View Filing Data

Print Document View Excel Document

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011	Feb. 15, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2011
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	SUI
Entity Registrant Name	SUN COMMUNITIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000912593
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		26,450,402
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 743,605,724

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Investment property, net	$ 1,196,606	$ 1,032,326
Cash and cash equivalents	5,857	8,420
Inventory of manufactured homes	5,832	2,309
Notes and other receivables	114,884	88,807
Other assets	44,795	33,480
TOTAL ASSETS	1,367,974	1,165,342
LIABILITIES
Debt	1,268,191	1,163,612
Lines of credit	129,034	94,527
Other liabilities	71,404	39,587
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,468,629	1,297,726
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000 shares authorized (December 31, 2011 and 2010, 23,612 and 21,716 shares issued respectively)	236	217
Additional paid-in capital	555,981	495,331
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,273)	(2,226)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(617,953)	(549,625)
Treasury stock, at cost (December 31, 2011 and 2010, 1,802 shares)	(63,600)	(63,600)
Total Sun Communities, Inc. stockholders' deficit	(126,609)	(119,903)
Noncontrolling interests:
Preferred OP Units	45,548	0
Common OP Units	(19,594)	(12,481)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT	(100,655)	(132,384)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT	$ 1,367,974	$ 1,165,342

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	90,000	90,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	23,612	21,716
Treasury stock, shares	1,802	1,802

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
REVENUES
Income from real property	$ 223,613	$ 204,498	$ 198,844
Revenue from home sales	32,252	31,945	32,721
Rental home revenue	22,290	20,480	20,463
Ancillary revenues, net	592	505	387
Interest	9,509	8,053	6,005
Other income, net	929	489	601
Total revenues	289,185	265,970	259,021
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Property operating and maintenance	59,190	52,994	51,176
Real estate taxes	17,547	16,282	16,537
Cost of home sales	25,392	24,030	23,483
Rental home operating and maintenance	16,196	15,414	16,291
General and administrative - real property	19,704	17,182	17,670
General and administrative - home sales and rentals	8,156	7,628	7,429
Georgia flood damage	0	0	800
Acquisition related costs	1,971	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	74,193	68,868	67,423
Asset impairment charge	1,382	0	0
Interest	64,606	62,136	59,432
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	3,333	3,291	3,347
Total expenses	291,670	267,825	263,588
Loss before income taxes and equity income (loss) from affiliates	(2,485)	(1,855)	(4,567)
Provision for state income taxes	(150)	(512)	(413)
Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates	2,100	(1,146)	(2,176)
Loss from continuing operations	(535)	(3,513)	(7,156)
Loss from discontinued operations	0	0	(227)
Net loss	(535)	(3,513)	(7,383)
Less: Preferred return to Preferred OP units	1,222	0	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	(671)	(630)	(1,081)
Net loss attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	(1,086)	(2,883)	(6,302)
Amounts attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders:
Loss from continuing operations, net of state income taxes	(1,086)	(2,883)	(6,099)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of state income taxes	$ 0	$ 0	$ (203)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	21,147	19,168	18,484
Diluted (in shares)	21,147	19,168	18,484
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ (0.05)	$ (0.15)	$ (0.33)
Discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	0	0	(0.01)
Basic and diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	(0.05)	(0.15)	(0.34)
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 3.15	$ 2.52	$ 2.52

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net loss	$ (535)	$ (3,513)	$ (7,383)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	1,048	(411)	1,111
Total comprehensive income (loss)	513	(3,924)	(6,272)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(576)	(673)	(963)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ 1,089	$ (3,251)	$ (5,309)

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A5
-Appendix A

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e557-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e540-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508144

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to noncontrolling interests, if any. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the economic entity, including both controlling (parent) and noncontrolling interests. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's Increase or Decrease in deferred hedging gains or losses.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 24
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 17, 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 121
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e653-108580

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6922042&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921628&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6922042&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' (Deficit) Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital	Officer's Notes [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings	Treasury Stock	Total Sun Communities Stockholders' Deficit	Noncontrolling Interests	Total Stockholders' Deficit
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008		$ 203	$ 459,847	$ (8,334)	$ (2,851)	$ (445,147)	$ (63,600)	$ (59,882)	$ 0	$ (59,882)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net		3	1,502					1,505		1,505
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures			2,462					2,462		2,462
Net loss	$ (7,383)					(6,302)		(6,302)	(1,081)	(7,383)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps and cap	1,111				993			993	118	1,111
Repayment of officer's notes				3,306				3,306		3,306
Cash distributions						(46,921)		(46,921)	(5,506)	(52,427)
Distributions declared	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009		206	463,811	(5,028)	(1,858)	(498,370)	(63,600)	(104,839)	(6,469)	(111,308)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net			211					211		211
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net		11	29,907					29,918	(1)	29,917
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures			1,402			69		1,471		1,471
Net loss	(3,513)					(2,883)		(2,883)	(630)	(3,513)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps and cap	(411)				(368)			(368)	(43)	(411)
Repayment of officer's notes				5,028				5,028		5,028
Cash distributions						(48,441)		(48,441)	(5,338)	(53,779)
Distributions declared	0
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	(132,384)	217	495,331	0	(2,226)	(549,625)	(63,600)	(119,903)	(12,481)	(132,384)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net			841					841		841
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net		19	58,347					58,366		58,366
Issuance of preferred OP units								0	45,548	45,548
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures			1,462			79		1,541		1,541
Net loss	(535)
Net income (loss)						(1,086)		(1,086)	(671)	(1,757)
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps and cap	1,048				953			953	95	1,048
Cash distributions						(53,580)		(53,580)	(5,232)	(58,812)
Distributions declared	(15,046)					(13,741)		(13,741)	(1,305)	(15,046)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ (100,655)	$ 236	$ 555,981	$ 0	$ (1,273)	$ (617,953)	$ (63,600)	$ (126,609)	$ 25,954	$ (100,655)

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss	$ (535)	$ (3,513)	$ (7,383)
Less: Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	0	(227)
Loss from continuing operations	(535)	(3,513)	(7,156)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss (gain) from land disposition	0	12	(90)
Asset Impairment Charges	1,382	0	0
(Gain) loss on valuation of derivative instruments	13	10	(9)
Stock compensation expense	1,609	1,593	2,566
Depreciation and amortization	73,484	66,873	64,301
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,707	1,648	1,659
Distributions from affiliates	(2,100)	(500)	0
Equity loss from affiliates, net	0	1,646	2,176
Change in notes receivable from financed sales of inventory homes, net of repayments	(5,868)	(4,207)	(4,236)
Change in inventory, other assets and other receivables, net	(18,251)	(2,875)	(420)
Change in accounts payable and other liabilities	12,080	(1,566)	1,496
Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations	63,521	59,121	60,287
Net cash used for operating activites of discontinued operations	0	0	(526)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	63,521	59,121	59,761
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in properties	(87,720)	(50,863)	(45,140)
Investment in affiliate	0	0	(50)
Acquisitions	(77,171)	0	0
Proceeds related to affiliate dividend distribution	2,100	500	0
Proceeds related to disposition of land	0	1	172
Proceeds related to disposition of assets and depreciated homes, net	1,360	511	276
Reduction of notes receivable and officer's notes, net	1,893	6,467	5,257
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(159,538)	(43,384)	(39,485)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, OP units, and preferred OP units, net	58,366	29,917	1,505
Net proceeds from stock option exercise	841	211	0
Distributions to stockholders, OP unit holders, and preferred OP unit holders	(60,034)	(53,779)	(52,462)
Payments to retire preferred operating partnership units	0	(925)	(500)
Borrowings on lines of credit	214,631	137,059	132,701
Payments on lines of credit	(180,124)	(136,997)	(128,655)
Proceeds from issuance of other debt	200,615	27,208	49,855
Payments on other debt	(137,330)	(14,114)	(23,909)
Payments for deferred financing costs	(3,511)	(393)	(477)
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES	93,454	(11,813)	(21,942)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(2,563)	3,924	(1,666)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,420	4,496	6,162
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	5,857	8,420	4,496
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	55,560	53,316	52,938
Cash paid for interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	3,331	3,288	3,348
Cash paid for state income taxes	523	582	527
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	1,048	(411)	1,111
Reduction in secured borrowing balance	11,104	7,999	5,156
Dividends declared and outstanding	15,046	0	0
Noncash investing and financing activities at the date of acquisition:
Acquisitions - preferred OP units issued	45,548	0	0
Acquisitions - debt assumed	52,398	0	0
Acquisitions - other liabilities	$ 4,982	$ 0	$ 0

Summary of SIgnificant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Summary of SIgnificant Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business We own, operate, and develop manufactured housing and recreational vehicle communities concentrated in the midwestern, southern, and southeastern United States. As of December 31, 2011, we owned and operated a portfolio of 159 properties located in 18 states (the “Properties”, or “Property”), including 141 manufactured housing communities, eight RV communities, and 10 properties containing both manufactured housing and RV sites. As of December 31, 2011, the Properties contained an aggregate of 54,811 developed sites comprised of 47,935 developed manufactured home sites, 3,867 permanent RV sites, 3,009 seasonal RV sites, and approximately 6,400 additional manufactured home sites suitable for development. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying financial statements include our accounts and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Any subsidiaries, in which we have an ownership percentage equal to or greater than 50 percent, but less than 100 percent, represent subsidiaries with a noncontrolling interest. The noncontrolling interests in our subsidiaries are allocated their proportionate share of the subsidiaries’ financial results. This allocation is recorded as the noncontrolling interest in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions related to the reported amounts included in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying footnote disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to current period presentation. Subsequent Events We have evaluated our financial statements for subsequent events. Investment Property Investment property is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Circumstances that may prompt a test of recoverability may include a significant decrease in the anticipated market price, an adverse change to the extent or manner in which an asset may be used or in its physical condition or other such events that may significantly change the value of the long-lived asset. An impairment loss is recognized when a long-lived asset’s carrying value is not recoverable and exceeds estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value of our long lived assets based on future cash flows and any potential disposition proceeds for a given asset. Forecasting cash flows requires management to make estimates and assumptions about such variables as the estimated holding period, rental rates, occupancy and operating expenses during the holding period, as well as disposition proceeds. Management uses its best judgment when developing these estimates and assumptions, but the development of the projected future cash flows is based on subjective variables. Future events could occur which would cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist, and significant adverse changes in national, regional, or local market conditions or trends may cause us to change the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment analysis. The results of an impairment analysis could be material to our financial statements. We periodically receive offers from interested parties to purchase certain of our properties. These offers may be the result of an active program initiated by us to sell the property, or from an unsolicited offer to purchase the property. The typical sale process involves a significant negotiation and due diligence period between us and the potential purchaser. As the intent of this process is to determine if there are items that would cause the purchaser to be unwilling to purchase or we would be unwilling to sell, it is not unusual for such potential offers of sale/purchase to be withdrawn as such issues arise. We classify assets as “held for sale” when it is probable, in our opinion, that a sale transaction will be completed within one year. This typically occurs when all significant contingencies surrounding the closing have been resolved, which often corresponds with the closing date. We allocate the purchase price of properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on their fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize an independent third party to value the net tangible and identified intangible assets in connection with the acquisition of the respective property. We provide historical and pro forma financial information obtained about each property, as well as any other information needed in order for the third party to ascertain the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets (including in-place leases) acquired. Other Capitalized Costs We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with the development, redevelopment, capital enhancement and leasing of our properties. Management is required to use professional judgment in determining whether such costs meet the criteria for immediate expense or capitalization. The amounts are dependent on the volume and timing of such activities and the costs associated with such activities. Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements to properties are expensed when incurred. Renovations and improvements to properties are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives and construction costs related to the development of new community or expansion sites are capitalized until the property is substantially complete. Costs incurred to renovate repossessed homes for our Rental Program are capitalized and costs incurred to refurbish the homes at turnover and repair the homes while occupied are expensed. Certain expenditures to dealers and residents related to obtaining lessees in our communities are capitalized and amortized over a seven year period based on the anticipated term of occupancy of a resident. Costs associated with implementing our computer systems are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related software and hardware. Costs incurred to obtain new financing are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the related loan agreement using the straight-line method (which approximates the effective interest method). Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents. The maximum amount of credit risk arising from cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts was approximately $1.8 million and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Inventory Inventory of manufactured homes is stated at lower of specific cost or market based on the specific identification method. Investments in Affiliates Investments in affiliates in which we do not have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest, but can exercise significant influence over the entity with respect to its operations and major decisions, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of our investment is adjusted for our proportionate share of the affiliate’s net income or loss and reduced by distributions received. We review the carrying value of our investment in affiliates for other than temporary impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Financial condition, operational performance, and other economic trends are some of the factors we consider when we evaluate the existence of impairment indicators. When we have a carrying value of zero for our investment, we suspend the equity method of accounting until such time that the affiliate’s net income equals or exceeds the share of net losses not recognized during the time in which the equity method of accounting was suspended. See Note 8 for additional information. Notes and Other Receivables We provide financing to purchasers of manufactured homes generally located in our communities. The notes are collateralized by the underlying manufactured home sold. Notes receivable include both installment loans retained by the Company as well as transferred loans that have not met the requirements for sale accounting which are presented herein as collateralized receivables (See Note 5 for additional information). For purposes of accounting policy, all notes receivable are considered one homogenous segment, as the notes are typically underwritten using the same requirements and terms. Notes receivable are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balance adjusted for an allowance for loan loss. Interest income is accrued based upon the unpaid principal balance of the loans. Past due status of our notes receivable is determined based upon the contractual terms of the note. When a note receivable becomes 60 days delinquent, we stop accruing interest on the note receivable. The interest on nonaccrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans on a nonaccrual status were immaterial at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The ability to collect our notes receivable is measured based on current and historical information and events. We consider numerous factors including: length of delinquency, estimated costs to lease or sell, and repossession history. Our experience supports a high recovery rate for notes receivable; however there is some degree of uncertainty about the recoverability of our investment in these notes receivable. We are generally able to recover our recorded investment in uncollectible notes receivable by repossessing the homes on the notes retained by us and repurchasing the homes on the collateralized receivables, and subsequently selling or leasing these homes to potential residents in our communities. We have established a loan loss reserve based on our estimated unrecoverable costs associated with repossessed/repurchased homes. We estimate our unrecoverable costs to be the repurchase price of the home collateralizing the note receivable plus repair and remarketing costs in excess of the estimated selling price of the home being repossessed. A historical average of this excess cost is calculated based on prior repossessions/repurchases and is applied to our estimated annual future repossessions to create the allowance for both installment and collateralized notes receivable. See Note 6 for additional information. We evaluate the collectability of a loan based on our ability to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We generally see that if the obligor is delinquent on the loan they are also delinquent on site rent. If the scheduled payment is delinquent more than five to seven days, dependent on state law, we begin the repossession and eviction process simultaneously. This process generally takes 30 to 45 days; due to the short time frame from delinquent loan to repossession we do not evaluate the notes receivables for impairments. No loans were considered impaired as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. We evaluate the credit quality of our notes receivable at the inception of the receivable. We consider the following factors in order to determine the credit quality of the applicant - FICO scores; home debt to income ratio; total debt to income ration; length of employment; and previous landlord references. Other receivables are generally comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and related charges, home sale proceeds receivable from sales near year end and various other miscellaneous receivables. Accounts receivable from residents are typically due within 30 days and stated at amounts due from residents net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. We evaluate the recoverability of our receivables whenever events occur or there are changes in circumstances such that management believes it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan and lease agreements. Receivables related to community rents are reserved when we believe that collection is less than probable, which is generally after a resident balance reaches 60 to 90 days past due. Other Assets Included in other assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is restricted cash in the amount $7.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Restricted cash consists of amounts held in deposit at a financial institution to collateralize derivative instruments in a liability position and deposits for tax, insurance and repair escrows held by lenders in accordance with certain debt agreements. Deferred Tax Assets We are subject to certain state taxes that are considered to be income taxes and have certain subsidiaries that are taxed as regular corporations. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is established if, based on the available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 14 for additional information. Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards is measured based on the closing share price of our common stock on the date of grant. Share-based compensation cost for stock options is estimated at the grant date based on each option’s fair-value as calculated by the Binomial (lattice) option-pricing model. The Binomial (lattice) option-pricing model incorporates various assumptions including expected volatility, expected life, dividend yield, and interest rates. Share based compensation cost for phantom share awards is re-measured based on the closing share price of our common stock at the end of each reporting period. See Note 11 for additional information. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, derivative instruments, and debt. We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. See Note 18 for additional information regarding the estimates and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument. Revenue Recognition Rental income attributable to site and home leases is recorded on a straight-line basis when earned from tenants. Leases entered into by tenants are generally for one year terms but may range from month-to-month to two years and are renewable by mutual agreement from us and the resident, or in some cases, as provided by state statute. Revenue from the sale of manufactured homes is recognized upon transfer of title at the closing of the sales transaction. Interest income on notes receivable is recorded on a level yield basis over the life of the notes. We report certain taxes collected from the resident and remitted to taxing authorities in revenue. These taxes include certain Florida property and fire taxes. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, we had advertising costs of $2.4 million, $2.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives are 30 years for land improvements and buildings, 10 years for rental homes, 7 to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and 7 years for intangible assets. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. We adjust our balance sheet on a quarterly basis to reflect the current fair market value of our derivatives. For those hedges that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, we adjust our balance sheet on a quarterly basis to reflect current fair market value of our derivatives. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in earnings or comprehensive income, as appropriate. The ineffective portion of the hedge is immediately recognized in earnings to the extent that the change in value of a derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the instrument being hedged. The effective portion of the hedge is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. We use standard market conventions to determine the fair values of derivative instruments, including the quoted market prices or quotes from brokers or dealers for the same or similar instruments. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value and such value may never actually be realized. See Note 17 for additional information. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the same category as the cash flows of the underlying hedged items, which are in the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Real Estate Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Real Estate Acquisitions

In May 2011, we acquired Orange City RV Resort (“Orange City”), a Florida RV community comprising 525 developed sites. We believe the addition of Orange City to our portfolio creates an excellent growth opportunity as well as creating a new RV presence for us geographically.

In June 2011, we closed on the acquisition of Kentland Communities (“Kentland”), comprising 17 manufactured home communities and one RV community. The 18 communities acquired are located in western Michigan and comprise 5,434 developed sites. We believe the addition of Kentland complements our existing portfolio and enhances our long-term growth opportunities.

In November 2011, we acquired Cider Mills Crossings (“Cider Mills”), a Michigan manufactured home community comprising 262 developed sites through an auction. We believe the addition of Cider Mills creates an exceptional growth opportunity for us within this community.

In December 2011, we acquired three Florida RV communities, Club Naples RV Resort, Kountree RV Resort, and North Lake RV Resort (collectively the “Florida Properties”), two of which are in Naples, Florida and one of which is in Moore Haven, Florida, comprised of 740 developed sites. We believe the addition of these three Florida properties complement the existing Florida RV portfolio and will allow for a larger geographic footprint in the state.

In February 2012, we acquired three additional Florida RV communities, Three Lakes RV resort, Blueberry Hill RV resort and Grand Lake Estates (collectively, the “Additional Florida Properties”), one of which is located in Hudson, Florida, one of which is located in Bushnell, Florida and one of which is located in Orange Lake, Florida. Together, the Additional Florida Properties are comprised of 1,124 RV sites for approximately $25.0 million. We have engaged a third party to provide a valuation of the properties and will have the purchase price allocation for first quarter of 2012.

Acquisition related costs of approximately $2.0 million have been incurred as of December 31, 2011 and are presented as “Acquisition related costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

During the third quarter of 2011, we completed the purchase price allocation for Kentland and Orange City.

The purchase price allocation for Cider Mills and Florida Properties is preliminary and may be adjusted as final costs and final valuations are determined.

The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for Kentland, Orange City, Cider Mills and the Florida Properties (in thousands):



At Acquisition Date	Kentland			Orange City		Cider Mills			Florida Properties			Total
Investment in property	$	131,228		$	6,460	$	2,088		$	24,027		$	163,803
Inventory of manufactured homes	1,150			—		—			36			1,186
Notes	3,542			—		—			—			3,542
In-place leases	9,200			10		—			190			9,400
Other assets	1,269			—		—			899			2,168
Other liabilities	(2,067		)	—		(1,678		)	(1,237		)	(4,982		)
Assumed debt	(52,398		)	—		—			—			(52,398		)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	$	91,924		$	6,470	$	410		$	23,915		$	122,719


Consideration

Cash	$	27,383		$	2,533	$	410		$	6,915		$	37,241
Preferred OP units	45,548			—		—			—			45,548
New debt proceeds	18,993			3,937		—			17,000			39,930

Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	91,924		$	6,470	$	410		$	23,915		$	122,719

As of December 31, 2011, the total residual value of the acquired in-place leases above is $8.7 million. The amortization period is 7 years.

The results of operations of Kentland, Orange City, Cider Mills, and the Florida Properties are included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations beginning on their acquisition dates of June 2011, May 2011, November 2011, and December 2011, respectively. The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2010. The unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of either the results of operations that would have actually occurred had these transactions occurred on January 1, 2010 or the future results of operations (in thousands, except per-share data) ⁽¹⁾.



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, (Unaudited)
	2011		2010
Total revenues	$	304,730	$	293,982
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$	1,005	$	(2,326	)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic	0.05		(0.12		)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted	0.05		(0.12		)

⁽¹⁾ Below are nonrecurring expenses that have been adjusted for the pro forma results above:

(a) The seller had management fees of $0.8 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 that have been excluded from

above as these fees will not continue going forward.

(b) Transaction costs related to the acquisitions are not expected to have a continuing impact and therefore have been excluded from 2011 and

included in 2010.

The amount of Kentland, Orange City, Cider Mills, and the Florida Properties’ revenue and net income included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2011 is set forth in the following table (in thousands):



	Revenue		Net Income
Actual from acquisition date to December 31, 2011	$	12,201	$	1,247

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Appendix F
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1500-128463

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e6996-128479

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911361&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6972119&loc=d3e1383-128463

+ Details

Discontinued Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

In the third quarter of 2009, we sold our investments in certain land improvements and equipment that provided cable television services to certain communities within the Real Property Operations segment. Cash proceeds from this sale were $0.3 million, resulting in a net gain on sale of $0.1 million. The results of the cable television service business for the prior periods have been presented as a discontinued operation in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following tables set forth certain summarized financial information of the discontinued operation (in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Total revenues	$	—	$	—	$	423
Total expenses	—		—		(777		)
Asset impairment	—		—		—
Gain on sale of business	—		—		127
Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		(227		)
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		(24		)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	—	$	—	$	(203	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the segment in which the disposal group was reported, and the classification (whether sold or classified as held for sale) and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group. Includes all disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43-48
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6391110&loc=d3e2941-110230

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1510-107760

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1020-107759

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e1012-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1474-107760

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6390789&loc=d3e2443-110228

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1436-107760

+ Details

Investment Property

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]

Investment Property

The following table sets forth certain information regarding investment property (in thousands):



	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
Land	$	140,230		$	116,837
Land improvements and buildings	1,342,325			1,190,761
Rental homes and improvements	246,245			209,824
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	41,172			36,716
Land held for future development	24,633			26,406
Investment property	1,794,605			1,580,544
Accumulated depreciation	(597,999		)	(548,218		)
Investment property, net	$	1,196,606		$	1,032,326

Land improvements and buildings consist primarily of infrastructure, roads, landscaping, clubhouses, maintenance buildings and amenities.

In September 2009, a flood caused substantial damage to our property, Countryside Village of Atlanta, located in Lawrenceville, Georgia, which included the destruction of 109 home sites. We have comprehensive insurance coverage for both the property damage and business interruption, subject to deductibles and certain limitations. In December 2011, we settled our insurance claim, which resulted in total proceeds of $4.8 million. We are currently in the process of investigating the feasibility of, and seeking approval from FEMA for, rebuilding the damaged home sites, and have commenced discussions with our lender relative to the potential use of the insurance proceeds for such purpose.

In December 2011, we recorded impairment charges of $1.4 million associated with a long-lived asset for our manufactured housing community in Reidsville, North Carolina. This community consists of 45 developed sites. Based on our impairment analysis, we reviewed the carrying value of the long-lived asset to be held and used for impairment which indicated a possible impairment. Circumstances that prompted this test of recoverability included a decrease in the net operating income and an adverse judgment that limits the number of rental homes in the community. We considered both of these factors and determined that we will not be expanding the community. We recognized the impairment loss because the long-lived asset's carrying value was deemed not recoverable and exceeded estimated fair value. We estimated the fair value of these long lived assets based on future cash flows and any potential disposition proceeds for the given asset. We used variables such as estimated holding period, rental rates, occupancy and operating expenses during the holding period, as well as disposition proceeds to forecast future cash flows. This transaction is classified as Asset Impairment Charge within the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for certain real estate investment financial statements, real estate investment trust operating support agreements, real estate owned, retail land sales, time share transactions, as well as other real estate related disclosures.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 2
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph c
-Subparagraph Schedule III
-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 28
-Article 12

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 11
-Subsection I
-LegacyDoc This is a non-GAAP reference that was included in the 2009 taxonomy. It will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 3
-Section A
-Paragraph 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 154
-Paragraph 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 67
-Paragraph 4, 5, 6, 7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 23, 24
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph f
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 15
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 75-2
-Paragraph 47, 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)
-Number AAG-DEP
-Chapter 11
-Paragraph 2, 6, 9-11, 18, 20
-IssueDate 2006-05-01
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 04-2
-Paragraph 41, 63, 64
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 7, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 34
-Paragraph 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 66
-Paragraph 4, 5, 37, 50, 59, 65, 95, 97
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph a, b
-Subsection I
-LegacyDoc This is a non-GAAP reference that was included in the 2009 taxonomy. It will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph 4
-Article 9

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 11
-Article 9

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 970
-SubTopic 360
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-28)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6590653&loc=d3e638233-123024

+ Details

Transfers Of Financial Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]

Transfers Of Financial Assets

Transfers of Financial Assets

We completed various transactions with an unrelated entity involving our notes receivable during 2011 and 2010, under which we received a total of $21.5 million and $26.9 million, respectively, of cash proceeds in exchange for relinquishing our right, title and interest in certain notes receivable. We have no further obligations or rights with respect to the control, management, administration, servicing, or collection of the installment notes. However, we are subject to certain recourse provisions requiring us to purchase the underlying homes collateralizing such notes, in the event of a note default and subsequent repossession of the home by the unrelated entity. The recourse provisions are considered to be a form of continuing involvement, and therefore these transferred loans did not meet the requirements for sale accounting. We continue to recognize these transferred loans on our balance sheet and refer to them as collateralized receivables as a transfer of financial assets. The proceeds from the transfer have been recognized as a secured borrowing.

In the event of note default, and subsequent repossession of a manufactured home by the unrelated entity, the terms of the agreement require us to repurchase the manufactured home. Default is defined as the failure to repay the installment note according to contractual terms. The repurchase price is calculated as a percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the collateralized receivable, plus any outstanding late fees, accrued interest, legal fees, and escrow advances associated with the installment note. The percentage used to determine the repurchase price of the outstanding principal balance on the installment note is based on the number of payments made on the note. In general, the repurchase price is determined as follows:



Number of Payments	Repurchase %
Less than or equal to 15	100	%
Greater than 15 but less than 64	90	%
Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120	65	%
120 or more	50	%

The transferred assets have been classified as collateralized receivables in Notes and Other Receivables (see Note 6) and the cash proceeds received from these transactions have been classified as a secured borrowing in Debt (see Note 9) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balance of the collateralized receivables was $81.2 million (net of allowance of $0.5 million) and $71.0 million (net of allowance of $0.2 million) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The outstanding balance on the secured borrowing was $81.7 million and $71.3 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The balances of the collateralized receivables and secured borrowings fluctuate. The balances increase as additional notes receivable are transferred and exchanged for cash proceeds. The balances are reduced as the related collateralized receivables are collected from the customers, or as the underlying collateral is repurchased. The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the collateralized receivables is as follows (in thousands):



	2011			2010
Beginning balance as of December 31,	$	71,278		$	52,368
Financed sales of manufactured homes	21,509			20,637
Transfers of financial assets	—			6,271
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(4,425		)	(3,497		)
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(6,680		)	(4,501		)
Total activity	10,404			18,910
Ending balance as of December 31,	$	81,682		$	71,278

The collateralized receivables earn interest income and the secured borrowings accrue interest expense at the same interest rates. The amount of interest income and expense recognized was $8.5 million and $7.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a transferor's continuing involvement in financial assets that it has transferred in a securitization or asset-backed financing arrangement, the nature of any restrictions on assets reported by an entity in its statement of financial position that relate to a transferred financial asset (including the carrying amounts of such assets), how servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported, and (for securitization or asset-backed financing arrangements accounted for as sales) when a transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial assets and transfers of financial assets accounted for as secured borrowings, how the transfer of financial assets affects an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 17
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6942082&loc=d3e107207-111719

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6862952&loc=d3e113969-111729

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6863725&loc=d3e122739-111746

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6863725&loc=d3e122596-111746

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6865494&loc=SL6226446-111709

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6865494&loc=SL6226443-111709

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6942082&loc=d3e107314-111719

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6863725&loc=d3e122625-111746

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph 6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph B1-B12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Notes And Other Receivables

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Long-term Notes and Loans, by Type, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]

Notes And Other Receivables

Notes and Other Receivables

The following table sets forth certain information regarding notes and other receivables (in thousands):



	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net	13,417		9,420
Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 5)	81,176		71,020
Other receivables, net	20,291		8,367
Total notes and other receivables, net	$	114,884	$	88,807

Installment Notes Receivable on Manufactured Homes

The installment notes of $13.4 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) and $9.4 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are collateralized by manufactured homes. The notes represent financing provided by us to purchasers of manufactured homes primarily located in our communities and require monthly principal and interest payments. This also includes the notes receivable that were purchased in the Kentland acquisition. See Note 2 for more information. The notes have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 7.9 percent and 10.3 years as of December 31, 2011, and 7.0 percent and 11.1 years as of December 31, 2010.

The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the installment notes is as follows (in thousands):



	2011			2010
Beginning balance as of December 31,	$	9,466		$	12,710
Financed sales of manufactured homes	3,362			4,969
Acquired notes (see Note 2)	3,542			—
Transfers of financial assets	—			(6,271		)
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(1,728		)	(1,150		)
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(1,097		)	(792		)
Total activity	4,079			(3,244		)
Ending balance as of December 31,	$	13,545		$	9,466

Collateralized Receivables

Collateralized receivables represent notes receivable that were transferred to a third party, but did not meet the requirements for sale accounting (see Note 5). The receivables have a balance of $81.2 million (net of allowance of $0.5 million) and $71.0 million (net

of allowance of $0.2 million) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The receivables have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 11.2 percent and 13.2 years as of December 31, 2011, and 11.3 percent and 13.4 years as of December 31, 2010.

Allowance for Losses for Collateralized and Installment Notes Receivable

The allowance for losses for collateralized and installment notes receivable was $0.6 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.



	2011			2010
Beginning balance as of December 31,	$	(303	)	$	(250	)
Lower of cost or market write-downs	84			219
Increase to reserve balance	(416		)	(272		)
Total activity	(332		)	(53		)
Ending balance as of December 31,	$	(635	)	$	(303	)

Other Receivables

Other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $3.0 million (net of allowance of $0.4 million), home sale proceeds of $3.3 million, insurance receivables of $0.8 million, rebates receivable in association of FNMA settlement (see Note 9) of $4.9 million, insurance settlement (see Note 4) of $3.7 million, note receivable related to Kentland acquisition of $0.9 million (see Note 2), and other receivables of $3.7 million as of December 31, 2011. Other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $1.8 million (net of allowance of $0.4 million), home sale proceeds of $2.7 million, insurance receivables of $0.8 million, and rebates and other receivables of $3.1 million as of December 31, 2010.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a company. Examples include trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 3, 4
-Article 5

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Article 9

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
-Paragraph 13
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph k

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.3,4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5074-111524

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5066-111524

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6965416&loc=d3e5162-111524

+ Details

Intangibles	12 Months Ended
Intangibles	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangibles	Intangibles Our intangible assets are in-place leases from acquisitions and capitalized costs in relation to leasing costs. These intangible assets are recorded within Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. They are amortized into depreciation and amortization expense over a seven year amortization period. The gross carrying amount is $25.3 million and $17.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The accumulated amortization is $10.8 million and $11.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Aggregate net amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. We anticipate the amortization expense for the existing intangible assets to be $2.8 million, $2.6 million, $2.3 million, $2.1 million and $1.9 million for the next five years.

Investment In Affiliates

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investment In Affiliates

Investment in Affiliates

Origen Financial Services, LLC. (“OFS LLC”)

At December 31, 2011, we had a 22.9 percent ownership interest in OFS LLC, an entity formed to originate manufactured housing installment contracts. We contributed cash of approximately $0.6 million toward the formation of OFS LLC.

In December 2009, we concluded that our investment in OFS LLC was not recoverable due to operating losses, liquidity concerns, and declining revenue trends and recorded an other than temporary impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of our investment to zero. Equity accounting is suspended in periods when the recognition of equity losses would reduce the carrying value of our investment below zero and also because we are not obligated to provide additional funding to OFS LLC. In the event OFS LLC reports net income in future periods, we will resume application of the equity method only after our share of the LLC’s net income equals or exceeds the share of net losses not recognized during the period in which equity accounting was suspended. We recorded a loss associated with our equity allocation of OFS LLC’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2010. The carrying value of our investment in OFS LLC was zero as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. Our equity allocation of OFS LLC’s losses was $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Origen Financial, Inc. (“Origen”)

We own 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Origen which approximates an ownership interest of 19 percent, and the carrying value of our investment was zero as of December 31, 2011. We do, however, receive income from dividend payments on our investment. Origen had a market value of approximately $6.5 million based on a quoted market closing price of $1.29 per share from the “Pink Sheet Electronic OTC Trading System” as of December 31, 2011.

Our equity allocations of the losses from Origen were $1.6 and $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Equity accounting is suspended in periods when the recognition of equity losses would reduce the carrying value of our investment below zero and also because we are not obligated to provide additional funding to Origen. In the event Origen reports net income in future periods, we will resume application of the equity method only after our share Origen’s net income equals or exceeds the share of net losses not recognized during the period in which equity accounting was suspended.

These unaudited revenue and expense amounts in the table below represent actual results through November 2011 and budgeted results for December 2011.

The following table sets forth certain summarized restated unaudited financial information for Origen (amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited)
	2011			2010			2009
Total revenues	$	67,094		$	74,401		$	84,870
Total expenses	78,902			90,995			97,301
Net loss	(11,808		)	(16,594		)	(12,431		)



	As of December 31, (Unaudited)
ASSETS	2011		2010
Loans receivable	$	628,708	$	716,900
Other assets	22,924		27,201
Total assets	$	651,632	$	744,101
LIABILITIES
Warehouse and securitization financing	$	560,724	$	627,334
Other liabilities	51,625		49,792
Total liabilities	$	612,349	$	677,126

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity investment, or group of investments, for which combined disclosure is appropriate, including: (a) the name of each investee and percentage of ownership of common stock, (b) accounting policies for investments in common stock, (c) difference between the amount at which the investment is carried and the amount of underlying equity in net assets and the accounting treatment of the difference, (d) the total fair value of each identified investment for which a market value is available, (e) summarized information as to assets, liabilities, and results of operations of the investees (for investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, common stock of joint ventures, or other investments using the equity method), and (f) material effects of possible conversions, exercises, or contingent issuances of the investee. Other disclosures include (a) the names of any investee in which the investor owns 20 percent or more of the voting stock and investment is not accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why not, and (b) the names of any investee in which the investor owns less than 20 percent of the voting stock and the investment is accounted for using the equity method, and the reasons why it is.

+ References + Details

Debt And Lines Of Credit

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt And Lines Of Credit

Debt and Lines of Credit

The following table sets forth certain information regarding debt (in thousands):



	Principal Outstanding				Weighted Average Years to Maturity		Weighted Average Interest Rates
	December 31, 2011		December 31, 2010		December 31, 2011	December 31, 2010	December 31, 2011		December 31, 2010
Collateralized term loans - CMBS	$	629,229	$	602,886	5.0	4.1	5.5	%	5.3	%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA	364,581		369,147		11.3	3.4	3.6	%	4.1	%
Aspen and Series B-3 Preferred OP Units	48,822		48,322		9.2	10.2	6.9	%	6.9	%
Secured borrowing (see Note 5)	81,682		71,278		13.2	13.4	11.2	%	11.3	%
Mortgage notes, other	143,877		71,979		3.2	2.3	3.8	%	3.7	%
Total debt	$	1,268,191	$	1,163,612	7.3	4.6	5.2	%	5.3	%

Collateralized Term Loans

In March, 2011, we completed a collateralized mortgage backed security “CMBS” financing with JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association for $115.0 million bearing an interest rate of 5.837% and a maturity date of March 1, 2021. This loan is secured by 11 properties. The loan refinanced $104.8 million of CMBS debt which was scheduled to mature in July 2011 and was collateralized using the same property pool.

In July 2011, we reached an agreement with Fannie Mae (“FNMA”) and PNC Bank, National Association, regarding the settlement of the litigation we commenced in November 2009 over certain fees charged when the variable rate loan facility was extended in April 2009. The agreement became effective January 3, 2012 and the litigation was dismissed. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, we have the option to extend the maturity date of our entire $367.0 million credit facility with PNC Bank and FNMA from 2014 to 2023, subject to compliance with certain underwriting criteria. This agreement also provided a reduction in the facility fee charged on our variable rate facility, the effect of which reduced interest expense by $1.7 million thru December 31, 2011. See Note 20 for a more detailed description of the agreement. In addition we have a $10.0 million variable rate facility, which matures on May 1, 2023 and provides for interest-only payments until May 1, 2014, after which principal and interest payments will be due based on a 30-year amortization. The interest rate for the $10.0 million variable rate facility is equal to the 90-day LIBOR index, plus an investor spread equal to 95 basis points, plus a variable facility fee equal to 172 basis points through maturity.

The collateralized term loans totaling $993.8 million as of December 31, 2011, are secured by 96 properties comprised of 35,180 sites representing approximately $585.9 million of net book value.

Aspen Preferred OP Units

In February 2010, our Operating Partnership completed a ten year extension on the redemption date associated with the $35.8 million convertible Aspen Preferred OP Units to January 1, 2024. In connection with the extension, the maximum annual preferred rate on the Aspen Preferred OP Units was increased to 9.0 percent from 8.6 percent. These Aspen Preferred OP Units are convertible into 526,212 common shares based on a conversion price of $68 per share.

We redeemed $0.9 million of Series B-3 Preferred OP Units in the year ended December 31, 2010.

Secured Borrowing

See Note 5 for additional information regarding our collateralized receivables and secured borrowing transactions.

Mortgage Notes

In May 2011, we completed a refinancing agreement with Bank of America N.A., for $23.6 million. This debt bears an interest rate of 5.38% and has a maturity of June 1, 2021. This loan is secured by three properties. The loan refinanced $17.9 million of debt which was scheduled to mature in June 2012 and was collateralized using the same property pool.

In June 2011, we assumed secured debt with a principal balance $52.4 million, as a result of the Kentland acquisition (see Note 2 for acquisition details), that has a weighted average maturity of 4.4 years and weighted average annual interest rate of 5.70%. This secured debt was recorded at fair value on the date of the acquisition. This debt is secured by 12 properties.

In June 2011, we entered into a $22.9 million variable financing agreement with Bank of America N.A., to fund the Kentland and Orange City acquisition (see Note 2 for acquisition details). The agreement has a weighted average maturity of 3.7 years and weighted average annual variable interest rate of 3.10%. The debt was collateralized by six properties – five Kentland properties and Orange City. Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2011, we paid off $4.5 million of this agreement which was collateralized by Orange City.

In December 2011, we entered into a $17.0 million variable financing agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and Private Bank to fund the Florida Properties acquisition (see Note 2 for acquisition details). The agreement has a weighted average maturity of 5.0 years and had an effective interest rate of 2.80% at December 31, 2011. The debt was collateralized by all three of the properties acquired in the Florida Properties acquisition.

The mortgage notes totaling $143.9 million as of December 31, 2011, are collateralized by 31 properties comprised of 8,403 sites representing approximately $243.8 million of net book value.

Lines of Credit

In September, 2011, we entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility with Bank of America, N.A., and certain other lenders in the amount of $130.0 million (the "Facility"), which replaced our $115.0 million revolving line of credit. The Facility is secured by a first priority lien on all of our equity interests in each entity that owns all or a portion of the properties constituting the borrowing base and collateral assignments of our senior and mezzanine debt positions in certain borrowing base properties. The Facility has a built-in accordion feature allowing up to $20.0 million in additional borrowings and a one-year extension option, both at our discretion. The Facility matures on October 1, 2015, assuming the election of the extension. The Facility will bear interest at a floating rate based on Eurodollar plus a margin that is determined based on our leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the Facility, which can range from 2.25% to 2.95%. Based on our current leverage ratio, the margin is 2.75% as of December 31, 2011. The outstanding balance on the line of credit was $107.5 million and $81.0 million as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. In addition, $4.0 million of availability was used to back standby letters of credit as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The weighted average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings was 3.4 percent as of December 31, 2011. As of December 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, $18.5 million and $30.0 million, respectively, were available to be drawn under the facility based on the calculation of the borrowing base at each date.

In May 2010, we entered into a $20.0 million secured line of credit agreement collateralized by a portion of our rental home portfolio. The net book value of the rental homes pledged as security for the loan must meet or exceed 200 percent of the outstanding loan balance. The agreement has a maximum 10 year term that can be prepaid partially or in full at our option any time before the maturity date without penalty. The terms of the agreement require interest only payments for the first 5 years, with the remainder of the term being amortized based on a 10 year term. The interest rate for the first 5 years is Prime plus 200 basis points, with a minimum rate of 5.5 percent and a maximum rate of 9.0 percent (effective rate 5.5 percent at December 31, 2011); and thereafter at a fixed rate of 5.15 percent over the 5-year U.S. Treasury rate in effect on May 1, 2015. Prime shall mean the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal adjusted the first day of each calendar month. The outstanding balance was $16.0 million as of December 31, 2011 and was collateralized by 841 rental homes with a net book value of $32.0 million. The outstanding balance was $9.0 million as of December 31, 2010.

In March 2009, we entered into a $10.0 million manufactured home floor plan facility that was increased to $12.0 million in the second quarter of 2011. The floor plan facility initially had a committed term of one year. In February 2010, the floor plan facility was renewed indefinitely until our lender provides us 12 month notice of their intent to terminate the agreement. The interest rate is 100 basis points over the greater of Prime or 6.0 percent (effective rate 7.0 percent at December 31, 2011). Prime means the prevailing “prime rate” as quoted in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of each month. The outstanding balance was $5.5 million and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

As of December 31, 2011, the total of maturities and amortization of debt and lines of credit during the next five years, are as follows (in thousands):



	Maturities and Amortization By Year
	Total Due		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		After 5 years
Lines of credit	$	129,034	$	5,534	$	—	$	—	$	107,500	$	—	$	16,000
Mortgage loans payable:
Maturities	985,013		16,771		33,770		185,772		21,153		282,920		444,627
Principal amortization	152,674		16,600		17,458		17,031		16,204		14,614		70,767
Aspen and Series B-3 Preferred OP Units	48,822		4,670		4,145		4,225		—		—		35,782
Secured borrowing	81,682		3,450		3,784		4,139		4,581		5,080		60,648
Total	$	1,397,225	$	47,025	$	59,157	$	211,167	$	149,438	$	302,614	$	627,824

The most restrictive of our debt agreements place limitations on secured borrowings and contain minimum fixed charge coverage, leverage, distribution and net worth requirements. As of December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants.

Equity Transactions	12 Months Ended
Equity Transactions	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity Transactions	Equity Transactions In November 2004, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock. We have 400,000 common shares remaining in the repurchase program. No common shares were repurchased under this buyback program during 2011 or 2010. There is no expiration date specified for the buyback program. Common OP Unit holders can convert their Common OP units into an equivalent number of shares of common stock at any time. During 2011, holders of Common OP Units converted 10,249 units to common stock. The vesting requirements for 20,412 restricted shares granted to our employees were satisfied during the year ended December 31, 2011. Our shelf registration statement on Form S-3 for a proposed offering of up to $300.0 million of our common stock, preferred stock and debt securities was declared effective with the SEC in May 2009. We entered into a sales agreement to issue and sell up to 1,600,000 shares of common stock from time to time pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3. Sales under the agreement commenced during the third quarter of 2009 and we completed the final sale in May 2011. On May 31, 2011, we entered into an amendment to the sales agreement pursuant to our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3. Our Board of Directors authorized the sale of an additional 1,600,000 shares after May 2011 under the sales agreement. We issued 782,521 shares of common stock (480,184 shares from the first authorized issuance in 2009 and 302,337 shares from the second authorized issuance in 2011) during the year ended December 31, 2011 under the agreement. The shares of common stock were sold at the prevailing market price of our common stock at the time of each sale with a weighted average sale price of $37.54 and we received net proceeds of approximately $28.8 million. The proceeds were used to pay down our line of credit. As of December 31, 2011, there were an additional 1,297,663 shares authorized for issuance under the agreement. Subsequent to December 31, 2011, we have issued 40,524 shares at a weighted average price of $37.22 and received $1.5 million in net proceeds. In August, 2010, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with REIT Opportunity, Ltd. (“REIT Ltd.”), which provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, REIT Ltd. is committed to purchase up to the lesser of $100,000,000 of our common stock, or 3,889,493 shares of our common stock, which is equal to one share less than twenty percent of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock on the effective date of the Purchase Agreement. From time to time over the two year term of the Purchase Agreement, and at our sole discretion, we may present REIT Ltd. with draw down notices to purchase our common stock. Any and all issuances of shares of common stock to REIT Ltd. pursuant to the Purchase Agreement will be registered on our effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3. In January, 2011 we sold 915,827 shares of common stock at a weighted average sale price of $32.76 and received net proceeds of $30.0 million. The funds were used to pay down our line of credit. In June 2011, we issued $45.5 million of Preferred OP units in connection with the Kentland acquisition (see Note 2 for details). Preferred OP unit holders can convert the Preferred OP units into shares of common stock at any time after December 31, 2013 based on a conversion price of $41 per share with $100 par value. These Preferred OP units are convertible, but not redeemable. The Preferred OP unit holders receive a preferred return of 5.1% until June 23, 2013 and 6.0% thereafter. In January, 2012, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 4,600,000 shares of common stock at a price of $35.50 per share. The net proceeds from the offering were $156.0 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and expenses related to the offering. We used the net proceeds of the offering to repay $123.5 million of outstanding debt and we used $25.0 million to fund a portion of the purchase price of the remaining three RV communities located in Florida that we acquired in 2012 (See Note 2 for additional information). We expect to use any remaining net proceeds of the offering to fund possible future acquisitions of properties and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Cash dividends of $3.15 per share were declared for the year ended December 31, 2011. Cash payments for aggregate dividends, distributions and dividend equivalents made to common stockholders, common OP unitholders, and restricted stockholders were $58.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. On January 20, 2012, aggregate dividends, distributions and dividend equivalents of $15.0 million were made to common stockholders, common OP unitholders, and restricted stockholders of record on December 30, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity, comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, if any, including other comprehensive income (as applicable). Including, but not limited to: (1) balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings; (2) accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and total amount of comprehensive income; (3) amount and nature of changes in separate accounts, including the number of shares authorized and outstanding, number of shares issued upon exercise and conversion, and for other comprehensive income, the adjustments for reclassifications to net income; (4) rights and privileges of each class of stock authorized; (5) basis of treasury stock, if other than cost, and amounts paid and accounting treatment for treasury stock purchased significantly in excess of market; (6) dividends paid or payable per share and in the aggregate for each class of stock for each period presented; (7) dividend restrictions and accumulated preferred dividends in arrears (in aggregate and per share amount); (8) retained earnings appropriations or restrictions, such as dividend restrictions; (9) impact of change in accounting principle, initial adoption of new accounting principle and correction of an error in previously issued financial statements; (10) shares held in trust for Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); (11) deferred compensation related to issuance of capital stock; (12) note received for issuance of stock; (13) unamortized discount on shares; (14) description, terms, and number of warrants or rights outstanding; (15) shares under subscription and subscription receivables, effective date of new retained earnings after quasi-reorganization and deficit eliminated by quasi-reorganization and, for a period of at least ten years after the effective date, the point in time from which the new retained dates; and (16) retroactive effective of subsequent change in capital structure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 12
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph d

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Chapter 1
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Article 4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 29, 30, 31
-Article 5

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21463-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21564-112644

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6405834&loc=d3e23285-112656

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.E)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6228006&loc=d3e74512-122707

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.29-31)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 4.C)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959260&loc=d3e187143-122770

+ Details

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2011, we have three share-based compensation plans approved by stockholders. The plans consist of Sun Communities, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (“2009 Equity Plan”) and two Non-Employee Director Option Plans (“Director Plans”). The 2009 Equity Plan was approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 29, 2009. The 2009 Equity Plan replaced the Sun Communities, Inc. Stock Option Plan adopted in 1993, as amended and restated in 1996 and 2000 (“1993 Plan”), and terminates automatically July 29, 2019.

Upon the approval of the 2009 Equity Plan by our stockholders, the Board of Directors terminated the 1993 Plan with respect to new awards. Outstanding awards previously granted under the 1993 Plan were not affected by the termination of the 1993 Plan, and the terms of the 1993 Plan shall continue to govern such previously granted awards.

The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2009 Equity Plan is 950,000 shares, with 693,000 shares remaining for future issuance. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Director Plans is 200,000 shares, with 83,750 shares remaining for future issuance.

The types of awards that may be granted under the 2009 Equity Plan include stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other stock based awards. The 1993 Plan provided for the same types of equity awards as the 2009 Plan. We believe granting equity awards will provide certain key employees additional incentives to promote our financial success, and promote employee retention by providing an opportunity to acquire or increase the employees’ direct proprietary interest in our operations and future.

The types of awards that may be granted under the Director Plans are options to non-employee directors.

We have recognized compensation costs associated with shared based awards of $1.6 million, $1.6 million, and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 respectively.

Restricted Stock

The majority of our share-based compensation is awarded as restricted stock grants to key employees. We measure the fair value associated with these awards using the closing price of our common stock as of the grant date to calculate compensation cost. Employee awards typically vest over several years and are subject to continued employment by the employee. Award recipients receive dividend payments on unvested shares of restricted stock. We may also award performance-based restricted stock which is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions related to our financial performance. If achievement of the performance targets is not probable, any compensation cost related to these awards that has been recognized is reversed.

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2011	141,783		$	21.11
Granted	154,500		$	37.15
Vested	(20,412	)	$	36.87
Forfeited	—
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2011	275,871		$	28.93

Total compensation cost recognized for restricted stock was $1.5 million, $1.5 million, and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested was $0.8 million, $1.8 million, and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The remaining net compensation cost related to our unvested restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 was approximately $6.0 million. That expense is expected to be recognized $1.1 million in 2012, $1.2 million in 2013, $1.1 million in 2014 and $2.6 million thereafter.

Subsequent to the year ended December 31, 2011, restricted stock was granted to executive officers in February 2012. The total granted was 15,000 shares, which had a grant date fair value of $40.80.

Options

We have granted stock options to certain employees and non-employee directors. Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our common stock as of the grant date. Stock options generally vest over a three year period from the date of grant and have a maximum term of 10 years. We have granted 10,500 options to our non-employee directors during each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009. We issue new shares at the time of share option exercise (or share unit conversion).

The weighted average fair value of the options issued is estimated on the date of the grant using the Binomial (lattice) option pricing model, with the following weighted average assumptions used for the grants in the periods indicated:



	July 2011 Award			July 2010 Award			July 2009 Award
Estimated fair value per share of options granted:	$	9.70		$	6.93		$	1.66
Number of options granted	10,500			10,500			10,500

Assumptions:
Annualized dividend yield	6.70		%	8.50		%	16.90		%
Common stock price volatility	45.20		%	40.77		%	32.70		%
Risk-free rate of return	1.52		%	2.40		%	3.24		%
Expected option terms (in years)	5.0			7.3			7.3

The following table summarizes our option activity during the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price (per common share)		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in 000's)
Options outstanding at January 1, 2011	140,177		$	29.20
Granted	10,500		37.35
Exercised	(64,641	)	29.43
Forfeited or expired	(8,950	)	33.33
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	77,086		$	29.64	5.59	$	540

Options vested and expected to vest	77,086		$	29.64	5.59	$	540

Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011	47,086		$	30.75	3.66	$	272

The options outstanding as of December 31, 2011 consist of 12,336 employee options and 64,750 non-employee director options. The compensation expense associated with non-vested stock option awards was not significant for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of our closing share price as of December 31, 2011 in excess of the weighted-average exercise price multiplied by the number of options outstanding or exercisable. The aggregate intrinsic value excludes the effect of stock options that have a zero or negative intrinsic value.

Phantom Awards

We have granted phantom awards to certain key employees. Employee awards typically vest over several years and are subject to continued employment by the employee. A cash bonus is paid when the awards vest which is based on a 10 day average of our closing stock price prior to the vesting date. The awards also pay cash bonuses per unvested share equal to the amount of dividend paid per share of common stock.

The value of the awards is re-measured at each reporting date. As our stock price rises, the phantom awards increase in value, along with the associated compensation expense. Accordingly, as our stock price declines, the phantom awards decrease in value, along with the associated compensation expense.

For the year ended December 31 2011 and 2010, we recorded compensation expense of approximately $0.1 million related to phantom awards. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we recognized an immaterial amount of compensation expense related to these phantom awards. The following table summarizes the phantom award activity for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Number of Shares		Aggregate Fair Value (in 000's)
Unvested phantom awards at January 1, 2011	5,326		$	177
Granted	—
Vested	(2,588	)	$	(99	)
Forfeited	(150	)
Unvested phantom awards at December 31, 2011	2,588		$	95

We had 2,588 unvested phantom awards with an aggregate fair value of approximately $0.1 million based on our closing share price of $36.53 as of December 31, 2011. The awards vest (cash bonus is paid) in varying amounts until 2014. The remaining unrecognized expense related to these phantom awards is immaterial based on the closing share price as of December 31, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

+ Details

Other Income

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Income [Abstract]

Other Income

The components of other income are summarized as follows (in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Brokerage commissions	$	513	$	476	$	506
Other, net	416		13		95
Total other income	$	929	$	489	$	601

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

Our consolidated operations can be segmented into Real Property Operations and Home Sales and Rentals. Transactions between our segments are eliminated in consolidation. Seasonal RV revenue is included in Real Property Operations’ revenues and is approximately $4.7 million annually. This seasonal revenue is recognized 49% in the first quarter, 8.0% in the second, 15% in the third quarter and 28% in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.

A presentation of segment financial information is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Real Property Operations		Home Sales and Home Rentals		Consolidated
Revenues	223,613		54,542		278,155
Operating expenses/Cost of sales	76,737		41,588		118,325
Net operating income/Gross profit	146,876		12,954		159,830
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues	10,438		592		11,030
General and administrative	(19,704	)	(8,156	)	(27,860	)
Acquisition related costs	(1,971	)	—		(1,971	)
Depreciation and amortization	(51,063	)	(23,130	)	(74,193	)
Asset impairment charge	(1,382	)	—		(1,382	)
Interest expense	(66,949	)	(990	)	(67,939	)
Equity income from affiliates	2,100		—		2,100
Provision for state income taxes	(150	)	—		(150	)
Net income (loss)	18,195		(18,730	)	(535	)
Less: Preferred return to preferred OP units	1,222		—		1,222
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,003		(1,674	)	(671	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	15,970		(17,056	)	(1,086	)



	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
Revenues	$	204,498		$	52,425		$	256,923
Operating expenses/Cost of sales	69,276			39,444			108,720
Net operating income/Gross profit	135,222			12,981			148,203
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues	8,542			505			9,047
General and administrative	(17,182		)	(7,628		)	(24,810		)
Depreciation and amortization	(47,584		)	(21,284		)	(68,868		)
Interest expense	(64,772		)	(655		)	(65,427		)
Equity loss and distributions from affiliates	(1,146		)	—			(1,146		)
Provision for state income taxes	(512		)	—			(512		)
Net income (loss)	12,568			(16,081		)	(3,513		)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	967			(1,597		)	(630		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	11,601		$	(14,484	)	$	(2,883	)



	Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Real Property Operations		Home Sales and Home Rentals		Consolidated
Revenues	198,844		53,184		252,028
Operating expenses/Cost of sales	67,713		39,774		107,487
Net operating income/Gross profit	131,131		13,410		144,541
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues	6,606		387		6,993
General and administrative	(17,670	)	(7,429	)	(25,099	)
Georgia flood damage	(800	)	—		(800	)
Depreciation and amortization	(47,020	)	(20,403	)	(67,423	)
Interest expense	(62,456	)	(323	)	(62,779	)
Equity loss from affiliates	(1,654	)	(522	)	(2,176	)
Provision for state income taxes	(413	)	—		(413	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	7,724		(14,880	)	(7,156	)
Loss from discontinued operations	(227	)	—		(227	)
Net income (loss)	7,497		(14,880	)	(7,383	)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	487		(1,568	)	(1,081	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	7,010		(13,312	)	(6,302	)



	As of December 31,
	2011				2010
	Real Property Operations	Home Sales and Home Rentals		Consolidated	Real Property Operations	Home Sales and Home Rentals	Consolidated
Identifiable assets:
Investment property, net	1,028,575	168,031		1,196,606	890,867	141,459	1,032,326
Cash and cash equivalents	5,972	(115	)	5,857	8,385	35	8,420
Inventory of manufactured homes	—	5,832		5,832	—	2,309	2,309
Notes and other receivables	109,436	5,448		114,884	84,932	3,875	88,807
Other assets	41,843	2,952		44,795	30,945	2,535	33,480
Total assets	1,185,826	182,148		1,367,974	1,015,129	150,213	1,165,342

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT as defined under Section 856(c) of the Code, as amended. In order for us to qualify as a REIT, at least ninety-five percent (95%) of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources. In addition, a REIT must distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of its REIT ordinary taxable income to its stockholders.

Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements (some on an annual and quarterly basis) established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. In addition, frequent changes occur in the area of REIT taxation which requires us to continually monitor our tax status. We analyzed the various REIT tests and confirmed that we continued to qualify as a REIT for the year ended December 31, 2011.

As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes at the corporate level on the ordinary taxable income we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, our taxable income could be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax). Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local income taxes and to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.

For income tax purposes, distributions paid to common stockholders consist of ordinary income, capital gains, and return of capital. For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, distributions paid per share were taxable as follows (unaudited):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011				2010				2009
	Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage
Ordinary income	$	0.74	23.5	%	$	0.52	20.5	%	$	0.63	25.1	%
Capital gain	—		0.0	%	—		0.0	%	0.01		0.3	%
Return of capital	2.41		76.5	%	2.00		79.5	%	1.88		74.6	%
Total distributions declared	$	3.15	100.0	%	$	2.52	100.0	%	$	2.52	100.0	%

SHS, our taxable REIT subsidiary, is subject to U.S. federal income taxes. Our deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the bases of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance to the amount where realization is more likely than not assured after considering all available evidence. Our temporary differences primarily relate to net operating loss carrryforwards and depreciation.

The deferred income tax assets included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following tax effects of temporary differences (in thousands):



	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	19,723		$	15,644
Real estate assets	17,297			15,201
Amortization of intangibles	(128		)	(128		)
Gross deferred tax assets	36,892			30,717
Valuation allowance	(35,892		)	(29,717		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,000		$	1,000

SHS has net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $58.0 million at December 31, 2011. The loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2021 through 2031 if not offset by future taxable income. Management believes its net deferred tax asset will be realized but realization is continuously subject to an assessment as to recoverability in the future. The deferred tax asset will be used when we generate sufficient taxable income. No federal tax expense was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. We expect no significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to changes in tax positions within one year of December 31, 2011.

We classify certain state taxes as income taxes for financial reporting purposes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. We record the Michigan Business Tax and Texas Margin Tax as income taxes in our financial statements. We recorded a provision for state income taxes of approximately $0.2 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively. The current portion of the state income tax provision is approximately $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The deferred tax benefit portion of the state income tax provision is approximately $0.4 million and $0.2 million for December 31, 2011 and 2009, respectively. The deferred tax benefit portion of the state income tax provision for December 31, 2010 was immaterial.

A deferred tax liability is included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2010 in relation to the Michigan Business Tax and we had no deferred tax liability in relation to the Michigan Business Tax as of December 31, 2011 due to changes in the tax law. No deferred tax liability is recorded in relation to the Texas Margin Tax as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

We and our subsidiaries are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various state jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. Federal, State and Local, examinations by tax authorities before 2007.

Our policy is to report income tax penalties and income tax related interest expense as a component of income tax expense. No interest or penalty associated with any unrecognized income tax benefit or provision was accrued, nor was any income tax related interest or penalty recognized during the year ended December 31, 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Loss Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Loss Per Share

We have outstanding stock options and unvested restricted shares, and our Operating Partnership has Common OP Units, and convertible Preferred OP Units, which if converted or exercised, may impact dilution. Although our unvested restricted shares qualify as participating securities, we do not include them in the computation of basic loss per share under the two-class method in periods we report net losses, as the result would be anti-dilutive.

Computations of basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations were as follows (in thousands, expect per share data):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Numerator
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	(1,086	)	$	(2,883	)	$	(6,099	)

Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	21,147			19,168			18,484
Add: dilutive securities	—			—			—
Diluted weighted average common shares	21,147			19,168			18,484

Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.33	)

We excluded securities from the computation of diluted loss per share because the inclusion of these securities would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented. The following table presents the number of outstanding potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as of December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 (amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011	2010	2009
Stock options	77	140	152
Unvested restricted stock	276	142	188
Common OP Units	2,072	2,082	2,140
Aspen Preferred OP units	1,111	—	—
Convertible Preferred OP Units	526	526	526
Total securities	4,062	2,890	3,006

The figures above represent the total number of potentially dilutive securities, and do not reflect the incremental impact to the number of diluted weighted average shares outstanding that would be computed if the impact to us had been dilutive to the calculation of loss per share available to common stockholders.

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following is a condensed summary of our unaudited quarterly results for years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. Income (loss) per share for the year may not equal the sum of the fiscal quarters’ income (loss) per share due to changes in basic and diluted shares outstanding.



	Quarters
	1st			2nd			3rd			4th
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2011
Total revenues	$	69,714		$	68,262		$	74,723		$	76,486
Total expenses	67,348			70,358			75,044			78,920
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss) from affiliates	2,366			(2,096		)	(321		)	(2,434		)

Equity income and distributions from affiliates (1)	350			850			450			450
Income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	2,400			(890		)	(373		)	(2,223		)

Income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.12		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.10	)
Diluted	$	0.11		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.10	)

2010
Total revenues	$	67,535		$	66,741		$	64,709		$	66,985
Total expenses	65,123			68,701			66,146			67,855
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss) from affiliates	2,412			(1,960		)	(1,437		)	(870		)

Equity (loss) income and distributions from affiliates (1)	(819		)	(758		)	(69		)	500
Income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	1,337			(2,449		)	(1,403		)	(368		)

Income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.07		$	(0.13	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.02	)
Diluted	$	0.07		$	(0.13	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.02	)


⁽¹⁾	Refer to Note 8 for more information regarding Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References + Details

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Our objective in using interest rate derivatives is to manage exposure to interest rate movements thereby minimizing the effect of interest rate changes and the effect they could have on future cash flows. Interest rate swaps and caps are used to accomplish this objective. We require hedging derivative instruments to be highly effective in reducing the risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. We formally designate any instrument that meets these hedging criteria as a hedge at the inception of the derivative contract.

As of December 31, 2011, we had four derivative contracts consisting of two interest rate swap agreements with a total notional amount of $45.0 million and two interest rate cap agreements with a notional amount of $162.4 million. We generally employ derivative instruments that effectively convert a portion of our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt and to cap the maximum interest rate on certain variable rate borrowings. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

The following table provides the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts that were in effect as of December 31, 2011:



Type	Purpose	Effective Date	Maturity Date	Notional (in millions)	Based on	Variable Rate	Fixed Rate	Spread	Effective Fixed Rate
Swap	Floating to Fixed Rate	9/4/2002	7/3/2012	25.0	3 Month LIBOR	0.3721%	4.7000%	0.9000%	5.6000%
Swap	Floating to Fixed Rate	1/2/2009	1/2/2014	20.0	3 Month LIBOR	0.3721%	2.1450%	0.9000%	3.0450%
Cap	Cap Floating Rate	4/28/2009	5/1/2012	152.4	3 Month LIBOR	0.5810%	11.0000%	0.0000%	N/A
Cap	Cap Floating Rate	10/3/2011	10/3/2016	10.0	3 Month LIBOR	0.5810%	11.0200%	0.0000%	N/A

Generally our financial derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and the effective portion of the gain or loss on such hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent that the hedging relationship is not effective or do not qualify as a cash flow hedge, the ineffective portion is recorded in interest expense. Hedges that received designated hedge accounting treatment are evaluated for effectiveness at the time that they are designated as well as through the hedging period.

In accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, we have recorded the fair value of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the balance sheet. See Note 18 for information on the determination of fair value for the derivative instruments. The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):



	Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value As of December 31,				Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value As of December 31,
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		2011		2010			2011		2010
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement	Other assets	$	—	$	—	Other liabilities	$	1,106	$	2,166
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	—	$	—		$	1,106	$	2,166

These valuation adjustments will only be realized under certain situations. For example, if we terminate the swaps prior to maturity or if the derivatives fail to qualify for hedge accounting, then we would need to amortize amounts currently included in other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense over the terms of the derivative contracts. We do not intend to terminate the swaps prior to maturity and, therefore, the net of valuation adjustments through the various maturity dates will approximate zero, unless the derivatives fail to qualify for hedge accounting.

Our hedges were highly effective and had minimal effect on income. The following table summarizes the impact of derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 as recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):



Derivatives in cash flow hedging	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)							Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)						Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	Years Ended December 31,								Years Ended December 31,							Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009			2011		2010		2009			2011			2010			2009
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement	$	1,048	$	(411	)	$	1,111	Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—	Interest expense	$	(13	)	$	(10	)	$	9
Total	$	1,048	$	(411	)	$	1,111	Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	Total	$	(13	)	$	(10	)	$	9

Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to provide ongoing collateralization on derivative instruments in a liability position. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had collateral deposits recorded in other assets of $3.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the entity's entire derivative instruments and hedging activities. Describes an entity's risk management strategies, derivatives in hedging activities and non-hedging derivative instruments, the assets, obligations, liabilities, revenues and expenses arising therefrom, and the amounts of and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts of such items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80784-113994

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4E
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624181-113959

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4D
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624177-113959

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6887037&loc=d3e80748-113994

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4H
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624258-113959

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708775-113959

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41635-113959

Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5708773-113959

Reference 22: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

+ Details

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, derivative instruments, and debt. We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Derivative Instruments

The derivative instruments held by us are interest rate swaps and cap agreements for which quoted market prices are indirectly available. For those derivatives, we use model-derived valuations in which all observable inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets provided by brokers or dealers to determine the fair values of derivative instruments on a recurring basis.

Installment Notes on Manufactured Homes

The net carrying value of the installment notes on manufactured homes estimates the fair value as the interest rates in the portfolio are comparable to current prevailing market rates.

Long Term Debt and Lines of Credit

The fair value of long term debt (excluding the secured borrowing) is based on the estimates of management and on rates currently quoted and rates currently prevailing for comparable loans and instruments of comparable maturities.

Collateralized Receivables and Secured Borrowing

The fair value of these financial instruments offset each other as our collateralized receivables represent a transfer of financial assets and the cash proceeds received from these transactions have been classified as a secured borrowing in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The net carrying value of the collateralized receivables estimates the fair value as the interest rates in the portfolio are comparable to current prevailing market rates

Other Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their fair market values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

The table below sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that required disclosure of their fair values on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2011. The table presents the carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 that were measured using the valuation techniques described above. The table excludes financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable because the carrying values associated with these instruments approximate fair value since their maturities are less than one year.



	As of December 31,
	2011				2010
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Financial assets
Derivative instruments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Installment notes on manufactured homes, net	13,417		13,417		9,420		9,420
Collateralized receivables, net	81,176		81,176		71,020		71,020

Financial liabilities
Derivative instruments	$	1,106	$	1,106	$	2,166	$	2,166
Long term debt (excluding secured borrowing)	1,186,509		1,175,261		1,092,335		1,098,519
Secured borrowing	81,682		81,682		71,278		71,278
Lines of credit	129,034		129,034		94,527		94,527

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires the use of observable market data, when available, and prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in the following categories:

Level 1—Quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all observable inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

Level 3—Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable, including assumptions developed by us.

The table below sets forth, by level, our financial assets and liabilities that were required to be carried at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011.



	Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Derivative instruments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total assets	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Liabilities
Derivative instruments	$	1,106	$	—	$	1,106	$	—
Total liabilities	$	1,106	$	—	$	1,106	$	—

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

+ Details

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Dec. 31, 2011
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Updates to be Adopted In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-03, “Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements” (ASU 2011-03) which amends ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 860 removes from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 860 is effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2011-03 on our results of operations, financial condition and disclosure requirements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs” (ASU 2011-04) which amends ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 820 changes the wording used to describe the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 820 is effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2011-04 on our results of operations, financial condition and disclosure requirements. We will apply the provisions of these accounting standards after the effective date. Accounting Updates Adopted in 2011 In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income” (ASU 2011-05) which amends ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 220 gives an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 220 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, “Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-12” (ASU 2011-12) to defer the effective date for part of ASU 2011-05. The deferral of ASU 2011-05 is to defer the requirement of adjustments of items out of accumulated other income to be presented on the components of both net income and other comprehensive income in financial statements. This deferral is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011, so that entities will not be required to comply with the presentations requirements in ASU 2011-05 that ASU 2011-12 is deferring. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of changes in accounting principles, including adoption of new accounting pronouncements, that describes the new methods, amount and effects on financial statement line items.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 154
-Paragraph 2, 17, 18
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 28
-Paragraph 23, 24
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6801783&loc=d3e22499-107794

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6801783&loc=d3e22580-107794

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515603

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Accounting Change
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6503790

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507316

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510796

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.10-01.(b)(6))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6958853&loc=d3e46468-122699

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 250
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6801783&loc=d3e22583-107794

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Retrospective Application
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6523989

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e725-108305

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 13
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e765-108305

+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies On or about November 19, 2009, we, Sun Secured Financing LLC, Aspen-Ft. Collins Limited Partnership, Sun Secured Financing Houston Limited Partnership, Sun Communities Finance, LLC, Sun Holly Forest LLC and Sun Saddle Oak LLC (collectively, the “Plaintiffs”) filed suit against ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., L.P., PNC ARCS, LLC, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (collectively, the “Defendants”) in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia as Case No. 1:09-cv-02162. The essence of the dispute was whether the terms of a commercial credit facility permitted Defendants to increase the Variable Facility Fee applicable to the outstanding variable rate loans in conjunction with an extension of the credit facility (and, if so, whether the Defendants properly exercised that right). On March 31, 2011, the parties entered into an Agreement and Release, pursuant to which the parties agreed to stay the litigation. As part of the settlement, on July 27, 2011, we, PNC Bank, National Association (as successor in interest to ARCS Commercial Mortgage Co., L.P., and PNC ARCS, LLC), and Fannie Mae entered into a Second Amended and Restated Master Credit Facility Agreement, as amended on October 3, 2011 (the “Restated Credit Agreement”) which amended and restated in its entirety the prior credit agreement. On January 3, 2012, the Restated Credit Agreement became effective in its entirety and the litigation was dismissed. On June 4, 2010, we settled all of the claims arising out of the litigation filed in 2003 by TJ Holdings, LLC in the Superior Court of Guilford County, North Carolina and the associated arbitration proceeding commenced by TJ Holdings in Southfield, Michigan. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, in which neither party admitted any liability whatsoever, we paid TJ Holdings $360,000. In addition, pursuant to this settlement, TJ Holdings’ percentage ownership interest in Sun/Forest, LLC will be increased on a one time basis, in the event of a sale or refinance of all of the SunChamp Properties, to between 9.03% and 28.99% depending on our average closing stock price as reported by the NYSE during the 30 days preceding the sale or refinance of all the SunChamp Properties. Once this percentage ownership interest has been adjusted, there will be no further adjustments from subsequent sales or refinances of the SunChamp Properties. The likelihood of a sale or refinancing of all of the SunChamp properties is not probable as these properties continue to see growth potential nor do we have a need to refinance all of the properties, so we do not expect it to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition. In 2011, we discovered that we did not register with the SEC shares of our common stock purchased in the open market by our 401(k) plan for the benefit of participants in the plan. We intend to file a registration statement on Form S-3 offering to rescind the purchase of shares of our common stock by persons who acquired such shares through our 401(k) plan from September 16, 2010 through September 15, 2011. We do not expect this to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. We are involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. All such proceedings, taken together, are not expected to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2011
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions We have entered into the following transactions with OFS LLC: Investment in OFS LLC. We entered into an agreement with four unrelated companies (“Members”) and we contributed cash of approximately $0.6 million towards the formation of OFS LLC. OFS LLC purchased the loan origination platform of Origen. The purpose of the venture is to originate manufactured housing installment contracts for its Members. We account for our investment in OFS LLC using the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2011, we had an ownership interest in the OFS LLC of 22.9 percent, and the carrying value of our investment was zero. Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement. OFS LLC agreed to fund loans that meet our underwriting guidelines and then transfer those loans to us pursuant to a Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement. We paid OFS LLC a fee of $650 per loan pursuant to a Loan Origination, Sale and Purchase Agreement which totaled approximately $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. We purchased, at par, $3.0 million and $4.8 million of these loans during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. We have entered into the following transactions with Origen: Investment in Origen. We own 5,000,000 shares of Origen common stock and Shiffman Origen LLC (which is owned by the Milton M. Shiffman Spouse’s Marital Trust, Gary A. Shiffman (our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), and members of Mr. Shiffman’s family own 1,025,000 shares. Gary A. Shiffman is a member of the Board of Directors of Origen and Arthur A. Weiss, our director, is a trustee of the Milton M. Shiffman Spouse’s Marital Trust. We account for our investment in Origen using the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2011 we had an ownership interest in Origen of approximately 19 percent, and the carrying value of our investment was zero. Board Membership. Gary A. Shiffman, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is a board member of Origen. In addition to the transactions with Origen described above, Gary A. Shiffman and his affiliates and/or Arthur A. Weiss, one of our directors, have entered into the following transactions with us: Lease of Executive Offices. Gary A. Shiffman, together with certain family members, indirectly owns a 21 percent equity interest in American Center LLC, the entity from which we lease office space for our principal executive offices. Arthur A. Weiss owns a 0.75 percent indirect interest in American Center LLC. As of October 2011, we lease approximately 48,200 rentable square feet. The term of the lease is until October 31, 2016, with an option to renew for an additional five years. The annual base rent under the current lease is $18.61 per square foot (gross) and will remain this amount through October 31, 2014. From November 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015, the annual base rent will be $18.72 per square foot (gross) and then from September 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016, the annual base rent will be $17.92 per square foot (gross). Our annual rent expense associated with the lease of our executive offices was approximately $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. Our future annual rent expense will be approximately $0.9 million through 2016. Gary A. Shiffman may have a conflict of interest with respect to his obligations as our officer and/or director and his ownership interest in American Center LLC. Legal Counsel. During 2011, Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss, Professional Corporation (“JRH&W”) acted as our general counsel and represented us in various matters. Arthur A. Weiss is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and a shareholder of such firm. We incurred legal fees and expenses of approximately $2.5 million, $0.8 million and $1.1 million in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Tax Consequences Upon Sale of Properties. Gary A. Shiffman holds limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership which were received in connection with the contribution of 24 properties (four of which have been sold) from partnerships previously affiliated with him (the “Sun Partnerships”). Prior to any redemption of these limited partnership interests for our common stock, Gary A.. Shiffman will have tax consequences different from those of us and our public stockholders on the sale of any of the Sun Partnerships. Therefore, we and Gary A. Shiffman may have different objectives regarding the appropriate pricing and timing of any sale of those properties.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for related party transactions, including the nature of the relationship(s), a description of the transactions, the amount of the transactions, the effects of any change in the method of establishing the terms of the transaction from the previous period, stated interest rate, expiration date, terms and manner of settlement per the agreement with the related party, and amounts due to or from related parties. If the entity and one or more other entities are under common ownership or management control and this control affects the operating results or financial position, disclosure includes the nature of the control relationship even if there are no transactions between the entities. Disclosure may also include the aggregate amount of current and deferred tax expense for each statement of earnings presented where the entity is a member of a group that files a consolidated tax return, the amount of any tax related balances due to or from affiliates as of the date of each statement of financial position presented, the principal provisions of the method by which the consolidated amount of current and deferred tax expense is allocated to the members of the group and the nature and effect of any changes in that method. Examples of related party transactions include transactions between (a) a parent company and its subsidiary; (b) subsidiaries of a common parent; (c) and entity and its principal owners; and (d) affiliates.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 4
-Section 08
-Paragraph k

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 3A
-Section 04
-Paragraph b

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 1-4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39622-107864

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39549-107864

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39603-107864

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39691-107864

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 850
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6457730&loc=d3e39678-107864

+ Details

Schedule III

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Abstract]

Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation Disclosure [Text Block]



			Initial Cost to Company				Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)					Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2011
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land		Depreciable Assets		Land			Depreciable Assets		Land		Depreciable Assets		Total		Accumulated Depreciation			Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
Academy/Westpoint	Canton, MI	A	$	1,485	$	14,278	$	—		$	5,565	$	1,485	$	19,843	$	21,328	$	(7,210	)	2000	(A)
Allendale	Allendale, MI	A	366		3,684		—			7,743		366		11,427		11,793		(5,031		)	1996	(A)
Alpine	Grand Rapids, MI	C	729		6,692		—			6,911		729		13,603		14,332		(5,842		)	1996	(A)
Apple Carr Village	Muskegon, MI	3,943	800		6,172		—			334		800		6,506		7,306		(115		)	2011	(A)
Apple Creek	Amelia, OH	B	543		5,480		—			1,155		543		6,635		7,178		(2,477		)	1999	(A)
Arbor Terrace	Bradenton, FL	C	456		4,410		—			1,038		456		5,448		5,904		(2,567		)	1996	(A)
Ariana Village	Lakeland, FL	C	240		2,195		—			977		240		3,172		3,412		(1,609		)	1994	(A)
Autumn Ridge	Ankeny, IA	A	890		8,054		(34		)	2,331		856		10,385		11,241		(4,695		)	1996	(A)
Bedford Hills	Battle Creek, MI	—	1,265		11,562		—			2,485		1,265		14,047		15,312		(7,038		)	1996	(A)
Bell Crossing	Clarksville, TN	—	717		1,916		(12		)	6,331		705		8,247		8,952		(2,863		)	1999	(A)
Boulder Ridge	Pflugerville, TX	A	1,000		500		3,323			25,218		4,323		25,718		30,041		(8,613		)	1998	(C)
Branch Creek	Austin, TX	A	796		3,716		—			5,305		796		9,021		9,817		(4,139		)	1995	(A)
Brentwood	Kentwood, MI	C	385		3,592		—			2,195		385		5,787		6,172		(2,575		)	1996	(A)
Brookside Village	Goshen, IN	A	260		1,080		385			10,494		645		11,574		12,219		(5,654		)	1985	(A)
Brookside Village	Kentwood, MI	2,649	170		5,564		—			468		170		6,032		6,202		(101		)	2011	(A)
Buttonwood Bay	Sebring, FL	C	1,952		18,294		—			3,693		1,952		21,987		23,939		(7,767		)	2001	(A)
Byrne Hill Village	Toledo, OH	C	383		3,903		—			1,505		383		5,408		5,791		(2,081		)	1999	(A)
Byron Center	Byron Center, MI	C	253		2,402		—			1,764		253		4,166		4,419		(1,710		)	1996	(A)
Candlelight Village	Sauk Village, IL	D	600		5,623		—			5,401		600		11,024		11,624		(4,341		)	1996	(A)
Candlewick Court	Owosso, MI	C	125		1,900		131			2,966		256		4,866		5,122		(2,233		)	1985	(A)
Carrington Pointe	Ft. Wayne, IN	A	1,076		3,632		(1		)	6,235		1,075		9,867		10,942		(4,243		)	1997	(A)
Casa Del Valle	Alamo, TX	C	246		2,316		—			801		246		3,117		3,363		(1,341		)	1997	(A)
Catalina	Middletown, OH	C	653		5,858		—			3,745		653		9,603		10,256		(5,026		)	1993	(A)
Cave Creek	Evans, CO	5,581	2,241		15,343		—			8,276		2,241		23,619		25,860		(5,195		)	2004	(A)
Chisholm Point	Pflugerville, TX	A	609		5,286		—			6,348		609		11,634		12,243		(5,127		)	1995	(A)
Cider Mill Crossings	Fenton, MI	—	520		1,568		—			131		520		1,699		2,219		(32		)	2011	(A)
Cider Mill Village	Middleville, MI	3,445	250		3,590		—			396		250		3,986		4,236		(72		)	2011	(A)
Clearwater Village	South Bend, IN	A	80		1,270		60			3,859		140		5,129		5,269		(2,399		)	1986	(A)
Club Naples	Naples, FL	7,020	5,780		4,952		—			—		5,780		4,952		10,732		(95		)	2011	(A)
Cobus Green	Osceola, IN	—	762		7,037		—			3,010		762		10,047		10,809		(5,576		)	1993	(A)
College Park Estates	Canton, MI	—	75		800		174			7,219		249		8,019		8,268		(4,009		)	1978	(A)
Comal Farms	New Braunfels, TX	—	1,455		1,732		—			9,336		1,455		11,068		12,523		(2,917		)	2000	(A&C)
Continental Estates	Davison, MI	C	1,625		16,581		150			1,761		1,775		18,342		20,117		(8,963		)	1996	(A)
Continental North (1)	Davison, MI	C	—		—		—			9,129		—		9,129		9,129		(4,293		)	1996	(A)
Corporate Headquarters	Southfield, MI	—	—		—		—			11,561		—		11,561		11,561		(6,853		)	Various
Country Acres	Cadillac, MI	C	380		3,495		—			1,802		380		5,297		5,677		(2,439		)	1996	(A)
Country Hills Village	Hudsonville, MI	3,500	340		3,861		—			521		340		4,382		4,722		(78		)	2011	(A)



			Initial Cost to Company		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)				Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2011
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land	Depreciable Assets	Land		Depreciable Assets		Land	Depreciable Assets	Total	Accumulated Depreciation		Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
Country Meadows	Flat Rock, MI	A	924	7,583	296		15,700		1,220	23,283	24,503	(10,596	)	1994	(A)
Country Meadows Village	Caledonia, MI	4,648	550	5,555	—		772		550	6,327	6,877	(115	)	2011	(A)
Countryside Atlanta	Lawrenceville, GA	12,950	1,274	10,957	—		1,531		1,274	12,488	13,762	(3,252	)	2004	(A)
Countryside Gwinnett	Buford, GA	10,633	1,124	9,539	—		3,714		1,124	13,253	14,377	(3,593	)	2004	(A)
Countryside Lake Lanier	Buford, GA	16,850	1,916	16,357	—		4,353		1,916	20,710	22,626	(5,384	)	2004	(A)
Countryside Village	Perry, MI	—	275	3,920	185		4,598		460	8,518	8,978	(4,137	)	1987	(A)
Creekside	Reidsville, NC	—	350	1,423	(331	)	(1,243	)	19	180	199	—		2000	(A&C)
Creekwood Meadows	Burton, MI	D	808	2,043	404		11,235		1,212	13,278	14,490	(6,100	)	1997	(C)
Cutler Estates	Grand Rapids, MI	—	749	6,941	—		2,371		749	9,312	10,061	(4,320	)	1996	(A)
Davison East (1)	Davison, MI	C	—	—	—		1,266		—	1,266	1,266	(638	)	1996	(A)
Deerfield Run	Anderson, IN	—	990	1,607	—		4,776		990	6,383	7,373	(2,450	)	1999	(A)
Desert View Village	West Wendover, NV	—	1,119	—	(1,042	)	226		77	226	303	(99	)	1998	(C)
Dutton Mill Village	Caledonia, MI	3,891	370	8,997	—		438		370	9,435	9,805	(162	)	2011	(A)
Eagle Crest	Firestone, CO	A	2,015	150	—		38,440		2,015	38,590	40,605	(9,762	)	1998	(C)
East Fork	Batavia, OH	—	1,280	6,302	—		7,163		1,280	13,465	14,745	(4,365	)	2000	(A&C)
Edwardsville	Edwardsville, KS	—	425	8,805	541		5,622		966	14,427	15,393	(7,223	)	1987	(A)
Falcon Pointe	East Lansing, MI	2,265	450	4,049	(300	)	(2,529	)	150	1,520	1,670	(174	)	2003	(A)
Fisherman's Cove	Flint, MI	C	380	3,438	—		2,546		380	5,984	6,364	(3,063	)	1993	(A)
Forest Meadows	Philomath, OR	C	1,031	2,050	—		724		1,031	2,774	3,805	(1,118	)	1999	(A)
Four Seasons	Elkhart, IN	D	500	4,811	—		1,669		500	6,480	6,980	(2,549	)	2000	(A)
Glen Laurel	Concord, NC	—	1,641	453	—		10,233		1,641	10,686	12,327	(3,072	)	2001	(A&C)
Goldcoaster	Homestead, FL	C	446	4,234	172		2,689		618	6,923	7,541	(2,973	)	1997	(A)
Grand	Grand Rapids, MI	C	374	3,587	—		1,855		374	5,442	5,816	(2,505	)	1996	(A)
Groves	Ft. Myers, FL	D	249	2,396	—		1,146		249	3,542	3,791	(1,551	)	1997	(A)
Hamlin	Webberville, MI	C	125	1,675	536		8,184		661	9,859	10,520	(3,369	)	1984	(A)
Hickory Hills Village	Battle Creek, MI	4,593	760	7,697	—		379		760	8,076	8,836	(143	)	2011	(A)
Hidden Ridge	Hopkins, MI	—	440	893	—		28		440	921	1,361	(19	)	2011	(A)
High Point	Frederica, DE	17,500	898	7,031	—		4,798		898	11,829	12,727	(3,807	)	1997	(A)
Holiday Village	Elkhart, IN	A	100	3,207	143		2,618		243	5,825	6,068	(3,014	)	1986	(A)
Holiday West Village	Holland, MI	3,764	340	8,067	—		492		340	8,559	8,899	(152	)	2011	(A)
Holly/Hawaiian Gardens	Holly, MI	C	1,514	13,596	—		1,884		1,514	15,480	16,994	(3,763	)	2004	(A)
Holly Forest	Holly Hill, FL	A	920	8,376	—		568		920	8,944	9,864	(4,267	)	1997	(A)
Hunters Glen	Wayland, MI	2,589	1,102	11,926	—		2,755		1,102	14,681	15,783	(4,000	)	2004	(A)
Indian Creek	Ft. Myers Beach, FL	C	3,832	34,660	—		4,317		3,832	38,977	42,809	(19,113	)	1996	(A)
Island Lake	Merritt Island, FL	C	700	6,431	—		496		700	6,927	7,627	(3,707	)	1995	(A)
Kensington Meadows	Lansing, MI	A	250	2,699	—		7,210		250	9,909	10,159	(4,161	)	1995	(A)
Kenwood	La Feria, TX	—	145	1,842	—		231		145	2,073	2,218	(840	)	1999	(A)



			Initial Cost to Company		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)			Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2011
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land	Depreciable Assets	Land		Depreciable Assets	Land	Depreciable Assets	Total	Accumulated Depreciation		Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
King's Court	Traverse City, MI	A	1,473	13,782	(11	)	3,930	1,462	17,712	19,174	(8,432	)	1996	(A)
King's Lake	Debary, FL	C	280	2,542	—		2,765	280	5,307	5,587	(2,398	)	1994	(A)
Knollwood Estates	Allendale, MI	2,782	400	4,061	—		2,187	400	6,248	6,648	(2,241	)	2001	(A)
Lafayette Place	Warren, MI	D	669	5,979	—		3,568	669	9,547	10,216	(3,938	)	1998	(A)
Lake Juliana	Auburndale, FL	D	335	3,048	—		1,736	335	4,784	5,119	(2,280	)	1994	(A)
Lake San Marino	Naples, FL	D	650	5,760	—		1,555	650	7,315	7,965	(3,185	)	1996	(A)
Lakeview	Ypsilanti, MI	B	1,156	10,903	—		3,527	1,156	14,430	15,586	(3,562	)	2004	(A)
Leisure Village	Belmont, MI	2,743	360	8,219	—		117	360	8,336	8,696	(147	)	2011	(A)
Liberty Farms	Valparaiso, IN	C	66	1,201	116		2,992	182	4,193	4,375	(1,998	)	1985	(A)
Lincoln Estates	Holland, MI	C	455	4,201	—		2,190	455	6,391	6,846	(2,850	)	1996	(A)
Maplewood Mobile	Indianapolis, IN	C	275	2,122	—		2,149	275	4,271	4,546	(2,148	)	1989	(A)
Meadow Lake Estates	White Lake, MI	A	1,188	11,498	127		6,468	1,315	17,966	19,281	(9,341	)	1994	(A)
Meadowbrook	Charlotte, NC	—	1,310	6,570	—		5,150	1,310	11,720	13,030	(4,424	)	2000	(A&C)
Meadowbrook Estates	Monroe, MI	C	431	3,320	379		9,908	810	13,228	14,038	(6,297	)	1986	(A)
Meadowbrook Village	Tampa, FL	C	519	4,728	—		689	519	5,417	5,936	(3,131	)	1994	(A)
Meadows	Nappanee, IN	C	287	2,300	(1	)	4,092	286	6,392	6,678	(3,272	)	1987	(A)
Naples Gardens	Naples, FL	4,543	3,640	2,020	—		—	3,640	2,020	5,660	(40	)	2011	(A)
North Lake Estates	Moore Haven, FL	5,437	4,150	3,486	—		—	4,150	3,486	7,636	(67	)	2011	(A)
North Point Estates	Pueblo, CO	—	1,582	3,027	1		4,008	1,583	7,035	8,618	(2,097	)	2001	(C)
Oak Crest	Austin, TX	—	4,311	12,611	—		6,816	4,311	19,427	23,738	(5,992	)	2002	(A)
Oak Island Village	East Lansing, MI	3,595	320	6,843	—		612	320	7,455	7,775	(132	)	2011	(A)
Oakwood Village	Miamisburg, OH	A	1,964	6,401	(1	)	11,107	1,963	17,508	19,471	(6,319	)	1998	(A)
Orange City	Orange City, FL	3,937	920	5,540	—		470	920	6,010	6,930	(110	)	2011	(A)
Orange Tree	Orange City, FL	C	283	2,530	15		1,034	298	3,564	3,862	(1,865	)	1994	(A)
Orchard Lake	Milford, OH	B	395	4,025	—		626	395	4,651	5,046	(1,768	)	1999	(A)
Pebble Creek	Greenwood, IN	—	1,030	5,074	—		5,681	1,030	10,755	11,785	(3,825	)	2000	(A&C)
Pecan Branch	Georgetown, TX	—	1,379	—	235		5,025	1,614	5,025	6,639	(1,731	)	1999	(C)
Pheasant Ridge	Lancaster, PA	D	2,044	19,279	—		399	2,044	19,678	21,722	(6,296	)	2002	(A)
Pin Oak Parc	O'Fallon, MO	A	1,038	3,250	467		7,648	1,505	10,898	12,403	(4,696	)	1994	(A)
Pine Hills	Middlebury, IN	—	72	544	60		3,031	132	3,575	3,707	(1,789	)	1980	(A)
Pine Ridge	Prince George, VA	C	405	2,397	—		3,273	405	5,670	6,075	(2,633	)	1986	(A)
Pine Trace	Houston, TX	5,978	2,907	17,169	—		2,619	2,907	19,788	22,695	(5,407	)	2004	(A)
Pinebrook Village	Grand Rapids , MI	3,100	130	5,692	—		145	130	5,837	5,967	(108	)	2011	(A)
Presidential	Hudsonville, MI	A	680	6,314	—		4,831	680	11,145	11,825	(4,714	)	1996	(A)
Richmond	Richmond, MI	D	501	2,040	—		1,724	501	3,764	4,265	(1,434	)	1998	(A)
River Haven	Grand Haven, MI	—	1,800	16,967	—		4,658	1,800	21,625	23,425	(7,509	)	2001	(A)
River Ranch	Austin, TX	—	4,690	843	(4	)	9,427	4,686	10,270	14,956	(2,948	)	2000	(A&C)



			Initial Cost to Company		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)			Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2011
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land	Depreciable Assets	Land		Depreciable Assets	Land	Depreciable Assets	Total	Accumulated Depreciation		Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
River Ridge	Austin, TX	10,060	3,201	15,090	(2,351	)	6,083	850	21,173	22,023	(6,016	)	2002	(A)
River Ridge Expansion	Austin, TX	—	—	—	2,351		2,862	2,351	2,862	5,213	(48	)	2010	(C)
Roxbury	Goshen, IN	A	1,057	9,870	1		1,980	1,058	11,850	12,908	(4,320	)	2001	(A)
Royal Country	Miami, FL	54,000	2,290	20,758	—		1,513	2,290	22,271	24,561	(12,910	)	1994	(A)
Saddle Oak Club	Ocala, FL	A	730	6,743	—		1,186	730	7,929	8,659	(4,296	)	1995	(A)
Saddlebrook	San Marcos, TX	—	1,703	11,843	—		7,645	1,703	19,488	21,191	(5,641	)	2002	(A)
Scio Farms	Ann Arbor, MI	C	2,300	22,659	(11	)	10,098	2,289	32,757	35,046	(15,443	)	1995	(A)
Sea Air	Rehoboth Beach, DE	20,000	1,207	10,179	—		1,981	1,207	12,160	13,367	(3,996	)	1997	(A)
Sheffield	Auburn Hills, MI	6,825	778	7,165	—		831	778	7,996	8,774	(1,692	)	1986	(A)
Sherman Oaks	Jackson, MI	—	200	2,400	240		6,350	440	8,750	9,190	(4,284	)	1986	(A)
Siesta Bay	Ft. Myers Beach, FL	D	2,051	18,549	—		2,024	2,051	20,573	22,624	(10,258	)	1996	(A)
Silver Star	Orlando, FL	C	1,022	9,306	—		1,062	1,022	10,368	11,390	(5,129	)	1996	(A)
Snow to Sun	Weslaco, TX	C	190	2,143	13		1,187	203	3,330	3,533	(1,409	)	1997	(A)
Southfork	Belton, MO	D	1,000	9,011	—		3,976	1,000	12,987	13,987	(5,227	)	1997	(A)
Southwood Village	Grand Rapids, MI	5,991	300	11,517	—		319	300	11,836	12,136	(200	)	2011	(A)
St. Clair Place	St. Clair, MI	C	501	2,029	—		1,322	501	3,351	3,852	(1,480	)	1998	(A)
Stonebridge	San Antonio, TX	—	2,515	2,096	(615	)	8,461	1,900	10,557	12,457	(3,492	)	2000	(A&C)
Stonebridge	Richfield Twp., MI	—	2,044	—	2,130		44	4,174	44	4,218	—		1998	(C)
Summit Ridge	Converse, TX	—	2,615	2,092	(883	)	7,642	1,732	9,734	11,466	(3,264	)	2000	(A&C)
Sun Villa	Reno, NV	18,300	2,385	11,773	(1,100	)	748	1,285	12,521	13,806	(5,567	)	1998	(A)
Sunset Ridge	Kyle, TX	—	2,190	2,775	—		7,213	2,190	9,988	12,178	(3,383	)	2000	(A&C)
Sunset Ridge	Portland, MI	—	2,044	—	(9	)	15,602	2,035	15,602	17,637	(5,039	)	1998	(C)
Sycamore Village	Mason, MI	6,380	390	13,341	—		627	390	13,968	14,358	(244	)	2011	(A)
Tamarac Village	Ludington, MI	5,909	300	12,028	—		565	300	12,593	12,893	(218	)	2011	(A)
Tampa East	Dover, FL	B	734	6,310	—		1,930	734	8,240	8,974	(1,968	)	2005	(A)
Timber Ridge	Ft. Collins, CO	A	990	9,231	—		6,793	990	16,024	17,014	(6,526	)	1996	(A)
Timberbrook	Bristol, IN	—	490	3,400	101		8,381	591	11,781	12,372	(6,467	)	1987	(A)
Timberline Estates	Coopersville, MI	A	535	4,867	1		3,101	536	7,968	8,504	(3,903	)	1994	(A)
Town and Country	Traverse City, MI	C	406	3,736	—		1,319	406	5,055	5,461	(2,327	)	1996	(A)
Valley Brook	Indianapolis, IN	A	150	3,500	1,277		12,669	1,427	16,169	17,596	(8,317	)	1989	(A)
Village Trails	Howard City, MI	C	988	1,472	(50	)	2,243	938	3,715	4,653	(1,545	)	1998	(A)
Warren Dunes Village	Bridgman, MI	2,684	310	3,350	—		209	310	3,559	3,869	(66	)	2011	(A)
Water Oak	Lady Lake, FL	A	2,834	16,706	101		11,371	2,935	28,077	31,012	(14,087	)	1993	(A)
Waverly Shores Village	Holland, MI	5,361	340	7,267	—		224	340	7,491	7,831	(134	)	2011	(A)
West Glen Village	Indianapolis, IN	C	1,100	10,028	—		3,731	1,100	13,759	14,859	(7,106	)	1994	(A)
Westbrook	Toledo, OH	A	1,110	10,462	—		2,727	1,110	13,189	14,299	(5,135	)	1999	(A)
Westbrook Senior	Toledo, OH	A	355	3,295	—		297	355	3,592	3,947	(1,237	)	2001	(A)



			Initial Cost to Company				Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)					Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2011
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land		Depreciable Assets		Land			Depreciable Assets		Land		Depreciable Assets		Total		Accumulated Depreciation			Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
White Lake	White Lake, MI	A	672		6,179		1			7,787		673		13,966		14,639		(5,612		)	1997	(A)
White Oak	Mt. Morris, MI	A	782		7,245		112			6,080		894		13,325		14,219		(5,908		)	1997	(A)
Willowbrook	Toledo, OH	A	781		7,054		1			2,186		782		9,240		10,022		(3,877		)	1997	(A)
Windham Hills	Jackson, MI	A	2,673		2,364		—			11,917		2,673		14,281		16,954		(5,530		)	1998	(A)
Windsor Woods Village	Wayland, MI	4,300	270		5,835		—			498		270		6,333		6,603		(112		)	2011	(A)
Woodhaven Place	Woodhaven, MI	A	501		4,541		—			3,137		501		7,678		8,179		(2,982		)	1998	(A)
Woodlake Estates	Yoder, IN	C	632		3,674		(283		)	338		349		4,012		4,361		(927		)	1998	(A)
Woodlake Trails	San Antonio, TX	—	1,186		287		(282		)	5,114		904		5,401		6,305		(1,753		)	2000	(A&C)
Woodland Park Estates	Eugene, OR	3,740	1,592		14,398		1			1,326		1,593		15,724		17,317		(7,003		)	1998	(A)
Woods Edge	West Lafayette, IN	C	100		2,600		3			9,984		103		12,584		12,687		(5,579		)	1985	(A)
Woodside Terrace	Holland, OH	A	1,064		9,625		(1		)	3,713		1,063		13,338		14,401		(5,903		)	1997	(A)
Worthington Arms	Lewis Center, OH	A	376		2,624		—			2,587		376		5,211		5,587		(2,440		)	1990	(A)
			$	157,952	$	981,338	$	6,911		$	648,404	$	164,863	$	1,629,742	$	1,794,605	$	(597,999	)

A These communities collateralize $364.6 million of secured debt.

B These communities collateralize $25.5 million of secured debt.

C These communities collateralize $352.1 million of secured debt.

D These communities collateralize $114.0 million of secured debt.

⁽¹⁾ The initial cost for this property is included in the initial cost reported for Continental Estates.

SUN COMMUNITIES, INC.

REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION, CONTINUED

The change in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Beginning balance	$	1,580,544		$	1,565,700		$	1,549,339
Community and land acquisitions, including immediate improvements	167,326			—			—
Community expansion and development	5,931			3,462			1,057
Improvements, other	78,844			46,460			44,801
Asset impairment	-1584			—			—
Dispositions and other	(36,456		)	(35,078		)	(29,497		)
Ending balance	$	1,794,605		$	1,580,544		$	1,565,700

The change in accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 is as follows:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Beginning balance	$	548,218		$	501,395		$	450,319
Depreciation for the period	67,286			62,628			61,732
Asset impairment	(202		)	—			—
Dispositions and other	(17,303		)	(15,805		)	(10,656		)
Ending balance	$	597,999		$	548,218		$	501,395

- Definition

The entire disclosure for real estate and accumulated depreciation. This may include a schedule that describes the property and lists the initial cost of land, buildings and improvements, improvements and carrying costs capitalized after acquisition, and the total carrying cost for land, buildings and improvements for each property and in aggregate. The schedule also lists the accumulated depreciation for each property and in aggregate, the date each property was constructed and acquired, the useful life used to calculate depreciation and any encumbrances on the properties. The entity provides a reconciliation of the carrying amount of real estate from the beginning of the period to the end of the period. Any real estate investments that have been written down or reserved against are described, including the basis of the write-down. A material amount of intercompany profit in the total carrying amount of real estate is disclosed. The aggregate cost of all real estate investments for federal income tax purposes is also disclosed.

+ References + Details

Summary of SIgnificant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Summary of SIgnificant Accounting Policies (Policies)	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying financial statements include our accounts and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Any subsidiaries, in which we have an ownership percentage equal to or greater than 50 percent, but less than 100 percent, represent subsidiaries with a noncontrolling interest. The noncontrolling interests in our subsidiaries are allocated their proportionate share of the subsidiaries’ financial results. This allocation is recorded as the noncontrolling interest in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions related to the reported amounts included in our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying footnote disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to current period presentation.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events We have evaluated our financial statements for subsequent events.
Real estate, investment property	Investment Property Investment property is recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. We review the carrying value of long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment quarterly or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Circumstances that may prompt a test of recoverability may include a significant decrease in the anticipated market price, an adverse change to the extent or manner in which an asset may be used or in its physical condition or other such events that may significantly change the value of the long-lived asset. An impairment loss is recognized when a long-lived asset’s carrying value is not recoverable and exceeds estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value of our long lived assets based on future cash flows and any potential disposition proceeds for a given asset. Forecasting cash flows requires management to make estimates and assumptions about such variables as the estimated holding period, rental rates, occupancy and operating expenses during the holding period, as well as disposition proceeds. Management uses its best judgment when developing these estimates and assumptions, but the development of the projected future cash flows is based on subjective variables. Future events could occur which would cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist, and significant adverse changes in national, regional, or local market conditions or trends may cause us to change the estimates and assumptions used in our impairment analysis. The results of an impairment analysis could be material to our financial statements. We periodically receive offers from interested parties to purchase certain of our properties. These offers may be the result of an active program initiated by us to sell the property, or from an unsolicited offer to purchase the property. The typical sale process involves a significant negotiation and due diligence period between us and the potential purchaser. As the intent of this process is to determine if there are items that would cause the purchaser to be unwilling to purchase or we would be unwilling to sell, it is not unusual for such potential offers of sale/purchase to be withdrawn as such issues arise. We classify assets as “held for sale” when it is probable, in our opinion, that a sale transaction will be completed within one year. This typically occurs when all significant contingencies surrounding the closing have been resolved, which often corresponds with the closing date. We allocate the purchase price of properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on their fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase price, we utilize an independent third party to value the net tangible and identified intangible assets in connection with the acquisition of the respective property. We provide historical and pro forma financial information obtained about each property, as well as any other information needed in order for the third party to ascertain the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets (including in-place leases) acquired.
Other Capitalized Costs	Other Capitalized Costs We capitalize certain costs incurred in connection with the development, redevelopment, capital enhancement and leasing of our properties. Management is required to use professional judgment in determining whether such costs meet the criteria for immediate expense or capitalization. The amounts are dependent on the volume and timing of such activities and the costs associated with such activities. Maintenance, repairs and minor improvements to properties are expensed when incurred. Renovations and improvements to properties are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives and construction costs related to the development of new community or expansion sites are capitalized until the property is substantially complete. Costs incurred to renovate repossessed homes for our Rental Program are capitalized and costs incurred to refurbish the homes at turnover and repair the homes while occupied are expensed. Certain expenditures to dealers and residents related to obtaining lessees in our communities are capitalized and amortized over a seven year period based on the anticipated term of occupancy of a resident. Costs associated with implementing our computer systems are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful lives of the related software and hardware. Costs incurred to obtain new financing are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the related loan agreement using the straight-line method (which approximates the effective interest method).
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash and cash equivalents.
Inventory	Inventory Inventory of manufactured homes is stated at lower of specific cost or market based on the specific identification method.
Investments in Affiliates	Investments in Affiliates Investments in affiliates in which we do not have a controlling direct or indirect voting interest, but can exercise significant influence over the entity with respect to its operations and major decisions, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The carrying value of our investment is adjusted for our proportionate share of the affiliate’s net income or loss and reduced by distributions received. We review the carrying value of our investment in affiliates for other than temporary impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Financial condition, operational performance, and other economic trends are some of the factors we consider when we evaluate the existence of impairment indicators. When we have a carrying value of zero for our investment, we suspend the equity method of accounting until such time that the affiliate’s net income equals or exceeds the share of net losses not recognized during the time in which the equity method of accounting was suspended. See Note 8 for additional information.
Notes and Other Receivables	Notes and Other Receivables We provide financing to purchasers of manufactured homes generally located in our communities. The notes are collateralized by the underlying manufactured home sold. Notes receivable include both installment loans retained by the Company as well as transferred loans that have not met the requirements for sale accounting which are presented herein as collateralized receivables (See Note 5 for additional information). For purposes of accounting policy, all notes receivable are considered one homogenous segment, as the notes are typically underwritten using the same requirements and terms. Notes receivable are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balance adjusted for an allowance for loan loss. Interest income is accrued based upon the unpaid principal balance of the loans. Past due status of our notes receivable is determined based upon the contractual terms of the note. When a note receivable becomes 60 days delinquent, we stop accruing interest on the note receivable. The interest on nonaccrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Loans on a nonaccrual status were immaterial at December 31, 2011 and 2010. The ability to collect our notes receivable is measured based on current and historical information and events. We consider numerous factors including: length of delinquency, estimated costs to lease or sell, and repossession history. Our experience supports a high recovery rate for notes receivable; however there is some degree of uncertainty about the recoverability of our investment in these notes receivable. We are generally able to recover our recorded investment in uncollectible notes receivable by repossessing the homes on the notes retained by us and repurchasing the homes on the collateralized receivables, and subsequently selling or leasing these homes to potential residents in our communities. We have established a loan loss reserve based on our estimated unrecoverable costs associated with repossessed/repurchased homes. We estimate our unrecoverable costs to be the repurchase price of the home collateralizing the note receivable plus repair and remarketing costs in excess of the estimated selling price of the home being repossessed. A historical average of this excess cost is calculated based on prior repossessions/repurchases and is applied to our estimated annual future repossessions to create the allowance for both installment and collateralized notes receivable. See Note 6 for additional information. We evaluate the collectability of a loan based on our ability to collect the scheduled payments of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. We generally see that if the obligor is delinquent on the loan they are also delinquent on site rent. If the scheduled payment is delinquent more than five to seven days, dependent on state law, we begin the repossession and eviction process simultaneously. This process generally takes 30 to 45 days; due to the short time frame from delinquent loan to repossession we do not evaluate the notes receivables for impairments. No loans were considered impaired as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. We evaluate the credit quality of our notes receivable at the inception of the receivable. We consider the following factors in order to determine the credit quality of the applicant - FICO scores; home debt to income ratio; total debt to income ration; length of employment; and previous landlord references. Other receivables are generally comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and related charges, home sale proceeds receivable from sales near year end and various other miscellaneous receivables. Accounts receivable from residents are typically due within 30 days and stated at amounts due from residents net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. We evaluate the recoverability of our receivables whenever events occur or there are changes in circumstances such that management believes it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan and lease agreements. Receivables related to community rents are reserved when we believe that collection is less than probable, which is generally after a resident balance reaches 60 to 90 days past due.
Other Assets	Other Assets Included in other assets at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is restricted cash in the amount $7.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Restricted cash consists of amounts held in deposit at a financial institution to collateralize derivative instruments in a liability position and deposits for tax, insurance and repair escrows held by lenders in accordance with certain debt agreements.
Deferred Tax Assets	Deferred Tax Assets We are subject to certain state taxes that are considered to be income taxes and have certain subsidiaries that are taxed as regular corporations. Deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements and net operating loss carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using currently enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance is established if, based on the available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 14 for additional information.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation Share-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards is measured based on the closing share price of our common stock on the date of grant. Share-based compensation cost for stock options is estimated at the grant date based on each option’s fair-value as calculated by the Binomial (lattice) option-pricing model. The Binomial (lattice) option-pricing model incorporates various assumptions including expected volatility, expected life, dividend yield, and interest rates. Share based compensation cost for phantom share awards is re-measured based on the closing share price of our common stock at the end of each reporting period. See Note 11 for additional information.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, derivative instruments, and debt. We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. See Note 18 for additional information regarding the estimates and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Rental income attributable to site and home leases is recorded on a straight-line basis when earned from tenants. Leases entered into by tenants are generally for one year terms but may range from month-to-month to two years and are renewable by mutual agreement from us and the resident, or in some cases, as provided by state statute. Revenue from the sale of manufactured homes is recognized upon transfer of title at the closing of the sales transaction. Interest income on notes receivable is recorded on a level yield basis over the life of the notes. We report certain taxes collected from the resident and remitted to taxing authorities in revenue. These taxes include certain Florida property and fire taxes.
Advertising Cost	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Depreciation and Amortization	Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives are 30 years for land improvements and buildings, 10 years for rental homes, 7 to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and 7 years for intangible assets.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes. We adjust our balance sheet on a quarterly basis to reflect the current fair market value of our derivatives. For those hedges that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting, we adjust our balance sheet on a quarterly basis to reflect current fair market value of our derivatives. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in earnings or comprehensive income, as appropriate. The ineffective portion of the hedge is immediately recognized in earnings to the extent that the change in value of a derivative does not perfectly offset the change in value of the instrument being hedged. The effective portion of the hedge is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. We use standard market conventions to determine the fair values of derivative instruments, including the quoted market prices or quotes from brokers or dealers for the same or similar instruments. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value and such value may never actually be realized. See Note 17 for additional information. Cash flows from derivative instruments are classified in the same category as the cash flows of the underlying hedged items, which are in the operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Real Estate Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation



At Acquisition Date	Kentland			Orange City		Cider Mills			Florida Properties			Total
Investment in property	$	131,228		$	6,460	$	2,088		$	24,027		$	163,803
Inventory of manufactured homes	1,150			—		—			36			1,186
Notes	3,542			—		—			—			3,542
In-place leases	9,200			10		—			190			9,400
Other assets	1,269			—		—			899			2,168
Other liabilities	(2,067		)	—		(1,678		)	(1,237		)	(4,982		)
Assumed debt	(52,398		)	—		—			—			(52,398		)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	$	91,924		$	6,470	$	410		$	23,915		$	122,719


Consideration

Cash	$	27,383		$	2,533	$	410		$	6,915		$	37,241
Preferred OP units	45,548			—		—			—			45,548
New debt proceeds	18,993			3,937		—			17,000			39,930

Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	91,924		$	6,470	$	410		$	23,915		$	122,719

Pro Forma Information

The unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of either the results of operations that would have actually occurred had these transactions occurred on January 1, 2010 or the future results of operations (in thousands, except per-share data) ⁽¹⁾.



	Twelve Months Ended
	December 31, (Unaudited)
	2011		2010
Total revenues	$	304,730	$	293,982
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$	1,005	$	(2,326	)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic	0.05		(0.12		)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted	0.05		(0.12		)

Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from acquistions



	Revenue		Net Income
Actual from acquisition date to December 31, 2011	$	12,201	$	1,247

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

+ References + Details

Discontinued Operations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

The following tables set forth certain summarized financial information of the discontinued operation (in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Total revenues	$	—	$	—	$	423
Total expenses	—		—		(777		)
Asset impairment	—		—		—
Gain on sale of business	—		—		127
Loss from discontinued operations	—		—		(227		)
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	—		—		(24		)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	—	$	—	$	(203	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of disposal groups, which may include the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported in discontinued operations, the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. Also may include the amount of adjustments to amounts previously reported in discontinued operations such as resolution of contingencies arising from the disposal transaction or the operations of the component prior to disposal.

+ References + Details

Investment Property (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]

Real estate, investment property [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth certain information regarding investment property (in thousands):



	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
Land	$	140,230		$	116,837
Land improvements and buildings	1,342,325			1,190,761
Rental homes and improvements	246,245			209,824
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	41,172			36,716
Land held for future development	24,633			26,406
Investment property	1,794,605			1,580,544
Accumulated depreciation	(597,999		)	(548,218		)
Investment property, net	$	1,196,606		$	1,032,326

Transfers Of Financial Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Transfers of Financial Assets [Abstract]

Repurchase price percentage [Table Text Block]

In general, the repurchase price is determined as follows:



Number of Payments	Repurchase %
Less than or equal to 15	100	%
Greater than 15 but less than 64	90	%
Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120	65	%
120 or more	50	%

Schedule of collateralized loans [Table Text Block]

The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the collateralized receivables is as follows (in thousands):



	2011			2010
Beginning balance as of December 31,	$	71,278		$	52,368
Financed sales of manufactured homes	21,509			20,637
Transfers of financial assets	—			6,271
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(4,425		)	(3,497		)
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(6,680		)	(4,501		)
Total activity	10,404			18,910
Ending balance as of December 31,	$	81,682		$	71,278

Notes And Other Receivables (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Long-term Notes and Loans, by Type, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]

Schedule of notes and other receivables [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth certain information regarding notes and other receivables (in thousands):



	As of December 31,
	2011		2010
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net	13,417		9,420
Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 5)	81,176		71,020
Other receivables, net	20,291		8,367
Total notes and other receivables, net	$	114,884	$	88,807

Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table Text Block]

The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the installment notes is as follows (in thousands):



	2011			2010
Beginning balance as of December 31,	$	9,466		$	12,710
Financed sales of manufactured homes	3,362			4,969
Acquired notes (see Note 2)	3,542			—
Transfers of financial assets	—			(6,271		)
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(1,728		)	(1,150		)
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(1,097		)	(792		)
Total activity	4,079			(3,244		)
Ending balance as of December 31,	$	13,545		$	9,466

Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable [Table Text Block]

The allowance for losses for collateralized and installment notes receivable was $0.6 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.



	2011			2010
Beginning balance as of December 31,	$	(303	)	$	(250	)
Lower of cost or market write-downs	84			219
Increase to reserve balance	(416		)	(272		)
Total activity	(332		)	(53		)
Ending balance as of December 31,	$	(635	)	$	(303	)

Investment In Affiliates (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth certain summarized restated unaudited financial information for Origen (amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31, (Unaudited)
	2011			2010			2009
Total revenues	$	67,094		$	74,401		$	84,870
Total expenses	78,902			90,995			97,301
Net loss	(11,808		)	(16,594		)	(12,431		)



	As of December 31, (Unaudited)
ASSETS	2011		2010
Loans receivable	$	628,708	$	716,900
Other assets	22,924		27,201
Total assets	$	651,632	$	744,101
LIABILITIES
Warehouse and securitization financing	$	560,724	$	627,334
Other liabilities	51,625		49,792
Total liabilities	$	612,349	$	677,126

Debt And Lines Of Credit (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of debt and lines of credit [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth certain information regarding debt (in thousands):



	Principal Outstanding				Weighted Average Years to Maturity		Weighted Average Interest Rates
	December 31, 2011		December 31, 2010		December 31, 2011	December 31, 2010	December 31, 2011		December 31, 2010
Collateralized term loans - CMBS	$	629,229	$	602,886	5.0	4.1	5.5	%	5.3	%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA	364,581		369,147		11.3	3.4	3.6	%	4.1	%
Aspen and Series B-3 Preferred OP Units	48,822		48,322		9.2	10.2	6.9	%	6.9	%
Secured borrowing (see Note 5)	81,682		71,278		13.2	13.4	11.2	%	11.3	%
Mortgage notes, other	143,877		71,979		3.2	2.3	3.8	%	3.7	%
Total debt	$	1,268,191	$	1,163,612	7.3	4.6	5.2	%	5.3	%

Maturities and Amortization of debt and lines of credit [Table Text Block]

As of December 31, 2011, the total of maturities and amortization of debt and lines of credit during the next five years, are as follows (in thousands):



	Maturities and Amortization By Year
	Total Due		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		After 5 years
Lines of credit	$	129,034	$	5,534	$	—	$	—	$	107,500	$	—	$	16,000
Mortgage loans payable:
Maturities	985,013		16,771		33,770		185,772		21,153		282,920		444,627
Principal amortization	152,674		16,600		17,458		17,031		16,204		14,614		70,767
Aspen and Series B-3 Preferred OP Units	48,822		4,670		4,145		4,225		—		—		35,782
Secured borrowing	81,682		3,450		3,784		4,139		4,581		5,080		60,648
Total	$	1,397,225	$	47,025	$	59,157	$	211,167	$	149,438	$	302,614	$	627,824

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Restricted stock [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested restricted shares at January 1, 2011	141,783		$	21.11
Granted	154,500		$	37.15
Vested	(20,412	)	$	36.87
Forfeited	—
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2011	275,871		$	28.93

Fair value [Table Text Block]



	July 2011 Award			July 2010 Award			July 2009 Award
Estimated fair value per share of options granted:	$	9.70		$	6.93		$	1.66
Number of options granted	10,500			10,500			10,500

Assumptions:
Annualized dividend yield	6.70		%	8.50		%	16.90		%
Common stock price volatility	45.20		%	40.77		%	32.70		%
Risk-free rate of return	1.52		%	2.40		%	3.24		%
Expected option terms (in years)	5.0			7.3			7.3

Stock options [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes our option activity during the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price (per common share)		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in 000's)
Options outstanding at January 1, 2011	140,177		$	29.20
Granted	10,500		37.35
Exercised	(64,641	)	29.43
Forfeited or expired	(8,950	)	33.33
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	77,086		$	29.64	5.59	$	540

Options vested and expected to vest	77,086		$	29.64	5.59	$	540

Options vested and exercisable at December 31, 2011	47,086		$	30.75	3.66	$	272

Phantom awards [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the phantom award activity for the year ended December 31, 2011:



	Number of Shares		Aggregate Fair Value (in 000's)
Unvested phantom awards at January 1, 2011	5,326		$	177
Granted	—
Vested	(2,588	)	$	(99	)
Forfeited	(150	)
Unvested phantom awards at December 31, 2011	2,588		$	95

Other Income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Other Income [Abstract]

Components of other income

The components of other income are summarized as follows (in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010		2009
Brokerage commissions	$	513	$	476	$	506
Other, net	416		13		95
Total other income	$	929	$	489	$	601

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

A presentation of segment financial information is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Real Property Operations		Home Sales and Home Rentals		Consolidated
Revenues	223,613		54,542		278,155
Operating expenses/Cost of sales	76,737		41,588		118,325
Net operating income/Gross profit	146,876		12,954		159,830
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues	10,438		592		11,030
General and administrative	(19,704	)	(8,156	)	(27,860	)
Acquisition related costs	(1,971	)	—		(1,971	)
Depreciation and amortization	(51,063	)	(23,130	)	(74,193	)
Asset impairment charge	(1,382	)	—		(1,382	)
Interest expense	(66,949	)	(990	)	(67,939	)
Equity income from affiliates	2,100		—		2,100
Provision for state income taxes	(150	)	—		(150	)
Net income (loss)	18,195		(18,730	)	(535	)
Less: Preferred return to preferred OP units	1,222		—		1,222
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,003		(1,674	)	(671	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	15,970		(17,056	)	(1,086	)



	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
Revenues	$	204,498		$	52,425		$	256,923
Operating expenses/Cost of sales	69,276			39,444			108,720
Net operating income/Gross profit	135,222			12,981			148,203
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues	8,542			505			9,047
General and administrative	(17,182		)	(7,628		)	(24,810		)
Depreciation and amortization	(47,584		)	(21,284		)	(68,868		)
Interest expense	(64,772		)	(655		)	(65,427		)
Equity loss and distributions from affiliates	(1,146		)	—			(1,146		)
Provision for state income taxes	(512		)	—			(512		)
Net income (loss)	12,568			(16,081		)	(3,513		)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	967			(1,597		)	(630		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	11,601		$	(14,484	)	$	(2,883	)



	Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Real Property Operations		Home Sales and Home Rentals		Consolidated
Revenues	198,844		53,184		252,028
Operating expenses/Cost of sales	67,713		39,774		107,487
Net operating income/Gross profit	131,131		13,410		144,541
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues	6,606		387		6,993
General and administrative	(17,670	)	(7,429	)	(25,099	)
Georgia flood damage	(800	)	—		(800	)
Depreciation and amortization	(47,020	)	(20,403	)	(67,423	)
Interest expense	(62,456	)	(323	)	(62,779	)
Equity loss from affiliates	(1,654	)	(522	)	(2,176	)
Provision for state income taxes	(413	)	—		(413	)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	7,724		(14,880	)	(7,156	)
Loss from discontinued operations	(227	)	—		(227	)
Net income (loss)	7,497		(14,880	)	(7,383	)
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	487		(1,568	)	(1,081	)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	7,010		(13,312	)	(6,302	)



	As of December 31,
	2011				2010
	Real Property Operations	Home Sales and Home Rentals		Consolidated	Real Property Operations	Home Sales and Home Rentals	Consolidated
Identifiable assets:
Investment property, net	1,028,575	168,031		1,196,606	890,867	141,459	1,032,326
Cash and cash equivalents	5,972	(115	)	5,857	8,385	35	8,420
Inventory of manufactured homes	—	5,832		5,832	—	2,309	2,309
Notes and other receivables	109,436	5,448		114,884	84,932	3,875	88,807
Other assets	41,843	2,952		44,795	30,945	2,535	33,480
Total assets	1,185,826	182,148		1,367,974	1,015,129	150,213	1,165,342

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Distributions Paid Per Share

For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, distributions paid per share were taxable as follows (unaudited):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011				2010				2009
	Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage
Ordinary income	$	0.74	23.5	%	$	0.52	20.5	%	$	0.63	25.1	%
Capital gain	—		0.0	%	—		0.0	%	0.01		0.3	%
Return of capital	2.41		76.5	%	2.00		79.5	%	1.88		74.6	%
Total distributions declared	$	3.15	100.0	%	$	2.52	100.0	%	$	2.52	100.0	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets

The deferred income tax assets included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following tax effects of temporary differences (in thousands):



	As of December 31,
	2011			2010
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	19,723		$	15,644
Real estate assets	17,297			15,201
Amortization of intangibles	(128		)	(128		)
Gross deferred tax assets	36,892			30,717
Valuation allowance	(35,892		)	(29,717		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,000		$	1,000

Loss Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]

Computations of basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations were as follows (in thousands, expect per share data):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011			2010			2009
Numerator
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	(1,086	)	$	(2,883	)	$	(6,099	)

Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	21,147			19,168			18,484
Add: dilutive securities	—			—			—
Diluted weighted average common shares	21,147			19,168			18,484

Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$	(0.05	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.33	)

Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]

The following table presents the number of outstanding potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share as of December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 (amounts in thousands):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2011	2010	2009
Stock options	77	140	152
Unvested restricted stock	276	142	188
Common OP Units	2,072	2,082	2,140
Aspen Preferred OP units	1,111	—	—
Convertible Preferred OP Units	526	526	526
Total securities	4,062	2,890	3,006

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

Income (loss) per share for the year may not equal the sum of the fiscal quarters’ income (loss) per share due to changes in basic and diluted shares outstanding.



	Quarters
	1st			2nd			3rd			4th
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2011
Total revenues	$	69,714		$	68,262		$	74,723		$	76,486
Total expenses	67,348			70,358			75,044			78,920
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss) from affiliates	2,366			(2,096		)	(321		)	(2,434		)

Equity income and distributions from affiliates (1)	350			850			450			450
Income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	2,400			(890		)	(373		)	(2,223		)

Income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.12		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.10	)
Diluted	$	0.11		$	(0.04	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.10	)

2010
Total revenues	$	67,535		$	66,741		$	64,709		$	66,985
Total expenses	65,123			68,701			66,146			67,855
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity income (loss) from affiliates	2,412			(1,960		)	(1,437		)	(870		)

Equity (loss) income and distributions from affiliates (1)	(819		)	(758		)	(69		)	500
Income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	1,337			(2,449		)	(1,403		)	(368		)

Income (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.07		$	(0.13	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.02	)
Diluted	$	0.07		$	(0.13	)	$	(0.07	)	$	(0.02	)


⁽¹⁾	Refer to Note 8 for more information regarding Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates.

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]

The following table provides the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts that were in effect as of December 31, 2011:



Type	Purpose	Effective Date	Maturity Date	Notional (in millions)	Based on	Variable Rate	Fixed Rate	Spread	Effective Fixed Rate
Swap	Floating to Fixed Rate	9/4/2002	7/3/2012	25.0	3 Month LIBOR	0.3721%	4.7000%	0.9000%	5.6000%
Swap	Floating to Fixed Rate	1/2/2009	1/2/2014	20.0	3 Month LIBOR	0.3721%	2.1450%	0.9000%	3.0450%
Cap	Cap Floating Rate	4/28/2009	5/1/2012	152.4	3 Month LIBOR	0.5810%	11.0000%	0.0000%	N/A
Cap	Cap Floating Rate	10/3/2011	10/3/2016	10.0	3 Month LIBOR	0.5810%	11.0200%	0.0000%	N/A

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):



	Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value As of December 31,				Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value As of December 31,
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		2011		2010			2011		2010
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement	Other assets	$	—	$	—	Other liabilities	$	1,106	$	2,166
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	—	$	—		$	1,106	$	2,166

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the impact of derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009 as recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):



Derivatives in cash flow hedging	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)							Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)						Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	Years Ended December 31,								Years Ended December 31,							Years Ended December 31,
	2011		2010			2009			2011		2010		2009			2011			2010			2009
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement	$	1,048	$	(411	)	$	1,111	Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—	Interest expense	$	(13	)	$	(10	)	$	9
Total	$	1,048	$	(411	)	$	1,111	Total	$	—	$	—	$	—	Total	$	(13	)	$	(10	)	$	9

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pertinent information about a derivative or group of derivatives on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments. May include a combination of the type of instrument, risks being hedged, notional amount, hedge designation, related hedged item, inception date, maturity date, or other relevant item.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624163-113959

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4C
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624171-113959

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41678-113959

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(n)(2))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41638-113959

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579240-113959

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41641-113959

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41620-113959

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 25
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6886632&loc=d3e76258-113986

+ Details

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping

The table presents the carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 that were measured using the valuation techniques described above. The table excludes financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable because the carrying values associated with these instruments approximate fair value since their maturities are less than one year.



	As of December 31,
	2011				2010
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Financial assets
Derivative instruments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Installment notes on manufactured homes, net	13,417		13,417		9,420		9,420
Collateralized receivables, net	81,176		81,176		71,020		71,020

Financial liabilities
Derivative instruments	$	1,106	$	1,106	$	2,166	$	2,166
Long term debt (excluding secured borrowing)	1,186,509		1,175,261		1,092,335		1,098,519
Secured borrowing	81,682		81,682		71,278		71,278
Lines of credit	129,034		129,034		94,527		94,527

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure

The table below sets forth, by level, our financial assets and liabilities that were required to be carried at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011.



	Total Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
Derivative instruments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total assets	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Liabilities
Derivative instruments	$	1,106	$	—	$	1,106	$	—
Total liabilities	$	1,106	$	—	$	1,106	$	—

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments, assets, and liabilities. Such certain disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate) and (2) the methodology and assumptions used in developing such estimates of fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 14
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15
-Subparagraph b-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph a, c(1), c(2), c(3), d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 18
-Subparagraph c(2), d, e, f
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 19
-Subparagraph a, b, c(1), d(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13467-108611

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13476-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6447952&loc=d3e13220-108610

+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities which includes [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity. Such assets and liabilities may be measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. The disclosures which may be required or desired include: (1) for assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis, disclosure may include: (a) the fair value measurements at the reporting date; (b) the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3); (c) for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (i) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (ii) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); (iii) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs); (d) the amount of the total gains or losses for the period in subparagraph (c) (i) above included in earnings (or changes in net assets) that are attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to those assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date and a description of where those unrealized gains or losses are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (e) the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes in valuation techniques, if any, during the period and (2) for assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (for example, impaired assets) disclosure may include, in addition to (a) above: (a) the reasons for the fair value measurements recorded; (b) the same as (b) above; (c) for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a description of the inputs and the information used to develop the inputs; and (d) the valuation technique(s) used to measure fair value and a discussion of changes, if any, in the valuation technique(s) used to measure similar assets and/or liabilities in prior periods. Where the quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, the Level 1 input is the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset.

+ References

+ Details

Summary of SIgnificant Accounting Policies (Details) loans in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr loans properties sites states	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) loans	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	159
Number of States in which Entity Operates (in states) \| states	18
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites	54,811
Cash, Uninsured Amount \| $	$ 1,800,000	$ 2,600,000
Carrying value of investments when equity accounting is suspended \| $	0
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents \| $	7,200,000	7,000,000
Advertising Expense \| $	$ 2,400,000	$ 2,200,000	$ 2,500,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Average Useful Life (in years) \| yr	7
Maturity term of highly liquid investments, maximum	3 months
Maturity term of highly liquid investments, minimum	0 months
Receivables, delinquent period, term in which accrued interest is suspended	60 days
Receivables, scheduled payment delinquent term consideration to evict and repossess, minimum	5 days
Receivables, scheduled payment delinquent term consideration to evict and repossess, maximum	7 days
Receivables, repossession term, minimum	30 days
Receivables, repossession term, maximum	45 days
Receivables, value of impaired loan receivables \| loans	0	0
Recivables, collection considered less than probable, minimum	60 days
Recivables, collection considered less than probable, maximum	90 days
Receivables, collection period, term	30 days
Land improvements and buildings
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Lives (in years) \| yr	30
Rental homes
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Lives (in years) \| yr	10
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Minimum (in years) \| yr	7
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life, Maximum (in years) \| yr	15
Manufactured home community [Member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	141
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites	47,935
RV community [Member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	8
Manufactured home and RV community [Member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	10
Permanent RV site [Member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites	3,867
Seasonal RV site [Member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites	3,009
Manufactured home sites suitable for development [Member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Number of sites suitable for development (in sites) \| sites	6,400
Minimum [Member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	50.00%
Maximum [Member]
Significant accounting policies [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	100.00%

Real Estate Acquisitions , Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Nov. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	May 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
At acquistion date
Investment in property	$ 163,803
Inventory of manufactured homes	1,186
Notes	3,542
In-place leases	9,400
Other assets	2,168
Other liabilities	(4,982)
Assumed debt	(52,398)				$ 0	$ 0
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	122,719
Consideration
Cash	37,241
Preferred OP units	45,548
New debt proceeds	39,930
Fair value of total consideration transferred	122,719
Kentland [Member]
At acquistion date
Investment in property			$ 131,228
Inventory of manufactured homes			1,150
Notes			3,542
In-place leases			9,200
Other assets			1,269
Other liabilities			(2,067)
Assumed debt			(52,398)
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed			91,924
Consideration
Cash			27,383
Preferred OP units			45,548
New debt proceeds			18,993
Fair value of total consideration transferred			$ 91,924
Orange City [Member]
At acquistion date
Investment in property				$ 6,460
Inventory of manufactured homes				0
Notes				0
In-place leases				10
Other assets				0
Other liabilities				0
Assumed debt				0
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed				6,470
Consideration
Cash				2,533
Preferred OP units				0
New debt proceeds				3,937
Fair value of total consideration transferred				$ 6,470
Cider Mill Crossings [Member]
At acquistion date
Investment in property		$ 2,088
Inventory of manufactured homes		0
Notes		0
In-place leases		0
Other assets		0
Other liabilities		(1,678)
Assumed debt		0
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed		410
Consideration
Cash		410
Preferred OP units		0
New debt proceeds		0
Fair value of total consideration transferred		$ 410
Florida Properties [Member]
At acquistion date
Investment in property	24,027
Inventory of manufactured homes	36
Notes	0
In-place leases	190
Other assets	899
Other liabilities	(1,237)
Assumed debt	0
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	23,915
Consideration
Cash	6,915
Preferred OP units	0
New debt proceeds	17,000
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$ 23,915

Real Estate Acquisitions , Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total revenues

^[1]

$ 304,730

$ 293,982

Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders

^[1]

$ 1,005

$ (2,326)

Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)

^[1]

$ 0.05

$ (0.12)

Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)

^[1]

$ 0.05

$ (0.12)

Management fees

^[1]

$ 800

$ 1,600

[1]

Below are nonrecurring expenses that have been adjusted for the pro forma results above: (a) The seller had management fees of $0.8 million and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 that have been excluded from above as these fees will not continue going forward. (b) Transaction costs related to the acquisitions are not expected to have a continuing impact and therefore have been excluded from 2011 and included in 2010.

- Definition

The pro forma basic net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The pro forma diluted net income per share for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

+ References + Details

Real Estate Acquisitions , Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from acquistions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Actual Revenue from acquistion date to December 31, 2011	$ 76,486	$ 74,723	$ 68,262	$ 69,714	$ 66,985	$ 64,709	$ 66,741	$ 67,535	$ 289,185	$ 265,970	$ 259,021
Actual Net Income from acquistion date to December 31, 2011	$ (2,223)	$ (373)	$ (890)	$ 2,400	$ (368)	$ (1,403)	$ (2,449)	$ 1,337	(1,086)	$ (2,883)	$ (6,302)
Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Actual Revenue from acquistion date to December 31, 2011									12,201
Actual Net Income from acquistion date to December 31, 2011									$ 1,247

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 87-21
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 130
-Paragraph 10, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 95
-Paragraph 28, 29, 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Net Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

+ Details

Real Estate Acquisitions , Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr properties sites	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	159
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites	54,811
Investment in property \| $	$ 163,803
Acquisition related costs \| $	$ 1,971	$ 0	$ 0
Manufactured home community [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	141
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites	47,935
RV community [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	8
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
In-place lease acquired residual value \| $	$ 8,700
In-place lease amortization period (in years) \| yr	7

Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses			$ 300
Total revenues	$ 0	$ 0	423
Total expenses	0	0	(777)
Asset impairment	0	0	0
Gain on sale of business	0	0	127
Less: Loss from discontinued operations	0	0	(227)
Less: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	(24)
Loss from discontinued operations attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ 0	$ 0	$ (203)

- Definition

Gain (loss) after tax expense or benefit, not previously recognized and resulting from the sale of a business component, which is recognized at the date of sale. A gain (loss) reflects the amount by which the consideration received exceeds (is exceeded by) the net carrying amount (reflecting previous provisions for loss on disposal, if any) of the disposal group.

+ References + Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items before deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 43
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 144
-Paragraph 47
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 15

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 13
-Article 7

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6892542&loc=d3e957-107759

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6360339&loc=d3e1361-107760

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.14)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items, which is apportioned to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This item includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

- Definition

This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group apportioned to the parent that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items after deduction or consideration of the amount which may be allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any. Includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

Investment Property (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
Investment Property (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) sites	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2009 sites
Real estate, investment property [Line Items]
Land	$ 140,230	$ 116,837
Land improvements and buildings	1,342,325	1,190,761
Rental homes and improvements	246,245	209,824
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	41,172	36,716
Land held for future development	24,633	26,406
Investment property	1,794,605	1,580,544
Accumulated depreciation	(597,999)	(548,218)
Investment property, net	$ 1,196,606	$ 1,032,326
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites	54,811
Countryside Atlanta [Member]
Real estate, investment property [Line Items]
Number of units in real estate property destroyed (in sites) \| sites			109
Insurance Recoveries	$ 4,800
Reidsville, North Carolina [Member]
Real estate, investment property [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 1,400
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites	45

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Repurchase price percentage (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 payment
Minimum [Member] \| Less than or equal to 15 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of Receivable Payments Notes Receivable	0
Minimum [Member] \| Greater than 15 but less than 64 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of Receivable Payments Notes Receivable	16
Minimum [Member] \| Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of Receivable Payments Notes Receivable	64
Minimum [Member] \| 120 or more [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of Receivable Payments Notes Receivable	120
Maximum [Member] \| Less than or equal to 15 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of Receivable Payments Notes Receivable	15
Maximum [Member] \| Greater than 15 but less than 64 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of Receivable Payments Notes Receivable	63
Maximum [Member] \| Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of Receivable Payments Notes Receivable	119
Collateralized receivables [Member] \| Less than or equal to 15 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase Percent	100.00%
Collateralized receivables [Member] \| Greater than 15 but less than 64 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase Percent	90.00%
Collateralized receivables [Member] \| Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase Percent	65.00%
Collateralized receivables [Member] \| 120 or more [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase Percent	50.00%

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Schedule of collateralized loans (Details) - Collateralized receivables [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 71,278	$ 52,368
Financed sales of manufactured homes	21,509	20,637
Transfer of financial assets	0	6,271
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(4,425)	(3,497)
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(6,680)	(4,501)
Total activity	10,404	18,910
Ending balance	$ 81,682	$ 71,278

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Cash Flows Between Transferor and Transferee, Proceeds from New Transfers	$ 21,500	$ 26,900
Notes and other receivables	114,884	88,807
Collateralized Receivables Interest Income And Expense Recognized	8,500	7,000
Secured debt	1,268,191	1,163,612
Secured Debt [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Secured debt	81,682	71,278
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables	81,176	71,020
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ 500	$ 200

- Definition

The allowance for loan and lease losses represents the reserve to cover probable credit losses related to specifically identified loans and leases, as well as probable credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. For banks, include currently required allocated transfer risk reserves. Include carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in connection with business combinations determined to be appropriate.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 114
-Paragraph 20
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 9
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph d

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 8, 9
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Chapter V
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph a(ii)
-Subsection I
-LegacyDoc This is a non-GAAP reference that was included in the 2009 taxonomy. It will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section L
-Subsection 1

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.7(d))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)(1)(ii)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379141&loc=d3e15032-111544

+ Details

Notes And Other Receivables , Schedule of notes and other receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$ 114,884	$ 88,807
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	13,417	9,420
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	81,176	71,020
Other receivables, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$ 20,291	$ 8,367

Notes And Other Receivables , Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable (Details) - Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 9,466	$ 12,710
Financed sales of manufactured homes	3,362	4,969
Acquired Notes Receivable	3,542	0
Transfer of financial assets	0	(6,271)
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(1,728)	(1,150)
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(1,097)	(792)
Total activity	4,079	(3,244)
Ending balance	$ 13,545	$ 9,466

Notes And Other Receivables , Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable (Details) - Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (303)	$ (250)
Lower of cost or market write-downs	84	219
Increase to reserve balance	(416)	(272)
Total activity	(332)	(53)
Ending balance	$ (635)	$ (303)

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Notes And Other Receivables , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables	$ 114,884	$ 88,807
Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage	3,000	1,800
Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables	400	400
Home sale proceeds	3,300	2,700
Insurance receivables	800	800
Rebates receivable in association of FNMA settlement	4,900
Insurance Settlements Receivable	3,700
Note receivable related to Kentland acquistion	900
Other receivables	3,700	3,100
Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	635	303	$ 250
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables	13,417	9,420
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ 100	$ 100
Receivable with imputed interest, rate	7.90%	7.00%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	10 years 4 months	11 years 2 months
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables	$ 81,176	$ 71,020
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ 500	$ 200
Receivable with imputed interest, rate	11.20%	11.30%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	13 years 3 months	13 years 5 months

Intangibles (Details) - Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period (in years) \| yr	7
Gross carrying amount	$ 25.3	$ 17.1
Accumulated amortization	10.8	11.2
Aggregate net amortization net expense	2.5	$ 2.5	$ 2.5
Anticipated amortization [Abstract]
Anticipated amortization expense, 2012	2.8
Anticipated amortization expense, 2013	2.6
Anticipated amortization expense, 2014	2.3
Anticipated amortization expense, 2015	2.1
Anticipated amortization expense, 2016	$ 1.9

Investment In Affiliates , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Origen Financial Services [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	22.90%
Cash contribution	$ 600
Investment carrying value	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments			(500)
Origen Financial [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	19.00%
Investment carrying value	$ 0
Investment owned (in shares)	5,000,000
Market value of investment company	$ 6,500
Origen quoted market closing price (in dollars per share)	$ 1.29
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments		$ (1,600)	$ (1,700)

Investment In Affiliates , Schedule of Investments (Details) - Origen Financial [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 67,094	$ 74,401	$ 84,870
Total expenses	78,902	90,995	97,301
Net loss	(11,808)	(16,594)	$ (12,431)
ASSETS
Loans receivable	628,708	716,900
Other assets	22,924	27,201
Total Assets	651,632	744,101
LIABILITIES
Warehouse and securization financing	560,724	627,334
Other liabilities	51,625	49,792
Total liabilities	$ 612,349	$ 677,126

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Table - Schedule of debt and lines of credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 1,268,191	$ 1,163,612
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	7 years 4 months	4 years 8 months
Weighted average interest rate	5.20%	5.30%
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 629,229	$ 602,886
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	5 years	4 years 2 months
Weighted average interest rate	5.50%	5.30%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 364,581	$ 369,147
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	11 years 4 months	3 years 5 months
Weighted average interest rate	3.60%	4.10%
Aspen and Series B-3 Perferred OP Units [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 48,822	$ 48,322
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	9 years 3 months	10 years 3 months
Weighted average interest rate	6.90%	6.90%
Secured borrowing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 81,682	$ 71,278
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	13 years 3 months	13 years 5 months
Weighted average interest rate	11.20%	11.30%
Mortgage notes, other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 143,877	$ 71,979
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	3 years 3 months	2 years 4 months
Weighted average interest rate	3.80%	3.70%

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Table - Maturities and Amortization of debt and lines of credit (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	$ 1,397,225
2012	47,025
2013	59,157
2014	211,167
2015	149,438
2016	302,614
After 5 years	627,824
Lines of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	129,034
2012	5,534
2013	0
2014	0
2015	107,500
2016	0
After 5 years	16,000
Mortgage maturities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	985,013
2012	16,771
2013	33,770
2014	185,772
2015	21,153
2016	282,920
After 5 years	444,627
Mortgage principal amortization [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	152,674
2012	16,600
2013	17,458
2014	17,031
2015	16,204
2016	14,614
After 5 years	70,767
Aspen and Series B-3 Perferred OP Units [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	48,822
2012	4,670
2013	4,145
2014	4,225
2015	0
2016	0
After 5 years	35,782
Secured borrowing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	81,682
2012	3,450
2013	3,784
2014	4,139
2015	4,581
2016	5,080
After 5 years	$ 60,648

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Collateralized Term Loans (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($) properties	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) properties sites	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			$ 1,268,191	$ 1,163,612
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites			54,811
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount		$ 115,000
Stated interest rate		5.837%
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties		11
Refinanced amount		$ 104,800
Total debt			$ 629,229	602,886
Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt			364,581	$ 369,147
Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - PNC and FNMA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 367,000
Reduction in Interest Expense on variable rate facility			$ 1,700
Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member] \| Collateralized Term Loans - May 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount	$ 10,000
LIBOR rate term	90 days
Amortization period of principal and interest payments	30 years
Collateralized commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties			96
Total debt			$ 993,800
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites			35,180
Property, net book value			$ 585,900
Investor spread basis points [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member] \| Collateralized Term Loans - May 2023 [Member] \| 90-day LIBOR Index [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis points	0.95%
Variable facility fee basis points [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member] \| Collateralized Term Loans - May 2023 [Member] \| 90-day LIBOR Index [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis points	1.72%

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Aspen preferred OP Units (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	11 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) shares $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2010 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payments to retire preferred operating patnership units			$ 0	$ 925	$ 500
Aspen and Series B-3 Perferred OP Units [Member] \| Convertible debt - Aspen Preferred OP Units January 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extension on redemption of convertible debt, length		10 years
Face amount						$ 35,800
Stated interest rate, maximum	8.60%	9.00%
Convertible units to shares (in shares) \| shares			526,212
Conversion Price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 68
Payments to retire preferred operating patnership units				$ 900

- Definition

The number of equity instruments that the holder of the debt instrument would receive if the debt was converted to equity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 129
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(5))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number APB14-1
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Mortgage Notes (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($) properties sites	May 31, 2011 USD ($) properties	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($) properties	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) properties sites	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length					7 years 4 months	4 years 8 months
Loans assumed					$ 52,398	$ 0	$ 0
Weighted average interest rate					5.20%	5.30%
Total debt					$ 1,268,191	$ 1,163,612
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites					54,811
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length					5 years	4 years 2 months
Face amount				$ 115,000
Stated interest rate				5.837%
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties				11
Weighted average interest rate					5.50%	5.30%
Extinguishment of debt amount				$ 104,800
Total debt					$ 629,229	$ 602,886
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length					3 years 3 months	2 years 4 months
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties					31
Weighted average interest rate					3.80%	3.70%
Total debt					$ 143,877	$ 71,979
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites					8,403
Property, net book value					$ 243,800
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - refinancing BoA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount			$ 23,600
Stated interest rate			5.38%
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties			3
Extinguishment of debt amount			$ 17,900
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - Kentland acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length		4 years 5 months
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties		12
Loans assumed		$ 52,400
Weighted average interest rate		5.70%
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - variable financing BoA Kentland and Orange City [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length		3 years 9 months
Face amount		$ 22,900
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties		6
Weighted average interest rate		3.10%
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - Florida Properties [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length					5 years
Face amount					$ 17,000
Effective interest rate					2.80%
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties					3
Kentland [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loans assumed		$ 52,398
Number of sites (in sites) \| sites		5,434
Kentland [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - variable financing BoA Kentland and Orange City [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties		5
Repayment of Debt [Member] \| Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - variable financing BoA Kentland and Orange City [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of debt amount	$ 4,500

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Line of Credit (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011 USD ($)	May 31, 2010 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) properties	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Rental properties net book value				$ 246,245	$ 209,824
Debt weighted average to maturity, length				7 years 4 months	4 years 8 months
Line of Credit [Member] \| Line of Credit - Bank of America [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	$ 130,000					$ 115,000
Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity	$ 20,000
Line of credit, outstanding balance				$ 107,500	$ 81,000
Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity				18,500	30,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount				$ 4,000	4,000
Interest rate, period end				3.40%
Effective interest rate, minimum				2.25%
Effective interest rate, maximum				2.95%
Line of credit, option to extend term	1 year
Basis points				2.75%
Line of Credit [Member] \| Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity		$ 20,000
Line of credit, outstanding balance				$ 16,000	9,000
Rental properties net book value				$ 32,000
Rental homes held as collateral (in properties) \| properties				841
Line of credit, outstanding loan balance, percent		200.00%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length		10 years
Line of Credit Facility, Interest only payment term		5 years
Line of Credit [Member] \| Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity			$ 10,000	$ 12,000
Line of credit, outstanding balance				$ 5,500	$ 4,500
Line of credit facility, committed term			1 year
Facility lease termination notice, term			12 months
Prime [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member] \| Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, minimum		5.50%
Effective interest rate, maximum		9.00%
Effective interest rate				5.50%
Basis points		2.00%
Prime [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member] \| Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, minimum			6.00%
Effective interest rate				7.00%
Basis points			1.00%
5-Year, U.S. Treasury Rate [Member] \| Line of Credit [Member] \| Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, Treasury rate term		5 years
Basis points		5.15%

Equity Transactions Narrative (Details)		1 Months Ended		7 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			36 Months Ended
Equity Transactions Narrative (Details)	Jan. 20, 2012 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jan. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2011 $ / shares	May 31, 2011 shares	Aug. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	May 31, 2009 USD ($) shares	Nov. 30, 2004 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock \| $					$ 58,366,000	$ 29,917,000	$ 1,505,000
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares					$ 3.15	$ 2.52	$ 2.52
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Authorized to be repurchased (in shares)													1,000,000
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)				400,000	400,000			400,000
Vested restricted stock (in shares)					20,412
Common stock, draw down of shares on ATM (in shares)				1,297,663	1,297,663			1,297,663
Cash dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares					$ 3.15
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Paid \| $					$ 58,500,000
Common Stock [Member] \| Dividend Paid [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Paid \| $	$ 15,000,000
Common OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares)					10,249
S-3 - Total [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proposed offering amount from issuing common stock, preferred stock, and debt securities \| $												$ 300,000,000
New shares issued (in shares)								782,521
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares								$ 37.54
Proceeds from issuance of common stock \| $								$ 28,800,000
Form S-3 - May 2009 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, draw down of shares on ATM (in shares)												1,600,000
New shares issued (in shares)							480,184
Form S-3 - May 2011 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common stock, draw down of shares on ATM (in shares)										1,600,000
New shares issued (in shares)					302,337
S-3 - January 2012 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member] \| Registered public offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
New shares issued (in shares)		40,524
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 37.22
Proceeds from issuance of common stock \| $		$ 1,500,000
Common Stock Purchase Agreement [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
New shares issued (in shares)			915,827
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 32.76
Proceeds from issuance of common stock \| $			$ 30,000,000
Purchase commitment of common stock, amount \| $											$ 100,000,000
Purchase committment of common stock (in shares)											3,889,493
Purchase committment of common stock, term											2 years
Preferred OP Units [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred OP units issued \| $					$ 45,500,000
Preferred OP unit, conversion price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares									$ 41
Preferred Operating Partnerhsip units, par value (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares									$ 100
Preferred OP units before June 2013 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred OP unit return rate				5.10%
Preferred OP units after June 2013 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred OP unit return rate				6.00%
Registered public offering [Member] \| Common Stock [Member] \| Registered public offering [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
New shares issued (in shares)		4,600,000
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 35.50
Proceeds from issuance of common stock \| $		$ 156,000,000
Proceeds from common stock used to extinguish debt \| $		123,500,000
Proceeds from common stock used to purchase property \| $		$ 25,000,000

Share-Based Compensation , Narrative (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 29, 2012 $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) plans $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($) shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based compensation plans \| plans		3
Compensation expense \| $		$ 1,600	$ 1,600	$ 2,600
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense \| $		1,500	1,500	2,500
Vested, aggregate fair value \| $		800	$ 1,800	$ 2,900
Compensation cost not yet recognized \| $		$ 6,000
Granted, shares (in shares)		154,500
Unvested shares (in shares)		275,871	141,783
Granted, weighted averge grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 37.15
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options outstanding (in shares)		77,086	140,177
Stock option vesting period		3 years
Stock option contractual term		10 years
Phantom stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense \| $		$ 100	$ 100
Vested, aggregate fair value \| $		$ 99
Granted, shares (in shares)		0
Unvested shares (in shares)		2,588	5,326
Aggregate fair value \| $		$ 95	$ 177
Closing share price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 36.53
Average closing stock price prior to vesting period, term		10 days
2012 \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost not yet recognized \| $		$ 1,100
2013 \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost not yet recognized \| $		1,200
2014 \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost not yet recognized \| $		1,100
2015 and thereafter \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost not yet recognized \| $		$ 2,600
Share-based Compensation Granted [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares (in shares)	15,000
Granted, weighted averge grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 40.80
Employee \| Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options outstanding (in shares)		12,336
Non-employee director \| Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options outstanding (in shares)		64,750
Number of options granted (in shares)		10,500	10,500	10,500
Director Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based compensation plans \| plans		2
Number of shares authorized (in shares)		200,000
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)		83,750
2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based compensation plans		1
Number of shares authorized (in shares)		950,000
Number of shares available for grant (in shares)		693,000

Share-Based Compensation , Restricted stock (Details) - Restricted Stock [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 $ / shares shares
Restricted stock activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, shares (in shares)	141,783
Beginning balance, weighted average grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 21.11
Granted, shares (in shares)	154,500
Granted, weighted averge grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 37.15
Vested, shares (in shares)	(20,412)
Vested, weighted averge grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 36.87
Forfeited, shares (in shares)	0
Ending balance, shares (in shares)	275,871
Ending balance, weighted average grant date (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 28.93

- Definition

The weighted average fair value of nonvested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) for which the employer is contingently obligated to issue equity instruments or transfer assets to an employee who has not yet satisfied service or performance criteria necessary to gain title to proceeds from the sale of the award or underlying shares or units.

+ References + Details

Share-Based Compensation , Fair value (Details) - Non-employee director stock option [Member] - Stock Options [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 yr $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2010 yr $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2009 yr $ / shares shares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Estimated fair value per share of options granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 9.70	$ 6.93	$ 1.66
Number of options granted (in shares) \| shares	10,500	10,500	10,500
Assumptions:
Annualized dividend yield	6.70%	8.50%	16.90%
Common stock price volatility	45.20%	40.77%	32.70%
Risk-free rate of return	1.52%	2.40%	3.24%
Expected option terms (in years) \| yr	5.0	7.3	7.3

Share-Based Compensation , Stock Options (Details) - Stock Options [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) yr $ / shares shares
Stock option activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, options (in shares) \| shares	140,177
Beginning balance, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 29.20
Granted, options (in shares) \| shares	10,500
Granted weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 37.35
Exercised, options (in shares) \| shares	(64,641)
Exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 29.43
Forfeited or expired, options (in shares) \| shares	(8,950)
Forfeited or expired, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 33.33
Ending balance, options (in shares) \| shares	77,086
Ending balance, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 29.64
Contractual term, outstanding (in years) \| yr	5.59
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding \| $	$ 540
Vested and expected to vest, options (in shares) \| shares	77,086
Vested and expected to vest, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 29.64
Contractual term, vested and expected to vest (in years) \| yr	5.59
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and expected to vest \| $	$ 540
Vested and exercisable, options (in shares) \| shares	47,086
Vested and exercisable, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 30.75
Contractual term, vested and exercisable (in years) \| yr	3.66
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and exercisable \| $	$ 272

Share-Based Compensation , Phantom awards (Details) - Phantom stock awards [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Phantom stock activity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance, shares (in shares)	5,326
Beginning balance, aggregate fair value \| $	$ 177
Granted, shares (in shares)	0
Vested, shares (in shares)	(2,588)
Vested, aggregate fair value \| $	$ (99)
Forfeited, shares (in shares)	(150)
Ending balance, shares (in shares)	2,588
Ending balance, aggregate fair value \| $	$ 95
Closing share price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 36.53

Other Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Other Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Other Income [Abstract]
Brokerage commissions	$ 513	$ 476	$ 506
Other, net	416	13	95
Other income (loss), net	$ 929	$ 489	$ 601

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Sep. 30, 2009

Jun. 30, 2009

Mar. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2008

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

Revenues

$ 278,155

$ 256,923

$ 252,028

Operating expenses/Cost of sales

118,325

108,720

107,487

Net operating income/Gross profit

159,830

148,203

144,541

Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):

Other revenues

11,030

9,047

6,993

General and administrative

(27,860)

(24,810)

(25,099)

Georgia flood damage

(800)

Acquisition related costs

(1,971)

Depreciation and amortization

(74,193)

(68,868)

(67,423)

Asset impairment charge

(1,382)

Interest expense

(67,939)

(65,427)

(62,779)

Equity income from affiliates

$ 450

^[1]

$ 450

^[1]

$ 850

^[1]

$ 350

^[1]

$ 500

^[1]

$ (69)

^[1]

$ (758)

^[1]

$ (819)

^[1]

2,100

(1,146)

(2,176)

Provision for state income taxes

(150)

(512)

(413)

Loss from continuing operations

(535)

(3,513)

(7,156)

Loss from discontinued operations

(227)

Net loss

(535)

(3,513)

(7,383)

Less: Preferred return to Preferred OP units

1,222

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(671)

(630)

(1,081)

Net loss attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders

(2,223)

$ (373)

$ (890)

$ 2,400

(368)

$ (1,403)

$ (2,449)

$ 1,337

(1,086)

(2,883)

(6,302)

Identifiable assets:

Investment property, net

1,196,606

1,032,326

1,196,606

1,032,326

Cash and cash equivalents

5,857

8,420

$ 4,496

5,857

8,420

4,496

$ 6,162

Inventory of manufactured homes

5,832

2,309

5,832

2,309

Notes and other receivables

114,884

88,807

114,884

88,807

Other assets

44,795

33,480

44,795

33,480

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 1,367,974

$ 1,165,342

1,367,974

1,165,342

Real Property Operations Segment [Member]

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Seasonal RV Revenue Approximation

4,700

Seasonal RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage

28.00%

15.00%

8.00%

49.00%

28.00%

15.00%

8.00%

49.00%

28.00%

15.00%

8.00%

49.00%

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

Revenues

223,613

204,498

198,844

Operating expenses/Cost of sales

76,737

69,276

67,713

Net operating income/Gross profit

146,876

135,222

131,131

Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):

Other revenues

10,438

8,542

6,606

General and administrative

(19,704)

(17,182)

(17,670)

Georgia flood damage

(800)

Acquisition related costs

(1,971)

Depreciation and amortization

(51,063)

(47,584)

(47,020)

Asset impairment charge

(1,382)

Interest expense

(66,949)

(64,772)

(62,456)

Equity income from affiliates

2,100

(1,146)

(1,654)

Provision for state income taxes

(150)

(512)

(413)

Loss from continuing operations

7,724

Loss from discontinued operations

(227)

Net loss

18,195

12,568

7,497

Less: Preferred return to Preferred OP units

1,222

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

1,003

967

487

Net loss attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders

15,970

11,601

7,010

Identifiable assets:

Investment property, net

$ 1,028,575

$ 890,867

1,028,575

890,867

Cash and cash equivalents

5,972

8,385

5,972

8,385

Inventory of manufactured homes

Notes and other receivables

109,436

84,932

109,436

84,932

Other assets

41,843

30,945

41,843

30,945

TOTAL ASSETS

1,185,826

1,015,129

1,185,826

1,015,129

Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]

Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]

Revenues

54,542

52,425

53,184

Operating expenses/Cost of sales

41,588

39,444

39,774

Net operating income/Gross profit

12,954

12,981

13,410

Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):

Other revenues

592

505

387

General and administrative

(8,156)

(7,628)

(7,429)

Georgia flood damage

Acquisition related costs

Depreciation and amortization

(23,130)

(21,284)

(20,403)

Asset impairment charge

Interest expense

(990)

(655)

(323)

Equity income from affiliates

(522)

Provision for state income taxes

Loss from continuing operations

(14,880)

Loss from discontinued operations

Net loss

(18,730)

(16,081)

(14,880)

Less: Preferred return to Preferred OP units

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

(1,674)

(1,597)

(1,568)

Net loss attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders

(17,056)

(14,484)

$ (13,312)

Identifiable assets:

Investment property, net

168,031

141,459

168,031

141,459

Cash and cash equivalents

(115)

Inventory of manufactured homes

5,832

2,309

5,832

2,309

Notes and other receivables

5,448

3,875

5,448

3,875

Other assets

2,952

2,535

2,952

2,535

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 182,148

$ 150,213

$ 182,148

$ 150,213

[1]	Refer to Note 8 for more information regarding Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates.

Income Taxes , Schedule of Distributions Paid Per Share(Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Amount of dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 3.15	$ 2.52	$ 2.52
Amount of dividends, allocation percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Ordinary income
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Amount of dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.74	$ 0.52	$ 0.63
Amount of dividends, allocation percentage	23.50%	20.50%	25.10%
Capital gain
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Amount of dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.01
Amount of dividends, allocation percentage	0.00%	0.00%	0.30%
Return of capital
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Amount of dividends (in dollars per share)	$ 2.41	$ 2.00	$ 1.88
Amount of dividends, allocation percentage	76.50%	79.50%	74.60%

Income Taxes , Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 19,723	$ 15,644
Real estate assets	17,297	15,201
Amortization of intangibles	(128)	(128)
Gross deferred tax assets	36,892	30,717
Valuation allowance	(35,892)	(29,717)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 1,000	$ 1,000

- Definition

The cumulative amount of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of intangible assets and the basis of intangible assets computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis, whether due to amortization or other reasons, will increase future taxable income when such difference reverses. Intangible assets include, but are not limited to, assets such as patents, trademarks and customer lists.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum qualifying percent of gross income from qualifying sources for REIT status	95.00%
Minimum amount of taxable income distributed to stockholders for REITs	90.00%
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 58.0
Provision for state income taxes	0.2	$ 0.5	$ 0.4
Current portion of the state income tax provision	0.6	0.5	0.6
Deferred tax benefit portion of the state income tax provision	$ 0.4		$ 0.2
Deferred tax liability		$ 0.4

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Current Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509736

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 6.I.7)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6889476&loc=d3e330036-122817

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Deferred Tax Expense (or Benefit)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510177

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section I
-Subsection 7

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 8, 16, 17, 289
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Loss Per Share , Calculation of Numerator and Denominator (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Numerator
Net loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$ (1,086)	$ (2,883)	$ (6,099)
Denominator
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	21,147	19,168	18,484
Add: dilutive securities	0	0	0
Diluted weighted average common shares	21,147	19,168	18,484
Basic and diluted loss per share from continuing operations available to common stockholders	$ (0.05)	$ (0.15)	$ (0.33)

- Definition

This element represents the income or loss from continuing operations attributable to the parent which may also be defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests, if any.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph b(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 18
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921628&loc=SL4613673-111683

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.13)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Loss Per Share , Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Loss Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	4,062	2,890	3,006
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	77	140	152
Unvested restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	276	142	188
Common OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,072	2,082	2,140
Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,111	0	0
Convertible Preferred OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	526	526	526

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 13, 14
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 40
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Sep. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Mar. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Sep. 30, 2010

Jun. 30, 2010

Mar. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Total revenues

$ 76,486

$ 74,723

$ 68,262

$ 69,714

$ 66,985

$ 64,709

$ 66,741

$ 67,535

$ 289,185

$ 265,970

$ 259,021

Total expenses

78,920

75,044

70,358

67,348

67,855

66,146

68,701

65,123

291,670

267,825

263,588

Loss before income taxes and equity income (loss) from affiliates

(2,434)

(321)

(2,096)

2,366

(870)

(1,437)

(1,960)

2,412

(2,485)

(1,855)

(4,567)

Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates

450

^[1]

450

^[1]

850

^[1]

350

^[1]

500

^[1]

(69)

^[1]

(758)

^[1]

(819)

^[1]

2,100

(1,146)

(2,176)

Income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders

$ (2,223)

$ (373)

$ (890)

$ 2,400

$ (368)

$ (1,403)

$ (2,449)

$ 1,337

$ (1,086)

$ (2,883)

$ (6,302)

Income (loss) per share:

Basic (in dollars per share)

$ (0.10)

$ (0.02)

$ (0.04)

$ 0.12

$ (0.02)

$ (0.07)

$ (0.13)

$ 0.07

Diluted (in dollars per share)

$ (0.10)

$ (0.02)

$ (0.04)

$ 0.11

$ (0.02)

$ (0.07)

$ (0.13)

$ 0.07

[1]	Refer to Note 8 for more information regarding Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates.

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 36, 37, 38
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 5
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 7
-Paragraph 18

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 52
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945512&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 260
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 225
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
-Paragraph 4
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

+ Details

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Derivative Contracts (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) Derivative_Contracts
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held (number of derivative contracts) \| Derivative_Contracts	4
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held (number of derivative contracts) \| Derivative_Contracts	2
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$ 45.0
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Derivative Maturing 2012 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$ 25.0
Derivative, Type	Swap
Derivative, Purpose	Floating to Fixed Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	Sep. 04, 2002
Derivative, Maturity Date	Jul. 03, 2012
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.3721%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	4.70%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.90%
Derivative, Effective Fixed Rate	5.60%
Interest Rate Swap [Member] \| Derivative Maturing 2014 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$ 20.0
Derivative, Type	Swap
Derivative, Purpose	Floating to Fixed Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	Jan. 02, 2009
Derivative, Maturity Date	Jan. 02, 2014
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.3721%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	2.145%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.90%
Derivative, Effective Fixed Rate	3.045%
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held (number of derivative contracts) \| Derivative_Contracts	2
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$ 162.4
Interest Rate Cap [Member] \| Derivative Maturing 2012 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$ 152.4
Derivative, Type	Cap
Derivative, Purpose	Cap Floating Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	Apr. 28, 2009
Derivative, Maturity Date	May 01, 2012
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.581%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	11.00%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%
Interest Rate Cap [Member] \| Derivative Maturing 2016 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$ 10.0
Derivative, Type	Cap
Derivative, Purpose	Cap Floating Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	Oct. 03, 2011
Derivative, Maturity Date	Oct. 03, 2016
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.581%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	11.02%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Balance Sheet Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	$ 0	$ 0
Liability Derivatives	1,106	2,166
Other assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Collateral deposits recorded in other assets	3,100	3,800
Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives	$ 1,106	$ 2,166

- Definition

Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all assets resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, net of the effects of master netting arrangements.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Fair values as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities resulting from contracts that meet the criteria of being accounted for as derivative instruments, net of the effects of master netting arrangements.

+ References + Details

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Statement of Operation Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ 1,048	$ (411)	$ 1,111
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	0	0	0
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derviative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	(13)	(10)	9
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	1,048	(411)	1,111
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement [Member] \| Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	0	0	0
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derviative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	$ (13)	$ (10)	$ 9

Fair Value of Financial Instruments , By Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Financial assets
Derivative instruments	$ 0	$ 0
Carrying Value [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Derivative instruments	0	0
Financial liabilities
Derivative instruments	1,106	2,166
Long term debt (excluding secured borrowing)	1,186,509	1,092,335
Secured borrowing	81,682	71,278
Lines of credit	129,034	94,527
Fair Value [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Derivative instruments	0	0
Financial liabilities
Derivative instruments	1,106	2,166
Long term debt (excluding secured borrowing)	1,175,261	1,098,519
Secured borrowing	81,682	71,278
Lines of credit	129,034	94,527
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] \| Carrying Value [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	13,417	9,420
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	13,417	9,420
Collateralized receivables [Member] \| Carrying Value [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	81,176	71,020
Collateralized receivables [Member] \| Fair Value [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	$ 81,176	$ 71,020

Fair Value of Financial Instruments , Measurement Inputs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Derivative instruments	$ 0	$ 0
Total Fair Value [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	0
Total assets	0
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	1,106
Total liabilities	1,106
Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	0
Total assets	0
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	0
Total liabilities	0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	0
Total assets	0
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	1,106
Total liabilities	1,106
Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Derivative instruments	0
Total assets	0
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	0
Total liabilities	$ 0

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) - TJ Holdings, LLC [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments for Legal Settlements	$ 360,000
Minimum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Ownership Percentage, After Qualifying Event with Joint Venture Properties	9.03%
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Closing Stock Price Determination, Period Preceeding Qualifying Event with Joint Venture Properties	30 days
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Ownership Percentage, After Qualifying Event with Joint Venture Properties	28.99%

Related Party Transactions (Details)	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions (Details)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) members properties $ / loans $ / sqft shares	Dec. 31, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2011 sqft
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	159
Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Square Footage of Rental Property (in square feet) \| sqft				48,200
Related Party Transactions, Lease Option Renewal Period				5 years
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 700,000	$ 700,000	$ 700,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
2012	900,000
2013	900,000
2014	900,000
2015	900,000
2016	$ 900,000
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Equity Interest in Rental Entity, Percentage	21.00%
Director [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Equity Interest in Rental Entity, Percentage	0.75%
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
Legal Fees	$ 2,500,000	800,000	1,100,000
Origen Financial Services [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$ 600,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	22.90%
Equity Method Investments	$ 0	0	$ 0
Origen Financial Services [Member] \| Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments, Number of Unrelated Members (in members) \| members	4
Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments	$ 600,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	22.90%
Equity Method Investments	$ 0.0
Loan Fee Amount, Per Loan (in dollars per loan) \| $ / loans	650
Payments of Loan Costs	$ 100,000
Payments to Acquire Loans, par value	$ 3,000,000	$ 4,800,000
Origen Financial [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	19.00%
Equity Method Investments	$ 0
Investment owned (in shares) \| shares	5,000,000
Origen Financial [Member] \| Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	19.00%
Equity Method Investments	$ 0
Investment owned (in shares) \| shares	5,000,000
Origen Financial [Member] \| Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions, Related Party Ownership in Equity Method Investment (in shares) \| shares	1,025,000
Through October 31, 2014 [Member] \| Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions, Future Base Rent, Per Square Foot (in dollars per square foot) \| $ / sqft	18.61
November 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015 [Member] \| Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions, Future Base Rent, Per Square Foot (in dollars per square foot) \| $ / sqft	18.72
September 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016 [Member] \| Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions, Future Base Rent, Per Square Foot (in dollars per square foot) \| $ / sqft	17.92
Sun Partnerships [Member] \| Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]
Number of properties (in properties) \| properties	24
Number of Real Estate Properties Sold (in properties) \| properties	4

Schedule III Investment property reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,580,544	$ 1,565,700	$ 1,549,339
Community and land acquisitions, including immediate improvements	167,326	0	0
Community expansion and development	5,931	3,462	1,057
Improvements, other	78,844	46,460	44,801
Asset impairment	(1,584)	0	0
Dispositions and other	(36,456)	(35,078)	(29,497)
Ending balance	$ 1,794,605	$ 1,580,544	$ 1,565,700

Schedule III Accumulated depreciation reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reconciliation of Real Estate Accumulated Depreciation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 548,218	$ 501,395	$ 450,319
Depreciation for the period	67,286	62,628	61,732
Asset impairment	(202)	0	0
Dispositions and other	(17,303)	(15,805)	(10,656)
Ending balance	$ 597,999	$ 548,218	$ 501,395

Label	Element	Value
Orange City [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty	525
Florida Properties [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty	740
Florida Properties [Member] \| Acquisition [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty	1,124
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property	us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPurchasePriceAllocationProperty	$ 25,000,000
Florida Properties [Member] \| RV community [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	3
Florida Properties [Member] \| RV community [Member] \| Acquisition [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	3
Florida Properties [Member] \| Hudson, FL [Member] \| RV community [Member] \| Acquisition [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	1
Florida Properties [Member] \| Naples, FL [Member] \| RV community [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	2
Florida Properties [Member] \| Orange Lake, FL [Member] \| RV community [Member] \| Acquisition [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	1
Florida Properties [Member] \| Bushnell, FL [Member] \| RV community [Member] \| Acquisition [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	1
Florida Properties [Member] \| Moore Haven, FL [Member] \| RV community [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	1
Kentland [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	18
Kentland [Member] \| RV community [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	1
Kentland [Member] \| Manufactured home community [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	us-gaap_NumberOfRealEstateProperties	17
Cider Mill Crossings [Member]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	us-gaap_NumberOfUnitsInRealEstateProperty	262