Area of rentable real estate property Area of Real Estate Property Granted, shares (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Document Type Document Type Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Other expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Award Date One [Member] Award Date One [Member] Award Date One [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Series A-4 Preferred Stock, Par Value Temporary Equity, Par or Stated Value Per Share Redemption of Series A-4 preferred stock and OP units Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Matures March 1 and April 1, 2020, 6.24 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures March 1 and April 1, 2020, 6.24 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures March 1 and April 1, 2020, 6.24 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Foreign currency translation gain / (loss) adjustment Change in carrying value of temporary equity Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Hid’n Pines RV Hid'n Pines [Member] Hid'n Pines [Member] Operating And Finance Leases, Liability Operating And Finance Leases, Liability Operating And Finance Leases, Liability Other Noncash Income Tax Expense Other Noncash Income Tax Expense Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Fair Value Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Fair Value Amortization of right - of-use assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Debt (excluding secured borrowings) Long term debt excluding secured borrowings, Fair Value Disclosure Long term debt excluding secured borrowings, Fair Value Disclosure Operating Income (Loss), Total Operating Income (Loss) Proceeds from issuance of other debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Sun NG RV Resorts [Member] Sun NG RV Resorts [Member] Sun NG RV Resorts [Member] Transient RV rental revenue recognized as a percentage Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - diluted Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Diluted Percent Recreational Vehicle Guests Percent Recreational Vehicle Guests Percent Recreational Vehicle Guests Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member] Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Investments by Consolidated and Nonconsolidated Entities [Axis] Investments by Consolidated and Nonconsolidated Entities [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Real Estate, Type of Property [Axis] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Commitments and contingencies (see Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Total Lease Payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 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 Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Award Date Three Award Date Three [Member] Award Date Three Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province 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 Operating cash flow used for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments At acquistion date Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Capital Leased Assets, Gross Capital Leased Assets, Gross Series A-4 Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Temporary Equity, Shares Issued Number of motor home communities (in communities) Number of Motor Home Communities Number of Motor Home Communities Weighted average common shares outstanding: Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Secured Debt Secured debt Total debt Secured Debt Operating lease, not yet commenced Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not Yet Commenced, Value Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not Yet Commenced, Value Long-term Notes and Loans, by Type, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term Notes and Loans, by Type, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract] Payments on lines of credit Repayments of Lines of Credit Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Error Correction, Type [Domain] Equity Interests Equity Interests Equity Interests Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 8) Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 8) Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt 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 2020 (Excluding nine months ended September 30, 2020) Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One Woodsmoke Woodsmoke [Member] Woodsmoke 2020 (Excluding nine months ended September 30, 2020) Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year One Investment in property Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] 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 Provision for state income taxes Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Number of dry racks (in dry racks) Number Of Dry Racks Number Of Dry Racks Reunion Lake Reunion Lake [Member] Reunion Lake [Member] Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Total lease expense Lease, Cost Common Stock, Par Value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Financed sales of manufactured homes Financed sales of manufactured homes Financed sales of manufactured homes Payments for deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units / equity Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units / equity Interest Expense, Other Marketable securities Marketable Securities Financing cash flow used for finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Stock Issued During Period, Value, Dividend Reinvestment Plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Dividend Reinvestment Plan VIE as a Percentage of Total Equity VIE as a Percentage of Total Equity VIE as a Percentage of Total 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 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 Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Total consideration, assets acquired and liabilities assumed, land Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Land Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Massey’s Landing RV Massey's Landing [Member] Massey's Landing [Member] Share Price Share Price Dividends Payable [Line Items] Dividends Payable [Line Items] Series F Preferred OP Units Series F Preferred OP Units [Member] Series F Preferred OP Units 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. Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Property operating and maintenance Cost of Other Property Operating Expense Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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] Forecast Forecast [Member] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Debt instrument term Debt Instrument, Term Notes And Other Receivables Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Series A-4 preferred OP units Series A-4 Preferred Op Units [Member] Series A-4 Preferred OP Units [Member] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Increase to reserve balance Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Adjustments, Other Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] 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 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 Land Land Gain / (loss) on remeasurement of marketable securities (see Note 14) Remeasurement Of Marketable Securities Remeasurement Of Marketable Securities Interest income Other Revenues, Segment Other Revenues, Segment Loss on remeasurement of notes receivable (see Note 4) Loss on Remeasurement of Notes Receivable Loss on Remeasurement of Notes Receivable Loss on Remeasurement of Notes Receivable Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] RezPlot [Member] RezPlot [Member] RezPlot [Member] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes [Member] Series A-1 Preferred OP Units Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] Preferred OP Units [Member] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Gross base rent (USD per sqft) Lessee, Operating Lease, Gross Base Rent Lessee, Operating Lease, Gross Base Rent Distributions Temporary Equity, Dividends Temporary Equity, Dividends Key Employees [Member] Key Employees [Member] Key Employees [Member] Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Time Based [Member] Time Based [Member] Time Based [Member] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag 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] Conversion of Common OP Units Conversion of Common OP Units [Member] Conversion of Common OP Units [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Number of recreational vehicle sites acquired (in developed sites) Number Of Developed Recreational Vehicle Sites Acquired Number Of Developed Recreational Vehicle Sites Acquired Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance Leases Lessee, Finance Leases [Text Block] Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Lines of credit and other debt Lines of credit Long-term Line of Credit Inventory of manufactured homes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory Highland Green Estates & Troy Villa Highland Green Estates & Troy Villa [Member] Highland Green Estates & Troy Villa Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Rental home revenue Rental home revenue Rental home revenue Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage RV Community RV Community [Member] RV Community Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Real Property Operations Segment [Member] Real Property Operations Segment [Member] Real Property Operations Segment [Member] Jensen Portfolio Jensen Property Acquisition [Member] Jensen Property Acquisition [Member] Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] 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 Flamingo Lake Flamingo Lake [Member] Flamingo Lake Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term Two, Percentage Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term Two, Percentage Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term Two, Percentage Matures May 1, 2023, 4.3 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures May 1, 2023, 4.3 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures May 1, 2023, 4.3 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Sites Number of Units in Real Estate Property Line of credit variable interest rate Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Percentage Rate Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Conversion of common and preferred OP units Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Add: dilutive stock options Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Vesting Type [Domain] Vesting Type [Domain] [Domain] for Vesting Type [Axis] Schedule of Restricted Stock Granted Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block] Interest Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Conversion Of Series A Four Preferred Stock Conversion Of Series A Four Preferred Stock Conversion Of Series A Four Preferred Stock Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Dividends Payable [Table] Dividends Payable [Table] Acquisitions - 2019 Acquisitions - 2019 [Member] Acquisitions - 2019 [Member] Percent Manufactured Housing Residents Percent Manufactured Housing Residents Percent Manufactured Housing Residents Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Change in Accounting Principle, Type [Domain] Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Furniture, fixtures and equipment Furniture and Fixtures, Gross Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Investment In Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization of above and below Market Leases Below Market Lease, Net Current tax benefit / (expense) (see Note 12) State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Other Liabilities Other liabilities Other Liabilities Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Issuance of common stock and common OP units, net Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Financial Liabilities Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets Assets Assets Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Origen Financial Services [Member] Origen Financial Services [Member] Origen Financial Services [Member] Investment, Foreign Current Translation Adjustment Investment, Foreign Current Translation Adjustment Investment, Foreign Current Translation Adjustment Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt 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 Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Gain on sale of property Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Conversion Rate Conversion of Stock, Shares Issued Convertible Notes Payable Convertible Notes Payable Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] 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 Leases Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] CEO Chief Executive Officer [Member] Equity Interests Temporary Equity, Accretion to Redemption Value Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Finance Lease, Liability, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] Interest expense Interest Expense Authorized to be repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Matures January 1, 2030, 3.83 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures January 1, 2030, 3.83 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures January 1, 2030, 3.83 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Equity Method Investment, Cash Contributions Equity Method Investment, Cash Contributions Equity Method Investment, Cash Contributions Real Estate Acquisitions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table Text Block] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table Text Block] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Catastrophic weather-related charges, net Catastrophic weather related charges Loss from Catastrophes Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Total Liabilities Liabilities Liabilities Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member] Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member] Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member] 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Five Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Less: Imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Lines of credit Lines of Credit, Fair Value Disclosure 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 Safe Harbor Marinas Eleven Properties Safe Harbor Marinas Eleven Properties [Member] Safe Harbor Marinas Eleven Properties Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) 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. Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Net Income Attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. Common Stockholders Net Income Attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. Common Stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Weighted average interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Other receivables, net Other receivables, net [Member] Other receivables, net [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Brokerage Commissions And Other Revenues, Net [Member] Brokerage Commissions And Other Revenues, Net [Member] Brokerage Commissions And Other Revenues, Net [Member] Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables Jellystone Natural Bridge Jellystone Natural Bridge [Member] Jellystone Natural Bridge [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Financial assets Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] Equity transaction type [Axis] Equity transaction type [Axis] Equity transaction type [Axis] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Other Assets Other assets Other Assets Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Number Of Share-Based Compensation Plans Number Of Share-Based Compensation Plans Number Of Share-Based Compensation Plans Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income [Member] Common and preferred OP units Noncontrolling Interest in Operating Partnerships Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Other Receivables Other Receivables Issuance of Series F preferred OP units Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Variable lease expense Variable Lease, Cost 2004 Non-employee Plan [Member] 2004 Non-employee Plan [Member] 2004 non-employee plan [Member] Expenses Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Notes receivable, fair value adjustment Notes Receivable, Fair Value Adjustment Notes Receivable, Fair Value Adjustment Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings Accumulated Distributions in Excess of Net Income Series G Preferred OP Units Series G Preferred OP Units [Member] Series G Preferred OP Units Debt assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Net income (loss) Temporary Equity, Net Income Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Aspen Series B3 Preferred Operating Partnership Units [Member] Preferred OP units [Member] Aspen Series B3 Preferred Operating Partnership Units [Member] Aspen Series B3 Preferred Operating Partnership Units [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] Domestic Tax Authority [Member] El Capitan & Ocean Mesa El Capitan & Ocean Mesa [Member] El Capitan & Ocean Mesa Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Acquisitions of properties, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Add: dilutive restricted stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Add allocation to restricted stock awards Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued, Floating Rate Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued, Floating Rate Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued, Floating Rate Interest income Interest Income, Operating Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] 2023 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Four Rental Home Revenue [Member] Rental Home Revenue [Member] Rental Home Revenue [Member] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Change in Accounting Principle, Type [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Properties securing debt [Member] Properties securing debt [Member] Properties securing debt [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Amortization Amortization Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Asset held for sale Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Tax Witholdings on Distributions from Investment Tax Witholdings on Distributions from Investment Tax Witholdings on Distributions from Investment Marketable securities Beginning Balance Ending Balance Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Matures July 1, 2020, 5.86 Percent Interest Rate [Member] [Domain] Matures July 1, 2020, 5.86 Percent Interest Rate [Member] [Domain] Matures July 1, 2020, 5.86 Percent Interest Rate [Member] [Domain] Franchise Rights [Member] Franchise Rights [Member] Award Date Four Award Date Four [Member] Award Date Four Matures March 1, 2020, 5.62 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures March 1, 2020, 5.62 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures March 1, 2020, 5.62 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Change in distributions declared and outstanding Dividends Rental home operating and maintenance Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Comprehensive Income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Three Principal reduction from repossessed homes Principal reduction from repossessed homes Principal reduction from repossessed homes Proceeds from disposition of properties Proceeds from Sale of Other Productive Assets 2015 Equity Plan [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Equity Plan [Member] Two Thousand Fifteen Equity Plan [Member] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Prepayment penalty on collateralized term loans Prepayment Penalty, Debt Prepayment Penalty, Debt Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] City Area Code City Area Code Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Matures November 1, 2021, 5.10 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures November 1, 2021, 5.10 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures November 1, 2021, 5.10 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Collateralized Receivables [Member] Collateralized Receivables [Member] Collateralized receivables [Member] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Preferred, Carrying Amount Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Preferred, Carrying Amount Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date 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 Schedule of Dividends Payable Schedule of Dividends Payable [Table Text Block] Income From Real Property [Member] Income From Real Property [Member] Income From Real Property [Member] Director [Member] Director [Member] Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net Income Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Income Before Other Items Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest 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 Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures Stock-Based Compensation Amortization And Forfeitures Stock-Based Compensation Amortization And Forfeitures Equity Method Investments, Initial Fair Value Adjustment Equity Method Investments, Initial Fair Value Adjustment Equity Method Investments, Initial Fair Value Adjustment Debt Debt [Member] Real estate taxes Real Estate Tax Expense Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Buena Vista Buena Vista [Member] Buena Vista [Member] Undrawn Funds On Loans Undrawn Funds On Loans Undrawn Funds On Loans Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Leisure Point Resort Leisure Point Resort [Member] Leisure Point Resort [Member] Land improvements and buildings Real estate investment property, Land improvements and buildings Real estate investment property, Land improvements and buildings Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Crown Villa Crown Villa [Member] Crown Villa Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares) Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items] Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Series C preferred OP unit Series C preferred OP units [Member] Series C preferred OP units [Member] Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member] Safe Harbor Marinas Safe Harbor Marinas [Member] Safe Harbor Marinas Convertible units to shares (in shares) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments Total Expenses Costs and Expenses Award Date [Domain] Award Date [Domain] Issuance of common stock, OP units, and preferred OP units, net Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Purchase of tangible property Purchase of Tangible Property Purchase of Tangible Property Less: Preferred return to preferred OP units / equity 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. Number of Real Estate Units Released Number of Real Estate Units Released Number of Real Estate Units Released Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] River Plantation River Plantation [Member] River Plantation [Member] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Axis] 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] Net book value of properties securing collateralized term loans Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Real Estate 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. Safe Harbor Marinas Four Properties Safe Harbor Marinas Four Properties [Member] Safe Harbor Marinas Four Properties 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 Right of use asset obtained (land) in exchange for new finance lease liabilities Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Less: Income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Cost of home sales Other Cost of Operating Revenue Award Date Two [Member] Award Date Two [Member] Award Date Two [Member] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Vesting Type [Axis] Vesting Type [Axis] Vesting Type [Axis] REVENUES Revenues [Abstract] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] 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. OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Equity and Temporary Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Foreign currency translation 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 Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term One, Percentage Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term One, Percentage Temporary Equity, Dividends For Term One, Percentage Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Common OP Units Common OP Units [Member] Common OP Units [Member] Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Operating Partnerships, Redeemable Number of marinas owned (in marinas) Number of Marinas Owned Number of Marinas Owned Other Borrowings Secured borrowings on collateralized receivables Other Borrowings Loss on remeasurement of investment in nonconsolidated affiliates (see Note 6) Loss on Remeasurement of Investment Loss on Remeasurement of Investment Loss on Remeasurement of Investment Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Accounts Payable Accounts Payable Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Weighted - average discount rate - operating leases (annual) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Investment property Real Estate Investment Property, at Cost Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Principal payments and payoffs from our customers Loans and Leases Receivable, Related Parties, Proceeds Ancillary expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Proceeds from dispositions of assets and depreciated homes, net Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Remeasurement of notes receivable and equity method investment (see Note 17) Remeasurement of Notes Receivable, Equity Method Investment Remeasurement of Notes Receivable, Equity Method Investment Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Less: Imputed interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Jensen Communities [Domain] Jensen Communities [Domain] Jensen Communities Market Condition [Member] Market Condition [Member] Market Condition [Member] Payments of dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Series A-4 Preferred OP Units Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Preferred OP Units Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Preferred OP Units Number of expansion recreational vehicle sites acquired (in expansion sites) Number Of Expansion Recreational Vehicle Sites Acquired Number Of Expansion Recreational Vehicle Sites Acquired Conversion of OP units Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code 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 Real Estate [Domain] Real Estate [Domain] DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract] DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract] DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract] Total Lease Payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, to be Paid 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 Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Equity transaction type [Domain] Equity transaction type [Domain] Equity transaction type [Domain] Less: Preferred stock distribution Less: Preferred stock distributions Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Noncontrolling interests: Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Accounting Standards Update [Axis] 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 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 Number of RV sites (in sites) Number of RV Sites Number of RV Sites Inventory of manufactured homes Inventory of manufactured homes Inventory, Finished Homes Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Notes and other receivables, net Total notes and other receivables, net Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss NG Sun Whitewater [Member] NG Sun Whitewater [Member] NG Sun Whitewater [Member] Equity Method Investment, Fair Value Adjustment Equity Method Investment, Fair Value Adjustment Equity Method Investment, Fair Value Adjustment Home selling expenses Home selling expenses Selling Expense Capital Leases, Income Statement, Interest Expense Capital Leases, Income Statement, Interest Expense Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - basic Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Earnings Per Share, Basic Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Title of Individual [Axis] Title of Individual [Axis] Preferred Equity, Mandatorily Redeemable [Member] Preferred Equity, Mandatorily Redeemable [Member] Preferred Equity, Mandatorily Redeemable [Member] Capitalized transaction costs Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Numerator Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract] 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 Fair value of assets acquired Fair Value of Assets Acquired Dividends per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Consideration received Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Series A-4 Preferred Stock Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member] Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member] Award Date Five Award Date Five [Member] Award Date Five Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payment, Due Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payment, Due Operating And Finance Leases, Liability, Payment, Due Strafford Strafford [Member] Strafford [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Number of MH sites (in sites) Number of MH Sites Number of MH Sites Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Diluted weighted average common shares and securities Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic earnings per share (see Note 13) Earnings Per Share, Basic Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Certificates and Obligations (FHLMC) [Member] Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Certificates and Obligations (FHLMC) [Member] Entity File Number Entity File Number Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Weighted - average remaining lease term - operating leases (in years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Series E Preferred OP Units Series E Preferred OP Units [Domain] Series E Preferred OP Units [Domain] Line of credit, additional borrowing capacity Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity Line of credit facility, additional borrowing capacity 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 Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Payments on other debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Investment, Additional Purchase Investment, Additional Purchase Investment, Additional Purchase Hacienda del Rio Hacienda del Rio [Member] Hacienda del Rio [Member] 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 of dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Issuance of Series D OP units Temporary Equity, Issuance of Equity Units Temporary Equity, Issuance of Equity Units Income from real property Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Investments by Consolidated and Nonconsolidated Entities [Domain] Investments by Consolidated and Nonconsolidated Entities [Domain] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus 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 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Two American Center American Center [Member] American Center [Member] Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Activity of Conversions Schedule of Conversions of Stock [Table Text Block] 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Four Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Ancillary revenue Ancillary Revenue Ancillary Revenue Operating expenses / Cost of sales Operating Expenses and Cost of Sales Operating Expenses and Cost of Sales Debt weighted average to maturity, years Debt weighted average to maturity, length Debt weighted average to maturity, length Debt weighted average to maturity, length Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Shelby Properties Shelby Properties [Member] Shelby Properties [Member] Total Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total debt Secured Debt And Other Borrowings Secured Debt And Other Borrowings Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Total noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 Acquisitions - 2020 Acquisitions - 2020 [Member] Acquisitions - 2020 [Member] Award vesting percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Beginning Balance Ending Balance Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Common Stock, Shares Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Eurodollar [Member] Eurodollar [Member] Insurance receivables Insurance receivables Insurance receivables Present Value of Lease Liabilities Operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Series D Preferred Stock [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member] Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Total Sun Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Total Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Number of marinas managed (in marinas) Number of Marinas Managed Number of Marinas Managed Equity interest issued or issuable, number of shares (in shares) Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares 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. 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Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] A&R Facility [Member] A&R Facility [Member] A&R Facility [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] 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 Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Less: Comprehensive Income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings per share: Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Error Correction, Type [Axis] Countryside Village Countryside Village [Member] Countryside Village Present Value of Lease Liabilities Finance lease liability Finance Lease, Liability Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Life Companies [Member] Life Companies [Member] Life Companies [Member] Matures March 1, 2021, 5.837 Percent Interest Rate [Member] [Domain] [Domain] Matures March 1, 2021, 5.837 Percent Interest Rate [Member] [Domain] [Domain] Matures March 1, 2021, 5.837 Percent Interest Rate [Member] [Domain] [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] 2024 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year Five Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Below Market Leases Below Market Leases [Member] Below Market Leases [Member] Schedule of notes and other receivables Schedule of notes and other receivables [Table Text Block] Schedule of notes and other receivables [Table Text Block] Notes Receivable [Member] Notes Receivable [Member] Personal Protective Supplies Expense Personal Protective Supplies Expense Personal Protective Supplies Expense Investment, Fair Value Adjustment Investment, Fair Value Adjustment Investment, Fair Value Adjustment Financial liabilities Financial Instruments, Financial Liabilities, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract] NG Sun LLC [Member] NG Sun LLC [Member] NG Sun LLC [Member] Total Equity Equity [Member] Revenue From Home Sales [Member] Revenue From Home Sales [Member] Revenue From Home Sales [Member] Term of operating lease not yet commenced Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Term of Contract 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 Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, after Year Five Revenue from home sales Revenue From Home Sales Revenue from home sales. Diluted earnings - Net income attributable to common stockholders after allocation to restricted stock awards Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Brokerage commissions and other revenues, net Brokerage commissions and other income, net Includes brokerage commissions, gain (loss) on sale of land, and other - net 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 Distributions Dividends, Cash Weighted - average discount rate - finance leases 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[Member] SV Lift [Member] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Conversion of Series A-4 preferred stock Reclassifications of Temporary to Permanent Equity Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Conversion of Stock [Table] Conversion of Stock [Table] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares) Conversion of units Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Beginning balance Ending balance Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table] Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table] Noncash investing and financing activities Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Exercises in period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Temporary Equity Temporary Equity [Member] Temporary Equity [Member] 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 Series B-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series B-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series B-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series E Preferred OP Units [Domain] Series E Preferred OP Units [Member] Series E Preferred OP Units [Member] Rental homes and improvements Rental Properties Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Conversion of Stock [Line Items] Conversion of Stock [Line Items] Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Basis points Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Capital Lease Obligations Capital Lease Obligations Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward] Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] Matures December 1, 2021, 5.98 Percent Interest Rate Matures December 1, 2021, 5.98 Percent Interest Rate [Member] Matures December 1, 2021, 5.98 Percent Interest Rate Reported Value Measurement Reported Value Measurement [Member] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Distributions payable Dividends Payable Temporary Equity, Issuance Price Temporary Equity, Issuance Price Temporary Equity, Issuance Price Total Stockholders' Equity Beginning Balance Ending Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Right of use asset obtained relative to below market operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Remainder 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Expected Amortization, Year One Total Revenues Revenues Revenue From Home Sales Revenues Gain / (loss) on foreign currency translation Foreign Currency 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Per Share, Diluted Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] 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 Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Cash and escrow Cash paid for RV community acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Shares outstanding (in shares) Temporary Equity, Shares Outstanding Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Financial Assets Fair Value Disclosure Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Temporary and permanent equity Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Schedule of debt and lines of credit [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Notes receivable from real estate developers Notes due from Real Estate Developers [Member] Notes due from Real Estate Developers [Member] Consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred [Abstract] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Other liabilities (contingent consideration) Other Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Glen Ellis Glen Ellis [Member] Glen Ellis [Member] Entity Address, Address Line Two Entity Address, Address Line Two Prime Rate [Member] Prime Rate [Member] Advanced reservation deposits and rent Contract with Customer, Liability Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Total revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Deferred tax benefit / (expense) (see Note 12) Deferred tax benefit / (expense) (see Note 12) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Capital Leases, Income Statement, Amortization Expense Line of credit, borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Reduction in secured borrowing balance Repayments of Secured Debt GTSC [Member] GTSC [Member] GTSC [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Equity interests Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued Variable Interest Entity, Equity Interests Issued Non-controlling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Operating And Finance Lease, Payments Operating And Finance Lease, Payments Operating And Finance Lease, Payments Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Number of storage spaces (in storage spaces) Number Of Storage Spaces Number Of Storage Spaces Consolidated VIEs (fully attributable to consolidated VIEs; see Note 7) Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] 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] Net Cash Used For Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash paid for interest on mandatorily redeemable debt Distributions on Mandatorily Redeemable Securities Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract] Share-based Payment Arrangement, Noncash Expense [Abstract] Country Village Estates Country Village [Member] Country Village [Member] Forest Springs Forest Springs [Member] Forest Springs Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Distributions from nonconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Interest [Member] Interest [Member] Interest [Member] Denominator Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract] Equity Method Investment, Adjustment, Allowance for Losses Equity Method Investment, Adjustment, Allowance for Losses Equity Method Investment, Adjustment, Allowance for Losses 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 Slickrock Campground Slick Rock [Member] Slick Rock [Member] 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 Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Term Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Term Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption, Term Series D Preferred OP Units Series D Preferred OP Units [Member] Series D Preferred OP Units [Member] Accumulated depreciation Real Estate Investment Property, Accumulated Depreciation Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Distributions from Affiliate Distributions from Affiliate Distributions from affiliate Gain on disposition of property Gain (Loss) on Sale of Properties Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Jellystone Lone Star Jellystone Lone Star [Member] Jellystone Lone Star Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Fair Value, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, to be Paid, Year Two Real Estate Investment Property, Net, Total Investment property, net Real Estate Investment Property, Net Borrowings on lines of credit Proceeds from Lines of Credit Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Chincoteague Chincoteague [Member] Chincoteague [Member]