Brookdale Senior Living (BKD) 10-Q 10 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 05, 2017
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 Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		186,199,291
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 59,237,000	$ 216,397,000
Cash and escrow deposits – restricted	30,070,000	32,864,000
Accounts receivable, net	138,149,000	141,705,000
Assets held for sale	106,344,000	97,843,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	139,917,000	130,695,000
Total current assets	473,717,000	619,504,000
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	6,512,179,000	7,379,305,000
Cash and escrow deposits – restricted	31,484,000	28,061,000
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	203,297,000	167,826,000
Goodwill	710,783,000	705,476,000
Other intangible assets, net	82,114,000	83,007,000
Other assets, net	224,514,000	234,508,000
Total assets	8,238,088,000	9,217,687,000
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	174,714,000	145,649,000
Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations	58,834,000	69,606,000
Trade accounts payable	63,542,000	77,356,000
Accrued expenses	292,145,000	328,037,000
Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue	113,842,000	106,946,000
Tenant security deposits	3,251,000	3,548,000
Total current liabilities	706,328,000	731,142,000
Long-term debt, less current portion	3,389,339,000	3,413,998,000
Capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion	1,544,316,000	2,415,914,000
Deferred liabilities	252,998,000	267,364,000
Deferred tax liability	169,263,000	80,646,000
Other liabilities	221,212,000	230,891,000
Total liabilities	6,283,456,000	7,139,955,000
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016; 194,977,351 and 193,224,082 shares issued and 191,798,950 and 190,045,681 shares outstanding (including 5,595,620 and 4,608,187 unvested restricted shares), respectively	1,918,000	1,900,000
Additional paid-in-capital	4,105,640,000	4,102,397,000
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,178,401 shares at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016	(56,440,000)	(56,440,000)
Accumulated deficit	(2,096,179,000)	(1,969,875,000)
Total Brookdale Senior Living Inc. stockholders' equity	1,954,939,000	2,077,982,000
Noncontrolling interest	(307,000)	(250,000)
Total equity	1,954,632,000	2,077,732,000
Total liabilities and equity	$ 8,238,088,000	$ 9,217,687,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	194,977,351	193,224,082
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	191,798,950	190,045,681
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	3,178,401	3,178,401
Unvested Restricted Stock [Member]
Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	5,595,620	4,608,187

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue
Resident fees	$ 1,016,927	$ 1,061,148
Management fees	15,894	16,780
Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities	183,945	185,228
Total revenue	1,216,766	1,263,156
Expense
Facility operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization of $114,879 and $114,103, respectively)	674,542	715,902
General and administrative expense (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $7,774 and $9,769, respectively)	65,560	92,621
Transaction costs	7,593	850
Facility lease expense	88,807	96,689
Depreciation and amortization	127,487	127,137
Asset impairment	20,706	3,375
Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities	183,945	185,228
Total operating expense	1,168,640	1,221,802
Income from operations	48,126	41,354
Interest income	631	702
Interest expense:
Debt	(40,573)	(43,990)
Capital and financing lease obligations	(49,859)	(50,579)
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premium (discount)	(2,591)	(2,310)
Change in fair value of derivatives	(46)	(24)
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	(61)	(1,110)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	981	1,018
(Loss) gain on sale of assets, net	(603)	2,749
Other non-operating income	1,662	5,038
Income (loss) before income taxes	(42,333)	(47,152)
Provision for income taxes	(84,028)	(1,665)
Net income (loss)	(126,361)	(48,817)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	57	42
Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders	$ (126,304)	$ (48,775)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.68)	$ (0.26)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in shares)	185,689	185,153

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 114,879	$ 114,103
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	$ 7,774	$ 9,769

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 - 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, 2016	$ 2,077,732	$ 1,900	$ 4,102,397	$ (56,440)	$ (1,969,875)	$ 2,077,982	$ (250)
Balances at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	190,045,681	190,046,000
Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants	$ 7,774		7,774			7,774
Net income (loss)	(126,361)				(126,304)	(126,304)	(57)
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan	599	$ 1	598			599
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan (in shares)		50,000
Restricted stock, net		$ 20	(20)
Restricted stock, net (in shares)		2,052,000
Shares withheld for employee taxes	(5,112)	$ (3)	(5,109)			(5,112)
Shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)		(349,000)
Balances at end of period at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 1,954,632	$ 1,918	$ 4,105,640	$ (56,440)	$ (2,096,179)	$ 1,954,939	$ (307)
Balances at end of period (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2017	191,798,950	191,799,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ (126,361)	$ (48,817)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on extinguishment of debt, net	54	139
Depreciation and amortization, net	130,078	129,447
Asset impairment	20,706	3,375
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures	(981)	(1,018)
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net earnings	439	0
Amortization of deferred gain	(1,093)	(1,093)
Amortization of entrance fees	(1,198)	(926)
Proceeds from deferred entrance fee revenue	1,927	3,087
Deferred income tax provision	83,310	934
Change in deferred lease liability	(3,007)	3,935
Change in fair value of derivatives	46	24
Loss (gain) on sale of assets, net	603	(2,749)
Non-cash stock-based compensation	7,774	9,769
Non-cash interest expense on financing lease obligations	6,156	6,439
Amortization of (above) below market lease, net	(1,697)	(1,733)
Other	(1,398)	(2,330)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	3,556	(2,738)
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net	(8,630)	(36,554)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(51,627)	(1,388)
Tenant refundable fees and security deposits	(297)	(226)
Deferred revenue	8,406	12,766
Net cash provided by operating activities	66,766	70,343
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Increase in lease security deposits and lease acquisition deposits, net	(420)	(1,210)
(Increase) decrease in cash and escrow deposits — restricted	(629)	72
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	(48,928)	(108,510)
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received	0	(12,157)
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	(185,971)	(2,365)
Distributions received from unconsolidated ventures	1,807	1,724
Proceeds from sale of assets, net	31,675	45,584
Property insurance proceeds	1,398	2,330
Other	696	84
Net cash used in investing activities	(200,372)	(74,448)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from debt	34,455	177,370
Repayment of debt and capital and financing lease obligations	(52,273)	(84,016)
Proceeds from line of credit	0	448,500
Repayment of line of credit	0	(548,500)
Payment of financing costs, net of related payables	(321)	(818)
Proceeds from refundable entrance fees, net of refunds	(902)	(593)
Payment on lease termination	0	(4,625)
Payments of employee taxes for withheld shares	(5,112)	(965)
Other	599	585
Net cash used in financing activities	(23,554)	(13,062)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(157,160)	(17,167)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	216,397	88,029
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 59,237	$ 70,862

Description of Business

Description of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Brookdale Senior Living Inc. ("Brookdale" or the "Company") is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States. The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions primarily within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest quality service, care and living accommodations for residents. The Company operates independent living, assisted living and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers ("CCRCs"). Through its ancillary services programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health and hospice services to residents of many of its communities and to seniors living outside its communities.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of March 31, 2017 , and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. All adjustments made have been of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate and provide a fair presentation of interim period results. Interim financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results for an entire year. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto, together with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on February 15, 2017. 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 ownership interest of consolidated entities not wholly-owned by the Company are presented as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interest represents the share of consolidated entities owned by third parties. Noncontrolling interest is adjusted for the noncontrolling holder's share of additional contributions, distributions and the proportionate share of the net income or loss of each respective entity. The Company continually evaluates its potential variable interest entity ("VIE") relationships under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"). ASC 810 broadly defines a VIE as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. The Company performs this analysis on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIEs for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, as determined by the Company's power to direct the VIE's activities and the obligation to absorb its losses or the right to receive its benefits, which are potentially significant to the VIE. Refer to Note 13 for more information about the Company's VIE relationships. Revenue Recognition Resident Fees Resident fee revenue is recorded when services are rendered and consists of fees for basic housing and support services and fees associated with additional services such as assisted living care, skilled nursing care, ancillary services and personalized health services. Residency agreements are generally for a term of 30 days to one year , with resident fees billed monthly in advance. Revenue for certain skilled nursing services and ancillary services is recognized as services are provided, and such fees are billed monthly in arrears. Management Fees The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a periodic management fee. Management fees are generally determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined) and are recorded monthly. Certain management contracts also provide for an annual incentive fee to be paid to the Company upon achievement of certain metrics identified in the contract. Incentive fee revenue is recorded at the conclusion of the contract year at the amount due pursuant to the contractual arrangements. Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a periodic management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. Where the Company is the primary obligor with respect to any such operating expenses, the Company recognizes revenue when the goods have been delivered or the service has been rendered and the Company is due reimbursement. Such revenue is included in "reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. 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. Fair Value of Financial Instruments ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Cash and cash equivalents and cash and escrow deposits – restricted are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity. The Company estimates the fair value of its debt using a discounted cash flow analysis based upon the Company's current borrowing rate for debt with similar maturities and collateral securing the indebtedness. The Company had outstanding debt (excluding capital and financing lease obligations) with a carrying value of approximately $3.6 billion as of both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Fair value of the debt approximates carrying value in all periods. The Company's fair value of debt disclosure is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. Stock-Based Compensation The Company follows ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”) in accounting for its share-based payments. This guidance requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the employee stock awards. This cost is recognized as compensation expense ratably over the employee’s requisite service period. Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date are recognized when incurred. Certain of the Company’s employee stock awards vest only upon the achievement of performance targets. ASC 718 requires recognition of compensation cost only when achievement of performance conditions is considered probable. Consequently, the Company’s determination of the amount of stock compensation expense requires a significant level of judgment in estimating the probability of achievement of these performance targets. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") and changed its policy from estimating forfeitures to recording forfeitures when they occur. The Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. For all share-based awards with graded vesting other than awards with performance-based vesting conditions, the Company records compensation expense for the entire award on a straight-line basis (or, if applicable, on the accelerated method) over the requisite service period. For graded-vesting awards with performance-based vesting conditions, total compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the award as if the award is, in substance, multiple awards once the performance target is deemed probable of achievement. Performance goals are evaluated quarterly. If such goals are not ultimately met or it is not probable the goals will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed. Self-Insurance Liability Accruals The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies for its owned, leased and managed communities under a master insurance program, the Company's current policies provide for deductibles for each and every claim. As a result, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts. In addition, the Company maintains a high deductible workers compensation program and a self-insured employee medical program. The Company reviews the adequacy of its accruals related to these liabilities on an ongoing basis, using historical claims, actuarial valuations, third-party administrator estimates, consultants, advice from legal counsel and industry data, and adjusts accruals periodically. Estimated costs related to these self-insurance programs are accrued based on known claims and projected claims incurred but not yet reported. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored, and estimates are updated as information becomes available. 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 ("ASC 840"), in the assumed lease agreement. Payments made under operating leases are accounted for in the Company's consolidated statements of operations as lease expense for actual rent paid plus or minus a straight-line adjustment for estimated minimum lease escalators and amortization of deferred gains in situations where sale-leaseback transactions have occurred. 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 Subtopic 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. New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASU 2017-05"). ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope of subtopic 610-20, Other Income - Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The amendments are effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-05 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, if a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the difference, with the impairment charge limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The Company adopted ASU 2017-04 on a prospective basis on January 1, 2017. There was no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-04. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business to assist companies in determining whether transactions should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or a business combination. Under ASU 2017-01, if substantially all of the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business and the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. Transaction costs associated with asset acquisitions are capitalized while those associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. The amendments are effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted, including within interim periods. Upon adoption, the Company anticipates that the changes to the definition of a business may result in acquisitions of real estate, communities or senior housing operating companies being accounted for as asset acquisitions. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 intends to address the diversity in practice that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the changes required by ASU 2016-18 must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15"). ASU 2016-15 clarifies how cash receipts and cash payments in certain transactions are presented in the statement of cash flows. Among other clarifications, the amendments in ASU 2016-15 provide additional guidance on the classification within the statement of cash flows for the following transactions: • debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs will be classified within financing activities; • the portion of cash payments attributable to accreted interest at the settlement of debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate will be classified within operating activities; • proceeds from insurance settlements will be classified based on the nature of the related insurance coverage; and • companies must elect to classify distributions received from equity method investees using either a cumulative earnings approach or a nature of the distributions approach. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the changes in classification within the statement of cash flows must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology for credit losses with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which is intended to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, as well as the classification of awards and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 and changed its accounting policy from estimating forfeitures to recording forfeitures when they occur. The Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. There was no current impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 as the Company is in a net operating loss position and any excess tax benefits require a full valuation allowance. See Note 12 for more information about the Company's deferred income taxes. The changes have been applied using a modified retrospective approach in accordance with ASU 2016-09 and prior periods have not been adjusted. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for most leases. Additionally, ASU 2016-02 makes targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets. The five step model defined by ASU 2014-09 requires the Company to (i) identify the contracts with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contact, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Revenue will be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration expected in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 may be applied retrospectively to each prior period (full retrospective) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application (modified retrospective). ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018, and, at that time, the Company expects to adopt the new standard under the modified retrospective approach. Under the modified retrospective approach, the guidance is applied to the most current period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the adoption change as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The Company continues to evaluate the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The evaluation includes identifying revenue streams by like contracts to allow for ease of implementation. In addition, the Company is monitoring specific developments for the senior living industry and evaluating potential changes to our business processes, systems, and controls to support the recognition and disclosure under the new standard. Preliminary conclusions based upon procedures to-date include the following: • Resident Fees : The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will result in a significant change to the amount and timing of the recognition of resident fee revenue. • Management Fees and Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities : The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a periodic management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. The Company does not anticipate that there will be any significant change to the amount and timing of revenue recognized for these periodic management fees. Certain management contracts also provide for an annual incentive fee to be paid to the Company upon achievement of certain metrics identified in the contract. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company anticipates that incentive fee revenue may be recognized earlier during the annual contract period. The Company is still evaluating the performance obligations and assessing the transfer of control for each operating service identified in the contracts, which may impact the amount of revenue recognized for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities with no net impact to the amount of income from operations. • Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Ventures : Certain of the Company's unconsolidated ventures accounted for under the equity method have residency agreements which require the resident to pay an upfront entrance fee prior to moving into the community and a portion of the upfront entrance fee is non-refundable. The Company's unconsolidated ventures are still evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, which may impact the recognition of equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures. Additionally, real estate sales with customers are within the scope of ASU 2014-09. Under ASU 2014-09 the revenue recognition for real estate sales is largely based on the transfer of control versus continuing involvement under the current guidance. As a result, more transactions may qualify as sales of real estate and revenue may be recognized sooner. Upon adoption, the Company will apply the five step revenue model to all future real estate transaction 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 condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also gives effect to dilutive common stock equivalents. For purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share, vested restricted stock awards are considered outstanding. Under the treasury stock method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other instruments that are convertible into common stock were exercised or could result in the issuance of common stock. Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents include unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible debt instruments and warrants. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company reported a consolidated net loss. As a result of the net loss, unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible debt instruments and warrants were antidilutive for each period and were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares. The weighted average restricted stock and restricted stock units excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share were 5.2 million and 3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 , 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 June 15, 2018. As of March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the notes is approximately 13.8 million (after giving effect to additional make-whole shares issuable upon conversion in connection with the occurrence of certain events); however it is the Company's current intent and policy to settle the principal amount of the notes in cash upon conversion. The maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the notes in excess of the amount of principal that would be settled in cash is approximately 3.0 million . In addition, the calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of the exercise of warrants to acquire the Company's common stock. As of March 31, 2017 and 2016 , the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants was approximately 10.8 million .

Acquisitions, Dispositions and

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions	4. Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions Formation of Venture with Blackstone On March 29, 2017, the Company and affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors VIII L.P. (collectively, "Blackstone") formed a venture (the “Blackstone Venture”), that acquired 64 senior housing communities for a purchase price of $1.1 billion . The Company had previously leased the 64 communities from HCP, Inc. ("HCP") under long-term lease agreements with a remaining average lease term of approximately 12 years . At the closing, the Blackstone Venture purchased the 64 -community portfolio from HCP subject to the existing leases, and the Company contributed its leasehold interests for 62 communities and a total of $179.2 million in cash to purchase a 15% equity interest in the Blackstone Venture, terminate leases, and fund its share of closing costs. As of the formation date, the Company continued to operate two of the communities under lease agreements and began managing 60 of the communities on behalf of the venture under a management agreement with the venture. The two remaining leases will be terminated, pending certain regulatory and other conditions, at which point we will manage the communities; however, there can be no assurance that the terminations will occur or, if they do, when the actual terminations will occur. Two of the communities are managed by a third party for the venture. The results and financial position of the 62 communities for which leases were terminated were deconsolidated from the Company prospectively upon formation of the Blackstone Venture. The Company's interest in the venture is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the terms of the venture agreement, the Company may be entitled to distributions which are less than or in excess of the Company's 15% equity interest based upon specified performance criteria. The results of operations of the 62 communities for which leases were terminated were reported in the following segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements through the formation date: Assisted Living ( 47 communities), Retirement Centers ( eight communities) and CCRCs-Rental ( seven communities). The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements included resident fee revenue of $64.0 million , facility operating expenses of $43.9 million and cash lease payments of $22.2 million for the 62 communities for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and resident fee revenue of $65.2 million , facility operating expenses of $44.1 million and cash lease payments of $21.3 million for the 62 communities for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Initially, the Company determined that the contributed carrying value of the Company's investment was $66.8 million , representing the amount by which the $179.2 million cash contribution exceeded the carrying value of the Company's liabilities under operating, capital and financing leases contributed by the Company net of the carrying value of the assets under such operating, capital and financing leases. However, the Company estimated the fair value of its 15% equity interest in the Blackstone Venture at inception to be $47.1 million . As a result, the Company recorded a $19.7 million charge within asset impairment expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for the amount of the contributed carrying value in excess of the estimated fair value of the Company's investment. Additionally, these transactions related to the Blackstone Venture required the Company to record a significant increase to the Company's existing tax valuation allowance, after considering the change in the Company's future reversal of estimated timing differences resulting from these transactions, primarily due to removing the deferred positions related to the contributed leases. During the three months ended March, 31, 2017, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes to establish an additional $85.0 million of valuation allowance against its federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits as the Company anticipates these carryforwards and credits will not be utilized prior to expiration. See Note 12 for more information about the Company's deferred income taxes. Community Dispositions The Company began 2017 with 16 of its owned communities classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company completed the disposition of one community previously classified as held for sale. The results of operations of the disposed community are reported within the CCRCs-Rental segment within the condensed consolidated financial statements through the disposition date. Additionally, the Company entered into an agreement to sell one community and to terminate the lease for one adjacent community. As of March 31, 2017, $106.3 million was recorded as assets held for sale and $60.5 million of mortgage debt was included in the current portion of long-term debt within the condensed consolidated balance sheet with respect to the 16 communities held for sale as of such date. This debt will either be repaid with the proceeds from the sales or be assumed by the prospective purchasers. The results of operations of the 16 communities are reported in the following segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements: Assisted Living ( 13 communities) and CCRCs-Rental ( three communities). The 16 communities had resident fee revenue of $13.8 million and $14.2 million and facility operating expenses of $11.9 million and $12.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. The closings of the sales of the unsold communities classified as held for sale and the termination of the lease of an adjacent community are subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions and are expected to occur during fiscal 2017; however, there can be no assurance that the transactions will close or, if they do, when the actual closings will occur. The Company completed dispositions, through sales and lease terminations, of 59 communities during the period from January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017 (excluding the 62 communities for which the financial results were deconsolidated from our financial statements prospectively upon formation of the Blackstone Venture on March 29, 2017). The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements included resident fee revenue of $0.7 million and $43.5 million and facility operating expenses of $1.3 million and $33.8 million for the 59 communities for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. Dispositions and Restructurings of Leased Communities On November 1, 2016, the Company announced that it had entered into agreements to, among other things, terminate triple-net leases with respect to 97 communities, four of which were contributed to an existing unconsolidated venture in which the Company holds an equity interest and 64 of which were acquired by the Blackstone Venture. In addition to the formation of the Blackstone Venture described above, the transactions include the following components: • The Company and HCP agreed to terminate triple-net leases with respect to 25 communities, which the Company expects to occur in stages through the end of fiscal 2017. The results of operations of the 25 communities are reported in the following segments within the consolidated financial statements: Assisted Living ( 23 communities) and CCRCs-Rental ( two communities). The 25 communities had resident fee revenue of $18.4 million , facility operating expenses of $14.9 million and cash lease payments of $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and resident fee revenue of $18.0 million , facility operating expenses of $14.8 million and cash lease payments of $4.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. • The Company and HCP agreed to terminate triple-net leases with respect to eight communities. HCP agreed to contribute immediately thereafter four of such communities, to an existing unconsolidated venture with HCP in which the Company has a 10% equity interest. During the three months ended December 31, 2016, the triple-net leases with respect to seven communities were terminated and HCP contributed four of the communities to the existing unconsolidated venture. The triple-net lease with respect to the remaining community was terminated during January 2017. The results of operations of the eight communities are reporting in the following segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements through the respective disposition dates: Assisted Living ( six communities), Retirement Centers ( one community) and CCRCs-Rental ( one community). The eight communities had resident fee revenue of $11.4 million , facility operating expenses of $8.0 million and cash lease payments of $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Current year grants of restricted stock 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, 2017 2,392 $ 14.84 $ 35,497

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net The following is a summary of the carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 presented on an operating segment basis (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Dispositions and Other Reductions Net Gross Carrying Amount Dispositions and Other Reductions Net Retirement Centers $ 28,141 $ (820 ) $ 27,321 $ 28,141 $ (820 ) $ 27,321 Assisted Living 605,469 (48,817 ) 556,652 600,162 (48,817 ) 551,345 Brookdale Ancillary Services 126,810 — 126,810 126,810 — 126,810 Total $ 760,420 $ (49,637 ) $ 710,783 $ 755,113 $ (49,637 ) $ 705,476 Goodwill is tested for impairment annually with a test date of October 1 or sooner if indicators of impairment are present. The Company determined no impairment was necessary for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . 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. The following is a summary of other intangible assets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Community purchase options $ 4,738 $ — $ 4,738 $ 4,738 $ — $ 4,738 Health care licenses 65,126 — 65,126 65,126 — 65,126 Trade names 27,800 (21,780 ) 6,020 27,800 (21,135 ) 6,665 Management contracts 13,531 (7,301 ) 6,230 13,531 (7,053 ) 6,478 Total $ 111,195 $ (29,081 ) $ 82,114 $ 111,195 $ (28,188 ) $ 83,007 Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was $0.9 million and $2.9 million , respectively. Health care licenses were determined to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization. The community purchase options are not currently amortized, but will be added to the cost basis of the related communities if the option is exercised, and will then be depreciated over the estimated useful life of the community.

Property, Plant and Equipment a

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net	Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, net property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land $ 451,875 $ 455,307 Buildings and improvements 5,031,711 5,053,204 Leasehold improvements 123,541 126,325 Furniture and equipment 978,654 974,516 Resident and leasehold operating intangibles 615,128 705,000 Construction in progress 69,215 69,803 Assets under capital and financing leases 2,039,736 2,879,996 9,309,860 10,264,151 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,797,681 ) (2,884,846 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 6,512,179 $ 7,379,305 Long-lived assets with definite useful lives are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (or, in certain cases, the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term) and are tested for impairment whenever indicators of impairment arise. The Company recorded $1.0 million of non-cash charges within asset impairment expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for property damage at certain communities and the cancellation of certain community expansion and redevelopment projects during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Long-term Debt and Capital and Financing Lease Obligations Long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations consist of the following (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Mortgage notes payable due 2017 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.61% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $6.1 million and $4.5 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively (weighted average interest rate of 4.50% in 2016) $ 3,167,914 $ 3,184,229 Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2032; weighted average interest rate of 7.90% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (weighted average interest rate of 8.08% in 2016) 1,603,150 2,485,520 Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $17.3 million and $20.9 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, interest at 2.75% per annum, due June 15, 2018 298,918 295,397 Construction financing due 2032; weighted average interest rate of 8.00% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (weighted average interest rate of 8.00% in 2016) 6,088 3,644 Notes payable issued to finance insurance premiums, weighted average interest rate of 2.94% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, due 2017 17,262 — Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 6.04% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (weighted average interest rate of 5.33% in 2016) and maturity dates ranging from 2017 to 2021 73,871 76,377 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations 5,167,203 6,045,167 Less current portion 233,548 215,255 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion $ 4,933,655 $ 5,829,912 Credit Facilities On December 19, 2014, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation (which has since assigned its interest to Capital One Financial Corporation), as administrative agent, lender and swingline lender, and the other lenders from time to time parties thereto. The agreement currently provides for a total commitment amount of $400.0 million , comprised of a $400.0 million revolving credit facility (with a $50.0 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $50.0 million swingline feature to permit same day borrowing) and an option to increase the revolving credit facility by an additional $250.0 million , subject to obtaining commitments for the amount of such increase from acceptable lenders. The maturity date is January 3, 2020 , and amounts drawn under the facility bear interest at 90-day LIBOR plus an applicable margin from a range of 2.50% to 3.50% . The applicable margin varies based on the percentage of the total commitment drawn, with a 2.50% margin at utilization equal to or lower than 35% , a 3.25% margin at utilization greater than 35% but less than or equal to 50% , and a 3.50% margin at utilization greater than 50% . The quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility is 0.25% per annum when the outstanding amount of obligations (including revolving credit, swingline and term loans and letter of credit obligations) is greater than or equal to 50% of the total commitment amount or 0.35% per annum when such outstanding amount is less than 50% of the total commitment amount. 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 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 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 agreement and all amounts owing under the agreement becoming immediately due and payable and/or could trigger cross default provisions in our other outstanding debt and lease agreements. As of March 31, 2017 , there was no outstanding balance under this credit facility and there were $32.5 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 separate letter of credit facilities of up to $64.5 million in the aggregate as of March 31, 2017 . Letters of credit totaling $64.4 million had been issued under these separate facilities as of that date. As of March 31, 2017 , the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its outstanding debt and lease agreements.

Litigation

Litigation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Litigation [Abstract]
Litigation	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. 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. Similarly, the senior living industry is continuously subject to scrutiny by governmental regulators, which could result in litigation related to regulatory compliance matters. In addition, as a result of the Company's participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, the Company is subject to various governmental reviews, audits and investigations, including but not limited to audits under various government programs, such as the RAC and ZPIC programs. The costs to respond to and defend such reviews, audits and investigations may be significant, and an adverse determination could result in the Company's refunding amounts the Company has been paid under such programs, the imposition of fines, penalties and other sanctions (including payment suspensions) on the Company, the Company's loss of its right to participate in government reimbursement programs and/or damage to the Company's business and reputation.

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Interest paid $ 81,094 $ 92,270 Income taxes paid, net of refunds $ (107 ) $ 246 Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 43,830 $ 79,017 Accounts payable 5,098 29,493 Net cash paid $ 48,928 $ 108,510 Acquisition of assets, net of related payables: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ — $ 19,457 Other intangible assets, net — (7,300 ) Net cash paid $ — $ 12,157 Proceeds from sale of assets, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets $ (356 ) $ (121 ) Assets held for sale (5,621 ) (42,714 ) Investments in unconsolidated ventures (26,301 ) — Loss (gain) on sale of assets 603 (2,749 ) Net cash received $ (31,675 ) $ (45,584 ) Formation of the Blackstone Venture: Prepaid expenses and other assets $ (8,173 ) $ — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (768,897 ) — Investments in unconsolidated ventures 66,816 — Capital and financing lease obligations 879,959 — Deferred liabilities 7,504 — Other liabilities 1,998 — Net cash paid $ 179,207 $ — Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Operating, Investing and Financing Activities: Assets designated as held for sale: Prepaid expenses and other assets $ 106 $ — Assets held for sale (14,122 ) — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net 14,016 — Net $ — $ —

Facility Operating Leases

Facility Operating Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Facility Operating Leases	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): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Cash basis payment $ 94,604 $ 95,580 Straight-line (income) expense (3,007 ) 3,935 Amortization of (above) below market lease, net (1,697 ) (1,733 ) Amortization of deferred gain (1,093 ) (1,093 ) Facility lease expense $ 88,807 $ 96,689

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The difference between the tax statutory rate and the Company's effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was primarily due to an increase in the valuation allowance against the Company's deferred tax assets. The increase in the valuation allowance during the three months ended March 31, 2017 is comprised of multiple components. The increase includes $85.0 million related to the removal of future timing differences as a result of the formation of the Blackstone Venture and termination of leases associated therewith. See Note 4 for more information about the Company's entry into the Blackstone Venture. In addition, the Company increased its valuation allowance by $48.5 million upon the adoption of ASU 2016-09. The $48.5 million offsets the increase to the Company's net operating loss carryforward position previously reflected in an additional paid-in capital pool, and accordingly, does not impact the current period income tax position. The remaining change of approximately $11.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 reflects the allowance established against the current period operating loss. The Company recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $13.2 million as a result of the operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , which was offset by an increase in the valuation allowance of $14.2 million . The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets each quarter to determine if a valuation allowance is required based on whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset would not be realized. The Company's valuation allowance as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is $409.7 million and $264.3 million , respectively. The Company recorded interest charges related to its tax contingency reserve for cash tax positions for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 which are included in income tax expense or benefit for the period. Tax returns for years 2012 through 2015 are subject to future examination by tax authorities. In addition, the net operating losses from prior years are subject to adjustment under examination.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities At March 31, 2017 , 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, and HCP owns a 49% interest, in a venture that owns and operates entry fee CCRCs (the "CCRC Venture"). The CCRC Venture's opco has been identified as a VIE. The equity members of the CCRC Venture's opco share certain operating rights, and the Company acts as manager to the CCRC Venture opco. However, the Company does not consolidate this VIE because it does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact this VIE's economic performance. The assets of the CCRC Venture opco primarily consist of the CCRCs that it owns and leases, resident fees receivable, notes receivable and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the CCRC Venture opco primarily consist of community lease obligations, mortgage debt, accounts payable, accrued expenses and refundable entrance fees. The Company holds an equity ownership interest in each of the propco and opco of three ventures ("RIDEA Ventures") that operate senior housing communities in a RIDEA structure. As of March 31, 2017, the Company's equity ownership interest is 10% for each of the RIDEA Ventures. Affiliates of HCP own the remaining 90% equity ownership interests in the RIDEA Ventures. The RIDEA Ventures have been identified as VIEs. The equity members of the RIDEA Ventures share certain operating rights, and the Company acts as manager to the opcos of the RIDEA Ventures. 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 RIDEA Ventures primarily consist of the senior housing communities that the RIDEA Ventures own, resident fees receivable, and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the RIDEA Ventures primarily consist of notes payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses. The Company holds a 15% equity ownership interest in the Blackstone Venture. The Blackstone Venture has been identified as a VIE due to the Company lacking substantive participation rights in the management of the venture and the Company lacking kick-out rights over the managing member. The equity members of the Blackstone Venture share certain operating rights and the Company acts as manager to 60 communities owned by the Blackstone Venture. However, the Company does not consolidate this VIE because it does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE. The assets of the Blackstone Venture primarily consist of senior housing communities, resident fees receivable and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the Blackstone Venture primarily consist of long-term mortgage debt, accounts payable and accrued expenses. In addition to $636.2 million of long-term mortgage debt, the Blackstone Venture obtained $66.8 million of mortgage debt that is payable in 2017. In the event that refinancing proceeds for the $66.8 million of mortgage debt are insufficient to repay the debt principal amount, the Company may be required to lend the amount of the shortfall, up to $12.0 million , to the Blackstone Venture. As of March 31, 2017, the Company leases two communities from the Blackstone Venture with annual lease payments of approximately $2.5 million . Under the terms of the lease agreements, the Company may be required to purchase the two leased communities for an amount equal to the greater of the fair market value of the communities or $33.8 million if there is an event of default under the lease agreement. See Note 4 for more information about the Company's entry into the Blackstone 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 March 31, 2017 (in millions): VIE Type Asset Type Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Amount CCRC Venture opco Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 47.9 $ 47.9 RIDEA Ventures Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 82.3 $ 82.3 Blackstone Venture Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 47.3 $ 47.3 As of March 31, 2017 , the Company is not required to provide financial support, through a liquidity arrangement or otherwise, to its unconsolidated VIEs.

Segment Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information As of March 31, 2017 , 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. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, one community moved from the CCRCs-Rental segment to the Retirement Centers segment to more accurately reflect the underlying product offering of the community in the current period given changes to the community. The movement did not change the Company's reportable segments, but it did impact the revenues, expenses and assets reported within the two segments. Revenue and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and total assets for the period ended December 31, 2016 have not been recast. Retirement Centers . The Company's Retirement Centers segment includes owned or leased communities that are primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors generally age 75 and older who desire an upscale residential environment providing the highest quality of service. The majority of the Company's retirement center communities consist of both independent living and assisted living units in a single community, which allows residents to "age-in-place" by providing them with a continuum of senior independent and assisted living services. Assisted Living. The Company's Assisted Living segment includes owned or leased communities that offer housing and 24-hour assistance with activities of daily life to mid-acuity frail and elderly residents. Assisted living communities include both freestanding, multi-story communities and freestanding single story communities. The Company also operates memory care communities, which are freestanding assisted living communities specially designed for residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. CCRCs-Rental. The Company's CCRCs-Rental segment includes large owned or leased communities that offer a variety of living arrangements and services to accommodate all levels of physical ability and health. Most of the Company's CCRCs have independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing available on one campus or within the immediate market, and some also include memory care/Alzheimer's units. Brookdale Ancillary Services . The Company's Brookdale Ancillary Services segment includes the outpatient therapy, home health and hospice services, as well as education and wellness programs, provided to residents of many of the Company's communities and to seniors living outside of the Company's communities. The Brookdale Ancillary Services segment does not include the inpatient therapy services provided in the Company's skilled nursing units, which are included in the Company's CCRCs-Rental segment. Management Services. The Company's Management Services segment includes communities operated by the Company pursuant to management agreements. In some of the cases, the controlling financial interest in the community is held by third parties and, in other cases, the community is owned in a venture structure in which the Company has an ownership interest. Under the management agreements for these communities, the Company receives management fees as well as reimbursed expenses, which represent the reimbursement of expenses it incurs on behalf of the owners. The accounting policies of the Company's reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2. The following table sets forth selected segment financial and operating data (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Revenue Retirement Centers (1) $ 172,620 $ 169,426 Assisted Living (1) 590,537 617,270 CCRCs-Rental (1) 141,798 152,260 Brookdale Ancillary Services (1) 111,972 122,192 Management Services (2) 199,839 202,008 $ 1,216,766 $ 1,263,156 Segment Operating Income (3) Retirement Centers $ 74,002 $ 74,449 Assisted Living 217,439 220,810 CCRCs-Rental 35,315 35,469 Brookdale Ancillary Services 15,629 14,518 Management Services 15,894 16,780 358,279 362,026 General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense) 65,560 92,621 Transaction costs 7,593 850 Facility lease expense 88,807 96,689 Depreciation and amortization 127,487 127,137 Asset impairment 20,706 3,375 Income from operations $ 48,126 $ 41,354 As of March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total assets Retirement Centers $ 1,301,173 $ 1,452,546 Assisted Living 5,271,709 5,831,434 CCRCs-Rental 783,383 935,389 Brookdale Ancillary Services 280,301 280,530 Corporate and Management Services 601,522 717,788 Total assets $ 8,238,088 $ 9,217,687 (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 facility operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization).

Summary of Significant Accoun22

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of March 31, 2017 , and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. All adjustments made have been of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate and provide a fair presentation of interim period results. Interim financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results for an entire year. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto, together with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on February 15, 2017.
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 ownership interest of consolidated entities not wholly-owned by the Company are presented as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interest represents the share of consolidated entities owned by third parties. Noncontrolling interest is adjusted for the noncontrolling holder's share of additional contributions, distributions and the proportionate share of the net income or loss of each respective entity. The Company continually evaluates its potential variable interest entity ("VIE") relationships under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810"). ASC 810 broadly defines a VIE as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. The Company performs this analysis on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIEs for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary, as determined by the Company's power to direct the VIE's activities and the obligation to absorb its losses or the right to receive its benefits, which are potentially significant to the VIE. Refer to Note 13 for more information about the Company's VIE relationships.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Resident Fees Resident fee revenue is recorded when services are rendered and consists of fees for basic housing and support services and fees associated with additional services such as assisted living care, skilled nursing care, ancillary services and personalized health services. Residency agreements are generally for a term of 30 days to one year , with resident fees billed monthly in advance. Revenue for certain skilled nursing services and ancillary services is recognized as services are provided, and such fees are billed monthly in arrears. Management Fees The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a periodic management fee. Management fees are generally determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined) and are recorded monthly. Certain management contracts also provide for an annual incentive fee to be paid to the Company upon achievement of certain metrics identified in the contract. Incentive fee revenue is recorded at the conclusion of the contract year at the amount due pursuant to the contractual arrangements. Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a periodic management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. Where the Company is the primary obligor with respect to any such operating expenses, the Company recognizes revenue when the goods have been delivered or the service has been rendered and the Company is due reimbursement. Such revenue is included in "reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
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.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Cash and cash equivalents and cash and escrow deposits – restricted are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity. The Company estimates the fair value of its debt using a discounted cash flow analysis based upon the Company's current borrowing rate for debt with similar maturities and collateral securing the indebtedness. The Company had outstanding debt (excluding capital and financing lease obligations) with a carrying value of approximately $3.6 billion as of both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 . Fair value of the debt approximates carrying value in all periods. The Company's fair value of debt disclosure is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company follows ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”) in accounting for its share-based payments. This guidance requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock compensation based on the grant-date fair value of the employee stock awards. This cost is recognized as compensation expense ratably over the employee’s requisite service period. Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date are recognized when incurred. Certain of the Company’s employee stock awards vest only upon the achievement of performance targets. ASC 718 requires recognition of compensation cost only when achievement of performance conditions is considered probable. Consequently, the Company’s determination of the amount of stock compensation expense requires a significant level of judgment in estimating the probability of achievement of these performance targets. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") and changed its policy from estimating forfeitures to recording forfeitures when they occur. The Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. For all share-based awards with graded vesting other than awards with performance-based vesting conditions, the Company records compensation expense for the entire award on a straight-line basis (or, if applicable, on the accelerated method) over the requisite service period. For graded-vesting awards with performance-based vesting conditions, total compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the award as if the award is, in substance, multiple awards once the performance target is deemed probable of achievement. Performance goals are evaluated quarterly. If such goals are not ultimately met or it is not probable the goals will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense is reversed.
Self-Insurance Liability Accruals	Self-Insurance Liability Accruals The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies for its owned, leased and managed communities under a master insurance program, the Company's current policies provide for deductibles for each and every claim. As a result, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts. In addition, the Company maintains a high deductible workers compensation program and a self-insured employee medical program. The Company reviews the adequacy of its accruals related to these liabilities on an ongoing basis, using historical claims, actuarial valuations, third-party administrator estimates, consultants, advice from legal counsel and industry data, and adjusts accruals periodically. Estimated costs related to these self-insurance programs are accrued based on known claims and projected claims incurred but not yet reported. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored, and estimates are updated as information becomes available.
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 ("ASC 840"), in the assumed lease agreement. Payments made under operating leases are accounted for in the Company's consolidated statements of operations as lease expense for actual rent paid plus or minus a straight-line adjustment for estimated minimum lease escalators and amortization of deferred gains in situations where sale-leaseback transactions have occurred. 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 Subtopic 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASU 2017-05"). ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope of subtopic 610-20, Other Income - Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The amendments are effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2017-05 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, if a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the difference, with the impairment charge limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The Company adopted ASU 2017-04 on a prospective basis on January 1, 2017. There was no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements as a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-04. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business to assist companies in determining whether transactions should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or a business combination. Under ASU 2017-01, if substantially all of the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business and the transaction is accounted for as an asset acquisition. Transaction costs associated with asset acquisitions are capitalized while those associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred. The amendments are effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted, including within interim periods. Upon adoption, the Company anticipates that the changes to the definition of a business may result in acquisitions of real estate, communities or senior housing operating companies being accounted for as asset acquisitions. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 intends to address the diversity in practice that exists in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendments require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the changes required by ASU 2016-18 must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments ("ASU 2016-15"). ASU 2016-15 clarifies how cash receipts and cash payments in certain transactions are presented in the statement of cash flows. Among other clarifications, the amendments in ASU 2016-15 provide additional guidance on the classification within the statement of cash flows for the following transactions: • debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs will be classified within financing activities; • the portion of cash payments attributable to accreted interest at the settlement of debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate will be classified within operating activities; • proceeds from insurance settlements will be classified based on the nature of the related insurance coverage; and • companies must elect to classify distributions received from equity method investees using either a cumulative earnings approach or a nature of the distributions approach. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. Upon adoption, the changes in classification within the statement of cash flows must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology for credit losses with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which is intended to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, as well as the classification of awards and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 and changed its accounting policy from estimating forfeitures to recording forfeitures when they occur. The Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements. There was no current impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 as the Company is in a net operating loss position and any excess tax benefits require a full valuation allowance. See Note 12 for more information about the Company's deferred income taxes. The changes have been applied using a modified retrospective approach in accordance with ASU 2016-09 and prior periods have not been adjusted. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 amends the existing accounting principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for most leases. Additionally, ASU 2016-02 makes targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets. The five step model defined by ASU 2014-09 requires the Company to (i) identify the contracts with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contact, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. Revenue will be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration expected in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 may be applied retrospectively to each prior period (full retrospective) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application (modified retrospective). ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018, and, at that time, the Company expects to adopt the new standard under the modified retrospective approach. Under the modified retrospective approach, the guidance is applied to the most current period presented, recognizing the cumulative effect of the adoption change as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The Company continues to evaluate the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The evaluation includes identifying revenue streams by like contracts to allow for ease of implementation. In addition, the Company is monitoring specific developments for the senior living industry and evaluating potential changes to our business processes, systems, and controls to support the recognition and disclosure under the new standard. Preliminary conclusions based upon procedures to-date include the following: • Resident Fees : The Company does not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will result in a significant change to the amount and timing of the recognition of resident fee revenue. • Management Fees and Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities : The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a periodic management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. The Company does not anticipate that there will be any significant change to the amount and timing of revenue recognized for these periodic management fees. Certain management contracts also provide for an annual incentive fee to be paid to the Company upon achievement of certain metrics identified in the contract. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09, the Company anticipates that incentive fee revenue may be recognized earlier during the annual contract period. The Company is still evaluating the performance obligations and assessing the transfer of control for each operating service identified in the contracts, which may impact the amount of revenue recognized for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities with no net impact to the amount of income from operations. • Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Ventures : Certain of the Company's unconsolidated ventures accounted for under the equity method have residency agreements which require the resident to pay an upfront entrance fee prior to moving into the community and a portion of the upfront entrance fee is non-refundable. The Company's unconsolidated ventures are still evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09, which may impact the recognition of equity in earnings of unconsolidated ventures. Additionally, real estate sales with customers are within the scope of ASU 2014-09. Under ASU 2014-09 the revenue recognition for real estate sales is largely based on the transfer of control versus continuing involvement under the current guidance. As a result, more transactions may qualify as sales of real estate and revenue may be recognized sooner. Upon adoption, the Company will apply the five step revenue model to all future real estate transaction 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 condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Current year grants of restricted shares	Current year grants of restricted stock 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, 2017 2,392 $ 14.84 $ 35,497

Goodwill and Other Intangible24

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The following is a summary of the carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 presented on an operating segment basis (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Dispositions and Other Reductions Net Gross Carrying Amount Dispositions and Other Reductions Net Retirement Centers $ 28,141 $ (820 ) $ 27,321 $ 28,141 $ (820 ) $ 27,321 Assisted Living 605,469 (48,817 ) 556,652 600,162 (48,817 ) 551,345 Brookdale Ancillary Services 126,810 — 126,810 126,810 — 126,810 Total $ 760,420 $ (49,637 ) $ 710,783 $ 755,113 $ (49,637 ) $ 705,476
Other intangible assets	The following is a summary of other intangible assets at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Community purchase options $ 4,738 $ — $ 4,738 $ 4,738 $ — $ 4,738 Health care licenses 65,126 — 65,126 65,126 — 65,126 Trade names 27,800 (21,780 ) 6,020 27,800 (21,135 ) 6,665 Management contracts 13,531 (7,301 ) 6,230 13,531 (7,053 ) 6,478 Total $ 111,195 $ (29,081 ) $ 82,114 $ 111,195 $ (28,188 ) $ 83,007

Property, Plant and Equipment25

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, net property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land $ 451,875 $ 455,307 Buildings and improvements 5,031,711 5,053,204 Leasehold improvements 123,541 126,325 Furniture and equipment 978,654 974,516 Resident and leasehold operating intangibles 615,128 705,000 Construction in progress 69,215 69,803 Assets under capital and financing leases 2,039,736 2,879,996 9,309,860 10,264,151 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (2,797,681 ) (2,884,846 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 6,512,179 $ 7,379,305

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	Long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations consist of the following (in thousands): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Mortgage notes payable due 2017 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.61% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $6.1 million and $4.5 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively (weighted average interest rate of 4.50% in 2016) $ 3,167,914 $ 3,184,229 Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2032; weighted average interest rate of 7.90% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (weighted average interest rate of 8.08% in 2016) 1,603,150 2,485,520 Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $17.3 million and $20.9 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, interest at 2.75% per annum, due June 15, 2018 298,918 295,397 Construction financing due 2032; weighted average interest rate of 8.00% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (weighted average interest rate of 8.00% in 2016) 6,088 3,644 Notes payable issued to finance insurance premiums, weighted average interest rate of 2.94% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, due 2017 17,262 — Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 6.04% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 (weighted average interest rate of 5.33% in 2016) and maturity dates ranging from 2017 to 2021 73,871 76,377 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations 5,167,203 6,045,167 Less current portion 233,548 215,255 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion $ 4,933,655 $ 5,829,912

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca27

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2017 2016 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Interest paid $ 81,094 $ 92,270 Income taxes paid, net of refunds $ (107 ) $ 246 Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 43,830 $ 79,017 Accounts payable 5,098 29,493 Net cash paid $ 48,928 $ 108,510 Acquisition of assets, net of related payables: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ — $ 19,457 Other intangible assets, net — (7,300 ) Net cash paid $ — $ 12,157 Proceeds from sale of assets, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets $ (356 ) $ (121 ) Assets held for sale (5,621 ) (42,714 ) Investments in unconsolidated ventures (26,301 ) — Loss (gain) on sale of assets 603 (2,749 ) Net cash received $ (31,675 ) $ (45,584 ) Formation of the Blackstone Venture: Prepaid expenses and other assets $ (8,173 ) $ — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (768,897 ) — Investments in unconsolidated ventures 66,816 — Capital and financing lease obligations 879,959 — Deferred liabilities 7,504 — Other liabilities 1,998 — Net cash paid $ 179,207 $ — Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Operating, Investing and Financing Activities: Assets designated as held for sale: Prepaid expenses and other assets $ 106 $ — Assets held for sale (14,122 ) — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net 14,016 — Net $ — $ —

Facility Operating Leases (Tabl

Facility Operating Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [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): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Cash basis payment $ 94,604 $ 95,580 Straight-line (income) expense (3,007 ) 3,935 Amortization of (above) below market lease, net (1,697 ) (1,733 ) Amortization of deferred gain (1,093 ) (1,093 ) Facility lease expense $ 88,807 $ 96,689

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The carrying value and classification of the related assets, liabilities and maximum exposure to loss as a result of the Company's involvement with these VIEs are summarized below at March 31, 2017 (in millions): VIE Type Asset Type Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Amount CCRC Venture opco Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 47.9 $ 47.9 RIDEA Ventures Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 82.3 $ 82.3 Blackstone Venture Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 47.3 $ 47.3

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information	The following table sets forth selected segment financial and operating data (in thousands): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Revenue Retirement Centers (1) $ 172,620 $ 169,426 Assisted Living (1) 590,537 617,270 CCRCs-Rental (1) 141,798 152,260 Brookdale Ancillary Services (1) 111,972 122,192 Management Services (2) 199,839 202,008 $ 1,216,766 $ 1,263,156 Segment Operating Income (3) Retirement Centers $ 74,002 $ 74,449 Assisted Living 217,439 220,810 CCRCs-Rental 35,315 35,469 Brookdale Ancillary Services 15,629 14,518 Management Services 15,894 16,780 358,279 362,026 General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense) 65,560 92,621 Transaction costs 7,593 850 Facility lease expense 88,807 96,689 Depreciation and amortization 127,487 127,137 Asset impairment 20,706 3,375 Income from operations $ 48,126 $ 41,354 As of March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Total assets Retirement Centers $ 1,301,173 $ 1,452,546 Assisted Living 5,271,709 5,831,434 CCRCs-Rental 783,383 935,389 Brookdale Ancillary Services 280,301 280,530 Corporate and Management Services 601,522 717,788 Total assets $ 8,238,088 $ 9,217,687 (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 facility operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization).

Summary of Significant Accoun31

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Billions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Term of residency agreements- minimum	30 days
Term of residency agreements - maximum	1 year
Carrying Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Outstanding debt	$ 3.6	$ 3.6

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Unvested Restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	5.2	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	13.8
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	10.8
Convertible Debt [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal	$ 316.3		$ 316.3
Convertible Senior Notes Due June 2018 [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal	$ 316.3
Interest rate	2.75%

Acquisitions, Dispositions an33

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions - Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 29, 2017USD ($)community	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)community	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)community	Nov. 01, 2016community
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire joint venture		$ 185,971	$ 2,365
Resident fee revenue		1,016,927	1,061,148
Facility operating expenses		674,542	715,902
Cash lease payments		94,604	95,580
Asset impairment		20,706	3,375
Change in valuation allowance			$ 14,200
Blackstone Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community				64
HCP, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities leased | community	64
Term of lease	12 years
Formation of Blackstone Joint Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance		85,000
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of community leasehold interests contributed | community	62
Payments to acquire joint venture	$ 179,200	$ 179,200
Percentage ownership	15.00%	15.00%
Number of communities managed | community	60
Number of community leases terminated | community	62	62	62
Resident fee revenue		$ 64,000	$ 65,200
Facility operating expenses		43,900	44,100
Cash lease payments		22,200	$ 21,300
Carrying value of investment		66,800
Fair value of investment		47,100
Asset impairment		$ 19,700
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member] | Assisted Living [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of community leases terminated | community		47
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member] | Retirement Centers [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of community leases terminated | community		8
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member] | CCRCs Rental [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of community leases terminated | community		7
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member] | Senior Housing Communities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community	64
Purchase price	$ 1,100,000
Joint Venture [Member] | HCP, Inc. [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member] | Senior Housing Communities [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community	64

Acquisitions, Dispositions an34

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 29, 2017community	Nov. 01, 2016community	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)community	Dec. 31, 2016community	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)community	Dec. 31, 2016community	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)community
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of				7
Resident fee revenue | $			$ 1,016,927		$ 1,061,148
Facility operating expenses | $			674,542		715,902
Cash lease payments | $			$ 94,604		95,580
Number of communities contributed to joint venture		4
16 Communities Held For Sale [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities classified as held for sale			16			16
Number of communities disposed of			1
Additional communities disposed of in agreement			1
Assets held for sale | $			$ 106,300				$ 106,300
Resident fee revenue | $			13,800		14,200
Facility operating expenses | $			11,900		12,500
16 Communities Held For Sale [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Long term mortgage debt | $			60,500				$ 60,500
16 Communities Held For Sale [Member] | Assisted Living [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities classified as held for sale						13
16 Communities Held For Sale [Member] | CCRCs Rental [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities classified as held for sale						3
59 Communities Disposed Of By Sale Or Lease Terminations [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of							59
Resident fee revenue | $			700		43,500
Facility operating expenses | $			$ 1,300		33,800
Termination Of Triple Net Leases [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of		97
Termination Of 25 Triple Net Leases [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of			25
Resident fee revenue | $			$ 18,400		18,000
Facility operating expenses | $			14,900		14,800
Cash lease payments | $			$ 2,700		$ 4,900
Termination Of 25 Triple Net Leases [Member] | Assisted Living [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of			23
Termination Of 25 Triple Net Leases [Member] | CCRCs Rental [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of			2
Termination Of 8 Triple Net Leases [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of			8		8
Resident fee revenue | $					$ 11,400
Facility operating expenses | $					8,000
Cash lease payments | $					$ 3,000
Termination Of 8 Triple Net Leases [Member] | Assisted Living [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of					6
Termination Of 8 Triple Net Leases [Member] | CCRCs Rental [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of					1
Termination Of 8 Triple Net Leases [Member] | Retirement Centers [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of					1
Blackstone Venture [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired		64
HCP, Inc. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities contributed to joint venture			4	4
HCP, Inc. [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Percentage ownership			10.00%				10.00%
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Resident fee revenue | $			$ 64,000		$ 65,200
Facility operating expenses | $			$ 43,900		$ 44,100
Number of community leases terminated	62		62		62
Cash lease payments | $			$ 22,200		$ 21,300
Percentage ownership	15.00%		15.00%				15.00%
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member] | Assisted Living [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of community leases terminated			47
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member] | CCRCs Rental [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of community leases terminated			7
Joint Venture [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member] | Retirement Centers [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of community leases terminated			8

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Unvested Restricted Stock [Member] $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Shares Granted (in shares) | shares	2,392
Value Per Share (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.84
Total value of restricted shares granted | $	$ 35,497

Goodwill and Other Intangible36

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 760,420,000		$ 755,113,000
Dispositions and Other Reductions	(49,637,000)		(49,637,000)
Net	710,783,000		705,476,000
Goodwill impairment	0
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	111,195,000		111,195,000
Accumulated Amortization	(29,081,000)		(28,188,000)
Net	82,114,000		83,007,000
Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets	900,000	$ 2,900,000
Retirement Centers [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	28,141,000		28,141,000
Dispositions and Other Reductions	(820,000)		(820,000)
Net	27,321,000		27,321,000
Assisted Living [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	605,469,000		600,162,000
Dispositions and Other Reductions	(48,817,000)		(48,817,000)
Net	556,652,000		551,345,000
Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	126,810,000		126,810,000
Dispositions and Other Reductions	0		0
Net	126,810,000		126,810,000
Community Purchase Options [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	4,738,000		4,738,000
Accumulated Amortization	0		0
Net	4,738,000		4,738,000
Health Care Licenses [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	65,126,000		65,126,000
Accumulated Amortization	0		0
Net	65,126,000		65,126,000
Tradenames [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	27,800,000		27,800,000
Accumulated Amortization	(21,780,000)		(21,135,000)
Net	6,020,000		6,665,000
Management Contracts [Member]
Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	13,531,000		13,531,000
Accumulated Amortization	(7,301,000)		(7,053,000)
Net	$ 6,230,000		$ 6,478,000

Property, Plant and Equipment37

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	$ 9,309,860		$ 10,264,151
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(2,797,681)		(2,884,846)
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	6,512,179		7,379,305
Asset impairment, non-cash charge	20,706	$ 3,375
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	451,875		455,307
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	5,031,711		5,053,204
Asset impairment, non-cash charge	1,000
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	123,541		126,325
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	978,654		974,516
Resident and Leasehold Operating Intangibles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	615,128		705,000
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	69,215		69,803
Assets Under Capital and Financing Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	$ 2,039,736		$ 2,879,996

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 5,167,203	$ 6,045,167
Less current portion	233,548	215,255
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion	4,933,655	5,829,912
Mortgage Notes Payable [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	3,167,914	3,184,229
Unamortized debt discount	$ 6,100	$ 4,500
Weighted average interest rate	4.61%	4.50%
Capital and Financing Lease Obligations [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 1,603,150	$ 2,485,520
Weighted average interest rate	7.90%	8.08%
Convertible Debt [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 298,918	$ 295,397
Principal	316,300	316,300
Unamortized debt discount	$ 17,300	$ 20,900
Weighted average interest rate	2.75%	2.75%
Construction Financing [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 6,088	$ 3,644
Weighted average interest rate	8.00%	8.00%
Notes Payable, Insurance Premiums [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 17,262	$ 0
Weighted average interest rate	2.94%
Other Notes Payable [Member]
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 73,871	$ 76,377
Weighted average interest rate	6.04%	5.33%

Debt - Line of Credit (Details)

Debt - Line of Credit (Details) - Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member] - Line of Credit [Member] - USD ($)	Dec. 19, 2014	Mar. 31, 2017
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Line of credit		$ 0
Letters of credit issued		64,400,000
Applicable Margin, Less Than Or Equal To 35% Utilization [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Percentage of utilization	35.00%
Applicable Margin, Greater Than 50% Utilization [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Percentage of utilization	50.00%
Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Greater Than Or Equal To 50% [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee	0.25%
Outstanding debt percentage	50.00%
Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Less Than 50% [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee	0.35%
Outstanding debt percentage	50.00%
Minimum [Member] | Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Percentage of utilization	35.00%
Maximum [Member] | Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Percentage of utilization	50.00%
LIBOR [Member] | Applicable Margin, Less Than Or Equal To 35% Utilization [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	2.50%
LIBOR [Member] | Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	3.25%
LIBOR [Member] | Applicable Margin, Greater Than 50% Utilization [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	3.50%
LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	2.50%
LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	3.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Letter of credit sublimit [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Swingline Line of Credit [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Option to increase maximum borrowing capacity [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		64,500,000
Line of credit		$ 32,500,000

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca40

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid	$ 81,094	$ 92,270
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	(107)	246
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(8,630)	(36,554)
Assets held for sale	(106,344)		$ (97,843)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	48,928	108,510
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables	0	12,157
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	(603)	2,749
Proceeds from sale of assets, net	(31,675)	(45,584)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	43,830	79,017
Accounts payable	5,098	29,493
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	48,928	108,510
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	0	19,457
Other intangible assets, net	0	(7,300)
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables	0	12,157
Proceeds from sale of assets, net [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(356)	(121)
Assets held for sale	(5,621)	(42,714)
Investments in unconsolidated ventures	(26,301)	0
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	603	(2,749)
Proceeds from sale of assets, net	(31,675)	(45,584)
Formation of Blackstone Joint Venture [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(8,173)	0
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	(768,897)	0
Investments in unconsolidated ventures	66,816	0
Capital and financing lease obligations	879,959	0
Deferred liabilities	7,504	0
Other liabilities	1,998	0
Formation of the Blackstone Venture	179,207	0
Assets designated as held for sale [Member]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other assets	106	0
Assets held for sale	(14,122)	0
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	14,016	0
Net	$ 0	$ 0

Facility Operating Leases (Deta

Facility Operating Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Schedule of facility operating lease expense [Abstract]
Cash basis payment	$ 94,604	$ 95,580
Straight-line (income) expense	(3,007)	3,935
Amortization of (above) below market lease, net	(1,697)	(1,733)
Amortization of deferred gain	(1,093)	(1,093)
Facility lease expense	$ 88,807	$ 96,689

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance		$ 14.2
Deferred federal, state and local tax benefit		$ 13.2
Valuation allowance	$ 409.7		$ 264.3
Formation of Blackstone Joint Venture [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	85
Adoption Of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	48.5
Allowance Against Current Operating Loss [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	$ 11.8

Variable Interest Entities (Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)communityjoint_venture
CCRC Venture opco [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	51.00%
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 47,900,000
Carrying Amount	$ 47,900,000
RIDEA Ventures [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	10.00%
Number of joint ventures | joint_venture	3
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 82,300,000
Carrying Amount	$ 82,300,000
Blackstone Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	15.00%
Number of communities managed | community	60
Long term mortgage debt	$ 636,200,000
Number of communities leased | community	2
Lease payments	$ 2,500,000
Fair market value of communities	33,800,000
Maximum Exposure to Loss	47,300,000
Carrying Amount	$ 47,300,000
HCP, Inc. [Member] | CCRC Venture opco [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	49.00%
Affiliates of HCP [Member] | RIDEA Ventures [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage ownership in unconsolidated joint ventures	90.00%
Mortgage Notes Payable [Member] | Blackstone Venture [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Mortgage debt payable	$ 66,800,000
Maximum amount to lend in case of refinancing short fall	$ 12,000,000

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | segment	5
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 1,216,766	$ 1,263,156
Segment Operating Income	358,279	362,026
General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense)	65,560	92,621
Transaction costs	7,593	850
Facility lease expense	88,807	96,689
Depreciation and amortization	127,487	127,137
Asset impairment	20,706	3,375
Income from operations	48,126	41,354
Total assets	8,238,088		$ 9,217,687
Operating Segments [Member] | Retirement Centers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	172,620	169,426
Segment Operating Income	74,002	74,449
Total assets	1,301,173		1,452,546
Operating Segments [Member] | Assisted Living [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	590,537	617,270
Segment Operating Income	217,439	220,810
Total assets	5,271,709		5,831,434
Operating Segments [Member] | CCRCs Rental [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	141,798	152,260
Segment Operating Income	35,315	35,469
Total assets	783,383		935,389
Operating Segments [Member] | Brookdale Ancillary Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	111,972	122,192
Segment Operating Income	15,629	14,518
Total assets	280,301		280,530
Operating Segments [Member] | Management Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	199,839	202,008
Segment Operating Income	15,894	$ 16,780
Total assets	$ 601,522		$ 717,788