Sun Communities (SUI) 10-Q 29 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SUI
Entity Registrant Name	SUN COMMUNITIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	912593
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	36,139,992
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Investment property, net	$1,695,317	$1,518,136
Cash and cash equivalents	4,955	29,508
Inventory of manufactured homes	4,005	7,527
Notes and other receivables, net	170,584	139,850
Other assets	61,830	59,607
TOTAL ASSETS	1,936,691	1,754,628
LIABILITIES
Debt	1,353,448	1,423,720
Lines of credit	54,765	29,781
Other liabilities	108,782	88,137
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,516,995	1,541,638
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value	34	34
Common stock, $0.01 par value	361	298
Additional paid-in capital	1,140,625	876,620
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-454	-696
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	-739,197	-683,734
Total Sun Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity	401,369	192,522
Noncontrolling interests:
Series A-1 preferred OP units	45,548	45,548
Series A-3 preferred OP units	3,463	0
Common OP units	-29,764	-24,572
Consolidated variable interest entities	-920	-508
Total noncontrolling interests	18,327	20,468
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	419,696	212,990
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	1,936,691	1,754,628
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests:
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$18,327	$20,468

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Investment Property, net	$56,326	$56,326
Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Debt	$45,386	$45,900
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, shares issued and outstanding	3,400	3,400
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	90,000	90,000
Common stock, shares issued and outstanding	36,140	29,755
Treasury stock, shares	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
REVENUES
Income from real property	$80,158	$63,015	$234,969	$188,818
Revenue from home sales	14,145	10,461	40,200	31,513
Rental home revenue	8,445	6,712	23,783	19,514
Ancillary revenues, net	932	-112	1,376	-124
Interest income	3,442	2,847	9,587	7,907
Brokerage commissions and other income, net	79	95	349	530
Total revenues	107,201	83,018	310,264	248,158
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Property operating and maintenance	24,379	18,067	66,593	51,261
Real estate taxes	5,602	4,933	17,146	14,741
Cost of home sales	10,161	7,791	29,360	24,535
Rental home operating and maintenance	5,504	5,118	14,252	13,090
General and administrative - real property	5,927	5,165	19,086	15,405
General and administrative - home sales and rentals	2,227	1,905	7,473	5,985
Acquisition related costs	619	847	2,769	1,434
Depreciation and amortization	28,790	22,092	80,116	63,027
Interest	17,823	17,066	54,888	50,644
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	809	825	2,430	2,499
Total expenses	101,841	83,809	294,113	242,621
Income (loss) before income taxes and distributions from affiliates	5,360	-791	16,151	5,537
Provision for state income taxes	-90	-84	-186	-190
Distributions from affiliate	700	600	1,550	3,250
Net income (loss)	5,970	-275	17,515	8,597
Less: Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	690	586	1,909	1,744
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	45	0	121	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	-28	-211	415	463
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	5,263	-650	15,070	6,390
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	1,514	0	4,542	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	3,749	-650	10,528	6,390
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	36,128	26,938	34,263	26,427
Diluted	36,143	26,938	34,279	26,444
Earnings per share:
Basic	$0.10	($0.02)	$0.31	$0.24
Diluted	$0.10	($0.02)	$0.31	$0.24
Dividends per common share:	$0.63	$0.63	$1.89	$1.89
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member]
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Less: Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	690	586	1,909	1,744
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member]
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	$45	$0	$121	$0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income (loss)	$5,970	($275)	$17,515	$8,597
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	89	44	266	643
Total comprehensive income (loss)	6,059	-231	17,781	9,240
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	-20	-206	439	529
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$6,079	($25)	$17,342	$8,711

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (USD $)	Total	Series A Preferred Stock	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings	Noncontrolling Interests	Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$212,990	$34	$298	$876,620	($696)	($683,734)	$20,468	$212,990
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net		0	0	201	0	0	0	201
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net		0	63	261,717	0	0	0	261,780
Issuance of preferred OP units		0	0	0	0	0	3,463	3,463
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures		0	0	2,087	0	89	0	2,176
Net income	17,515	0	0	0	0	17,100	415	17,515
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	266	0	0	0	242	0	24	266
Distributions	-4,510	0	0	0	0	72,652	6,043	-78,695
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$419,696	$34	$361	$1,140,625	($454)	($739,197)	$18,327	$419,696

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$17,515	$8,597
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain from land disposition	-761	-87
Gain on valuation of derivative instruments	0	-4
Stock compensation expense	2,176	1,070
Depreciation and amortization	75,070	61,144
Amortization of deferred financing costs	2,212	1,252
Distributions from affiliate	-1,550	-3,250
Change in notes receivable from financed sales of inventory homes, net of repayments	-10,089	-6,466
Change in inventory, other assets and other receivables, net	7,406	1,892
Change in accounts payable and other liabilities	2,347	-6,221
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	94,326	57,927
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in properties	-140,681	-90,331
Acquisitions	-82,718	-59,734
Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable	49,441	0
Proceeds related to affiliate dividend distribution	1,550	3,250
Proceeds related to disposition of land	0	172
Proceeds related to disposition of assets and depreciated homes, net	757	1,355
Increase in notes receivable, net	224	-6,054
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-270,309	-151,342
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, OP units and preferred OP units, net	261,780	300,793
Net proceeds from stock option exercise	201	149
Distributions to stockholders, OP unit holders, and preferred OP unit holders	-74,185	-52,928
Payments to retire preferred operating patnership units	-300	0
Borrowings on lines of credit	260,248	149,511
Payments on lines of credit	-235,264	-275,557
Proceeds from issuance of other debt	24,368	83,427
Payments on other debt	-82,668	-77,804
Payments for deferred financing costs	-2,750	-1,309
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES	151,430	126,282
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-24,553	32,867
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	29,508	5,857
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	4,955	38,724
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	44,595	42,834
Cash paid for interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	2,430	2,499
Cash paid for state income taxes	158	320
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	266	643
Reduction in secured borrowing balance	11,534	9,246
Change in dividends declared and outstanding	4,510	4,814
Noncash investing and financing activities at the date of acquisition:
Acquisitions - A-1 preferred OP units issued	3,463	0
Acquisitions - release of note receivable and accrued interest	$49,441	$0

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest Costs Capitalized	$424	$0

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
1. Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	Basis of Presentation
	The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of Sun Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and all wholly-owned or majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries, including Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), SunChamp LLC (“SunChamp”), and Sun Home Services, Inc. (“SHS”), have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information and in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures required for annual financial statements have been condensed or excluded pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. Accordingly, the interim financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments, including adjustments of a normal and recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements in order to conform to current period presentation.
	The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the SEC on February 25, 2013 and amended on February 27, 2013 (the “2012 Annual Report”). These statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in our 2012 Annual Report.
	Reference in this report to Sun Communities, Inc., “we”, “our”, “us” and the “Company” refer to Sun Communities, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Real_Estate_Acquisitions

Real Estate Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Real Estate Acquisitions	Real Estate Acquisitions
	During the second quarter of 2013, we acquired Big Timber Lake RV Resort ("Big Timber Lake"), a recreational vehicle ("RV") community with approximately 528 sites located in Cape May, New Jersey, and Jellystone RV Resort ("Jellystone"), an RV community with approximately 299 sites located in North Java, New York.
	During the first quarter of 2013, we acquired ten RV communities from Gwynns Island RV Resort LLC, Indian Creek RV Resort LLC, Lake Laurie RV Resort LLC, Newpoint RV Resort LLC, Peters Pond RV Resort Inc., Seaport LLC, Virginia Tent LLC, Wagon Wheel Maine LLC, Westward Ho RV Resort LLC and Wild Acres LLC (collectively, "Morgan RV Properties"), with approximately 3,700 sites located in Ohio, Virginia, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Wisconsin. In connection with the acquisition, we also recorded a contingent asset of $10.0 million as of the acquisition date which resulted from a covenant made by the seller in the Second Amendment to Omnibus Agreement related to the 2012 revenue of the acquired properties.  The contingent asset was estimated using a probability weighted model of the potential shortfall in the 2012 revenue from that represented by the seller and is recorded at its estimated fair value in notes and other receivables.
	The following tables summarize the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for acquisitions completed in 2013 (in thousands):
	At Acquisition Date		Morgan RV Properties				Jellystone				Big Timber Lake				Total
	Investment in property		$	95,145			$	8,264			$	21,548			$	124,957
	Inventory of manufactured homes		4,253				1,490				350				6,093
	Notes and other receivables		10,000				—				—				10,000
	In-place leases and other intangible assets		2,664				390				580				3,634
	Other assets		157				7				48				212
	Below market leases		—				—				(3,490		)		(3,490		)
	Other liabilities		(3,697		)		(930		)		(1,157		)		(5,784		)
	Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed		$	108,522			$	9,221			$	17,879			$	135,622
	Consideration
	Cash		$	55,618			$	9,221			$	17,879			$	82,718
	Series A-3 preferred OP units		3,463				—				—				3,463
	Extinguishment of note receivable		49,441				—				—				49,441
	Fair value of total consideration transferred		$	108,522			$	9,221			$	17,879			$	135,622
	The purchase price allocations for Morgan RV Properties, Jellystone and Big Timber Lake are preliminary and may be adjusted as final costs and final valuations are determined.
	The amount of revenue and net income included in the consolidated statements of operations for the the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for all acquisitions described above is set forth in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		(unaudited)
	Revenue	$	7,598			$	11,734
	Net income	$	2,021			$	2,866
	2.      Real Estate Acquisitions, continued
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2012. The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments for items that are not expected to have a continuing impact, such as adjustments for acquisition costs incurred, management fees and purchase accounting. The information presented below has been prepared for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of either future results of operations or the results of operations that would have actually occurred had the acquisitions been consummated on January 1, 2012 (in thousands, except per-share data).
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		(unaudited)
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Total revenues	$	103,838			$	90,515			$	314,029			$	264,055
	Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$	4,137			$	4,294			$	14,427			$	14,294
	Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic	$	0.11			$	0.16			$	0.42			$	0.54
	Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted	$	0.11			$	0.16			$	0.42			$	0.54
	Acquisition related costs of approximately $0.6 million and $0.8 million and $2.8 million and $1.4 million have been incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are presented as “Acquisition related costs” in our consolidated statements of operations.

Investment_Property

Investment Property	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]
Investment Property	Investment Property
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding investment property (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Land	$	191,589		$	178,993
	Land improvements and buildings	1,752,996			1,608,825
	Rental homes and improvements	375,296			305,838
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	60,139			54,354
	Land held for future development	29,521			29,295
	Investment property	2,409,541			2,177,305
	Accumulated depreciation	(714,224		)	(659,169		)
	Investment property, net	$	1,695,317		$	1,518,136
	Land improvements and buildings consist primarily of infrastructure, roads, landscaping, clubhouses, maintenance buildings and amenities.
	See Note 2, "Real Estate Acquisitions", for details on recent acquisitions.

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets

Transfers Of Financial Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Transfers and Servicing [Abstract]
Transfers Of Financial Assets	Transfers of Financial Assets
	We completed various transactions with an unrelated entity involving our notes receivable under which we received cash proceeds in exchange for relinquishing our right, title and interest in certain notes receivable. We have no further obligations or rights with respect to the control, management, administration, servicing, or collection of the installment notes. However, we are subject to certain recourse provisions requiring us to purchase the underlying homes collateralizing such notes, in the event of a note default and subsequent repossession of the home by the unrelated entity. The recourse provisions are considered to be a form of continuing involvement, and therefore these transferred loans did not meet the requirements for sale accounting. We continue to recognize these transferred loans on our balance sheet and refer to them as collateralized receivables. The proceeds from the transfer have been recognized as a secured borrowing.
	In the event of note default, and subsequent repossession of a manufactured home by the unrelated entity, the terms of the agreement require us to repurchase the manufactured home. Default is defined as the failure to repay the installment note according to contractual terms. The repurchase price is calculated as a percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the collateralized receivable, plus any outstanding late fees, accrued interest, legal fees, and escrow advances associated with the installment note.  The percentage used to determine the repurchase price of the outstanding principal balance on the installment note is based on the number of payments made on the note. In general, the repurchase price is determined as follows:
	Number of Payments		Repurchase %
	Less than or equal to 15		100	%
	Greater than 15 but less than 64		90	%
	Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120		65	%
	120 or more		50	%
	The transferred assets have been classified as collateralized receivables in Notes and Other Receivables (see Note 5), and the cash proceeds received from these transactions have been classified as a secured borrowing in Debt (see Note 9) within the consolidated balance sheets. The balance of the collateralized receivables was $106.5 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million) and $93.8 million (net of allowance of $0.6 million) as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  The outstanding balance on the secured borrowing was $107.2 million and $94.4 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	The balances of the collateralized receivables and secured borrowings fluctuate. The balances increase as additional notes receivable are transferred and exchanged for cash proceeds. The balances are reduced as the related collateralized receivables are collected from the customers, or as the underlying collateral is repurchased. The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the collateralized receivables is as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013
	Beginning balance	$	94,409
	Financed sales of manufactured homes	24,368
	Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(4,834		)
	Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(6,700		)
	Total activity	12,834
	Ending balance	$	107,243
	The collateralized receivables earn interest income, and the secured borrowings accrue interest expense at the same interest rates. The amount of interest income and expense recognized was $2.7 million and $2.4 million and $7.7 million and $6.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Notes_And_Other_Receivables

Notes And Other Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-term Notes and Loans, by Type, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Notes And Other Receivables	Notes and Other Receivables
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding notes and other receivables (in thousands):
			30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net		$	24,605	$	21,898
	Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 4)		106,566		93,834
	Other receivables, net		39,413		24,118
	Total notes and other receivables, net		$	170,584	$	139,850
	Installment Notes Receivable on Manufactured Homes
	The installment notes of $24.6 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) and $21.9 million (net of allowance of 0.1 million) as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, are collateralized by manufactured homes. The notes represent financing provided by us to purchasers of manufactured homes primarily located in our communities and require monthly principal and interest payments. The notes have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 8.9 percent and 11.9 years as of September 30, 2013, and 8.6 percent and 11.0 years as of December 31, 2012.
	The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the installment notes is as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13
	Beginning balance	$	22,019
	Financed sales of manufactured homes	6,354
	Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(2,962		)
	Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(675		)
	Total activity	2,717
	Ending balance	$	24,736
	Collateralized Receivables
	Collateralized receivables represent notes receivable that were transferred to a third party, but did not meet the requirements for sale accounting (see Note 4). The receivables have a balance of $106.5 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million) and $93.8 million (net of allowance of $0.6 million ) as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  The receivables have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 10.7 percent and 13.5 years as of September 30, 2013, and 11.0 percent and 13.2 years as of December 31, 2012.
	In January 2013, we entered into an agreement with Talmer Bank under which we may refer purchasers of homes in our communities to Talmer Bank to obtain loans to finance their home purchases. We do not receive referral fees or other cash compensation under the agreement. If Talmer Bank makes loans to purchasers referred by us under the agreement, and those purchasers default on their loans and Talmer Bank repossesses the homes securing such loans, we have agreed to purchase from Talmer Bank each such repossessed home for a price equal to 100% of the amount under each such loan, subject to certain adjustments; provided that the maximum outstanding principal amount of the loans subject to the agreement may not exceed $10.0 million. In addition, we have agreed to waive all site rent that would otherwise be due from Talmer Bank so long as it owns any homes on which loans were made pursuant to the agreement. The agreement expires November 1, 2013, but may be extended by mutual agreement of Talmer Bank and us. As of September 30, 2013, there have been no transactions under the agreement.
	Each of Robert H. Naftaly and Arthur A. Weiss, who serve on our board of directors, is also a director of each of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and its primary operating subsidiary, Talmer Bank. Each of Mr. Naftaly, Mr. Weiss, and Gary A. Shiffman, our Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, also owns less than one percent of Talmer Bancorp, Inc.'s common stock and may have a conflict of interest with respect to his obligations as our officer and/or director and his capacity as a shareholder and/or director of Talmer Bancorp, Inc. and Talmer Bank.
	5.      Notes and Other Receivables, continued
	Allowance for Losses for Collateralized and Installment Notes Receivable
	The following table sets forth the allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands).
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13
	Beginning balance	$	(697	)
	Lower of cost or market write-downs	322
	Increase to reserve balance	(433		)
	Total activity	(111		)
	Ending balance	$	(808	)
	Other Receivables
	As of September 30, 2013, other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $8.0 million (net of allowance of $0.6 million), home sale proceeds of $6.3 million, insurance receivables of $2.5 million, insurance settlement of $3.7 million, rebates and other receivables of $3.6 million, a contingent asset of $10.0 million (see Note 2, "Real Estate Acquisitions") and a note receivable of $5.3 million. The note bears interest at LIBOR plus 475 basis points, is secured by senior mortgages on two RV communities, a pledge of $4.0 million in Series A-3 Preferred OP Units, a subordinated interest in cash collateral account and equity interests in another RV community and is due on May 31, 2014.  As of December 31, 2012, other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $4.1 million (net of allowance of $0.5 million), home sale proceeds of $6.1 million, insurance receivables of $1.7 million, insurance settlement of $3.7 million, note receivable of $5.0 million, and rebates and other receivables of $3.5 million.

Intangibles

Intangibles	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Intangibles
	Our intangible assets include in-place leases from acquisitions and capitalized costs in relation to leasing costs. These intangible assets are recorded within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. They are amortized over a seven year amortization period. The gross carrying amount is $39.0 million and $35.3 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The accumulated amortization is $13.8 million and $11.8 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Aggregate net amortization expense related to intangible assets was $1.2 million and $0.7 million and $3.6 million and $2.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Investment_In_Affiliates

Investment In Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment In Affiliates	Investment in Affiliates
	Origen Financial Services, LLC (“OFS LLC”)
	At September 30, 2013 and 2012, we had a 22.9 percent ownership interest in OFS LLC, an entity formed to originate manufactured housing installment contracts.  We have suspended equity accounting as the carrying value of our investment is zero.
	Origen Financial, Inc. (“Origen”)
	Through Sun OFI, LLC, a taxable REIT subsidiary, we own 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Origen which approximates an ownership interest of 19 percent. Although it is no longer originating or servicing loans, Origen continues to manage an existing portfolio of manufactured home loans and asset backed securities. We have suspended equity accounting for this investment as the carrying value of our investment is zero. We do, however, receive income from dividends on our shares of Origen common stock.  Per Origen's earnings release dated August 29, 2013, the dividend payment represented a return of capital. Our investment in Origen had a market value of approximately $5.8 million based on a quoted market closing price of $1.15 per share from the OTC Pink Marketplace as of September 30, 2013.
	The following table sets forth certain summarized unaudited financial information for Origen (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		(unaudited)
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	12,079		$	14,228		$	37,959		$	50,608
	Expenses	(13,123		)	(16,619		)	(40,683		)	(52,427		)
	Net loss	$	(1,044	)	$	(2,391	)	$	(2,724	)	$	(1,819	)

Consolidated_Variable_Interest

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract]
DisclosureOfVariableInterestEntities [Text Block]	Consolidated Variable Interest Entities
	Variable interest entities ("VIEs") that are consolidated include Rudgate Village SPE, LLC, Rudgate Clinton SPE, LLC and Rudgate Clinton Estates SPE, LLC (the “Rudgate Borrowers”). We concluded that the Rudgate Borrowers qualify as VIEs as we are the primary beneficiary and hold a controlling financial interest in these entities due to our power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities, as well as our obligation to absorb the most significant losses and our rights to receive significant benefits from these entities.  As such, the transactions and accounts of these VIEs are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheet after appropriate eliminations (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	ASSETS
	Investment property, net	$	56,326		$	56,326
	Other assets	3,882			4,598
	Total Assets	$	60,208		$	60,924
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Debt	$	45,386		$	45,900
	Other liabilities	5,012			1,773
	Noncontrolling interests	(920		)	(508		)
	Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	49,478		$	47,165
	Investment property, net and other assets related to the consolidated VIEs comprised approximately 3.1 percent and 3.5 percent of our consolidated total assets and debt and other liabilities comprised approximately 3.3 percent and 3.1 percent of our consolidated total liabilities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Noncontrolling interest related to the consolidated VIEs comprised less than 1.0 percent of our consolidated total equity at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit

Debt And Lines Of Credit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt and Lines of Credit
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding debt (in thousands):
		Principal				Weighted Average		Weighted Average
		Outstanding				Years to Maturity		Interest Rates
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012		September 30, 2013	December 31, 2012	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Collateralized term loans - CMBS	$	682,368	$	725,951	4.1	4.5	5.4	%	5.2	%
	Collateralized term loans - FNMA	366,917		369,810		9.6	10.3	3.6	%	3.8	%
	Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP Units	47,022		47,322		7.9	8.4	6.9	%	6.9	%
	Secured borrowing (see Note 4)	107,243		94,409		13.4	12.8	10.7	%	11	%
	Mortgage notes, other	149,898		186,228		6	6.2	4.6	%	4.3	%
	Total debt	$	1,353,448	$	1,423,720	6.5	6.8	5.3	%	5.2	%
	Collateralized Term Loans
	In May 2013, we extended $151.4 million of Fannie Mae (FNMA) debt until May 1, 2023, which had an original maturity date of May 1, 2013. The current weighted average interest rate on this debt is 4.3%.
	The collateralized term loans totaling $1.0 billion as of September 30, 2013, are secured by 99 properties comprised of 39,342 sites representing approximately $668.0 million of net book value.
	9.      Debt and Lines of Credit, continued
	Aspen Preferred OP Units and Series B-3 Preferred OP units
	The Aspen preferred OP units are convertible into 526,212 common shares based on a conversion price of $68 per share with a redemption date of January 1, 2024. The current preferred rate is 6.5%.
	Secured Borrowing
	See Note 4, "Transfers of Financial Assets", for additional information regarding our collateralized receivables and secured borrowing transactions.
	Mortgage Notes
	In May 2013, we paid off the entire $3.5 million mortgage agreement secured by Holiday West Village upon maturity.
	In April 2013, we paid off the sellers note associated with the acquisition of Rainbow RV Resort. The note had a principal balance of $0.6 million and did not incur any interest.
	In January 2013, we paid off the sellers note associated with the acquisition of Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort. The note had a principal balance of $36.0 million and an interest rate of 2.0%. We also paid off the remaining $30.0 million outstanding under our $36.0 million variable financing loan from Bank of America, N.A. and The Private Bank.
	The mortgage notes totaling $149.9 million as of September 30, 2013, are collateralized by 20 properties comprised of 8,317 sites representing approximately $252.4 million of net book value.
	Lines of Credit
	In May 2013, we entered into a credit agreement with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders consisting of a $350.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Facility"). The Facility replaced our previous $150.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to mature on October 1, 2014 and incurred interest at a floating rate based on the Eurodollar rate plus a margin that was determined based on our leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the previous credit agreement, which ranged from 2.25% to 2.95%.
	The Facility has a four year term ending May 15, 2017, which can be extended for one additional year at our option, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions as defined in the credit agreement. The credit agreement also provides for, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, additional commitments in an amount not to exceed $250.0 million. The Facility bears interest at a floating rate based on the Eurodollar rate plus a margin that is determined based on our leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the credit agreement, which can range from 1.65% to 2.90%. Based on our calculation of the leverage ratio as of September 30, 2013, the margin was 1.65%. At September 30, 2013, we had approximately $51.7 million outstanding under the Facility. There was no amount outstanding on the previous senior secured revolving credit facility at December 31, 2012. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, approximately $4.0 million of availability was used to back standby letters of credit.
	The Facility is secured by a first priority lien on all of our equity interests in each entity that owns all or a portion of the properties constituting the borrowing base and collateral assignments of our senior and junior debt positions in certain borrowing base properties.
	In February 2013, we entered into a $61.5 million credit agreement to fund a portion of the purchase of the Morgan RV Properties acquisition (See Note 2 "Real Estate Acquisitions"). This loan was paid off in March 2013.
	We also have a $20.0 million secured line of credit agreement collateralized by a portion of our rental home portfolio, which was reduced from $50.0 million in July 2013. The net book value of the rental homes pledged as security for the loan must meet or exceed 200% of the outstanding loan balance. The terms of the agreement require interest only payments for the first five years, with the remainder of the term being amortized based on a 10 year term. The interest rate is the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal adjusted the first day of each calendar month plus 200 basis points with a minimum rate of 5.5%. At September 30, 2013, the effective interest rate was 5.5%, and there was no amount outstanding. At December 31, 2012, we had $25.0 million outstanding on $50.0 million of availability under this line of credit.
	9.      Debt and Lines of Credit, continued
	Lastly, we have a $12.0 million manufactured home floor plan facility renewable indefinitely until our lender provides us a twelve month notice of their intent to terminate the agreement. The interest rate is 100 basis points over the greater of the prime rate as quoted in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of each month or 6.0%. At September 30, 2013 the effective interest rate was 7.0%.  The outstanding balance was $3.1 million and $4.8 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Covenants
	The most restrictive of our debt agreements place limitations on secured borrowings and contain minimum fixed charge coverage, leverage, distribution and net worth requirements. At September 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.

Equity_Transactions

Equity Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity Transactions	Equity Transactions
	The Company is incorporated in the state of Maryland and under the law of that state the concept of treasury shares does not exist. All shares repurchased are considered authorized but unissued. Accordingly, we have retrospectively reclassified $63.6 million from treasury stock to common stock and additional paid in capital on our consolidated balance sheet.
	In March 2013, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 5,750,000 shares of common stock at a price of $45.25 per share. The net proceeds from the offering were $249.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and the expenses related to the offering. We used a portion of the proceeds to pay down debt. We used the remaining net proceeds of the offering to fund the acquisition of properties and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
	In February 2013, we issued $4.0 million of A-3 preferred OP units in connection with the Morgan RV Properties acquisition (see Note 2). A-3 preferred OP unit holders can convert the A-3 preferred OP units into shares of common stock based upon a conversion price of $53.75 per share. The A-3 preferred OP unit holders receive a preferred return of 4.5% per year.
	In November 2004, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of our common stock.  We have 400,000 common shares remaining in the repurchase program.  No common shares were repurchased during 2013 or 2012.  There is no expiration date specified for the buyback program.
	Common OP unit holders can convert their common OP units into an equivalent number of shares of common stock at any time.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no units converted to common stock. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, holders of common OP units converted zero and 2,000 units to common stock, respectively.
	Cash dividends of $0.63 per share were declared for the quarter ended September 30, 2013. On October 18, 2013 cash payments of approximately $24.1 million for aggregate dividends, distributions and dividend equivalents were made to common stockholders, common OP unitholders and restricted stockholders of record as of September 30, 2013. In addition, cash dividends of $0.4453 per share were declared on the Company's Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock. On October 15, 2013 cash payments of approximately $1.5 million for aggregate dividends were made to Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stockholders of record as of October 2, 2013.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	In August 2013, we granted 36,000 shares of restricted stock to employees under our Sun Communities, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan ("2009 Equity Plan"). The restricted shares had a fair value of $48.22 per share and will vest as follows: August 6, 2016: 35 percent; August 6, 2017: 35 percent; August 6, 2018: 20 percent; August 6, 2019: five percent; and August 6, 2020: five percent. The fair value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.
	In June 2013, we granted 250,000 shares of restricted stock to an executive officer under our 2009 Equity Plan. The restricted shares had a fair value of $47.56 per share and will vest as follows: June 20, 2016: 87,500 shares; June 20, 2017: 87,500 shares; June 20, 2018: 50,000 shares; June 20, 2019: 12,500 shares; and June 20, 2020: 12,500 shares. The fair value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.
	11.      Share-Based Compensation, continued
	In March 2013, we granted 1,000 shares of restricted stock to employees under our 2009 Equity Plan. The awards vest on March 12, 2016, and had a fair value of $45.68 per share. The fair value was determined using the closing price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.
	In February 2013, we granted 73,000 shares of restricted stock to our executive officers under our 2009 Equity Plan. The awards vest ratably over a six or eight year period beginning on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, and had a fair value of $45.69 per share. The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.
	In February 2013, we granted 10,800 shares of restricted stock to our directors under our First Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Option Plan. The awards vest on February 15, 2016, and had a fair value of $45.69 per share. The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 9,442 shares of common stock were issued in connection with the exercise of stock options and the net proceeds received were $0.2 million.
	The vesting requirements for 36,666 restricted shares granted to our employees were satisfied during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting
	Our consolidated operations can be segmented into Real Property Operations and Home Sales and Rentals.  Transactions between our segments are eliminated in consolidation.  Transient RV revenue is included in Real Property Operations’ revenues and is expected to approximate $18.0 million annually. This transient revenue is estimated to be recognized 39% in the first quarter, 14% in the second, 29% in the third quarter and 18% in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.
	A presentation of segment financial information is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013									Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	80,158		$	22,590		$	102,748		$	63,015		$	17,173		$	80,188
	Operating expenses/Cost of sales	29,981			15,665			45,646			23,000			12,909			35,909
	Net operating income/Gross profit	50,177			6,925			57,102			40,015			4,264			44,279
	Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
	Other revenues	3,521			932			4,453			2,942			(112		)	2,830
	General and administrative	(5,927		)	(2,227		)	(8,154		)	(5,165		)	(1,905		)	(7,070		)
	Acquisition related costs	(619		)	—			(619		)	(847		)	—			(847		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(19,551		)	(9,239		)	(28,790		)	(14,760		)	(7,332		)	(22,092		)
	Interest expense	(18,628		)	(4		)	(18,632		)	(17,885		)	(6		)	(17,891		)
	Distributions from affiliate	700			—			700			600			—			600
	Provision for state income tax	(90		)	—			(90		)	(84		)	—			(84		)
	Net income (loss)	9,583			(3,613		)	5,970			4,816			(5,091		)	(275		)
	Less:  Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	690			—			690			586			—			586
	Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units	45			—			45			—			—			—
	Less:  Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	272			(300		)	(28		)	328			(539		)	(211		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	8,576			(3,313		)	5,263			3,902			(4,552		)	(650		)
	Less: 7.125% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock Distributions	1,514			—			1,514			—			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	7,062		$	(3,313	)	$	3,749		$	3,902		$	(4,552	)	$	(650	)
	12.     Segment Reporting, continued
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013									Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	234,969		$	63,983		$	298,952		$	188,818		$	51,027		$	239,845
	Operating expenses/Cost of sales	83,739			43,612			127,351			66,002			37,625			103,627
	Net operating income/Gross profit	151,230			20,371			171,601			122,816			13,402			136,218
	Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
	Other revenues	9,936			1,376			11,312			8,437			(124		)	8,313
	General and administrative	(19,086		)	(7,473		)	(26,559		)	(15,405		)	(5,985		)	(21,390		)
	Acquisition related costs	(2,769		)	—			(2,769		)	(1,434		)	—			(1,434		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(53,757		)	(26,359		)	(80,116		)	(41,798		)	(21,229		)	(63,027		)
	Interest expense	(56,985		)	(333		)	(57,318		)	(53,051		)	(92		)	(53,143		)
	Distributions from affiliate	1,550			—			1,550			3,250			—			3,250
	Provision for state income tax	(186		)	—			(186		)	(190		)	—			(190		)
	Net income (loss)	29,933			(12,418		)	17,515			22,625			(14,028		)	8,597
	Less:  Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	1,909			—			1,909			1,744			—			1,744
	Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units	121			—			121			—			—			—
	Less:  Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,503			(1,088		)	415			1,985			(1,522		)	463
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	26,400			(11,330		)	15,070			18,896			(12,506		)	6,390
	Less: 7.125% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock Distributions	4,542			—			4,542			—			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	21,858		$	(11,330	)	$	10,528		$	18,896		$	(12,506	)	$	6,390
		September 30, 2013									December 31, 2012
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
	Identifiable assets:
	Investment property, net	$	1,416,314		$	279,003		$	1,695,317		$	1,296,753		$	221,383		$	1,518,136
	Cash and cash equivalents	4,452			503			4,955			29,071			437			29,508
	Inventory of manufactured homes	—			4,005			4,005			—			7,527			7,527
	Notes and other receivables	160,964			9,620			170,584			131,000			8,850			139,850
	Other assets	58,043			3,787			61,830			54,959			4,648			59,607
	Total assets	$	1,639,773		$	296,918		$	1,936,691		$	1,511,783		$	242,845		$	1,754,628

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Our objective in using interest rate derivatives is to manage exposure to interest rate movements thereby minimizing the effect of interest rate changes and the effect it could have on future cash flows. Interest rate swaps and caps are used to accomplish this objective. We require hedging derivative instruments to be highly effective in reducing the risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. We formally designate any instrument that meets these hedging criteria as a hedge at the inception of the derivative contract.
	As of September 30, 2013, we had three derivative contracts consisting of one interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $20.0 million and two interest rate cap agreements with a total notional amount of $162.4 million. We generally employ derivative instruments that effectively convert a portion of our variable rate debt to fixed rate debt and to cap the maximum interest rate on certain variable rate borrowings. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.
	The following table provides the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts that were in effect as of September 30, 2013:
	Type		Purpose		Effective Date	Maturity Date		Notional				Based on		Variable Rate	Fixed Rate		Spread	Effective Fixed Rate
								(in millions)
	Swap		Floating to Fixed Rate		1/1/09	1/1/14		$	20			3 Month LIBOR		0.27%	2.15%		1.87%	4.01%
	Cap		Cap Floating Rate		4/1/12	4/1/15		$	152.4			3 Month LIBOR		0.27%	11.27%		—%	N/A
	Cap		Cap Floating Rate		10/3/11	10/3/16		$	10			3 Month LIBOR		0.27%	11.02%		—%	N/A
	Generally, our financial derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and the effective portion of the gain or loss on such hedges are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in our consolidated balance sheets. To the extent that the hedging relationship is not effective or does not qualify as a cash flow hedge, the ineffective portion is recorded in interest expense. Hedges that receive designated hedge accounting treatment are evaluated for effectiveness at the time that they are designated, as well as through the hedging period.
	In accordance with ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, we have recorded the fair value of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges on the balance sheet. See Note 16 for information on the determination of fair value for the derivative instruments.  The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments included in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value							Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments			September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012						September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement	Other assets		$	—		$	—			Other liabilities		$	193		$	459
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			$	—		$	—					$	193		$	459
	These valuation adjustments will only be realized under certain situations. For example, if we terminate the swaps prior to maturity or if the derivatives fail to qualify for hedge accounting, we would need to amortize amounts currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense over the terms of the derivative contracts.  We do not intend to terminate the swaps prior to maturity and, therefore, the net of valuation adjustments through the various maturity dates will approximate zero, unless the derivatives fail to qualify for hedge accounting.
	15.     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued
	Our hedges were highly effective and had minimal effect on income.  The following tables summarize the impact of derivative instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 as recorded in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
	Derivatives in		Amount of Gain or							Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)						Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	cash flow hedging		(Loss) Recognized in
			OCI (Effective Portion)
			Three Months Ended September 30,									Three Months Ended September 30,							Three Months Ended September 30,
			2013			2012						2013			2012				2013		2012
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement		$	89		$	44			Interest expense		$	—		$	—		Interest expense	$	—	$	—
	Total		$	89		$	44			Total		$	—		$	—		Total	$	—	$	—
	Derivatives in		Amount of Gain or							Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)						Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	cash flow hedging		(Loss) Recognized in
			OCI (Effective Portion)
			Nine Months Ended September 30,									Nine Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013			2012						2013			2012				2013		2012
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement		$	266		$	643			Interest expense		$	—		$	—		Interest expense	$	—	$	3
	Total		$	266		$	643			Total		$	—		$	—		Total	$	—	$	3
	Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to provide ongoing collateralization on derivative instruments in a liability position.  As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had collateral deposits recorded in other assets of approximately $0.7 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) as defined under Section 856(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”), as amended. In order for us to qualify as a REIT, at least ninety-five percent (95%) of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources. In addition, a REIT must distribute at least ninety percent (90%) of its REIT ordinary taxable income to its stockholders.
	Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements (some on an annual and quarterly basis) established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. In addition, frequent changes occur in the area of REIT taxation which requires us to continually monitor our tax status. We analyzed the various REIT tests and confirmed that we continued to qualify as a REIT for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.
	As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes at the corporate level on the ordinary taxable income we distribute to our stockholders as dividends. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, our taxable income could be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax). Even if we qualify as a REIT, we may be subject to certain state and local income taxes and to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income.
	SHS, our taxable REIT subsidiary, is subject to U.S. federal income taxes. Our deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the bases of such assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance to the amount where realization is more likely than not assured after considering all available evidence. Our temporary differences primarily relate to net operating loss carryforwards and depreciation. A federal deferred tax asset of $1.0 million is included in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2013 and 2012. We expect no significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to changes in tax positions within one year of September 30, 2013.
	We classify certain state taxes as income taxes for financial reporting purposes.  We record Texas Margin Tax as income tax in our financial statements, and we recorded a provision for state income taxes of approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	We have outstanding stock options and unvested restricted shares, and our Operating Partnership has common OP units, convertible A-1 preferred OP units, convertible A-3 preferred OP units and Aspen preferred OP Units, which if converted or exercised, may impact dilution.
	Computations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Numerator	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Basic earnings: net income attributable to common stockholders	$	3,749		$	(650	)	$	10,528	$	6,390
	Add: amounts attributable to common noncontrolling interests	—			—			—		—
	Diluted earnings: net income available to common stockholders and unitholders	$	3,749		$	(650	)	$	10,528	$	6,390
	Denominator
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	35,499			26,938			33,802		26,145
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	629			—			461		282
	Basic weighted average common shares and unvested restricted stock outstanding	36,128			26,938			34,263		26,427
	Add: dilutive securities	15			—			16		17
	Diluted weighted average common shares and securities	36,143			26,938			34,279		26,444
	Earnings per share available to common stockholders:
	Basic	$	0.1		$	(0.02	)	$	0.31	$	0.24
	Diluted	$	0.1		$	(0.02	)	$	0.31	$	0.24
	We excluded certain securities from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the inclusion of these securities would have been anti-dilutive for the periods presented.  The following table presents the number of outstanding potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Stock options	—		57			—		—
	Unvested restricted stock	—		289			—		—
	Common OP units	2,069		2,070			2,069		2,071
	Series A-1 preferred OP units	1,111		1,111			1,111		1,111
	Series A-3 preferred OP units	75		—			64		—
	Aspen preferred OP units	526		526			526		526
	Total securities	3,781		4,053			3,770		3,708
	The figures above represent the total number of potentially dilutive securities, and do not necessarily reflect the incremental impact to the number of diluted weighted average shares outstanding that would be computed if the impact to us had been dilutive to the calculation of earnings per share available to common stockholders.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, derivative instruments, and debt.
	ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires the use of observable market data, when available, and prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value in the following categories:
	Level 1—Quoted unadjusted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2—Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all observable inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
	Level 3—Model derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable, including assumptions developed by us.
	We utilize fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value.
	Derivative Instruments
	The derivative instruments held by us are interest rate swaps and cap agreements for which quoted market prices are indirectly available. For those derivatives, we use model-derived valuations in which all observable inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets provided by brokers or dealers to determine the fair values of derivative instruments on a recurring basis.
	Installment Notes on Manufactured Homes
	The net carrying value of the installment notes on manufactured homes approximates the fair value as the interest rates in the portfolio are comparable to current prevailing market rates.
	Long Term Debt and Lines of Credit
	The fair value of long term debt (excluding the secured borrowing) is based on the estimates of management and on rates currently quoted and rates currently prevailing for comparable loans and instruments of comparable maturities.
	Collateralized Receivables and Secured Borrowing
	The fair value of these financial instruments offset each other as our collateralized receivables represent a transfer of financial assets and the cash proceeds received from these transactions have been classified as a secured borrowing in the consolidated balance sheets. The net carrying value of the collateralized receivables approximates the fair value as the interest rates in the portfolio are comparable to current prevailing market rates.
	Other Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their fair market values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
	The table below sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that required disclosure of their fair values on a recurring basis and presents the carrying values and fair values as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that were measured using the valuation techniques described above. The table excludes other financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable because the carrying values associated with these instruments approximate fair value since their maturities are less than one year.
	16.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Financial assets	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Installment notes on manufactured homes, net	$	24,605	$	24,605	$	21,898	$	21,898
	Collateralized receivables, net	$	106,566	$	106,566	$	93,834	$	93,834
	Financial liabilities
	Derivative instruments	$	193	$	193	$	459	$	459
	Long term debt (excluding secured borrowing)	$	1,246,205	$	1,263,936	$	1,329,311	$	1,355,331
	Secured borrowing	$	107,243	$	107,243	$	94,409	$	94,409
	Lines of credit	$	54,765	$	54,765	$	29,781	$	29,781
	The derivative instruments are the only financial liabilities that were required to be carried at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated, and we have no financial assets that are required to be carried at fair value.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 requires an entity to present its unrecognized tax benefits net of its deferred tax assets when settlement in this manner is available under the tax law, which would be based on facts and circumstances as of the balance sheet reporting date and would not consider future events. Gross presentation in the notes to the financial statements will still be required. ASU 2013-11 will apply on a prospective basis to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date, with the option to apply it retrospectively. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. While the adoption of this pronouncement will not have an impact on our results of operations or cash flows, we are currently evaluating the impact of presenting unrecognized tax benefits net of our deferred tax assets where applicable on our consolidated balance sheet.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, “Comprehensive Income: Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The provisions of ASU 2013-02 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, “Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities” ("ASU 2013-01") which amends ASC Topic 210, Balance Sheet. The updated guidance in ASC Topic 210 clarifies that ordinary trade receivables are not in the scope of ASU No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. Specifically, ASU 2011-11 applies only to derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse purchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with specific criteria contained in the Codification or subject to a master netting arrangement or similar agreement. An entity is required to apply the amendments for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods. An entity should provide the required disclosures retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. The effective date is the same as the effective date of ASU 2011-11, which was January 1, 2013. Early adoption was not permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	On September 16, 2013, we settled all of the claims arising out of the litigation that we filed on December 26, 2012 in Oakland County (Michigan) Circuit Court against MHC Operating Limited Partnership (“MHC”) (an affiliate of Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc.), the contributors of the Morgan RV Properties (the “Contributors”) and certain of their affiliates with respect to MHC’s assertion of claims against the Morgan RV Properties. Under the settlement agreement, MHC released all of its claims against the Morgan RV Properties, we released all of our rights with respect to one other RV community owned by an affiliate of the Contributors and MHC reimbursed us for certain costs and expenses and paid us certain additional consideration. The Contributors and their affiliates paid us $250,000 by increasing the principal balance of our existing $5.0 million note receivable in full satisfaction of their obligation under the specific indemnity related to MHC’s claims to the Morgan RV Properties. No party admitted any liability under the settlement agreement.
	On June 4, 2010 we settled all of the claims arising out of the litigation filed in 2004 by TJ Holdings, LLC in the Superior Court of Guilford County, North Carolina and the associated arbitration proceeding commenced by TJ Holdings in Southfield, Michigan. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, in which neither party admitted any liability whatsoever, we paid TJ Holdings $360,000. In addition, pursuant to this settlement, TJ Holdings’ percentage ownership interest in Sun/Forest, LLC will be increased on a one time basis, in the event of a sale or refinance of all of the SunChamp Properties, to between 9.03% and 28.99% depending on our average closing stock price as reported by the NYSE during the 30 days preceding the sale or refinance of all the SunChamp Properties. Once this percentage ownership interest has been adjusted, there will be no further adjustments from subsequent sales or refinances of the SunChamp Properties. The likelihood of a sale or refinancing of all of the SunChamp properties is not probable as these properties continue to see growth potential nor do we have a need to refinance all of the properties, so we do not expect it to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
	We are involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. All such proceedings, taken together, are not expected to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Table

Real Estate Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2012. The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments for items that are not expected to have a continuing impact, such as adjustments for acquisition costs incurred, management fees and purchase accounting. The information presented below has been prepared for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of either future results of operations or the results of operations that would have actually occurred had the acquisitions been consummated on January 1, 2012 (in thousands, except per-share data).
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		(unaudited)
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Total revenues	$	103,838			$	90,515			$	314,029			$	264,055
	Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$	4,137			$	4,294			$	14,427			$	14,294
	Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic	$	0.11			$	0.16			$	0.42			$	0.54
	Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted	$	0.11			$	0.16			$	0.42			$	0.54
Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from acquistions [Table Text Block]	The amount of revenue and net income included in the consolidated statements of operations for the the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 for all acquisitions described above is set forth in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		(unaudited)
	Revenue	$	7,598			$	11,734
	Net income	$	2,021			$	2,866
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	The following tables summarize the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for acquisitions completed in 2013 (in thousands):
	At Acquisition Date		Morgan RV Properties				Jellystone				Big Timber Lake				Total
	Investment in property		$	95,145			$	8,264			$	21,548			$	124,957
	Inventory of manufactured homes		4,253				1,490				350				6,093
	Notes and other receivables		10,000				—				—				10,000
	In-place leases and other intangible assets		2,664				390				580				3,634
	Other assets		157				7				48				212
	Below market leases		—				—				(3,490		)		(3,490		)
	Other liabilities		(3,697		)		(930		)		(1,157		)		(5,784		)
	Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed		$	108,522			$	9,221			$	17,879			$	135,622
	Consideration
	Cash		$	55,618			$	9,221			$	17,879			$	82,718
	Series A-3 preferred OP units		3,463				—				—				3,463
	Extinguishment of note receivable		49,441				—				—				49,441
	Fair value of total consideration transferred		$	108,522			$	9,221			$	17,879			$	135,622

Investment_Property_Tables

Investment Property (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]
Real estate, investment property [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth certain information regarding investment property (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Land	$	191,589		$	178,993
	Land improvements and buildings	1,752,996			1,608,825
	Rental homes and improvements	375,296			305,838
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	60,139			54,354
	Land held for future development	29,521			29,295
	Investment property	2,409,541			2,177,305
	Accumulated depreciation	(714,224		)	(659,169		)
	Investment property, net	$	1,695,317		$	1,518,136

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets_

Transfers Of Financial Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Transfers of Financial Assets [Abstract]
Repurchase price percentage [Table Text Block]	In general, the repurchase price is determined as follows:
	Number of Payments		Repurchase %
	Less than or equal to 15		100	%
	Greater than 15 but less than 64		90	%
	Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120		65	%
	120 or more		50	%
Schedule of collateralized loans [Table Text Block]	The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the collateralized receivables is as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013
	Beginning balance	$	94,409
	Financed sales of manufactured homes	24,368
	Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(4,834		)
	Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(6,700		)
	Total activity	12,834
	Ending balance	$	107,243

Notes_And_Other_Receivables_Ta

Notes And Other Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Long-term Notes and Loans, by Type, Current and Noncurrent [Abstract]
Schedule of notes and other receivables [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth certain information regarding notes and other receivables (in thousands):
			30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net		$	24,605	$	21,898
	Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 4)		106,566		93,834
	Other receivables, net		39,413		24,118
	Total notes and other receivables, net		$	170,584	$	139,850
Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable [Table Text Block]	The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the installment notes is as follows (in thousands):
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13
	Beginning balance	$	22,019
	Financed sales of manufactured homes	6,354
	Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(2,962		)
	Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(675		)
	Total activity	2,717
	Ending balance	$	24,736
Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth the allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable as of September 30, 2013 (in thousands).
		Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13
	Beginning balance	$	(697	)
	Lower of cost or market write-downs	322
	Increase to reserve balance	(433		)
	Total activity	(111		)
	Ending balance	$	(808	)

Investment_In_Affiliates_Table

Investment In Affiliates (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth certain summarized unaudited financial information for Origen (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		(unaudited)
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues	$	12,079		$	14,228		$	37,959		$	50,608
	Expenses	(13,123		)	(16,619		)	(40,683		)	(52,427		)
	Net loss	$	(1,044	)	$	(2,391	)	$	(2,724	)	$	(1,819	)

Consolidated_Variable_Interest1

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheet after appropriate eliminations (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	ASSETS
	Investment property, net	$	56,326		$	56,326
	Other assets	3,882			4,598
	Total Assets	$	60,208		$	60,924
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Debt	$	45,386		$	45,900
	Other liabilities	5,012			1,773
	Noncontrolling interests	(920		)	(508		)
	Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	49,478		$	47,165

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Table

Debt And Lines Of Credit (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of debt and lines of credit [Table Text Block]	The following table sets forth certain information regarding debt (in thousands):
		Principal				Weighted Average		Weighted Average
		Outstanding				Years to Maturity		Interest Rates
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012		September 30, 2013	December 31, 2012	September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Collateralized term loans - CMBS	$	682,368	$	725,951	4.1	4.5	5.4	%	5.2	%
	Collateralized term loans - FNMA	366,917		369,810		9.6	10.3	3.6	%	3.8	%
	Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP Units	47,022		47,322		7.9	8.4	6.9	%	6.9	%
	Secured borrowing (see Note 4)	107,243		94,409		13.4	12.8	10.7	%	11	%
	Mortgage notes, other	149,898		186,228		6	6.2	4.6	%	4.3	%
	Total debt	$	1,353,448	$	1,423,720	6.5	6.8	5.3	%	5.2	%

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
		September 30, 2013									December 31, 2012
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
	Identifiable assets:
	Investment property, net	$	1,416,314		$	279,003		$	1,695,317		$	1,296,753		$	221,383		$	1,518,136
	Cash and cash equivalents	4,452			503			4,955			29,071			437			29,508
	Inventory of manufactured homes	—			4,005			4,005			—			7,527			7,527
	Notes and other receivables	160,964			9,620			170,584			131,000			8,850			139,850
	Other assets	58,043			3,787			61,830			54,959			4,648			59,607
	Total assets	$	1,639,773		$	296,918		$	1,936,691		$	1,511,783		$	242,845		$	1,754,628
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	A presentation of segment financial information is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013									Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	80,158		$	22,590		$	102,748		$	63,015		$	17,173		$	80,188
	Operating expenses/Cost of sales	29,981			15,665			45,646			23,000			12,909			35,909
	Net operating income/Gross profit	50,177			6,925			57,102			40,015			4,264			44,279
	Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
	Other revenues	3,521			932			4,453			2,942			(112		)	2,830
	General and administrative	(5,927		)	(2,227		)	(8,154		)	(5,165		)	(1,905		)	(7,070		)
	Acquisition related costs	(619		)	—			(619		)	(847		)	—			(847		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(19,551		)	(9,239		)	(28,790		)	(14,760		)	(7,332		)	(22,092		)
	Interest expense	(18,628		)	(4		)	(18,632		)	(17,885		)	(6		)	(17,891		)
	Distributions from affiliate	700			—			700			600			—			600
	Provision for state income tax	(90		)	—			(90		)	(84		)	—			(84		)
	Net income (loss)	9,583			(3,613		)	5,970			4,816			(5,091		)	(275		)
	Less:  Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	690			—			690			586			—			586
	Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units	45			—			45			—			—			—
	Less:  Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	272			(300		)	(28		)	328			(539		)	(211		)
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	8,576			(3,313		)	5,263			3,902			(4,552		)	(650		)
	Less: 7.125% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock Distributions	1,514			—			1,514			—			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	7,062		$	(3,313	)	$	3,749		$	3,902		$	(4,552	)	$	(650	)
	12.     Segment Reporting, continued
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013									Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Home Rentals			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	234,969		$	63,983		$	298,952		$	188,818		$	51,027		$	239,845
	Operating expenses/Cost of sales	83,739			43,612			127,351			66,002			37,625			103,627
	Net operating income/Gross profit	151,230			20,371			171,601			122,816			13,402			136,218
	Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
	Other revenues	9,936			1,376			11,312			8,437			(124		)	8,313
	General and administrative	(19,086		)	(7,473		)	(26,559		)	(15,405		)	(5,985		)	(21,390		)
	Acquisition related costs	(2,769		)	—			(2,769		)	(1,434		)	—			(1,434		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(53,757		)	(26,359		)	(80,116		)	(41,798		)	(21,229		)	(63,027		)
	Interest expense	(56,985		)	(333		)	(57,318		)	(53,051		)	(92		)	(53,143		)
	Distributions from affiliate	1,550			—			1,550			3,250			—			3,250
	Provision for state income tax	(186		)	—			(186		)	(190		)	—			(190		)
	Net income (loss)	29,933			(12,418		)	17,515			22,625			(14,028		)	8,597
	Less:  Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	1,909			—			1,909			1,744			—			1,744
	Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units	121			—			121			—			—			—
	Less:  Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,503			(1,088		)	415			1,985			(1,522		)	463
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	26,400			(11,330		)	15,070			18,896			(12,506		)	6,390
	Less: 7.125% Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock Distributions	4,542			—			4,542			—			—			—
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	21,858		$	(11,330	)	$	10,528		$	18,896		$	(12,506	)	$	6,390

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed1

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts that were in effect as of September 30, 2013:
	Type		Purpose		Effective Date	Maturity Date		Notional				Based on		Variable Rate	Fixed Rate		Spread	Effective Fixed Rate
								(in millions)
	Swap		Floating to Fixed Rate		1/1/09	1/1/14		$	20			3 Month LIBOR		0.27%	2.15%		1.87%	4.01%
	Cap		Cap Floating Rate		4/1/12	4/1/15		$	152.4			3 Month LIBOR		0.27%	11.27%		—%	N/A
	Cap		Cap Floating Rate		10/3/11	10/3/16		$	10			3 Month LIBOR		0.27%	11.02%		—%	N/A
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments included in our consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value							Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments			September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012						September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement	Other assets		$	—		$	—			Other liabilities		$	193		$	459
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			$	—		$	—					$	193		$	459
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables summarize the impact of derivative instruments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 as recorded in the consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
	Derivatives in		Amount of Gain or							Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)						Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	cash flow hedging		(Loss) Recognized in
			OCI (Effective Portion)
			Three Months Ended September 30,									Three Months Ended September 30,							Three Months Ended September 30,
			2013			2012						2013			2012				2013		2012
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement		$	89		$	44			Interest expense		$	—		$	—		Interest expense	$	—	$	—
	Total		$	89		$	44			Total		$	—		$	—		Total	$	—	$	—
	Derivatives in		Amount of Gain or							Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)		Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)						Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
	cash flow hedging		(Loss) Recognized in
			OCI (Effective Portion)
			Nine Months Ended September 30,									Nine Months Ended September 30,							Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2013			2012						2013			2012				2013		2012
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement		$	266		$	643			Interest expense		$	—		$	—		Interest expense	$	—	$	3
	Total		$	266		$	643			Total		$	—		$	—		Total	$	—	$	3

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Computations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	Numerator	2013			2012			2013		2012
	Basic earnings: net income attributable to common stockholders	$	3,749		$	(650	)	$	10,528	$	6,390
	Add: amounts attributable to common noncontrolling interests	—			—			—		—
	Diluted earnings: net income available to common stockholders and unitholders	$	3,749		$	(650	)	$	10,528	$	6,390
	Denominator
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	35,499			26,938			33,802		26,145
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	629			—			461		282
	Basic weighted average common shares and unvested restricted stock outstanding	36,128			26,938			34,263		26,427
	Add: dilutive securities	15			—			16		17
	Diluted weighted average common shares and securities	36,143			26,938			34,279		26,444
	Earnings per share available to common stockholders:
	Basic	$	0.1		$	(0.02	)	$	0.31	$	0.24
	Diluted	$	0.1		$	(0.02	)	$	0.31	$	0.24
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the number of outstanding potentially dilutive securities that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Stock options	—		57			—		—
	Unvested restricted stock	—		289			—		—
	Common OP units	2,069		2,070			2,069		2,071
	Series A-1 preferred OP units	1,111		1,111			1,111		1,111
	Series A-3 preferred OP units	75		—			64		—
	Aspen preferred OP units	526		526			526		526
	Total securities	3,781		4,053			3,770		3,708

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The table below sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that required disclosure of their fair values on a recurring basis and presents the carrying values and fair values as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 that were measured using the valuation techniques described above. The table excludes other financial instruments such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable because the carrying values associated with these instruments approximate fair value since their maturities are less than one year.
	16.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Financial assets	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Installment notes on manufactured homes, net	$	24,605	$	24,605	$	21,898	$	21,898
	Collateralized receivables, net	$	106,566	$	106,566	$	93,834	$	93,834
	Financial liabilities
	Derivative instruments	$	193	$	193	$	459	$	459
	Long term debt (excluding secured borrowing)	$	1,246,205	$	1,263,936	$	1,329,311	$	1,355,331
	Secured borrowing	$	107,243	$	107,243	$	94,409	$	94,409
	Lines of credit	$	54,765	$	54,765	$	29,781	$	29,781

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Narra

Real Estate Acquisitions , Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	23-May-13	Feb. 08, 2013	Apr. 18, 2013
					Big Timber Lake [Member]	Morgan 10 [Member]	Jellystone [Member]
						properties
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of properties						10
Number of sites					528	3,700	299
Contingent asset					$0	$10,000	$0
Acquisition related costs	$619	$847	$2,769	$1,434

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Sched

Real Estate Acquisitions , Schedule of 2013 Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)	Feb. 08, 2013	Apr. 18, 2013	23-May-13	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Morgan 10 [Member]	Jellystone [Member]	Big Timber Lake [Member]	Total 2013 Acquisitions [Domain]
At acquistion date
Investment in property	$95,145	$8,264	$21,548	$124,957
Inventory of manufactured homes	4,253	1,490	350	6,093
Contingent asset	10,000	0	0	10,000
In-place leases and other intangible assets	2,664	390	580	3,634
Other assets	157	7	48	212
Below market leases	0	0	-3,490	-3,490
Other liabilities	-3,697	-930	-1,157	-5,784
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	108,522	9,221	17,879	135,622
Consideration
Cash	55,618	9,221	17,879	82,718
Series A-3 preferred OP units	3,463	0	0	3,463
Acquired notes receivable	49,441	0	0	49,441
Fair value of total consideration transferred	$108,522	$9,221	$17,879	$135,622

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Sched1

Real Estate Acquisitions Schedule of 2012 Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (Mortgages [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
	Florida Properties [Member]	RainbowRV [Member]	Palm Creek [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$36
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount	$30	$0.60	$36

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Resul

Real Estate Acquisitions, Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Business Combination, Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	$107,201	$83,018	$310,264	$248,158
Net income	5,263	-650	15,070	6,390
Series of Acquisitions [Member]
Business Combination, Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	7,598		11,734
Net income	$2,021		$2,866

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Pro_F

Real Estate Acquisitions , Pro Forma Information (Details) (Series of Acquisitions [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Series of Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$103,838	$90,515	$314,029	$264,055
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders	$4,137	$4,294	$14,427	$14,294
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.11	$0.16	$0.42	$0.54
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. shareholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.11	$0.16	$0.42	$0.54

Investment_Property_Details

Investment Property (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate, investment property [Line Items]
Land	$191,589	$178,993
Land improvements and buildings	1,752,996	1,608,825
Rental homes and improvements	375,296	305,838
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	60,139	54,354
Land held for future development	29,521	29,295
Investment property	2,409,541	2,177,305
Accumulated depreciation	-714,224	-659,169
Investment property, net	$1,695,317	$1,518,136

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets_1

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Repurchase price percentage (Details) (Collateralized receivables [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Less than or equal to 15 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase Percentage	100.00%
Greater than 15 but less than 64 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase Percentage	90.00%
Equal to or greater than 64 but less than 120 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase Percentage	65.00%
120 or more [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase Percentage	50.00%

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets_2

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Schedule of collateralized loans (Details) (Collateralized receivables [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$94,409
Financed sales of manufactured homes	24,368
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	4,834
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	6,700
Total activity	12,834
Ending balance	$107,243

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets_3

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	$170,584,000		$170,584,000		$139,850,000
Secured debt	1,353,448,000		1,353,448,000		1,423,720,000
Secured Debt [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Secured debt	107,200,000		107,200,000		94,409,000
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	106,500,000		106,500,000		93,834,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	700,000		700,000		600,000
Interest income and expense, net	$2,700,000	$2,400,000	$7,700,000	$6,800,000

Schedule_of_notes_and_other_re

Schedule of notes and other receivables (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$170,584	$139,850
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	106,500	93,834
Other receivables, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	39,413	24,118
Total notes and other receivables [Domain]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$170,584	$139,850

Notes_And_Other_Receivables_In

Notes And Other Receivables Installment Notes Receivable on Manufactured Homes Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Rate	Rate
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	$170,584	$139,850
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	100	100
Receivable with imputed interest, rate	8.90%	8.60%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	11 years 10 months 24 days	11 years
Carrying Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	$24,605	$21,898

Schedule_of_Installment_Notes_

Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable (Details) (Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$22,019
Financed sales of manufactured homes	6,354
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	2,962
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	675
Total activity	2,717
Ending balance	$24,736

Collateralized_Receivables_Nar

Collateralized Receivables Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Rate	Rate
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	$170,584,000	$139,850,000
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	106,500,000	93,834,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	-700,000	-600,000
Receivable with imputed interest, rate	10.70%	11.00%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	13 years 6 months	13 years 2 months 12 days
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes Receivable, Repurchase Percentage	100.00%
Notes Receivable Outstanding Principal Balance, Maximum Exposure	10,000,000
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	$106,566,000	$93,834,000

Allowance_for_collateralized_a

Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable (Details) (Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member]
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$697
Lower of cost or market write-downs	322
Increase to reserve balance	-433
Total activity	-111
Ending balance	$808

Notes_And_Other_Receivables_Ot

Notes And Other Receivables Other Receivables Narrative(Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 08, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			Morgan 10 [Member]	Morgan 10 [Member]	Notes Receivable [Member]
					Rate
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage	$8,000,000	$4,100,000
Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables	-600,000	-500,000
Home sale proceeds	6,300,000	6,100,000
Insurance receivables	2,500,000	1,700,000
Insurance Settlements Receivable	3,700,000	3,700,000
Note receivable related to acquistion	5,300,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Other Receivables	3,600,000	3,500,000
Contingent asset				10,000,000
Loans Receivable, Basis Spread on Variable Rate					475.00%
Pledged Assets, Series A-3 preferred OP units	$4,000,000

Intangibles_Details

Intangibles (Details) (Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization period (in years)			7 years
Gross carrying amount	$39		$39		$35.30
Accumulated amortization	13.8		13.8		11.8
Aggregate net amortization net expense	$1.20	$0.70	$3.60	$2.20

Investment_In_Affiliates_Narra

Investment In Affiliates , Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
Origen Financial Services [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	22.90%
Investment carrying value	$0
Origen Financial [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	19.00%
Investment carrying value	0
Investment owned (in shares)	5,000,000
Market value of investment company	$5,800,000
Origen quoted market closing price (in dollars per share)	$1.15

Investment_In_Affiliates_Sched

Investment In Affiliates , Schedule of Investments (Details) (Origen Financial [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Origen Financial [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Revenues	$12,079	$14,228	$37,959	$50,608
Expenses	-13,123	-16,619	-40,683	-52,427
Net loss	($1,044)	($2,391)	($2,724)	($1,819)

Consolidated_Variable_Interest2

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Rate	Rate
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment Property, net	$56,326	$56,326
Other Assets	3,882	4,598
Total Assets	60,208	60,924
Debt	45,386	45,900
Other Liabilities	5,012	1,773
Noncontrolling interests	-920	-508
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity	$49,478	$47,165
VIE as a Percentage of Consolidated Assets	3.10%	3.50%
VIE as a Percentage of Consolidated Liabilities	3.30%	3.10%

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Table1

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Table - Schedule of debt and lines of credit (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Rate	Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$1,353,448,000	$1,423,720,000
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	6 years 6 months	6 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	5.30%	5.20%
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	682,368,000	725,951,000
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	4 years 1 month 6 days	4 years 6 months
Weighted average interest rate	5.40%	5.20%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	366,917,000	369,810,000
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	9 years 7 months 6 days	10 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	3.60%	3.80%
Aspen Series B3 Preferred Operating Partnership Units [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	47,022,000	47,322,000
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	7 years 10 months 24 days	8 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average interest rate	6.90%	6.90%
Secured borrowing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	107,200,000	94,409,000
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	13 years 4 months 24 days	12 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	10.70%	11.00%
Mortgage notes, other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	149,898,000	186,228,000
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	6 years	6 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average interest rate	4.60%	4.30%
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	4,000,000	4,000,000
Carrying Value [Member] | Secured borrowing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$107,243,000	$94,409,000

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Narra

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Collateralized Term Loans (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Rate	Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length	6 years 6 months	6 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	5.30%	5.20%
Total debt	$1,353,448,000	$1,423,720,000
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length	4 years 1 month 6 days	4 years 6 months
Weighted average interest rate	5.40%	5.20%
Total debt	682,368,000	725,951,000
Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length	9 years 7 months 6 days	10 years 3 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	3.60%	3.80%
Total debt	366,917,000	369,810,000
Collateralized commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	1,000,000,000
Net book value of properties securing collateralized term loans	668,000,000
Collateralized commercial mortgage backed securities [Member] | Collateralized term loans - PNC and FNMA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate	4.30%
Total debt	$151,400,000
Properties securing debt [Member] | Collateralized commercial mortgage backed securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties)	99
Number of sites	39,342

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Narra1

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Aspen Preferred OP Units and Series B-3 preferred OP units (Details) (Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member], Convertible debt - Aspen Preferred OP Units January 2024 [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	Rate
Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member] | Convertible debt - Aspen Preferred OP Units January 2024 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible units to shares (in shares)	526,212
Conversion Price (in dollars per share)	$68
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	6.50%

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Narra2

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Mortgage Notes (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-13	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
	Rate	Rate	Mortgages [Member]	Mortgages [Member]	Mortgages [Member]	RainbowRV [Member]	Palm Creek [Member]	Florida Properties [Member]	Properties securing debt [Member]
			Rate	Rate	Holiday West Village [Member]	Mortgages [Member]	Mortgages [Member]	Mortgages [Member]	Mortgages [Member]
							Rate		sites
									properties
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt weighted average to maturity, length	6 years 6 months	6 years 9 months 18 days	6 years	6 years 2 months 12 days
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties)									20
Weighted average interest rate	5.30%	5.20%	4.60%	4.30%			2.00%
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount					$3,500,000	$600,000	$36,000,000	$30,000,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								36,000,000
Total debt	1,353,448,000	1,423,720,000	149,898,000	186,228,000
Number of sites									8,317
Net book value of properties securing mortgage notes									$252,400,000

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Narra3

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

4 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

14-May-13

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Rate

Rate

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of Credit [Member]

Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]

Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]

Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]

Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]

Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]

Prime Rate [Member]

Morgan 10 [Member]

Rate

Rate

Rate

Rate

Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]

Line of Credit - BMO [Member]

Rate

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

$61.50

Line of credit, borrowing capacity

350

150

20

50

50

12

Line of credit, outstanding balance

51.7

0

0

25

3.1

4.8

Letters of credit outstanding, amount

4

4

Line of credit, outstanding loan balance, percent

200.00%

Effective interest rate, minimum

1.65%

2.25%

Effective interest rate, maximum

2.90%

2.95%

6.00%

Line of credit variable interest rate

1.65%

Line of credit maturity date

15-May-17

Line of credit, additional borrowing capacity

$250

Weighted average interest rate

5.30%

5.20%

7.00%

Debt weighted average to maturity, length

6 years 6 months

6 years 9 months 18 days

Basis points

200.00%

100.00%

Stated interest rate, minimum

5.50%

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage

5.50%

Equity_Transactions_Narrative_

Equity Transactions Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 18, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 15, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2004

Common Stock

Common Stock

Preferred Stock [Member]

Preferred Stock [Member]

Registered public offering [Member]

Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member]

Conversion of Common OP Units [Member]

Conversion of Common OP Units [Member]

Conversion of Common OP Units [Member]

Conversion of Common OP Units [Member]

Repurchase of Equity [Member]

Repurchase of Equity [Member]

Dividend Paid [Member]

Dividend Paid [Member]

Common Stock

Rate

Common OP Units [Member]

Common OP Units [Member]

Common OP Units [Member]

Common OP Units [Member]

Common Stock

Common Stock

Class of Stock [Line Items]

Treasury Stock, Value

$63.60

Authorized to be repurchased (in shares)

1,000,000

Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)

400,000

Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares)

0

0

0

2,000

New shares issued (in shares)

5,750,000

Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share)

$45.25

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

249.5

Preferred OP units issued

4

Equity, Preferred OP unit, conversion price

$53.75

Equity, preferred return rate

4.50%

Dividends per common share:

$0.63

$0.63

$1.89

$1.89

$0.63

Dividends, Common Stock, Cash

24.1

Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared

$0.45

Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash

$1.50

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation , Narrative (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Feb. 28, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Aug. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

August 6, 2016 [Member]

August 6, 2017 [Member]

August 6, 2018 [Member]

August 6, 2019 [Member]

August 6, 2020 [Member]

June 20, 2017 [Member]

June 20, 2018 [Member]

June 20, 2018 [Member]

June 20, 2019 [Member]

June 20, 2020 [Member]

2004 non-employee plan [Member]

2004 non-employee plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Granted, shares (in shares)

10,800

36,000

250,000

1,000

73,000

Weighted average grant date fair value

$48.22

$47.56

$45.68

$45.69

Award vesting rights

0.35

0.35

0.2

0.05

0.05

87500

87500

50000

12500

12500

Exercises in period

9,442

Proceeds from stock option exercise

$201

$149

Vested restricted stock (in shares)

36,666

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Seasonality (Details) (Real Property Operations Segment [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expected Annual Seasonal Transient RV Revenue		$18
Seasonal RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage	18.00%	29.00%	14.00%	39.00%

Segment_Reporting_Results_of_O

Segment Reporting Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	$102,748	$80,188	$298,952	$239,845
Operating Expenses and Cost of Sales	45,646	35,909	127,351	103,627
Operating Income (Loss)	57,102	44,279	171,601	136,218
Other Revenues, Segment	4,453	2,830	11,312	8,313
General and Administrative Expense	8,154	7,070	26,559	21,390
Acquisition related costs	619	847	2,769	1,434
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	28,790	22,092	80,116	63,027
Interest Expense	18,632	17,891	57,318	53,143
Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates	700	600	1,550	3,250
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	90	84	186	190
Net income (loss)	5,970	-275	17,515	8,597
Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	690	586	1,909	1,744
Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	45	0	121	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	-28	-211	415	463
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	5,263	-650	15,070	6,390
Series A preferred stock distributions	1,514	0	4,542	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	3,749	-650	10,528	6,390
Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	80,158	63,015	234,969	188,818
Operating Expenses and Cost of Sales	29,981	23,000	83,739	66,002
Operating Income (Loss)	50,177	40,015	151,230	122,816
Other Revenues, Segment	3,521	2,942	9,936	8,437
General and Administrative Expense	5,927	5,165	19,086	15,405
Acquisition related costs	619	847	2,769	1,434
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	19,551	14,760	53,757	41,798
Interest Expense	18,628	17,885	56,985	53,051
Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates	700	600	1,550	3,250
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	90	84	186	190
Net income (loss)	9,583	4,816	29,933	22,625
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	272	328	1,503	1,985
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	8,576	3,902	26,400	18,896
Series A preferred stock distributions	1,514	0	4,542	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	7,062	3,902	21,858	18,896
Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenue, Net	22,590	17,173	63,983	51,027
Operating Expenses and Cost of Sales	15,665	12,909	43,612	37,625
Operating Income (Loss)	6,925	4,264	20,371	13,402
Other Revenues, Segment	932	-112	1,376	-124
General and Administrative Expense	2,227	1,905	7,473	5,985
Acquisition related costs	0	0	0	0
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	9,239	7,332	26,359	21,229
Interest Expense	4	6	333	92
Equity income (loss) and distributions from affiliates	0	0	0	0
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	0	0	0	0
Net income (loss)	-3,613	-5,091	-12,418	-14,028
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	-300	-539	-1,088	-1,522
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	-3,313	-4,552	-11,330	-12,506
Series A preferred stock distributions	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	-3,313	-4,552	-11,330	-12,506
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	690	586	1,909	1,744
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	690	586	1,909	1,744
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	0	0	0	0
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	45	0	121	0
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	45	0	121	0
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	$0	$0	$0	$0

Segment_Reporting_Identifiable

Segment Reporting Identifiable Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Investment property, net	$1,695,317	$1,518,136
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	4,955	29,508	38,724	5,857
Inventory of manufactured homes	4,005	7,527
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	170,584	139,850
Other assets	61,830	59,607
TOTAL ASSETS	1,936,691	1,754,628
Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Investment property, net	1,416,314	1,296,753
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	4,452	29,071
Inventory of manufactured homes	0	0
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	160,964	131,000
Other assets	58,043	54,959
TOTAL ASSETS	1,639,773	1,511,783
Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Investment property, net	279,003	221,383
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	503	437
Inventory of manufactured homes	4,005	7,527
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	9,620	8,850
Other assets	3,787	4,648
TOTAL ASSETS	$296,918	$242,845

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Derivative Contracts (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held (number of derivative contracts)	3
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held (number of derivative contracts)	1
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$20
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Derivative Maturing 2014 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	20
Derivative, Type	Swap
Derivative, Purpose	Floating to Fixed Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	1-Jan-09
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Jan-14
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.27%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	2.15%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	1.87%
Derivative, Effective Fixed Rate	4.02%
Interest Rate Cap [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held (number of derivative contracts)	2
Notional Amount of Derivatives	162.4
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Derivative Maturing 2015 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	152.4
Derivative, Type	Cap
Derivative, Purpose	Cap Floating Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	1-Apr-12
Derivative, Maturity Date	1-Apr-15
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.27%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	11.27%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%
Interest Rate Cap [Member] | Derivative Maturing 2016 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$10
Derivative, Type	Cap
Derivative, Purpose	Cap Floating Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	3-Oct-11
Derivative, Maturity Date	3-Oct-16
Derivative, Based on	3 Month LIBOR
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.27%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	11.02%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed3

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Balance Sheet Location (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	$0	$0
Liability Derivatives	193,000	459,000
Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	700,000	1,200,000
Other liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Liability Derivatives		$459,000

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed4

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Statement of Operation Location (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$89	$44	$266	$643
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	0	0	0	0
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derviative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	0	0	0	3
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	89	44	266	643
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement [Member] | Interest expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	0	0	0	0
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derviative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	$0	$0	$0	$3

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes , Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$1,000,000		$1,000,000		$1,000,000
Provision for state income taxes	$90,000	$84,000	$186,000	$190,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Calculation

Earnings Per Share , Calculation of Numerator and Denominator (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator
Basic earnings: net income attributable to common stockholders	$3,749	($650)	$10,528	$6,390
Add: amounts attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Diluted earnings: net income available to common stockholders and unitholders	$3,749	($650)	$10,528	$6,390
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding	35,499	26,938	33,802	26,145
Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	629	0	461	282
Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding	36,128	26,938	34,263	26,427
Add: dilutive securities	15	0	16	17
Diluted weighted average common shares	36,143	26,938	34,279	26,444
Basic	$0.10	($0.02)	$0.31	$0.24
Diluted	$0.10	($0.02)	$0.31	$0.24

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share , Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Loss Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,781	4,053	3,770	3,708
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures	0	289	0	0
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0	57	0	0
Common OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,069	2,070	2,069	2,071
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,111	1,111	1,111	1,111
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	75	0	64	0
Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	526	526	526	526

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments , By Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets
Notes and other receivables, net	$170,584	$139,850
Financial liabilities
Liability Derivatives	193	459
Secured debt	1,353,448	1,423,720
Collateralized receivables [Member]
Financial assets
Notes and other receivables, net	106,500	93,834
Other liabilities [Member]
Financial liabilities
Liability Derivatives		459
Secured Debt [Member]
Financial liabilities
Secured debt	107,200	94,409
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial liabilities
Long term debt excluding secured borrowings	1,246,205	1,329,311
Lines of credit	54,765	29,781
Carrying Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Financial assets
Notes and other receivables, net	24,605	21,898
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized receivables [Member]
Financial assets
Notes and other receivables, net	106,566	93,834
Carrying Value [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]
Financial liabilities
Liability Derivatives	193	459
Carrying Value [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Financial liabilities
Secured debt	107,243	94,409
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial liabilities
Liability Derivatives	193	459
Long term debt excluding secured borrowings	1,263,936	1,355,331
Secured debt	107,243	94,409
Lines of credit	54,765	29,781
Fair Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	24,605	21,898
Fair Value [Member] | Collateralized receivables [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	$106,566	$93,834

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 08, 2013
			TJ Holdings, LLC [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]	Morgan 10 [Member]	Morgan 10 [Member]
				TJ Holdings, LLC [Member]	TJ Holdings, LLC [Member]		properties
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Increase to principal balance of note receivable						$250,000
Note receivable related to acquistion	5,300,000	5,000,000				5,000,000
Cash							55,618,000
Payments for Legal Settlements			$360,000
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Closing Stock Price Determination, Period Preceeding Qualifying Event with Joint Venture Properties					30 days
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Ownership Percentage, After Qualifying Event with Joint Venture Properties				9.03%	28.99%
Number of properties							10