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Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q4
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		36,168,663
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 1,699,804,983.7

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Investment property, net	$ 1,755,052	$ 1,518,136
Cash and cash equivalents	4,753	29,508
Inventory of manufactured homes	5,810	7,527
Notes and other receivables, net	164,685	139,850
Other assets	68,936	59,607
TOTAL ASSETS	1,999,236	1,754,628
LIABILITIES
Secured debt	1,311,437	1,423,720
Lines of credit	181,383	29,781
Other liabilities	109,342	88,137
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,602,162	1,541,638
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized: 10,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 3,400 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012	34	34
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized: 90,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 36,140 shares at December 31, 2013 and 29,755 shares at December 31, 2012	361	298
Additional paid-in capital	1,141,590	876,620
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(366)	(696)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(761,112)	(683,734)
Total Sun Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity (deficit)	380,507	192,522
Noncontrolling interests:
Series A-1 preferred OP units	45,548	45,548
Series A-3 preferred OP units	3,463	0
Common OP units	(31,907)	(24,572)
Consolidated variable interest entities	(537)	(508)
Total noncontrolling interests	16,567	20,468
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	397,074	212,990
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$ 1,999,236	$ 1,754,628

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	3,400	3,400
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000	90,000
Common stock, shares issued	36,140	29,755
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Investment Property, net	$ 56,805	$ 56,326
Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Debt	$ 45,209	$ 45,900

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
REVENUES
Income from real property	$ 313,097	$ 255,761	$ 223,613
Revenue from home sales	54,852	45,147	32,252
Rental home revenue	32,500	26,589	22,290
Ancillary revenues, net	1,151	(180)	7
Interest	13,073	11,018	9,509
Brokerage commissions and other income, net	549	617	929
Total revenues	415,222	338,952	288,600
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Property operating and maintenance	87,637	68,839	59,190
Real estate taxes	22,284	19,207	17,547
Cost of home sales	40,297	34,918	25,392
Rental home operating and maintenance	20,435	18,141	16,196
General and administrative - real property	25,941	20,037	19,704
General and administrative - home sales and rentals	9,913	8,316	7,571
Acquisition related costs	3,928	4,296	1,971
Depreciation and amortization	110,078	89,674	74,193
Asset impairment charge	0	0	1,382
Interest	73,339	67,859	64,606
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	3,238	3,321	3,333
Total expenses	397,090	334,608	291,085
Income (loss) before income taxes and distributions from affiliate	18,132	4,344	(2,485)
Provision for state income taxes	(234)	(249)	(150)
Distributions from affiliate	2,250	3,900	2,100
Net income (loss)	20,148	7,995	(535)
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	2,598	2,329	1,222
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	166	0	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	718	(318)	(671)
Net income (Loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	16,666	5,984	(1,086)
Less: Series A Preferred Stock Distributions	6,056	1,026	0
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ 10,610	$ 4,958	$ (1,086)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	34,732	27,255	21,147
Diluted	34,747	27,272	21,147
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$ 0.31	$ 0.18	$ (0.05)
Diluted	$ 0.31	$ 0.18	$ (0.05)

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income (loss)	$ 20,148	$ 7,995	$ (535)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	362	643	1,048
Total comprehensive income (loss)	20,510	8,638	513
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	750	(252)	(576)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	$ 19,760	$ 8,890	$ 1,089

- 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 + 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. 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.

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- 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.

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- Definition

Net of tax amount, before reclassification adjustments, of the change in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Also includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss).

+ References

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+ Details

- Definition

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

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+ Details

Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings	Noncontrolling Interests	Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010		$ 0	$ 199	$ 431,749	$ (2,226)	$ (549,625)	$ (12,481)	$ (132,384)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net		0	0	841	0	0	0	841
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net		0	19	58,347	0	0	0	58,366
Issuance of preferred OP units		0	0	0	0	0	45,548	45,548
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures		0	0	1,462	0	79	0	1,541
Net income (loss)	$ (535)	0	0	0	0	136	(671)	(535)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	1,048	0	0	0	953	0	95	1,048
Distributions declared	(15,046)	0	0	0	0	68,543	6,537	(75,080)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		0	218	492,399	(1,273)	(617,953)	25,954	(100,655)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net		0	0	166	0	0	0	166
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net		0	80	300,554	0	0	0	300,634
Issuance of and associated costs of Series A preferred stock		34	0	82,166	0	0	0	82,200
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures		0	0	1,335	0	90	0	1,425
Net income (loss)	7,995	0	0	0	0	8,313	(318)	7,995
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	643	0	0	0	577	0	66	643
Distributions declared	(21,093)	0	0	0	0	74,184	5,234	(79,418)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	212,990	34	298	876,620	(696)	(683,734)	20,468	212,990
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net		0	0	201	0	0	0	201
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net		0	63	261,697	0	0	0	261,760
Issuance of preferred OP units		0	0	0	0	0	3,463	3,463
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures		0	0	3,072	0	127	0	3,199
Net income (loss)	20,148	0	0	0	0	19,430	718	20,148
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	362	0	0	0	330	0	32	362
Distributions declared	(4,646)	0	0	0	0	96,935	8,114	(105,049)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 397,074	$ 34	$ 361	$ 1,141,590	$ (366)	$ (761,112)	$ 16,567	$ 397,074

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 20,148	$ 7,995	$ (535)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
(Gain) loss from land disposition	(867)	(99)	0
Asset impairment charges	0	0	1,382
(Gain) loss on valuation of derivative instruments	0	(4)	13
Stock compensation expense	3,199	1,463	1,609
Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net	105,210	86,487	73,484
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,713	1,619	1,707
Distributions from affiliate	(2,250)	(3,900)	(2,100)
Change in notes receivable from financed sales of inventory homes, net of repayments	(8,772)	(8,583)	(5,868)
Change in inventory, other assets and other receivables, net	(3,229)	(1,211)	(18,461)
Change in accounts payable and other liabilities	(1,469)	3,484	12,080
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	114,683	87,251	63,311
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in properties	(179,413)	(125,075)	(87,720)
Acquisition of properties	(122,176)	(249,317)	(77,171)
Investment in note receivable of acquired properties	(49,441)	0	0
Proceeds related to affiliate dividend distribution	2,250	3,900	2,100
Proceeds related to disposition of land	0	172	0
Proceeds (financing) related to disposition of assets and depreciated homes, net	(1,017)	936	3,859
Issuance of notes and other receivables	(3,841)	(6,440)	(1,192)
Repayments of notes and other receivables	1,226	605	796
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(352,412)	(375,219)	(159,328)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, OP units, and preferred OP units, net	261,760	300,634	58,366
Net proceeds from stock option exercise	201	166	841
Net proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock	0	82,200	0
Distributions to stockholders, OP unit holders, and preferred OP unit holders	(100,403)	(73,371)	(60,034)
Payments to retire preferred operating partnership units	(300)	0	0
Borrowings on lines of credit	415,410	253,195	214,631
Payments on lines of credit	(263,808)	(352,448)	(180,124)
Proceeds from issuance of other debt	175,507	192,278	200,615
Payments on other debt	(269,400)	(89,004)	(137,330)
Payments for deferred financing costs	(5,993)	(2,031)	(3,511)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES	212,974	311,619	93,454
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(24,755)	23,651	(2,563)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	29,508	5,857	8,420
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	4,753	29,508	5,857
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	61,268	79,400	55,560
Cash paid for interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	3,238	3,326	3,331
Cash paid for state income taxes	155	320	523
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps	362	643	1,048
Reduction in secured borrowing balance	17,906	13,680	11,104
Changes in distributions declared and outstanding	4,646	21,093	15,046
Noncash investing and financing activities at the date of acquisition:
Acquisitions - Series A-1 preferred OP units issued	0	0	45,548
Acquisitions - Series A-3 preferred OP units issued	3,463	0	0
Acquisitions - debt assumed	0	62,826	52,398
Acquisitions - other liabilities	0	880	4,982
Acquisitions - release of note receivable and accrued interest	$ 49,441	$ 0	$ 0

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 678	$ 0	$ 0

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

Sun Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation, together with the Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, a Michigan limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”) and other consolidated subsidiaries are referred to herein as the “Company”, “us”, “we”, and “our”. We are a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”).

We own, operate, and develop manufactured housing ("MH") and recreational vehicle ("RV") communities concentrated in the midwestern, southern, southeastern and northeastern United States. As of December 31, 2013, we owned and operated a portfolio of 188 properties located in 26 states (the “Properties”), including 150 MH communities, 27 RV communities, and 11 properties containing both MH and RV sites. As of December 31, 2013, the Properties contained an aggregate of 69,789 developed sites comprised of 54,168 developed manufactured home sites, 7,633 annual RV sites (inclusive of both annual and seasonal usage rights), 7,988 transient RV sites, and approximately 6,300 additional MH and RV sites suitable for development.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying financial statements include our accounts and all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries, including entities in which we have a controlling interest or have been determined to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). All inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Any subsidiaries, in which we have an ownership percentage equal to or greater than 50%, but less than 100%, 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.

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 discounted 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


1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

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 $5.7 million as of December 31, 2013. We had no cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts as of December 31, 2012. From time to time, we may have cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts.

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 7 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


1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

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, 2013 and 2012. 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 5 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, 2013 and 2012.

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 - rental payment history; home debt to income ratio; total debt to income ratio; length of employment; previous landlord references; and credit scores.

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.

Restricted Cash

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. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, $9.4 million and $8.9 million of restricted cash, respectively, was included as a component of Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

Identified Intangible Assets

The Company amortizes identified intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives over the period the assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the property or business. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying amounts of the identified intangible assets are included in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. See Note 6 for additional information on our intangible assets.


1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

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 13 for additional information.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs include fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term financing. The costs are amortized over the terms of the respective loans. Unamortized deferred financing costs are written off when debt is retired before the maturity date. Upon amendment of the line of credit or refinancing of mortgage debt, unamortized deferred financing costs are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 470-50-40, Modifications and Extinguishments. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, deferred financing costs are included as a component of Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

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, pursuant to FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. See Note 17 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, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we had advertising costs of $2.9 million, $2.5 million and $2.4 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, seven to 15 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and seven to 15 years for intangible assets.


1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

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 16 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, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Real Estate Acquisitions

2013 Activity:

During the fourth quarter of 2013, we acquired Camelot Villa, an MH community with approximately 712 sites located in Macomb, Michigan, Jellystone Park at Birchwood Acres ("Jellystone at Birchwood"), an RV community with approximately 269 sites located in Woodridge, New York, and Vines RV Resort ("Vines"), an RV community with approximately 130 sites located in Paso Robles, California.

During the second quarter of 2013, we acquired Big Timber Lake RV Resort ("Big Timber Lake"), an RV community with approximately 528 sites located in Cape May, New Jersey, and Jellystone RV Resort ("Jellystone"), an RV community with approximately 299 sites located in North Java, New York.

During the first quarter of 2013, we acquired 10 RV communities from Gwynns Island RV Resort LLC, Indian Creek RV Resort LLC, Lake Laurie RV Resort LLC, Newpoint RV Resort LLC, Peters Pond RV Resort Inc., Seaport LLC, Virginia Tent LLC,

Wagon Wheel Maine LLC, Westward Ho RV Resort LLC and Wild Acres LLC (collectively, "Morgan RV Properties"), with approximately 3,700 sites located in Ohio, Virginia, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Wisconsin.

2012 Activity:

During the fourth quarter of 2012, we acquired (i) Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort ("Palm Creek"), a community with 283 manufactured home sites, 1,580 RV sites and expansion potential of approximately 550 MH sites or 990 RV sites located in Casa Grande, Arizona; (ii) Lake-In-Wood Camping Resort ("Lake In Wood"), an RV community with approximately 425 sites located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; and (iii) Rainbow RV Resort ("Rainbow"), an RV community with approximately 500 sites located in Frostproof, Florida. We also acquired four MH communities (the "Rudgate Acquisition Properties") with approximately 1,996 sites located in southeast Michigan and entered into management agreements with Rudgate Village Company Limited Partnership, Rudgate Clinton Company Limited Partnership and Rudgate Clinton Estates L.L.C. under which we manage two MH communities (the "Rudgate Managed Properties") with approximately 1,598 sites located in southeast Michigan. In addition, we provided mezzanine financing to the Rudgate Managed Properties. The Rudgate Managed Properties are accounted for as variable interest entities and are included in our 2012 acquisition activity (See Note 8 for details).

During the third quarter of 2012, we acquired Blazing Star RV Resort ("Blazing Star"), an RV community with 260 sites located in San Antonio, Texas and Northville Crossing Manufactured Home Community ("Northville Crossing"), an MH community with 756 sites located in Northville, Michigan.

During the first quarter of 2012, we acquired 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, comprised of 1,114 RV sites in the aggregate.

2. Real Estate Acquisitions, continued

The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for the 2013 acquisitions (in thousands):



	2013
At Acquisition Date	Morgan RV Properties			Jellystone			Big Timber Lake			Camelot Villa			Jellystone at Birchwood			Vines			Total
Investment in property	$	109,122		$	9,754		$	21,898		$	22,121		$	6,087		$	8,000		$	176,982
Inventory of manufactured homes	—			—			—			2,324			—			—			2,324
Notes and other receivables	—			—			—			852			—			—			852
In-place leases and other intangible assets	2,940			390			580			610			450			—			4,970
Other assets	157			7			48			84			12			1			309
Below market leases	—			—			(3,490		)	(240		)	—			—			(3,730		)
Other liabilities	(3,697		)	(930		)	(1,157		)	(546		)	(293		)	(4		)	(6,627		)
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	$	108,522		$	9,221		$	17,879		$	25,205		$	6,256		$	7,997		$	175,080

Consideration
Cash	$	55,618		$	9,221		$	17,879		$	25,205		$	6,256		$	7,997		$	122,176
Series A-3 preferred OP units ⁽¹⁾	3,463			—			—			—			—			—			3,463
Extinguishment of note receivable	49,441			—			—			—			—			—			49,441
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	108,522		$	9,221		$	17,879		$	25,205		$	6,256		$	7,997		$	175,080

⁽¹⁾ Included in the total consideration paid for Morgan RV Properties was the issuance of 40,268 Series A-3 preferred OP units. In order to estimate the fair value of these units at the valuation date, we utilized the income approach using estimated future discounted cash flows.

The purchase price allocations for Jellystone, Big Timber Lake, Camelot Villa, Jellystone at Birchwood and Vines are preliminary and may be adjusted as final costs and final valuations are determined.

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as if acquisitions completed in 2013 were acquired on January 1, 2012. 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 or the future results of operations (in thousands, except per-share data). ⁽¹⁾



	Year Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
	2013		2012
Total revenues	$	423,490	$	392,862
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$	16,352	$	23,833
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic	$	0.47	$	0.87
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted	$	0.47	$	0.87

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

(a) Transaction costs related to the acquisitions are not expected to have a continuing impact and therefore have been excluded from 2013 and included in 2012 for acquisitions completed in 2013.

2. Real Estate Acquisitions, continued

The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for the 2012 acquisitions (in thousands):



	2012
At Acquisition Date	Addtl Florida Properties			Blazing Star			Northville Crossing			Rainbow			Rudgate Acquisition and Managed Properties			Palm Creek			Lake In Wood			Total
Investment in property	$	25,384		$	6,913		$	30,814		$	7,572		$	123,754		$	87,979		$	14,457		$	296,873
Inventory of manufactured homes	112			220			187			679			2,978			—			—			4,176
Notes and other receivables	—			—			1,169			—			3,002			—			—			4,171
In-place leases and other intangible assets	180			—			260			40			8,110			2,058			—			10,648
Other assets	—			193			—			—			745			686			43			1,667
Other liabilities	(1,194		)	(179		)	(221		)	(331		)	(1,832		)	(880		)	(755		)	(5,392		)
Assumed debt	—			(4,104		)	—			—			(15,103		)	(43,619		)	—			(62,826		)
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	$	24,482		$	3,043		$	32,209		$	7,960		$	121,654		$	46,224		$	13,745		$	249,317

Consideration

Cash ⁽¹⁾	$	24,482		$	3,043		$	32,209		$	7,351		$	54,054		$	10,247		$	13,745		$	145,131
New debt proceeds ⁽²⁾	—			—			—			609			67,600			35,977			—			104,186
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	24,482		$	3,043		$	32,209		$	7,960		$	121,654		$	46,224		$	13,745		$	249,317

⁽¹⁾ Subsequent to the acquisition, on March 30, 2012, the Additional Florida Properties were encumbered with a $19.0 million loan. On September 28, 2012, Northville Crossing was encumbered with a $21.7 million loan. (See Note 9)

⁽²⁾ Subsequent to the acquisition, in January 2013, we paid off the $36.0 million sellers note for Palm Creek. (See Note 9)

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 as if acquisitions completed in 2012 were acquired on January 1, 2011. 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 or the future results of operations (in thousands, except per-share data). ⁽¹⁾



	Year Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
	2012		2011
Total revenues	$	367,710	$	323,473
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$	13,666	$	6,677
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic	$	0.50	$	0.31
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted	$	0.50	$	0.30

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

(a) Certain sellers had management fees of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 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 2012 and included in 2011 for acquisitions completed in 2012.

2. Real Estate Acquisitions, continued

The amount of revenue and net income included in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 for all acquisitions described above is set forth in the following table (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
	2013		2012		2011
Revenue	$	60,148	$	38,557	$	12,201
Net income	$	5,914	$	290	$	1,247

Acquisition related costs of approximately $3.9 million, $4.3 million and $2.0 million have been incurred for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are presented as “Acquisition related costs” in our consolidated statements of operations.

- 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

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Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Investment Property

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]

Investment Property

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



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Land	$	194,404		$	178,993
Land improvements and buildings	1,806,546			1,608,825
Rental homes and improvements	393,562			305,838
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	65,086			54,354
Land held for future development	29,521			29,295
Investment property	2,489,119			2,177,305
Accumulated depreciation	(734,067		)	(659,169		)
Investment property, net	$	1,755,052		$	1,518,136

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

In December 2011, we recorded impairment charges of $1.4 million associated with a long-lived asset for our MH 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 the long-lived asset based on discounted 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.

See Note 2, "Real Estate Acquisitions", for details on acquisitions.

- 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
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-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.

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 57
-Paragraph 2
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Reference 8: 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.

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-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph a, b
-Chapter V
-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.

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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph 4
-Article 9

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 28
-Article 12

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 11
-Chapter V
-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.

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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph c
-Subparagraph Schedule III
-Article 5

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section A
-Paragraph 9
-Chapter 3
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 04-2
-Paragraph 41, 63, 64
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-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.

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-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph a
-Article 5

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)
-Number AAG-DEP
-Paragraph 2, 6, 9-11, 18, 20
-IssueDate 2006-05-01
-Chapter 11
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-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 01-6
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-Subparagraph f
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 15
-Paragraph 28
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-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 23, 24
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+ Details

Transfers Of Financial Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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 2013 and 2012 under which we received a total of $34.0 million and $26.4 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 5) 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 $109.8 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million) and $93.8 million (net of allowance of $0.6 million) as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The outstanding balance on the secured borrowing was $110.5 million and $94.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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):



	Year Ended
	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Beginning balance	$	94,409		$	81,682
Financed sales of manufactured homes	34,007			26,406
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(7,930		)	(5,662		)
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(9,976		)	(8,017		)
Total activity	16,101			12,727
Ending balance	$	110,510		$	94,409

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 $10.6 million, $9.4 million and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=13989330&loc=d3e107207-111719

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
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-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 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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
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-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, 2013

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):



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net	$	25,471	$	21,898
Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 4)	109,821		93,834
Other receivables, net	29,393		24,118
Total notes and other receivables, net	$	164,685	$	139,850

Installment Notes Receivable on Manufactured Homes

The installment notes of $25.5 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) and $22.0 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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. The notes have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 8.9% and 11.9 years as of December 31, 2013, and 8.6% and 11.0 years as of December 31, 2012.

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



	Year Ended
	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Beginning balance	$	22,019		$	13,545
Financed sales of manufactured homes	7,798			7,453
Acquired notes (see Note 2)	852			4,171
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(3,838		)	(2,292		)
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(1,256		)	(858		)
Total activity	3,556			8,474
Ending balance	$	25,575		$	22,019

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 4). The receivables have a balance of $109.8 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million) and $93.8 million(net of allowance of $0.6 million) as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The receivables have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 10.7% and 13.6 years as of December 31, 2013, and 11.0% and 13.2 years as of December 31, 2012.

Allowance for Losses for Collateralized and Installment Notes Receivable

The following table sets forth the allowance for losses for collateralized and installment notes receivable as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):



	Year Ended
	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Beginning balance	$	(697	)	$	(635	)
Lower of cost or market write-downs	421			243
Increase to reserve balance	(517		)	(305		)
Total activity	(96		)	(62		)
Ending balance	$	(793	)	$	(697	)

5. Notes and Other Receivables, continued

Other Receivables

As of December 31, 2013 other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $6.9 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million), home sale proceeds of $5.7 million, insurance receivables of $2.0 million, insurance settlement of $3.7 million, rebates and other receivables of $4.6 million and two notes receivable of $4.3 million and $2.2 million. The $4.3 million note bears interest at LIBOR plus 475 basis points, is secured by senior mortgages on two RV communities, a pledge of $4.0 million in Series A-3 Preferred OP Units, a subordinated interest in a cash collateral account and an equity interest in another RV community and is due on May 31, 2014. The $2.2 million note bears interest at 8.0% for the first two years and 7.9% for the remainder of the loan, is secured by the senior mortgage on one MH community and a deed of land, and is due on December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2012 other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $4.1 million (net of allowance of $0.5 million), home sale proceeds of $6.1 million, insurance receivables of $1.7 million, insurance settlement of $3.7 million, note receivable of $5.0 million, and rebates and other receivables of $3.5 million.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a entity, excluding financing receivables. Examples include, but are not limited to, trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Includes disclosure for allowance for credit losses.

+ References

Reference 1: 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=7512638&loc=d3e5066-111524

Reference 2: 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 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7512638&loc=d3e5162-111524

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(k))
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
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-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7512638&loc=d3e5074-111524

Reference 6: 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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 3, 4
-Article 5

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph k
-Article 4

+ Details

Intangibles

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Intangible Assets

Our intangible assets are in-place leases from acquisitions, capitalized costs in relation to leasing activities and franchise fees. These intangible assets are recorded within Other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. The accumulated amortization and gross carrying amounts are as follows (in thousands):



		December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
Intangible Asset	Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
In-place leases	7 years	$	26,961	$	(8,239	)	$	22,761	$	(4,941	)
Capitalized leasing costs greater than 1 year	7 years	13,359		(6,757		)	12,506		(6,854		)
Franchise fees	15 years	770		(29		)	—		—
Total		$	41,090	$	(15,025	)	$	35,267	$	(11,795	)

During 2013, in connection with our acquisitions, we purchased intangible assets valued at approximately $5.0 million. Of this total, approximately $4.2 million is classified as in-place leases with a useful life of seven years, and $0.8 million is classified as franchise fees with a useful life of 15 years.

The aggregate net amortization expenses related to the intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
Intangible Asset	2013		2012		2011
In-place leases	$	3,297	$	1,657	$	975
Capitalized leasing costs greater than 1 year	1,507		1,504		1,603
Franchise fees	60		—		—
Total	$	4,864	$	3,161	$	2,578

We anticipate the amortization expense for the existing intangible assets to be as follows for the next five years (in thousands):



	Year
	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018
Estimated expense	$	4,906	$	4,689	$	4,497	$	4,299	$	3,436

Investment In Affiliates

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Investment In Affiliates

Investment in Affiliates

Origen Financial Services, LLC (“OFS LLC”)

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, we had a 22.9% ownership interest in OFS LLC, an entity formed to originate manufactured housing installment contracts. We have suspended equity accounting as the carrying value of our investment is zero.

Origen Financial, Inc. (“Origen”)

Through Sun OFI, LLC, a taxable REIT subsidiary, we own 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Origen which approximates an ownership interest of 19.0%. Although it is no longer originating or servicing loans, Origen continues to manage an existing portfolio of manufactured home loans and asset backed securities. We have suspended equity accounting for this investment as the carrying value of our investment is zero. We do, however, receive income from dividends on our shares of Origen common stock. Our investment in Origen had a market value of approximately $6.3 million based on a quoted market closing price of $1.25 per share as reported on the OTC Pink Marketplace as of December 31, 2013.

In January 2013, we were advised by Origen that it would be restating their 2011 financial statements to correct its results from operations. This adjustment has no impact to our financial statements since we have suspended equity accounting.

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Revenues	$	49,775		$	64,838		$	67,094
Expenses	(51,912		)	(66,215		)	(77,598		)
Net loss	$	(2,137	)	$	(1,377	)	$	(10,504	)



	As of December 31,
ASSETS	2013		2012
Loans receivable	$	463,254	$	543,420
Other assets	15,529		19,824
Total assets	$	478,783	$	563,244
LIABILITIES
Warehouse and securitization financing	$	423,369	$	491,720
Other liabilities	38,109		48,389
Total liabilities	$	461,478	$	540,109

- Definition

The entire disclosure for equity method investments and joint ventures. Equity method investments are investments that give the investor the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an investee. Joint ventures are entities owned and operated by a small group of businesses as a separate and specific business or project for the mutual benefit of the members of the group.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract]

DisclosureOfVariableInterestEntities [Text Block]

. Consolidated Variable Interest Entities

On November 14, 2012, we guaranteed certain non-recourse carveouts under a $45.9 million mortgage loan (the “Senior Loan”) from Ladder Capital Finance LLC to Rudgate Village SPE, LLC, Rudgate Clinton SPE, LLC and Rudgate Clinton Estates SPE, LLC (the “Rudgate Borrowers”). The Senior Loan is secured by the Rudgate Managed Properties, which are located in southeast Michigan. In addition, we entered into a Mezzanine Loan Agreement with the sole members of the Rudgate Borrowers under which we agreed to provide mezzanine financing in the amount of $15.1 million in respect of the Rudgate Managed Properties, and entered into property management agreements to manage and operate these two communities. We believe these arrangements represent variable interests in the Rudgate Managed Properties that were evaluated under the guidance set forth in the Financial FASB ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. As a result of the qualitative and quantitative analysis performed, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary and hold a controlling financial interest in these entities due to our power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities, as well as our obligation to absorb the most significant losses and our rights to receive significant benefits from these entities. As such, the transactions and accounts of these Variable Interest Entities ("VIEs") are included in our consolidated financial statements.

Included in our consolidated financial statements after appropriate eliminations were amounts related to the VIEs at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 as follows (in thousands):



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
ASSETS
Investment property, net	$	56,805		$	56,326
Other assets	3,926			4,598
Total Assets	$	60,731		$	60,924

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt	$	45,209		$	45,900
Other liabilities	6,564			1,773
Noncontrolling interests	(537		)	(508		)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	51,236		$	47,165

Investment property, net and other assets related to the consolidated VIEs comprised approximately 3.0% and 3.5% of our consolidated total assets and debt and other liabilities comprised approximately 3.2% and 3.1% of our consolidated total liabilities at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Noncontrolling interest related to the consolidated VIEs comprised less than 1.0% of our consolidated total equity at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Debt And Lines Of Credit

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

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, 2013		December 31, 2012		December 31, 2013	December 31, 2012	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Collateralized term loans - CMBS	$	644,844	$	725,951	6.1	4.5	5.4	%	5.2	%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA	366,019		369,810		8.1	10.3	3.6	%	3.8	%
Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP Units	47,022		47,322		7.6	8.4	6.9	%	6.9	%
Secured borrowing (see Note 4)	110,510		94,409		13.5	12.8	10.7	%	11.0	%
Mortgage notes, other	143,042		186,228		6.0	6.2	4.6	%	4.3	%
Total debt	$	1,311,437	$	1,423,720	7.2	6.8	5.0	%	5.2	%

Collateralized Term Loans

In December 2013, we and nine of our subsidiaries entered into a loan agreement with a lender for a $72.4 million term loan ("Pool A Loan"), and we and nine of our other subsidiaries entered into a loan agreement with the same lender for a $69.1 million term

9. Debt and Lines of Credit, continued

loan ("Pool B Loan", and collectively with the Pool A Loan, the "Loans"). Each Loan matures on January 1, 2024. The Pool A Loan accrues interest at 4.89% per year and is secured by eight MH communities and two RV communities. The Pool B Loan accrues interest at 4.90% per year and is secured by eight MH communities and one RV community. We used the proceeds of the Loans and $34.4 million to repay in full 11 loans previously made to subsidiaries of the Company.

In May 2013, we extended until May 1, 2023, $151.4 million of Fannie Mae (FNMA) debt, which had an original maturity date of May 1, 2013. The current weighted average interest rate on this debt is 3.6%.

In September 2012, we completed a secured debt agreement for $21.7 million bearing an interest rate of 3.89% and a maturity date of October 1, 2022. This loan is secured by Northville Crossing (See Note 2 for acquisition details).

In July 2012, we assumed a collateralized mortgage backed security ("CMBS") agreement of $4.1 million, as a result of the Blazing Star acquisition (See Note 2 for acquisition details), which has a maturity date of December 15, 2015 and bears an interest rate of 5.64%.

The collateralized term loans totaling $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2013, are secured by 95 properties comprised of 38,002 sites representing approximately $682.7 million of net book value.

Aspen preferred OP Units and Series B-3 preferred OP units

The Aspen preferred OP units are convertible into 526,212 common shares based on a conversion price of $68 per share with a redemption date of January 1, 2024. The current preferred rate is 6.5%.

We redeemed $1.0 million of Series B-3 preferred OP units in May 2012.

Secured Borrowing

See Note 4, "Transfers of Financial Assets", for additional information regarding our collateralized receivables and secured borrowing transactions.

Mortgage Notes

In October 2013, two mortgage agreements were paid off upon maturity in the amounts of $3.5 million and $2.3 million which were secured by Dutton Mill and Falcon Pointe, respectively.

In May 2013, we paid off the entire $3.5 million mortgage agreement secured by Holiday West Village upon maturity.

In April 2013, we paid off the sellers note associated with the acquisition of Rainbow RV Resort. The note had a principal balance of $0.6 million and did not incur any interest.

In January 2013, we paid off the sellers note associated with the acquisition of Palm Creek. The note had a principal balance of $36.0 million and an interest rate of 2.0%. We also paid off the remaining $30.0 million outstanding under our $36.0 million variable financing loan from Bank of America, N.A. and The Private Bank.

In December 2012, we assumed secured debt with a principal balance of $41.7 million, as a result of the Palm Creek acquisition (See Note 2). This secured debt was recorded at fair value on the date of the acquisition. The debt is secured by one property. The maturity date is July 1, 2022 and the interest rate is 5.25%.

In November 2012, we entered into a $21.7 million financing agreement to fund the acquisition of the Rudgate Acquisition Properties. The debt is secured by one property. The maturity date is September 6, 2022 and the interest rate is 4.65%.

In November 2012, we also assumed secured debt of $15.4 million, as a result of the Rudgate acquisition (See Note 2). This secured debt was recorded at fair value on the date of the acquisition. The debt is secured by two properties. The maturity date is February 1, 2022 and the interest rate is 4.3%.

9. Debt and Lines of Credit, continued

In September 2012, we paid off a mortgage loan of approximately $25.0 million secured by four properties which was due to mature on June 20, 2013.

In June 2012, we completed a variable refinancing agreement for $14.1 million. This debt bears an interest rate of LIBOR plus a 2.0% margin (effective rate at December 31, 2013 was 2.16%) and has a maturity of September 1, 2016, assuming the election of the two successive one-year extensions at our option. The loan is secured by two properties and refinanced $14.0 million of debt which matured in June 2012.

In March 2012, we paid off a $2.7 million mortgage loan secured by an MH community in Belmont, Michigan which was due to mature on April 1, 2012.

On February 1, 2012, we paid off $4.5 million of this agreement which was collateralized by Orange City. In September 2012, we paid off the remaining approximately $18.1 million mortgage agreement which was due to mature on June 1, 2015.

The mortgage notes totaling $143.0 million as of December 31, 2013, are collateralized by 18 properties comprised of 7,868 sites representing approximately $242.0 million of net book value.

Lines of Credit

In May 2013, we entered into a credit agreement with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders consisting of a $350.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Facility"). The Facility replaced our previous $150.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to mature on October 1, 2014 and incurred interest at a floating rate based on the Eurodollar rate plus a margin that was determined based on our leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the previous credit agreement, which ranged from 2.25% to 2.95%.

The Facility has a four year term ending May 15, 2017, which can be extended for one additional year at our option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions as defined in the credit agreement. The credit agreement also provides for, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, additional commitments in an amount not to exceed $250.0 million. The Facility bears interest at a floating rate based on the Eurodollar rate plus a margin that is determined based on our leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the credit agreement, which can range from 1.65% to 2.90%. Based on our calculation of the leverage ratio as of December 31, 2013, the margin was 1.70%. At December 31, 2013, we had approximately $178.1 million outstanding under the Facility. There was no amount outstanding on the previous senior secured revolving credit facility at December 31, 2012. Approximately $2.7 million and $4.0 million of availability was used to back standby letters of credit at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $169.2 million and $146.0 million were available to be drawn under the Facility and our previous facility, respectively, based on the calculation of the borrowing base at each date.

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 junior debt positions in certain borrowing base properties.

In February 2013, we entered into a $61.5 million credit agreement to fund a portion of the purchase of the Morgan RV Properties acquisition (See Note 2 "Real Estate Acquisitions"). This loan was paid off in March 2013.

We have a $20.0 million secured line of credit agreement collateralized by a portion of our rental home portfolio, which was reduced from $50.0 million in July 2013. The net book value of the rental homes pledged as security for the loan must meet or exceed 200% of the outstanding loan balance. The terms of the agreement require interest only payments for the first five years, with the remainder of the term being amortized based on a 10 year term. The interest rate is the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal adjusted the first day of each calendar month plus 200 basis points with a minimum rate of 5.5%. At December 31, 2013, the effective interest rate was 5.5%, and there was no amount outstanding. At December 31, 2012, we had $25.0 million outstanding on $50.0 million of availability under this line of credit.

Lastly, we have a $12.0 million manufactured home floor plan facility renewable indefinitely until our lender provides us at least twelve months notice of its intent to terminate the agreement. The interest rate is 100 basis points over the greater of the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of each month or 6.0%. At December 31, 2013 the effective

interest rate was 7.00%. The outstanding balance was $3.3 million and $4.8 million as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

9. Debt and Lines of Credit, continued

Long-term Debt Maturities

As of December 31, 2013, the total of maturities and amortization of our debt (excluding premiums and discounts) and lines of credit during the next five years are as follows (in thousands):



	Maturities and Amortization By Year
	Total Due		2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		Thereafter
Lines of credit	$	181,383	$	3,283	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	178,100	$	—
Mortgage loans payable:
Maturities	1,024,296		11,476		56,343		280,740		55,019		—		620,718
Principal amortization	128,238		15,327		15,831		14,256		13,282		13,258		56,284
Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP units	47,022		11,240		—		—		—		—		35,782
Secured borrowing	110,510		4,871		5,395		5,963		6,509		7,053		80,719
Total	$	1,491,449	$	46,197	$	77,569	$	300,959	$	74,810	$	198,411	$	793,503

Covenants

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, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Equity Transactions	12 Months Ended
Equity Transactions	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity Transactions	Equity Transactions In March 2013, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 5,750,000 shares of common stock at a price of $45.25 per share. The net proceeds from the offering were $249.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and the expenses related to the offering. We used a portion of the proceeds to pay down debt. We used the remaining net proceeds of the offering to fund the acquisition of properties and for working capital and general corporate purposes. In February 2013, we issued $4.0 million of Series A-3 preferred OP units in connection with the Morgan RV Properties acquisition (see Note 2). Series A-3 preferred OP unit holders can convert the Series A-3 preferred OP units into shares of common stock based upon a conversion price of $53.75 per share. The Series A-3 preferred OP unit holders receive a preferred return of 4.5% per year. In November 2012, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 3,400,000 shares of Series A preferred stock at a price of $25.00 per share. The net proceeds from the offering were $82.2 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and expenses related to the offering. We used $55.3 million of the net proceeds of the offering to fund the acquisition of the Rudgate Acquisition Properties. We used the remaining net proceeds of the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes. In September 2012, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 3,000,000 shares of common stock at a price of $44.06 per share. The net proceeds from the offering were $132.0 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and expenses related to the offering. We primarily used the net proceeds of the offering to repay $78.0 million of our senior secured revolving credit facility and we used $43.1 million to repay single mortgages secured by nine communities. In May 2012, pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, we registered with the SEC the sale of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and units consisting of two or more of the aforementioned securities. This shelf registration statement was effective upon filing and replaced our previous shelf registration statement which was scheduled to expire in May 2012. In May 2012, we entered into an "at-the-market" sales agreement with BMO Capital Markets Corp and Liquidnet Inc. to issue and sell shares of common stock from time to time. The current authorization allows for the sale of our common stock up to an aggregate amount of $100 million. There were 526,586 shares of common stock sold through December 31, 2013. 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 $46.57 and we received net proceeds of approximately $24.2 million. The proceeds were used to pay down our line of credit. 10. Equity Transactions, continued 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 underwriting discounts and the expenses related to the offering. The net proceeds of the offering were primarily used to repay $123.5 million of outstanding debt and to fund $25.0 million of the purchase price of the Additional Florida Properties (See Note 2 for additional information), which were subsequently encumbered with a loan of $19.0 million. 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 during 2013 or 2012. 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 the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, holders of Common OP Units converted zero and 2,400 units, respectively, to common stock. Under our previous shelf registration statement on Form S-3 we had an "at-the-market" sales agreement to issue and sell shares of common stock. We issued 40,524 shares of common stock from January 1, 2012 through May 9, 2012, when the sales agreement was terminated. 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 $37.22 and we received net proceeds of approximately $1.5 million. The proceeds were used to pay down our line of credit. Cash distributions of $0.63 per share were declared for the quarter ended December 31, 2013. On January 17, 2014 cash payments of approximately $24.1 million for aggregate distributions and distribution equivalents were made to common stockholders, common OP unitholders and restricted stockholders of record as of December 31, 2013. In addition, cash distributions of $0.4453 per share were declared on the Company's Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock for the quarter ended December 31, 2013. On January 15, 2014 cash payments of approximately $1.5 million for aggregate distributions were made to Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stockholders of record as of January 2, 2014. The Company is incorporated in the state of Maryland and under the law of that state the concept of treasury shares does not exist. All shares repurchased are considered authorized but unissued. Accordingly, we have retrospectively reclassified $63.6 million from treasury stock to common stock and additional paid in capital on our consolidated balance sheet.

- 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 FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Preferred Stock
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6521494

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 43
-Section B
-Paragraph 7, 11A
-Chapter 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 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-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
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Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 20: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 21: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 23: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Article 3

+ Details

Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2013, we have two share-based compensation plans approved by stockholders: Sun Communities, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (“2009 Equity Plan”) and the First Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Option Plan (“Director Plan”). We believe granting equity awards will provide certain key employees and directors additional incentives to promote our financial success, and promote employee and director retention by providing an opportunity to acquire or increase the direct proprietary interest of those individuals in our operations and future.

2009 Equity Plan

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, and terminates automatically July 29, 2019.

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 maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2009 Equity Plan is 950,000 shares, with 312,500 shares remaining for future issuance.

In December 2013, we granted 500 shares of restricted stock to an employee under our 2009 Equity Plan. The restricted shares had a fair value of $40.74 per share and will vest as follows: December 16, 2016: 35%; December 16, 2017: 35%; December 16, 2018: 20%, December 16, 2019: 5%; and December 16, 2020: 5%. The fair value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.

11. Share-Based Compensation, continued

In August 2013, we granted 36,000 shares of restricted stock to employees under our 2009 Equity Plan. The restricted shares had a fair value of $48.22 per share and will vest as follows: August 6, 2016: 35%; August 6, 2017: 35%; August 6, 2018: 20%; August 6, 2019: 5%; and August 6, 2020: 5%. The fair value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.

In June 2013, we granted 250,000 shares of restricted stock to an executive officer under our 2009 Equity Plan. The restricted shares had a fair value of $47.56 per share and will vest as follows: June 20, 2016: 35%; June 20, 2017: 35%; June 20, 2018: 20%; June 20, 2019: 5%; and June 20, 2020: 5%. The fair value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.

In March 2013, we granted 1,000 shares of restricted stock to employees under our 2009 Equity Plan. The awards vest on March 12, 2016, and had a fair value of $45.68 per share. The fair value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.

In February 2013, we granted 73,000 shares of restricted stock to our executive officers under our 2009 Equity Plan. The awards vest ratably over a six or eight year period beginning on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, and had a fair value of $45.69 per share. The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.

Director Plan

The Director Plan was approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 19, 2012. The Director Plan amended and restated in its entirety our 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan.

The types of awards that may be granted under the Director Plans are options, restricted stock and OP units. Only non-employee directors are eligible to participate in the Director Plan. The maximum number of options, restricted stock and OP units that may be issued under the Director Plan is 175,000 shares, with 79,600 shares remaining for future issuance.

In February 2013, we granted a total of 10,800 shares of restricted stock to our directors under the Director Plan. The awards vest on February 15, 2016, and had a fair value of $45.69 per share. The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.

During the year ended December 31, 2013, 9,442 shares of common stock were issued in connection with the exercise of stock options and the net proceeds received were $0.2 million.

We have recognized compensation costs associated with share based awards of $3.2 million, $1.5 million, and $1.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively.

Restricted Stock

The majority of our share-based compensation is awarded as restricted stock grants to key employees. We have also awarded restricted stock to our non-employee directors. 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 distribution payments on unvested shares of restricted stock.

11. Share-Based Compensation, continued

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 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
Granted	44,600		$	40.93
Vested	(8,750	)	$	19.92
Forfeited	(1,214	)	$	37.04
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2012	310,507		$	30.88
Granted	371,300		$	47.19
Vested	(37,291	)	$	16.87
Forfeited	(12,560	)	$	38.47
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2013	631,956		$	41.14

Total compensation cost recognized for restricted stock was $3.2 million, $1.4 million, and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested was $0.6 million, $0.2 million, and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The remaining net compensation cost related to our

unvested restricted shares outstanding as of December 31, 2013 is approximately $19.9 million. That expense is expected to be recognized $3.9 million in 2014, $3.7 million in 2015, $3.3 million in 2016 and $9.0 million thereafter.

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 3 years period from the date of grant and have a maximum term of 10 years. We granted 10,500 options to our non-employee directors during the year ended December 31, 2011 and no grants were made in 2012 or 2013. We issue new shares at the time of share option exercise (or share unit conversion).

11. Share-Based Compensation, continued

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
Estimated fair value per share of options granted	$	9.70
Number of options granted	10,500

Assumptions:
Annualized dividend yield	6.70		%
Common stock price volatility	45.20		%
Risk-free rate of return	1.52		%
Expected option terms (in years)	5.0

The options outstanding as of December 31, 2013 consist of 46,250 non-employee director options. There are zero employee options outstanding. The compensation expense associated with non-vested stock option awards was not significant for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.

The following table summarizes our option activity during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:



	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price (per common share)
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
Granted	—		$	—
Exercised	(16,256	)	$	30.12
Forfeited or expired	(4,880	)	$	33.16
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	55,950		$	29.19
Granted	—		$	—
Exercised	(9,700	)	$	21.67
Forfeited or expired	—		$	—
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	46,250		$	30.77

The following table summarizes our options outstanding and options currently exercisable at December 31, 2013:



	December 31, 2013
	Number of Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price (per common share)		Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in 000's)
Options vested and expected to vest	46,250	$	30.77	4.7	$	549

Options vested and exercisable	42,750	$	30.23	4.4	$	530

11. Share-Based Compensation, continued

Aggregate intrinsic value represents the value of our closing share price as of the end of the year in excess of the 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. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the intrinsic value of exercised options was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the intrinsic value of vested and exercisable options was $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

Phantom Awards

Phantom awards can be granted 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 distribution 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, 2013 we had zero phantom award activity and therefore did not record any compensation expense related to phantom awards. For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, we recorded compensation expense of less than $0.1 million related to phantom awards.

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 2: 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

Reference 3: 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 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
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-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 5: 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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: 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 8: 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.

+ Details

Segment Reporting

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]

Segment Reporting

We group our operating segments into reportable segments that provide similar products and services. Each operating segment has discrete financial information evaluated regularly by the Company's chief operating decision maker in evaluating and assessing performance. We have two reportable segments: (i) Real Property Operations and (ii) Home Sales and Rentals. The Real Property Operations segment owns, operates, and develops MH communities and RV communities and is in the business of acquiring, operating, and expanding MH and RV communities. The Home Sales and Rentals segment offers manufactured home sales and leasing services to tenants and prospective tenants of our communities.

Transactions between our segments are eliminated in consolidation. Transient RV revenue is included in Real Property Operations’ revenues and is approximately $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This transient revenue was recognized 40% in the first quarter, 15% in the second quarter, 30% in the third quarter and 15% in the fourth quarter of 2013.

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



	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
Revenues	$	313,097		$	87,352		$	400,449
Operating expenses/Cost of home sales	109,921			60,732			170,653
Net operating income/Gross profit	203,176			26,620			229,796
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	14,773			—			14,773
General and administrative	(25,941		)	(9,913		)	(35,854		)
Acquisition related costs	(3,928		)	—			(3,928		)
Depreciation and amortization	(73,729		)	(36,349		)	(110,078		)
Interest	(73,001		)	(338		)	(73,339		)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(3,238		)	—			(3,238		)
Distributions from affiliate	2,250			—			2,250
Provision for state income taxes	(234		)	—			(234		)
Net income (loss)	40,128			(19,980		)	20,148
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	2,598			—			2,598
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	166			—			166
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,450			(1,732		)	718
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	34,914			(18,248		)	16,666
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	6,056			—			6,056
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	28,858		$	(18,248	)	$	10,610

12. Segment Reporting, continued



	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
Revenues	$	255,761		$	71,736		$	327,497
Operating expenses/Cost of home sales	88,046			53,059			141,105
Net operating income/Gross profit	167,715			18,677			186,392
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	11,455			—			11,455
General and administrative	(20,037		)	(8,316		)	(28,353		)
Acquisition related costs	(4,296		)	—			(4,296		)
Depreciation and amortization	(61,039		)	(28,635		)	(89,674		)
Interest	(67,756		)	(103		)	(67,859		)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(3,321		)	—			(3,321		)
Distributions from affiliate	3,900			—			3,900
Provision for state income taxes	(249		)	—			(249		)
Net income (loss)	26,372			(18,377		)	7,995
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	2,329			—			2,329
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,640			(1,958		)	(318		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	22,403			(16,419		)	5,984
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	1,026			—			1,026
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	21,377		$	(16,419	)	$	4,958

12. Segment Reporting, continued



	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 home 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):
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	10,445			—			10,445
General and administrative	(19,704		)	(7,571		)	(27,275		)
Acquisition related costs	(1,971		)	—			(1,971		)
Depreciation and amortization	(51,063		)	(23,130		)	(74,193		)
Asset impairment charge	(1,382		)	—			(1,382		)
Interest	(63,616		)	(990		)	(64,606		)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(3,333		)	—			(3,333		)
Distributions from affiliate	2,100			—			2,100
Provision for state income taxes	(150		)	—			(150		)
Net income (loss)	18,202			(18,737		)	(535		)
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	1,222			—			1,222
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,003			(1,674		)	(671		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	15,977		$	(17,063	)	$	(1,086	)



	December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Real Property Operations		Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated		Real Property Operations		Home Sales and Home Rentals		Consolidated
Identifiable assets:
Investment property, net	$	1,460,628	$	294,424		$	1,755,052	$	1,296,753	$	221,383	$	1,518,136
Cash and cash equivalents	5,336		(583		)	4,753		29,071		437		29,508
Inventory of manufactured homes	—		5,810			5,810		—		7,527		7,527
Notes and other receivables, net	154,524		10,161			164,685		131,000		8,850		139,850
Other assets	64,342		4,594			68,936		54,959		4,648		59,607
Total assets	$	1,684,830	$	314,406		$	1,999,236	$	1,511,783	$	242,845	$	1,754,628

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: 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.

+ Details

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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 it 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. 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, 2013:

Type

Purpose

Effective Date

Maturity Date

Notional

(in millions)

Based on

Variable Rate

Fixed Rate

Spread

Effective Fixed Rate

Swap

Floating to Fixed Rate

1/1/2009

1/1/2014

20.0

3 Month LIBOR

0.3585%

2.1450%

1.8700%

4.0150%

Cap

Cap Floating Rate

4/1/2012

4/1/2015

152.4

3 Month LIBOR

0.3585%

11.2650%

—%

N/A

Cap

Cap Floating Rate

10/3/2011

10/3/2016

10.0

3 Month LIBOR

0.3585%

11.0200%

—%

N/A

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 17 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):



	Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012			December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Interest rate swap and cap agreements	Other assets	$	—	$	—	Other liabilities	$	97	$	459
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	—	$	—		$	97	$	459

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, we would need to amortize amounts currently included in other comprehensive income 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 year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as recorded in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):



Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship	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)
	Year Ended December 31,							Year Ended December 31,
	2013		2012		2011			2013		2012		2011
Interest rate swap and cap agreements	$	362	$	643	$	1,048	Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—

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 does 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. No gain or loss was recognized in the consolidated financial statements related to hedge ineffectiveness or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing on our cash flow hedge during the year ended December 31, 2013. A gain of $4.0 thousand and a loss of $13.0 thousand were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

16. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued

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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had collateral deposits recorded in other assets of approximately $0.7 million and $1.2 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6441202&loc=d3e80720-113993

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-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 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 22: 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.

+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) as defined under Section 856 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“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 certain-specified qualifying sources and at least seventy-five percent (75%) of our gross income must be dervied from income qualifying as real estate income under the Code. In addition, a REIT must distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of its REIT ordinary taxable income to its stockholders and meet other tests.

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

13. Income Taxes, continued

changes occur in the area of REIT taxation which requires us to continually monitor our tax status. We analyzed the various REIT tests and determined that we continued to qualify as a REIT for the year ended December 31, 2013.

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, 2013, 2012, and 2011, distributions paid per share were taxable as follows (unaudited):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2013				2012				2011
	Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage
Ordinary income	$	0.87	34.6	%	$	0.92	48.7	%	$	0.74	23.5	%
Capital gain	—		—	%	—		—	%	—		—	%
Return of capital	1.65		65.4	%	0.97		51.3	%	2.41		76.5	%
Total distributions declared	$	2.52	100.0	%	$	1.89	100.0	%	$	3.15	100.0	%

Sun Home Services, Inc. ("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 carryforwards and depreciation.

The deferred tax assets included in the consolidated balance sheets are comprised of the following tax effects of temporary differences (in thousands):



	As of December 31,
	2013			2012
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	24,237		$	22,340
Real estate assets	23,999			19,512
Amortization of intangibles	(128		)	(128		)
Gross deferred tax assets	48,108			41,724
Valuation allowance	(47,108		)	(40,724		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,000		$	1,000

SHS has net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $71.3 million at December 31, 2013. 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, 2013, 2012, and 2011.

We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. We expect no significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to changes in tax positions within one year of December 31, 2013.

We classify certain state taxes as income taxes for financial reporting purposes. We record Texas Margin Tax as income tax in our financial statements. In 2011, we were also subject to Michigan Business Tax. We recorded a provision for state income taxes of

13. Income Taxes, continued

approximately $0.2 million, for each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011. No deferred tax liability is recorded in relation to the Texas Margin Tax as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

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 for the tax years ended December 31, 2008 and prior.

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 years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 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

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

We have outstanding stock options and unvested restricted shares, and our Operating Partnership has Common OP units, convertible Series A-1 preferred OP units, Series A-3 preferred OP units and Aspen preferred OP Units, which if converted or exercised, may impact dilution.

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



	Year Ended December 31,
Numerator	2013		2012		2011
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	10,610	$	4,958	$	(1,086	)
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding	34,228		26,970		21,147
Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	504		285		—
Basic weighted average common shares and unvested restricted stock outstanding	34,732		27,255		21,147
Add: dilutive stock options	15		17		—
Diluted weighted average common shares and securities	34,747		27,272		21,147
Earnings (loss) per share available to common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.31	$	0.18	$	(0.05	)
Diluted	$	0.31	$	0.18	$	(0.05	)

We excluded certain securities from the computation of diluted earnings (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 earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2013	2012	2011
Stock options	—	—	77
Unvested restricted stock	—	—	276
Common OP units	2,069	2,071	2,072
Series A-1 preferred OP units	455	455	455
Series A-3 preferred OP units	40	—	—
Aspen preferred OP units	1,325	1,325	1,325
Total securities	3,889	3,851	4,205

14. Earnings (Loss) Per Share, continued

The figures above represent the total number of potentially dilutive securities, and do not necessarily 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 earnings per share available to common stockholders.

Quarterly Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

The following is a condensed summary of our unaudited quarterly results for years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. 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⁽²⁾		2nd		3rd			4th
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2013
Total revenues	$	102,913	$	100,151	$	107,201		$	104,957
Total expenses	94,983		97,290		101,841			102,976
Income before income taxes and distributions from affiliates	$	7,930	$	2,861	$	5,360		$	1,981

Distributions from affiliate⁽¹⁾	$	400	$	450	$	700		$	700
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,744	$	1,035	$	3,749		$	82

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.19	$	0.03	$	0.10		$	—
Diluted	$	0.19	$	0.03	$	0.10		$	—

2012
Total revenues	$	82,917	$	82,223	$	83,018		$	90,794
Total expenses	77,221		81,591		83,809			91,987
Income (loss) before income taxes and distributions from affiliates	$	5,696	$	632	$	(791	)	$	(1,193	)

Distributions from affiliate ⁽¹⁾	$	750	$	1,900	$	600		$	650
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,377	$	1,663	$	(650	)	$	(1,432	)

Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.21	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.05	)
Diluted	$	0.21	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.05	)

⁽¹⁾Refer to Note 7 for more information regarding distributions from affiliates.

⁽²⁾ Financial information includes certain reclassifications to conform to current period presentation.

- 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

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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.

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes guidance for the 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.

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 swap 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 (Level 2).

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 (Level 2).

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 (Level 2).

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 (Level 2).

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.

17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued

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, 2013. The table presents the carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that were measured using the valuation techniques described above (in thousands). The table excludes other 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.



	December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
Financial assets	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net	$	25,471	$	25,471	$	21,898	$	21,898
Collateralized receivables, net	$	109,821	$	109,821	$	93,834	$	93,834
Financial liabilities
Derivative instruments	$	97	$	97	$	459	$	459
Debt (excluding secured borrowing)	$	1,200,927	$	1,211,821	$	1,329,311	$	1,355,331
Secured borrowing	$	110,510	$	110,510	$	94,409	$	94,409
Lines of credit	$	181,383	$	181,383	$	29,781	$	29,781

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, 2013 (in thousands).



	Description	Frequency	Asset/(Liability)			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
December 31, 2013	Derivative instruments	Recurring	$	(97	)	$	—	$	(97	)	—
December 31, 2012	Derivative instruments	Recurring	$	(459	)	$	—	$	(459	)	—

The derivative instruments are the only financial liabilities that were required to be carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated, and we have no financial assets that are required to be carried at fair value.

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 2: 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 3: 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=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 4: 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 5: 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=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 6: 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=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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.

+ Details

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present its unrecognized tax benefits net of its deferred tax assets when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law, which would be based on facts and circumstances as of the balance sheet reporting date and would not consider future events. Gross presentation in the notes to the financial statements will still be required. ASU 2013-11 will apply on a prospective basis to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date, with the option to apply it retrospectively. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this pronouncement will not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The provisions of ASU 2013-02 were effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements. In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” ("ASU 2013-01") which amends ASC Topic 210, Balance Sheet. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 210 clarifies that ordinary trade receivables are not in the scope of ASU No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. Specifically, ASU 2011-11 applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the ASC or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. An entity is required to apply the amendments for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the required disclosures retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The effective date is the same as the effective date of ASU 2011-11, which was January 1, 2013. Early adoption was not permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition. 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 was not permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition. 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 was not permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

- Definition

The entire 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510796

Reference 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: 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

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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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
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Reference 9: 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 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 270
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6372559&loc=d3e765-108305

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 01
-Paragraph b
-Subparagraph 6
-Article 10

+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies On June 4, 2010 we settled all of the claims arising out of the litigation filed in 2004 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. 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

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-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
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-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 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.

+ Details

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
Related Party Transactions	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	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 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 accounted for our investment in OFS LLC using the equity method of accounting which we have since suspended. As of December 31, 2013, we had an ownership interest in the OFS LLC of 22.9%, 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 years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We purchased, at par, $7.7 million and $6.4 million of these loans during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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) owns 1,025,000 shares of Origen common stock. 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 accounted for our investment in Origen using the equity method of accounting which we have since suspended. As of December 31, 2013 we had an ownership interest in Origen of approximately 19%, 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 of his family members, indirectly owns a 21% equity interest in American Center LLC, the entity from which we lease office space for our principal executive offices. Arthur A. Weiss owns a less than one percent indirect interest in American Center LLC. Under this lease agreement, 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 base rent through October 31, 2014 is $18.12 per square foot (gross). From November 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015, the base rent will be $18.24 per square foot (gross) and from September 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016, the base rent will be $17.92 per square foot (gross). As of May 2013, we also have a temporary lease through April 30, 2014 for approximately 10,500 rentable square feet with base rent equal to $14.33 per square foot (gross). Our annual rent expense associated with the lease of our executive offices was approximately $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $0.7 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. Our future annual rent expense will be approximately $0.9 million for 2014 and 2015 and $0.7 million for 2016. Each of Mr. Shiffman and Mr. Weiss 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. 20. Related Party Transactions, continued Loan Funding Agreement with Talmer Bank. Each of Robert H. Naftaly and Arthur A. Weiss, who serve on our board of directors, is also a director of each of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and its primary operating subsidiary, Talmer Bank. Each of Mr. Naftaly, Mr. Weiss and Mr. Shiffman also owns less than one percent of Talmer Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock. In January 2013, we entered into an agreement with Talmer Bank under which we could refer purchasers of homes in our communities to Talmer Bank to obtain loans to finance their home purchases. We did not receive referral fees or other cash compensation under the agreement. If Talmer Bank made loans to purchasers referred by us under the agreement, those purchasers defaulted on their loans and Talmer Bank repossessed the homes securing such loans, we had agreed to purchase from Talmer Bank each such repossessed home for a price equal to 100% of the amount under each such loan, subject to certain adjustments; provided that the maximum outstanding principal amount of the loans subject to the agreement did not exceed $10.0 million. In addition, we agreed to waive all site rent that would otherwise be due from Talmer Bank so long as it owned any homes on which loans were made pursuant to the agreement. The agreement expired November 1, 2013 and was not extended. No transactions occurred under this agreement. Legal Counsel. During 2011-2013, Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss, Professional Corporation 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 owed to Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss of approximately $3.2 million, $3.4 million and $2.5 million in the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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, Mr. Shiffman will have tax consequences different from those on us and our public stockholders upon the sale of any of the Sun Partnerships. Therefore, we and Mr. 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. 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

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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+ Details

Subsequent Events (Notes)	2 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Notes)	Feb. 20, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Events We have evaluated our financial statements for subsequent events through the date that this Form 10-K was issued. Acquisitions In February 2014, we acquired Driftwood Camping Resort, an RV community with approximately 698 sites located in Clermont, New Jersey, for a purchase price of approximately $31.9 million. We also acquired Seashore Campsites RV and Campground, an RV community with approximately 685 sites located in Cape May, New Jersey, for a purchase price of approximately $24.6 million. In January 2014, we acquired Castaways RV Resort & Campground, an RV community with approximately 369 sites located in Worcester County, Maryland, for a purchase price of approximately $35.9 million. We also acquired Wine Country RV Resort, an RV community with approximately 166 sites located in Paso Robles, California, for a purchase price of approximately $13.3 million. The initial accounting and purchase price allocations for these business acquisitions will be completed during the first quarter of 2014. Mortgage Loans On January 30, 2014, we and four of our subsidiaries obtained four mortgage loans (each, an “Individual Loan” and, together, the “Loan”) in the aggregate amount of $99.0 million from The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (“NM”) pursuant to a Master Loan Agreement with NM. Each Individual Loan accrues interest at the rate of 4.20% per year. The borrower under each Individual Loan is required to make monthly principal and interest payments calculated based on a 30 days amortization period. Each Individual Loan matures and all outstanding principal and interest under each Individual Loan will be payable on February 13, 2026. We and each of the four borrowers have guaranteed the Loan. The Loan is secured by a mortgage and assignment of leases and rents on the four MH/RV communities owned by the borrowers. An event of default under any Individual Loan will cause an event of default under the entire Loan and all four mortgaged properties secure the repayment of the entire Loan. The proceeds of the Loan were used to repay a portion of our senior secured line of credit.

SCHEDULE III

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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, 2013
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	B	1,485	14,278	—		7,647	1,485	21,925	23,410	(8,765	)	2000	(A)
Allendale	Allendale, MI	B	366	3,684	—		9,801	366	13,485	13,851	(6,068	)	1996	(A)
Alpine	Grand Rapids, MI	E	729	6,692	—		9,065	729	15,757	16,486	(6,805	)	1996	(A)
Apple Carr Village	Muskegon, MI	3,663	800	6,172	—		2,743	800	8,915	9,715	(840	)	2011	(A)
Apple Creek	Amelia, OH	C	543	5,480	—		1,901	543	7,381	7,924	(3,010	)	1999	(A)
Arbor Terrace	Bradenton, FL	A	456	4,410	—		2,183	456	6,593	7,049	(2,860	)	1996	(A)
Ariana Village	Lakeland, FL	—	240	2,195	—		1,117	240	3,312	3,552	(1,728	)	1994	(A)
Autumn Ridge	Ankeny, IA	B	890	8,054	(34	)	2,898	856	10,952	11,808	(5,352	)	1996	(A)
Bedford Hills	Battle Creek, MI	C	1,265	11,562	—		3,194	1,265	14,756	16,021	(7,987	)	1996	(A)
Bell Crossing	Clarksville, TN	C	717	1,916	(12	)	8,348	705	10,264	10,969	(3,490	)	1999	(A)
Big Timber Lake RV Resort	Cape May, NJ	E	590	21,308	—		324	590	21,632	22,222	(399	)	2013	(A)
Blazing Star	San Antonio, TX	3,996	750	6,163	—		789	750	6,952	7,702	(371	)	2012	(A)
Blueberry Hill	Bushnell, FL	C	3,830	3,240	—		956	3,830	4,196	8,026	(266	)	2012	(A)
Boulder Ridge	Pflugerville, TX	B	1,000	500	3,323		23,933	4,323	24,433	28,756	(10,247	)	1998	(C)
Branch Creek	Austin, TX	B	796	3,716	—		5,333	796	9,049	9,845	(4,644	)	1995	(A)
Brentwood	Kentwood, MI	A	385	3,592	—		2,285	385	5,877	6,262	(3,004	)	1996	(A)
Brookside Manor	Goshen, IN	B	260	1,080	385		12,309	645	13,389	14,034	(6,352	)	1985	(A)
Brookside Village	Kentwood, MI	2,474	170	5,564	—		654	170	6,218	6,388	(570	)	2011	(A)
Buttonwood Bay	Sebring, FL	A	1,952	18,294	—		4,721	1,952	23,015	24,967	(9,180	)	2001	(A)
Byrne Hill Village	Toledo, OH	—	383	3,903	—		1,919	383	5,822	6,205	(2,335	)	1999	(A)
Byron Center	Byron Center, MI	E	253	2,402	—		2,376	253	4,778	5,031	(2,167	)	1996	(A)
Camelot Villa	Macomb, MI	E	910	21,211	—		2,197	910	23,408	24,318	(381	)	2013	(A)
Candlelight Village	Sauk Village, IL	D	600	5,623	—		6,582	600	12,205	12,805	(5,423	)	1996	(A)
Candlewick Court	Owosso, MI	A	125	1,900	131		2,890	256	4,790	5,046	(2,502	)	1985	(A)
Carrington Pointe	Ft. Wayne, IN	B	1,076	3,632	(1	)	7,344	1,075	10,976	12,051	(4,901	)	1997	(A)
Casa Del Valle	Alamo, TX	—	246	2,316	—		1,482	246	3,798	4,044	(1,417	)	1997	(A)
Catalina	Middletown, OH	A	653	5,858	—		4,016	653	9,874	10,527	(5,410	)	1993	(A)
Cave Creek	Evans, CO	5,607	2,241	15,343	—		7,952	2,241	23,295	25,536	(6,292	)	2004	(A)
Chisholm Point	Pflugerville, TX	B	609	5,286	—		5,664	609	10,950	11,559	(5,628	)	1995	(A)
Cider Mill Crossings	Fenton, MI	C	520	1,568	—		8,956	520	10,524	11,044	(1,013	)	2011	(A)
Cider Mill Village	Middleville, MI	E	250	3,590	—		1,982	250	5,572	5,822	(549	)	2011	(A)



			Initial Cost to Company		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)				Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2013
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land	Depreciable Assets	Land		Depreciable Assets		Land	Depreciable Assets	Total	Accumulated Depreciation		Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
Clearwater Village	South Bend, IN	B	80	1,270	60		5,183		140	6,453	6,593	(2,545	)	1986	(A)
Club Naples	Naples, FL	C	5,780	4,952	—		780		5,780	5,732	11,512	(531	)	2011	(A)
Cobus Green	Osceola, IN	E	762	7,037	—		5,061		762	12,098	12,860	(6,149	)	1993	(A)
College Park Estates	Canton, MI	C	75	800	174		9,003		249	9,803	10,052	(4,737	)	1978	(A)
Comal Farms	New Braunfels, TX	C	1,455	1,732	—		8,711		1,455	10,443	11,898	(3,702	)	2000	(A&C)
Continental Estates	Davison, MI	—	1,625	16,581	150		1,636		1,775	18,217	19,992	(9,898	)	1996	(A)
Continental North ⁽¹⁾	Davison, MI	E	—	—	—		10,001		—	10,001	10,001	(4,795	)	1996	(A)
Corporate Headquarters	Southfield, MI	—	—	—	—		17,600		—	17,600	17,600	(9,682	)	Various
Country Acres	Cadillac, MI	E	380	3,495	—		2,748		380	6,243	6,623	(2,906	)	1996	(A)
Country Hills Village	Hudsonville, MI	E	340	3,861	—		3,001		340	6,862	7,202	(736	)	2011	(A)
Country Meadows	Flat Rock, MI	B	924	7,583	296		17,627		1,220	25,210	26,430	(12,257	)	1994	(A)
Country Meadows Village	Caledonia, MI	C	550	5,555	—		3,244		550	8,799	9,349	(887	)	2011	(A)
Countryside Atlanta	Lawrenceville, GA	12,950	1,274	10,957	—		1,552		1,274	12,509	13,783	(4,101	)	2004	(A)
Countryside Gwinnett	Buford, GA	10,341	1,124	9,539	—		4,208		1,124	13,747	14,871	(4,717	)	2004	(A)
Countryside Lake Lanier	Buford, GA	16,810	1,916	16,357	—		6,983		1,916	23,340	25,256	(7,180	)	2004	(A)
Countryside Village	Perry, MI	C	275	3,920	185		4,479		460	8,399	8,859	(4,639	)	1987	(A)
Creekside	Reidsville, NC	C	350	1,423	(331	)	(1,179	)	19	244	263	(36	)	2000	(A&C)
Creekwood Meadows	Burton, MI	D	808	2,043	404		12,246		1,212	14,289	15,501	(6,976	)	1997	(C)
Cutler Estates	Grand Rapids, MI	C	749	6,941	—		3,123		749	10,064	10,813	(5,055	)	1996	(A)
Davison East⁽¹⁾	Davison, MI	—	—	—	—		1,177		—	1,177	1,177	(717	)	1996	(A)
Deerfield Run	Anderson, IN	C	990	1,607	—		5,214		990	6,821	7,811	(2,719	)	1999	(A)
Desert View Village	West Wendover, NV	C	1,119	—	(1,042	)	231		77	231	308	(113	)	1998	(C)
Dutton Mill Village	Caledonia, MI	E	370	8,997	—		1,441		370	10,438	10,808	(982	)	2011	(A)
Eagle Crest	Firestone, CO	B	2,015	150	—		37,439		2,015	37,589	39,604	(12,840	)	1998	(C)
East Fork	Batavia, OH	C	1,280	6,302	—		9,193		1,280	15,495	16,775	(5,350	)	2000	(A&C)
East Village Estates	Washington Twp., MI	21,373	1,410	25,413	—		2,903		1,410	28,316	29,726	(1,481	)	2012	(A)
Edwardsville	Edwardsville, KS	C	425	8,805	541		7,767		966	16,572	17,538	(8,152	)	1987	(A)
Falcon Pointe	East Lansing, MI	—	450	4,049	(300	)	(2,529	)	150	1,520	1,670	(318	)	2003	(A)
Fisherman's Cove	Flint, MI	E	380	3,438	—		3,245		380	6,683	7,063	(3,536	)	1993	(A)
Forest Meadows	Philomath, OR	E	1,031	2,050	—		827		1,031	2,877	3,908	(1,332	)	1999	(A)
Four Seasons	Elkhart, IN	D	500	4,811	—		2,613		500	7,424	7,924	(2,958	)	2000	(A)
Glen Laurel	Concord, NC	C	1,641	453	—		12,981		1,641	13,434	15,075	(4,100	)	2001	(A&C)
Goldcoaster	Homestead, FL	E	446	4,234	172		3,854		618	8,088	8,706	(3,535	)	1997	(A)
Grand	Grand Rapids, MI	A	374	3,587	—		2,126		374	5,713	6,087	(2,869	)	1996	(A)



			Initial Cost to Company		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)				Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2013
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land	Depreciable Assets	Land		Depreciable Assets		Land	Depreciable Assets	Total	Accumulated Depreciation		Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
Grand Lakes	Citra, FL	C	5,280	4,501	—		1,332		5,280	5,833	11,113	(346	)	2012	(A)
Groves	Ft. Myers, FL	D	249	2,396	—		1,789		249	4,185	4,434	(1,770	)	1997	(A)
Gwynn's Island	Gwynn, VA	C	760	595	—		886		760	1,481	2,241	(36	)	2013	(A)
Hamlin	Webberville, MI	A	125	1,675	536		9,693		661	11,368	12,029	(4,282	)	1984	(A)
Hickory Hills Village	Battle Creek, MI	4,367	760	7,697	—		1,969		760	9,666	10,426	(925	)	2011	(A)
Hidden Ridge	Hopkins, MI	C	440	893	—		281		440	1,174	1,614	(115	)	2011	(A)
High Point	Frederica, DE	17,500	898	7,031	—		5,393		898	12,424	13,322	(4,587	)	1997	(A)
Holiday Village	Elkhart, IN	B	100	3,207	143		3,412		243	6,619	6,862	(3,386	)	1986	(A)
Holiday West Village	Holland, MI	C	340	8,067	—		1,463		340	9,530	9,870	(923	)	2011	(A)
Holly/Hawaiian Gardens	Holly, MI	A	1,514	13,596	—		2,637		1,514	16,233	17,747	(4,955	)	2004	(A)
Holly Forest	Holly Hill, FL	B	920	8,376	—		581		920	8,957	9,877	(4,813	)	1997	(A)
Hunters Crossing	Capac, MI	C	430	1,092	—		431		430	1,523	1,953	(85	)	2012	(A)
Hunters Glen	Wayland, MI	C	1,102	11,926	—		4,950		1,102	16,876	17,978	(5,292	)	2004	(A)
Indian Creek	Ft. Myers Beach, FL	—	3,832	34,660	—		6,655		3,832	41,315	45,147	(21,515	)	1996	(A)
Indian Creek	Geneva on the Lake, OH	C	420	20,791	—		731		420	21,522	21,942	(399	)	2013	(A)
Island Lake	Merritt Island, FL	—	700	6,431	—		531		700	6,962	7,662	(4,077	)	1995	(A)
Jellystone	North Java, NY	—	870	8,884	—		592		870	9,476	10,346	(233	)	2013	(A)
Jellystone at Birchwood Acres	Woodridge, NY	—	560	5,527	—		(36	)	560	5,491	6,051	(83	)	2013	(A)
Kensington Meadows	Lansing, MI	B	250	2,699	—		8,336		250	11,035	11,285	(5,007	)	1995	(A)
Kenwood	La Feria, TX	C	145	1,842	—		520		145	2,362	2,507	(969	)	1999	(A)
King's Court	Traverse City, MI	B	1,473	13,782	(11	)	3,927		1,462	17,709	19,171	(9,659	)	1996	(A)
King's Lake	Debary, FL	—	280	2,542	—		2,918		280	5,460	5,740	(2,685	)	1994	(A)
Knollwood Estates	Allendale, MI	2,706	400	4,061	—		2,967		400	7,028	7,428	(2,840	)	2001	(A)
Lafayette Place	Warren, MI	D	669	5,979	—		4,568		669	10,547	11,216	(4,775	)	1998	(A)
Lake In Wood	Narvon, PA	C	7,360	7,097	—		439		7,360	7,536	14,896	(426	)	2012	(A)
Lake Juliana	Auburndale, FL	D	335	3,048	—		1,713		335	4,761	5,096	(2,532	)	1994	(A)
Lake Laurie RV Resort	Cape May, NJ	C	650	7,736	—		1,593		650	9,329	9,979	(218	)	2013	(A)
Lake San Marino	Naples, FL	D	650	5,760	—		2,229		650	7,989	8,639	(3,691	)	1996	(A)
Lakeview	Ypsilanti, MI	C	1,156	10,903	—		4,191		1,156	15,094	16,250	(4,800	)	2004	(A)
Leisure Village	Belmont, MI	C	360	8,219	—		216		360	8,435	8,795	(735	)	2011	(A)
Liberty Farms	Valparaiso, IN	A	66	1,201	116		2,928		182	4,129	4,311	(2,192	)	1985	(A)
Lincoln Estates	Holland, MI	A	455	4,201	—		2,881		455	7,082	7,537	(3,337	)	1996	(A)
Maplewood Mobile	Indianapolis, IN	A	275	2,122	—		2,164		275	4,286	4,561	(2,390	)	1989	(A)



			Initial Cost to Company		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)			Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2013
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land	Depreciable Assets	Land		Depreciable Assets	Land	Depreciable Assets	Total	Accumulated Depreciation		Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
Meadow Lake Estates	White Lake, MI	B	1,188	11,498	127		8,429	1,315	19,927	21,242	(10,738	)	1994	(A)
Meadowbrook	Charlotte, NC	C	1,310	6,570	—		7,792	1,310	14,362	15,672	(5,405	)	2000	(A&C)
Meadowbrook Estates	Monroe, MI	E	431	3,320	379		11,750	810	15,070	15,880	(7,431	)	1986	(A)
Meadowbrook Village	Tampa, FL	A	519	4,728	—		644	519	5,372	5,891	(3,387	)	1994	(A)
Meadows	Nappanee, IN	A	287	2,300	(1	)	4,050	286	6,350	6,636	(3,534	)	1987	(A)
Naples Gardens	Naples, FL	C	3,640	2,020	—		710	3,640	2,730	6,370	(240	)	2011	(A)
New Point RV Resort	New Point, VA	C	1,550	5,259	—		2,828	1,550	8,087	9,637	(173	)	2013	(A)
North Lake Estates	Moore Haven, FL	C	4,150	3,486	—		595	4,150	4,081	8,231	(378	)	2011	(A)
North Point Estates	Pueblo, CO	C	1,582	3,027	1		4,775	1,583	7,802	9,385	(2,518	)	2001	(C)
Northville Crossing	Northville, MI	21,101	1,250	29,564	(13	)	6,335	1,237	35,899	37,136	(1,967	)	2012	(A)
Oak Crest	Austin, TX	C	4,311	12,611	—		6,302	4,311	18,913	23,224	(6,750	)	2002	(A)
Oak Island Village	East Lansing, MI	3,398	320	6,843	—		1,962	320	8,805	9,125	(811	)	2011	(A)
Oakwood Village	Miamisburg, OH	B	1,964	6,401	(1	)	12,850	1,963	19,251	21,214	(7,785	)	1998	(A)
Orange City	Orange City, FL	C	920	5,540	—		860	920	6,400	7,320	(564	)	2011	(A)
Orange Tree	Orange City, FL	—	283	2,530	15		951	298	3,481	3,779	(2,033	)	1994	(A)
Orchard Lake	Milford, OH	C	395	4,025	(15	)	755	380	4,780	5,160	(2,046	)	1999	(A)
Palm Creek	Casa Grande, AZ	41,150	11,836	76,143	—		3,312	11,836	79,455	91,291	(4,607	)	2012	(A)
Pebble Creek	Greenwood, IN	C	1,030	5,074	—		6,467	1,030	11,541	12,571	(4,818	)	2000	(A&C)
Pecan Branch	Georgetown, TX	C	1,379	—	235		5,113	1,614	5,113	6,727	(2,157	)	1999	(C)
Peter's Pond RV Resort	Sandwich, MA	C	4,700	22,840	—		1,479	4,700	24,319	29,019	(511	)	2013	(A)
Pheasant Ridge	Lancaster, PA	D	2,044	19,279	—		461	2,044	19,740	21,784	(7,586	)	2002	(A)
Pin Oak Parc	O'Fallon, MO	B	1,038	3,250	467		9,043	1,505	12,293	13,798	(5,403	)	1994	(A)
Pine Hills	Middlebury, IN	E	72	544	60		2,991	132	3,535	3,667	(1,792	)	1980	(A)
Pine Ridge	Prince George, VA	A	405	2,397	—		3,506	405	5,903	6,308	(2,905	)	1986	(A)
Pine Trace	Houston, TX	8,069	2,907	17,169	(7	)	8,683	2,900	25,852	28,752	(6,480	)	2004	(A)
Pinebrook Village	Grand Rapids, MI	C	130	5,692	—		895	130	6,587	6,717	(614	)	2011	(A)
Presidential	Hudsonville, MI	B	680	6,314	—		5,911	680	12,225	12,905	(5,531	)	1996	(A)
Rainbow RV	Frostproof, FL	E	1,890	5,682	—		816	1,890	6,498	8,388	(362	)	2012	(A)
Richmond	Richmond, MI	D	501	2,040	—		1,773	501	3,813	4,314	(1,778	)	1998	(A)
River Haven	Grand Haven, MI	C	1,800	16,967	—		5,598	1,800	22,565	24,365	(8,927	)	2001	(A)
River Ranch	Austin, TX	C	4,690	843	(4	)	28,220	4,686	29,063	33,749	(4,062	)	2000	(A&C)
River Ridge	Austin, TX	9,783	3,201	15,090	(2,351	)	7,577	850	22,667	23,517	(7,586	)	2002	(A)
River Ridge Expansion	Austin, TX	—	—	—	2,351		4,476	2,351	4,476	6,827	(316	)	2010	(C)
Roxbury	Goshen, IN	B	1,057	9,870	1		3,847	1,058	13,717	14,775	(5,052	)	2001	(A)



			Initial Cost to Company		Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)				Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2013
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land	Depreciable Assets	Land		Depreciable Assets		Land	Depreciable Assets	Total	Accumulated Depreciation		Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
Royal Country	Miami, FL	54,000	2,290	20,758	—		1,649		2,290	22,407	24,697	(14,357	)	1994	(A)
Rudgate Clinton	Clinton Township, MI	28,285	1,090	23,664	—		3,487		1,090	27,151	28,241	(1,405	)	2012	(A)
Rudgate Manor	Sterling Heights, MI	16,924	1,440	31,110	—		4,508		1,440	35,618	37,058	(1,823	)	2012	(A)
Saddle Oak Club	Ocala, FL	B	730	6,743	—		1,223		730	7,966	8,696	(4,738	)	1995	(A)
Saddlebrook	San Marcos, TX	C	1,703	11,843	—		6,710		1,703	18,553	20,256	(6,709	)	2002	(A)
Scio Farms	Ann Arbor, MI	A	2,300	22,659	(11	)	13,125		2,289	35,784	38,073	(17,931	)	1995	(A)
Sea Air	Rehoboth Beach, DE	20,000	1,207	10,179	—		1,922		1,207	12,101	13,308	(4,638	)	1997	(A)
Seaport RV Resort	Mystic, CT	C	120	290	—		1,282		120	1,572	1,692	(56	)	2013	(A)
Sheffield	Auburn Hills, MI	6,625	778	7,165	—		1,145		778	8,310	9,088	(2,320	)	1986	(A)
Sherman Oaks	Jackson, MI	C	200	2,400	240		7,049		440	9,449	9,889	(4,830	)	1986	(A)
Siesta Bay	Ft. Myers Beach, FL	D	2,051	18,549	—		3,068		2,051	21,617	23,668	(11,436	)	1996	(A)
Silver Springs	Clinton Township, MI	8,339	861	16,595	—		3,877		861	20,472	21,333	(1,073	)	2012	(A)
Silver Star	Orlando, FL	A	1,022	9,306	—		936		1,022	10,242	11,264	(5,654	)	1996	(A)
Snow to Sun	Weslaco, TX	—	190	2,143	13		1,608		203	3,751	3,954	(1,550	)	1997	(A)
Southfork	Belton, MO	D	1,000	9,011	—		5,141		1,000	14,152	15,152	(6,030	)	1997	(A)
Southwood Village	Grand Rapids, MI	5,694	300	11,517	—		1,386		300	12,903	13,203	(1,172	)	2011	(A)
St. Clair Place	St. Clair, MI	E	501	2,029	—		1,292		501	3,321	3,822	(1,740	)	1998	(A)
Stonebridge	San Antonio, TX	C	2,515	2,096	(615	)	8,666		1,900	10,762	12,662	(4,150	)	2000	(A&C)
Stonebridge	Richfield Twp., MI	—	2,044	—	2,227		—		4,271	—	4,271	—		1998	(C)
Summit Ridge	Converse, TX	C	2,615	2,092	(883	)	14,761		1,732	16,853	18,585	(4,053	)	2000	(A&C)
Sun Villa	Reno, NV	18,300	2,385	11,773	(1,100	)	857		1,285	12,630	13,915	(6,350	)	1998	(A)
Sunset Ridge	Kyle, TX	C	2,190	2,775	—		7,192		2,190	9,967	12,157	(3,953	)	2000	(A&C)
Sunset Ridge	Portland, MI	C	2,044	—	(9	)	15,586		2,035	15,586	17,621	(6,254	)	1998	(C)
Sycamore Village	Mason, MI	6,048	390	13,341	—		3,049		390	16,390	16,780	(1,481	)	2011	(A)
Tamarac Village	Ludington, MI	5,586	300	12,028	85		1,604		385	13,632	14,017	(1,154	)	2011	(A)
Tampa East	Dover, FL	E	734	6,310	—		3,178		734	9,488	10,222	(2,538	)	2005	(A)
Three Lakes	Hudson, FL	C	5,050	3,361	—		1,123		5,050	4,484	9,534	(253	)	2012	(A)
Timber Ridge	Ft. Collins, CO	B	990	9,231	—		5,853		990	15,084	16,074	(7,317	)	1996	(A)
Timberbrook	Bristol, IN	C	490	3,400	101		8,386		591	11,786	12,377	(6,833	)	1987	(A)
Timberline Estates	Coopersville, MI	B	535	4,867	1		4,780		536	9,647	10,183	(4,554	)	1994	(A)
Town and Country	Traverse City, MI	E	406	3,736	—		1,508		406	5,244	5,650	(2,761	)	1996	(A)
Valley Brook	Indianapolis, IN	B	150	3,500	1,277		14,043		1,427	17,543	18,970	(9,256	)	1989	(A)
Village Trails	Howard City, MI	—	988	1,472	(50	)	2,065		938	3,537	4,475	(1,773	)	1998	(A)
Vines RV Resort	Paso Robles, CA	—	890	7,110	—		(2	)	890	7,108	7,998	(127	)	2013	(A)



			Initial Cost to Company				Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition (Improvements)					Gross Amount Carried at December 31, 2013
Property Name	Location	Encumbrance	Land		Depreciable Assets		Land			Depreciable Assets		Land		Depreciable Assets		Total		Accumulated Depreciation			Date	Acquired (A) or Constructed (C)
Wagon Wheel	Old Orchard Beach, ME	C	590		7,703		—			1,426		590		9,129		9,719		(233		)	2013	(A)
Warren Dunes Village	Bridgman, MI	2,571	310		3,350		—			1,644		310		4,994		5,304		(508		)	2011	(A)
Water Oak	Lady Lake, FL	B	2,834		16,706		101			14,448		2,935		31,154		34,089		(15,707		)	1993	(A)
Waverly Shores Village	Holland, MI	5,119	340		7,267		—			575		340		7,842		8,182		(709		)	2011	(A)
West Glen Village	Indianapolis, IN	A	1,100		10,028		—			6,286		1,100		16,314		17,414		(8,115		)	1994	(A)
West Village Estates	Romulus, MI	6,710	884		19,765		—			1,853		884		21,618		22,502		(1,164		)	2012	(A)
Westbrook	Toledo, OH	B	1,110		10,462		—			3,350		1,110		13,812		14,922		(6,103		)	1999	(A)
Westbrook Senior	Toledo, OH	B	355		3,295		—			306		355		3,601		3,956		(1,472		)	2001	(A)
Westward Ho RV Resort	Glenbeulah, WI	C	1,050		5,642		—			944		1,050		6,586		7,636		(144		)	2013	(A)
White Lake	White Lake, MI	B	672		6,179		1			8,762		673		14,941		15,614		(6,761		)	1997	(A)
White Oak	Mt. Morris, MI	B	782		7,245		112			7,164		894		14,409		15,303		(6,900		)	1997	(A)
Wild Acres	Orchard Beach, ME	C	1,640		26,786		—			2,002		1,640		28,788		30,428		(712		)	2013	(A)
Willowbrook	Toledo, OH	B	781		7,054		1			3,452		782		10,506		11,288		(4,520		)	1997	(A)
Windham Hills	Jackson, MI	B	2,673		2,364		—			13,719		2,673		16,083		18,756		(6,726		)	1998	(A)
Windsor Woods Village	Wayland, MI	C	270		5,835		—			2,525		270		8,360		8,630		(788		)	2011	(A)
Woodhaven Place	Woodhaven, MI	B	501		4,541		—			3,519		501		8,060		8,561		(3,516		)	1998	(A)
Woodlake Estates	Yoder, IN	—	632		3,674		(283		)	498		349		4,172		4,521		(1,087		)	1998	(A)
Woodlake Trails	San Antonio, TX	C	1,186		287		(56		)	10,466		1,130		10,753		11,883		(2,197		)	2000	(A&C)
Woodland Park Estates	Eugene, OR	2,489	1,592		14,398		1			1,143		1,593		15,541		17,134		(7,868		)	1998	(A)
Woods Edge	West Lafayette, IN	—	100		2,600		3			10,338		103		12,938		13,041		(6,245		)	1985	(A)
Woodside Terrace	Holland, OH	B	1,064		9,625		(1		)	4,857		1,063		14,482		15,545		(6,814		)	1997	(A)
Worthington Arms	Lewis Center, OH	B	376		2,624		—			2,792		376		5,416		5,792		(2,697		)	1990	(A)
			$	216,613	$	1,396,410	$	7,284		$	868,812	$	223,897	$	2,265,222	$	2,489,119	$	(734,067	)

A These communities collateralize $161.9 million of secured debt.

B These communities collateralize $366.0 million of secured debt.

C These communities collateralize $178.1 million of secured debt.

D These communities collateralize $111.1 million of secured debt.

E These communities collateralize $141.5 million of secured debt.

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

The change in investment property for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 is as follows:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Beginning balance	$	2,177,305		$	1,794,605		$	1,580,544
Community and land acquisitions, including immediate improvements	192,660			302,487			167,326
Community expansion and development	17,985			13,424			5,931
Improvements, other	145,916			110,029			78,844
Asset impairment	—			—			(1,584		)
Dispositions and other	(44,747		)	(43,240		)	(36,456		)
Ending balance	$	2,489,119		$	2,177,305		$	1,794,605

The change in accumulated depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 is as follows:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Beginning balance	$	659,169		$	597,999		$	548,218
Depreciation for the period	96,499			80,124			67,286
Asset impairment	—			—			(202		)
Dispositions and other	(21,601		)	(18,954		)	(17,303		)
Ending balance	$	734,067		$	659,169		$	597,999

- 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

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of Estimates

Reclassifications, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to current period presentation.

Investment property, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investment Property


1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

Other Capitalized Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Other Capitalized Costs

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Inventory, Policy [Text Block]

Inventory

Inventory of manufactured homes is stated at lower of specific cost or market based on the specific identification method.

Investments in Affiliates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investments in Affiliates

Notes and Other Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Notes and Other Receivables


1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued

outstanding unpaid principal balance adjusted for an allowance for loan loss. Interest income is accrued based upon the unpaid principal balance of the loans.

Restricted Cash, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Identified Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Identified Intangible Assets

Deferred Tax Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Tax Assets

Deferred Financing Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Deferred Financing Costs

Share-Based Compensation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Share-Based Compensation

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Advertising Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, we had advertising costs of $2.9 million, $2.5 million and $2.4 million, respectively.

Depreciation and Amoritzation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Depreciation and Amortization

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Real Estate Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]



	Year Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
	2013		2012
Total revenues	$	423,490	$	392,862
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$	16,352	$	23,833
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic	$	0.47	$	0.87
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted	$	0.47	$	0.87

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

(a) Transaction costs related to the acquisitions are not expected to have a continuing impact and therefore have been excluded from 2013 and included in 2012 for acquisitions completed in 2013.



	Year Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
	2012		2011
Total revenues	$	367,710	$	323,473
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$	13,666	$	6,677
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic	$	0.50	$	0.31
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted	$	0.50	$	0.30

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

(a) Certain sellers had management fees of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 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 2012 and included in 2011 for acquisitions completed in 2012.

Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from acquistions [Table Text Block]



	Year Ended December 31,
	(unaudited)
	2013		2012		2011
Revenue	$	60,148	$	38,557	$	12,201
Net income	$	5,914	$	290	$	1,247

Acquisitions - 2013 [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for the 2013 acquisitions (in thousands):



	2013
At Acquisition Date	Morgan RV Properties			Jellystone			Big Timber Lake			Camelot Villa			Jellystone at Birchwood			Vines			Total
Investment in property	$	109,122		$	9,754		$	21,898		$	22,121		$	6,087		$	8,000		$	176,982
Inventory of manufactured homes	—			—			—			2,324			—			—			2,324
Notes and other receivables	—			—			—			852			—			—			852
In-place leases and other intangible assets	2,940			390			580			610			450			—			4,970
Other assets	157			7			48			84			12			1			309
Below market leases	—			—			(3,490		)	(240		)	—			—			(3,730		)
Other liabilities	(3,697		)	(930		)	(1,157		)	(546		)	(293		)	(4		)	(6,627		)
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	$	108,522		$	9,221		$	17,879		$	25,205		$	6,256		$	7,997		$	175,080

Consideration
Cash	$	55,618		$	9,221		$	17,879		$	25,205		$	6,256		$	7,997		$	122,176
Series A-3 preferred OP units ⁽¹⁾	3,463			—			—			—			—			—			3,463
Extinguishment of note receivable	49,441			—			—			—			—			—			49,441
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	108,522		$	9,221		$	17,879		$	25,205		$	6,256		$	7,997		$	175,080

Acquisitions - 2012 [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for the 2012 acquisitions (in thousands):



	2012
At Acquisition Date	Addtl Florida Properties			Blazing Star			Northville Crossing			Rainbow			Rudgate Acquisition and Managed Properties			Palm Creek			Lake In Wood			Total
Investment in property	$	25,384		$	6,913		$	30,814		$	7,572		$	123,754		$	87,979		$	14,457		$	296,873
Inventory of manufactured homes	112			220			187			679			2,978			—			—			4,176
Notes and other receivables	—			—			1,169			—			3,002			—			—			4,171
In-place leases and other intangible assets	180			—			260			40			8,110			2,058			—			10,648
Other assets	—			193			—			—			745			686			43			1,667
Other liabilities	(1,194		)	(179		)	(221		)	(331		)	(1,832		)	(880		)	(755		)	(5,392		)
Assumed debt	—			(4,104		)	—			—			(15,103		)	(43,619		)	—			(62,826		)
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	$	24,482		$	3,043		$	32,209		$	7,960		$	121,654		$	46,224		$	13,745		$	249,317

Consideration

Cash ⁽¹⁾	$	24,482		$	3,043		$	32,209		$	7,351		$	54,054		$	10,247		$	13,745		$	145,131
New debt proceeds ⁽²⁾	—			—			—			609			67,600			35,977			—			104,186
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$	24,482		$	3,043		$	32,209		$	7,960		$	121,654		$	46,224		$	13,745		$	249,317

⁽²⁾ Subsequent to the acquisition, in January 2013, we paid off the $36.0 million sellers note for Palm Creek. (See Note 9)

- 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

Investment Property (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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):



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Land	$	194,404		$	178,993
Land improvements and buildings	1,806,546			1,608,825
Rental homes and improvements	393,562			305,838
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	65,086			54,354
Land held for future development	29,521			29,295
Investment property	2,489,119			2,177,305
Accumulated depreciation	(734,067		)	(659,169		)
Investment property, net	$	1,755,052		$	1,518,136

Transfers Of Financial Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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):



	Year Ended
	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Beginning balance	$	94,409		$	81,682
Financed sales of manufactured homes	34,007			26,406
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(7,930		)	(5,662		)
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(9,976		)	(8,017		)
Total activity	16,101			12,727
Ending balance	$	110,510		$	94,409

Notes And Other Receivables (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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):



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net	$	25,471	$	21,898
Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 4)	109,821		93,834
Other receivables, net	29,393		24,118
Total notes and other receivables, net	$	164,685	$	139,850

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):



	Year Ended
	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Beginning balance	$	22,019		$	13,545
Financed sales of manufactured homes	7,798			7,453
Acquired notes (see Note 2)	852			4,171
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(3,838		)	(2,292		)
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(1,256		)	(858		)
Total activity	3,556			8,474
Ending balance	$	25,575		$	22,019

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

The following table sets forth the allowance for losses for collateralized and installment notes receivable as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):



	Year Ended
	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Beginning balance	$	(697	)	$	(635	)
Lower of cost or market write-downs	421			243
Increase to reserve balance	(517		)	(305		)
Total activity	(96		)	(62		)
Ending balance	$	(793	)	$	(697	)

Intangibles Schedule of Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

The accumulated amortization and gross carrying amounts are as follows (in thousands):



		December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
Intangible Asset	Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
In-place leases	7 years	$	26,961	$	(8,239	)	$	22,761	$	(4,941	)
Capitalized leasing costs greater than 1 year	7 years	13,359		(6,757		)	12,506		(6,854		)
Franchise fees	15 years	770		(29		)	—		—
Total		$	41,090	$	(15,025	)	$	35,267	$	(11,795	)

Schedule of Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

The aggregate net amortization expenses related to the intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
Intangible Asset	2013		2012		2011
In-place leases	$	3,297	$	1,657	$	975
Capitalized leasing costs greater than 1 year	1,507		1,504		1,603
Franchise fees	60		—		—
Total	$	4,864	$	3,161	$	2,578

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

We anticipate the amortization expense for the existing intangible assets to be as follows for the next five years (in thousands):



	Year
	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018
Estimated expense	$	4,906	$	4,689	$	4,497	$	4,299	$	3,436

Investment In Affiliates (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]

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



	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Revenues	$	49,775		$	64,838		$	67,094
Expenses	(51,912		)	(66,215		)	(77,598		)
Net loss	$	(2,137	)	$	(1,377	)	$	(10,504	)



	As of December 31,
ASSETS	2013		2012
Loans receivable	$	463,254	$	543,420
Other assets	15,529		19,824
Total assets	$	478,783	$	563,244
LIABILITIES
Warehouse and securitization financing	$	423,369	$	491,720
Other liabilities	38,109		48,389
Total liabilities	$	461,478	$	540,109

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract]

Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]

Included in our consolidated financial statements after appropriate eliminations were amounts related to the VIEs at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 as follows (in thousands):



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
ASSETS
Investment property, net	$	56,805		$	56,326
Other assets	3,926			4,598
Total Assets	$	60,731		$	60,924

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Debt	$	45,209		$	45,900
Other liabilities	6,564			1,773
Noncontrolling interests	(537		)	(508		)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	51,236		$	47,165

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the significant judgments and assumptions made in determining whether a variable interest (as defined) held by the entity requires the variable interest entity (VIE) (as defined) to be consolidated and (or) disclose information about its involvement with the VIE, individually or in aggregate (as applicable); the nature of restrictions, if any, on the consolidated VIE's assets and on the settlement of its liabilities reported by an entity in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities; the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with involvement in the VIE; how involvement with the VIE affects the entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; the lack of recourse if creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary (if applicable); the terms of arrangements, giving consideration to both explicit arrangements and implicit variable interests, if any, that could require the entity to provide financial support to the VIE, including events or circumstances that could expose the entity to a loss; the methodology used by the entity for determining whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity; the significant factors considered and judgments made in determining that the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance are shared (as defined); the carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of the VIE included in the statement of financial position; the entity's maximum exposure to loss, if any, as a result of its involvement with the VIE, including how the maximum exposure is determined and significant sources of the entity's exposure to the VIE; a comparison of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities and the entity's maximum exposure to loss; information about any liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and (or) other commitments by third parties that may affect the fair value or risk of the entity's variable interest in the VIE; whether or not the entity has provided financial support or other support (explicitly or implicitly) to the VIE that it was not previously contractually required to provide or whether the entity intends to provide that support, including the type and amount of the support and the primary reasons for providing the support; and supplemental information the entity determines necessary to provide.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880789&loc=d3e5747-111685

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880789&loc=SL6228884-111685

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880789&loc=d3e5728-111685

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Variable Interest Entity
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528138

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880789&loc=d3e5710-111685

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880789&loc=SL6759159-111685

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 35
-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 FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 2, 14, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26
-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 Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 167
-Paragraph 24
-Appendix D

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph C4
-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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 167
-Paragraph 22B
-Appendix D

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 167
-Paragraph 23A
-Appendix D

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 167
-Paragraph 22E
-Appendix D

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph g
-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 (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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, 2013		December 31, 2012		December 31, 2013	December 31, 2012	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Collateralized term loans - CMBS	$	644,844	$	725,951	6.1	4.5	5.4	%	5.2	%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA	366,019		369,810		8.1	10.3	3.6	%	3.8	%
Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP Units	47,022		47,322		7.6	8.4	6.9	%	6.9	%
Secured borrowing (see Note 4)	110,510		94,409		13.5	12.8	10.7	%	11.0	%
Mortgage notes, other	143,042		186,228		6.0	6.2	4.6	%	4.3	%
Total debt	$	1,311,437	$	1,423,720	7.2	6.8	5.0	%	5.2	%

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

As of December 31, 2013, the total of maturities and amortization of our debt (excluding premiums and discounts) and lines of credit during the next five years are as follows (in thousands):



	Maturities and Amortization By Year
	Total Due		2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		Thereafter
Lines of credit	$	181,383	$	3,283	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	178,100	$	—
Mortgage loans payable:
Maturities	1,024,296		11,476		56,343		280,740		55,019		—		620,718
Principal amortization	128,238		15,327		15,831		14,256		13,282		13,258		56,284
Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP units	47,022		11,240		—		—		—		—		35,782
Secured borrowing	110,510		4,871		5,395		5,963		6,509		7,053		80,719
Total	$	1,491,449	$	46,197	$	77,569	$	300,959	$	74,810	$	198,411	$	793,503

Share-Based Compensation Tables (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes our option activity during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:



	Number of Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price (per common share)
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
Granted	—		$	—
Exercised	(16,256	)	$	30.12
Forfeited or expired	(4,880	)	$	33.16
Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	55,950		$	29.19
Granted	—		$	—
Exercised	(9,700	)	$	21.67
Forfeited or expired	—		$	—
Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	46,250		$	30.77

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]



	July 2011 Award
Estimated fair value per share of options granted	$	9.70
Number of options granted	10,500

Assumptions:
Annualized dividend yield	6.70		%
Common stock price volatility	45.20		%
Risk-free rate of return	1.52		%
Expected option terms (in years)	5.0

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 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
Granted	44,600		$	40.93
Vested	(8,750	)	$	19.92
Forfeited	(1,214	)	$	37.04
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2012	310,507		$	30.88
Granted	371,300		$	47.19
Vested	(37,291	)	$	16.87
Forfeited	(12,560	)	$	38.47
Unvested restricted shares at December 31, 2013	631,956		$	41.14

Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]

Segment Reporting (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

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

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



	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
Revenues	$	313,097		$	87,352		$	400,449
Operating expenses/Cost of home sales	109,921			60,732			170,653
Net operating income/Gross profit	203,176			26,620			229,796
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	14,773			—			14,773
General and administrative	(25,941		)	(9,913		)	(35,854		)
Acquisition related costs	(3,928		)	—			(3,928		)
Depreciation and amortization	(73,729		)	(36,349		)	(110,078		)
Interest	(73,001		)	(338		)	(73,339		)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(3,238		)	—			(3,238		)
Distributions from affiliate	2,250			—			2,250
Provision for state income taxes	(234		)	—			(234		)
Net income (loss)	40,128			(19,980		)	20,148
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	2,598			—			2,598
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	166			—			166
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,450			(1,732		)	718
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	34,914			(18,248		)	16,666
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	6,056			—			6,056
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	28,858		$	(18,248	)	$	10,610

12. Segment Reporting, continued



	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
Revenues	$	255,761		$	71,736		$	327,497
Operating expenses/Cost of home sales	88,046			53,059			141,105
Net operating income/Gross profit	167,715			18,677			186,392
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	11,455			—			11,455
General and administrative	(20,037		)	(8,316		)	(28,353		)
Acquisition related costs	(4,296		)	—			(4,296		)
Depreciation and amortization	(61,039		)	(28,635		)	(89,674		)
Interest	(67,756		)	(103		)	(67,859		)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(3,321		)	—			(3,321		)
Distributions from affiliate	3,900			—			3,900
Provision for state income taxes	(249		)	—			(249		)
Net income (loss)	26,372			(18,377		)	7,995
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	2,329			—			2,329
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,640			(1,958		)	(318		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	22,403			(16,419		)	5,984
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	1,026			—			1,026
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	21,377		$	(16,419	)	$	4,958

12. Segment Reporting, continued



	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 home 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):
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	10,445			—			10,445
General and administrative	(19,704		)	(7,571		)	(27,275		)
Acquisition related costs	(1,971		)	—			(1,971		)
Depreciation and amortization	(51,063		)	(23,130		)	(74,193		)
Asset impairment charge	(1,382		)	—			(1,382		)
Interest	(63,616		)	(990		)	(64,606		)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(3,333		)	—			(3,333		)
Distributions from affiliate	2,100			—			2,100
Provision for state income taxes	(150		)	—			(150		)
Net income (loss)	18,202			(18,737		)	(535		)
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	1,222			—			1,222
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,003			(1,674		)	(671		)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	15,977		$	(17,063	)	$	(1,086	)



	December 31, 2013							December 31, 2012
	Real Property Operations		Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated		Real Property Operations		Home Sales and Home Rentals		Consolidated
Identifiable assets:
Investment property, net	$	1,460,628	$	294,424		$	1,755,052	$	1,296,753	$	221,383	$	1,518,136
Cash and cash equivalents	5,336		(583		)	4,753		29,071		437		29,508
Inventory of manufactured homes	—		5,810			5,810		—		7,527		7,527
Notes and other receivables, net	154,524		10,161			164,685		131,000		8,850		139,850
Other assets	64,342		4,594			68,936		54,959		4,648		59,607
Total assets	$	1,684,830	$	314,406		$	1,999,236	$	1,511,783	$	242,845	$	1,754,628

- 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

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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, 2013:

Type

Purpose

Effective Date

Maturity Date

Notional

(in millions)

Based on

Variable Rate

Fixed Rate

Spread

Effective Fixed Rate

Swap

Floating to Fixed Rate

1/1/2009

1/1/2014

20.0

3 Month LIBOR

0.3585%

2.1450%

1.8700%

4.0150%

Cap

Cap Floating Rate

4/1/2012

4/1/2015

152.4

3 Month LIBOR

0.3585%

11.2650%

—%

N/A

Cap

Cap Floating Rate

10/3/2011

10/3/2016

10.0

3 Month LIBOR

0.3585%

11.0200%

—%

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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):



	Asset Derivatives					Liability Derivatives
	Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value				Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments		December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012			December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Interest rate swap and cap agreements	Other assets	$	—	$	—	Other liabilities	$	97	$	459
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments		$	—	$	—		$	97	$	459

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the impact of derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as recorded in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):



Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationship	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)
	Year Ended December 31,							Year Ended December 31,
	2013		2012		2011			2013		2012		2011
Interest rate swap and cap agreements	$	362	$	643	$	1,048	Interest expense	$	—	$	—	$	—

- 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

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-Publisher FASB
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+ Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Tax Characterization of Dividends [Table Text Block]

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, distributions paid per share were taxable as follows (unaudited):



	Years Ended December 31,
	2013				2012				2011
	Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage		Amount		Percentage
Ordinary income	$	0.87	34.6	%	$	0.92	48.7	%	$	0.74	23.5	%
Capital gain	—		—	%	—		—	%	—		—	%
Return of capital	1.65		65.4	%	0.97		51.3	%	2.41		76.5	%
Total distributions declared	$	2.52	100.0	%	$	1.89	100.0	%	$	3.15	100.0	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

The deferred tax assets included in the consolidated balance sheets are comprised of the following tax effects of temporary differences (in thousands):



	As of December 31,
	2013			2012
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	24,237		$	22,340
Real estate assets	23,999			19,512
Amortization of intangibles	(128		)	(128		)
Gross deferred tax assets	48,108			41,724
Valuation allowance	(47,108		)	(40,724		)
Net deferred tax assets	$	1,000		$	1,000

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

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

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



	Year Ended December 31,
Numerator	2013		2012		2011
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders	$	10,610	$	4,958	$	(1,086	)
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding	34,228		26,970		21,147
Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	504		285		—
Basic weighted average common shares and unvested restricted stock outstanding	34,732		27,255		21,147
Add: dilutive stock options	15		17		—
Diluted weighted average common shares and securities	34,747		27,272		21,147
Earnings (loss) per share available to common stockholders:
Basic	$	0.31	$	0.18	$	(0.05	)
Diluted	$	0.31	$	0.18	$	(0.05	)

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 earnings (loss) per share for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2013	2012	2011
Stock options	—	—	77
Unvested restricted stock	—	—	276
Common OP units	2,069	2,071	2,072
Series A-1 preferred OP units	455	455	455
Series A-3 preferred OP units	40	—	—
Aspen preferred OP units	1,325	1,325	1,325
Total securities	3,889	3,851	4,205

Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]



	Quarters
	1st⁽²⁾		2nd		3rd			4th
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2013
Total revenues	$	102,913	$	100,151	$	107,201		$	104,957
Total expenses	94,983		97,290		101,841			102,976
Income before income taxes and distributions from affiliates	$	7,930	$	2,861	$	5,360		$	1,981

Distributions from affiliate⁽¹⁾	$	400	$	450	$	700		$	700
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,744	$	1,035	$	3,749		$	82

Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.19	$	0.03	$	0.10		$	—
Diluted	$	0.19	$	0.03	$	0.10		$	—

2012
Total revenues	$	82,917	$	82,223	$	83,018		$	90,794
Total expenses	77,221		81,591		83,809			91,987
Income (loss) before income taxes and distributions from affiliates	$	5,696	$	632	$	(791	)	$	(1,193	)

Distributions from affiliate ⁽¹⁾	$	750	$	1,900	$	600		$	650
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,377	$	1,663	$	(650	)	$	(1,432	)

Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.21	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.05	)
Diluted	$	0.21	$	0.06	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.05	)

⁽¹⁾Refer to Note 7 for more information regarding distributions from affiliates.

⁽²⁾ Financial information includes certain reclassifications to conform to current period presentation.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

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, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that were measured using the valuation techniques described above (in thousands). The table excludes other 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.



	December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
Financial assets	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net	$	25,471	$	25,471	$	21,898	$	21,898
Collateralized receivables, net	$	109,821	$	109,821	$	93,834	$	93,834
Financial liabilities
Derivative instruments	$	97	$	97	$	459	$	459
Debt (excluding secured borrowing)	$	1,200,927	$	1,211,821	$	1,329,311	$	1,355,331
Secured borrowing	$	110,510	$	110,510	$	94,409	$	94,409
Lines of credit	$	181,383	$	181,383	$	29,781	$	29,781

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Table Text Block]

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, 2013 (in thousands).



	Description	Frequency	Asset/(Liability)			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
December 31, 2013	Derivative instruments	Recurring	$	(97	)	$	—	$	(97	)	—
December 31, 2012	Derivative instruments	Recurring	$	(459	)	$	—	$	(459	)	—

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
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+ Details

- Definition

The entire disclosure of the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities, which includes financial instruments measured at fair value that are classified in shareholders' equity, which may be measured on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.

+ References

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+ Details

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) properties sites states	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties	188
Number of States in which Entity Operates \| states	26
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	69,789
Number of sites suitable for development \| sites	6,300
Cash, Uninsured Amount \| $	$ 5.7	$ 0.0
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents \| $	9.4	8.9
Advertising Expense \| $	$ 2.9	$ 2.5	$ 2.4
Manufactured home community [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	150
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	54,168
RV community [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	27
Manufactured home and RV community [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	11
Annual RV site [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	7,633
Transient RV site [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	7,988
Land improvements and buildings [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Real Estate Investment Property, Estimated Useful LIfe	30 years
Rental properties [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Real Estate Investment Property, Estimated Useful LIfe	10 years
Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Maximum [Member] \| Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Real Estate Investment Property, Estimated Useful LIfe	15 years
Minimum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Minimum [Member] \| Furniture, fixtures and equipment [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Real Estate Investment Property, Estimated Useful LIfe	7 years

Real Estate Acquisitions , Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

1 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 13, 2013

Nov. 22, 2013

Nov. 21, 2013

May 23, 2013

Apr. 18, 2013

Feb. 08, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 19, 2012

Nov. 14, 2012

Oct. 22, 2012

Sep. 28, 2012

Jul. 27, 2012

Jul. 24, 2012

Mar. 30, 2012

Feb. 16, 2012

Morgan 10 [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 109,122

Inventory of manufactured homes

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

2,940

Other assets

157

Below market leases

Other liabilities

(3,697)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

108,522

Consideration

Cash

55,618

Series A-3 preferred OP units

^[1]

3,463

Extinguishment of note receivable

49,441

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 108,522

Jellystone [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 9,754

Inventory of manufactured homes

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

390

Other assets

Below market leases

Other liabilities

(930)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

9,221

Consideration

Cash

9,221

Series A-3 preferred OP units

Extinguishment of note receivable

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 9,221

Big Timber Lake [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 21,898

Inventory of manufactured homes

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

580

Other assets

Below market leases

(3,490)

Other liabilities

(1,157)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

17,879

Consideration

Cash

17,879

Series A-3 preferred OP units

Extinguishment of note receivable

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 17,879

Camelot Villa [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 22,121

Inventory of manufactured homes

2,324

Notes and other receivables

852

In-place leases and other intangible assets

610

Other assets

Below market leases

(240)

Other liabilities

(546)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

25,205

Consideration

Cash

25,205

Series A-3 preferred OP units

Extinguishment of note receivable

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 25,205

Jellystone at Birchwood [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 6,087

Inventory of manufactured homes

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

450

Other assets

Below market leases

Other liabilities

(293)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

6,256

Consideration

Cash

6,256

Series A-3 preferred OP units

Extinguishment of note receivable

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 6,256

Vines RV Resort [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 8,000

Inventory of manufactured homes

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

Other assets

Below market leases

Other liabilities

(4)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

7,997

Consideration

Cash

7,997

Series A-3 preferred OP units

Extinguishment of note receivable

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 7,997

Total 2013 Acquisitions [Domain]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 176,982

Inventory of manufactured homes

2,324

Notes and other receivables

852

In-place leases and other intangible assets

4,970

Other assets

309

Below market leases

(3,730)

Other liabilities

(6,627)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

175,080

Consideration

Cash

122,176

Series A-3 preferred OP units

3,463

Extinguishment of note receivable

49,441

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 175,080

Florida Properties [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 25,384

Inventory of manufactured homes

112

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

180

Other assets

Other liabilities

(1,194)

Assumed debt

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

24,482

Consideration

Cash

^[2]

24,482

New debt proceeds

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 24,482

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 19,000

Blazing Star [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 6,913

Inventory of manufactured homes

220

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

Other assets

193

Other liabilities

(179)

Assumed debt

(4,104)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

3,043

Consideration

Cash

3,043

New debt proceeds

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 3,043

Northville Crossing [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 30,814

Inventory of manufactured homes

187

Notes and other receivables

1,169

In-place leases and other intangible assets

260

Other assets

Other liabilities

(221)

Assumed debt

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

32,209

Consideration

Cash

32,209

New debt proceeds

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 32,209

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 21,700

RainbowRV [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 7,572

Inventory of manufactured homes

679

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

Other assets

Other liabilities

(331)

Assumed debt

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

7,960

Consideration

Cash

7,351

New debt proceeds

609

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 7,960

Rudgate [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 123,754

Inventory of manufactured homes

2,978

Notes and other receivables

3,002

In-place leases and other intangible assets

8,110

Other assets

745

Other liabilities

(1,832)

Assumed debt

(15,103)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

121,654

Consideration

Cash

54,054

New debt proceeds

67,600

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 121,654

Palm Creek [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 87,979

Inventory of manufactured homes

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

2,058

Other assets

686

Other liabilities

(880)

Assumed debt

(43,619)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

46,224

Consideration

Cash

10,247

New debt proceeds

^[3]

35,977

Fair value of total consideration transferred

46,224

Lake In Wood [Member]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

$ 14,457

Inventory of manufactured homes

Notes and other receivables

In-place leases and other intangible assets

Other assets

Other liabilities

(755)

Assumed debt

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

13,745

Consideration

Cash

13,745

New debt proceeds

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 13,745

Total 2012 Acquisitions [Domain]

At acquistion date

Investment in property

296,873

Inventory of manufactured homes

4,176

Notes and other receivables

4,171

In-place leases and other intangible assets

10,648

Other assets

1,667

Other liabilities

(5,392)

Assumed debt

(62,826)

Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed

249,317

Consideration

Cash

145,131

New debt proceeds

104,186

Fair value of total consideration transferred

$ 249,317

Mortgages [Member] | Florida Properties [Member]

Consideration

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 36,000

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

30,000

Mortgages [Member] | RainbowRV [Member]

Consideration

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$ 600

Mortgages [Member] | Palm Creek [Member]

Consideration

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$ 36,000

Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Morgan 10 [Member]

Consideration

Series A-3 preferred OP units issued (in shares)

40,268

[1]	Included in the total consideration paid for Morgan RV Properties was the issuance of 40,268 Series A-3 preferred OP units. In order to estimate the fair value of these units at the valuation date, we utilized the income approach using estimated future discounted cash flows.
[2]	Subsequent to the acquisition, on March 30, 2012, the Additional Florida Properties were encumbered with a $19.0 million loan. On September 28, 2012, Northville Crossing was encumbered with a $21.7 million loan. (See Note 9)
[3]	Subsequent to the acquisition, in January 2013, we paid off the $36.0 million sellers note for Palm Creek. (See Note 9)

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

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions - 2013 [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total revenues

$ 423,490

$ 392,862

Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders

^[1]

$ 16,352

$ 23,833

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

$ 0.47

$ 0.87

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

$ 0.47

$ 0.87

Acquisitions - 2012 [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Total revenues

$ 367,710

$ 323,473

Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders

^[2]

$ 13,666

$ 6,677

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

$ 0.50

$ 0.31

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

$ 0.50

$ 0.30

Other Nonrecurring Expense [Member] | Acquisitions - 2012 [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Management fees

$ 300

[1]

Below are nonrecurring expenses that have been adjusted for the pro forma results above: (a) Transaction costs related to the acquisitions are not expected to have a continuing impact and therefore have been excluded from 2013 and included in 2012 for acquisitions completed in 2013.

[2]

Below are nonrecurring expenses that have been adjusted for the pro forma results above: (a) Certain sellers had management fees of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 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 2012 and included in 2011 for acquisitions completed in 2012.

- 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Acquisition related costs	$ 3,928	$ 4,296	$ 1,971
Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Revenue	60,148	38,557	12,201
Net income	$ 5,914	$ 290	$ 1,247

Real Estate Acquisitions , Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 13, 2013	Nov. 22, 2013	Nov. 21, 2013	May 23, 2013	Apr. 18, 2013	Feb. 08, 2013 properties	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 19, 2012	Oct. 22, 2012	Oct. 03, 2012 properties	Jul. 27, 2012 sites	Jul. 24, 2012 sites	Feb. 29, 2012 properties sites
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties	188
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	69,789
Camelot Villa [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property				712
Jellystone at Birchwood [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property			269
Vines RV Resort [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		130
Big Timber Lake [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property					528
Jellystone [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property						299
Morgan 10 [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties							10
Number of Units in Real Estate Property							3,700
Lake In Wood [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property									425
RainbowRV [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property										500
Rudgate [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties											4
Number of Units in Real Estate Property											1,996
RudgateManagedProperties [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties											2
Number of Units in Real Estate Property											1,598
Blazing Star [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| sites													260
Northville Crossing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| sites												756
Florida Properties [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| sites														1,114
Hudson, FL [Member] \| Florida Properties [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties														1
Bushnell, FL [Member] \| Florida Properties [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties														1
Orange Lake, FL [Member] \| Florida Properties [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties														1
Manufactured home community [Member] \| Palm Creek [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property										283
Number of potential manufactured home expansion units in real estate property								550
RV community [Member] \| Palm Creek [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property										1,580
Number of potential manufactured home expansion units in real estate property										990

Investment Property (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
Investment Property (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) sites	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Real estate, investment property [Line Items]
Land		$ 194,404	$ 178,993
Land improvements and buildings		1,806,546	1,608,825
Rental homes and improvements		393,562	305,838
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment		65,086	54,354
Land held for future development		29,521	29,295
Investment property		2,489,119	2,177,305
Accumulated depreciation		(734,067)	(659,169)
Investment property, net		$ 1,755,052	$ 1,518,136
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		69,789
Reidsville, North Carolina [Member]
Real estate, investment property [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 1,400
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| sites	45

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Repurchase price percentage (Details) - Collateralized receivables [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Less than or equal to 15 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Repurchase Percentage	100.00%
Greater than 15 but less than 64 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Repurchase Percentage	90.00%
Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Repurchase Percentage	65.00%
120 or more [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Repurchase Percentage	50.00%

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Schedule of collateralized loans (Details) - Collateralized receivables [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 94,409	$ 81,682
Financed sales of manufactured homes	34,007	26,406
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(7,930)	(5,662)
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(9,976)	(8,017)
Total activity	16,101	12,727
Ending balance	$ 110,510	$ 94,409

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Cash Flows Between Transferor and Transferee, Proceeds from New Transfers	$ 34,000	$ 26,400
Notes and other receivables, net	164,685	139,850
Secured debt	1,311,437	1,423,720
Interest Income (Expense), Net	10,600	9,400	$ 8,500
Secured Debt [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Secured debt	110,510	94,409
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net		93,834
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	700	600
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Secured Debt [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Secured debt	110,510	94,409
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	$ 109,821	$ 93,834

- Definition

Amount of allowance to cover probable credit losses on loans and leases. Includes carryover of or adjustments to the allowance for loan losses in connection with business combinations. Excludes allowance for loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements.

+ References

Reference 1: 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 2: 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

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher OTS
-Name Federal Regulation (FR)
-Number Title 12
-Section 563c.102
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph a(ii)
-Chapter V
-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 4: 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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 7
-Subparagraph d
-Article 9

Reference 6: 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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 6
-Section L
-Subsection 1

+ Details

Schedule of notes and other receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$ 164,685	$ 139,850
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net		93,834
Other receivables, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	29,393	24,118
Total notes and other receivables [Domain]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	164,685	139,850
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	25,471	21,898
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$ 109,821	$ 93,834

Notes And Other Receivables , Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ (793)	$ (697)	$ (635)
Lower of cost or market write-downs	421	243
Increase to reserve balance	(517)	(305)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Period Increase (Decrease)	(96)	(62)
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	22,019	13,545
Financed sales of manufactured homes	7,798	7,453
Acquired notes (see Note 2)	852	4,171
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	3,838	2,292
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	1,256	858
Total activity	3,556	8,474
Ending balance	$ 25,575	$ 22,019

Notes And Other Receivables , Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	$ 164,685	$ 139,850
Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	697	635
Lower of cost or market write-downs	421	243
Increase to reserve balance	(517)	(305)
Total activity	(96)	(62)
Ending balance	$ 793	$ 697

- Definition

+ References

+ Details

Notes And Other Receivables , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Pledged Assets, Series A-3 Preferred OP Units	$ 4,000
Notes and other receivables, net	164,685	$ 139,850
Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage	6,900	4,100
Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables	700	500
Home sale proceeds	5,700	6,100
Insurance receivables	2,000	1,700
Insurance Settlements Receivable	3,700	3,700
Miscellaneous note receivable	2,200
Note receivable related to Kentland acquistion	4,300	5,000
Other receivables	4,600	3,500
Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	793	697	$ 635
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ (100)	$ (100)
Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)	8.90%	8.60%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	11 years 10 months 24 days	11 years
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net		$ 93,834
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ (700)	$ (600)
Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)	10.70%	11.00%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	13 years 7 months 6 days	13 years 2 months 23 days
Notes Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	475.00%
2014-2015 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Miscellaneous note receivable, interest rate	8.00%
2016 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Miscellaneous note receivable, interest rate	7.90%

Intangibles Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 41,090	$ 35,267
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (15,025)	(11,795)
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 26,961	22,761
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (8,239)	(4,941)
Capitalized Leasing Costs [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 13,359	12,506
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (6,757)	(6,854)
Franchise Rights [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 770	0
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (29)	$ 0

Intangibles Schedule of Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 4,864	$ 3,161	$ 2,578
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	3,297	1,657	975
Capitalized Leasing Costs [Member]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	1,507	1,504	1,603
Franchise Rights [Member]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 60	$ 0	$ 0

Intangibles Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	$ 4,906
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	4,689
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	4,497
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	4,299
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$ 3,436

Intangibles Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Intangibles Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Total 2013 Acquisitions [Domain]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 4,970
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 4,200
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Franchise Rights [Member]
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Amortizable Intangible Assets	$ 800
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years

Investment In Affiliates , Narrative (Details)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Origen Financial Services [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	22.90%
Investment carrying value	$ 0
Origen Financial [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	19.00%
Investment carrying value	$ 0
Investment owned (in shares) \| shares	5,000,000
Market value of investment company	$ 6,300,000
Origen quoted market closing price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 1.25

Investment In Affiliates , Schedule of Investments (Details) - Origen Financial [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 49,775	$ 64,838	$ 67,094
Expenses	(51,912)	(66,215)	(77,598)
Net loss	(2,137)	(1,377)	$ (10,504)
Loans Receivable	463,254	543,420
Other Assets	15,529	19,824
Total Assets	478,783	563,244
Warehouse and securitization financing	423,369	491,720
Other liabilities	38,109	48,389
Total Liabilities	$ 461,478	$ 540,109

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 14, 2012
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Investment Property, net	$ 56,805	$ 56,326
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Other Assets	3,926	4,598
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	60,731	60,924
Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Debt	45,209	45,900	$ 45,900
Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities	6,564	1,773
Consolidated variable interest entities	(537)	(508)
Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity	$ 51,236	$ 47,165
VIE Percent of Consolidated Assets	3.00%	3.50%
VIE Percent of Consolidated Liabilities	3.20%	3.10%
VIE Percent of Total Equity	1.00%	1.00%
Rudgate [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Assumed debt			$ (15,103)

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Table - Schedule of debt and lines of credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 1,311,437	$ 1,423,720
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	7 years 2 months 12 days	6 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	5.00%	5.20%
Collateralized commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 644,844	$ 725,951
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	6 years 1 month 6 days	4 years 6 months
Weighted average interest rate	5.40%	5.20%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 366,019	$ 369,810
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	8 years 1 month 6 days	10 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	3.60%	3.80%
Aspen and Series B-3 Preferred OP Units [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 47,022	$ 47,322
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	7 years 7 months 6 days	8 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average interest rate	6.90%	6.90%
Secured borrowing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 110,510	$ 94,409
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	13 years 6 months	12 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	10.70%	11.00%
Mortgage notes, other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 143,042	$ 186,228
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	6 years	6 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average interest rate	4.60%	4.30%
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Secured borrowing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 110,510	$ 94,409

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Collateralized Term Loans (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended					3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	May 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) loans properties sites Rate	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) loans properties sites Rate	May 01, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) Rate	Nov. 14, 2012 USD ($)	Jul. 24, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2012 USD ($) properties
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate \| Rate						5.00%		5.00%		5.20%
Extinguishment of debt, number of loans \| loans						11		11
Secured debt						$ 1,311,437		$ 1,311,437		$ 1,423,720
Number of Units in Real Estate Property						69,789		69,789
Collateralized commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate \| Rate						5.40%		5.40%		5.20%
Secured debt						$ 644,844		$ 644,844		$ 725,951
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate \| Rate						4.60%		4.60%		4.30%
Secured debt						$ 143,042		$ 143,042		$ 186,228
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount								34,400
Secured debt						1,000,000		1,000,000
Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Real Estate						$ 682,700		$ 682,700
Properties securing debt [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties						18		18
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| sites						7,868		7,868
Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Real Estate						$ 242,000		$ 242,000
Properties securing debt [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties						95		95
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| sites						38,002		38,002
Mortgage - Rudgate Acquisition [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount											$ 21,700
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Sep. 06, 2022
Weighted average interest rate											4.65%
June 2012 mortgage refinance [Domain] \| Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													$ 14,100
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Sep. 01, 2016
Weighted average interest rate													2.16%
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties													2
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					$ 14,000
Pool A Loan [Member] \| Collateralized commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 72,400		$ 72,400
Pool A Loan [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date						Jan. 01, 2024
Stated interest rate \| Rate						4.89%		4.89%
Pool A Loan [Member] \| Manufactured home community [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties						8		8
Pool A Loan [Member] \| RV community [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties						2		2
Pool B Loan [Member] \| Collateralized commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 69,100		$ 69,100
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date						Jan. 01, 2024
Pool B Loan [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate \| Rate						4.90%		4.90%
Pool B Loan [Member] \| Manufactured home community [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties						8		8
Pool B Loan [Member] \| RV community [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties						1		1
Collateralized term loans - PNC and FNMA [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		May 01, 2023					May 01, 2013
Weighted average interest rate \| Rate						3.60%		3.60%
Secured debt									$ 151,400
Mortgage - Northville Crossing [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 21,700
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 01, 2022
Stated interest rate	3.89%
CMBS - Blazing Star acquisition [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date				Dec. 15, 2015
Assumed debt												$ (4,100)
Weighted average interest rate												5.64%

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Aspen Preferred OP Units and Series B-3 preferred OP units (Details) - Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member] - Convertible debt - Aspen Preferred OP Units January 2024 [Member] $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 shares $ / shares Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible units to shares (in shares) \| shares		526,212
Conversion Price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares		$ 68
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period \| Rate		6.50%
Proceeds from Convertible Debt \| $	$ 1.0

- 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 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 2: 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 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 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.

Reference 6: 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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 22
-Article 5

+ Details

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Mortgage Notes (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2013 USD ($)	May 31, 2013 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2013 USD ($) Rate	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) properties Rate	Nov. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Feb. 29, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) properties sites Rate	Nov. 14, 2012 USD ($) properties	Oct. 22, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2012 properties	Jul. 24, 2012 USD ($)	Jun. 01, 2012 USD ($) properties
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate \| Rate							5.20%						5.00%
Total debt							$ 1,423,720						$ 1,311,437
Number of Units in Real Estate Property													69,789
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount													$ 34,400
Total debt													1,000,000
Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Real Estate													$ 682,700
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member] \| Mortgage - Northville Crossing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$ 21,700
Stated interest rate		3.89%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		Oct. 01, 2022
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member] \| CMBS - Blazing Star acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date										Dec. 15, 2015
Weighted average interest rate																	5.64%
Assumed debt																	$ (4,100)
Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate \| Rate							4.30%						4.60%
Total debt							$ 186,228						$ 143,042
Mortgages [Member] \| Dutton Mill Village [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 3,500
Mortgages [Member] \| Falcon Pointe [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$ 2,300
Mortgages [Member] \| Holiday West Village [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			$ 3,500
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - APP/ORC/LKV/TAM [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties																4
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date									Jun. 20, 2013
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount									$ 25,000
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - Leisure Village [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date					Apr. 01, 2012
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					$ 2,700
Mortgages [Member] \| June 2012 mortgage refinance [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount																		$ 14,100
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties																		2
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date											Sep. 01, 2016
Weighted average interest rate																		2.16%
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount											$ 14,000
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - Rudgate Acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount														$ 21,700
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date								Sep. 06, 2022
Weighted average interest rate														4.65%
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - Rudgate Assumed [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date								Feb. 01, 2022
Weighted average interest rate														4.30%
Assumed debt														$ (15,400)
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - Palm Creek [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date							Jul. 01, 2022
Assumed debt							$ (41,700)
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - Palm Creek Sellers Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties							1
Weighted average interest rate							5.25%
Mortgages [Member] \| Mortgage - variable financing BoA Kentland and Orange City [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date									Jun. 01, 2015
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount									$ 18,100			$ 4,500
RainbowRV [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Assumed debt															$ 0
Number of Units in Real Estate Property															500
RainbowRV [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount				$ 600
Palm Creek [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Assumed debt							$ (43,619)
Palm Creek [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate \| Rate						2.00%
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount						$ 36,000
Libor, 30 day rate [Domain] \| Mortgages [Member] \| June 2012 mortgage refinance [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate																		2.00%
Rudgate [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties														1
Mortgage - Rudgate Assumed [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties														2
Properties securing debt [Member] \| Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties													95
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| sites													38,002
Properties securing debt [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) \| properties													18
Number of Units in Real Estate Property \| sites													7,868
Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Real Estate													$ 242,000

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Line of Credit (Details) - USD ($)	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	May 14, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Feb. 06, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate		5.00%	5.00%	5.20%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length			7 years 2 months 12 days	6 years 9 months 18 days
Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity		$ 12,000,000	$ 12,000,000
Line of credit, outstanding balance		$ 3,300,000	$ 3,300,000	$ 4,800,000
Weighted average interest rate		7.00%	7.00%
Basis points		100.00%	100.00%
Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity		$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000	50,000,000	$ 50,000,000
Line of credit, outstanding balance		$ 0	$ 0	25,000,000
Line of credit, outstanding loan balance, percent		200.00%	200.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Interest only payment term			5 years
Basis points		200.00%	200.00%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum			5.50%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage		5.50%	5.50%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length			10 years
Line of Credit - BMO [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, outstanding balance						$ 61,500,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	$ 150,000,000	$ 350,000,000	$ 350,000,000
Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity		250,000,000	250,000,000
Line of credit, outstanding balance		$ 178,100,000	$ 178,100,000	0
Effective interest rate, minimum	2.25%	1.65%
Effective interest rate, maximum	2.95%	2.90%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date		May 15, 2017
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate		1.70%	1.70%
Line of credit, option to extend term		1 year
Line of Credit [Member] \| Line of Credit - Bank of America [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, remaining borrowing capacity		$ 169,200,000	$ 169,200,000	146,000,000
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		$ 2,700,000	$ 2,700,000	$ 4,000,000
Mortgages [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate		4.60%	4.60%	4.30%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length			6 years	6 years 2 months 12 days
Prime Rate [Member] \| Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, maximum			6.00%

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Table - Maturities and Amortization of debt and lines of credit (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	$ 1,491,449
2014	46,197
2015	77,569
2016	300,959
2017	74,810
2018	198,411
After 5 years	793,503
Lines of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	181,383
2014	3,283
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	178,100
After 5 years	0
Mortgage maturities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	1,024,296
2014	11,476
2015	56,343
2016	280,740
2017	55,019
2018	0
After 5 years	620,718
Mortgage principal amortization [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	128,238
2014	15,327
2015	15,831
2016	14,256
2017	13,282
2018	13,258
After 5 years	56,284
Aspen and Series B-3 Preferred OP Units [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	47,022
2014	11,240
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
After 5 years	35,782
Secured borrowing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total Due	110,510
2014	4,871
2015	5,395
2016	5,963
2017	6,509
2018	7,053
After 5 years	$ 80,719

Equity Transactions Narrative (Details)		1 Months Ended						3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Equity Transactions Narrative (Details)	Jan. 15, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 17, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Feb. 28, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares	Nov. 30, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jan. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2013 $ / shares shares	Jun. 30, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($) $ / shares	Jan. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Nov. 14, 2012 USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2012 USD ($)	May 10, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2012 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2004 shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Reclassification of Treasury Shares										$ 63,600,000
Net proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock										0	$ 82,200,000	$ 0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock										$ 261,760,000	$ 300,634,000	$ 58,366,000
Dividends per common share: \| $ / shares										$ 2.52	$ 1.89	$ 3.15
Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends per common share: \| $ / shares								$ 0.63
Common Stock [Member] \| Dividend Paid [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Paid		$ 24,100,000
Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared \| $ / shares								$ 0.4453
Preferred Stock [Member] \| Dividend Paid [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock	$ 1,500,000
Repurchase of Equity [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Authorized to be repurchased (in shares) \| shares																			1,000,000
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares) \| shares								400,000		400,000
Preferred Units, Class [Domain] \| Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
New shares issued (in shares) \| shares					3,400,000
Net proceeds from issuance of Series A Preferred Stock					$ 82,200,000
Equity, proceeds from preferred stock used to purchase property														$ 55,300,000
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares					$ 25.00
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Equity Issuance or Sale of Parent Equity Interest				$ 4,000,000
Equity, Preferred OP unit, conversion price \| $ / shares				$ 53.75
Equity, preferred return rate				4.50%
Form S-3 - May 2012 [Member] [Domain] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proposed offering amount from issuing common stock, preferred stock, and debt securities																$ 100,000,000
New shares issued (in shares) \| shares										526,586
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares										$ 46.57
Proceeds from issuance of common stock										$ 24,200,000
S-3 - Total [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares									$ 37.22
Proceeds from issuance of common stock									$ 1,500,000
Form S-3 - May 2011 [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
New shares issued (in shares) \| shares									40,524.00
Registered public offering [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
New shares issued (in shares) \| shares						3,000,000	4,600,000
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares						$ 44.06	$ 35.50
Proceeds from issuance of common stock						$ 132,000,000	$ 156,000,000
Proceeds from common stock used to extinguish debt							123,500,000								$ 78,000,000
Equity, proceeds from common stock used to extinguish mortgage debt															$ 43,100,000
Equity, proceeds from common stock used to extinguish mortgage debt, number o															9
Florida Properties [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount																		$ 19,000,000
Florida Properties [Member] \| Registered public offering [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Proceeds from common stock used to purchase property							$ 25,000,000
Florida Properties [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount																	$ 19,000,000
Florida Properties [Member] \| Mortgages [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount													$ 36,000,000
Conversion of Common OP Units [Member] \| Common OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares) \| shares										0	2,400
Registered public offering [Member] \| Common Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
New shares issued (in shares) \| shares			5,750,000
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares			$ 45.25
Proceeds from issuance of common stock			$ 249,500,000

Share-Based Compensation , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period						3 years
Share-based Compensation, option contractual term						10 years
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised						$ 201	$ 166	$ 841
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense						$ 3,200	$ 1,500	$ 1,600
Director Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	79,600					79,600
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	175,000					175,000
2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	312,500					312,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	950,000					950,000
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period						3 years
Share-based Compensation, option contractual term						10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period						(9,700)	(16,256)	(64,641)
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares (in shares)						371,300	44,600	154,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value						$ 47.19	$ 40.93	$ 37.15
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense						$ 3,200	$ 1,400	$ 1,500
Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares (in shares)	500	36,000	250,000	1,000	73,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 40.74	$ 48.22	$ 47.56	$ 45.68	$ 45.69
Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2004 non-employee plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares (in shares)					10,800
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 45.69
December 16, 2016 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights	0.35
December 16, 2017 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights	0.35
December 16, 2018 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights	0.2
December 16, 2019 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights	0.05
December 16, 2020 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights	0.05
August 6, 2016 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights		0.35
August 6, 2017 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights		0.35
August 6, 2018 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights		0.2
August 6, 2019 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights		0.05
August 6, 2020 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights		0.05
June 20, 2016 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights			0.35
June 20, 2017 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights			0.35
June 20, 2018 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights			0.2
June 20, 2019 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights			0.05
June 20, 2020 [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member] \| 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights			0.05
2004 non-employee plan [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised						$ 201
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period						(9,442)

Share-Based Compensation Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 3.2	$ 1.5	$ 1.6
Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 3.2	$ 1.4	$ 1.5
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	631,956	310,507	275,871	141,783
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 41.14	$ 30.88	$ 28.93	$ 21.11
Granted, shares (in shares)	371,300	44,600	154,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 47.19	$ 40.93	$ 37.15
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	(37,291)	(8,750)	(20,412)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 16.87	$ 19.92	$ 36.87
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	(12,560)	(1,214)	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 38.47	$ 37.04	$ 0.00
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value	$ 0.6	$ 0.2	$ 0.8
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	19.9
Within 12 Months [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	3.9
More than One and within Two Years [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	3.7
More than Two and Within Three Years [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	3.3
More than three years [Member] \| Restricted Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	$ 9.0

Share-Based Compensation Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value		$ 200	$ 200	$ 500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Share-based Compensation, option contractual term		10 years
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		46,250	55,950	77,086	140,177
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period		3 years
Share-based Compensation, option contractual term		10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 30.77	$ 29.19	$ 29.64	$ 29.20
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures		0	0	10,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 0	$ 0	$ 37
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period		9,700	16,256	64,641
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 21.67	$ 30.12	$ 29.43
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period		0	4,880	8,950
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 0.00	$ 33.16	$ 33.33
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 30.77
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		4 years 8 months 4 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value		$ 549
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number		42,750
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price		$ 30.23
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term		4 years 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value		$ 530	$ 500	$ 300
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		0
Non-employee director stock option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 9.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	10,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	6.70%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate	45.20%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.52%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	5 years
Non-employee director stock option [Member] \| Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		46,250
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		0	0	10,500

Share-Based Compensation Phantom Stock Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 3.2	$ 1.5	$ 1.6
Phantom stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, average closing stock price prior vesting period, term	10 days
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 0.0	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

- Definition

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from equity-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, unit, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants qualifying for treatment as employees.

+ References + Details

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenues									$ 400,449	$ 327,497	$ 278,155
Operating expenses/Cost of sales									170,653	141,105	118,325
Net operating income/Gross profit									229,796	186,392	159,830
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues									14,773	11,455	10,445
General and Administrative Expense									(35,854)	(28,353)	(27,275)
Acquisition related costs									(3,928)	(4,296)	(1,971)
Depreciation and amortization									(110,078)	(89,674)	(74,193)
Asset Impairment Charges									0	0	(1,382)
Interest expense									(73,339)	(67,859)	(64,606)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt									(3,238)	(3,321)	(3,333)
Distributions from affiliate	$ 700	$ 700	$ 450	$ 400	$ 650	$ 600	$ 1,900	$ 750	2,250	3,900	2,100
Provision for state income taxes									(234)	(249)	(150)
Net income (loss)									20,148	7,995	(535)
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units									2,598	2,329	1,222
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units									166	0	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests									718	(318)	(671)
Less: Series A Preferred Stock Distributions									6,056	1,026	0
Net income (Loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	82	$ 3,749	$ 1,035	$ 5,744	(1,432)	$ (650)	$ 1,663	$ 5,377	16,666	5,984	(1,086)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders									10,610	4,958	(1,086)
Identifiable assets:
Investment property, net	1,755,052				1,518,136				1,755,052	1,518,136
Cash and cash equivalents	4,753				29,508				4,753	29,508	5,857	$ 8,420
Inventory of manufactured homes	5,810				7,527				5,810	7,527
Notes and other receivables, net	164,685				139,850				164,685	139,850
Other assets	68,936				59,607				68,936	59,607
TOTAL ASSETS	1,999,236				1,754,628				1,999,236	1,754,628
Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Transient RV Revenue	$ 17,400								17,400
Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage	15.00%	30.00%	15.00%	40.00%
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenues									313,097	255,761	223,613
Operating expenses/Cost of sales									109,921	88,046	76,737
Net operating income/Gross profit									203,176	167,715	146,876
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues									14,773	11,455	10,445
General and Administrative Expense									(25,941)	(20,037)	(19,704)
Acquisition related costs									(3,928)	(4,296)	(1,971)
Depreciation and amortization									(73,729)	(61,039)	(51,063)
Asset Impairment Charges											(1,382)
Interest expense									(73,001)	(67,756)	(63,616)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt									(3,238)	(3,321)	(3,333)
Distributions from affiliate									2,250	3,900	2,100
Provision for state income taxes									(234)	(249)	(150)
Net income (loss)									40,128	26,372	18,202
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units											1,222
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests									2,450	1,640	1,003
Less: Series A Preferred Stock Distributions									6,056	1,026
Net income (Loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.									34,914	22,403
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders									28,858	21,377	15,977
Identifiable assets:
Investment property, net	$ 1,460,628				1,296,753				1,460,628	1,296,753
Cash and cash equivalents	5,336				29,071				5,336	29,071
Inventory of manufactured homes	0				0				0	0
Notes and other receivables, net	154,524				131,000				154,524	131,000
Other assets	64,342				54,959				64,342	54,959
TOTAL ASSETS	1,684,830				1,511,783				1,684,830	1,511,783
Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Profit (Loss) [Abstract]
Revenues									87,352	71,736	54,542
Operating expenses/Cost of sales									60,732	53,059	41,588
Net operating income/Gross profit									26,620	18,677	12,954
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Other revenues									0	0	0
General and Administrative Expense									(9,913)	(8,316)	(7,571)
Acquisition related costs									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									(36,349)	(28,635)	(23,130)
Asset Impairment Charges											0
Interest expense									(338)	(103)	(990)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt									0	0	0
Distributions from affiliate									0	0	0
Provision for state income taxes									0	0	0
Net income (loss)									(19,980)	(18,377)	(18,737)
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units											0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests									(1,732)	(1,958)	(1,674)
Less: Series A Preferred Stock Distributions									0	0
Net income (Loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.									(18,248)	(16,419)
Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders									(18,248)	(16,419)	$ (17,063)
Identifiable assets:
Investment property, net	294,424				221,383				294,424	221,383
Cash and cash equivalents	(583)				437				(583)	437
Inventory of manufactured homes	5,810				7,527				5,810	7,527
Notes and other receivables, net	10,161				8,850				10,161	8,850
Other assets	4,594				4,648				4,594	4,648
TOTAL ASSETS	$ 314,406				$ 242,845				314,406	242,845
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] \| Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units									2,598	2,329
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] \| Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units									0	$ 0
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] \| Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units									166
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] \| Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units									$ 0

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Derivative Contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
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. 01, 2009
Derivative, Maturity Date	Jan. 01, 2014
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.3585%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	2.145%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	1.87%
Derivative, Effective Fixed Rate	4.015%
Interest Rate Cap [Member] \| Derivative Maturing 2015 [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. 01, 2012
Derivative, Maturity Date	Apr. 01, 2015
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.3585%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	11.265%
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	0.3585%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	11.02%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%
Other Assets [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	$ 0.7	$ 1.2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Balance Sheet Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	$ 0	$ 0
Derivative Liabilities	97	459
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Collateral deposits recorded in other assets	700	1,200
Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities		459
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ 97	$ 459

- 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) - Interest rate swaps and cap agreement [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ 362	$ 643	$ 1,048
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)	$ 4	$ (13)

Income Taxes , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum Percent of Income From Qualifying Sources to Allow For Real Estate Investment Trust Classification	95.00%
Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 71,300
Required Minimum Percent of Taxable Income Distributed to Stock Holders	90.00%
Provision for state income taxes	$ (234)	$ (249)	$ (150)

Income Taxes Charaterization of Distributions (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Dividends per common share:	$ 2.52	$ 1.89	$ 3.15
Percent of Total Dividends Paid	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Ordinary Income [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Dividends per common share:	$ 0.87	$ 0.92	$ 0.74
Percent of Total Dividends Paid	34.60%	48.70%	23.50%
Capital Gains [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Dividends per common share:	$ 0.00	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Percent of Total Dividends Paid	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Return of Capital [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Dividends per common share:	$ 1.65	$ 0.97	$ 2.41
Percent of Total Dividends Paid	65.40%	51.30%	76.50%

Income Taxes Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 24,237	$ 22,340
Deferred Tax Assets, Real estate	23,999	19,512
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets	(128)	(128)
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	48,108	41,724
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	(47,108)	(40,724)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$ 1,000	$ 1,000

Earnings Per Share , Calculation of Numerator and Denominator (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Numerator
Basic earnings: net income attributable to common stockholders									$ 10,610	$ 4,958	$ (1,086)
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding									34,228	26,970	21,147
Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding									504	285	0
Basic Weighted average common shares and unvested restricted stock outstanding outstanding									34,732	27,255	21,147
Add: dilutive securities									15	17	0
Diluted weighted average common shares and securities									34,747	27,272	21,147
Basic	$ 0.00	$ 0.10	$ 0.03	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.06	$ 0.21	$ 0.31	$ 0.18	$ (0.05)
Diluted	$ 0.00	$ 0.10	$ 0.03	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.06	$ 0.21	$ 0.31	$ 0.18	$ (0.05)

Earnings Per Share , Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Loss Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,889	3,851	4,205
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	0	77
Unvested restricted Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Unvested restricted stock	0	0	276
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	2,069	2,071	2,072
Series A-1 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	455	455	455
Series A-3 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	40	0	0
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	1,325	1,325	1,325

- 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 Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

Reference 2: 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 3: 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 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 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 6: 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 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.

Reference 8: 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.

+ Details

- Definition

Number of shares issued during the period related to Restricted Stock Awards, net of any shares forfeited.

+ References + Details

Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 104,957	$ 107,201	$ 100,151	$ 102,913	$ 90,794	$ 83,018	$ 82,223	$ 82,917	$ 415,222	$ 338,952	$ 288,600
Costs and Expenses	102,976	101,841	97,290	94,983	91,987	83,809	81,591	77,221	397,090	334,608	291,085
Income (loss) before income taxes and distributions from affiliate	1,981	5,360	2,861	7,930	(1,193)	(791)	632	5,696	18,132	4,344	(2,485)
Distributions from affiliate	700	700	450	400	650	600	1,900	750	2,250	3,900	2,100
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	$ 82	$ 3,749	$ 1,035	$ 5,744	$ (1,432)	$ (650)	$ 1,663	$ 5,377	$ 16,666	$ 5,984	$ (1,086)
Earnings per share, Basic	$ 0.00	$ 0.10	$ 0.03	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.06	$ 0.21	$ 0.31	$ 0.18	$ (0.05)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 0.00	$ 0.10	$ 0.03	$ 0.19	$ (0.05)	$ (0.02)	$ 0.06	$ 0.21	$ 0.31	$ 0.18	$ (0.05)

- 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 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 2: 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 3: 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=16381557&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 4: 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=7655603&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 5: 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 6: 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 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 18
-Article 7

Reference 8: 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 9: 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.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 20
-Article 5

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 21
-Article 9

+ 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

Reference 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)
-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 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 7: 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 8: 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=20435746&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 9: 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 10: 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 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

Reference 12: 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 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 03
-Paragraph 19
-Article 5

Reference 14: 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 15: 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 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 04
-Paragraph 20
-Article 9

+ Details

Fair Value of Financial Instruments , By Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	$ 164,685	$ 139,850
Financial liabilities
Derivative Liabilities	97	459
Secured debt	1,311,437	1,423,720
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net		93,834
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial liabilities
Long term debt excluding secured borrowings	1,200,927	1,329,311
Lines of credit	181,383	29,781
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	25,471	21,898
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Collateralized receivables [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	109,821	93,834
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial liabilities
Derivative Liabilities	97	459
Long term debt excluding secured borrowings	1,211,821	1,355,331
Secured borrowing	110,510	94,409
Lines of credit	181,383	29,781
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	25,471	21,898
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] \| Collateralized receivables [Member] \| Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	109,821	93,834
Other liabilities [Member]
Financial liabilities
Derivative Liabilities		459
Other liabilities [Member] \| Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial liabilities
Derivative Liabilities	97	459
Secured Debt [Member]
Financial liabilities
Secured debt	110,510	94,409
Secured Debt [Member] \| Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Financial liabilities
Secured debt	$ 110,510	$ 94,409

Fair Value of Financial Instruments , Measurement Inputs (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ (97)	$ (459)
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	(97)	(459)
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) - TJ Holdings, LLC [Member]	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2010 USD ($) Rate
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, 2013 USD ($) members properties sqft $ / loans $ / sqft Rate shares	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties	188
Chief Executive Officer [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Equity Interest in Office Space, Percentage	21.00%
Director [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Legal Fees	$ 3,200,000	$ 3,400,000	$ 2,500,000
Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Square Footage of Office Space \| sqft	48,200
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 1,000,000	700,000	$ 700,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	900,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Current	900,000
Related Party Transactions, Lease Option Renewal Period				5 years
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	700,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	0
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	$ 0
Origen Financial Services [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	22.90%
Investment carrying value	$ 0
Origen Financial Services [Member] \| Equity Method Investee [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments, Number of Unrelated Members \| members	4
Cash contribution	$ 600,000
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	22.90%
Investment carrying value	$ 0
Loan Fee Amount, Per Loan \| $ / loans	650
Payments of Loan Costs		100,000
Payments to Acquire Loans, par value	$ 7,700,000	$ 6,400,000
Origen Financial [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	19.00%
Investment carrying value	$ 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%
Investment carrying value	$ 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 \| shares	1,025,000
September 1, 2015 to October 31, 2016 [Member] \| Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions, Current and Future Base Rent \| $ / sqft	17.92
November 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015 [Member] \| Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions, Current and Future Base Rent \| $ / sqft	18.24
Through October 31, 2014 [Member] \| Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions, Current and Future Base Rent \| $ / sqft	18.12
Through April 2014 [Member] \| Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transactions, Current and Future Base Rent \| $ / sqft	14.33
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Repurchase Percentage \| Rate	100.00%
Notes Receivable Outstanding Principal Balance, Maximum Exposure	$ 10,000,000
Through April 2014 [Member] \| Management [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Square Footage of Office Space \| sqft	10,500
Sun Partnerships [Member] \| Board of Directors Chairman [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties \| properties	24
Number of Real Estate Properties Sold \| properties	4

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	Jan. 30, 2014 USD ($) Rate	Feb. 18, 2014 USD ($)	Feb. 14, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 10, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 08, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property						69,789
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] \| Driftwood RV Resort [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property			698
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price			$ 31.9
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] \| Seashore RV Resort [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		685
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price		$ 24.6
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member] \| Castaways RV Resort [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property				369	166
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price				$ 35.9	$ 13.3
Debt [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 99.0
Stated interest rate \| Rate	4.20%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Feb. 13, 2026

SCHEDULE III Investment property reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reconciliation of Carrying Amount of Real Estate Investments [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,177,305	$ 1,794,605	$ 1,580,544
Community and land acquisitions, including immediate improvements	192,660	302,487	167,326
Community expansion and development	17,985	13,424	5,931
Improvements, other	145,916	110,029	78,844
Asset impairment	0	0	1,584
Dispositions and other	44,747	43,240	36,456
Ending balance	$ 2,489,119	$ 2,177,305	$ 1,794,605

SCHEDULE III Accumulated depreciation reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 659,169	$ 597,999	$ 548,218
Depreciation for the period	96,499	80,124	67,286
Asset impairment	0	0	202
Dispositions and other	21,601	18,954	17,303
Ending balance	$ 734,067	$ 659,169	$ 597,999