Sun Communities (SUI) 10-Q 24 Jul 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2
Trading Symbol	'SUI
Entity Registrant Name	'SUN COMMUNITIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	'0000912593
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	41,107,511
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Investment property, net	$1,899,783	$1,755,052
Cash and cash equivalents	7,620	4,753
Inventory of manufactured homes	6,226	5,810
Notes and other receivables, net	164,430	164,685
Other assets	65,921	68,936
TOTAL ASSETS	2,143,980	1,999,236
LIABILITIES	'	'
Debt	1,407,317	1,311,437
Lines of credit	38,461	181,383
Other liabilities	126,598	109,342
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,572,376	1,602,162
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 10,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 3,400 shares at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	34	34
Common Stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized: 90,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 41,108 shares at June 30, 2014 and 36,140 shares at December 31, 2013	411	361
Additional paid-in capital	1,359,315	1,141,590
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-277	-366
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	-799,805	-761,112
Total Sun Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity	559,678	380,507
Noncontrolling interests:	'	'
Series A-1 preferred OP units	43,840	45,548
Series A-3 preferred OP units	3,463	3,463
Common OP units	-35,109	-31,907
Consolidated variable interest entities	-268	-537
Total noncontrolling interests	11,926	16,567
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	571,604	397,074
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$2,143,980	$1,999,236

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Investment Property, net	$56,002	$56,805
Variable Interest Entities, Consolidated, Debt	$44,848	$45,209
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	41,108	36,140

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Income from real property	$86,105	$75,746	$173,602	$154,811
Revenue from home sales	14,813	13,199	24,936	26,055
Rental home revenue	9,733	7,977	19,135	15,338
Ancillary revenues, net	1,115	-27	1,633	444
Interest income	3,526	3,182	6,880	6,145
Brokerage commissions and other income, net	95	74	382	270
Total revenues	115,387	100,151	226,568	203,063
COSTS AND EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Property operating and maintenance	25,193	22,268	48,382	42,214
Real estate taxes	6,079	5,788	12,088	11,544
Cost of home sales	11,100	9,383	18,948	19,199
Rental home operating and maintenance	5,213	4,485	10,464	8,748
General and administrative - real property	8,393	6,369	16,206	13,159
General and administrative - home sales and rentals	3,120	2,812	5,619	5,246
Transaction costs	1,104	1,108	1,864	2,150
Depreciation and amortization	30,045	26,064	58,934	51,326
Interest	17,940	18,201	35,530	37,065
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	806	812	1,609	1,621
Total expenses	108,993	97,290	209,644	192,272
Income (loss) before income taxes and distributions from affiliates	6,394	2,861	16,924	10,791
Gain on dispositions of properties, net	885	0	885	0
Provision for state income taxes	-69	-37	-138	-96
Distributions from affiliate	400	450	800	850
Net income	7,610	3,274	18,471	11,545
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	664	646	1,336	1,219
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	46	46	91	76
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	458	33	1,242	443
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	6,442	2,549	15,802	9,807
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	1,514	1,514	3,028	3,028
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$4,928	$1,035	$12,774	$6,779
Weighted average common shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	40,979	35,887	39,060	33,331
Diluted	40,993	35,907	39,075	33,348
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.12	$0.03	$0.33	$0.20
Diluted	$0.12	$0.03	$0.33	$0.20
Dividends per common share:	$0.65	$0.63	$1.30	$1.26

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net income	$7,610	$3,274	$18,471	$11,545
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	0	85	97	177
Total comprehensive income	7,610	3,359	18,568	11,722
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	458	40	1,250	459
Comprehensive income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	$7,152	$3,319	$17,318	$11,263

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, 2013	$397,074	$34	$361	$1,141,590	($366)	($761,112)	$16,567	$397,074
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net	'	0	0	127	0	0	0	127
Issuance, conversion of OP units and associated costs of common stock, net	'	0	50	215,459	0	0	-1,707	213,802
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures	'	0	0	2,139	0	84	0	2,223
Net income	18,471	0	0	0	0	17,229	1,242	18,471
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	97	0	0	0	89	0	8	97
Distributions declared	-4,034	0	0	0	0	56,006	4,184	-60,190
Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$571,604	$34	$411	$1,359,315	($277)	($799,805)	$11,926	$571,604

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net income	$18,471	$11,545
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Gain on dispositions of assets	2,514	1,713
Gain on dispositions of properties, net	-885	0
Share-based compensation	2,223	1,170
Depreciation and amortization	59,302	49,425
Amortization of deferred financing costs	567	1,916
Distributions from affiliate	-800	-850
Change in notes receivable from financed sales of inventory homes, net of repayments	7,401	2,738
Change in inventory, other assets and other receivables, net	-2,269	1,469
Change in accounts payable and other liabilities	10,419	216
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	77,113	60,440
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Investment in properties	-84,036	-89,922
Acquisition of properties	-137,376	-82,718
Investment in note receivable of acquired properties	0	49,441
Proceeds related to affiliate dividend distribution	800	850
Proceeds related to the disposition of land	221	0
Proceeds related to disposition of assets and depreciated homes, net	4,697	697
Proceeds related to disposition of properties	15,298	0
Issuance of notes and other receivables	1,487	765
Increase in notes receivable, net	-5,114	-621
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES	-196,769	-220,678
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	213,802	261,967
Net proceeds from stock option exercise	127	149
Distributions to stockholders, OP unit holders, and preferred OP unit holders	-56,156	-47,843
Borrowings on lines of credit	213,922	189,392
Payments on lines of credit	-356,844	-200,887
Proceeds from issuance of other debt	114,666	15,522
Payments on other debt	-8,178	-78,363
Proceeds received from return of prepaid deferred financing costs	2,384	0
Payments for deferred financing costs	-1,200	-2,719
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FOR FINANCING ACTIVITIES	122,523	137,218
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,867	-23,020
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	4,753	29,508
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	7,620	6,488
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:	'	'
Cash paid for interest	28,148	29,780
Cash paid for interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	1,609	1,621
Noncash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	97	177
Reduction in secured borrowing balance	10,515	7,299
Change in dividends declared and outstanding	4,034	4,498
Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted	1,707	0
Noncash investing and financing activities at the date of acquisition:	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues, Series A-3 Preferred OP Units	0	3,463
Acquisitions - release of note receivable and accrued interest	$0	$49,441

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Interest Costs Capitalized	$289	$232

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [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, 2013 as filed with the SEC on February 20, 2014 (the “2013 Annual Report”). These statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in our 2013 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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Real Estate Acquisitions	'
	Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions
	Acquisitions
	In June 2014, we acquired Lake Rudolph Campground and Recreational Vehicle Resort ("Lake Rudolph"), a recreational vehicle ("RV") community with 503 sites located in Santa Claus, Indiana.
	In April 2014, we acquired Saco/Old Orchard Beach RV Resort ("Saco"), a community with 127 sites located in Saco, Maine.
	In February 2014, we acquired Driftwood Camping Resort ("Driftwood"), an RV community with 698 sites and expansion potential of approximately 30 sites located in Clermont, New Jersey, and Seashore Campsites RV and Campground ("Seashore"), an RV community with 685 sites located in Cape May, New Jersey.
	In January 2014, we acquired Castaways RV Resort & Campground ("Castaways"), an RV community with 369 sites and expansion potential of approximately 25 sites located in Worcester County, Maryland, and Wine Country RV Resort ("Wine Country"), an RV community with 166 sites and expansion potential of approximately 34 sites located in Paso Robles, California.
	The following tables summarize the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for acquisitions completed in 2014 (in thousands):
	At Acquisition Date		Wine Country				Castaways				Seashore				Driftwood			Saco			Lake Rudolph			Total
	Investment in property		$	13,250			$	36,597			$	24,258			$	31,301		$	4,366		$	30,454		$	140,226
	In-place leases and other intangible assets		—				—				500				790			—			—			1,290
	Other assets		9				2				12				4			31			64			122
	Below market franchise intangible		—				—				—				—			(6		)	—			(6		)
	Other liabilities		(60		)		(497		)		(1,188		)		(836		)	(258		)	(1,417		)	(4,256		)
	Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed		$	13,199			$	36,102			$	23,582			$	31,259		$	4,133		$	29,101		$	137,376
	Consideration
	Cash consideration transferred		$	13,199			$	36,102			$	23,582			$	31,259		$	4,133		$	29,101		$	137,376
	The purchase price allocations for Wine Country, Castaways, Seashore, Driftwood, Saco and Lake Rudolph 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 three and six months ended June 30, 2014 for all acquisitions described above is set forth in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014				Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		(unaudited)
	Revenue	$	5,026			$	6,079
	Net income	$	2,866			$	3,225
	2.      Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions, continued
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2013. The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments for items that are not expected to have a continuing impact, such as adjustments for transaction 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, 2013 (in thousands, except per-share data).
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		(unaudited)
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Total revenues	$	116,960			$	103,338			$	229,862			$	209,438
	Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,730			$	2,098			$	15,534			$	9,844
	Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - basic	$	0.14			$	0.06			$	0.4			$	0.3
	Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - diluted	$	0.14			$	0.06			$	0.4			$	0.3
	Transaction costs of approximately $1.1 million and $1.1 million and $1.9 million and $2.2 million have been incurred for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are presented as “Transaction costs” in our consolidated statements of operations.
	Dispositions
	In June 2014, we closed on the sale of four manufactured housing ("MH") communities: Continental Estates, Davison East, Countryside Village and Desert View Village. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company chose to early adopt Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08"). Pursuant to ASU 2014-08, the disposal of the communities does not qualify for presentation as discontinued operations, as the sale does not have a major impact on our operations and financial results and does not represent a strategic shift. Additionally, the communities are not considered individually significant components that do not qualify for presentation as discontinued operations. A gain of $0.9 million is recorded in "Gain on disposition of properties, net" in our consolidated statement of operations.

Investment_Property

Investment Property	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Real Estate Investment Property, Net [Abstract]	'
Investment Property	'
	Investment Property
	The following table sets forth certain information regarding investment property (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Land	$	220,019		$	194,404
	Land improvements and buildings	1,915,042			1,806,546
	Rental homes and improvements	439,079			393,562
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	67,979			65,086
	Land held for future development	23,221			29,521
	Investment property	2,665,340			2,489,119
	Accumulated depreciation	(765,557		)	(734,067		)
	Investment property, net	$	1,899,783		$	1,755,052
	Land improvements and buildings consist primarily of infrastructure, roads, landscaping, clubhouses, maintenance buildings and amenities.
	See Note 2, "Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions", for details on recent acquisitions and dispositions.

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets

Transfers Of Financial Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 $114.9 million (net of allowance of $0.8 million) and $109.8 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million) as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The outstanding balance on the secured borrowing was $115.7 million and $110.5 million as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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):
		Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2014
	Beginning balance	$	110,510
	Financed sales of manufactured homes	15,664
	Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(5,148		)
	Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(5,366		)
	Total activity	5,150
	Ending balance	$	115,660
	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 $2.9 million and $2.6 million and $5.6 million and $5.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Notes_And_Other_Receivables

Notes And Other Receivables	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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-Jun-14		31-Dec-13
	Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net		$	23,134	$	25,471
	Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 4)		114,871		109,821
	Other receivables, net		26,425		29,393
	Total notes and other receivables, net		$	164,430	$	164,685
	Installment Notes Receivable on Manufactured Homes
	The installment notes of $23.1 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) and $25.5 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million) as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 8.8% and 11.7 years as of June 30, 2014, and 8.9% and 11.9 years as of December 31, 2013.
	The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the installment notes is as follows (in thousands):
		Six Months Ended
		30-Jun-14
	Beginning balance	$	25,575
	Financed sales of manufactured homes	331
	Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(1,883		)
	Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(750		)
	Total activity	(2,302		)
	Ending balance	$	23,273
	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 $114.9 million (net of allowance of $0.8 million) and $109.8 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million ) as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.  The receivables have a net weighted average interest rate and maturity of 10.5% and 14.0 years as of June 30, 2014, and 10.7% and 13.6 years as of December 31, 2013.
	Allowance for Losses for Collateralized and Installment Notes Receivable
	The following table sets forth the allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable as of June 30, 2014 (in thousands).
		Six Months Ended
		30-Jun-14
	Beginning balance	$	(793	)
	Lower of cost or market write-downs	254
	Increase to reserve balance	(390		)
	Total activity	(136		)
	Ending balance	$	(929	)
	5.      Notes and Other Receivables, continued
	Other Receivables
	As of June 30, 2014, other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $8.4 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million), home sale proceeds of $5.3 million, insurance receivables of $2.7 million, insurance settlement of $3.7 million, rebates and other receivables of $4.1 million and a note receivable of $2.2 million.  The $2.2 million note bears interest at 8.0% for the first two years and 7.9% for the remainder of the loan, is secured by the senior mortgage on one MH community and a deed of land, and is due on December 31, 2016. As of December 31, 2013, other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent and water and sewer usage of $6.9 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million), home sale proceeds of $5.7 million, insurance receivables of $2.0 million, insurance settlement of $3.7 million, rebates and other receivables of $4.6 million and two notes receivable of $4.3 million and $2.2 million.
	In June 2014, our $4.3 million note receivable, which was 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, was paid in full.

Intangibles

Intangibles	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Intangible Assets
	Our intangible assets include in-place leases from acquisitions, capitalized costs in relation to leasing costs and franchise fees. These intangible assets are recorded within Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The accumulated amortization and gross carrying amounts are as follows (in thousands):
				30-Jun-14								31-Dec-13
	Intangible Asset	Useful Life		Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization				Gross Carrying Amount				Accumulated Amortization
	In-place leases	7 years		$	28,251			$	(10,021	)		$	26,961			$	(8,239	)
	Capitalized leasing costs greater than 1 year	7 years		13,780				(5,837		)		13,359				(6,757		)
	Franchise fees	15 years		764				(68		)		770				(29		)
	Total			$	42,795			$	(15,926	)		$	41,090			$	(15,025	)
	During 2014, in connection with our acquisitions, we purchased in-place leases valued at approximately $1.3 million with a useful life of seven years.
	The aggregate net amortization expenses related to the intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
	Intangible Asset	2014				2013				2014				2013
	In-place leases	$	891			$	881			$	1,782			$	1,611
	Capitalized leasing costs greater than 1 year	373				367				730				722
	Franchise fees	8				7				38				7
	Total	$	1,272			$	1,255			$	2,550			$	2,340

Investment_In_Affiliates

Investment In Affiliates	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]	'
Investment In Affiliates	'
	Investment in Affiliates
	Origen Financial Services, LLC (“OFS LLC”)
	At June 30, 2014 and 2013, we had a 22.9% ownership interest in OFS LLC, an entity formed to originate manufactured housing installment contracts.  We have suspended equity accounting as the carrying value of our investment is zero.
	Origen Financial, Inc. (“Origen”)
	Through Sun OFI, LLC, a taxable REIT subsidiary, we own 5,000,000 shares of common stock of Origen which approximates an ownership interest of 19%. 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 distributions on our shares of Origen common stock.  Per Origen's amended earnings release dated June 3, 2014, the distribution payment represented a return of capital. Our investment in Origen had a market value of approximately $7.8 million based on a quoted market closing price of $1.56 per share from the OTC Pink Marketplace as of June 30, 2014.
	The following table sets forth certain summarized unaudited financial information for Origen. The unaudited revenue and expense amounts represent actual results through May 2014 and budgeted June 2014 results (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		(unaudited)
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues	$	11,045		$	13,207		$	22,252		$	25,880
	Expenses	(11,143		)	(13,034		)	(22,447		)	(27,560		)
	Net income (loss)	$	(98	)	$	173		$	(195	)	$	(1,680	)

Consolidated_Variable_Interest

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 sheets after appropriate eliminations (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	ASSETS
	Investment property, net	$	56,002		$	56,805
	Other assets	3,816			3,926
	Total Assets	$	59,818		$	60,731
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Debt	$	44,848		$	45,209
	Other liabilities	9,160			6,564
	Noncontrolling interests	(268		)	(537		)
	Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	53,740		$	51,236
	Investment property, net and other assets related to the consolidated VIEs comprised approximately 2.8% and 3.0% of our consolidated total assets and debt and other liabilities comprised approximately 3.4% and 3.2% of our consolidated total liabilities at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Noncontrolling interest related to the consolidated VIEs comprised less than 1.0% of our consolidated total equity at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit

Debt And Lines Of Credit	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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
		June 30, 2014		31-Dec-13		June 30, 2014	31-Dec-13	June 30, 2014		31-Dec-13
	Collateralized term loans - CMBS	$	641,215	$	644,844	5.6	6.1	5.4	%	5.4	%
	Collateralized term loans - FNMA	363,664		366,019		7.6	8.1	3.1	%	3.6	%
	Collateralized term loans - Northwestern	98,447		—		11.6	N/A	4.2	%	N/A
	Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP Units	47,022		47,022		7.4	7.6	6.9	%	6.9	%
	Secured borrowing (see Note 4)	115,660		110,510		13.9	13.5	10.5	%	10.7	%
	Mortgage notes, other	141,309		143,042		5.5	6	4.6	%	4.6	%
	Total debt	$	1,407,317	$	1,311,437	7.1	7.2	5.1	%	5	%
	Collateralized Term Loans
	In January 2014, we and four of our subsidiaries obtained four mortgage loans (each, an “Individual Loan” and, together, the “Loan”) in the aggregate amount of $99.0 million from The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (“NM”) pursuant to a Master Loan Agreement with NM. Each Individual Loan accrues interest at a rate of 4.20% and matures on February 13, 2026. We and each of the four borrowers have guaranteed the Loan. The proceeds of the Loan were used to repay a portion of our senior secured line of credit.
	9.      Debt and Lines of Credit, continued
	The collateralized term loans totaling $1.1 billion as of June 30, 2014, are secured by 99 properties comprised of 40,220 sites representing approximately $701.3 million of net book value.
	Aspen Preferred OP Units
	The Aspen preferred OP units issued by the Operating Partnership are convertible into 526,212 shares of the Company's common stock 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
	The mortgage notes totaling $141.3 million as of June 30, 2014, are collateralized by 18 properties comprised of 7,915 sites representing approximately $241.8 million of net book value.
	Lines of Credit
	We have a senior secured revolving credit facility with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders in the amount of $350.0 million (the "Facility"). 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 June 30, 2014, the margin was 1.65%. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had approximately $31.9 million and $178.1 million, respectively, outstanding under the Facility. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, approximately $2.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, 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.
	We also have a $20.0 million secured line of credit agreement collateralized by a portion of our rental home portfolio. 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 both June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the effective interest rate was 5.5%, and there was no amount outstanding.
	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 June 30, 2014, the effective interest rate was 7.0%.  The outstanding balance was $6.6 million and $3.3 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, 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 June 30, 2014, we were in compliance with all covenants.

Equity_Transactions

Equity Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Equity Transactions	'
	Equity Transactions
	In March 2014, we closed an underwritten registered public offering of 4,200,000 shares of common stock at a price of $44.45 per share, and in April 2014, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase an additional 630,000 shares of common stock at a price of $44.45 less the declared dividend of $0.65 per share. Net proceeds from the offering were $214.0 million after deducting underwriting discounts and the expenses related to the offering. We used the net proceeds of the offering to repay borrowings outstanding under the Facility, for acquisitions of properties and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
	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 the six months ended June 30, 2014 or 2013.  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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, there were no common OP units converted to shares of common stock.
	Subject to certain limitations, Series A-1 preferred OP unit holders may convert their Series A-1 preferred OP units to shares of our common stock at any time. During the six months ended June 30, 2014, holders of Series A-1 preferred OP units converted 17,075 units to 41,645 shares of common stock. No such units were converted during the six months ended June 30, 2013.
	Cash distributions of $0.65 per share were declared for the quarter ended June 30, 2014. On July 18, 2014, cash payments of approximately $28.1 million for aggregate distributions were made to common stockholders, common OP unitholders and restricted stockholders of record as of June 30, 2014. In addition, cash distributions of $0.4453 per share were declared on the Company's Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock. On July 15, 2014, cash payments of approximately $1.5 million for aggregate distributions were made to Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stockholders of record as of July 1, 2014.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	In June 2014, we granted 20,250 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 $49.84 per share and will vest as follows: June 30, 2017: 35%; June 30, 2018: 35%; June 30, 2019: 20%; June 30, 2020: 5%; June 30, 2021: 5%. The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.
	In June 2014, we also granted 50,000 shares of restricted stock to our executive officers under our 2009 Equity Plan. The restricted shares had a fair value of $49.84 per share and will vest as follows: June 30, 2018: 20%; June 30, 2019: 30%; June 30, 2020: 35%; June 30, 2021: 10%; June 30, 2022: 5%. The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.
	In February 2014, we granted 16,000 shares of restricted stock to an executive officer and a key employee under our 2009 Equity Plan. The restricted shares had a fair value of $48.01 per share and will vest as follows: February 12, 2018: 20%; February 12, 2019: 30%; February 12, 2020: 35%; February 12, 2021: 10%; February 12, 2022: 5%. The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued.
	In February 2014, we granted 14,000 shares of restricted stock to our directors under our First Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Option Plan. The awards vest on February 12, 2017, and had a fair value of $48.01 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 six months ended June 30, 2014, 4,904 shares of common stock were issued in connection with the exercise of stock options and the net proceeds received were $0.1 million.
	The vesting requirements for 18,045 restricted shares granted to our employees were satisfied during the six months ended June 30, 2014.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	We group our operating segments into reportable segments that provide similar products and services. Each operating segment has discrete financial information evaluated regularly by the Company's chief operating decision maker in evaluating and assessing performance. We have two reportable segments: (i) Real Property Operations and (ii) Home Sales and Rentals. The Real Property Operations segment owns, operates, and develops MH communities and RV communities and is in the business of acquiring, operating, and expanding MH and RV communities.  The Home Sales and Rentals segment offers manufactured home sales and leasing services to tenants and prospective tenants of our communities.
	Transactions between our segments are eliminated in consolidation.  Transient RV revenue is included in Real Property Operations’ revenues and is expected to approximate $31.7 million annually. This transient revenue was recognized 25.2% and 18.2% in the first and second quarters, respectively, and is expected to be recognized 43.2% in the third quarter and 13.4% in the fourth quarter of 2014. In 2013, transient revenue was $17.4 million and was recognized 40.0% in the first quarter, 15.0% in the second quarter, 30.0% in the third quarter and 15.0% in the fourth quarter.
	A presentation of segment financial information is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014									Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	86,105		$	24,546		$	110,651		$	75,746		$	21,176		$	96,922
	Operating expenses/Cost of sales	31,272			16,313			47,585			28,056			13,868			41,924
	Net operating income/Gross profit	54,833			8,233			63,066			47,690			7,308			54,998
	Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
	Ancillary, interest and other income, net	4,736			—			4,736			3,229			—			3,229
	General and administrative	(8,393		)	(3,120		)	(11,513		)	(6,369		)	(2,812		)	(9,181		)
	Transaction costs	(1,104		)	—			(1,104		)	(1,108		)	—			(1,108		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(18,713		)	(11,332		)	(30,045		)	(17,410		)	(8,654		)	(26,064		)
	Interest	(17,933		)	(7		)	(17,940		)	(18,181		)	(20		)	(18,201		)
	Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(806		)	—			(806		)	(812		)	—			(812		)
	(Loss) gain on disposition of properties, net	(647		)	1,532			885			—			—			—
	Distributions from affiliate	400			—			400			450			—			450
	Provision for state income taxes	(69		)	—			(69		)	(37		)	—			(37		)
	Net income (loss)	12,304			(4,694		)	7,610			7,452			(4,178		)	3,274
	Less:  Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	664			—			664			646			—			646
	Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units	46			—			46			46			—			46
	Less:  Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	797			(339		)	458			335			(302		)	33
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	10,797			(4,355		)	6,442			6,425			(3,876		)	2,549
	Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	1,514			—			1,514			1,514			—			1,514
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	9,283		$	(4,355	)	$	4,928		$	4,911		$	(3,876	)	$	1,035
	12.     Segment Reporting, continued
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014									Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	173,602		$	44,071		$	217,673		$	154,811		$	41,393		$	196,204
	Operating expenses/Cost of sales	60,470			29,412			89,882			53,758			27,947			81,705
	Net operating income/Gross profit	113,132			14,659			127,791			101,053			13,446			114,499
	Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
	Ancillary, interest and other income, net	8,895			—			8,895			6,859			—			6,859
	General and administrative	(16,206		)	(5,619		)	(21,825		)	(13,159		)	(5,246		)	(18,405		)
	Transaction costs	(1,856		)	(8		)	(1,864		)	(2,150		)	—			(2,150		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(37,069		)	(21,865		)	(58,934		)	(34,206		)	(17,120		)	(51,326		)
	Interest	(35,521		)	(9		)	(35,530		)	(36,736		)	(329		)	(37,065		)
	Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(1,609		)	—			(1,609		)	(1,621		)	—			(1,621		)
	(Loss) gain on disposition of properties, net	(647		)	1,532			885			—			—			—
	Distributions from affiliate	800			—			800			850			—			850
	Provision for state income taxes	(138		)	—			(138		)	(96		)	—			(96		)
	Net income (loss)	29,781			(11,310		)	18,471			20,794			(9,249		)	11,545
	Less:  Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	1,336			—			1,336			1,219			—			1,219
	Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units	91			—			91			76			—			76
	Less:  Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,122			(880		)	1,242			1,231			(788		)	443
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	26,232			(10,430		)	15,802			18,268			(8,461		)	9,807
	Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	3,028			—			3,028			3,028			—			3,028
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	23,204		$	(10,430	)	$	12,774		$	15,240		$	(8,461	)	$	6,779
		June 30, 2014									December 31, 2013
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated
	Identifiable assets:
	Investment property, net	$	1,569,265		$	330,518		$	1,899,783		$	1,460,628		$	294,424		$	1,755,052
	Cash and cash equivalents	7,266			354			7,620			5,336			(583		)	4,753
	Inventory of manufactured homes	—			6,226			6,226			—			5,810			5,810
	Notes and other receivables	155,054			9,376			164,430			154,524			10,161			164,685
	Other assets	60,859			5,062			65,921			64,342			4,594			68,936
	Total assets	$	1,792,444		$	351,536		$	2,143,980		$	1,684,830		$	314,406		$	1,999,236

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014.
	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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2014 and 2013. We expect no significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to changes in tax positions within one year of June 30, 2014.
	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 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	We have outstanding stock options and unvested restricted shares, and our Operating Partnership has outstanding 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, will 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 June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
	Numerator	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	4,928		$	1,035	$	12,774	$	6,779
	Denominator
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	40,331			35,479		38,413		32,954
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	648			408		647		377
	Basic weighted average common shares and unvested restricted stock outstanding	40,979			35,887		39,060		33,331
	Add: dilutive securities	14			20		15		17
	Diluted weighted average common shares and securities	40,993			35,907		39,075		33,348
	Earnings per share available to common stockholders:
	Basic	$	0.12		$	0.03	$	0.33	$	0.2
	Diluted	$	0.12		$	0.03	$	0.33	$	0.2
	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 outstanding securities that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		As of June 30,
		2014		2013
	Common OP units	2,069		2,069
	Series A-1 preferred OP units	438		455
	Series A-3 preferred OP units	40		40
	Aspen preferred OP units	1,325		1,325
	Total securities	3,872		3,889

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	'
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	Our objective in using interest rate derivatives is to manage exposure to interest rate movements thereby minimizing the effect of interest rate changes and the effect it could have on future cash flows. Interest rate swaps and caps are used to accomplish this objective. We require hedging derivative instruments to be highly effective in reducing the risk exposure that they are designated to hedge. We formally designate any instrument that meets these hedging criteria as a hedge at the inception of the derivative contract. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.
	The following table provides the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts that were in effect as of June 30, 2014:
	Type		Purpose		Effective Date	Maturity Date		Notional				Based on		Variable Rate	Fixed Rate		Spread	Effective Fixed Rate
								(in millions)
	Cap		Cap Floating Rate		4/1/12	4/1/15		$	152.4			3 Month LIBOR		0.33%	11.27%		—%	N/A
	Cap		Cap Floating Rate		10/3/11	10/3/16		$	10			3 Month LIBOR		0.33%	11.02%		—%	N/A
	In January 2014, our interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $20.0 million expired. We did not enter into a new interest rate swap agreement.
	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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value							Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments			June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013						June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement	Other assets		$	—		$	—			Other liabilities		$	—		$	97
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			$	—		$	—					$	—		$	97
	These valuation adjustments will only be realized under certain situations. For example, if we terminate contracts prior to maturity or if derivatives fail to qualify for hedge accounting, we would need to amortize amounts currently included in accumulated other comprehensive income into interest expense over the terms of the derivative contracts.  We did not terminate our swap prior to maturity, and it did not fail to qualify for hedge accounting; therefore, the net of valuation adjustments through the maturity date approximated zero.
	Our hedges were highly effective and had minimal effect on income.  The following tables summarize the impact of derivative instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 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)
	Cash Flow Hedging		(Loss) Recognized in
			OCI (Effective Portion)
			Three Months Ended June 30,									Three Months Ended June 30,
			2014			2013						2014			2013
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement		$	—		$	85			Interest expense		$	—		$	—
	Total		$	—		$	85			Total		$	—		$	—
	15.     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued
	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)
	Cash Flow Hedging		(Loss) Recognized in
			OCI (Effective Portion)
			Six Months Ended June 30,									Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014			2013						2014			2013
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement		$	97		$	177			Interest expense		$	—		$	—
	Total		$	97		$	177			Total		$	—		$	—
	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 in our consolidated balance sheets.
	To the extent that the hedging relationship is not effective or does not qualify as a cash flow hedge, the ineffective portion is recorded in interest expense. Hedges that received designated hedge accounting treatment are evaluated for effectiveness at the time that they are designated as well as through the hedging period. No gain or loss was recognized in the consolidated financial
	statements related to hedge ineffectiveness or to amounts excluded from effectiveness testing on our cash flow hedge during the three months ended June 30, 2014 or 2013.
	Certain of our derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to provide ongoing collateralization on derivative instruments in a liability position.  As of December 31, 2013, we had collateral deposits recorded in other assets of approximately $0.7 million. As of June 30, 2014, we had no such deposits recorded.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 swap and cap agreements for which quoted market prices are indirectly available. For those derivatives, we use model-derived valuations in which all observable inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets provided by brokers or dealers to determine the fair values of derivative instruments on a recurring basis (Level 2). See Note 15 for Derivative Instruments.
	Installment Notes on Manufactured Homes
	The net carrying value of the installment notes on manufactured homes estimates the fair value as the interest rates in the portfolio are comparable to current prevailing market rates (Level 2). See Note 5 for Installment Notes.
	16.    Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued
	Long Term Debt and Lines of Credit
	The fair value of long term debt (excluding the secured borrowing) is based on the estimates of management and on rates currently quoted and rates currently prevailing for comparable loans and instruments of comparable maturities (Level 2). See Note 9 for Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit.
	Collateralized Receivables and Secured Borrowing
	The fair value of these financial instruments offset each other as our collateralized receivables represent a transfer of financial assets and the cash proceeds received from these transactions have been classified as a secured borrowing in the consolidated balance sheets. The net carrying value of the collateralized receivables estimates the fair value as the interest rates in the portfolio are comparable to current prevailing market rates (Level 2). See Note 4 for Collateralized Receivables and Secured Borrowing.
	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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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.
		June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Financial assets	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Installment notes on manufactured homes, net	$	23,134	$	23,134	$	25,471	$	25,471
	Collateralized receivables, net	$	114,871	$	114,871	$	109,821	$	109,821
	Financial liabilities
	Derivative instruments	$	—	$	—	$	97	$	97
	Debt (excluding secured borrowing)	$	1,291,642	$	1,328,406	$	1,200,927	$	1,211,821
	Secured borrowing	$	115,660	$	115,660	$	110,510	$	110,510
	Lines of credit	$	38,461	$	38,461	$	181,383	$	181,383
	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	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, (“ASU 2014-09”), “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 606. The objective of ASU 2014-19 is to establish a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and will supersede most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the new standard, companies will perform a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. ASU 2014-09 applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB ASC. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016 and shall be applied using either a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance and has not determined the impact this standard may have on the consolidated financial statements nor decided upon the method of adoption.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, "Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity" ("ASU 2014-08"). ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation by requiring only those disposals of a component or group of components that represent a strategic shift or that will have a major effect on the Company’s operational and financial results and also requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The guidance does not change the presentation
	17.     Recent Accounting Pronouncements, continued
	requirements for discontinued operations in the statement where net income is presented. ASU 2014-08 also requires the reclassification of assets and liabilities of a discontinued operation in the statement of financial position for all prior periods presented. The standard expands the disclosures for discontinued operations and requires new disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation, an entity's continuing involvement with a discontinued operation following the disposal date and retained equity method investments in a discontinued operation. ASU 2014-08 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issue. The Company has chosen to early adopt this pronouncement and has applied the guidance to recent applicable disposals (see Note 2).

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments And Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	On June 4, 2010, we settled all of the claims arising out of the litigation filed in 2004 by TJ Holdings, LLC in the Superior Court of Guilford County, North Carolina and the associated arbitration proceeding commenced by TJ Holdings in Southfield, Michigan. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, in which neither party admitted any liability whatsoever, we paid TJ Holdings $360,000. In addition, pursuant to this settlement, TJ Holdings’ percentage ownership interest in Sun/Forest, LLC will be increased on a one time basis, in the event of a sale or refinance of all of the SunChamp Properties, to between 9.03% and 28.99% depending on our average closing stock price as reported by the NYSE during the 30 days preceding the sale or refinance of all the SunChamp Properties. Once this percentage ownership interest has been adjusted, there will be no further adjustments from subsequent sales or refinances of the SunChamp Properties. The likelihood of a sale or refinancing of all of the SunChamp properties is not probable as these properties continue to see growth potential nor do we have a need to refinance all of the properties, so we do not expect it to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
	We are involved in various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. All such proceedings, taken together, are not expected to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Events
	We have evaluated our financial statements for subsequent events through the date that this Form 10-Q was issued.
	Share-based Compensation
	In July 2014, the Company and Gary A. Shiffman (the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) entered into an Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Award Agreement, which amended and restated in its entirety the Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated June 20, 2013 between the Company and Mr. Shiffman. Under the original stock award agreement, the Company granted Mr. Shiffman 250,000 restricted shares of the Company's common stock, of which 175,000 restricted shares were awarded in respect of the performance of Mr. Shiffman and the Company over the prior three years and 75,000 restricted shares were awarded to induce Mr. Shiffman to execute a new five-year employment agreement. All of these restricted shares were scheduled to vest over time through June 2020. The restated stock award agreement amended the vesting schedule of the restricted shares, of which 100,000 restricted shares are now subject to performance vesting and the remaining 150,000 shares will vest over time through June 2020. The Company filed a Form 8-K on July 15, 2014 regarding the details of this event.
	Disposition of Property
	In July 2014, the Company sold a manufactured housing community located in Michigan for a total of $0.5 million.
	Debt
	In July 2014, the Company entered into a 10 year loan agreement for $26.9 million at a rate of 4.57% which is collateralized by two RV communities. The proceeds were used to pay down the Company’s line of credit.

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Table

Real Estate Acquisitions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2013. The unaudited pro forma results reflect certain adjustments for items that are not expected to have a continuing impact, such as adjustments for transaction 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, 2013 (in thousands, except per-share data).
		Three Months Ended June 30,								Six Months Ended June 30,
		(unaudited)
		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Total revenues	$	116,960			$	103,338			$	229,862			$	209,438
	Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	5,730			$	2,098			$	15,534			$	9,844
	Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - basic	$	0.14			$	0.06			$	0.4			$	0.3
	Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - diluted	$	0.14			$	0.06			$	0.4			$	0.3
Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from Acquisitions [Table Text Block]	'
	The amount of revenue and net income included in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 for all acquisitions described above is set forth in the following table (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30, 2014				Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
		(unaudited)
	Revenue	$	5,026			$	6,079
	Net income	$	2,866			$	3,225
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	'
	The following tables summarize the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid for acquisitions completed in 2014 (in thousands):
	At Acquisition Date		Wine Country				Castaways				Seashore				Driftwood			Saco			Lake Rudolph			Total
	Investment in property		$	13,250			$	36,597			$	24,258			$	31,301		$	4,366		$	30,454		$	140,226
	In-place leases and other intangible assets		—				—				500				790			—			—			1,290
	Other assets		9				2				12				4			31			64			122
	Below market franchise intangible		—				—				—				—			(6		)	—			(6		)
	Other liabilities		(60		)		(497		)		(1,188		)		(836		)	(258		)	(1,417		)	(4,256		)
	Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed		$	13,199			$	36,102			$	23,582			$	31,259		$	4,133		$	29,101		$	137,376
	Consideration
	Cash consideration transferred		$	13,199			$	36,102			$	23,582			$	31,259		$	4,133		$	29,101		$	137,376

Investment_Property_Tables

Investment Property (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Land	$	220,019		$	194,404
	Land improvements and buildings	1,915,042			1,806,546
	Rental homes and improvements	439,079			393,562
	Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	67,979			65,086
	Land held for future development	23,221			29,521
	Investment property	2,665,340			2,489,119
	Accumulated depreciation	(765,557		)	(734,067		)
	Investment property, net	$	1,899,783		$	1,755,052

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets_

Transfers Of Financial Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Transfers and Servicing [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):
		Six Months Ended
		June 30, 2014
	Beginning balance	$	110,510
	Financed sales of manufactured homes	15,664
	Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(5,148		)
	Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(5,366		)
	Total activity	5,150
	Ending balance	$	115,660

Notes_And_Other_Receivables_Ta

Notes And Other Receivables (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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-Jun-14		31-Dec-13
	Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net		$	23,134	$	25,471
	Collateralized receivables, net (see Note 4)		114,871		109,821
	Other receivables, net		26,425		29,393
	Total notes and other receivables, net		$	164,430	$	164,685
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):
		Six Months Ended
		30-Jun-14
	Beginning balance	$	25,575
	Financed sales of manufactured homes	331
	Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(1,883		)
	Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(750		)
	Total activity	(2,302		)
	Ending balance	$	23,273
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 June 30, 2014 (in thousands).
		Six Months Ended
		30-Jun-14
	Beginning balance	$	(793	)
	Lower of cost or market write-downs	254
	Increase to reserve balance	(390		)
	Total activity	(136		)
	Ending balance	$	(929	)

Intangibles_Schedule_of_Finite

Intangibles Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	The accumulated amortization and gross carrying amounts are as follows (in thousands):
			30-Jun-14					31-Dec-13
	Intangible Asset	Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
	In-place leases	7 years	$	28,251	$	(10,021	)	$	26,961	$	(8,239	)
	Capitalized leasing costs greater than 1 year	7 years	13,780		(5,837		)	13,359		(6,757		)
	Franchise fees	15 years	764		(68		)	770		(29		)
	Total		$	42,795	$	(15,926	)	$	41,090	$	(15,025	)

Intangibles_Schedule_of_Intang

Intangibles Schedule of Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	'
	The aggregate net amortization expenses related to the intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	Intangible Asset	2014		2013		2014		2013
	In-place leases	$	891	$	881	$	1,782	$	1,611
	Capitalized leasing costs greater than 1 year	373		367		730		722
	Franchise fees	8		7		38		7
	Total	$	1,272	$	1,255	$	2,550	$	2,340

Investment_In_Affiliates_Table

Investment In Affiliates (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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. The unaudited revenue and expense amounts represent actual results through May 2014 and budgeted June 2014 results (amounts in thousands):
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		(unaudited)
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Revenues	$	11,045		$	13,207		$	22,252		$	25,880
	Expenses	(11,143		)	(13,034		)	(22,447		)	(27,560		)
	Net income (loss)	$	(98	)	$	173		$	(195	)	$	(1,680	)

Consolidated_Variable_Interest1

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheets after appropriate eliminations (in thousands):
		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	ASSETS
	Investment property, net	$	56,002		$	56,805
	Other assets	3,816			3,926
	Total Assets	$	59,818		$	60,731
	LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Debt	$	44,848		$	45,209
	Other liabilities	9,160			6,564
	Noncontrolling interests	(268		)	(537		)
	Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	53,740		$	51,236

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Table

Debt And Lines Of Credit (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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
		June 30, 2014		31-Dec-13		June 30, 2014	31-Dec-13	June 30, 2014		31-Dec-13
	Collateralized term loans - CMBS	$	641,215	$	644,844	5.6	6.1	5.4	%	5.4	%
	Collateralized term loans - FNMA	363,664		366,019		7.6	8.1	3.1	%	3.6	%
	Collateralized term loans - Northwestern	98,447		—		11.6	N/A	4.2	%	N/A
	Aspen and Series B-3 preferred OP Units	47,022		47,022		7.4	7.6	6.9	%	6.9	%
	Secured borrowing (see Note 4)	115,660		110,510		13.9	13.5	10.5	%	10.7	%
	Mortgage notes, other	141,309		143,042		5.5	6	4.6	%	4.6	%
	Total debt	$	1,407,317	$	1,311,437	7.1	7.2	5.1	%	5	%

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	'
		June 30, 2014									December 31, 2013
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated
	Identifiable assets:
	Investment property, net	$	1,569,265		$	330,518		$	1,899,783		$	1,460,628		$	294,424		$	1,755,052
	Cash and cash equivalents	7,266			354			7,620			5,336			(583		)	4,753
	Inventory of manufactured homes	—			6,226			6,226			—			5,810			5,810
	Notes and other receivables	155,054			9,376			164,430			154,524			10,161			164,685
	Other assets	60,859			5,062			65,921			64,342			4,594			68,936
	Total assets	$	1,792,444		$	351,536		$	2,143,980		$	1,684,830		$	314,406		$	1,999,236
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 June 30, 2014									Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	86,105		$	24,546		$	110,651		$	75,746		$	21,176		$	96,922
	Operating expenses/Cost of sales	31,272			16,313			47,585			28,056			13,868			41,924
	Net operating income/Gross profit	54,833			8,233			63,066			47,690			7,308			54,998
	Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
	Ancillary, interest and other income, net	4,736			—			4,736			3,229			—			3,229
	General and administrative	(8,393		)	(3,120		)	(11,513		)	(6,369		)	(2,812		)	(9,181		)
	Transaction costs	(1,104		)	—			(1,104		)	(1,108		)	—			(1,108		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(18,713		)	(11,332		)	(30,045		)	(17,410		)	(8,654		)	(26,064		)
	Interest	(17,933		)	(7		)	(17,940		)	(18,181		)	(20		)	(18,201		)
	Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(806		)	—			(806		)	(812		)	—			(812		)
	(Loss) gain on disposition of properties, net	(647		)	1,532			885			—			—			—
	Distributions from affiliate	400			—			400			450			—			450
	Provision for state income taxes	(69		)	—			(69		)	(37		)	—			(37		)
	Net income (loss)	12,304			(4,694		)	7,610			7,452			(4,178		)	3,274
	Less:  Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	664			—			664			646			—			646
	Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units	46			—			46			46			—			46
	Less:  Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	797			(339		)	458			335			(302		)	33
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	10,797			(4,355		)	6,442			6,425			(3,876		)	2,549
	Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	1,514			—			1,514			1,514			—			1,514
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	9,283		$	(4,355	)	$	4,928		$	4,911		$	(3,876	)	$	1,035
	12.     Segment Reporting, continued
		Six Months Ended June 30, 2014									Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
		Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated			Real Property Operations			Home Sales and Rentals			Consolidated
	Revenues	$	173,602		$	44,071		$	217,673		$	154,811		$	41,393		$	196,204
	Operating expenses/Cost of sales	60,470			29,412			89,882			53,758			27,947			81,705
	Net operating income/Gross profit	113,132			14,659			127,791			101,053			13,446			114,499
	Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss):
	Ancillary, interest and other income, net	8,895			—			8,895			6,859			—			6,859
	General and administrative	(16,206		)	(5,619		)	(21,825		)	(13,159		)	(5,246		)	(18,405		)
	Transaction costs	(1,856		)	(8		)	(1,864		)	(2,150		)	—			(2,150		)
	Depreciation and amortization	(37,069		)	(21,865		)	(58,934		)	(34,206		)	(17,120		)	(51,326		)
	Interest	(35,521		)	(9		)	(35,530		)	(36,736		)	(329		)	(37,065		)
	Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(1,609		)	—			(1,609		)	(1,621		)	—			(1,621		)
	(Loss) gain on disposition of properties, net	(647		)	1,532			885			—			—			—
	Distributions from affiliate	800			—			800			850			—			850
	Provision for state income taxes	(138		)	—			(138		)	(96		)	—			(96		)
	Net income (loss)	29,781			(11,310		)	18,471			20,794			(9,249		)	11,545
	Less:  Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units	1,336			—			1,336			1,219			—			1,219
	Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units	91			—			91			76			—			76
	Less:  Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,122			(880		)	1,242			1,231			(788		)	443
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	26,232			(10,430		)	15,802			18,268			(8,461		)	9,807
	Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	3,028			—			3,028			3,028			—			3,028
	Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$	23,204		$	(10,430	)	$	12,774		$	15,240		$	(8,461	)	$	6,779

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
	Numerator	2014			2013		2014		2013
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	4,928		$	1,035	$	12,774	$	6,779
	Denominator
	Weighted average common shares outstanding	40,331			35,479		38,413		32,954
	Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	648			408		647		377
	Basic weighted average common shares and unvested restricted stock outstanding	40,979			35,887		39,060		33,331
	Add: dilutive securities	14			20		15		17
	Diluted weighted average common shares and securities	40,993			35,907		39,075		33,348
	Earnings per share available to common stockholders:
	Basic	$	0.12		$	0.03	$	0.33	$	0.2
	Diluted	$	0.12		$	0.03	$	0.33	$	0.2
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	'
	as of June 30, 2014 and 2013 (amounts in thousands):
		As of June 30,
		2014		2013
	Common OP units	2,069		2,069
	Series A-1 preferred OP units	438		455
	Series A-3 preferred OP units	40		40
	Aspen preferred OP units	1,325		1,325
	Total securities	3,872		3,889

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed1

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	'
	June 30, 2014:
	Type		Purpose		Effective Date	Maturity Date		Notional				Based on		Variable Rate	Fixed Rate		Spread	Effective Fixed Rate
								(in millions)
	Cap		Cap Floating Rate		4/1/12	4/1/15		$	152.4			3 Month LIBOR		0.33%	11.27%		—%	N/A
	Cap		Cap Floating Rate		10/3/11	10/3/16		$	10			3 Month LIBOR		0.33%	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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Asset Derivatives									Liability Derivatives
		Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value							Balance Sheet Location		Fair Value
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments			June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013						June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement	Other assets		$	—		$	—			Other liabilities		$	—		$	97
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			$	—		$	—					$	—		$	97
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Effect on Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following tables summarize the impact of derivative instruments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 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)
	Cash Flow Hedging		(Loss) Recognized in
			OCI (Effective Portion)
			Three Months Ended June 30,									Three Months Ended June 30,
			2014			2013						2014			2013
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement		$	—		$	85			Interest expense		$	—		$	—
	Total		$	—		$	85			Total		$	—		$	—
	15.     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, continued
	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)
	Cash Flow Hedging		(Loss) Recognized in
			OCI (Effective Portion)
			Six Months Ended June 30,									Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014			2013						2014			2013
	Interest rate swaps and cap agreement		$	97		$	177			Interest expense		$	—		$	—
	Total		$	97		$	177			Total		$	—		$	—

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 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.
		June 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Financial assets	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value
	Installment notes on manufactured homes, net	$	23,134	$	23,134	$	25,471	$	25,471
	Collateralized receivables, net	$	114,871	$	114,871	$	109,821	$	109,821
	Financial liabilities
	Derivative instruments	$	—	$	—	$	97	$	97
	Debt (excluding secured borrowing)	$	1,291,642	$	1,328,406	$	1,200,927	$	1,211,821
	Secured borrowing	$	115,660	$	115,660	$	110,510	$	110,510
	Lines of credit	$	38,461	$	38,461	$	181,383	$	181,383

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Sched

Real Estate Acquisitions , Schedule of 2014 Purchase Price Allocation (Details) (USD $)	5 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	0 Months Ended		0 Months Ended		2 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 04, 2014	Apr. 25, 2014	Jan. 08, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jan. 10, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 18, 2014	Feb. 14, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
	Lake Rudolph RV Resort & Campground [Member]	Saco RV Resort [Member]	Wine Country [Member]	Wine Country [Member]	Castaways RV Resort [Member]	Castaways RV Resort [Member]	Seashore RV Resort [Member]	Driftwood RV Resort [Member]	Driftwood RV Resort [Member]	Total 2014 Acquisitions [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of sites	503	127	166	'	369	'	685	698	'	'
Number of Potential Sites in Community	'	'	'	34	'	25	'	'	30	'
At acquistion date	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investment in property	$30,454	$4,366	$13,250	'	$36,597	'	$24,258	$31,301	'	$140,226
In-place leases and other intangible assets	0	0	0	'	0	'	500	790	'	1,290
Other assets	64	31	9	'	2	'	12	4	'	122
Below market leases	0	-6	0	'	0	'	0	'	'	-6
Other liabilities	-1,417	-258	-60	'	-497	'	-1,188	-836	'	-4,256
Total identifiable assets and liabilities assumed	29,101	4,133	13,199	'	36,102	'	23,582	31,259	'	137,376
Consideration	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$29,101	$4,133	$13,199	'	$36,102	'	$23,582	$31,259	'	$137,376

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Sched1

Real Estate Acquisitions, Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from acquisitions (Details) (Series of Acquisitions [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Series of Acquisitions [Member]	'	'
Business Combination, Results of Operations [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	$5,026	$6,079
Net Income	$2,866	$3,225

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_Pro_F

Real Estate Acquisitions , Pro Forma Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Transaction costs	$1,104	$1,108	$1,864	$2,150
Series of Acquisitions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total revenues	116,960	103,338	229,862	209,438
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$5,730	$2,098	$15,534	$9,844
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - basic (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.06	$0.40	$0.30
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.14	$0.06	$0.40	$0.30

Real_Estate_Acquisitions_and_D

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions Real Estate Dispositions (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Gain on dispositions of properties, net	$885	$0	$885	$0

Investment_Property_Details

Investment Property (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Real estate, investment property [Line Items]	'	'
Land	$220,019	$194,404
Land improvements and buildings	1,915,042	1,806,546
Rental homes and improvements	439,079	393,562
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	67,979	65,086
Land held for future development	23,221	29,521
Investment property	2,665,340	2,489,119
Accumulated depreciation	-765,557	-734,067
Investment property, net	$1,899,783	$1,755,052

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets_1

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Repurchase price percentage (Details) (Collateralized receivables [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
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 $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Collateralized receivables [Member]	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	$110,510
Financed sales of manufactured homes	15,664
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	5,148
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	5,366
Total activity	5,150
Ending balance	$115,660

Transfers_Of_Financial_Assets_3

Transfers Of Financial Assets , Narrative (Details) (USD $)

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Collateralized receivables [Member]

Collateralized receivables [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Carrying Value [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Collateralized receivables [Member]

Collateralized receivables [Member]

Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notes and other receivables, net

$164,430,000

$164,685,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$114,871,000

$109,821,000

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance

'

'

800,000

700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Secured debt

1,407,317,000

1,311,437,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

115,660,000

110,510,000

'

'

Interest income and expense, net

'

'

'

'

$2,900,000

$2,600,000

$5,600,000

$5,000,000

'

'

'

'

Schedule_of_notes_and_other_re

Schedule of notes and other receivables (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes and other receivables, net	$164,430	$164,685
Other receivables, net [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes and other receivables, net	26,425	29,393
Carrying Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes and other receivables, net	23,134	25,471
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized receivables [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Total notes and other receivables, net	$114,871	$109,821

Notes_And_Other_Receivables_In

Notes And Other Receivables Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Rate	Rate
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	$164,430	$164,685
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	100	100
Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)	8.80%	8.90%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	'11 years 8 months 19 days	'11 years 10 months 24 days
Carrying Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	$23,134	$25,471

Schedule_of_installment_notes_

Schedule of installment notes receivable (Details) (Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member]	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'
Beginning balance	$25,575
Financed sales of manufactured homes	331
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	1,883
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	750
Total activity	-2,302
Ending balance	$23,273

Notes_And_Other_Receivables_Co

Notes And Other Receivables Collateralized notes receivable - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Rate	Rate
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	$164,430	$164,685
Collateralized receivables [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	800	700
Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)	10.50%	10.70%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	'14 years 10 days	'13 years 7 months 6 days
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized receivables [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	$114,871	$109,821

Allowance_for_collateralized_a

Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable (Details) (Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member]	'
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]	'
Beginning balance	$793
Lower of cost or market write-downs	254
Increase to reserve balance	-390
Total activity	-136
Ending balance	$929

Notes_And_Other_Receivables_Ot

Notes And Other Receivables Other receivables - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			2014-2015 [Member]	2016 [Member]
			Rate	Rate
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage	$8.40	$6.90	'	'
Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables	-0.7	-0.7	'	'
Home sale proceeds	5.3	5.7	'	'
Insurance receivables	2.7	2	'	'
Insurance Settlements Receivable	3.7	3.7	'	'
Note receivable related to acquistion	4.3	4.3	'	'
Miscellaneous note receivable	2.2	2.2	'	'
Miscellaneous Note Receivable, Interest Rate	'	'	8.00%	7.90%
Other Receivables	4.1	4.6	'	'
Pledged Assets, Series A-3 preferred OP units	$4	'	'	'

Intangibles_Schedule_of_Finite1

Intangibles Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	($15,926)	($15,025)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	42,795	41,090
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'7 years	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-10,021	-8,239
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	28,251	26,961
Capitalized Leasing Costs [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'7 years	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-5,837	-6,757
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	13,780	13,359
Franchise Rights [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'15 years	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	-68	-29
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	764	770
Total 2014 Acquisitions [Domain]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
In-place leases and other intangible assets	$1,290	'

Intangibles_Schedule_of_Intang1

Intangibles Schedule of Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$1,272	$1,255	$2,550	$2,340
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	891	881	1,782	1,611
Capitalized Leasing Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	373	367	730	722
Franchise Rights [Member]	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$8	$7	$38	$7

Investment_In_Affiliates_Narra

Investment In Affiliates , Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Origen Financial Services [Member]	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage	22.90%	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	$7,800,000	'
Origen quoted market closing price (in dollars per share)	$1.56	'

Investment_In_Affiliates_Sched

Investment In Affiliates , Schedule of Investments (Details) (Origen Financial [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Origen Financial [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$11,045	$13,207	$22,252	$25,880
Expenses	-11,143	-13,034	-22,447	-27,560
Net income (loss)	($98)	$173	($195)	($1,680)

Consolidated_Variable_Interest2

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Rate	Rate
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]	'	'
Investment Property, net	$56,002	$56,805
Other Assets	3,816	3,926
Total Assets	59,818	60,731
Debt	44,848	45,209
Other Liabilities	9,160	6,564
Noncontrolling interests	-268	-537
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity	$53,740	$51,236
VIE as a Percentage of Consolidated Assets	2.80%	3.00%
VIE as a Percentage of Consolidated Liabilities	3.40%	3.20%
VIE as a Percentage of Total Equity	1.00%	1.00%

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Table1

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Table - Schedule of debt and lines of credit (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Rate	Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	$1,407,317	$1,311,437
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	'7 years 1 month 6 days	'7 years 2 months 12 days
Weighted average interest rate	5.10%	5.00%
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	641,215	644,844
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	'5 years 7 months 6 days	'6 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average interest rate	5.40%	5.40%
Collateralized term loans - FNMA [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	363,664	366,019
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	'7 years 7 months 6 days	'8 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average interest rate	3.10%	3.60%
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	1,100,000	'
Aspen Series B3 Preferred Operating Partnership Units [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	47,022	47,022
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	'7 years 4 months 24 days	'7 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average interest rate	6.90%	6.90%
Secured borrowing [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	'13 years 10 months 24 days	'13 years 6 months
Weighted average interest rate	10.50%	10.70%
Mortgage notes, other [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	141,309	143,042
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	'5 years 6 months	'6 years
Weighted average interest rate	4.60%	4.60%
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	98,447	0
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	'11 years 7 months 6 days	'
Weighted average interest rate	4.20%	'
Carrying Value [Member] | Secured borrowing [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	$115,660	$110,510

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Narra

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Collateralized Term Loans (Details) (Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
	Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Net book value of properties securing collateralized term loans	$701.30
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$99
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.20%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	13-Feb-26
Properties securing debt [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties)	99
Number of sites	40,220

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 $)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
	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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 22, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
			Mortgages [Member]	Mortgages [Member]	Properties securing debt [Member]	Properties securing debt [Member]
					Mortgages [Member]	Mortgages [Member]
						sites
						properties
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total debt	$1,407,317,000	$1,311,437,000	$141,309,000	$143,042,000	'	'
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties)	'	'	'	'	2	18
Number of sites	'	'	'	'	'	7,915
Net book value of properties securing mortgage notes	'	'	'	'	'	$241,800,000

Debt_And_Lines_Of_Credit_Narra3

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Line of Credit (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	Rate
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average interest rate	5.10%	5.00%
Line of Credit [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	$350	'
Line of credit, outstanding balance	31.9	178.1
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	2	2.7
Effective interest rate, minimum	1.65%	'
Effective interest rate, maximum	2.90%	'
Line of credit variable interest rate	1.65%	'
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	15-May-17	'
Line of credit, additional borrowing capacity	250	'
Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	20	'
Line of credit, outstanding balance	0	'
Line of credit, outstanding loan balance, percent	200.00%	'
Basis points	200.00%	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	5.50%	'
Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	12	'
Line of credit, outstanding balance	$6.60	$3.30
Weighted average interest rate	7.00%	'
Basis points	100.00%	'
Prime Rate [Member] | Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Effective interest rate, maximum	6.00%	'
Minimum [Member] | Line of credit - rental home portfolio [Member]	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'
Stated interest rate, minimum	5.50%	'

Equity_Transactions_Narrative_

Equity Transactions Narrative (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jul. 18, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jul. 15, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Nov. 30, 2004

Apr. 08, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Preferred Stock [Member]

Preferred Stock [Member]

Repurchase Agreements [Member]

Repurchase Agreements [Member]

Repurchase Agreements [Member]

Registered public offering [Member]

Registered public offering [Member]

Conversion of Common OP Units [Member]

Conversion of Common OP Units [Member]

Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member]

Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member]

Dividend Paid [Member]

Dividend Paid [Member]

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common Stock

Common OP Units [Member]

Common OP Units [Member]

Common OP Units [Member]

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Authorized to be repurchased (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

17,075

41,645

New shares issued (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

630,000

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$44.45

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

'

'

$213,802,000

$261,967,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$214,000,000

'

'

'

'

Dividends per common share:

$0.65

$0.63

$1.30

$1.26

$0.65

$0.65

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Common Stock, Cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.45

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

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

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Stock Options [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

June 30, 2017 [Member]

June 30, 2018 [Member]

June 30, 2019 [Member]

June 30, 2020 [Member]

June 30, 2021 [Member]

February 12, 2018 [Member]

February 12, 2019 [Member]

February 12, 2020 [Member]

February 12, 2021 [Member]

February 12, 2022 [Member]

Executive Officer [Member]

Executive Officer [Member]

Executive Officer [Member]

Executive Officer [Member]

Executive Officer [Member]

Executive Officer [Member]

2004 non-employee plan [Member]

2004 non-employee 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]

Restricted Stock [Member]

June 30, 2018 [Member]

June 30, 2019 [Member]

June 30, 2020 [Member]

June 30, 2021 [Member]

June 30, 2022 [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]

2009 Equity Plan [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]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted, shares (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000

20,250

16,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50,000

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average grant date fair value

'

'

'

$49.84

$48.01

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Award vesting rights

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'0.35

'0.35

'0.2

'0.05

'0.05

'0.2

'0.3

'0.35

'0.1

'0.05

'

'0.2

'0.3

'0.35

'0.1

'0.05

Exercises in period

'

'

4,904

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from stock option exercise

$127

$149

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Vested restricted stock (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

18,045

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Seasonality (Details) (Real Property Operations Segment [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended					3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
						Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Actual [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]	Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expected Annual Transient RV Revenue	$17.40	'	'	'	$31.70	'	'	'	'
Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage	15.00%	30.00%	15.00%	40.00%	'	18.20%	25.20%	13.40%	43.20%

Segment_Reporting_Results_of_O

Segment Reporting Results of Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$110,651	$96,922	$217,673	$196,204
Operating Expenses/Cost of Sales	47,585	41,924	89,882	81,705
Net operating income/Gross Profit	63,066	54,998	127,791	114,499
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	4,736	3,229	8,895	6,859
General and Administrative Expense	-11,513	-9,181	-21,825	-18,405
Transaction costs	-1,104	-1,108	-1,864	-2,150
Depreciation and amortization	-30,045	-26,064	-58,934	-51,326
Interest	-17,940	-18,201	-35,530	-37,065
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	-806	-812	-1,609	-1,621
Gain on dispositions of assets	885	0	2,514	1,713
Gain on dispositions of properties, net	885	0	885	0
Distributions from affiliate	400	450	800	850
Provision for state income taxes	-69	-37	-138	-96
Net income	7,610	3,274	18,471	11,545
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	664	646	1,336	1,219
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	46	46	91	76
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	458	33	1,242	443
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	6,442	2,549	15,802	9,807
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	1,514	1,514	3,028	3,028
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	4,928	1,035	12,774	6,779
Real Property Operations Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	86,105	75,746	173,602	154,811
Operating Expenses/Cost of Sales	31,272	28,056	60,470	53,758
Net operating income/Gross Profit	54,833	47,690	113,132	101,053
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	4,736	3,229	8,895	6,859
General and Administrative Expense	-8,393	-6,369	16,206	13,159
Transaction costs	-1,104	-1,108	1,856	2,150
Depreciation and amortization	-18,713	-17,410	37,069	34,206
Interest	-17,933	-18,181	35,521	36,736
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	-806	-812	-1,609	-1,621
Gain on dispositions of assets	-647	0	'	'
Gain on dispositions of properties, net	'	'	-647	0
Distributions from affiliate	400	450	800	850
Provision for state income taxes	-69	-37	-138	-96
Net income	12,304	7,452	29,781	20,794
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	797	335	2,122	1,231
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	10,797	6,425	26,232	18,268
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	1,514	1,514	3,028	3,028
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	9,283	4,911	23,204	15,240
Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	24,546	21,176	44,071	41,393
Operating Expenses/Cost of Sales	16,313	13,868	29,412	27,947
Net operating income/Gross Profit	8,233	7,308	14,659	13,446
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	0	0	0	0
General and Administrative Expense	-3,120	-2,812	5,619	5,246
Transaction costs	0	0	8	0
Depreciation and amortization	-11,332	-8,654	21,865	17,120
Interest	-7	-20	9	329
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	0	0	0	'
Gain on dispositions of assets	1,532	0	'	'
Gain on dispositions of properties, net	'	'	1,532	0
Distributions from affiliate	0	0	0	0
Provision for state income taxes	0	0	0	0
Net income	-4,694	-4,178	-11,310	-9,249
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	-339	-302	-880	-788
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	-4,355	-3,876	-10,430	-8,461
Less: Series A preferred stock distributions	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	-4,355	-3,876	-10,430	-8,461
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	664	646	1,336	1,219
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Real Property Operations Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	664	646	1,336	1,219
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Less: 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]	'	'	'	'
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	46	46	91	76
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Real Property Operations Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	46	46	91	76
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	$0	$0	$0	$0

Segment_Reporting_Identifiable

Segment Reporting Identifiable Assets (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment property, net	$1,899,783	$1,755,052	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	7,620	4,753	6,488	29,508
Inventory of manufactured homes	6,226	5,810	'	'
Notes and other receivables, net	164,430	164,685	'	'
Other assets	65,921	68,936	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	2,143,980	1,999,236	'	'
Real Property Operations Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment property, net	1,569,265	1,460,628	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	7,266	5,336	'	'
Inventory of manufactured homes	0	0	'	'
Notes and other receivables, net	155,054	154,524	'	'
Other assets	60,859	64,342	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	1,792,444	1,684,830	'	'
Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment property, net	330,518	294,424	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	354	-583	'	'
Inventory of manufactured homes	6,226	5,810	'	'
Notes and other receivables, net	9,376	10,161	'	'
Other assets	5,062	4,594	'	'
TOTAL ASSETS	$351,536	$314,406	'	'

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes , Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Minimum Percent of Income From Qualifying Sources to Allow For Real Estate Investment Trust Classification	'	'	95.00%	'	'
Required Minimum Percent of Taxable Income Distributed to Stock Holders	'	'	90.00%	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	$1,000,000	'	$1,000,000	'	$1,000,000
Provision for state income taxes	$69,000	$37,000	$100,000	$96,000	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Calculation

Earnings Per Share , Calculation of Numerator and Denominator (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Numerator	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings: net income attributable to common stockholders	$4,928	$1,035	$12,774	$6,779
Diluted earnings: net income available to common stockholders and unitholders	$4,928	$1,035	$12,774	$6,779
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Weighted average common shares outstanding	40,331	35,479	38,413	32,954
Weighted average unvested restricted stock outstanding	648	408	647	377
Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding	40,979	35,887	39,060	33,331
Add: dilutive securities	14	20	15	17
Diluted weighted average common shares	40,993	35,907	39,075	33,348
Basic	$0.12	$0.03	$0.33	$0.20
Diluted	$0.12	$0.03	$0.33	$0.20

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share , Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Loss Per Share (Details)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	3,872	3,889
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	2,069
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	438	455
Series A-3 Preferred OP Units [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	40	40
Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,325	1,325

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed2

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Derivative Contracts (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$20
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	0.33%
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	0.33%
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 $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	$0	$0
Liability Derivatives	0	97,000
Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value	0	700,000
Other liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	'	97,000
Carrying Value [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Liability Derivatives	$0	$97,000

Derivative_Instruments_And_Hed4

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Statement of Operation Location (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$0	$85	$97	$177
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	0	0	0	0
Interest rate swaps and cap agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	0	85	97	177
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

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments , By Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets	'	'
Notes and other receivables, net	$164,430	$164,685
Financial liabilities	'	'
Liability Derivatives	0	97
Secured debt	1,407,317	1,311,437
Other liabilities [Member]	'	'
Financial liabilities	'	'
Liability Derivatives	'	97
Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Financial liabilities	'	'
Debt (excluding secured borrowings)	1,291,642	1,200,927
Lines of credit	38,461	181,383
Carrying Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]	'	'
Financial assets	'	'
Notes and other receivables, net	23,134	25,471
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized receivables [Member]	'	'
Financial assets	'	'
Notes and other receivables, net	114,871	109,821
Carrying Value [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]	'	'
Financial liabilities	'	'
Liability Derivatives	0	97
Carrying Value [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]	'	'
Financial liabilities	'	'
Secured debt	115,660	110,510
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Financial liabilities	'	'
Liability Derivatives	0	97
Debt (excluding secured borrowings)	1,328,406	1,211,821
Secured borrowing	115,660	110,510
Lines of credit	38,461	181,383
Fair Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Financial assets	'	'
Receivables	23,134	25,471
Fair Value [Member] | Collateralized receivables [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Financial assets	'	'
Receivables	$114,871	$109,821

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (TJ Holdings, LLC [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2010
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Payments for Legal Settlements	$360,000
Minimum [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Ownership Percentage, After Qualifying Event with Joint Venture Properties	9.03%
Maximum [Member]	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Closing Stock Price Determination, Period Preceeding Qualifying Event with Joint Venture Properties	'30 days
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Ownership Percentage, After Qualifying Event with Joint Venture Properties	28.99%

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jul. 24, 2014

Jul. 24, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Jul. 24, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Feb. 28, 2014

Jul. 24, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

Jul. 24, 2014

Jul. 24, 2014

Jul. 22, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Disposition of Property [Member]

Debt [Member]

Debt [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

June 20, 2020 [Member]

June 20, 2020 [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Mortgages [Member]

Rate

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

Performance Shares [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Properties securing debt [Member]

Properties securing debt [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

2009 Equity Plan [Member]

properties

Restricted Stock [Member]

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Granted, shares (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

175,000

20,250

16,000

75,000

250,000

100,000

150,000

'

'

Proceeds related to disposition of properties

$15,298,000

$0

($500,000)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Term

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

'

'

'

'

$26,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

'

'

'

'

4.57%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, number of properties securing a debt instument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

18