| Document and Entity Information | Feb. 24, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001332349 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 24, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Brookdale Senior Living Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-32641 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 20-3068069 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 111 Westwood Place |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Brentwood |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 37027 |
| City Area Code | (615) |
| Local Phone Number | 221-2250 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Per Share |
| Trading Symbol | BKD |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
