| Cover Document | Jan. 27, 2020 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 24, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | EQUITY LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES INC |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 1-11718 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 36-3857664 |
| Entity Address, Street | Two North Riverside Plaza |
| City | Chicago, |
| Entity Address, State | IL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 60606 |
| City Area Code | 312 |
| Local Phone Number | 279-1400 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of each class | Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value |
| Trading Symbol | ELS |
| Name of each exchange on which registered | NYSE |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000895417 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
