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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
$ in Billions
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Oct. 28, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name Brookdale Senior Living Inc.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001332349    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 6.5
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   186,060,769  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3    
Document Type 10-Q    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2016