	0
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred									0	(217,022)	0
Other intangible assets, net									0	(174,012)	0
Other liabilities									0	5,338	0
Net									0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets, net [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net									25,780	0	0
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									(82,953)	0	0
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred									8,907	0	0
Other liabilities									(960)	0	0
Net									(49,226)	0	0
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									(113,592)	0	0
Assets Held-for-sale	110,620				0				110,620	0	0
Goodwill	(12,200)				0				(12,200)	0	0
Asset impairment									15,172	0	0
Net									0	0	0
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold improvements [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									448,682	304,245	257,527
Trade accounts payable	$ (37,631)				$ 0				(37,631)	0	0
Net									411,051	304,245	257,527
Contribution to CCRC venture with HCP [Member]
Supplemental Schedule of Noncash Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net									(25,717)	0	0
Transfer to Investments									7,422	0	0
Long-term debt									18,295	0	0
Net									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment										5
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,235,702	$ 1,238,841	$ 1,238,184	$ 1,247,881	$ 1,252,103	$ 1,083,935	$ 748,393	$ 747,275	$ 4,960,608	$ 3,831,706	$ 2,891,966
Segment operating income										1,448,448	1,133,168	874,213
General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense)										370,579	280,267	180,627
Transaction costs										8,252	66,949	3,921
Facility lease expense										367,574	323,830	276,729
Depreciation and amortization										733,165	537,035	268,757
Asset impairment		57,941	0	0	0	9,992	0	0	0	57,941	9,992	12,891
Loss on facility lease termination										76,143	0	0
Income (loss) from operations		(8,873)	$ 3,663	$ (43,123)	$ (116,873)	(74,513)	$ (73,197)	$ 30,657	$ 32,148	(165,206)	(84,905)	131,288
Total interest expense										388,764	248,188	137,399
Total expenditures for property, plan and equipment, and leasehold improvements										448,682	304,245	257,527
Assets by segment		10,048,564				10,417,461				10,048,564	10,417,461
Retirement Centers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									657,940	582,312	526,284
Segment operating income	[2]									285,257	248,883	222,282
Facility lease expense										114,738	98,321	91,258
Depreciation and amortization										104,063	86,188	64,353
Total interest expense										58,397	41,906	31,286
Total expenditures for property, plan and equipment, and leasehold improvements										161,986	76,285	63,519
Assets by segment		1,556,169				1,600,007				1,556,169	1,600,007
Assisted Living [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									2,445,457	1,685,563	1,051,868
Segment operating income	[2]									877,303	608,489	389,678
Facility lease expense										197,452	162,575	123,980
Depreciation and amortization										489,933	317,918	85,337
Total interest expense										250,116	140,001	51,410
Total expenditures for property, plan and equipment, and leasehold improvements										220,893	107,037	95,829
Assets by segment		6,354,415				6,577,821				6,354,415	6,577,821
CCRCs Rental [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									604,572	493,173	396,975
Segment operating income	[2]									150,495	121,661	109,026
Facility lease expense										47,937	51,523	48,809
Depreciation and amortization										87,754	60,175	30,957
Total interest expense										39,502	28,418	17,512
Total expenditures for property, plan and equipment, and leasehold improvements										54,864	42,412	27,134
Assets by segment		1,037,384				1,027,854				1,037,384	1,027,854
CCRCs Entry Fee [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									0	202,414	297,756
Segment operating income	[2]									0	48,433	76,393
Facility lease expense										0	4,362	7,470
Depreciation and amortization										0	37,524	55,842
Total interest expense										0	7,530	11,911
Total expenditures for property, plan and equipment, and leasehold improvements										0	36,575	43,019
Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									469,158	337,835	242,150
Segment operating income	[2]									75,210	63,463	45,709
Facility lease expense										0	890	0
Depreciation and amortization										7,451	4,764	3,023
Total interest expense										1,354	823	0
Total expenditures for property, plan and equipment, and leasehold improvements										4,061	1,805	1,855
Assets by segment		292,540				275,618				292,540	275,618
Management Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1],[3]									783,481	530,409	376,933
Segment operating income	[2]									60,183	42,239	31,125
Facility lease expense										7,447	6,159	5,212
Depreciation and amortization										43,964	30,466	29,245
Total interest expense										39,395	29,510	25,280
Total expenditures for property, plan and equipment, and leasehold improvements										6,878	40,131	$ 26,171
Assets by segment		$ 808,056				$ 936,161				$ 808,056	$ 936,161
[1]	All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.
[2]	Segment operating income is defined as segment revenues less segment operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization).
[3]	Management services segment revenue includes reimbursements for which the Company is the primary obligor of costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.

Quarterly Results of Operatio61

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,235,702	$ 1,238,841	$ 1,238,184	$ 1,247,881	$ 1,252,103	$ 1,083,935	$ 748,393	$ 747,275	$ 4,960,608	$ 3,831,706	$ 2,891,966
Asset impairment	57,941	0	0	0	9,992	0	0	0	57,941	9,992	12,891
Income from operations	(8,873)	3,663	(43,123)	(116,873)	(74,513)	(73,197)	30,657	32,148	(165,206)	(84,905)	131,288
Loss before income taxes	(104,835)	(99,132)	(137,400)	(208,997)	(173,996)	(153,109)	(2,333)	(1,293)	(550,364)	(330,731)	(1,828)
Net income (loss)	(174,303)	(68,336)	(84,807)	(130,709)	(106,796)	(37,036)	(3,295)	(2,299)	(458,155)	(149,426)	(3,584)
Net loss attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders	$ (174,259)	$ (68,220)	$ (84,547)	$ (130,451)	$ (106,534)	$ (36,862)	$ (3,295)	$ (2,299)	$ (457,477)	$ (148,990)	$ (3,584)
Weighted average basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.94)	$ (0.37)	$ (0.46)	$ (0.71)	$ (0.58)	$ (0.23)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.02)	$ (2.48)	$ (1.01)	$ (0.03)

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCO62

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credits, valuation allowance	$ 32,100		$ 1,800
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	26,501		17,728		$ 15,262
Acquisition of Emeritus	0		11,087		0
Charged to costs and expenses	25,132		20,509		21,048
Charged to other accounts	2,135		771		444
Deductions	(27,298)		(23,594)		(19,026)
Balance at End of Period	26,470		26,501		17,728		$ 15,262
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance [Member]
Valuation and qualifying accounts [Roll forward]
Balance at Beginning of Period	9,213		72,366		65,269
Acquisition of Emeritus	0		1,002		0
Charged to costs and expenses	111,797	[1]	0		7,272	[2]
Charged to other accounts	592	[1]	0		(175)	[3]
Deductions	0		(64,155)	[4]	0
Balance at End of Period	$ 121,602		9,213		72,366		65,269
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount					(64,155)		(175)
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax credits, valuation allowance					0
Federal net operating losses [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount			0		0		(4,851)	[2]
Federal credits [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Change in Amount			$ 0		$ 0		$ 12,123
[1]	Adjustment to valuation allowance for federal and state net operating losses and federal credits of $81,968 and $30,421, respectively
[2]	Adjustment to valuation allowance for federal net operating losses and federal credits of $(4,851) and $12,123, respectively.
[3]	Adjustment to valuation allowance for state net operating losses of $(175).
[4]	Adjustment to reverse valuation allowance for federal and state net operating losses of $(64,155).