Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Domain] Award Date [Domain] Award Date One [Member] Award Date One [Member] Award Date One [Member] Award Date Two [Member] Award Date Two [Member] Award Date Two [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Vesting Type [Axis] Vesting Type [Axis] Vesting Type [Axis] Vesting Type [Domain] Vesting Type [Domain] [Domain] for Vesting Type [Axis] Time Based [Member] Time Based [Member] Time Based [Member] Market Condition [Member] Market Condition [Member] Market Condition [Member] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Domain] Title of Individual [Domain] Executive Officer [Member] Executive Officer [Member] Director [Member] Director [Member] Key Employees [Member] Key Employees [Member] Key Employees [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] 2015 Equity Plan [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Equity Plan [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Equity Plan [Member] 2004 Non-employee Plan [Member] 2004 Non-employee Plan [Member] 2004 non-employee plan [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Percent Expected To Vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Percent Expected To Vest Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Percent Expected To Vest Share Price Share Price Granted, shares (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Award vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Exercises in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Preferred Equity, Mandatorily Redeemable [Member] Preferred Equity, Mandatorily Redeemable [Member] Preferred Equity, Mandatorily Redeemable [Member] Aspen Series B3 Preferred Operating Partnership Units [Member] Aspen Series B3 Preferred Operating Partnership Units [Member] Aspen Series B3 Preferred Operating Partnership Units [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series A-4 Preferred Stock Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member] Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member] Series A-4 preferred OP units Series A-4 Preferred Op Units [Member] Series A-4 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series D Preferred OP Units Series D Preferred OP Units [Member] Series D Preferred OP Units [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Land Land Land improvements and buildings Real estate investment property, Land improvements and buildings Real estate investment property, Land improvements and buildings Rental homes and improvements Rental Properties Furniture, fixtures and equipment Furniture and Fixtures, Gross Investment property Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Investment property, net (including $341,563 and $308,171 for consolidated VIEs at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; see Note 8) Real Estate Investment Property, Net Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable securities Marketable Securities Inventory of manufactured homes Inventory, Finished Homes Notes and other receivables, net Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Collateralized receivables, net Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Commercial and Consumer, Net Other assets, net (including $22,598 and $19,809 for consolidated VIEs at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; see Note 8) Other Assets Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES Liabilities [Abstract] Mortgage loans payable (including $47,256 and $44,172 for consolidated VIEs at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; see Note 8) Secured Debt Other Borrowings Other Borrowings Preferred OP units - mandatorily redeemable Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Settlement Terms, Share Value, Amount Lines of credit Long-term Line of Credit Distributions payable Dividends Payable Customer Advances and Deposits Customer Advances and Deposits Other liabilities (including $28,031 and $6,914 for consolidated VIEs at September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018; see Note 8) Other Liabilities Total Liabilities Liabilities Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Preferred, Carrying Amount Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Preferred, Carrying Amount Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Carrying Amount Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Carrying Amount STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized: 180,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 90,690 September 30, 2019 and 86,357 December 31, 2018 Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income Total Sun Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests: Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common and preferred OP units Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnerships Consolidated variable interest entities Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Total noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Segment Reporting [Abstract] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Real Property Operations Segment [Member] Real Property Operations Segment [Member] Real Property Operations Segment [Member] Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member] Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member] Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Investment property, net Cash and cash equivalents Inventory of manufactured homes Other assets Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Ocean West [Member] Ocean West [Member] Ocean West [Member] Water Oak [Member] Water Oak [Member] Water Oak [Member] Oak Crest [Member] Oak Crest [Member] Oak Crest [Member] Pecan Park [Member] Pecan Park [Member] Pecan Park [Member] Smith Creek Crossing [Member] Smith Creek Crossing [Member] Smith Creek Crossing [Member] Apple Carr Village [Member] Apple Carr Village [Member] Apple Carr Village [Member] River Run Ranch [Member] River Run Ranch [Member] River Run Ranch [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Development Sites Number of Units in Real Estate Property, Land Development Sites Number of Units in Real Estate Property, Land Development Sites Cost Payments to Acquire Land Leases [Abstract] Operating Leases Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019) Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Less: Imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Finance Leases Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] 2019 (excluding the nine months ended September 30, 2019) Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due Less: Imputed interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Present value of lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payment, Due Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payment, Due Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payment, Due Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating And Finance Leases, Liability Operating And Finance Leases, Liability Operating And Finance Leases, Liability Acquisitions - 2019 [Member] Acquisitions - 2019 [Member] Acquisitions - 2019 [Member] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Total revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Long-term Notes and Loans, by Type, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Installment Notes Receivable [Member] Installment Notes Receivable [Member] Installment Notes Receivable [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Schedule of notes and other receivables Schedule of notes and other receivables [Table Text Block] Schedule of notes and other receivables [Table Text Block] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable Financing Receivable, Current, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate [Domain] Real Estate [Domain] Mobile Home [Member] Mobile Home [Member] Mobile Home [Member] RV [Member] RV [Member] RV [Member] Jensen Property Acquisition [Member] Jensen Property Acquisition [Member] Jensen Property Acquisition [Member] Chincoteague [Member] Chincoteague [Member] Chincoteague [Member] Glen Ellis [Member] Glen Ellis [Member] Glen Ellis [Member] Leisure Point Resort [Member] Leisure Point Resort [Member] Leisure Point Resort [Member] Reunion Lake [Member] Reunion Lake [Member] Reunion Lake [Member] River Plantation [Member] River Plantation [Member] River Plantation [Member] Massey's Landing [Member] Massey's Landing [Member] Massey's Landing [Member] Leaf Verde RV Resort [Member] Leaf Verde RV Resort [Member] Leaf Verde RV Resort [Member] Archview [Member] Archview [Member] Archview [Member] Petoskey RV Resort [Member] Petoskey RV Resort [Member] Petoskey RV Resort [Member] The Sands [Member] The Sands [Member] The Sands [Member] Sun NG RV Resorts [Member] Sun NG RV Resorts [Member] Sun NG RV Resorts [Member] Silver Creek [Member] Silver Creek [Member] Silver Creek [Member] Highway West [Member] Highway West [Member] Highway West [Member] Compass [Member] Compass [Member] Compass [Member] Shelby Properties [Member] Shelby Properties [Member] Shelby Properties [Member] Buena Vista [Member] Buena Vista [Member] Buena Vista [Member] Country Village [Member] Country Village [Member] Country Village [Member] Hid'n Pines [Member] Hid'n Pines [Member] Hid'n Pines [Member] Hacienda del Rio [Member] Hacienda del Rio [Member] Hacienda del Rio [Member] sui_chulavistamember [Member] sui_chulavistamember [Member] Chula Vista [Member] Business Combination, Considered Transferred, Deferred Payment Business Combination, Considered Transferred, Deferred Payment Business Combination, Considered Transferred, Deferred Payment Investment in property Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Sites Number of Units in Real Estate Property Payments to Acquire Land Development Sites Number of Units in Real Estate Property, Development Sites Number of Units in Real Estate Property, Development Sites Shares outstanding Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Inventory of manufactured homes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory In-place leases and other intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Liabilities, Inventory Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Liabilities, Inventory Other assets (liabilities), net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Total consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Equity Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Series B-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series B-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series B-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Preferred OP units [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Convertible debt - Aspen Preferred OP Units January 2024 [Member] Convertible debt - Aspen Preferred OP Units January 2024 [Member] Convertible debt - Aspen Preferred OP Units January 2024 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Convertible units to shares (in shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Percent Of Amount By Which The Market Price Of Common Stock Exceeds Threshold Debt Instrument, Convertible, Percent Of Amount By Which The Market Price Of Common Stock Exceeds Threshold Debt Instrument, Convertible, Percent Of Amount By Which The Market Price Of Common Stock Exceeds Threshold Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Redemption price including accrued and unpaid dividends (in dollars per share) Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Including Accrued and Unpaid Dividends Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Including Accrued and Unpaid Dividends Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Value of Shares Issued Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Value of Shares Issued Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Value of Shares Issued Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Rate Of Return Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Rate Of Return Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Rate Of Return Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Term Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Term Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Term Equity [Abstract] Dividends Payable [Table] Dividends Payable [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Forecast [Member] Forecast [Member] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Payments of dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Payments of dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes [Member] Other receivables, net [Member] Other receivables, net [Member] Other receivables, net [Member] Total notes and other receivables, net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Remainder of 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] RezPlot [Member] RezPlot [Member] RezPlot [Member] Sungenia JV [Member] Sungenia JV [Member] Sungenia JV [Member] GTSC [Member] GTSC [Member] GTSC [Member] Origen Financial Services [Member] Origen Financial Services [Member] Origen Financial Services [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Minimum Percent of Income From Qualifying Sources to Allow For Real Estate Investment Trust Classification Minimum Percent of Income From Qualifying Sources to Allow For Real Estate Investment Trust Classification Minimum Percent of Income From Qualifying Sources to Allow For Real Estate Investment Trust Classification Required Minimum Percent of Taxable Income Distributed to Stock Holders Required Minimum Percent of Taxable Income Distributed to Stock Holders Required Minimum Percent of Taxable Income Distributed to Stock Holders Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Provision for state income taxes Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred tax benefit / (expense) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs At acquistion date Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Debt assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed Consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Debt assumed Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Common OP Units Common OP Units [Member] Common OP Units [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Conversion Rate Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued Conversion of units Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue From Home Sales Revenues Operating expenses / Cost of sales Operating Expenses and Cost of Sales Operating Expenses and Cost of Sales Net operating income / Gross profit Operating Income (Loss) Interest and other revenues, net Other Revenues, Segment Other Revenues, Segment Home selling expenses Selling Expense General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Loss on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Interest expense Interest Expense Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units / equity Interest Expense, Other Catastrophic weather related charges Loss from Catastrophes Remeasurement of marketable securities Remeasurement Of Marketable Securities Remeasurement Of Marketable Securities Distributions from Affiliate Distributions from Affiliate Distributions from affiliate Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Other income / (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Current tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units Preferred return to convertible, non-redeemable Series A-1 Preferred Operating Partnership unit holders. Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable Net Income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Less: Preferred stock distributions Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Net Income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Transfers and Servicing [Abstract] Transfers Of Financial Assets Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets [Text Block] Schedule of debt and lines of credit [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Aggregate Value of Shares to be Issued in Accordance to Sales Agreement Aggregate Value of Shares to be Issued in Accordance to Sales Agreement Aggregate Value of Shares to be Issued in Accordance to Sales Agreement Issuance of common stock and common OP units, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Series A-1 Preferred OP Units Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] Preferred OP Units [Member] Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series C preferred OP units [Member] Series C preferred OP units [Member] Series C preferred OP units [Member] Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member] Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member] 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 [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Cover page. Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Receivables [Abstract] Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Insurance receivables Insurance receivables Insurance receivables Notes Receivables Notes Receivables Notes Receivables Other Receivables Other Receivables Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Schedule of Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] - Tabular disclosure of amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets by category. Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Abstract] Collateralized Receivables [Member] Collateralized Receivables [Member] Collateralized receivables [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Number of payments made [Axis] Number of payments made [Axis] Number of payments [Axis] Number of loan payments made [Domain] Number of loan payments made [Domain] Number of loan payments made [Domain] Less than or equal to 15 [Member] Less than or equal to 15 [Member] Less than or equal to 15 [Member] Greater than 15 but less than 64 [Member] Greater than 15 but less than 64 [Member] Greater than 15 but less than 64 [Member] Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120 [Member] Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120 [Member] Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120 [Member] 120 or more [Member] 120 or more [Member] 120 or more [Member] Repurchase Percentage Notes Receivable, Repurchase Percentage Notes Receivable, Repurchase Percentage Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense [Table] Tabular disclosure of amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets by category. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] Franchise Rights [Member] Franchise Rights [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Capitalized interest Interest Costs Capitalized Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Leases Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract] DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] NG Sun LLC [Member] NG Sun LLC [Member] NG Sun LLC [Member] NG Sun Whitewater [Member] NG Sun Whitewater [Member] NG Sun Whitewater [Member] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Conversion of Common OP Units Conversion of Common OP Units [Member] Conversion of Common OP Units [Member] Equity transaction type [Axis] Equity transaction type [Axis] Equity transaction type [Axis] Equity transaction type [Domain] Equity transaction type [Domain] Equity transaction type [Domain] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term One, Percentage Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term One, Percentage Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term One, Percentage Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued, Floating Rate Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued, Floating Rate Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued, Floating Rate Commission, Maximum Percentage of Gross Sales Price Per Share According to Sales Agreement Commission, Maximum Percentage of Gross Sales Price Per Share According to Sales Agreement Commission, Maximum Percentage of Gross Sales Price Per Share According to Sales Agreement Authorized to be repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares) Series A-4 Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Temporary Equity, Issuance Price Temporary Equity, Issuance Price Temporary Equity, Issuance Price Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term Two, Percentage Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term Two, Percentage Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term Two, Percentage Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Per Share Upon Conversion Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Per Share Upon Conversion Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Per Share Upon Conversion Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Lessee, Lease, Description [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] CEO Chief Executive Officer [Member] American Center American Center [Member] American Center [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Below Market Leases Below Market Leases [Member] Below Market Leases [Member] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Operating lease liability Finance lease liability Operating lease, not yet commenced Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not Yet Commenced, Value Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not Yet Commenced, Value Term of operating lease not yet commenced Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Area of rentable real estate property Area of Real Estate Property Gross base rent (USD per sqft) Lessee, Operating Lease, Gross Base Rent Lessee, Operating Lease, Gross Base Rent Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Numerator Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net Income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders Less allocation to restricted stock awards Income (loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders Allocable To Non Vested Restricted Shares Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Allocable To Non Vested Restricted Shares Basic earnings - Net income attributable to common stockholders after allocation to restricted stock awards Net income attributable to common shareholders after restricted stock allocation Net income attributable to common shareholders after restricted stock allocation Add allocation to restricted stock awards Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Diluted earnings - Net income attributable to common stockholders after allocation to restricted stock awards Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Denominator Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Add: dilutive stock options Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Add: dilutive restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted weighted average common shares and securities Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic earnings per share (see Note 14) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share (see Note 14) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Investment In Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Secured debt Other liabilities Series A-4 Preferred Stock, Par Value Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share Series A-4 Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Stock, Par Value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] Life Companies [Member] Life Companies [Member] Life Companies [Member] Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Certificates and Obligations (FHLMC) [Member] Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Certificates and Obligations (FHLMC) [Member] Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Secured borrowing [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Debt instrument term Debt Instrument, Term Secured borrowings on collateralized receivables Debt weighted average to maturity, years Debt weighted average to maturity, length Debt weighted average to maturity, length Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Total debt Secured Debt And Other Borrowings Secured Debt And Other Borrowings Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net Income Foreign currency translation gain / (loss) adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Total Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive Income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member] Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member] Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member] Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Real Estate Acquisitions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Investment in properties Payments for Capital Improvements Acquisitions of properties, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Real Estate Proceeds from dispositions of assets and depreciated homes, net Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Issuance of notes and other receivables Issuance of notes and other receivables The cash outflow associated with borrowing supported by a written promise to pay an obligation. Repayments of notes and other receivables Repayment of Notes and Other Receivables The cash inflow associated with principal collections from a borrowing supported by a written promise to pay an obligation. Repayments of notes and other receivables Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Net Cash Used For Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Issuance of common stock, OP units, and preferred OP units, net Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Borrowings on lines of credit Proceeds from Lines of Credit Payments on lines of credit Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of other debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments on other debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Prepayment penalty on debt Prepayment Penalty, Debt Prepayment Penalty, Debt Redemption of Series A-4 preferred stock and OP units Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Distributions to stockholders, OP unit holders, and preferred OP unit holders Distributions to stockholders, OP unit holders, and preferred OP unit holders Distributions to stockholders, Operating Partnership unit holders, and preferred Operating Partnership unit holders Payments for deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period (see Note 16) SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest (net of capitalized interest of $5,673 and $3,216 respectively) Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Cash paid for interest on mandatorily redeemable debt Distributions on Mandatorily Redeemable Securities Cash paid (refunds) for income taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Noncash investing and financing activities Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Reduction in secured borrowing balance Repayments of Secured Debt Change in distributions declared and outstanding Dividends Conversion of common and preferred OP units Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Conversion Of Series A Four Preferred Stock Conversion Of Series A Four Preferred Stock Conversion Of Series A Four Preferred Stock Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial Or Equity Instrument Consideration, Value Of Shares Issued Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial Or Equity Instrument Consideration, Value Of Shares Issued Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial Or Equity Instrument Consideration, Value Of Shares Issued Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Series A-3 Preferred OP Units Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Series A-3 Preferred OP Units Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Series A-3 Preferred OP Units Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial Or Equity Instrument Consideration, Escrow Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial Or Equity Instrument Consideration, Escrow Noncash Or Part Noncash Acquisition, Noncash Financial Or Equity Instrument Consideration, Escrow Other Noncash Income Tax Expense Other Noncash Income Tax Expense Conversion of Stock [Table] Conversion of Stock [Table] Conversion of Stock [Line Items] Conversion of Stock [Line Items] Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] REVENUES Revenues [Abstract] Income from real property Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenue from home sales Revenue From Home Sales Revenue from home sales. Rental home revenue Rental home revenue Rental home revenue Ancillary revenue Ancillary Revenue Ancillary Revenue Interest income Interest Income, Operating Brokerage commissions and other revenues, net Brokerage commissions and other income, net Includes brokerage commissions, gain (loss) on sale of land, and other - net Total Revenues Expenses Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Real estate taxes Real Estate Tax Expense Property operating and maintenance Cost of Other Property Operating Expense Cost of Goods and Services Sold Cost of Goods and Services Sold Rental home operating and maintenance Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Ancillary expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Home selling expenses General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenses General And Administrative - Real Property General and administrative - real property. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Loss on extinguishment of debt Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units / equity Total Expenses Costs and Expenses Income Before Other Items Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Catastrophic weather related charges Current tax expense State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Provision for state income taxes Less: Preferred return to preferred OP units Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Preferred stock distribution Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Earnings per share: Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Expected annual transient RV revenue Transient RV Revenue Transient RV Revenue Transient RV rental revenue recognized as a percentage Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Properties securing debt [Member] Properties securing debt [Member] Properties securing debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt Number of Real Estate Units Released Number of Real Estate Units Released Number of Real Estate Units Released Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Net book value of properties securing collateralized term loans Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Real Estate Debt weighted average to maturity, length Total debt Debt Instrument, number of properties securing a debt instument Debt Instrument, number of properties securing a debt instument Debt Instrument, number of properties securing a debt instument Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Total Assets Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Liabilities Equity Interests Equity Interests Equity Interests Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity VIE as a Percentage of Consolidated Assets Variable Interest Entity as a Percentage of Consolidated Assets Variable Interest Entity as a Percentage of Consolidated Assets VIE as a Percentage of Consolidated Liabilities Variable Interest Entity as a Percentage of Consolidated Liabilities Variable Interest Entity as a Percentage of Consolidated Liabilities VIE as a Percentage of Total Equity VIE as a Percentage of Total Equity VIE as a Percentage of Total Equity Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Interest income and expense, net Interest Income (Expense), Net Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Temporary equity, beginning balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Conversion of stock Reclassifications of Temporary to Permanent Equity Net income Temporary Equity, Net Income Distributions Temporary Equity, Dividends Temporary Equity, Dividends Temporary equity, ending balance Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Temporary Equity And Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Temporary Equity And Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Temporary Equity And Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Conversion of OP units Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Temporary Equity, Interest in Subsidiary Earnings Temporary Equity, Interest in Subsidiary Earnings Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Returns from Preferred Stock And Temporary Equity Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Returns from Preferred Stock And Temporary Equity Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Returns from Preferred Stock And Temporary Equity Dividends, Including Temporary Equity, Cash Dividends, Including Temporary Equity, Cash Dividends, Including Temporary Equity, Cash Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued Temporary Equity And Stockholders' Equity, Interest in Subsidiary Earnings Temporary Equity And Stockholders' Equity, Interest in Subsidiary Earnings Temporary Equity And Stockholders' Equity, Interest in Subsidiary Earnings Stock Issued During Period, Including Temporary Equity, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock Issued During Period, Including Temporary Equity, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Stock Issued During Period, Including Temporary Equity, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures Stock-Based Compensation Amortization And Forfeitures Stock-Based Compensation Amortization And Forfeitures Temporary Equity, Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Temporary Equity, Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Foreign currency translation Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Returns from Preferred Stock Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Returns from Preferred Stock Distributions Dividends, Cash Balance Share-Based Compensation Share-based Payment Arrangement [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Payments to acquire marketable securities Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Financial assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Marketable securities Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Financial liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Debt (excluding secured borrowings) Long term debt excluding secured borrowings, Fair Value Disclosure Long term debt excluding secured borrowings, Fair Value Disclosure Lines of credit Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure Other liabilities (contingent consideration) Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Notes And Other Receivables Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table] Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member] Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member] Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member] Increase to reserve balance Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Adjustments, Other Beginning balance Financed sales of manufactured homes Financed sales of manufactured homes Financed sales of manufactured homes Principal payments and payoffs from our customers Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties, Proceeds Principal reduction from repossessed homes Principal reduction from repossessed homes Principal reduction from repossessed homes Total activity Period increase (decrease) in notes receivable Period increase (decrease) in notes receivable Ending balance Schedule of Restricted Stock Granted Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Principal reduction from repurchased homes Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Activity of Conversions Schedule of Conversions of Stock [Table Text Block] Schedule of Dividends Payable Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Disclosure of Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] For Disclosure of variable interest entities (VIE), including, but not limited to the nature, purpose, size, and activities of the VIE, the carrying amount and classification of consolidated assets that are collateral for the VIE's obligations, lack of recourse if creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of a consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary. Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Eurodollar [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Prime Rate [Member] Prime Rate [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member] Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member] Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of credit, borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit, additional borrowing capacity Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity Line of credit variable interest rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Lines of credit Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Basis points Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Income From Real Property [Member] Income From Real Property [Member] Income From Real Property [Member] Revenue From Home Sales [Member] Revenue From Home Sales [Member] Revenue From Home Sales [Member] Rental Home Revenue [Member] Rental Home Revenue [Member] Rental Home Revenue [Member] Ancillary Revenues [Member] Ancillary Revenues [Member] Ancillary Revenues [Member] Interest [Member] Interest [Member] Interest [Member] Brokerage Commissions And Other Revenues, Net [Member] Brokerage Commissions And Other Revenues, Net [Member] Brokerage Commissions And Other Revenues, Net [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenues Equity and Temporary Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Capital Leases, Income Statement, Interest Expense Capital Leases, Income Statement, Interest Expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Amortization Amortization Amortization of right - of-use assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Variable lease expense Variable Lease, Cost Total lease expense Lease, Cost Operating cash flow used for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Financing cash flow used for finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Right of use asset obtained (land) in exchange for new finance lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Capital Leased Assets, Gross Capital Leased Assets, Gross Right of use asset obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for New Operating Lease Liability Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for New Operating Lease Liability Right of use asset obtained relative to below market operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Amortization of above and below Market Leases Below Market Lease, Net Weighted - average remaining lease term - finance leases (in years) Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted - average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted - average discount rate - finance leases (annual) Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Weighted - average discount rate - operating leases (annual) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Capital Lease Obligations Capital Lease Obligations Operating And Finance Lease, Payments Operating And Finance Lease, Payments Operating And Finance Lease, Payments Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Lower of cost or market write-downs Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Write-offs Total activity Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Period Increase (Decrease) Ending balance Repurchase price percentage Repurchase price percentage [Table Text Block] Repurchase price percentage [Table Text Block] Schedule of collateralized loans Schedule of collateralized loans [Table Text Block] Schedule of collateralized loans [Table Text Block]