Brookdale Senior Living (BKD) 10-Q 6 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 02, 2018
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		187,742,979
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 133,664	$ 222,647
Marketable securities	0	291,796
Restricted cash	41,676	37,189
Accounts receivable, net	130,088	128,961
Assets held for sale	241,854	106,435
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net	89,432	114,844
Total current assets	636,714	901,872
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	5,407,130	5,852,145
Restricted cash	24,758	22,710
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	29,984	129,794
Goodwill	154,131	505,783
Other intangible assets, net	59,653	67,977
Other assets, net	182,267	195,168
Total assets	6,494,637	7,675,449
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	487,755	495,413
Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations	15,932	107,088
Trade accounts payable	79,573	91,825
Accrued expenses	320,863	329,966
Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue	55,892	68,358
Tenant security deposits	2,785	3,126
Total current liabilities	962,800	1,095,776
Long-term debt, less current portion	3,212,286	3,375,324
Capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion	916,986	1,164,466
Deferred liabilities	258,045	224,304
Deferred tax liability	51,560	70,644
Other liabilities	203,112	214,644
Total liabilities	5,604,789	6,145,158
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017; 197,107,650 and 194,454,329 shares issued and 193,929,249 and 191,275,928 shares outstanding (including 6,188,595 and 4,770,097 unvested restricted shares), respectively	1,939	1,913
Additional paid-in-capital	4,145,683	4,126,549
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,178,401 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017	(56,440)	(56,440)
Accumulated deficit	(3,200,811)	(2,541,294)
Total Brookdale Senior Living Inc. stockholders' equity	890,371	1,530,728
Noncontrolling interest	(523)	(437)
Total equity	889,848	1,530,291
Total liabilities and equity	$ 6,494,637	$ 7,675,449

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANC_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
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)	197,107,650	194,454,329
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	193,929,249	191,275,928
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	3,178,401	3,178,401
Unvested Restricted Stock
Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	6,188,595	4,770,097

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue
Revenue	$ 840,179		$ 2,642,414
Total revenue	1,120,062	$ 1,177,988	3,462,496	$ 3,581,226
Expense
General and administrative expense (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense of $6,035, $7,527, $20,710, and $22,547, respectively)	57,309	63,779	194,333	196,429
Transaction costs	1,487	1,992	8,805	12,924
Facility lease expense	70,392	84,437	232,752	257,934
Depreciation and amortization	110,980	117,649	341,351	366,023
Goodwill and asset impairment	5,500	368,551	451,966	390,816
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net	2,337	4,938	148,804	11,306
Total operating expense	1,116,436	1,528,958	4,010,290	3,853,896
Income (loss) from operations	3,626	(350,970)	(547,794)	(272,670)
Interest income	1,654	1,285	7,578	2,720
Interest expense:
Debt	(46,891)	(44,382)	(141,585)	(126,472)
Capital and financing lease obligations	(20,896)	(31,999)	(66,216)	(114,086)
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premium (discount)	(829)	(3,544)	(7,113)	(8,827)
Change in fair value of derivatives	(10)	(74)	(153)	(159)
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	(33)	(11,129)	(77)	(11,883)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated ventures	(1,340)	(6,722)	(6,907)	(10,311)
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net	9,833	(233)	76,586	(1,383)
Other non-operating income (expense)	(17)	2,621	8,074	6,519
Income (loss) before income taxes	(54,903)	(445,147)	(677,607)	(536,552)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	17,763	31,218	17,724	(50,075)
Net income (loss)	(37,140)	(413,929)	(659,883)	(586,627)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	19	44	86	151
Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders	$ (37,121)	$ (413,885)	$ (659,797)	$ (586,476)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders (in dollars per share)	$ (0.20)	$ (2.22)	$ (3.52)	$ (3.15)
Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (in shares)	187,675	186,298	187,383	186,068
Resident fees
Revenue
Revenue	$ 840,179	$ 922,892	$ 2,642,414	$ 2,873,889
Management fees
Revenue
Revenue	18,528	18,138	54,280	56,474
Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities
Revenue
Revenue	261,355	236,958	765,802	650,863
Expense
Costs of services	261,355	236,958	765,802	650,863
Facility operating expense
Expense
Costs of services	$ 607,076	$ 650,654	$ 1,866,477	$ 1,967,601

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 101,527	$ 105,424	$ 310,011	$ 325,976
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	$ 6,035	$ 7,527	$ 20,710	$ 22,547

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2018 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In- Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Deficit	Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
Balances at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 1,530,291	$ 1,913	$ 4,126,549	$ (56,440)	$ (2,541,294)	$ 1,530,728	$ (437)
Balances at beginning of period (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	191,275,928	191,276,000
Compensation expense related to restricted stock grants	$ 20,710		20,710			20,710
Net income (loss)	(659,883)				(659,797)	(659,797)	(86)
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan	1,147	$ 1	1,146			1,147
Issuance of common stock under Associate Stock Purchase Plan (in shares)		153,000
Restricted stock, net		$ 29	(29)
Restricted stock, net (in shares)		2,910,000
Shares withheld for employee taxes	(2,844)	$ (4)	(2,840)			(2,844)
Shares withheld for employee taxes (in shares)		(410,000)
Other, net	427		147		280	427
Balances at end of period at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 889,848	$ 1,939	$ 4,145,683	$ (56,440)	$ (3,200,811)	$ 890,371	$ (523)
Balances at end of period (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018	193,929,249	193,929,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEM_4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ (659,883)	$ (586,627)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Debt modification and extinguishment costs	77	11,883
Depreciation and amortization, net	348,464	374,850
Goodwill and asset impairment	451,966	390,816
Equity in loss of unconsolidated ventures	6,907	10,311
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net earnings	2,159	1,365
Amortization of deferred gain	(3,269)	(3,277)
Amortization of entrance fees	(1,220)	(2,457)
Proceeds from deferred entrance fee revenue	2,507	4,519
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision	(19,180)	48,669
Straight-line lease (income) expense	(10,410)	(9,204)
Change in fair value of derivatives	153	159
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net	(76,586)	1,383
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net	135,760	11,306
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	20,710	22,547
Non-cash interest expense on financing lease obligations	9,151	13,960
Amortization of (above) below market lease, net	(4,246)	(5,091)
Non-cash management contract termination fee	(5,649)	0
Other	(154)	(4,699)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(1,127)	10,765
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net	21,874	23,323
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses	(43,257)	(21,459)
Tenant refundable fees and security deposits	(341)	(232)
Deferred revenue	(3,898)	1,513
Net cash provided by operating activities	170,508	294,323
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Change in lease security deposits and lease acquisition deposits, net	(664)	(411)
Sale (purchase) of marketable securities, net	293,273	(246,376)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	(169,349)	(140,044)
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received	(271,771)	(400)
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	(8,946)	(187,600)
Distributions received from unconsolidated ventures	10,782	11,491
Proceeds from sale of assets, net	131,912	34,570
Property insurance proceeds	156	4,430
Other	1,580	962
Net cash used in investing activities	(13,027)	(523,378)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Proceeds from debt	279,919	1,293,047
Repayment of debt and capital and financing lease obligations	(501,946)	(958,703)
Proceeds from line of credit	200,000	100,000
Repayment of line of credit	(200,000)	(100,000)
Payment of financing costs, net of related payables	(3,341)	(16,919)
Proceeds from refundable entrance fees, net of refunds	(316)	(2,241)
Payments for lease termination	(12,548)	(552)
Payments of employee taxes for withheld shares	(2,844)	(5,666)
Other	1,147	1,586
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(239,929)	310,552
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(82,448)	81,497
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	282,546	277,322
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	$ 200,098	$ 358,819

Description of Business

Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 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 home health, hospice, and outpatient therapy services to residents of many of its communities and to seniors living outside its communities.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("US GAAP") for interim financial information 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 September 30, 2018 , 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, 2017 filed with the SEC on February 22, 2018. Except for the changes for the impact of the recently adopted accounting pronouncements discussed in this Note, the Company has consistently applied its accounting policies to all periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements. Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brookdale and its consolidated 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 condensed 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") Accounting Standards Codification ("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 14 for more information about the Company's VIE relationships. Revenue Recognition Resident Fees Resident fee revenue is reported at the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for the services provided. These amounts are due from residents or third-party payors and include variable consideration for retroactive adjustments, if any, under reimbursement programs. Performance obligations are determined based on the nature of the services provided. Resident fee revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. Under the Company's senior living residency agreements, which are generally for a term of 30 days to one year, the Company provides senior living services to residents for a stated daily or monthly fee. The Company recognizes revenue for housing services under residency agreements for independent living and assisted living services in accordance with the provisions of ASC 840, Leases ("ASC 840"). The Company recognizes revenue for assisted living care, skilled nursing residency and inpatient therapy services, ancillary services, and personalized health services in accordance with the provisions of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"). The Company has determined that the senior living services included under the daily or monthly fee have the same timing and pattern of transfer and are a series of distinct services that are considered one performance obligation which is satisfied over time. Through its ancillary services programs, the Company enters into contracts to provide home health, hospice, and outpatient therapy services. The Company recognizes revenue for home health, hospice, and outpatient therapy services in accordance with the provisions of ASC 606. Each service provided under the contract is capable of being distinct, and thus, the services are considered individual and separate performance obligations which are satisfied as services are provided and revenue is recognized as services are provided. The Company receives revenue for services under various third-party payor programs which include Medicare, Medicaid, and other third-party payors. Settlements with third-party payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing services. The Company estimates the transaction price based on the terms of the contract with the payor, correspondence with the payor and historical payment trends, and retroactive adjustments are recognized in future periods as final settlements are determined. Management Services The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide periodic management fee payments to the Company. Management fees are generally determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined in the management agreement). 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. The Company recognizes revenue for community management services in accordance with the provisions of ASC 606. Although there are various management and operational activities performed by the Company under the contracts, the Company has determined that all community operations management activities are a single performance obligation, which is satisfied over time as the services are rendered. The Company estimates the amount of incentive fee revenue expected to be earned, if any, during the annual contract period and revenue is recognized as services are provided to the owners of the communities. The Company’s estimate of the transaction price for management services also includes the amount of reimbursement due from the owners of the communities for services provided and related costs incurred. 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. Gain on Sale of Assets The Company regularly enters into real estate transactions which may include the disposal of certain communities, including the associated real estate. The Company recognizes income from real estate sales under ASC 610-20, Other Income - Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASC 610-20"). Under ASC 610-20, income is recognized when the transfer of control occurs and the Company applies the five-step model for recognition to determine the amount and timing of income to recognize for all real estate sales. The Company accounts for the sale of equity method investments under ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing ("ASC 860"). Under ASC 860, income is recognized when the transfer of control occurs and the Company has no continuing involvement with the transferred financial assets. 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 judgment in estimating the probability of achievement of these performance targets. For all share-based awards with graded or cliff 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. 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 basis 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, marketable securities, and restricted cash are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity. Marketable Securities Investments in commercial paper and corporate bond instruments with original maturities of greater than three months are classified as marketable securities. Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company follows ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , and tests goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment arise. Factors the Company considers important in its analysis of whether an indicator of impairment exists include a significant decline in the Company's stock price or market capitalization for a sustained period since the last testing date, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative goodwill impairment test is based upon a comparison of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned with the reporting unit's carrying value. The Company is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the Company determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The fair values used in the quantitative goodwill impairment test are estimated based upon discounted future cash flow projections for the reporting unit. These cash flow projections are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions such as revenue and expense growth rates, capitalization rates and discount rates. The Company also considers market based measures such as earnings multiples in its analysis of estimated fair values of its reporting units. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test results in a reporting unit's carrying value exceeding its estimated fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the difference in accordance with ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , with the impairment charge limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Acquired intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and all intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. The evaluation of impairment for definite-lived intangibles is based upon a comparison of the carrying value of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, then the fair value of the asset is estimated. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense in the current period. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently as required. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference. Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Trade names 2 – 5 Management contracts 3 – 9 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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , the Company reduced its estimate for the amount of expected losses for general liability and professional liability and workers compensation claims, based on recent historical claims experience. The reduction in these accrued reserves decreased facility operating expense by $1.8 million and $9.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and by $3.7 million and $9.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. Lease Accounting 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 in the assumed lease agreement. Payments made under operating leases are accounted for in the Company's condensed 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 capital and financing lease obligation arrangements, a liability is established on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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. In cases of sale-leaseback transactions in which the Company has continuing involvement, other than normal leasing activities, the Company does not record the sale until such involvement terminates. For leases in which the Company is involved with the construction of a building, the Company accounts for the leases 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 Company adopted ASU 2017-01 on a prospective basis on January 1, 2018. The Company anticipates that the changes to the definition of a business may result in future 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. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 on January 1, 2018 and the changes required by ASU 2016-18 were applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company has identified that the inclusion of the change in restricted cash within the retrospective presentation of the statements of cash flows resulted in a $4.6 million and $6.3 million decrease to the amount of net cash used in investing activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. 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 on the classification of certain transactions within the statement of cash flows, the amendments in ASU 2016-15 provide that debt prepayment and extinguishment costs will be classified within financing activities within the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for the Company for the fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018 and the changes in classification within the statement of cash flows were applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company's retrospective application resulted in a $10.6 million and $11.2 million increase to the amount of net cash provided by operating activities and a $10.6 million and $11.2 million decrease to the amount of net cash used in financing activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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 contract, (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 is 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. Additionally, ASU 2014-09 requires enhanced disclosure of revenue arrangements. 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 the Company adopted 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 has determined that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The Company has determined that there will be a change to the amounts of resident fee revenue and facility operating expense with no net impact to the amount of income from operations, for the impact of implicit price concessions on the estimation of the transaction price. The Company recognized $840.2 million and $2,642.4 million of resident fee revenue and $607.1 million and $1,866.5 million of facility operating expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. The impact to resident fee revenue and facility operating expense as a result of applying ASC 606 was a decrease of $2.1 million and $5.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. The Company has determined that there will not be any significant change to the annual amount of revenue recognized for management fees under the Company’s community management agreements; however, the Company will recognize an estimated amount of incentive fee revenue earlier during the annual contract period. The Company has determined that there will be a change to the amounts presented for revenue recognized for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities and reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities with no net impact to the amount of income from operations, as a result of the combination of all community operations management activities as a single performance obligation for each contract. The Company recognized $261.4 million and $765.8 million of revenue for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities and $261.4 million and $765.8 million of reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, in accordance with ASU 2014-09. The impact to revenue for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities and reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities as a result of applying ASC 606 was an increase of $11.2 million and $34.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. Additionally, real estate sales are within the scope of ASU 2014-09, as amended by 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 and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. Under ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05, the income recognition for real estate sales is largely based on the transfer of control versus continuing involvement under the former guidance. As a result, more transactions may qualify as sales of real estate and gains or losses may be recognized sooner. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, as amended by ASU 2017-5, under the modified retrospective approach as of January 1, 2018 and will apply the five step revenue model to all subsequent sales of real estate. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted 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 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 and requires enhanced disclosure of lease arrangements. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases, Targeted Improvements ("ASU 2018-11"). ASU 2018-11 provides entities with a transition method option to not restate comparative periods presented, but to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. In addition, ASU 2018-11 provides entities with a practical expedient allowing lessors to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease components when certain criteria are met. ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt these lease accounting standards effective January 1, 2019 utilizing a modified retrospective transition method with no adjustments to comparative periods presented. The Company anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in the recognition of material lease liabilities and right-of use assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for its community operating leases, and any previously unrecognized right-of use assets will be reviewed for impairment effective January 1, 2019. The Company is unable to reasonably estimate such amounts at this time. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11, the Company anticipates that it will elect the lessor practical expedient within ASU 2018-11 and will recognize the revenue under the Company's senior living residency agreements based upon the predominant component, either the lease or nonlease component, of the contracts rather than allocating the consideration and separately recognizing it under ASC 842 and ASC 606. The Company is currentl

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , 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 6.2 million and 5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and 6.5 million and 5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , the calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of conversion of the principal amount of $316.3 million of the Company's 2.75% convertible senior notes which were repaid in cash at their maturity on June 15, 2018. Refer to Note 9 for more information about the Company's former convertible notes. As of September 30, 2017 , the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the notes was approximately 13.8 million (after giving effect to additional make-whole shares issuable upon conversion in connection with the occurrence of certain events). As of September 30, 2017 , the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the notes in excess of the amount of principal that would be settled in cash was 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 September 30, 2018 and 2017 , the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants was approximately 9.2 million and 10.8 million , respectively.

Acquisitions, Dispositions and

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions	Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions The Company completed sales of six communities and termination of leases on 171 communities during the period from January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018 . For the 104 communities that the Company disposed through sales and lease terminations during the period from July 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018 , the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include resident fee revenue of $15.0 million and $106.9 million , facility operating expenses of $11.2 million and $75.6 million , and cash lease payments of $4.8 million and $30.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. For the 177 communities that the Company disposed through sales and lease terminations during the period from January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018 , the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include resident fee revenue of $164.3 million and $408.8 million , facility operating expenses of $110.7 million and $287.7 million , and cash lease payments of $55.2 million and $115.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The results of operations of the 177 communities were reported in the following segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements prior to their disposition dates: Assisted Living ( 143 communities), Retirement Centers ( 20 communities) and CCRCs-Rental ( 14 communities). Additionally, the Company completed the acquisition of six communities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the results of operations of these communities are reported in the following segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements: Assisted Living ( three communities), Retirement Centers ( two communities) and CCRCs-Rental ( one community). The closings of the various pending transactions and expected sales of assets described below are subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, including (where applicable) the receipt of regulatory approvals. However, there can be no assurance that the transactions will close, or, if they do, when the actual closings will occur. HCP Master Lease Transaction and RIDEA Ventures Restructuring On November 2, 2017, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement for a multi-part transaction with HCP, Inc. ("HCP"). As part of such transaction, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Master Lease and Security Agreement ("HCP Master Lease") with HCP effective as of November 1, 2017. The components of the multi-part transaction include: • Master Lease Transactions. The Company and HCP amended and restated triple-net leases covering substantially all of the communities the Company leased from HCP as of November 1, 2017 into the HCP Master Lease. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company acquired two communities formerly leased for an aggregate purchase price of $35.4 million and leases with respect to 16 communities were terminated, and such communities were removed from the HCP Master Lease. Leases with respect to 17 additional communities were terminated subsequent to September 30, 2018, and such communities were removed from the HCP Master Lease, which completed the terminations of leases on a total of 33 communities as provided in the HCP Master Lease. For communities for which HCP has not transitioned operations and/or management of such communities to a third party, the Company continues to manage such communities on an interim basis. The Company continues to lease 43 communities pursuant to the terms of the HCP Master Lease, which have the same lease rates and expiration and renewal terms as the applicable prior instruments, except that effective January 1, 2018, the Company received a $2.5 million annual rent reduction for two communities. The HCP Master Lease also provides that the Company may engage in certain change in control and other transactions without the need to obtain HCP's consent, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. • RIDEA Ventures Restructuring. Pursuant to the multi-part transaction agreement, HCP acquired the Company's 10% ownership interest in one of the Company's RIDEA ventures with HCP in December 2017 for $32.1 million (for which the Company recognized a $7.2 million gain on sale) and the Company's 10% ownership interest in the remaining RIDEA venture with HCP in March 2018 for $62.3 million (for which the Company recognized a $41.7 million gain on sale). The Company provided management services to 59 communities on behalf of the two RIDEA ventures as of November 1, 2017. Pursuant to the multi-part transaction agreement, the Company acquired one community for an aggregate purchase price of $32.1 million in January 2018 and three communities for an aggregate purchase price of $207.4 million in April 2018 and retained management of 18 of such communities. The amended and restated management agreements for such 18 communities have a term set to expire in 2030 , subject to certain early termination rights. In addition, HCP will be entitled to sell or transition operations and/or management of 37 of such communities. Management agreements for three and 20 such communities were terminated by HCP during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively (for which the Company recognized a $0.6 million and $5.6 million non-cash management contract termination gain, respectively), and the Company expects the termination of management agreements on the remaining 17 communities to occur in stages throughout the next six months. The Company financed the foregoing community acquisitions with non-recourse mortgage financing and proceeds from the sales of its ownership interest in the unconsolidated ventures. See Note 9 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the non-recourse mortgage financing. In addition, the Company obtained future annual cash rent reductions and waived management termination fees in the multi-part transaction. As a result of the multi-part transaction, the Company reduced its lease liabilities by $9.7 million for the future annual cash rent reductions and recognized a $9.7 million deferred liability for the consideration received from HCP in advance of the termination of the management agreements for the 37 communities. As a result of the modification of the remaining lease term for communities subject to capital leases, the Company reduced the carrying value of capital lease obligations and assets under capital leases by $145.6 million in 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the results and financial position of the 16 communities for which leases were terminated were deconsolidated from the Company prospectively upon termination of the lease obligations. The Company derecognized the $147.8 million carrying value of the assets under financing leases and the $160.8 million carrying value of financing lease obligations for six communities which were previously subject to sale-leaseback transactions in which the Company was deemed to have continuing involvement. The Company recognized a sale for these six communities and recorded a non-cash gain on sale of assets of $6.1 million and $12.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. Additionally, the Company recognized a non-cash gain on lease termination of $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, for the derecognition of the net carrying value of the Company's assets and liabilities under operating and capital leases at the lease termination date. The terminations of leases for the 17 communities subsequent to September 30, 2018 are anticipated to result in the Company recording a non-cash gain in fiscal 2018 for the amount by which the carrying value of the operating and capital and financing lease obligations for the 17 communities exceed the carrying value of the Company's assets under operating and capital and financing leases at the lease termination date. As of September 30, 2018 , the $217.9 million carrying value of the lease obligations for the 17 communities exceed the $185.1 million carrying value of the assets under operating and capital and financing leases by approximately $32.8 million , primarily for 14 communities which were previously subject to sale-leaseback transactions in which the Company was deemed to have continuing involvement for accounting purposes. The results of operations for the 17 communities that were disposed through lease terminations subsequent to September 30, 2018 are reported within the following segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements: Retirement Centers ( three communities), Assisted Living ( 13 communities), and CCRCs-Rental ( one community). With respect to such 17 communities, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include resident fee revenue of $14.8 million and $15.1 million , facility operating expenses of $10.7 million and $10.6 million , and cash lease payments of $4.9 million and $5.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include resident fee revenue of $44.7 million and $46.0 million , facility operating expenses of $32.1 million and $30.7 million , and cash lease payments of $14.6 million and $16.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. For the 17 managed communities for which the Company's management may be terminated, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include management fees of $1.2 million and $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include management fees of $3.5 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . Ventas Lease Portfolio Restructuring On April 26, 2018, the Company entered into several agreements to restructure a portfolio of 128 communities it leased from Ventas, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, "Ventas") as of such date, including a Master Lease and Security Agreement (the "Ventas Master Lease"). The Ventas Master Lease amended and restated prior leases comprising an aggregate portfolio of 107 communities into the Ventas Master Lease. Under the Ventas Master Lease and other agreements entered into on April 26, 2018, the 21 additional communities leased by the Company from Ventas pursuant to separate lease agreements have been or will be combined automatically into the Ventas Master Lease upon the first to occur of Ventas' election or the repayment of, or receipt of lender consent with respect to, mortgage debt underlying such communities. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the community leases for 17 of such communities were combined into the Ventas Master Lease. The Company and Ventas agreed to observe, perform and enforce such separate leases as if they had been combined into the Ventas Master Lease effective April 26, 2018, to the extent not in conflict with any mortgage debt underlying such communities. The transaction agreements with Ventas further provide that the Ventas Master Lease and certain other agreements between the Company and Ventas will be cross-defaulted. The initial term of the Ventas Master Lease ends December 31, 2025 , with two 10-year extension options available to the Company. In the event of the consummation of a change of control transaction of the Company on or before December 31, 2025, the initial term of the Ventas Master Lease will be extended automatically through December 31, 2029. The Ventas Master Lease and separate lease agreements with Ventas, which are guaranteed at the parent level by the Company, provide for total rent in 2018 of $175.0 million for the 128 communities, including the pro-rata portion of an $8.0 million annual rent credit for 2018. The Company will receive an annual rent credit of $8.0 million in 2019, $7.0 million in 2020 and $5.0 million thereafter; provided, that if a change of control of the Company occurs prior to 2021, the annual rent credit will be reduced to $5.0 million . Effective on January 1, 2019, the annual minimum rent will be subject to an escalator equal to the lesser of 2.25% or four times the Consumer Price Index ("CPI") increase for the prior year (or zero if there was a CPI decrease). The Ventas Master Lease requires the Company to spend (or escrow with Ventas) a minimum of $2,000 per unit per 24-month period commencing with the 24-month period ending December 31, 2019 and thereafter each 24-month period ending December 31 during the lease term, subject to annual increases commensurate with the escalator beginning with the second lease year of the first extension term (if any). If a change of control of the Company occurs, the Company will be required, within 36 months following the closing of such transaction, to invest (or escrow with Ventas) an aggregate of $30.0 million in the communities for revenue-enhancing capital projects. Under the definitive agreements with Ventas, the Company, at the parent level, must satisfy certain financial covenants (including tangible net worth and leverage ratios) and may consummate a change of control transaction without the need for consent of Ventas so long as certain objective conditions are satisfied, including the post-transaction guarantor's satisfying certain enhanced minimum tangible net worth and maximum leverage ratio, having minimum levels of operational experience and reputation in the senior living industry, and paying a change of control fee of $25.0 million to Ventas. At the Company's option, which must be exercised on or before April 26, 2019, the Company may provide notice to Ventas of the Company's election to direct Ventas to market for sale one or more communities with up to approximately $30.0 million of annual minimum rent. Upon receipt of such notice, Ventas will be obligated to use commercially reasonable, diligent efforts to sell such communities on or before December 31, 2020 (subject to extension for regulatory purposes); provided, that Ventas' obligation to sell any such community will be subject to Ventas' receiving a purchase price in excess of a minimum sale price to be mutually agreed by the Company and Ventas and to certain other customary closing conditions. Upon any such sale, such communities will be removed from the Ventas Master Lease, and the annual minimum rent under the Ventas Master Lease will be reduced by the amount of the net sale proceeds received by Ventas multiplied by 6.25% . The Company estimated the fair value of each of the elements of the restructuring transactions. The fair value of the future lease payments is based upon historical and forecasted community cash flows and market data, including a management fee rate of 5% of revenue and a market supported lease coverage ratio. These assumptions are supported by independent market data and considered to be Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The Company recognized a $125.7 million non-cash loss on lease modification in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , primarily for the extensions of the triple-net lease obligations for communities with lease terms that are unfavorable to the Company given current market conditions on the amendment date in exchange for modifications to the change of control provisions and financial covenant provisions of the community leases. Welltower Lease and RIDEA Venture Restructuring On June 27, 2018 the Company announced that it had entered into definitive agreements with Welltower Inc. ("Welltower"). The components of the agreements include: • Lease Terminations. The Company and Welltower agreed to early termination of the Company's triple-net lease obligations on 37 communities effective June 30, 2018. The two lease portfolios were due to mature in 2028 ( 27 communities) and 2020 ( 10 communities). The Company paid Welltower an aggregate lease termination fee of $58.0 million . The Company will continue to manage the foregoing 37 communities on an interim basis until the communities are transitioned to new managers and such communities will be reported in the Management Services segment during such interim period. The Company recognized a $22.6 million loss on lease termination in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 for the amount by which the aggregate lease termination fee exceeded the net carrying value of the Company's assets and liabilities under operating and capital leases at the lease termination date. • Future Lease Terminations. The parties separately agreed to allow the Company to terminate leases with respect to, and to remove from the remaining Welltower leased portfolio, a number of communities with annual aggregate base rent up to $5.0 million upon Welltower's sale of such communities, with the Company to receive a corresponding 6.25% rent credit on Welltower's disposition proceeds. • RIDEA Restructuring. The Company agreed to sell its 20% equity interest in its existing Welltower RIDEA venture to Welltower, effective June 30, 2018, for net proceeds of $33.5 million (for which the Company recognized a $14.7 million gain on sale during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 ). As of September 30, 2018 , the Company provided management services to the 15 venture communities and will continue to manage the communities until the communities are transitioned by Welltower to new managers. The Company also elected not to renew two master leases with Welltower which matured on September 30, 2018 ( 11 communities). After conclusion of the foregoing lease expirations, the Company continues to operate 74 communities under triple-net leases with Welltower, and the Company's remaining lease agreements with Welltower contain a change of control standard that allows the Company to engage in certain change of control and other transactions without the need to obtain Welltower's consent, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The results of operations for the 48 communities that have been disposed through lease terminations are reported within the following segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements: Retirement Centers ( eight communities), Assisted Living ( 39 communities) and CCRCs-Rental ( one community). With respect to such 48 communities, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include resident fee revenue of $12.0 million and $54.7 million , facility operating expenses of $8.8 million and $35.4 million , and cash lease payments of $3.7 million and $18.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include resident fee revenue of $123.5 million and $166.6 million , facility operating expenses of $80.8 million and $104.6 million , and cash lease payments of $41.4 million and $55.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. For the 15 former venture communities for which the Company's management may be terminated, the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include management fees of $1.1 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements include management fees of $3.3 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . Blackstone Venture 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 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. 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 accounted for the venture under the equity method of accounting. 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 goodwill and 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. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded a $33.4 million non-cash impairment charge within goodwill and asset impairment expense to reflect the amount by which the carrying value of the investment exceeded the estimated fair value. 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 13 for more information about the Company's deferred income taxes. During the third quarter of 2018, leases for the two communities owned by the Blackstone Venture were terminated and the Company sold its 15% equity interest in the Blackstone Venture to Blackstone. The Company paid Blackstone an aggregate fee of $2.0 million to complete the multi-part transaction and recognized a $3.8 million gain on sale of assets during the three months ended September 30, 2018 for the amount by which the net carrying value of the Company's assets and liabilities disposed of exceeded the aggregate transaction cost. Dispositions of Owned Communities During 2018 and Assets Held for Sale The Company began 2018 with 15 of its owned communities classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 . During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company completed the sale of three communities, two of which were not previously included in assets held for sale, for net cash proceeds of $12.8 million and recognized a net gain on sale of assets of $1.9 million . During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company entered into agreements to sell 18 additional communities, which are classified as held for sale as of September 30, 2018 . The Company completed the disposition of one community on November 1, 2018 and received proceeds of approximately $144 million , net of associated debt and transaction costs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized $3.0 million and $15.0 million , respectively, of impairment charges related to communities identified as held for sale, primarily due to changes in the estimated fair values. As of September 30, 2018 , 32 communities were classified as held for sale, resulting in $241.9 million being recorded as assets held for sale and $158.6 million of mortgage debt being included in the current portion of long-term debt within the condensed consolidated balance sheet with respect to such communities. 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 32 communities are reported in the following segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements: Retirement Centers ( four communities), Assisted Living ( 26 communities) and CCRCs-Rental ( two communities). The 32 communities had resident fee revenue of $26.4 million and $27.0 million and facility operating expenses of $20.0 million and $19.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The 32 communities had resident fee revenue of $81.1 million and $81.7 million and facility operating expenses of $58.9 million and $56.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Dispositions of Owned Communities and Other Lease Terminations During 2017 During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed the sale of three communities for net cash proceeds of $8.2 million , and the Company terminated leases for 43 communities otherwise than in connection with the transactions with HCP and Blackstone described above (including terminations of leases for 26 communities pursuant to the transactions with HCP announced in November 2016).

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Marketable Securities During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company sold $293.3 million of marketable securities. The Company recognized gains of $0.2 million for marketable securities within interest income on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2017 . The Company recognized gains of $1.4 million and $0.2 million for marketable securities within interest income on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Debt 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 $3.7 billion and $3.9 billion as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. 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. Goodwill and Asset Impairment Expense The following is a summary of goodwill and asset impairment expense. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Goodwill $ — $ 205.0 $ 351.7 $ 205.0 Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net 2.5 149.9 50.2 152.4 Investment in unconsolidated ventures — — 33.4 19.7 Other intangible assets, net — 13.7 1.7 13.7 Assets held for sale (Note 4) 3.0 — 15.0 — Goodwill and asset impairment $ 5.5 $ 368.6 $ 452.0 $ 390.8 Goodwill During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company identified qualitative indicators of impairment, including a significant decline in the Company's stock price and market capitalization for a sustained period during the three months ended March 31, 2018. Based upon the Company's qualitative assessment, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment test as of March 31, 2018, which included a comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned with the reporting unit's carrying value. In estimating the fair value of the reporting units for purposes of the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company utilized an income approach, which included future cash flow projections that are developed internally. Any estimates of future cash flow projections necessarily involve predicting unknown future circumstances and events and require significant management judgments and estimates. In arriving at the cash flow projections, the Company considered its historic operating results, approved budgets and business plans, future demographic factors, expected growth rates, and other factors. In using the income approach to estimate the fair value of reporting units for purposes of its goodwill impairment test, the Company made certain key assumptions. Those assumptions include future revenues, facility operating expenses, and cash flows, including sales proceeds that the Company would receive upon a sale of the communities using estimated capitalization rates, all of which are considered Level 3 inputs in accordance with ASC 820. The Company corroborated the estimated capitalization rates used in these calculations with capitalization rates observable from recent market transactions. Future cash flows are discounted at a rate that is consistent with a weighted average cost of capital from a market participant perspective. The weighted average cost of capital is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The Company also considered market based measures such as earnings multiples in its analysis of estimated fair values of its reporting units. Based on the results of the Company's quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying value of the Company's Assisted Living reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value by more than the $351.7 million carrying value of goodwill as of March 31, 2018. As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $351.7 million to goodwill and asset impairment within the Assisted Living operating segment for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Based on the results of the Company's quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company determined that the estimated fair value of both the Company's Retirement Centers and Brookdale Ancillary Services reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values as of March 31, 2018. Determining the fair value of the Company's reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which the Company believes to be reasonable, that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates. Future events may indicate differences from management's current judgments and estimates which could, in turn, result in future impairments. Future events that may result in impairment charges include increases in interest rates, which could impact capitalization and discount rates, differences in the projected occupancy rates and changes in the cost structure of existing communities. Significant adverse changes in the Company’s future revenues and/or operating margins, significant changes in the market for senior housing or the valuation of the real estate of senior living communities, as well as other events and circumstances, including but not limited to increased competition and changing economic or market conditions, including market control premiums, could result in changes in fair value and the determination that additional goodwill is impaired. Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , the Company evaluated property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles for impairment and identified properties with a carrying value of the assets in excess of the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets primarily due to an expectation that certain communities will be disposed of prior to their previously intended holding periods. As a result of this change in intent, the Company compared the estimated fair value of the assets to their carrying value for these identified properties and recorded an impairment charge for the excess of carrying value over estimated fair value. The estimates of fair values of the property, plant and equipment of these communities were determined based on valuations provided by third-party pricing services and are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. The Company recorded property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles non-cash impairment charges in its operating results of $2.5 million and $149.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company recorded property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles non-cash impairment charges in its operating results of $50.2 million and $152.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, primarily within the Assisted Living segment. Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures The Company evaluates realization of its investment in ventures accounted for using the equity method if circumstances indicate that the Company's investment is other than temporarily impaired. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges related to investments in unconsolidated ventures of $33.4 million and $19.7 million , respectively. These impairment charges reflect the amount by which the carrying values of the investments exceeded their estimated fair value. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the formation and impairment of the Blackstone Venture during 2017.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Grants of restricted shares under the Company's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan were as follows: (share amounts in thousands, except for per share amounts) Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total Value Three months ended March 31, 2018 3,387 $ 9.10 $ 30,823 Three months ended June 30, 2018 169 $ 7.19 $ 1,214 Three months ended September 30, 2018 263 $ 8.99 $ 2,361

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 value of goodwill by operating segment. (in thousands) Retirement Centers Assisted Living Brookdale Ancillary Services Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 27,321 $ 351,652 $ 126,810 $ 505,783 Impairment — (351,652 ) — (351,652 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 27,321 $ — $ 126,810 $ 154,131 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 September 30, 2018 . 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. Refer to Note 5 for information on impairment expense for goodwill. The following is a summary of other intangible assets. September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Net Community purchase options $ 4,738 $ — $ 4,738 Health care licenses 49,701 — 49,701 Trade names 27,800 (25,650 ) 2,150 Management contracts 9,610 (6,546 ) 3,064 Total $ 91,849 $ (32,196 ) $ 59,653 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Net Community purchase options $ 9,533 $ — $ 9,533 Health care licenses 50,927 — 50,927 Trade names 27,800 (23,714 ) 4,086 Management contracts 11,360 (7,929 ) 3,431 Total $ 99,620 $ (31,643 ) $ 67,977 Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $0.6 million and $0.9 million , respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $2.3 million and $4.8 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net	Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , net property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land $ 461,734 $ 449,295 Buildings and improvements 4,952,807 4,923,621 Leasehold improvements 123,765 124,850 Furniture and equipment 1,037,947 1,006,889 Resident and leasehold operating intangibles 522,851 594,748 Construction in progress 47,325 74,678 Assets under capital and financing leases 1,312,908 1,742,384 Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles 8,459,337 8,916,465 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (3,052,207 ) (3,064,320 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 5,407,130 $ 5,852,145 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. Refer to Note 5 for information on impairment expense for property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles. The Company recognized depreciation and amortization expense on its property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles of $110.4 million and $116.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively, and $339.0 million and $361.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Mortgage notes payable due 2018 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.76% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $20.2 million and $16.6 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively (weighted average interest rate of 4.59% in 2017) $ 3,633,919 $ 3,497,762 Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2032; weighted average interest rate of 8.13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (weighted average interest rate of 6.75% in 2017) 932,918 1,271,554 Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $6.4 million as of December 31, 2017, interest at 2.75% per annum — 309,853 Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 5.69% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (weighted average interest rate of 5.98% in 2017) and maturity dates ranging from 2018 to 2021 66,122 63,122 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations 4,632,959 5,142,291 Less current portion 503,687 602,501 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion $ 4,129,272 $ 4,539,790 As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the current portion of long-term debt within the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements includes $158.6 million and $30.1 million , respectively, of mortgage notes payable secured by assets held for sale. This debt will be either assumed by the prospective purchasers or be repaid with the proceeds from the sales. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the Company's assets held for sale. 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 September 30, 2018 , no borrowings were outstanding on the revolving credit facility and $41.7 million of letters of credit were outstanding under this credit facility. The Company also had separate unsecured letter of credit facilities of up to $66.2 million in the aggregate as of September 30, 2018 . Letters of credit totaling $66.1 million had been issued under these separate facilities as of September 30, 2018 . 2018 Financings In April 2018, the Company obtained $247.6 million of debt secured by the non-recourse first mortgages on 11 communities. Sixty percent of the principal amount bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.55% , and the remaining forty percent of the principal amount bears interest at a variable rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR plus a margin of 189 basis points. The debt matures in May 2028 . The $247.6 million of proceeds from the financing were primarily utilized to fund the acquisition of five communities from HCP and to repay $43.0 million of outstanding mortgage debt scheduled to mature in May 2018. See Note 4 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for more information regarding the acquisitions of communities from HCP. Convertible Debt In June 2011, the Company completed a registered offering of $316.3 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2018 (the "Notes"). The Company repaid $316.3 million in cash to settle the Notes at their maturity on June 15, 2018. Financial Covenants Certain of the Company’s debt documents contain restrictions and financial covenants, such as those requiring the Company to maintain prescribed minimum net worth and stockholders’ equity levels and debt service ratios, and requiring the Company not to exceed prescribed leverage ratios, in each case on a consolidated, portfolio-wide, multi-community, single-community and/or entity basis. In addition, the Company’s debt documents generally contain non-financial covenants, such as those requiring the Company to comply with Medicare or Medicaid provider requirements. The Company’s failure to comply with applicable covenants could constitute an event of default under the applicable debt documents. Many of the Company’s debt and lease documents contain cross-default provisions so that a default under one of these instruments could cause a default under other debt and lease documents (including documents with other lenders or lessors). Furthermore, the Company’s debt is secured by its communities and, in certain cases, a guaranty by the Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2018 , the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its outstanding debt and lease agreements.

Litigation

Litigation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Litigation [Abstract]
Litigation	Litigation The Company has been and is currently involved in litigation and claims, including putative class action claims from time to time, incidental to the conduct of its business which are generally comparable to other companies in the senior living and healthcare industries. 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 and for claims or portions of claims that are not covered by such policies. Similarly, the senior living and healthcare industries are 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 Recovery Act Contractors (RAC), Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPIC), and Unified Program Integrity Contractors (UPIC) programs. The costs to respond to and defend such reviews, audits and investigations may be significant, and an adverse determination could result in citations, sanctions and other criminal or civil fines and penalties, the refund of overpayments, payment suspensions, termination of participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs, and/or damage to the Company's business reputation.

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Interest paid $ 198,133 $ 223,929 Income taxes paid, net of refunds $ 1,542 $ 1,595 Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 154,249 $ 139,734 Trade accounts payable 15,100 310 Net cash paid $ 169,349 $ 140,044 Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 237,563 $ — Other intangible assets, net (4,345 ) 400 Capital and financing lease obligations 36,120 — Other liabilities 2,433 — Net cash paid $ 271,771 $ 400 Proceeds from sale of assets, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets, net $ (3,006 ) $ (14,387 ) Assets held for sale (18,758 ) (20,952 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (91,778 ) (19,184 ) Investments in unconsolidated ventures (58,179 ) (26,301 ) Long-term debt — 7,552 Capital and financing lease obligations 93,514 7,646 Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue 8,345 30,771 Other liabilities 2,690 39 (Gain) loss on sale of assets, net (64,740 ) 1,408 Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net — (1,162 ) Net cash received $ (131,912 ) $ (34,570 ) Lease termination and modification, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets, net $ (2,040 ) $ — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (81,320 ) — Capital and financing lease obligations 58,099 — Deferred liabilities 67,950 — Gain on sale of assets, net (5,761 ) — Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net 22,260 — Net cash paid (1) $ 59,188 $ — 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, net $ (281 ) $ 199 Assets held for sale 162,157 (29,544 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (161,876 ) 29,345 Net $ — $ — Lease termination and modification, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets, net $ (4,783 ) $ — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (106,264 ) — Capital and financing lease obligations 112,267 — Deferred liabilities (122,304 ) — Other liabilities 625 — Gain on sale of assets, net (6,085 ) — Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net 126,544 — Net $ — $ — (1) The net cash paid to terminate community leases is presented within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows based upon the lease classification of the terminated leases. Net cash paid of $46.6 million for the termination of operating leases is presented within net cash provided by operating activities and net cash paid of $12.5 million for the termination of capital and financing leases is presented within net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows that sums to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: Cash and cash equivalents $ 133,664 $ 222,647 Restricted cash 41,676 37,189 Long-term restricted cash 24,758 22,710 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows $ 200,098 $ 282,546

Facility Operating Leases

Facility Operating Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Facility Operating Leases	Facility Operating Leases As of September 30, 2018 , the Company operated 366 communities under long-term leases ( 258 operating leases and 108 capital and financing leases). The substantial majority of the Company's lease arrangements are structured as master leases. Under a master lease, numerous communities are leased through an indivisible lease. The Company typically guarantees the performance and lease payment obligations of its subsidiary lessees under master leases. Due to the nature of such master leases, it is difficult to restructure the composition of such leased portfolios or economic terms of the leases without the consent of the applicable landlord. In addition, an event of default related to an individual property or limited number of properties within a master lease portfolio may result in a default on the entire master lease portfolio. The community leases contain other customary terms, which may include assignment and change of control restrictions, maintenance and capital expenditure obligations, termination provisions and financial covenants, such as those requiring the Company to maintain prescribed minimum net worth and stockholders' equity levels and lease coverage ratios, and not to exceed prescribed leverage ratios, in each case on a consolidated, portfolio-wide, multi-community, single-community and/or entity basis. In addition, the Company's lease documents generally contain non-financial covenants, such as those requiring the Company to comply with Medicare or Medicaid provider requirements. The Company's failure to comply with applicable covenants could constitute an event of default under the applicable lease documents. Many of the Company's debt and lease documents contain cross-default provisions so that a default under one of these instruments could cause a default under other debt and lease documents (including documents with other lenders and lessors). Certain leases contain cure provisions, which generally allow the Company to post an additional lease security deposit if the required covenant is not met. Furthermore, the Company's leases are secured by its communities and, in certain cases, a guaranty by the Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2018 , the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its long-term 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: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Cash basis payment $ 73,969 $ 90,303 $ 250,677 $ 275,506 Straight-line (income) expense (1,815 ) (3,078 ) (10,410 ) (9,204 ) Amortization of (above) below market lease, net (672 ) (1,697 ) (4,246 ) (5,091 ) Amortization of deferred gain (1,090 ) (1,091 ) (3,269 ) (3,277 ) Facility lease expense $ 70,392 $ 84,437 $ 232,752 $ 257,934

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The difference between the statutory tax rate and the Company's effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 reflects a decrease in the Company's federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% as a result of the Tax Act and a decrease in the valuation allowance recorded in 2018 as compared to 2017. These decreases were offset by the elimination of deductibility for qualified performance-based compensation of covered employees in 2018 as a result of the Tax Act, the negative tax benefit on the vesting of restricted stock, a direct result of the Company's lower stock price in 2018, and the non-deductible write-off of goodwill . The valuation allowance during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 reflects a reduction in the allowance of $2.7 million and an additional allowance of $52.2 million , respectively, established against the current period operating loss and is reflective of the Company's quarterly calculation of the reversal of existing tax assets and liabilities and the impact of the Company's acquisitions, dispositions, and other significant transactions, including the impact of the Tax Act which allows for the unlimited carryover of net operating losses created in 2018 and beyond. The increase in the valuation allowance during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was comprised of multiple components. The increase included $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. In addition, the Company increased its valuation allowance by $48.5 million upon the adoption of ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting . The $48.5 million offset the increase to the Company's net operating loss carryforward position previously reflected in an additional paid-in capital pool, and accordingly, did not impact the current period income tax position. The remaining change of approximately $86.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflects the allowance established against that period's operating loss. The Company recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $15.4 million and $71.3 million as a result of the operating loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. The benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2018 includes a benefit from a decrease in the valuation allowance of $2.7 million . The benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was offset by an increase in the valuation allowance of $52.2 million . The change in the valuation allowance for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 is the result of the anticipated reversal of future tax liabilities offset by future tax deductions. The Company recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state, and local tax benefit of $91.3 million and $123.0 million as a result of the operating loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively, which was offset by an increase in the valuation allowance of $59.6 million and $86.6 million , respectively. 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is $388.3 million and $336.1 million , respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company estimated the impact of the Tax Act on state income taxes reflected in its income tax benefit. Reasonable estimates for the Company's state and local provision continue to be made based on the Company's analysis of tax reform. These provisional amounts have not been adjusted for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 but may be adjusted in future periods during 2018 when additional information is obtained. In addition, the Tax Act limits the annual deductibility of a corporation's net interest expense unless it elects to be exempt from such deductibility limitation under the real property trade or business exception. The Company plans to elect the real property trade or business exception with the 2018 tax return. As such, the Company will be required to apply the alternative depreciation system ("ADS") to all current and future residential real property and qualified improvement property assets. This change did not have a material effect for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 but will impact future tax depreciation deductions and may impact the Company's valuation allowance. The Company is unable to estimate the future impact of this change at this time. Additional information that may affect the Company's provisional amounts would include further clarification and guidance on how the Internal Revenue Service will implement tax reform and further clarification and guidance on how state taxing authorities will implement tax reform and the related effect on the Company's state and local income tax returns, state and local net operating losses and corresponding valuation allowances. The Company recorded interest charges related to its tax contingency reserve for cash tax positions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 which are included in income tax expense or benefit for the period. As of September 30, 2018 , tax returns for years 2013 through 2017 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities As of September 30, 2018 , the Company has an equity interest in an unconsolidated VIE. The Company has determined that it does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE in accordance with ASC 810. The Company's interests in the VIE 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 carrying value and classification of the related assets, liabilities and maximum exposure to loss as a result of the Company's involvement with this VIE are summarized below as of September 30, 2018 (in millions): VIE Type Asset Type Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value CCRC Venture opco Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 23.3 $ 23.3 As of September 30, 2018 , the Company is not required to provide financial support, through a liquidity arrangement or otherwise, to this unconsolidated VIE.

Revenue

Revenue	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue	Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue The Company disaggregates its revenue from contracts with customers by payor source, as the Company believes it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of its revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. See details on a reportable segment basis in the table below. Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Retirement Centers Assisted Living CCRCs-Rental Brookdale Ancillary Services Total Private pay $ 143,963 $ 464,719 $ 73,567 $ 159 $ 682,408 Government reimbursement 668 18,406 20,901 89,100 129,075 Other third-party payor programs — — 9,679 19,017 28,696 Total resident fee revenue $ 144,631 $ 483,125 $ 104,147 $ 108,276 $ 840,179 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Retirement Centers Assisted Living CCRCs-Rental Brookdale Ancillary Services Total Private pay $ 459,875 $ 1,482,789 $ 217,680 $ 585 $ 2,160,929 Government reimbursement 2,446 54,643 65,986 272,332 395,407 Other third-party payor programs — — 30,346 55,732 86,078 Total resident fee revenue $ 462,321 $ 1,537,432 $ 314,012 $ 328,649 $ 2,642,414 The Company has not further disaggregated management fee revenues and revenue for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities as the economic factors affecting the nature, timing, amount, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows do not significantly vary within each respective revenue category. Contract Balances The payment terms and conditions within the Company's revenue-generating contracts vary by contract type and payor source, although terms generally include payment to be made within 30 days. Resident fee revenue for recurring and routine monthly services is generally billed monthly in advance. Resident fee revenue for standalone or certain ancillary services is generally billed monthly in arrears. Additionally, non-refundable community fees are generally billed and collected in advance or upon move-in of a resident under residency agreements for independent living and assisted living services. Amounts of revenue that are collected from residents in advance are recognized as deferred revenue until the performance obligations are satisfied. The Company had total deferred revenue (included within refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue, deferred liabilities, and other liabilities within the condensed consolidated balance sheets) of $103.6 million and $112.4 million , including $45.8 million and $49.7 million of monthly resident fees billed and received in advance, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized $76.2 million of revenue that was included in the deferred revenue balance as of January 1, 2018. The Company applies the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14 and does not disclose amounts for remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , the Company recognized $4.5 million and $13.4 million of charges within facility operating expenses within the condensed consolidated statement of operations for additions to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information As of September 30, 2018 , 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. 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 and Alzheimer's units. Brookdale Ancillary Services . The Company's Brookdale Ancillary Services segment includes the home health, hospice, and outpatient therapy 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: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue: Retirement Centers (1) $ 144,631 $ 161,986 $ 462,321 $ 496,854 Assisted Living (1) 483,125 542,227 1,537,432 1,680,194 CCRCs-Rental (1) 104,147 108,075 314,012 364,075 Brookdale Ancillary Services (1) 108,276 110,604 328,649 332,766 Management Services (2) 279,883 255,096 820,082 707,337 $ 1,120,062 $ 1,177,988 $ 3,462,496 $ 3,581,226 Segment Operating Income: (3) Retirement Centers $ 57,106 $ 65,907 $ 186,662 $ 207,206 Assisted Living 144,701 173,576 490,976 577,936 CCRCs-Rental 21,809 22,932 70,291 82,591 Brookdale Ancillary Services 9,487 9,823 28,008 38,555 Management Services 18,528 18,138 54,280 56,474 251,631 290,376 830,217 962,762 General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense) 57,309 63,779 194,333 196,429 Transaction costs 1,487 1,992 8,805 12,924 Facility lease expense 70,392 84,437 232,752 257,934 Depreciation and amortization 110,980 117,649 341,351 366,023 Goodwill and asset impairment 5,500 368,551 451,966 390,816 Loss on facility lease termination and modification 2,337 4,938 148,804 11,306 Income (loss) from operations $ 3,626 $ (350,970 ) $ (547,794 ) $ (272,670 ) As of (in thousands) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total assets: Retirement Centers $ 1,295,001 $ 1,266,076 Assisted Living 3,775,584 4,535,114 CCRCs-Rental 716,815 667,234 Brookdale Ancillary Services 254,781 257,257 Corporate and Management Services 452,456 949,768 $ 6,494,637 $ 7,675,449 (1) All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States. (2) Management services segment revenue includes management fees and reimbursements 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) and costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("US GAAP") for interim financial information 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 September 30, 2018 , 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, 2017 filed with the SEC on February 22, 2018. Except for the changes for the impact of the recently adopted accounting pronouncements discussed in this Note, the Company has consistently applied its accounting policies to all periods presented in these condensed consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brookdale and its consolidated 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 condensed 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") Accounting Standards Codification ("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 14 for more information about the Company's VIE relationships.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Resident Fees Resident fee revenue is reported at the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for the services provided. These amounts are due from residents or third-party payors and include variable consideration for retroactive adjustments, if any, under reimbursement programs. Performance obligations are determined based on the nature of the services provided. Resident fee revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. Under the Company's senior living residency agreements, which are generally for a term of 30 days to one year, the Company provides senior living services to residents for a stated daily or monthly fee. The Company recognizes revenue for housing services under residency agreements for independent living and assisted living services in accordance with the provisions of ASC 840, Leases ("ASC 840"). The Company recognizes revenue for assisted living care, skilled nursing residency and inpatient therapy services, ancillary services, and personalized health services in accordance with the provisions of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"). The Company has determined that the senior living services included under the daily or monthly fee have the same timing and pattern of transfer and are a series of distinct services that are considered one performance obligation which is satisfied over time. Through its ancillary services programs, the Company enters into contracts to provide home health, hospice, and outpatient therapy services. The Company recognizes revenue for home health, hospice, and outpatient therapy services in accordance with the provisions of ASC 606. Each service provided under the contract is capable of being distinct, and thus, the services are considered individual and separate performance obligations which are satisfied as services are provided and revenue is recognized as services are provided. The Company receives revenue for services under various third-party payor programs which include Medicare, Medicaid, and other third-party payors. Settlements with third-party payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing services. The Company estimates the transaction price based on the terms of the contract with the payor, correspondence with the payor and historical payment trends, and retroactive adjustments are recognized in future periods as final settlements are determined. Management Services The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide periodic management fee payments to the Company. Management fees are generally determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined in the management agreement). 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. The Company recognizes revenue for community management services in accordance with the provisions of ASC 606. Although there are various management and operational activities performed by the Company under the contracts, the Company has determined that all community operations management activities are a single performance obligation, which is satisfied over time as the services are rendered. The Company estimates the amount of incentive fee revenue expected to be earned, if any, during the annual contract period and revenue is recognized as services are provided to the owners of the communities. The Company’s estimate of the transaction price for management services also includes the amount of reimbursement due from the owners of the communities for services provided and related costs incurred. 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.
Gain on Sale of Assets	Gain on Sale of Assets The Company regularly enters into real estate transactions which may include the disposal of certain communities, including the associated real estate. The Company recognizes income from real estate sales under ASC 610-20, Other Income - Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASC 610-20"). Under ASC 610-20, income is recognized when the transfer of control occurs and the Company applies the five-step model for recognition to determine the amount and timing of income to recognize for all real estate sales. The Company accounts for the sale of equity method investments under ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing ("ASC 860"). Under ASC 860, income is recognized when the transfer of control occurs and the Company has no continuing involvement with the transferred financial assets.
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 judgment in estimating the probability of achievement of these performance targets. For all share-based awards with graded or cliff 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.
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 basis 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, marketable securities, and restricted cash are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity.
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities Investments in commercial paper and corporate bond instruments with original maturities of greater than three months are classified as marketable securities.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company follows ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets , and tests goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment arise. Factors the Company considers important in its analysis of whether an indicator of impairment exists include a significant decline in the Company's stock price or market capitalization for a sustained period since the last testing date, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and significant negative industry or economic trends. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative goodwill impairment test is based upon a comparison of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned with the reporting unit's carrying value. The Company is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the Company determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The fair values used in the quantitative goodwill impairment test are estimated based upon discounted future cash flow projections for the reporting unit. These cash flow projections are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions such as revenue and expense growth rates, capitalization rates and discount rates. The Company also considers market based measures such as earnings multiples in its analysis of estimated fair values of its reporting units. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test results in a reporting unit's carrying value exceeding its estimated fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the difference in accordance with ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other , with the impairment charge limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. Acquired intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and all intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. The evaluation of impairment for definite-lived intangibles is based upon a comparison of the carrying value of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, then the fair value of the asset is estimated. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the intangible asset to its carrying value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense in the current period. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized but are tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently as required. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference. Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Trade names 2 – 5 Management contracts 3 – 9
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. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , the Company reduced its estimate for the amount of expected losses for general liability and professional liability and workers compensation claims, based on recent historical claims experience. The reduction in these accrued reserves decreased facility operating expense by $1.8 million and $9.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, and by $3.7 million and $9.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively.
Lease Accounting	Lease Accounting 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 in the assumed lease agreement. Payments made under operating leases are accounted for in the Company's condensed 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 capital and financing lease obligation arrangements, a liability is established on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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. In cases of sale-leaseback transactions in which the Company has continuing involvement, other than normal leasing activities, the Company does not record the sale until such involvement terminates. For leases in which the Company is involved with the construction of a building, the Company accounts for the leases 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 condensed consolidated balance sheet. 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.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements/Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("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 Company adopted ASU 2017-01 on a prospective basis on January 1, 2018. The Company anticipates that the changes to the definition of a business may result in future 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. The Company adopted ASU 2016-18 on January 1, 2018 and the changes required by ASU 2016-18 were applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company has identified that the inclusion of the change in restricted cash within the retrospective presentation of the statements of cash flows resulted in a $4.6 million and $6.3 million decrease to the amount of net cash used in investing activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. 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 on the classification of certain transactions within the statement of cash flows, the amendments in ASU 2016-15 provide that debt prepayment and extinguishment costs will be classified within financing activities within the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for the Company for the fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018 and the changes in classification within the statement of cash flows were applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company's retrospective application resulted in a $10.6 million and $11.2 million increase to the amount of net cash provided by operating activities and a $10.6 million and $11.2 million decrease to the amount of net cash used in financing activities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , respectively. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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 contract, (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 is 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. Additionally, ASU 2014-09 requires enhanced disclosure of revenue arrangements. 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 the Company adopted 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 has determined that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. The Company has determined that there will be a change to the amounts of resident fee revenue and facility operating expense with no net impact to the amount of income from operations, for the impact of implicit price concessions on the estimation of the transaction price. The Company recognized $840.2 million and $2,642.4 million of resident fee revenue and $607.1 million and $1,866.5 million of facility operating expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. The impact to resident fee revenue and facility operating expense as a result of applying ASC 606 was a decrease of $2.1 million and $5.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. The Company has determined that there will not be any significant change to the annual amount of revenue recognized for management fees under the Company’s community management agreements; however, the Company will recognize an estimated amount of incentive fee revenue earlier during the annual contract period. The Company has determined that there will be a change to the amounts presented for revenue recognized for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities and reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities with no net impact to the amount of income from operations, as a result of the combination of all community operations management activities as a single performance obligation for each contract. The Company recognized $261.4 million and $765.8 million of revenue for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities and $261.4 million and $765.8 million of reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, in accordance with ASU 2014-09. The impact to revenue for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities and reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities as a result of applying ASC 606 was an increase of $11.2 million and $34.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively. Additionally, real estate sales are within the scope of ASU 2014-09, as amended by 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 and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. Under ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05, the income recognition for real estate sales is largely based on the transfer of control versus continuing involvement under the former guidance. As a result, more transactions may qualify as sales of real estate and gains or losses may be recognized sooner. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09, as amended by ASU 2017-5, under the modified retrospective approach as of January 1, 2018 and will apply the five step revenue model to all subsequent sales of real estate. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted 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 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 and requires enhanced disclosure of lease arrangements. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, Leases, Targeted Improvements ("ASU 2018-11"). ASU 2018-11 provides entities with a transition method option to not restate comparative periods presented, but to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. In addition, ASU 2018-11 provides entities with a practical expedient allowing lessors to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease components when certain criteria are met. ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt these lease accounting standards effective January 1, 2019 utilizing a modified retrospective transition method with no adjustments to comparative periods presented. The Company anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in the recognition of material lease liabilities and right-of use assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for its community operating leases, and any previously unrecognized right-of use assets will be reviewed for impairment effective January 1, 2019. The Company is unable to reasonably estimate such amounts at this time. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11, the Company anticipates that it will elect the lessor practical expedient within ASU 2018-11 and will recognize the revenue under the Company's senior living residency agreements based upon the predominant component, either the lease or nonlease component, of the contracts rather than allocating the consideration and separately recognizing it under ASC 842 and ASC 606. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2018-11 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures. The Company is monitoring recent accounting standard setting activities of the FASB, and the Company continues to evaluate the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.
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.

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of definite-lived intangible assets	Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Trade names 2 – 5 Management contracts 3 – 9 The following is a summary of other intangible assets. September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Net Community purchase options $ 4,738 $ — $ 4,738 Health care licenses 49,701 — 49,701 Trade names 27,800 (25,650 ) 2,150 Management contracts 9,610 (6,546 ) 3,064 Total $ 91,849 $ (32,196 ) $ 59,653 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Net Community purchase options $ 9,533 $ — $ 9,533 Health care licenses 50,927 — 50,927 Trade names 27,800 (23,714 ) 4,086 Management contracts 11,360 (7,929 ) 3,431 Total $ 99,620 $ (31,643 ) $ 67,977

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring	The following is a summary of goodwill and asset impairment expense. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Goodwill $ — $ 205.0 $ 351.7 $ 205.0 Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net 2.5 149.9 50.2 152.4 Investment in unconsolidated ventures — — 33.4 19.7 Other intangible assets, net — 13.7 1.7 13.7 Assets held for sale (Note 4) 3.0 — 15.0 — Goodwill and asset impairment $ 5.5 $ 368.6 $ 452.0 $ 390.8

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Current year grants of restricted shares	Grants of restricted shares under the Company's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan were as follows: (share amounts in thousands, except for per share amounts) Shares Granted Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total Value Three months ended March 31, 2018 3,387 $ 9.10 $ 30,823 Three months ended June 30, 2018 169 $ 7.19 $ 1,214 Three months ended September 30, 2018 263 $ 8.99 $ 2,361

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill	The following is a summary of the carrying value of goodwill by operating segment. (in thousands) Retirement Centers Assisted Living Brookdale Ancillary Services Total Balance at January 1, 2018 $ 27,321 $ 351,652 $ 126,810 $ 505,783 Impairment — (351,652 ) — (351,652 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 27,321 $ — $ 126,810 $ 154,131
Schedule of definite-lived intangible assets	Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which are as follows: Asset Category Estimated Useful Life (in years) Trade names 2 – 5 Management contracts 3 – 9 The following is a summary of other intangible assets. September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Net Community purchase options $ 4,738 $ — $ 4,738 Health care licenses 49,701 — 49,701 Trade names 27,800 (25,650 ) 2,150 Management contracts 9,610 (6,546 ) 3,064 Total $ 91,849 $ (32,196 ) $ 59,653 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Net Community purchase options $ 9,533 $ — $ 9,533 Health care licenses 50,927 — 50,927 Trade names 27,800 (23,714 ) 4,086 Management contracts 11,360 (7,929 ) 3,431 Total $ 99,620 $ (31,643 ) $ 67,977
Schedule of indefinite-lived intangible assets	The following is a summary of other intangible assets. September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Net Community purchase options $ 4,738 $ — $ 4,738 Health care licenses 49,701 — 49,701 Trade names 27,800 (25,650 ) 2,150 Management contracts 9,610 (6,546 ) 3,064 Total $ 91,849 $ (32,196 ) $ 59,653 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Gross Accumulated Net Community purchase options $ 9,533 $ — $ 9,533 Health care licenses 50,927 — 50,927 Trade names 27,800 (23,714 ) 4,086 Management contracts 11,360 (7,929 ) 3,431 Total $ 99,620 $ (31,643 ) $ 67,977

Property, Plant and Equipment_2

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , net property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Land $ 461,734 $ 449,295 Buildings and improvements 4,952,807 4,923,621 Leasehold improvements 123,765 124,850 Furniture and equipment 1,037,947 1,006,889 Resident and leasehold operating intangibles 522,851 594,748 Construction in progress 47,325 74,678 Assets under capital and financing leases 1,312,908 1,742,384 Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles 8,459,337 8,916,465 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (3,052,207 ) (3,064,320 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 5,407,130 $ 5,852,145

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt	Long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations consist of the following: (in thousands) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Mortgage notes payable due 2018 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.76% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $20.2 million and $16.6 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively (weighted average interest rate of 4.59% in 2017) $ 3,633,919 $ 3,497,762 Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2032; weighted average interest rate of 8.13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (weighted average interest rate of 6.75% in 2017) 932,918 1,271,554 Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $6.4 million as of December 31, 2017, interest at 2.75% per annum — 309,853 Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 5.69% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (weighted average interest rate of 5.98% in 2017) and maturity dates ranging from 2018 to 2021 66,122 63,122 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations 4,632,959 5,142,291 Less current portion 503,687 602,501 Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion $ 4,129,272 $ 4,539,790

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca_2

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental cash flow information	Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: Interest paid $ 198,133 $ 223,929 Income taxes paid, net of refunds $ 1,542 $ 1,595 Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 154,249 $ 139,734 Trade accounts payable 15,100 310 Net cash paid $ 169,349 $ 140,044 Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received: Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net $ 237,563 $ — Other intangible assets, net (4,345 ) 400 Capital and financing lease obligations 36,120 — Other liabilities 2,433 — Net cash paid $ 271,771 $ 400 Proceeds from sale of assets, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets, net $ (3,006 ) $ (14,387 ) Assets held for sale (18,758 ) (20,952 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (91,778 ) (19,184 ) Investments in unconsolidated ventures (58,179 ) (26,301 ) Long-term debt — 7,552 Capital and financing lease obligations 93,514 7,646 Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue 8,345 30,771 Other liabilities 2,690 39 (Gain) loss on sale of assets, net (64,740 ) 1,408 Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net — (1,162 ) Net cash received $ (131,912 ) $ (34,570 ) Lease termination and modification, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets, net $ (2,040 ) $ — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (81,320 ) — Capital and financing lease obligations 58,099 — Deferred liabilities 67,950 — Gain on sale of assets, net (5,761 ) — Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net 22,260 — Net cash paid (1) $ 59,188 $ — 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, net $ (281 ) $ 199 Assets held for sale 162,157 (29,544 ) Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (161,876 ) 29,345 Net $ — $ — Lease termination and modification, net: Prepaid expenses and other assets, net $ (4,783 ) $ — Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (106,264 ) — Capital and financing lease obligations 112,267 — Deferred liabilities (122,304 ) — Other liabilities 625 — Gain on sale of assets, net (6,085 ) — Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net 126,544 — Net $ — $ — (1) The net cash paid to terminate community leases is presented within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows based upon the lease classification of the terminated leases. Net cash paid of $46.6 million for the termination of operating leases is presented within net cash provided by operating activities and net cash paid of $12.5 million for the termination of capital and financing leases is presented within net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows that sums to the total of the same such amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash: Cash and cash equivalents $ 133,664 $ 222,647 Restricted cash 41,676 37,189 Long-term restricted cash 24,758 22,710 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows $ 200,098 $ 282,546

Facility Operating Leases (Tabl

Facility Operating Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Cash basis payment $ 73,969 $ 90,303 $ 250,677 $ 275,506 Straight-line (income) expense (1,815 ) (3,078 ) (10,410 ) (9,204 ) Amortization of (above) below market lease, net (672 ) (1,697 ) (4,246 ) (5,091 ) Amortization of deferred gain (1,090 ) (1,091 ) (3,269 ) (3,277 ) Facility lease expense $ 70,392 $ 84,437 $ 232,752 $ 257,934

Variable Interest Entities (Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 this VIE are summarized below as of September 30, 2018 (in millions): VIE Type Asset Type Maximum Exposure to Loss Carrying Value CCRC Venture opco Investment in unconsolidated ventures $ 23.3 $ 23.3

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The Company disaggregates its revenue from contracts with customers by payor source, as the Company believes it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of its revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. See details on a reportable segment basis in the table below. Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Retirement Centers Assisted Living CCRCs-Rental Brookdale Ancillary Services Total Private pay $ 143,963 $ 464,719 $ 73,567 $ 159 $ 682,408 Government reimbursement 668 18,406 20,901 89,100 129,075 Other third-party payor programs — — 9,679 19,017 28,696 Total resident fee revenue $ 144,631 $ 483,125 $ 104,147 $ 108,276 $ 840,179 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (in thousands) Retirement Centers Assisted Living CCRCs-Rental Brookdale Ancillary Services Total Private pay $ 459,875 $ 1,482,789 $ 217,680 $ 585 $ 2,160,929 Government reimbursement 2,446 54,643 65,986 272,332 395,407 Other third-party payor programs — — 30,346 55,732 86,078 Total resident fee revenue $ 462,321 $ 1,537,432 $ 314,012 $ 328,649 $ 2,642,414

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of segment reporting information	The following table sets forth selected segment financial and operating data: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenue: Retirement Centers (1) $ 144,631 $ 161,986 $ 462,321 $ 496,854 Assisted Living (1) 483,125 542,227 1,537,432 1,680,194 CCRCs-Rental (1) 104,147 108,075 314,012 364,075 Brookdale Ancillary Services (1) 108,276 110,604 328,649 332,766 Management Services (2) 279,883 255,096 820,082 707,337 $ 1,120,062 $ 1,177,988 $ 3,462,496 $ 3,581,226 Segment Operating Income: (3) Retirement Centers $ 57,106 $ 65,907 $ 186,662 $ 207,206 Assisted Living 144,701 173,576 490,976 577,936 CCRCs-Rental 21,809 22,932 70,291 82,591 Brookdale Ancillary Services 9,487 9,823 28,008 38,555 Management Services 18,528 18,138 54,280 56,474 251,631 290,376 830,217 962,762 General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense) 57,309 63,779 194,333 196,429 Transaction costs 1,487 1,992 8,805 12,924 Facility lease expense 70,392 84,437 232,752 257,934 Depreciation and amortization 110,980 117,649 341,351 366,023 Goodwill and asset impairment 5,500 368,551 451,966 390,816 Loss on facility lease termination and modification 2,337 4,938 148,804 11,306 Income (loss) from operations $ 3,626 $ (350,970 ) $ (547,794 ) $ (272,670 ) As of (in thousands) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total assets: Retirement Centers $ 1,295,001 $ 1,266,076 Assisted Living 3,775,584 4,535,114 CCRCs-Rental 716,815 667,234 Brookdale Ancillary Services 254,781 257,257 Corporate and Management Services 452,456 949,768 $ 6,494,637 $ 7,675,449 (1) All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States. (2) Management services segment revenue includes management fees and reimbursements 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) and costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.

Summary of Significant Accoun_4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Term of residency agreements- minimum			30 days
Term of residency agreements - maximum			1 year
Self Insurance Liability Accruals [Abstract]
Decrease in facility operating expense	$ (1,800)	$ (3,700)	$ (9,300)	$ (9,300)
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Decrease in net cash used in investing activities			13,027	523,378
Increase in net cash provided by operating activities			170,508	294,323
Decrease in net cash used in financing activities			239,929	(310,552)
Revenue	840,179		$ 2,642,414
Trade names | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful lives of definite lived assets			2 years
Trade names | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful lives of definite lived assets			5 years
Management contracts | Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful lives of definite lived assets			3 years
Management contracts | Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Useful lives of definite lived assets			9 years
ASU 2016-18
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Decrease in net cash used in investing activities		4,600		6,300
ASU 2016-15
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Increase in net cash provided by operating activities		10,600		11,200
Decrease in net cash used in financing activities		10,600		11,200
ASU 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Decrease in resident fee revenue and facility operating expenses	2,100		$ 5,200
Increase in revenue	11,200		34,900
Resident fees
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Revenue	840,179	922,892	2,642,414	2,873,889
Facility operating expense
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Costs of services	607,076	650,654	1,866,477	1,967,601
Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Revenue	261,355	236,958	765,802	650,863
Costs of services	$ 261,355	$ 236,958	$ 765,802	$ 650,863

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2011
Unvested Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (shares)	6.2	5.3	6.5	5.3
Convertible Debt Securities
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (shares)				13.8
Warrant
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive securities (shares)			9.2	10.8
Convertible notes payable
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal					$ 316.3
Convertible Senior Notes Due June 2018 | Convertible notes payable
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Principal						$ 316.3
Interest rate						2.75%
Maximum number of convertible instruments (shares)				3

Acquisitions, Dispositions an_2

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		15 Months Ended	21 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018community	Sep. 30, 2018community
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 840,179		$ 2,642,414
Cash lease payments	73,969	$ 90,303	250,677	$ 275,506
6 Communities Disposed Of By Sales
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community						6
171 Communities Disposed Of By Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community						171
104 Communities Disposed Of Through Sale And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community					104
Cash lease payments	4,800	30,500
177 Communities Disposed Of By Sales And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community						177
Cash lease payments			55,200	115,300
Assisted Living
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	483,125		$ 1,537,432
Assisted Living | 177 Communities Disposed Of By Sales And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community			143
Retirement Centers
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	144,631		$ 462,321
Retirement Centers | 177 Communities Disposed Of By Sales And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community			20
CCRCs Rental
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	104,147		$ 314,012
CCRCs Rental | 177 Communities Disposed Of By Sales And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community			14
Resident fees
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	840,179	922,892	$ 2,642,414	2,873,889
Resident fees | 104 Communities Disposed Of Through Sale And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	15,000	106,900
Resident fees | 177 Communities Disposed Of By Sales And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue			164,300	408,800
Facility operating expense
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Costs of services	607,076	650,654	1,866,477	1,967,601
Facility operating expense | 104 Communities Disposed Of Through Sale And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Costs of services	$ 11,200	$ 75,600
Facility operating expense | 177 Communities Disposed Of By Sales And Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Costs of services			$ 110,700	$ 287,700
HCP Transactions
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community			6
HCP Transactions | Assisted Living
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community			3
HCP Transactions | Retirement Centers
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community			2
HCP Transactions | CCRCs Rental
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community			1

Acquisitions, Dispositions an_3

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions - HCP Master Lease Transaction and RIDEA Ventures Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	Oct. 01, 2018community	Jan. 01, 2018USD ($)community	Nov. 02, 2017community	Nov. 01, 2017communityjoint_venture	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)community	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2018USD ($)community	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018community	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Deferred revenue											$ 3,898	$ (1,513)
Non-cash management contract termination fee											5,649	0
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net									$ 9,833	$ (233)	76,586	(1,383)
Gain on facility lease termination									(2,337)	(4,938)	(148,804)	(11,306)
Revenue									840,179		2,642,414
Cash lease payments									73,969	90,303	250,677	275,506
Master Lease Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Annual rent reduction		$ 2,500
Number of communities with rent reduction | community		2
RIDEA Ventures Restructuring
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities management is retained | community					18
Reduction in lease liabilities											9,700
Deferred revenue											$ 9,700
HCP, Inc. | Master Lease Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community											2
Payment to acquire leased assets											$ 35,400
Number of communities leased | community			43
HCP, Inc. | RIDEA Ventures Restructuring
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community					3		1
Payments to acquire asset from joint venture					$ 207,400		$ 32,100
Forecast | Master Lease Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community													33
RIDEA Ventures | RIDEA Ventures Restructuring
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage ownership						10.00%		10.00%						10.00%
Number of joint ventures				2				1
Proceeds from sale of joint venture interest						$ 62,300		$ 32,100
Number of communities managed | community				59
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net						$ 41,700		$ 7,200
16 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations | HCP, Inc. | Master Lease Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community											16
Capital Lease Obligations									160,800		$ 160,800
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net									6,100		12,600
Gain on facility lease termination											1,800
Assets under leases									147,800		$ 147,800
Number of communities previously subject to sale leaseback transactions | community											6
17 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Capital Lease Obligations									217,900		$ 217,900
Assets under leases									185,100		185,100
Amount exceeding carrying value of assets under leases									32,800		$ 32,800
Number of communities previously subject to sale leaseback transactions | community											14
Cash lease payments									$ 4,900	5,400	$ 14,600	16,100
37 Communities Disposed Of Through Management Termination | RIDEA Ventures Restructuring
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community			37						3		20
Non-cash management contract termination fee									$ 600		$ 5,600
17 Communities Disposed Of Through Management Termination | Forecast | RIDEA Ventures Restructuring
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community													17
33 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Reduction in capital lease obligations and assets under lease														$ 145,600
Retirement Centers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue									144,631		$ 462,321
Retirement Centers | 17 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community											3
Assisted Living
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue									483,125		$ 1,537,432
Assisted Living | 17 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community											13
CCRCs Rental
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue									104,147		$ 314,012
CCRCs Rental | 17 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community											1
Resident fees
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue									840,179	922,892	$ 2,642,414	2,873,889
Resident fees | 17 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue									14,800	15,100	44,700	46,000
Facility operating expense
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Costs of services									607,076	650,654	1,866,477	1,967,601
Facility operating expense | 17 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Costs of services									10,700	10,600	32,100	30,700
Management fees
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue									18,528	18,138	54,280	56,474
Management fees | 17 Communities Disposed Of Through Management Termination
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue									$ 1,200	$ 1,100	$ 3,500	$ 3,500
Subsequent event | 17 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations | HCP, Inc. | Master Lease Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community	17

Acquisitions, Dispositions an_4

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions - Ventas Lease Portfolio Restructuring (Details)	Apr. 26, 2018USD ($)communityextension_option	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2021USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 26, 2019USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net		$ 2,337,000	$ 4,938,000	$ 148,804,000	$ 11,306,000
Ventas, Inc | Master Lease And Security Agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities leased | community	128
Prior number of communities | community	107
Additional number of communities | community	21
Number of communities added to agreement | community		17
Number of extensions | extension_option	2
Extension term	10 years
Investment minimum, unit per lease	$ 2,000
Period of lease	24 months
Investment in capital improvements	$ 30,000,000
Payment for change of control fees	$ 25,000,000
Management percent fee				5.00%
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net				$ 125,700,000
Forecast | Ventas, Inc | Master Lease And Security Agreement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Rent expense						$ 175,000,000
Rent credit						8,000,000	$ 5,000,000	$ 7,000,000	$ 8,000,000
Rent credit after change of control						$ 5,000,000
Base rent escalator, CPI increase						2.25%
Base rent escalator, CPI decrease						0.00%
Option to terminate, annual base rent										$ 30,000,000
Option to terminate, rent reduction percentage										6.25%

Acquisitions, Dispositions an_5

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions - Welltower Lease and RIDA Venture Restructuring (Details) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2018community	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)leasecommunity	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)lease_portfolioleasecommunity	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments for lease termination				$ 12,548	$ 552
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net		$ 2,337	$ 4,938	148,804	11,306
Base rent		70,392	84,437	232,752	257,934
Revenue		840,179		2,642,414
Cash lease payments		73,969	90,303	250,677	275,506
Resident fees
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue		840,179	922,892	2,642,414	2,873,889
Facility operating expense
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Costs of services		607,076	650,654	1,866,477	1,967,601
Management fees
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue		18,528	18,138	$ 54,280	56,474
48 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community				48
Cash lease payments		3,700	18,600	$ 41,400	55,400
48 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations | Resident fees
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue		12,000	54,700	123,500	166,600
48 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations | Facility operating expense
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Costs of services		8,800	35,400	80,800	104,600
Retirement Centers
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 144,631		$ 462,321
Retirement Centers | 48 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities leased | community		8		8
Assisted Living
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 483,125		$ 1,537,432
Assisted Living | 48 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities leased | community		39		39
CCRCs Rental
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 104,147		$ 314,012
CCRCs Rental | 48 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities leased | community		1		1
Welltower Lease Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities managed | community				74
Number Of Leases Not Renewed | lease		2		2
Master Leases Not Renewed, Number Of Communities | community		11		11
Welltower Lease Transactions | 37 Communities Disposed Of Through Lease Terminations
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community	37
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net				$ 22,600
Welltower Inc. | Welltower Lease Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of lease portfolios | lease_portfolio				2
Payments for lease termination				$ 58,000
Rent credit, potential future lease terminations				6.25%
Welltower Inc. | Welltower Lease Transactions, Lease Portfolio Maturing In 2028
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities leased | community		27		27
Welltower Inc. | Welltower Lease Transactions, Lease Portfolio Maturing In 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities leased | community		10		10
Maximum | Welltower Inc. | Welltower Lease Transactions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Base rent				$ 5,000
Welltower RIDEA
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage ownership		20.00%		20.00%
Welltower RIDEA | Welltower Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of equity method investment				$ 33,500
Gain on sale of equity method investment				$ 14,700
15 Communities Managed
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities managed | community				15
15 Communities Managed | Management fees
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 1,100	$ 1,100	$ 3,300	$ 3,300

Acquisitions, Dispositions an_6

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions - Formation of Venture with Blackstone (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 29, 2017USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire joint venture						$ 8,946	$ 187,600
Goodwill and asset impairment		$ 5,500		$ 368,551		$ 451,966	390,816
Change in valuation allowance							86,600
HCP, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Term of lease	12 years
Formation of the Blackstone Venture
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance					$ 85,000		$ 85,000
Joint Venture | Blackstone Venture
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of community leasehold interests contributed | community	62
Payments to acquire joint venture	$ 179,200
Percentage ownership	15.00%
Carrying value of investment	$ 66,800
Fair value of investment	$ 47,100
Goodwill and asset impairment			$ 33,400		$ 19,700
Joint Venture | Blackstone Venture | Senior Housing Communities
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities acquired | community	64
Purchase price	$ 1,100,000
Number of communities managed by third party | community	2
Blackstone Venture
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of communities leased | community	2
Number of communities managed | community	60

Acquisitions, Dispositions an_7

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions - Blackstone Disposition (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net	$ 9,833	$ (233)	$ 76,586	$ (1,383)
Joint Venture | Blackstone Venture
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Equity interest sold	15.00%		15.00%
Payment to complete sale of joint venture interest	$ 2,000
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net	$ 3,800		$ 3,800
2 Leased Communities Owned By Joint Venture Terminated | Blackstone Venture
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community	2

Acquisitions, Dispositions an_8

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions - Dispositions of Owned Communities and Assets Held for Sale (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2018USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)community	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)community
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net		$ 9,833	$ (233)	$ 76,586	$ (1,383)
Assets held for sale		241,854		241,854		$ 106,435
Revenue		840,179		$ 2,642,414
Sale of 3 communities
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community						3
Net cash proceeds						$ 8,200
43 Communities Disposed Of By Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community						43
26 Communities Disposed Of By Lease Terminations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community						26
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of additional communities held for sale | community				18
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 15 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities classified as held for sale | community						15
Impairment of assets held for sale		3,000		$ 15,000
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | Three Communities
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community				3
Number of communities not previously held for sale | community				2
Net cash proceeds				$ 12,800
Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net				$ 1,900
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 32 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities classified as held for sale | community				32
Assets held for sale		241,900		$ 241,900
Retirement Centers
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue		144,631		$ 462,321
Retirement Centers | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 32 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities classified as held for sale | community				4
Assisted Living
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue		483,125		$ 1,537,432
Assisted Living | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 32 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities classified as held for sale | community				26
CCRCs Rental
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue		104,147		$ 314,012
CCRCs Rental | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 32 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities classified as held for sale | community				2
Mortgage notes payable | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 15 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Mortgage debt						$ 30,100
Mortgage notes payable | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 32 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Mortgage debt		158,600		$ 158,600
Resident fees
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue		840,179	922,892	2,642,414	2,873,889
Resident fees | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 32 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenue		26,400	27,000	81,100	81,700
Facility operating expense
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Costs of services		607,076	650,654	1,866,477	1,967,601
Facility operating expense | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations | 32 Communities Held For Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Costs of services		$ 20,000	$ 19,100	$ 58,900	$ 56,600
Subsequent event | Sale Of One Community
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of communities disposed of | community	1
Net cash proceeds	$ 144,000

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities				$ 293,300
Gains related to trading securities			$ 200	1,400	$ 200
Debt	$ 4,632,959			4,632,959		$ 5,142,291
Goodwill impairment				351,652
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	2,500		$ 149,900	50,200	152,400
Investment in unconsolidated ventures				33,400	$ 19,700
Reported Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt	$ 3,700,000			3,700,000		$ 3,900,000
Assisted Living
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Amount of carrying amount in excess of fair value		$ 351,700
Goodwill impairment		$ 351,700		$ 351,652

Fair Value Measurements - Goodw

Fair Value Measurements - Goodwill and Asset Impairment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 351,652
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	$ 2,500	$ 149,900	50,200	$ 152,400
Investment in unconsolidated ventures			33,400	19,700
Goodwill and asset impairment	5,500	368,551	451,966	390,816
Nonrecurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Goodwill	0	205,000	351,700	205,000
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	2,500	149,900	50,200	152,400
Investment in unconsolidated ventures	0	0	33,400	19,700
Other intangible assets, net	0	13,700	1,700	13,700
Assets held for sale (Note 4)	3,000	0	15,000	0
Goodwill and asset impairment	$ 5,500	$ 368,600	$ 452,000	$ 390,800

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - Unvested Restricted Stock - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Shares Granted (in shares)	263	169	3,387
Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$ 8.99	$ 7.19	$ 9.10
Total value of restricted shares granted	$ 2,361	$ 1,214	$ 30,823

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2018	$ 505,783	$ 505,783
Impairment		(351,652)
Balance at September 30, 2018		154,131
Retirement Centers
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2018	27,321	27,321
Impairment		0
Balance at September 30, 2018		27,321
Assisted Living
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2018	351,652	351,652
Impairment	(351,700)	(351,652)
Balance at September 30, 2018		0
Brookdale Ancillary Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at January 1, 2018	$ 126,810	126,810
Impairment		0
Balance at September 30, 2018		$ 126,810

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Accumulated Amortization	$ (32,196)	$ (31,643)
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	91,849	99,620
Intangible assets, net	59,653	67,977
Community purchase options
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Indefinite lived assets, gross carrying amount	4,738	9,533
Health care licenses
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Indefinite lived assets, gross carrying amount	49,701	50,927
Trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite lived assets, gross carrying amount	27,800	27,800
Accumulated Amortization	(25,650)	(23,714)
Finite lived assets, net	2,150	4,086
Management contracts
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite lived assets, gross carrying amount	9,610	11,360
Accumulated Amortization	(6,546)	(7,929)
Finite lived assets, net	$ 3,064	$ 3,431

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets	$ 0.6	$ 0.9	$ 2.3	$ 4.8

Property, Plant and Equipment_3

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	$ 8,459,337		$ 8,459,337		$ 8,916,465
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(3,052,207)		(3,052,207)		(3,064,320)
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net	5,407,130		5,407,130		5,852,145
Depreciation and amortization expense	110,400	$ 116,700	339,000	$ 361,200
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	461,734		461,734		449,295
Buildings and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	4,952,807		4,952,807		4,923,621
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	123,765		123,765		124,850
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	1,037,947		1,037,947		1,006,889
Resident and Leasehold Operating Intangibles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	522,851		522,851		594,748
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	47,325		47,325		74,678
Assets Under Capital and Financing Leases [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles gross	$ 1,312,908		$ 1,312,908		$ 1,742,384

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Detail

Debt - Schedule of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 4,632,959	$ 5,142,291
Less current portion	503,687	602,501
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion	4,129,272	4,539,790
Mortgage notes payable
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	3,633,919	3,497,762
Unamortized debt discount	$ 20,200	$ 16,600
Weighted average interest rate	4.76%	4.59%
Capital and finance lease obligations
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 932,918	$ 1,271,554
Weighted average interest rate	8.13%	6.75%
Convertible notes payable
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 0	$ 309,853
Principal		316,300
Unamortized debt discount		$ 6,400
Weighted average interest rate		2.75%
Other notes payable
Long-Term Debt, Capital and Financing Leases and Financing Obligations [Line Items]
Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations	$ 66,122	$ 63,122
Weighted average interest rate	5.69%	5.98%

Debt - Debt (Details)

Debt - Debt (Details) - Disposal Group, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations - Mortgage notes payable - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
32 Communities Held For Sale
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage debt	$ 158.6
15 Communities Held For Sale
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Mortgage debt		$ 30.1

Debt - Line of Credit (Details)

Debt - Line of Credit (Details) - Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement - Line of Credit - USD ($)	Dec. 19, 2014	Sep. 30, 2018
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Percentage of loan availability from pledged assets that cannot exceed availability from mortgaged assets	10.00%
Line of credit		$ 0
Letters of credit issued		66,100,000
Applicable Margin, Less Than Or Equal To 35% Utilization
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Percentage of utilization	35.00%
Applicable Margin, Greater Than 50% Utilization
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Percentage of utilization	50.00%
Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Greater Than Or Equal To 50%
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee	0.25%
Outstanding debt percentage	50.00%
Unused Commitment Fee, Outstanding Debt Percentage Less Than 50%
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee	0.35%
Outstanding debt percentage	50.00%
Minimum | Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Percentage of utilization	35.00%
Maximum | Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Percentage of utilization	50.00%
LIBOR | Applicable Margin, Less Than Or Equal To 35% Utilization
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	2.50%
LIBOR | Applicable Margin, Greater Than 35% But Less Than Or Equal To 50% Utilization
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	3.25%
LIBOR | Applicable Margin, Greater Than 50% Utilization
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	3.50%
LIBOR | Minimum
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	2.50%
LIBOR | Maximum
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis	3.50%
Revolving Credit Facility
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 400,000,000
Letter of credit sublimit
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Letters of credit issued		41,700,000
Swingline Line of Credit
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000
Option to increase maximum borrowing capacity
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 250,000,000
Letter of Credit
Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 66,200,000

Debt - 2018 Financings_Converti

Debt - 2018 Financings/Convertible Debt (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 15, 2018USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)community	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of communities expected to be acquired | community		5
Mortgage notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of principal bearing fixed rate		60.00%
Fixed rate		4.55%
Percentage of principal bearing variable rate		40.00%
Mortgage notes payable | Non-Recourse Supplemental Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 247.6
Mortgage notes payable | Mortgage Debt Due May 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt		$ 43
Secured debt | Non-Recourse First Mortgages
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of communities securing debt | community		11
Convertible notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount			$ 316.3
Convertible notes payable | Convertible Senior Notes Due June 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount				$ 316.3
Fixed rate				2.75%
Extinguishment of debt	$ 316.3
LIBOR | Mortgage notes payable
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate basis		1.89%

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca_3

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid			$ 198,133	$ 223,929
Income taxes paid, net of refunds			1,542	1,595
Net cash paid			169,349	140,044
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net			21,874	23,323
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net	$ (9,833)	$ 233	(76,586)	1,383
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net	2,337	4,938	148,804	11,306
Net cash paid			12,548	552
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net			154,249	139,734
Trade accounts payable			15,100	310
Net cash paid			169,349	140,044
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net			237,563	0
Other intangible assets, net			(4,345)	400
Capital and financing lease obligations			36,120	0
Other liabilities			2,433	0
Net cash paid			271,771	400
Proceeds from sale of assets, net
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net			(3,006)	(14,387)
Assets held for sale			(18,758)	(20,952)
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net			(91,778)	(19,184)
Investments in unconsolidated ventures			(58,179)	(26,301)
Long-term debt			0	7,552
Capital and financing lease obligations			93,514	7,646
Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue			8,345	30,771
Other liabilities			2,690	39
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net			(64,740)	1,408
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net			0	1,162
Net cash received			(131,912)	(34,570)
Lease termination and modification, net
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net			(2,040)	0
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net			(81,320)	0
Capital and financing lease obligations			58,099	0
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net			(5,761)	0
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net			22,260	0
Deferred liabilities			67,950	0
Net cash paid			59,188	0
Formation of the Blackstone Venture
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net			0	(8,173)
Investments in unconsolidated ventures	$ 0	$ 66,816	0	66,816
Capital and financing lease obligations			0	879,959
Deferred liabilities			0	7,504
Other liabilities			0	1,998
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net			0	(768,897)
Net cash paid			0	179,207
Assets designated as held for sale
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net			281	(199)
Assets held for sale			(162,157)	29,544
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net			(161,876)	29,345
Net			0	0
Lease termination and modification, net
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net			4,783	0
Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net			106,264	0
Capital and financing lease obligations			112,267	0
Other liabilities			625	0
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net			(6,085)	0
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net			126,544	0
Deferred liabilities			(122,304)	0
Net			$ 0	$ 0

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca_4

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Net cash paid for termination of operating leases	$ 46.6
Net cash paid for termination of capital and financing leases	$ 12.5

Supplemental Disclosure of Ca_5

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information - Cash and Restricted Cash (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 133,664	$ 222,647
Restricted cash	41,676	37,189
Long-term restricted cash	24,758	22,710
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows	$ 200,098	$ 282,546	$ 358,819	$ 277,322

Facility Operating Leases (Deta

Facility Operating Leases (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)lease	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)lease	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of communities operated under long-term leases | lease	366		366
Number of operating leases | lease	258		258
Number of capital and financing leases | lease	108		108
Schedule of facility operating lease expense [Abstract]
Cash basis payment	$ 73,969	$ 90,303	$ 250,677	$ 275,506
Straight-line (income) expense	(1,815)	(3,078)	(10,410)	(9,204)
Amortization of (above) below market lease, net	(672)	(1,697)	(4,246)	(5,091)
Amortization of deferred gain	(1,090)	(1,091)	(3,269)	(3,277)
Facility lease expense	$ 70,392	$ 84,437	$ 232,752	$ 257,934

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance					$ 86.6
Deferred federal, state and local tax benefit	$ 15.4	$ 91.3		$ 71.3	123
Valuation allowance	388.3			388.3		$ 336.1
Formation of the Blackstone Venture
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance			$ 85		85
Adoption Of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance					48.5
Federal and State [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance	$ 2.7	$ 59.6		$ 52.2	$ 86.6

Variable Interest Entities (Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) - CCRC Venture opco $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage ownership	51.00%
Maximum Exposure to Loss	$ 23.3
Carrying Amount	$ 23.3
HCP, Inc.
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Percentage ownership	49.00%

Revenue - Disaggregation of Rev

Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 840,179	$ 2,642,414
Private pay
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	682,408	2,160,929
Government reimbursement
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	129,075	395,407
Other third-party payor programs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	28,696	86,078
Retirement Centers
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	144,631	462,321
Retirement Centers | Private pay
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	143,963	459,875
Retirement Centers | Government reimbursement
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	668	2,446
Retirement Centers | Other third-party payor programs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
Assisted Living
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	483,125	1,537,432
Assisted Living | Private pay
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	464,719	1,482,789
Assisted Living | Government reimbursement
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	18,406	54,643
Assisted Living | Other third-party payor programs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	0	0
CCRCs Rental
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	104,147	314,012
CCRCs Rental | Private pay
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	73,567	217,680
CCRCs Rental | Government reimbursement
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	20,901	65,986
CCRCs Rental | Other third-party payor programs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	9,679	30,346
Brookdale Ancillary Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	108,276	328,649
Brookdale Ancillary Services | Private pay
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	159	585
Brookdale Ancillary Services | Government reimbursement
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	89,100	272,332
Brookdale Ancillary Services | Other third-party payor programs
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 19,017	$ 55,732

Revenue - Additional Informatio

Revenue - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Monthly resident fees	$ 45.8	$ 45.8	$ 49.7
Revenue recognized		76.2
Additions for allowance for doubtful accounts	4.5	13.4
Deferred Revenue and Credits
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Deferred revenue	$ 103.6	$ 103.6	$ 112.4

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment			5
Revenue	$ 1,120,062	$ 1,177,988	$ 3,462,496	$ 3,581,226
Segment Operating Income	251,631	290,376	830,217	962,762
General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense)	57,309	63,779	194,333	196,429
Transaction costs	1,487	1,992	8,805	12,924
Facility lease expense	70,392	84,437	232,752	257,934
Depreciation and amortization	110,980	117,649	341,351	366,023
Goodwill and asset impairment	5,500	368,551	451,966	390,816
Loss on facility lease termination and modification, net	2,337	4,938	148,804	11,306
Income (loss) from operations	3,626	(350,970)	(547,794)	(272,670)
Total assets	6,494,637		$ 6,494,637		$ 7,675,449
Retirement Centers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Age of residential tenant			75 years
Operating Segments [Member] | Retirement Centers
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	144,631	161,986	$ 462,321	496,854
Segment Operating Income	57,106	65,907	186,662	207,206
Total assets	1,295,001		1,295,001		1,266,076
Operating Segments [Member] | Assisted Living
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	483,125	542,227	1,537,432	1,680,194
Segment Operating Income	144,701	173,576	490,976	577,936
Total assets	3,775,584		3,775,584		4,535,114
Operating Segments [Member] | CCRCs Rental
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	104,147	108,075	314,012	364,075
Segment Operating Income	21,809	22,932	70,291	82,591
Total assets	716,815		716,815		667,234
Operating Segments [Member] | Brookdale Ancillary Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	108,276	110,604	328,649	332,766
Segment Operating Income	9,487	9,823	28,008	38,555
Total assets	254,781		254,781		257,257
Operating Segments [Member] | Management Services
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue	279,883	255,096	820,082	707,337
Segment Operating Income	18,528	$ 18,138	54,280	$ 56,474
Total assets	$ 452,456		$ 452,456		$ 949,768