Sun Communities (SUI) 10-Q 27 Oct 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	SUI
Entity Registrant Name	SUN COMMUNITIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	912,593
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	54,546,434
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Land	$ 457,279	$ 309,386
Land improvements and buildings	3,604,444	2,509,827
Rental homes and improvements	478,764	439,163
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment	98,567	81,586
Land held for future development	23,659	23,955
Investment property	4,662,713	3,363,917
Accumulated depreciation	(879,184)	(795,753)
Investment property, net (including $92,593 and $94,230 for consolidated variable interest entities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; see Note 7)	3,783,529	2,568,164
Cash and cash equivalents	23,917	83,459
Inventory of manufactured homes	15,263	8,860
Notes and other receivables, net	49,201	51,895
Collateralized receivables, net	138,241	122,962
Other assets, net	104,452	102,352
TOTAL ASSETS	4,114,603	2,937,692
LIABILITIES
Mortgage loans payable (including $64,531 and $65,849 for consolidated variable interest at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; see Note 7)	2,205,760	1,656,740
Secured borrowings on collateralized receivables	138,887	123,650
Preferred OP units - mandatorily redeemable	45,903	45,903
Lines of credit	167,000	5,794
Distributions payable	38,819	35,084
Other liabilities (including $19,474 and $10,442 for consolidated variable interest entities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; see Note 7)	190,284	130,369
TOTAL LIABILITIES	$ 2,786,653	$ 1,997,540
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Issued and outstanding: 3,400 shares at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014	$ 34	$ 34
Common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized: 180,000 shares; Issued and outstanding: 54,546 shares at September 30, 2015 and 48,573 shares at December 31, 2014	545	486
Additional paid-in capital	2,079,139	1,741,154
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(916,961)	(863,545)
Total Sun Communities, Inc. stockholders' equity	1,162,757	878,129
Noncontrolling interests:
Common and preferred OP units	76,914	30,107
Consolidated variable interest entities	(1,336)	(416)
Total noncontrolling interests	75,578	29,691
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	1,238,335	907,820
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	4,114,603	2,937,692
Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
LIABILITIES
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Preferred, Carrying Amount	68,633	13,610
Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member]
LIABILITIES
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Preferred, Carrying Amount	$ 20,982	$ 18,722

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investment property, net	$ 3,783,529	$ 2,568,164
Secured debt	2,205,760	1,656,740
Other Liabilities	$ 190,284	$ 130,369
Series A Preferred Stock, Par Value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series A Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	3,400,000	3,400,000
Series A Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	3,400,000	3,400,000
Common Stock, Par Value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	180,000,000	90,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	54,546,000	48,573,000
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	54,546,000	48,573,000
Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Series A-4 Preferred Stock, Par Value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Series A-4 Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	2,298,000	483,000
Series A-4 Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	2,298,000	483,000
Series A Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	2,298,184
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Investment property, net	$ 92,593	$ 94,230
Secured debt	64,531	65,849
Other Liabilities	$ 19,474	$ 10,442

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
REVENUES
Income from real property	$ 137,548	$ 94,245	$ 382,906	$ 267,847
Revenue from home sales	18,991	13,913	54,559	38,849
Rental home revenue	11,856	9,829	34,480	28,964
Ancillary revenues	12,511	8,762	20,956	15,452
Interest	3,987	3,545	11,864	10,425
Brokerage commissions and other income, net	462	338	1,728	720
Total revenues	185,355	130,632	506,493	362,257
COSTS AND EXPENSES
Property operating and maintenance	38,716	28,031	102,437	76,413
Real estate taxes	8,520	6,004	26,031	18,092
Cost of home sales	13,386	10,524	39,645	29,472
Rental home operating and maintenance	7,031	6,232	18,115	16,696
Ancillary expenses	6,936	5,197	13,631	10,254
General and administrative - real property	10,735	6,971	31,051	23,177
General and administrative - home sales and rentals	3,845	2,313	11,290	7,932
Transaction costs	1,664	2,399	13,150	4,263
Depreciation and amortization	44,695	29,917	130,107	88,851
Asset impairment charge	0	837	0	837
Extinguishment of debt	0	0	2,800	0
Interest	27,453	18,619	79,593	54,149
Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units	790	808	2,429	2,417
Total expenses	163,771	117,852	470,279	332,553
Income before other gains (losses)	21,584	12,780	36,214	29,704
Gain on disposition of properties, net	18,190	13,631	26,946	14,516
Provision for state income taxes	(77)	(69)	(229)	(207)
Distributions from affiliate	0	400	7,500	1,200
Net income	39,697	26,742	70,431	45,213
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	591	661	1,844	1,997
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	45	45	136	136
Less: Preferred return to Series A-4 preferred OP units	326	0	1,032	0
Less: Preferred return to Series C preferred OP units	340	0	680	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,125	1,851	3,132	3,093
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	36,270	24,185	63,607	39,987
Less: Preferred stock distributions	3,179	1,514	11,353	4,542
Less: Preferred stock redemption costs	4,328	0	4,328	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ 28,763	$ 22,671	$ 47,926	$ 35,445
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	53,220	41,023	52,855	39,283
Diluted	53,665	41,267	53,271	41,575
Earnings per share:
Basic	$ 0.53	$ 0.55	$ 0.90	$ 0.89
Diluted	$ 0.54	$ 0.55	$ 0.90	$ 0.85

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 39,697	$ 26,742	$ 70,431	$ 45,213
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	0	0	0	97
Total comprehensive income	39,697	26,742	70,431	45,310
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests	2,125	1,851	3,132	3,101
Comprehensive income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	$ 37,572	$ 24,891	$ 67,299	$ 42,209

Consolidated Statement Of Stock

Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings	Noncontrolling Interests	Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 907,820	$ 486	$ 1,741,154	$ (863,545)	$ 29,691	$ 907,820	$ 34
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net		0	71	0	0	71	0
Issuance, conversion of OP units and associated costs of common stock, net		59	332,830	0	51,247	384,136	0
Preferred stock redemption costs	(4,328)	0	0	(4,328)	0		0
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures		0	5,084	150	0	5,234	0
Net income	70,431	0	0	67,301	2,800	70,101	0
Distributions		0	0	(116,539)	(8,160)	(124,699)	0
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 1,238,335	$ 545	$ 2,079,139	$ (916,961)	$ 75,578	$ 1,238,335	$ 34

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 70,431	$ 45,213
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Gain on disposition of assets	4,664	3,606
Gain on disposition of properties, net	(26,946)	(14,516)
Asset impairment charges	0	837
Share-based compensation	5,234	3,408
Depreciation and amortization	129,094	89,190
Amortization of below market lease intangible	(3,724)	0
Amortization of debt premium intangible	(7,985)	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,410	861
Distributions from affiliate	(7,500)	(1,200)
Change in notes receivable from financed sales of inventory homes, net of repayments	4,636	13,806
Change in inventory, other assets and other receivables, net	(17,530)	3,420
Change in other liabilities	13,594	(542)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	146,778	109,259
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Investment in properties	(148,655)	(131,602)
Acquisitions of properties	(309,275)	(137,376)
Payments for deposits on acquisitions	2,208	50,000
Proceeds related to affiliate dividend distribution	7,500	1,200
Proceeds related to disposition of land	0	221
Proceeds related to disposition of assets and depreciated homes, net	4,849	3,940
Proceeds related to the disposition of properties	45,488	59,683
Issuance of notes and other receivables	727	442
Payment for membership interest	(1,390)	0
Repayments of notes and other receivables	(1,213)	(5,754)
NET CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(403,205)	(248,622)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, OP units, and preferred OP units, net	77,306	562,581
Net proceeds from stock option exercise	71	126
Redemption of Series A-4 Preferred Stock	(121,445)	0
Distributions to stockholders, OP unit holders, and preferred OP unit holders	(121,468)	(86,414)
Preferred stock redemption costs	(4,328)	0
Borrowings on lines of credit	394,428	384,924
Payments on lines of credit	(233,222)	(566,307)
Proceeds from issuance of other debt	326,689	187,340
Payments on other debt	(121,247)	(87,579)
Proceeds received from return of prepaid deferred financing costs	6,852	2,384
Payments for deferred financing costs	(6,751)	(3,293)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	196,885	393,762
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(59,542)	254,399
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	83,459	4,753
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	23,917	259,152
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest (net of capitalized interest of $464 and $369, respectively)	77,673	43,294
Cash paid for interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	2,620	2,417
Cash paid for state income taxes	310	292
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	0	97
Reduction in secured borrowing balance	13,243	17,119
Change in distributions declared and outstanding	4,264	8,580
Conversion of common and preferred OP units	7,020	1,878
Settlement of membership interest	3,498	0
Noncash investing and financing activities at the date of acquisition:
Acquisitions - Series A-4 preferred OP units issued	1,000	0
Acquisitions - Series A-4 preferred stock issued	175,613	0
Acquisitions - Common stock and OP units issued	278,955	0
Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued	33,154	0
Acquisitions - debt assumed	$ 377,666	$ 0

Consolidated Statements Of Cas8

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 464	$ 369

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation 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”) are referred to herein as the "Company," "us," "we," and "our". We follow accounting standards set by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"). FASB sets generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), which we follow to ensure that we consistently report our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. References to GAAP issued by the FASB in these footnotes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. These unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information and in accordance with GAAP. Pursuant to the SEC rules and regulations we present interim disclosures and certain information and footnote disclosures as required. Accordingly, the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited 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. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 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 unaudited 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, 2014 as filed with the SEC on March 2, 2015 (the “ 2014 Annual Report”). These statements have been prepared on a basis that is substantially consistent with the accounting principles applied in our 2014 Annual Report.

Real Estate Acquisitions and Di

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions	Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions Green Courte First Phase During the fourth quarter of 2014, we completed the first phase of the acquisition of the Green Courte properties. We acquired 32 manufactured housing ("MH") communities with over 9,000 developed sites in 11 states. Included in the total consideration paid for the first phase was the issuance of 361,797 shares of common stock, 501,130 common OP units, 483,317 shares of 6.50% Series A-4 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A-4 Preferred Stock"), and 669,449 Series A-4 preferred OP units. Second Phase In January 2015, we completed the final closing of the acquisition of the Green Courte properties. We acquired the remaining 26 communities comprised of over 10,000 sites. Included in the total consideration paid for the second phase was the issuance of 4,377,073 shares of common stock and 5,847,234 shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock. The following tables summarize the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid (in thousands): At Acquisition Date First Phase (1) Second Phase (1) Total Investment in property $ 656,543 $ 818,109 $ 1,474,652 Notes receivable 5,189 850 6,039 Other (liabilities) assets (1,705 ) 7,405 5,700 In-place leases and other intangible assets 12,870 15,460 28,330 Below market lease intangible (10,820 ) (54,580 ) (65,400 ) Assumed debt (199,300 ) (201,466 ) (400,766 ) Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 462,777 $ 585,778 $ 1,048,555 Consideration Common OP units (2) $ 24,064 $ — $ 24,064 Series A-4 preferred OP units (3) 18,852 1,000 19,852 Common stock 20,427 259,133 279,560 Series A-4 Preferred Stock (3) 13,697 175,527 189,224 Consideration from new mortgages 100,700 90,794 191,494 Cash consideration transferred 285,037 59,324 344,361 Total consideration transferred $ 462,777 $ 585,778 $ 1,048,555 (1) The purchase price allocations for the first and second closings are preliminary and may be adjusted as final costs and final valuations are determined. (2) To estimate the fair value of the common OP units at the valuation date, we utilized the market approach, observing public price of our common stock. (3) To estimate the fair value of the Series A-4 preferred OP units and the Series A-4 Preferred Stock at the valuation date, we utilized an income approach. Under this approach, we used the Binomial Lattice Method. The amount of revenue and net income included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the Green Courte properties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 is set forth in the following table (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) Revenue $ 33,772 $ 102,243 Net income $ 4,029 $ 13,295 Other Acquisitions In August 2015, we acquired Rock Crusher Canyon RV Resort ("Rock Crusher"), a recreational vehicle ("RV") resort with 391 sites located in Crystal Lake, Florida. In July 2015, we acquired Frontier Town RV Resort ("Frontier Town"), a RV resort with 584 developed sites and expansion potential of 200 sites, located in Berlin, Maryland. We also acquired Fort Whaley RV Resort ("Fort Whaley"), a RV resort with 210 developed sites and expansion potential of nearly 90 sites, located in Whaleyville, Maryland. In May 2015, we acquired La Hacienda RV Resort ("La Hacienda"), a RV resort with 241 sites located in Austin, Texas. We also acquired Lakeside Crossing, a MH community with 419 sites and expansion potential of nearly 300 sites, located near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In April 2015, we acquired the Berger portfolio ("Berger"), which consisted of six MH communities with over 3,130 developed sites and expansion potential of approximately 380 sites. Included in the total consideration paid was 371,808 common OP units and 340,206 Series C preferred OP units. In March 2015, we acquired Meadowlands Gibraltar ("Meadowlands"), a MH community with 321 sites located in Gibraltar, Michigan. The following tables summarize the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (excluding Green Courte) at the acquisition date and the consideration paid for the acquisitions completed in 2015 (in thousands): At Acquisition Date Meadowlands (1) Berger (1) Lakeside Crossing (1) La Hacienda (1) Frontier Town (1) Fort Whaley (1) Rock Crusher (1) Total Investment in property $ 8,313 $ 268,026 $ 35,438 $ 25,895 $ 62,126 $ 5,704 $ 5,962 $ 411,464 Inventory of manufactured homes 285 — — — — — — 285 In-place leases and other intangible assets 270 5,040 520 1,380 70 — 110 7,390 Below market lease intangible — (7,840 ) (3,440 ) — — — — (11,280 ) Assumed debt (6,318 ) (169,882 ) — — — — — (176,200 ) Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 2,550 $ 95,344 $ 32,518 $ 27,275 $ 62,196 $ 5,704 $ 6,072 $ 231,659 Consideration Common OP units $ — $ 19,650 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 19,650 Series C preferred OP units — 33,154 — — — — — 33,154 Note payable 2,377 — — — — — — 2,377 Cash consideration transferred 173 42,540 32,518 27,275 62,196 5,704 6,072 176,478 Total consideration transferred $ 2,550 $ 95,344 $ 32,518 $ 27,275 $ 62,196 $ 5,704 $ 6,072 $ 231,659 (1) The purchase price allocations for Meadowlands, Berger, Lakeside Crossing, La Hacienda, Frontier Town, Fort Whaley and Rock Crusher 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 related to the acquisitions completed in 2015 (excluding Green Courte) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 is set forth in the following table (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) Revenue $ 12,676 $ 19,388 Net income $ 4,162 $ 4,974 The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (including Green Courte) as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2014. 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, 2014 (in thousands, except per-share data). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (unaudited) (unaudited) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total revenues $ 186,381 $ 166,839 $ 520,382 $ 470,980 Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders $ 30,609 $ 31,711 $ 64,580 $ 55,976 Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - basic $ 0.58 $ 0.76 $ 1.22 $ 1.40 Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - diluted $ 0.58 $ 0.76 $ 1.21 $ 1.40 Transaction costs of approximately $1.7 million and $2.4 million and $13.2 million and $4.3 million have been incurred for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, and are presented as “Transaction costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Dispositions During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we completed the sales of four MH communities. Pursuant to Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-08, " Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360) - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity " ("ASU 2014-08"), the disposals of the communities do not qualify for presentation as a discontinued operation, as the sales do not have a major impact on our operations and financial results and do not represent a strategic shift. Additionally, the communities are not considered an individually significant component and therefore do not qualify for presentation as a discontinued operation. A gain of $26.9 million is recorded in "Gain on disposition of properties, net" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The table below lists the communities we have disposed of during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Community State Number of Sites Candlewick Court MI 211 Catalina OH 462 Worthington Arms OH 224 Valley Brook IN 798

Collateralized Receivables and

Collateralized Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 receivable. 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 a 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 receivable 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 receivable. The percentage used to determine the repurchase price of the outstanding principal balance on the installment note receivable is based on the number of payments made on the note. In general, the repurchase price is determined as follows: Number of Payments Repurchase Percentage Fewer 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, net and the cash proceeds received from these transactions have been classified as a Secured borrowing within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The balance of the collateralized receivables was $138.2 million (net of allowance of $0.6 million ) and $123.0 million (net of allowance of $0.7 million ) as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. The receivables have a weighted average interest rate and maturity of 10.2% and 15.2 years as of September 30, 2015 , and 10.4% and 14.6 years as of December 31, 2014 . The outstanding balance on the secured borrowing was $138.9 million and $123.7 million as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. 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 $3.3 million and $3.0 million , and $9.6 million and $8.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The balances of the collateralized receivables and secured borrowings fluctuate. The balances increase as additional notes receivable are transferred and exchanged for cash proceeds. The balances are reduced as the related collateralized receivables are collected from the customers, or as the underlying collateral is repurchased. The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the collateralized receivables is as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ 123,650 Financed sales of manufactured homes 28,481 Principal payments and payoffs from our customers (6,728 ) Principal reduction from repurchased homes (6,516 ) Total activity 15,237 Ending balance $ 138,887 The following table sets forth the allowance for the collateralized receivables as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ (688 ) Lower of cost or market write-downs 275 Increase to reserve balance (233 ) Total activity 42 Ending balance $ (646 )

Notes And Other Receivables

Notes And Other Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net $ 22,375 $ 25,884 Other receivables, net 26,826 26,011 Total notes and other receivables, net $ 49,201 $ 51,895 Installment Notes Receivable on Manufactured Homes The installment notes receivable of $22.4 million (net of allowance of $0.2 million ) and $25.9 million (net of allowance of $0.1 million ) as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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 weighted average interest rate (net of servicing costs) and maturity of 8.6% and 10.1 years as of September 30, 2015 , and 8.7% and 10.4 years as of December 31, 2014 . The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the installment notes receivable is as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ 26,024 Financed sales of manufactured homes 653 Acquired notes (see Note 2) 850 Principal payments and payoffs from our customers (3,645 ) Principal reduction from repossessed homes (1,339 ) Total activity (3,481 ) Ending balance $ 22,543 Allowance for Losses for Installment Notes Receivable The following table sets forth the allowance change for the installment notes receivable as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ (140 ) Lower of cost or market write-downs 42 Increase to reserve balance (70 ) Total activity (28 ) Ending balance $ (168 ) Other Receivables As of September 30, 2015 , other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent, and water and sewer usage of $5.3 million (net of allowance of $1.1 million ), home sale proceeds of $9.4 million , insurance receivables of $0.9 million , insurance settlement of $4.5 million , rebates and other receivables of $4.5 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 in year three is indexed to 7.87% plus the one year Federal Reserve treasury constant maturity rate for the remainder of the loan. The note 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, 2014 , other receivables were comprised of amounts due from residents for rent, and water and sewer usage of $4.9 million (net of allowance of $1.0 million ), home sale proceeds of $7.4 million , insurance receivables of $1.0 million , insurance settlement of $3.7 million , rebates and other receivables of $6.8 million and a note receivable of $2.2 million . In April 2015, a $40.2 million note was repaid in conjunction with the Berger acquisition, which consisted of six MH communities (see Note 2). The note bore interest at 9.6% per annum and was secured by certain assets of the principals of the seller.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	Intangible Assets Our intangible assets include in-place leases from acquisitions, franchise fees, and other intangible assets. These intangible assets are recorded in "Other assets, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The gross carrying amounts, and accumulated amortization are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Intangible Asset Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization In-place leases 7 years $ 63,281 $ (18,128 ) $ 41,511 $ (12,107 ) Franchise fees and other intangible assets 15 years 1,864 (493 ) 764 (106 ) Total $ 65,145 $ (18,621 ) $ 42,275 $ (12,213 ) During 2015, in connection with our acquisitions, we purchased in-place leases and other intangible assets valued at approximately $22.9 million with useful lives ranging from seven to fifteen years. The aggregate net amortization expenses related to the intangible assets are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Intangible Asset 2015 2014 2015 2014 In-place leases $ 2,341 $ 891 $ 6,020 $ 2,674 Franchise fees and other intangible assets 129 19 387 58 Total $ 2,470 $ 910 $ 6,407 $ 2,732

Investment In Affiliates

Investment In Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investment In Affiliates	Investment in Affiliates Origen Financial Services, LLC (“OFS LLC”) At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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 in Origen, which approximates an ownership interest of 19% . We had suspended equity accounting for this investment as the carrying value of our investment was zero . In January 2015, Origen completed the sale of substantially all of its assets to an affiliate of GoldenTree Asset Management, LP and has announced its intention to dissolve and liquidate. During the second quarter of 2015, and as disclosed in a press release on March 30, 2015, Origen made an initial distribution of $1.50 per share to its stockholders of record as of April 13, 2015, retaining approximately $6.2 million for expected dissolution, wind down costs, expenses, and contingencies. Depending on the actual cost of estimated wind down expenses, Origen may make one or more additional interim distributions of excess cash to stockholders prior to completing liquidation. Upon completion of liquidation, Origen will distribute remaining cash, if any, to stockholders. During the second quarter of 2015, we received an initial distribution of $7.5 million from Origen.

Consolidated Variable Interest

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract]
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities	Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Variable interest entities ("VIEs") that are consolidated include Rudgate Village SPE, LLC, Rudgate Clinton SPE, LLC, Rudgate Clinton Estates SPE, LLC (the “Rudgate Borrowers”), and Wildwood Village Mobile Home Park ("Wildwood"). We evaluated our arrangements with these properties under the guidance set forth in FASB Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") ASC Topic 810 " Consolidation ". We concluded that the Rudgate Borrowers and Wildwood qualify as VIEs as we are the primary beneficiary and hold controlling financial interests 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 have been made (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 ASSETS Investment property, net $ 92,593 $ 94,230 Other assets 3,767 4,400 Total Assets $ 96,360 $ 98,630 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Debt $ 64,531 $ 65,849 Other liabilities 19,474 10,442 Noncontrolling interests (1,336 ) (416 ) Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 82,669 $ 75,875 Investment property, net and other assets related to the consolidated VIEs comprised approximately 2.3% and 3.4% of our consolidated total assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Debt and other liabilities comprised approximately 2.9% and 3.8% of our consolidated total liabilities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , respectively. Noncontrolling interest related to the consolidated VIEs comprised less than 1.0% of our consolidated total equity at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 .

Debt And Lines Of Credit

Debt And Lines Of Credit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Debt and Lines of Credit The following table sets forth certain information regarding debt (in thousands): Principal Outstanding Weighted Average Years to Maturity Weighted Average Interest Rates September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Collateralized term loans - CMBS $ 742,142 $ 806,840 5.0 5.4 5.3 % 5.3 % Collateralized term loans - FNMA 796,714 492,800 6.1 7.1 4.6 % 4.0 % Collateralized term loans - Life Companies 469,486 204,638 13.8 10.9 4.1 % 4.3 % Collateralized term loans - FMCC 197,418 152,462 9.2 9.9 4.0 % 4.0 % Secured borrowing 138,887 123,650 15.2 14.6 10.2 % 10.4 % Preferred OP units - mandatorily redeemable 45,903 45,903 6.3 6.8 6.9 % 6.9 % Total debt $ 2,390,550 $ 1,826,293 8.1 7.5 5.1 % 5.1 % Collateralized Term Loans In August 2015, we entered into an agreement to borrow $87.0 million in mortgage debt that will be secured by five communities at an interest rate of 4.06% for a term of 25 years . This loan will close in two separate closings. In September 2015, we completed the first closing for $51.2 million secured by four communities and the second closing for $35.8 million is scheduled to close in December 2015. In May 2015, we defeased a total of $70.6 million aggregate principal amount of collateralized term loans with an interest rate of 5.32% that were due to mature on July 1, 2016, releasing 10 communities. As a result of the transaction we recognized a loss on debt extinguishment of $2.8 million that is reflected in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. In April 2015, in relation to the acquisition of the Berger properties (see Note 2), we assumed debt with a fair market value of $169.9 million on the communities with a weighted average interest rate of 5.17% and a weighted average remaining term of 6.3 years . In March 2015, in relation to the acquisition of Meadowlands (see Note 2), we assumed a $6.3 million mortgage with an interest rate of 6.5% and a remaining term of 6.5 years . Also, in relation to this acquisition, we entered into a note payable with the seller for $2.4 million that bears no interest but is payable in three equal yearly installments beginning in March 2016. In January 2015, in relation to the acquisition of the Green Courte properties (see Note 2), we refinanced approximately $90.8 million of mortgage debt on 10 of the communities (resulting in proceeds of $112.3 million ) at a weighted average interest rate of 3.87% per annum and a weighted average term of 14.1 years . We also assumed approximately $201.4 million of mortgage debt at a weighted average interest rate of 5.74% and a weighted average remaining term of 6.3 years . The collateralized term loans totaling $2.4 billion as of September 30, 2015 , are secured by 171 properties comprised of 68,814 sites representing approximately $2.7 billion of net book value. Secured Borrowing See Note 3 , "Collateralized Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets", for additional information regarding our collateralized receivables and secured borrowing transactions. Preferred OP Units Included in preferred OP units is $34.7 million of Aspen preferred OP units issued by the Operating Partnership which are convertible into 509,676 shares of the Company's common stock. Subject to certain limitations, at any time prior to January 1, 2024, the holder of each Aspen preferred OP unit at its option may convert such Aspen preferred OP unit into: (a) if the market price of our common stock is $68.00 per share of less, 0.397 common OP units, or (b) if the market price of our common stock is greater than $68.00 per share, that the number of common OP units determined by dividing (i) the sum of (A) $27.00 plus (B) 25% of the amount by which the market price of our common stock exceeds $68.00 per share, by (ii) the per-share market price of our common stock. The current preferred distribution rate is 6.5% . Lines of Credit In August, 2015, we amended and restated our senior revolving credit facility with Citibank, N.A. and certain other lenders in the amount of $450.0 million , comprised of a $392.0 million revolving loan and $58.0 million term loan (the "Facility"). The Facility has a four year term ending August 19, 2019 , which can be extended for two additional six-month periods 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 $300.0 million . If additional borrowings are made pursuant to any such additional commitments, the aggregate borrowing limit under the Facility may be increased up to $750.0 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 1.40% to 2.25% for the revolving loan and 1.35% to 2.20% for the term loan. As of September 30, 2015 , the margin on our leverage ratio was 1.45% and 1.40% on the revolving and term loans, respectively. We had $142.0 million on the revolving loan and $25.0 million on the term loan totaling $167.0 million in borrowings as of September 30, 2015 , with a weighted average interest rate of 1.66% . As of December 31, 2014 there was no amount outstanding under our previous credit Facility. The Facility provides us with the ability to issue letters of credit. Our issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under our line of credit, but does reduce the borrowing amount available. At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , approximately $3.4 million and $3.2 million , respectively, of availability was used to back standby letters of credit. We have a $12.0 million manufactured home floor plan facility renewable indefinitely until our lender provides us at least a twelve month notice of their intent to terminate the agreement. The interest rate is 100 basis points over the greater of the prime rate as quoted in the Wall Street Journal on the first business day of each month or 6.0% . At September 30, 2015 , the effective interest rate was 7.0% . There was no outstanding balance at September 30, 2015 and there was $5.8 million at December 31, 2014 . Covenants Pursuant to the terms of the Facility, we are subject to various financial and other covenants. The most restrictive of our debt agreements place limitations on secured borrowings and contain minimum fixed charge coverage, leverage, distribution, and net worth requirements. At September 30, 2015 , we were in compliance with all covenants.

Equity Transactions

Equity Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity Transactions	Equity and Mezzanine Securities At the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders on July 20, 2015, the stockholders approved Articles of Amendment to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended and supplemented, under which the number of authorized shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share, was increased from 90,000,000 to 180,000,000 and the number of our preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, was increased from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000 . In July 2015, the Company entered into a repurchase agreement with certain holders of shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock under which, at the holders’ election, the Company was obligated to repurchase up to 5,926,322 shares of the Series A-4 Preferred Stock from the holders of those shares. There were 6,364,770 shares of Series A-4 preferred shares issued and outstanding at the time of the repurchase agreement, and 438,448 shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock were not subject to the repurchase agreement. Each holder of shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock subject to the repurchase agreement could have elected to sell its shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock to the Company. The purchase price was $31.08 per share, which consists of a price per share of $30.90 plus $0.18 for accrued and unpaid distributions from and including June 30, 2015 to, but not including, August 10, 2015. Each share of Series A-4 Preferred Stock had a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, and was convertible into approximately 0.4444 shares of the Company’s common stock. Pursuant to the repurchase agreement, the Company repurchased 4,066,586 shares of the Series A-4 Preferred Stock. There are 2,298,184 shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2015. In June 2015, we issued to GCP Fund III Ancillary Holding, LLC (i) 25,664 shares of common stock at an issuance price of $50.00 per share or $1,283,200 in the aggregate, and (ii) 34,219 shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock at an issuance price of $25.00 per share, or $855,475 in the aggregate. All of these common shares and preferred shares were issued for cash consideration pursuant to the terms of a Subscription Agreement, dated July 30, 2014, as amended, among the Company, Green Court Real Estate Partners III, LLC, and certain other parties. The parties have agreed that no additional securities are issuable under the Subscription Agreement. Also in June 2015, we entered into an At the Market Offering Sales Agreement (the "Sales Agreement") with BMO Capital Markets Corp., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (collectively, the "Sales Agents"). Pursuant to the Sales Agreement, we may offer and sell shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $250.0 million , from time to time through the Sales Agents. Each Sales Agent is entitled to compensation in an agreed amount not to exceed 2.0% of the gross sales price per share for any shares sold through it from time to time under the Sales Agreement. Concurrently, the At the Market Offering Sales Agreement dated May 10, 2012, as amended among the Company, the Partnership, BMO Capital Markets Corp. and Liquidnet, Inc., was terminated. Prior to the termination of the At the Market Offering Sales Agreement dated May 10, 2012, during the first quarter of 2015, 342,011 shares of common stock were issued at the prevailing market price of our common stock at the time of each sale with a weighted average sale price of $63.94 , and we received net proceeds of approximately $21.5 million . During the third quarter of 2015, under the June 2015 Sales Agreement, we sold 608,100 common shares under the Sales Agreement, at an average sales price of $68.00 for net proceeds of $40.8 million . During the second quarter of 2015, under the June 2015 Sales Agreement, we sold 26,200 common shares under the Sales Agreement, at an average sales price of $65.15 for net proceeds of $1.7 million . In April 2015, in connection with the Berger acquisition, we issued 371,808 common OP units at an issuance price of $61.00 per share and 340,206 newly created Series C preferred OP units at an issuance price of $100.00 per share. The Series C preferred OP unit holders receive a preferred return of 4.0% per year from the closing until the second anniversary of the date of issuance, 4.5% per year during the following three years, and 5.0% per year thereafter. At the holder’s option, each Series C preferred OP unit will be exchangeable into 1.11 shares of the Company’s common stock and holders of Series C preferred OP units do not have any voting or consent rights. In January 2015, in connection with the Green Courte second closing, we issued 4,377,073 shares of common stock at an issuance price of $50.00 per share and 5,847,234 shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock at an issuance price of $25.00 per share. The Series A-4 Preferred Stock stockholders receive a preferred return of 6.5% . In addition, one of the Green Courte Partners funds purchased 150,000 shares of our common stock and 200,000 Series A-4 preferred OP units for an aggregate purchase price of $12.5 million . As noted above, in July 2015, the Company repurchased 4,066,586 shares of the Series A-4 Preferred Stock. If certain change of control transactions occur or if our common stock ceases to be listed or quoted on an exchange or quotation system, then at any time after November 26, 2019, we or the holders of shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock and Series A-4 preferred OP units may cause all or any of those shares or units to be redeemed for cash at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the greater of (x) the amount that the redeemed shares of Series A-4 Preferred Stock and Series A-4 preferred OP units would have received in such transaction if they had been converted into shares of our common stock immediately prior to such transaction, or (y) $25.00 per share, plus (ii) any accrued and unpaid distributions thereon to, but not including, the redemption date. The Series A-4 preferred OP units are inclusive of its pro-rata share of net income of $0.3 million and distributions of $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . 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 under this buyback program during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014 . 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 , there were 99,404 common OP units converted to shares of common stock. No such units were converted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 . 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, holders of Series A-1 preferred OP units converted 38,817 units into 102,301 shares of common stock, and 18,773 units into 45,785 shares of common stock, respectively. Subject to certain limitations, Series A-4 preferred OP unit holders may convert their Series A-4 preferred OP units to shares of our common stock at any time. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , holders of Series A-4 preferred OP units converted 109,414 units into 48,627 shares of common stock. No such units were converted during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 . Cash distributions of $0.65 per share were declared for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 . On October 16, 2015, cash payments of approximately $37.3 million for aggregate distributions were made to common stockholders, common OP unit holders and restricted stockholders of record as of September 30, 2015. Cash distributions of $0.4453 per share were declared on the Company's Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stock for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 . On October 15, 2015, cash payments of approximately $1.5 million for aggregate distributions were made to Series A cumulative redeemable preferred stockholders of record as of October 1, 2015. In addition, cash distributions of $0.4062 per share were declared on the Company's Series A-4 Preferred Stock for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 . On September 30, 2015, cash payments of approximately $0.9 million were made to Series A-4 Preferred Stock stockholders of record as of September 18, 2015.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on July 20, 2015, the stockholders approved Sun Communities, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan ("2015 Equity Plan"). The 2015 Equity Plan had been adopted by the Board and was effective upon approval by our stockholders. The 2015 Equity Plan replaced the Sun Communities, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan adopted in 2009. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the 2015 Equity Plan is 1,750,000 shares of our common stock. In September 2015, we granted 4,500 shares of restricted stock to key employees under our 2015 Equity Plan. The shares had a fair value of $67.29 per share and will vest as follows: September 29, 2018: 35% ; September 29, 2019: 35% ; September 29, 2020: 20% ; September 29, 2021: 5% ; and September 29, 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 July 2015, we granted 20,000 shares of restricted stock to an executive officer under our Sun Communities, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan ("2009 Equity Plan"). The shares had a fair value of $67.57 per share and will vest as follows: July 16, 2018: 35% ; July 19, 2019: 35% ; July 16, 2020: 20% ; July 16, 2021: 5% ; and July 16, 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 May 2015, we granted 25,000 shares of restricted stock to an executive officer under our 2009 Equity Plan. The shares had a fair value of $62.94 per share and will vest as follows: May 19, 2018: 35% ; May 19, 2019: 35% ; May 19, 2020: 20% ; May 19, 2021: 5% ; and May 19, 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 April 2015, we granted 145,000 shares of restricted stock to our executive officers under our 2009 Equity Plan. The shares had a fair value of $63.81 per share. Half of the shares will vest as follows: April 14, 2018: 20% ; April 14, 2019: 30% ; April 14, 2020: 35% ; April 14, 2021: 10% ; and April 14, 2022: 5% . The remaining 72,500 shares are subject to market and performance conditions which vest over time through April 2020. Share-based compensation for restricted stock awards with performance conditions is measured based on an estimate of shares expected to vest. We estimate the fair value of share-based compensation for restricted stock with market conditions using a Monte Carlo simulation. In February 2015, we granted 19,800 shares of restricted stock to our non-employee directors under our First Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Option Plan. The awards vest on February 11, 2018, and had a fair value of $65.87 per share. The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued. In January 2015, we granted 1,000 shares of restricted stock to key employees under our 2009 Equity Plan. The shares had a fair value of $65.48 per share and will vest as follows: January 8, 2018: 35% ; January 8, 2019: 35% ; January 8, 2020: 20% ; January 8, 2021: 5% ; and January 8, 2022: 5% . The fair value was determined by using the closing share price of our common stock on the date the shares were issued. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, 4,084 and 4,904 shares of common stock, respectively, were issued in connection with the exercise of stock options, and the net proceeds received during both periods was $0.1 million . The vesting requirements for 85,958 restricted shares granted to our executives and employees were satisfied during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 .

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 the Real Property Operations segment revenues and is expected to approximate $39.3 million annually. In 2015, we recognized 22.4% , 17.4% and 45.2% during the first, second and third quarters, respectively. We expect to recognize 15.0% during the fourth quarter of 2015. In 2014, transient revenue was $31.6 million . We recognized 25.3% in the first quarter, 18.3% in the second quarter, 43.3% in the third quarter, and 13.1% in the fourth quarter. A presentation of segment financial information is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Revenues $ 150,059 $ 30,847 $ 180,906 $ 103,007 $ 23,742 $ 126,749 Operating expenses/Cost of sales 54,172 20,417 74,589 39,232 16,756 55,988 Net operating income/Gross profit 95,887 10,430 106,317 63,775 6,986 70,761 Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss): Interest and other income, net 4,449 — 4,449 3,883 — 3,883 General and administrative (10,735 ) (3,845 ) (14,580 ) (6,971 ) (2,313 ) (9,284 ) Transaction costs (1,664 ) — (1,664 ) (2,399 ) — (2,399 ) Depreciation and amortization (31,352 ) (13,343 ) (44,695 ) (18,522 ) (11,395 ) (29,917 ) Asset impairment charge — — — (837 ) — (837 ) Interest (27,434 ) (19 ) (27,453 ) (18,614 ) (5 ) (18,619 ) Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units (790 ) — (790 ) (808 ) — (808 ) Gain (loss) on disposition of properties, net 13,415 4,775 18,190 14,949 (1,318 ) 13,631 Provision for state income taxes (51 ) (26 ) (77 ) (69 ) — (69 ) Distributions from affiliate — — — 400 — 400 Net income (loss) 41,725 (2,028 ) 39,697 34,787 (8,045 ) 26,742 Less: Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units 591 — 591 661 — 661 Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units 45 — 45 45 — 45 Less: Preferred return to A-4 preferred OP units 326 — 326 — — — Less: Preferred return to Series C preferred OP units 340 — 340 — — — Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,295 (170 ) 2,125 2,442 (591 ) 1,851 Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. 38,128 (1,858 ) 36,270 31,639 (7,454 ) 24,185 Less: Preferred stock distributions 3,179 — 3,179 1,514 — 1,514 Less: Preferred stock redemption costs 4,328 — 4,328 — — — Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders $ 30,621 $ (1,858 ) $ 28,763 $ 30,125 $ (7,454 ) $ 22,671 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Revenues $ 403,862 $ 89,039 $ 492,901 $ 283,299 $ 67,813 $ 351,112 Operating expenses/Cost of sales 142,096 57,763 199,859 104,759 46,168 150,927 Net operating income/Gross profit 261,766 31,276 293,042 178,540 21,645 200,185 Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss): Interest and other income, net 13,554 38 13,592 11,145 — 11,145 General and administrative (31,051 ) (11,290 ) (42,341 ) (23,177 ) (7,932 ) (31,109 ) Transaction costs (13,150 ) — (13,150 ) (4,255 ) (8 ) (4,263 ) Depreciation and amortization (90,991 ) (39,116 ) (130,107 ) (55,591 ) (33,260 ) (88,851 ) Asset impairment charge — — — (837 ) — (837 ) Extinguishment of debt (2,800 ) — (2,800 ) — — — Interest (79,567 ) (26 ) (79,593 ) (54,135 ) (14 ) (54,149 ) Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units (2,429 ) — (2,429 ) (2,417 ) — (2,417 ) Gain on disposition of properties, net 22,892 4,054 26,946 14,302 214 14,516 Provision for state income taxes (152 ) (77 ) (229 ) (207 ) — (207 ) Distributions from affiliate 7,500 — 7,500 1,200 — 1,200 Net income (loss) 85,572 (15,141 ) 70,431 64,568 (19,355 ) 45,213 Less: Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units 1,844 — 1,844 1,997 — 1,997 Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units 136 — 136 136 — 136 Less: Preferred return to A-4 preferred OP units 1,032 — 1,032 — — — Less: Preferred return to Series C preferred OP units 680 — 680 — — — Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,316 (1,184 ) 3,132 4,564 (1,471 ) 3,093 Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. 77,564 (13,957 ) 63,607 57,871 (17,884 ) 39,987 Less: Preferred stock distributions 11,353 — 11,353 4,542 — 4,542 Less: Preferred stock redemption costs 4,328 — 4,328 — — — Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders $ 61,883 $ (13,957 ) $ 47,926 $ 53,329 $ (17,884 ) $ 35,445 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Identifiable assets: Investment property, net $ 3,352,511 $ 431,018 $ 3,783,529 $ 2,207,526 $ 360,638 $ 2,568,164 Cash and cash equivalents 24,432 (515 ) 23,917 81,864 1,595 83,459 Inventory of manufactured homes — 15,263 15,263 — 8,860 8,860 Notes and other receivables, net 35,818 13,383 49,201 40,751 11,144 51,895 Collateralized receivables, net 138,241 — 138,241 122,962 — 122,962 Other assets, net 99,310 5,142 104,452 97,485 4,867 102,352 Total assets $ 3,650,312 $ 464,291 $ 4,114,603 $ 2,550,588 $ 387,104 $ 2,937,692

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We have elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) pursuant to Section 856(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“Code”), as amended. In order for us to qualify as a REIT, at least 95% of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources. In addition, a REIT must distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT ordinary taxable income to its stockholders. Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements (i.e., some on an annual and quarterly basis) established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. In addition, frequent changes occur in the area of REIT taxation which requires us to continually monitor our tax status. We analyzed the various REIT tests and confirmed that we continued to qualify as a REIT for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 . As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to United States ("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, 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, net," in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 . We expect no significant increases or decreases in unrecognized tax benefits due to changes in tax positions within one year of September 30, 2015 . We classify certain state taxes as income taxes for financial reporting purposes. For instance, we record Texas Margin Tax as income tax in our financial statements, and recorded a provision for state income taxes of approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. SHS is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for the 2013 tax year. To date, we have not received any formal notices of proposed adjustments from the IRS related to this or any other examination periods.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share We have outstanding stock options, unvested restricted shares, and Series A-4 Preferred Stock, and our Operating Partnership has outstanding common OP units, Series A-1 preferred OP units, Series A-3 preferred OP units, Series A-4 preferred OP units, Series C preferred OP units, and Aspen preferred OP Units, which, if converted or exercised, may impact dilution. Computations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Numerator 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 28,763 $ 22,671 $ 47,926 $ 35,445 Allocation of income to restricted stock awards (381 ) (256 ) (541 ) (441 ) Preferred share conversion Net income attributable to common stockholders after allocation 28,382 22,415 47,385 35,004 Allocation of income to restricted stock awards 381 256 541 441 Diluted earnings: net income attributable to common stockholders after allocation $ 28,763 $ 22,671 $ 47,926 $ 35,445 Denominator Weighted average common shares outstanding 53,220 41,023 52,855 39,283 Add: dilutive stock options 14 15 16 16 Add: dilutive restricted stock 431 229 400 207 Add: dilutive OP units — — — 2,069 Diluted weighted average common shares and securities 53,665 41,267 53,271 41,575 Earnings per share available to common stockholders after allocation: Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.55 $ 0.90 $ 0.89 Diluted $ 0.54 $ 0.55 $ 0.90 $ 0.85 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 September 30, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): As of September 30, 2015 2014 Common OP units 2,863 2,069 Series A-1 preferred OP units 389 438 Series A-3 preferred OP units 40 40 Series A-4 preferred OP units 760 — Series A-4 Preferred Stock 2,298 — Series C preferred OP units 340 — Aspen preferred OP units 1,284 1,325 Total securities 7,974 3,872

Derivative Instruments And Hedg

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 caps are used to accomplish this objective. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes nor do we have any swaps in a hedging arrangement. The following table provides the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts that were in effect as of September 30, 2015 : Type Purpose Effective Date Maturity Date Notional (in millions) Based on Variable Rate Fixed Rate Spread Effective Fixed Rate Cap Cap Floating Rate 4/1/2015 4/1/2018 $ 150.1 3 Month LIBOR 0.2830% 9.0000% —% N/A Cap Cap Floating Rate 10/3/2011 10/3/2016 $ 10.0 3 Month LIBOR 0.2830% 11.0200% —% N/A In accordance with ASC Topic 815, " Derivatives and Hedging " ("ASC 815"), derivative instruments are recorded at fair value in "Other assets, net" or "Other liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the fair value of the derivatives was zero .

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 " ("ASC 820"), requires disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy under which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant levels of observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company's market assumption. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy: 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 significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. Level 3—Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. 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 in order 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 cap agreements for which quoted market prices are indirectly available. For those derivatives, we use model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets provided by brokers or dealers to determine the fair value of derivative instruments on a recurring basis (Level 2). See Note 14 for Derivative Instruments. Installment Notes Receivable on Manufactured Homes The net carrying value of the installment notes receivable 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 4 for Installment Notes Receivable. 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, rates currently prevailing for comparable loans, and instruments of comparable maturities (Level 2). See Note 8 for Long-Term Debt and Lines of Credit. Collateralized Receivables and Secured Borrowings 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 on 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 3 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 require disclosure of their fair values on a recurring basis and presents the carrying values and fair values as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Financial assets Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net $ 22,375 $ 22,375 $ 25,884 $ 25,884 Collateralized receivables, net $ 138,241 $ 138,241 $ 122,962 $ 122,962 Financial liabilities Debt $ 2,251,663 $ 2,289,252 $ 1,702,643 $ 1,752,939 Secured borrowing $ 138,887 $ 138,887 $ 123,650 $ 123,649 Lines of credit $ 167,000 $ 167,000 $ 5,794 $ 5,794 The derivative instruments are the only financial liabilities that were required to be carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. We have no financial assets that are required to be carried at fair value.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 " Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs " ("ASU 2015-03"). This amendment requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 " Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements " ("ASU 2015-15"). This amendment provides additional guidance within ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line of credit arrangements. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. Entities should apply the amendments retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the potential impact these amendments will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02 " Consolidation (Topic 810) Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis " ("ASU 2015-02"). This amendment eliminates the deferral of FAS 167, which has allowed entities with interests in certain investment funds to follow the previous consolidation guidance in FIN 46(R), and makes other changes to both the variable interest model and the voting model. While the guidance is aimed at asset managers, it will affect all reporting entities that have variable interests in other legal entities (e.g., limited partnerships, similar entities and certain corporations). In some cases, consolidation conclusions will change. In other cases, reporting entities will need to provide additional disclosures about entities that currently aren’t considered VIEs but will be considered VIEs under the new guidance provided they have a variable interest in those VIEs. These amendments are effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. Entities may apply the amendments using either a modified retrospective approach or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this amendment will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15 " Disclosure of Uncertainties About an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern " ("ASU 2014-15"). This amendment requires management to perform interim and annual assessments of an entity's ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date the financial statements are issued and provides guidance on determining when and how to disclose going concern uncertainties in the financial statements. Certain disclosures will be required if conditions give rise to substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. This amendment applies to all entities and are effective for annual and interim reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the potential impact this amendment will have on our quarterly reporting process. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09 " Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) " ("ASU 2014-09"). The objective of this amendment 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 this amendment, companies will perform a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. This amendment applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB ASC. This amendment is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period; early adoption is not permitted. An entity should apply the amendments using either the full retrospective approach or retrospectively with a cumulative effect of initially applying the amendments recognized at the date of initial application. We are currently evaluating the methods of adoption and the impact that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies We are involved in various 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	18. Subsequent Event In October 2015, we completed the sale of three MH communities comprised of approximately 1,250 sites located in Indiana for $36.1 million .

Real Estate Acquisitions and 27

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	The following tables summarize the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (excluding Green Courte) at the acquisition date and the consideration paid for the acquisitions completed in 2015 (in thousands): At Acquisition Date Meadowlands (1) Berger (1) Lakeside Crossing (1) La Hacienda (1) Frontier Town (1) Fort Whaley (1) Rock Crusher (1) Total Investment in property $ 8,313 $ 268,026 $ 35,438 $ 25,895 $ 62,126 $ 5,704 $ 5,962 $ 411,464 Inventory of manufactured homes 285 — — — — — — 285 In-place leases and other intangible assets 270 5,040 520 1,380 70 — 110 7,390 Below market lease intangible — (7,840 ) (3,440 ) — — — — (11,280 ) Assumed debt (6,318 ) (169,882 ) — — — — — (176,200 ) Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 2,550 $ 95,344 $ 32,518 $ 27,275 $ 62,196 $ 5,704 $ 6,072 $ 231,659 Consideration Common OP units $ — $ 19,650 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 19,650 Series C preferred OP units — 33,154 — — — — — 33,154 Note payable 2,377 — — — — — — 2,377 Cash consideration transferred 173 42,540 32,518 27,275 62,196 5,704 6,072 176,478 Total consideration transferred $ 2,550 $ 95,344 $ 32,518 $ 27,275 $ 62,196 $ 5,704 $ 6,072 $ 231,659
Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from Acquisitions	The amount of revenue and net income included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the acquisitions completed in 2015 (excluding Green Courte) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 is set forth in the following table (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) Revenue $ 12,676 $ 19,388 Net income $ 4,162 $ 4,974
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information	The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents the results of our operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 (including Green Courte) as if the properties were acquired on January 1, 2014. 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, 2014 (in thousands, except per-share data). Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (unaudited) (unaudited) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Total revenues $ 186,381 $ 166,839 $ 520,382 $ 470,980 Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders $ 30,609 $ 31,711 $ 64,580 $ 55,976 Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - basic $ 0.58 $ 0.76 $ 1.22 $ 1.40 Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - diluted $ 0.58 $ 0.76 $ 1.21 $ 1.40
Schedule Of Disposed Properties	The table below lists the communities we have disposed of during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Community State Number of Sites Candlewick Court MI 211 Catalina OH 462 Worthington Arms OH 224 Valley Brook IN 798
Green Courte [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation	The following tables summarize the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates and the consideration paid (in thousands): At Acquisition Date First Phase (1) Second Phase (1) Total Investment in property $ 656,543 $ 818,109 $ 1,474,652 Notes receivable 5,189 850 6,039 Other (liabilities) assets (1,705 ) 7,405 5,700 In-place leases and other intangible assets 12,870 15,460 28,330 Below market lease intangible (10,820 ) (54,580 ) (65,400 ) Assumed debt (199,300 ) (201,466 ) (400,766 ) Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed $ 462,777 $ 585,778 $ 1,048,555 Consideration Common OP units (2) $ 24,064 $ — $ 24,064 Series A-4 preferred OP units (3) 18,852 1,000 19,852 Common stock 20,427 259,133 279,560 Series A-4 Preferred Stock (3) 13,697 175,527 189,224 Consideration from new mortgages 100,700 90,794 191,494 Cash consideration transferred 285,037 59,324 344,361 Total consideration transferred $ 462,777 $ 585,778 $ 1,048,555 (1) The purchase price allocations for the first and second closings are preliminary and may be adjusted as final costs and final valuations are determined. (2) To estimate the fair value of the common OP units at the valuation date, we utilized the market approach, observing public price of our common stock. (3) To estimate the fair value of the Series A-4 preferred OP units and the Series A-4 Preferred Stock at the valuation date, we utilized an income approach. Under this approach, we used the Binomial Lattice Method
Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from Acquisitions	The amount of revenue and net income included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations related to the Green Courte properties for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 is set forth in the following table (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited) (unaudited) Revenue $ 33,772 $ 102,243 Net income $ 4,029 $ 13,295

Collateralized Receivables an28

Collateralized Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Repurchase price percentage	In general, the repurchase price is determined as follows: Number of Payments Repurchase Percentage Fewer 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	The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the collateralized receivables is as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ 123,650 Financed sales of manufactured homes 28,481 Principal payments and payoffs from our customers (6,728 ) Principal reduction from repurchased homes (6,516 ) Total activity 15,237 Ending balance $ 138,887
Collateralized Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable	The following table sets forth the allowance for the collateralized receivables as of September 30, 2015 (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ (688 ) Lower of cost or market write-downs 275 Increase to reserve balance (233 ) Total activity 42 Ending balance $ (646 )

Notes And Other Receivables (Ta

Notes And Other Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Schedule of notes and other receivables	The following table sets forth certain information regarding notes and other receivables (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net $ 22,375 $ 25,884 Other receivables, net 26,826 26,011 Total notes and other receivables, net $ 49,201 $ 51,895
Schedule of Installment Notes Receivable	The change in the aggregate gross principal balance of the installment notes receivable is as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ 26,024 Financed sales of manufactured homes 653 Acquired notes (see Note 2) 850 Principal payments and payoffs from our customers (3,645 ) Principal reduction from repossessed homes (1,339 ) Total activity (3,481 ) Ending balance $ 22,543
Installment Notes Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for collateralized and installment notes receivable	The following table sets forth the allowance change for the installment notes receivable as follows (in thousands): Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ (140 ) Lower of cost or market write-downs 42 Increase to reserve balance (70 ) Total activity (28 ) Ending balance $ (168 )

Intangible Assets Intangible As

Intangible Assets Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The gross carrying amounts, and accumulated amortization are as follows (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Intangible Asset Useful Life Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization In-place leases 7 years $ 63,281 $ (18,128 ) $ 41,511 $ (12,107 ) Franchise fees and other intangible assets 15 years 1,864 (493 ) 764 (106 ) Total $ 65,145 $ (18,621 ) $ 42,275 $ (12,213 )
Schedule of Intangible Assets Amortization Expense	The aggregate net amortization expenses related to the intangible assets are as follows (in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Intangible Asset 2015 2014 2015 2014 In-place leases $ 2,341 $ 891 $ 6,020 $ 2,674 Franchise fees and other intangible assets 129 19 387 58 Total $ 2,470 $ 910 $ 6,407 $ 2,732

Consolidated Variable Interes31

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
DisclosureofVariableInterestEntities [Abstract]
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities included in our Consolidated Balance Sheets after appropriate eliminations have been made (in thousands): September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 ASSETS Investment property, net $ 92,593 $ 94,230 Other assets 3,767 4,400 Total Assets $ 96,360 $ 98,630 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Debt $ 64,531 $ 65,849 Other liabilities 19,474 10,442 Noncontrolling interests (1,336 ) (416 ) Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 82,669 $ 75,875

Debt And Lines Of Credit (Table

Debt And Lines Of Credit (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 Outstanding Weighted Average Years to Maturity Weighted Average Interest Rates September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Collateralized term loans - CMBS $ 742,142 $ 806,840 5.0 5.4 5.3 % 5.3 % Collateralized term loans - FNMA 796,714 492,800 6.1 7.1 4.6 % 4.0 % Collateralized term loans - Life Companies 469,486 204,638 13.8 10.9 4.1 % 4.3 % Collateralized term loans - FMCC 197,418 152,462 9.2 9.9 4.0 % 4.0 % Secured borrowing 138,887 123,650 15.2 14.6 10.2 % 10.4 % Preferred OP units - mandatorily redeemable 45,903 45,903 6.3 6.8 6.9 % 6.9 % Total debt $ 2,390,550 $ 1,826,293 8.1 7.5 5.1 % 5.1 %

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table Text Block]	September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Identifiable assets: Investment property, net $ 3,352,511 $ 431,018 $ 3,783,529 $ 2,207,526 $ 360,638 $ 2,568,164 Cash and cash equivalents 24,432 (515 ) 23,917 81,864 1,595 83,459 Inventory of manufactured homes — 15,263 15,263 — 8,860 8,860 Notes and other receivables, net 35,818 13,383 49,201 40,751 11,144 51,895 Collateralized receivables, net 138,241 — 138,241 122,962 — 122,962 Other assets, net 99,310 5,142 104,452 97,485 4,867 102,352 Total assets $ 3,650,312 $ 464,291 $ 4,114,603 $ 2,550,588 $ 387,104 $ 2,937,692
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	A presentation of segment financial information is summarized as follows (amounts in thousands): Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Revenues $ 150,059 $ 30,847 $ 180,906 $ 103,007 $ 23,742 $ 126,749 Operating expenses/Cost of sales 54,172 20,417 74,589 39,232 16,756 55,988 Net operating income/Gross profit 95,887 10,430 106,317 63,775 6,986 70,761 Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss): Interest and other income, net 4,449 — 4,449 3,883 — 3,883 General and administrative (10,735 ) (3,845 ) (14,580 ) (6,971 ) (2,313 ) (9,284 ) Transaction costs (1,664 ) — (1,664 ) (2,399 ) — (2,399 ) Depreciation and amortization (31,352 ) (13,343 ) (44,695 ) (18,522 ) (11,395 ) (29,917 ) Asset impairment charge — — — (837 ) — (837 ) Interest (27,434 ) (19 ) (27,453 ) (18,614 ) (5 ) (18,619 ) Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units (790 ) — (790 ) (808 ) — (808 ) Gain (loss) on disposition of properties, net 13,415 4,775 18,190 14,949 (1,318 ) 13,631 Provision for state income taxes (51 ) (26 ) (77 ) (69 ) — (69 ) Distributions from affiliate — — — 400 — 400 Net income (loss) 41,725 (2,028 ) 39,697 34,787 (8,045 ) 26,742 Less: Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units 591 — 591 661 — 661 Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units 45 — 45 45 — 45 Less: Preferred return to A-4 preferred OP units 326 — 326 — — — Less: Preferred return to Series C preferred OP units 340 — 340 — — — Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 2,295 (170 ) 2,125 2,442 (591 ) 1,851 Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. 38,128 (1,858 ) 36,270 31,639 (7,454 ) 24,185 Less: Preferred stock distributions 3,179 — 3,179 1,514 — 1,514 Less: Preferred stock redemption costs 4,328 — 4,328 — — — Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders $ 30,621 $ (1,858 ) $ 28,763 $ 30,125 $ (7,454 ) $ 22,671 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Real Property Operations Home Sales and Rentals Consolidated Revenues $ 403,862 $ 89,039 $ 492,901 $ 283,299 $ 67,813 $ 351,112 Operating expenses/Cost of sales 142,096 57,763 199,859 104,759 46,168 150,927 Net operating income/Gross profit 261,766 31,276 293,042 178,540 21,645 200,185 Adjustments to arrive at net income (loss): Interest and other income, net 13,554 38 13,592 11,145 — 11,145 General and administrative (31,051 ) (11,290 ) (42,341 ) (23,177 ) (7,932 ) (31,109 ) Transaction costs (13,150 ) — (13,150 ) (4,255 ) (8 ) (4,263 ) Depreciation and amortization (90,991 ) (39,116 ) (130,107 ) (55,591 ) (33,260 ) (88,851 ) Asset impairment charge — — — (837 ) — (837 ) Extinguishment of debt (2,800 ) — (2,800 ) — — — Interest (79,567 ) (26 ) (79,593 ) (54,135 ) (14 ) (54,149 ) Interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred OP units (2,429 ) — (2,429 ) (2,417 ) — (2,417 ) Gain on disposition of properties, net 22,892 4,054 26,946 14,302 214 14,516 Provision for state income taxes (152 ) (77 ) (229 ) (207 ) — (207 ) Distributions from affiliate 7,500 — 7,500 1,200 — 1,200 Net income (loss) 85,572 (15,141 ) 70,431 64,568 (19,355 ) 45,213 Less: Preferred return to A-1 preferred OP units 1,844 — 1,844 1,997 — 1,997 Less: Preferred return to A-3 preferred OP units 136 — 136 136 — 136 Less: Preferred return to A-4 preferred OP units 1,032 — 1,032 — — — Less: Preferred return to Series C preferred OP units 680 — 680 — — — Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests 4,316 (1,184 ) 3,132 4,564 (1,471 ) 3,093 Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. 77,564 (13,957 ) 63,607 57,871 (17,884 ) 39,987 Less: Preferred stock distributions 11,353 — 11,353 4,542 — 4,542 Less: Preferred stock redemption costs 4,328 — 4,328 — — — Net income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders $ 61,883 $ (13,957 ) $ 47,926 $ 53,329 $ (17,884 ) $ 35,445

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Calculation of Numerator and Denominator in Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	Computations of basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were as follows (in thousands, except per share data): Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Numerator 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 28,763 $ 22,671 $ 47,926 $ 35,445 Allocation of income to restricted stock awards (381 ) (256 ) (541 ) (441 ) Preferred share conversion Net income attributable to common stockholders after allocation 28,382 22,415 47,385 35,004 Allocation of income to restricted stock awards 381 256 541 441 Diluted earnings: net income attributable to common stockholders after allocation $ 28,763 $ 22,671 $ 47,926 $ 35,445 Denominator Weighted average common shares outstanding 53,220 41,023 52,855 39,283 Add: dilutive stock options 14 15 16 16 Add: dilutive restricted stock 431 229 400 207 Add: dilutive OP units — — — 2,069 Diluted weighted average common shares and securities 53,665 41,267 53,271 41,575 Earnings per share available to common stockholders after allocation: Basic $ 0.53 $ 0.55 $ 0.90 $ 0.89 Diluted $ 0.54 $ 0.55 $ 0.90 $ 0.85
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 (amounts in thousands): As of September 30, 2015 2014 Common OP units 2,863 2,069 Series A-1 preferred OP units 389 438 Series A-3 preferred OP units 40 40 Series A-4 preferred OP units 760 — Series A-4 Preferred Stock 2,298 — Series C preferred OP units 340 — Aspen preferred OP units 1,284 1,325 Total securities 7,974 3,872

Derivative Instruments And He35

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block]	The following table provides the terms of our interest rate derivative contracts that were in effect as of September 30, 2015 : Type Purpose Effective Date Maturity Date Notional (in millions) Based on Variable Rate Fixed Rate Spread Effective Fixed Rate Cap Cap Floating Rate 4/1/2015 4/1/2018 $ 150.1 3 Month LIBOR 0.2830% 9.0000% —% N/A Cap Cap Floating Rate 10/3/2011 10/3/2016 $ 10.0 3 Month LIBOR 0.2830% 11.0200% —% N/A

Fair Value of Financial Instr36

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The table below sets forth our financial assets and liabilities that require disclosure of their fair values on a recurring basis and presents the carrying values and fair values as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 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. September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Financial assets Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net $ 22,375 $ 22,375 $ 25,884 $ 25,884 Collateralized receivables, net $ 138,241 $ 138,241 $ 122,962 $ 122,962 Financial liabilities Debt $ 2,251,663 $ 2,289,252 $ 1,702,643 $ 1,752,939 Secured borrowing $ 138,887 $ 138,887 $ 123,650 $ 123,649 Lines of credit $ 167,000 $ 167,000 $ 5,794 $ 5,794

Real Estate Acquisitions and 37

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions, Narrative (Details) $ in Thousands

Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)shares

Jan. 06, 2015shares

Jan. 06, 2015shares

Nov. 26, 2014propertiesstatesshares

Jun. 30, 2015shares

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 19, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

May. 08, 2015USD ($)

May. 20, 2015USD ($)

Aug. 13, 2015USD ($)

Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Transaction costs

$ 1,664

$ 2,399

$ 13,150

$ 4,263

Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued

33,154

0

Gain on disposition of properties, net

$ 18,190

$ 13,631

$ 26,946

$ 14,516

Green Courte - First Closing [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of States in which Entity Operates | states

11

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

9,000

Green Courte - First Closing [Member] | Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

669,449

Green Courte - First Closing [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

501,130

Green Courte - First Closing [Member] | Common Stock

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

361,797

Green Courte - First Closing [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

483,317

Green Courte - Second Closing [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

10,000

10,000

Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Common Stock

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

4,377,073

4,377,073

Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

5,847,234

5,847,234

Green Courte [Member] | Common Stock

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

25,664

Green Courte [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

34,219

Rock Crusher [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued

$ 0

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

391

Frontier Town [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued

$ 0

Number of sites suitable for development

200

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

584

Fort Whaley [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued

$ 0

Number of sites suitable for development

90

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

210

La Hacienda [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued

$ 0

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

241

Lakeside Crossing [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued

$ 0

Number of sites suitable for development

300

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

419

Berger [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued

$ 33,154

Number of sites suitable for development

380

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

3,130

Berger [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

371,808

Berger [Member] | Series C preferred OP units [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares | shares

340,206

Meadowlands [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Acquisitions - Series C preferred OP units issued

$ 0

Number of Units in Real Estate Property

321

Manufactured home community [Member] | Green Courte - First Closing [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of Real Estate Properties | properties

32

Manufactured home community [Member] | Green Courte - Second Closing [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of Real Estate Properties

26

26

Real Estate Acquisitions and 38

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions, Green Courte Purchase Price Allocation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 06, 2015	Nov. 26, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in property			$ 411,464
In-place leases and other intangible assets			7,390
Below market lease intangible			(11,280)
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed			231,659
Cash consideration transferred			176,478
Total consideration transferred			$ 231,659
Green Courte - First Closing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in property		$ 656,543
Notes receivable		5,189
Other (liabilities) assets		(1,705)
In-place leases and other intangible assets		12,870
Below market lease intangible		(10,820)
Assumed debt		(199,300)
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed		462,777
Consideration from new mortgages		100,700
Cash consideration transferred		285,037
Total consideration transferred		462,777
Green Courte - First Closing [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued		24,064
Green Courte - First Closing [Member] | Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued		18,852
Green Courte - First Closing [Member] | Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued		20,427
Green Courte - First Closing [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued		$ 13,697
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in property	$ 818,109
Notes receivable	850
Other (liabilities) assets	7,405
In-place leases and other intangible assets	15,460
Below market lease intangible	(54,580)
Assumed debt	(201,466)
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed	585,778
Consideration from new mortgages	90,794
Cash consideration transferred	59,324
Total consideration transferred	585,778
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued	0
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued	1,000
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued	259,133
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued	175,527
Green Courte [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Investment in property	1,474,652
Notes receivable	6,039
Other (liabilities) assets	5,700
In-place leases and other intangible assets	28,330
Below market lease intangible	(65,400)
Assumed debt	(400,766)
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed	1,048,555
Consideration from new mortgages	191,494
Cash consideration transferred	344,361
Total consideration transferred	1,048,555
Green Courte [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued	24,064
Green Courte [Member] | Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued	19,852
Green Courte [Member] | Common Stock
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued	279,560
Green Courte [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Equity and other securities issued	$ 189,224

Real Estate Acquisitions, Sched

Real Estate Acquisitions, Schedule of Other Acquisitions Purchase Price Allocation (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 19, 2015USD ($)	May. 08, 2015USD ($)	May. 20, 2015USD ($)	Aug. 13, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
At acquistion date
Investment in property							$ 411,464
Inventory of manufactured homes							285
In-place leases and other intangible assets							7,390
Below market lease intangible							(11,280)
Assumed debt							176,200
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed							231,659
Consideration
Common OP units							19,650
Series C preferred OP units							33,154	$ 0
Note payable							2,377
Cash consideration transferred							176,478
Total consideration transferred							$ 231,659
Meadowlands [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		321
At acquistion date
Investment in property		$ 8,313
Inventory of manufactured homes		285
In-place leases and other intangible assets		270
Below market lease intangible		0
Assumed debt		6,318
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed		2,550
Consideration
Common OP units		0
Series C preferred OP units		0
Note payable		2,377
Cash consideration transferred		173
Total consideration transferred		$ 2,550
Berger [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	3,130
At acquistion date
Investment in property	$ 268,026
Inventory of manufactured homes	0
In-place leases and other intangible assets	5,040
Below market lease intangible	(7,840)
Assumed debt	169,882
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed	95,344
Consideration
Common OP units	19,650
Series C preferred OP units	33,154
Note payable	0
Cash consideration transferred	42,540
Total consideration transferred	$ 95,344
Lakeside Crossing [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property			419
At acquistion date
Investment in property			$ 35,438
Inventory of manufactured homes			0
In-place leases and other intangible assets			520
Below market lease intangible			(3,440)
Assumed debt			0
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed			32,518
Consideration
Common OP units			0
Series C preferred OP units			0
Note payable			0
Cash consideration transferred			32,518
Total consideration transferred			$ 32,518
La Hacienda [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property				241
At acquistion date
Investment in property				$ 25,895
Inventory of manufactured homes				0
In-place leases and other intangible assets				1,380
Below market lease intangible				0
Assumed debt				0
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed				27,275
Consideration
Common OP units				0
Series C preferred OP units				0
Note payable				0
Cash consideration transferred				27,275
Total consideration transferred				$ 27,275
Frontier Town [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property						584
At acquistion date
Investment in property						$ 62,126
Inventory of manufactured homes						0
In-place leases and other intangible assets						70
Below market lease intangible						0
Assumed debt						0
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed						62,196
Consideration
Common OP units						0
Series C preferred OP units						0
Note payable						0
Cash consideration transferred						62,196
Total consideration transferred						$ 62,196
Fort Whaley [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property						210
At acquistion date
Investment in property						$ 5,704
Inventory of manufactured homes						0
In-place leases and other intangible assets						0
Below market lease intangible						0
Assumed debt						0
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed						5,704
Consideration
Common OP units						0
Series C preferred OP units						0
Note payable						0
Cash consideration transferred						5,704
Total consideration transferred						$ 5,704
Rock Crusher [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property					391
At acquistion date
Investment in property					$ 5,962
Inventory of manufactured homes					0
In-place leases and other intangible assets					110
Below market lease intangible					0
Assumed debt					0
Total identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed					6,072
Consideration
Common OP units					0
Series C preferred OP units					0
Note payable					0
Cash consideration transferred					6,072
Total consideration transferred					$ 6,072

Real Estate Acquisitions, Sch40

Real Estate Acquisitions, Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from acquisitions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Green Courte [Member]
Business Combination, Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 33,772	$ 102,243
Net income	4,029	13,295
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Combination, Results of Operations [Line Items]
Revenue	12,676	19,388
Net income	$ 4,162	$ 4,974

Real Estate Acquisitions , Pro

Real Estate Acquisitions , Pro Forma Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 186,381	$ 166,839	$ 520,382	$ 470,980
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ 30,609	$ 31,711	$ 64,580	$ 55,976
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - basic	$ 0.58	$ 0.76	$ 1.22	$ 1.40
Net income per share attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders - diluted	$ 0.58	$ 0.76	$ 1.21	$ 1.40

Real Estate Acquisitions and 42

Real Estate Acquisitions and Dispositions Real Estate Acquisitions, Schedule of Disposed Properties (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015
Candlewick Court [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	211,000
Catalina [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	462,000
Worthington Arms [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	224,000
Valley Brook [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	798,000

Collateralized Receivables an43

Collateralized Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets, Repurchase price percentage (Details) - Collateralized Receivables [Member]	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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%

Collateralized Receivables an44

Collateralized Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets, Schedule of collateralized loans (Details) - Collateralized Receivables [Member] $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 123,650
Financed sales of manufactured homes	28,481
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(6,728)
Principal reduction from repurchased homes	(6,516)
Total activity	15,237
Ending balance	$ 138,887

Collateralized Receivables an45

Collateralized Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets Collateralized Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets, Allowance for Collateralized Receivables (Details) - Collateralized Receivables [Member] $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (688)
Lower of cost or market write-downs	275
Increase to reserve balance	(233)
Total activity	42
Ending balance	$ (646)

Collateralized Receivables an46

Collateralized Receivables and Transfers of Financial Assets, Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	$ 49,201		$ 49,201		$ 51,895
Secured debt	2,205,760		2,205,760		1,656,740
Interest income and expense, net	3,300	$ 3,000
Collateralized Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	646		$ 646		$ 688
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term			15 years 2 months 12 days		14 years 7 months 2 days
Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)			10.20%		10.40%
Secured Debt [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest income and expense, net			$ 9,600	$ 8,600
Carrying Value [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Secured debt	138,887		138,887		$ 123,650
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes and other receivables, net	$ 138,241		$ 138,241		$ 122,962

Notes and Other Receivables, Sc

Notes and Other Receivables, Schedule of notes and other receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$ 49,201	$ 51,895
Other receivables, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	26,826	26,011
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	22,375	25,884
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Total notes and other receivables, net	$ 138,241	$ 122,962

Notes And Other Receivables Not

Notes And Other Receivables Notes and Other Receivables, Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	$ 49,201	$ 51,895
Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	$ 200	$ 100
Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate)	8.60%	8.70%
Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term	10 years 1 month	10 years 5 months 1 day
Carrying Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts and Notes Receivable, Net	$ 22,375	$ 25,884

Notes and Other Receivables, 49

Notes and Other Receivables, Schedule of installment notes receivable (Details) - Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, gross [Member] $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 26,024
Financed sales of manufactured homes	653
Acquired Notes Receivable	850
Principal payments and payoffs from our customers	(3,645)
Principal reduction from repossessed homes	(1,339)
Total activity	(3,481)
Ending balance	$ 22,543

Notes and Other Receivables, Al

Notes and Other Receivables, Allowance for installment notes receivable (Details) - Collateralized receivables, net and Installment Notes Receivables on Manufactured Homes [Member] $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ (140)
Lower of cost or market write-downs	42
Increase to reserve balance	(70)
Total activity	(28)
Ending balance	$ (168)

Notes And Other Receivables N51

Notes And Other Receivables Notes and Other Receivables, Other receivables - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Apr. 01, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Other receivables for rent, water, sewer usage		$ 5.3		$ 4.9
Allowance for rent, water, sewer usage receivables		(1.1)		(1)
Home sale proceeds		9.4		7.4
Insurance receivables		0.9		1
Insurance Settlements Receivable		4.5		3.7
Miscellaneous note receivable		2.2		2.2
Other Receivables		$ 4.5		$ 6.8
2014-2015 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Miscellaneous Note Receivable, Interest Rate		8.00%
2016 [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Miscellaneous Note Receivable, Interest Rate		7.87%
Berger [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Note receivable related to acquistion			$ 40.2
Miscellaneous Note Receivable, Interest Rate	9.60%

Intangible Assets Intangible 52

Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
In-place leases and other intangible assets	$ 7,390
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	65,145	$ 42,275
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (18,621)	(12,213)
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 63,281	41,511
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (18,128)	(12,107)
Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	15 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	$ 1,864	764
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ (493)	$ (106)
Acquisitions - 2015 [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
In-place leases and other intangible assets	$ 22,900

Intangible Assets Intangible 53

Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Schedule of Intangible Asset Amortization Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 2,470	$ 910	$ 6,407	$ 2,732
Leases, Acquired-in-Place [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	2,341	891	6,020	2,674
Franchise Rights [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 129	$ 19	$ 387	$ 58

Investment In Affiliates , Narr

Investment In Affiliates , Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Distributions from affiliate	$ 0	$ 400,000	$ 7,500,000	$ 1,200,000
Origen Financial Services [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	22.90%		22.90%		22.90%
Investment carrying value	$ 0		$ 0
Origen Financial [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership percentage	19.00%		19.00%
Investment carrying value	$ 0		$ 0
Investment owned (in shares)	5,000,000		5,000,000
Distribution per share	$ 1.50		$ 1.50
Expected dissolution expenses of Equity Method Investee	$ 6,200,000		$ 6,200,000

Consolidated Variable Interes55

Consolidated Variable Interest Entities, Schedule of Variable Interest Entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment property, net	$ 3,783,529	$ 2,568,164
Other assets, net	104,452	102,352
Mortgage loans payable (including $64,531 and $65,849 for consolidated variable interest at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; see Note 7)	2,205,760	1,656,740
Other liabilities (including $19,474 and $10,442 for consolidated variable interest entities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; see Note 7)	190,284	130,369
Consolidated variable interest entities	$ (1,336)	$ (416)
VIE as a Percentage of Consolidated Assets	2.30%	3.40%
VIE as a Percentage of Consolidated Liabilities	2.90%	3.80%
VIE as a Percentage of Total Equity	1.00%	1.00%
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment property, net	$ 92,593	$ 94,230
Other assets, net	3,767	4,400
Total Assets	96,360	98,630
Mortgage loans payable (including $64,531 and $65,849 for consolidated variable interest at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; see Note 7)	64,531	65,849
Other liabilities (including $19,474 and $10,442 for consolidated variable interest entities at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014; see Note 7)	19,474	10,442
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity	$ 82,669	$ 75,875

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Sche

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Schedule of debt and lines of credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 2,205,760	$ 1,656,740
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	8 years 1 month 6 days	7 years 6 months
Weighted average interest rate	5.10%	5.10%
Total debt	$ 2,390,550	$ 1,826,293
Collateralized term loans - CMBS [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 742,142	$ 806,840
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	5 years	5 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted average interest rate	5.30%	5.30%
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 2,400,000
Preferred OP units [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 45,903	$ 45,903
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	6 years 3 months 18 days	6 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average interest rate	6.90%	6.90%
Federal National Mortgage Association Certificates and Obligations (FNMA) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 796,714	$ 492,800
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	6 years 1 month 6 days	7 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average interest rate	4.60%	4.00%
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Certificates and Obligations (FHLMC) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 197,418	$ 152,462
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	9 years 2 months 12 days	9 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted average interest rate	4.00%	4.00%
Life Companies [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 469,486	$ 204,638
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	13 years 9 months 18 days	10 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted average interest rate	4.10%	4.30%
Carrying Value [Member] | Secured borrowing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured debt	$ 138,887	$ 123,650
Debt weighted average to maturity, years	15 years 2 months 12 days	14 years 7 months 6 days
Weighted average interest rate	10.20%	10.40%

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narr

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Collateralized Term Loans (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)Rate	Mar. 19, 2015USD ($)Rate	Jan. 06, 2015USD ($)Rate	Jan. 06, 2015USD ($)Rate	May. 31, 2015USD ($)Rate	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)propertiessitesRate	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Aug. 13, 2015USD ($)Rate	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)propertiessitesRate	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Acquisitions - debt assumed									$ 377,666	$ 0
Weighted average interest rate | Rate						5.10%			5.10%		5.10%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length									8 years 1 month 6 days		7 years 6 months
Total debt						$ 2,205,760			$ 2,205,760		$ 1,656,740
Repayments of Debt						$ 0	$ 0		$ (2,800)	$ 0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 87,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | Rate								4.06%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length								25 years
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | First Debt Closing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 51,200
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Second Debt Closing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount								$ 35,800
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate | Rate						5.30%			5.30%		5.30%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length									5 years		5 years 4 months 24 days
Total debt						$ 742,142			$ 742,142		$ 806,840
Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | Rate					5.32%
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties)					10
Net book value of properties securing collateralized term loans						2,700,000			2,700,000
Total debt						$ 2,400,000			$ 2,400,000
Repayments of Debt					$ 70,600
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt					$ 2,800
Properties securing debt [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties) | properties						171			171
Number of Units in Real Estate Property | sites						68,814			68,814
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property			10,000	10,000
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 90,800	$ 90,800
Debt Instrument, Term				14 years 1 month 6 days
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | Rate			3.87%	3.87%
Number of properties securing a debt instument (in properties)			10	10
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt				$ 112,300
Acquisitions - debt assumed				$ 201,400
Weighted average interest rate | Rate			5.74%	5.74%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length			6 years 3 months 25 days
Meadowlands [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property		321
Note receivable related to acquistion						$ 2,400			$ 2,400
Meadowlands [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Acquisitions - debt assumed		$ 6,300
Meadowlands [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term		6 years 6 months
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | Rate		6.50%
Berger [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	3,130
Note receivable related to acquistion	$ 40,200
Berger [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Acquisitions - debt assumed	$ 169,900
Weighted average interest rate | Rate	5.17%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length	6 years 3 months 18 days

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Na58

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Aspen Preferred OP Units and Series B-3 preferred OP units (Details) - Preferred OP units [Member] - Convertible debt - Aspen Preferred OP Units January 2024 [Member] $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)sharesRate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount | $	$ 34.7
Convertible units to shares (in shares) | shares	509,676
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	6.50%

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Na59

Debt And Lines Of Credit , Narrative - Line of Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Lines of credit	$ 167,000	$ 5,794
Weighted average interest rate	5.10%	5.10%
Debt weighted average to maturity, length	8 years 1 month 6 days	7 years 6 months
Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 450,000
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	$ 750,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Aug. 19, 2019
Line of credit, additional borrowing capacity	$ 300,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	1.66%
Lines of credit	$ 167,000	$ 0
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	3,400	3,200
Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	$ 12,000
Lines of credit		$ 5,800
Weighted average interest rate	7.00%
Prime Rate [Member] | Line of credit - manufactured home floor plan facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, maximum	6.00%
Basis points	100.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	$ 392,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Lines of credit	$ 142,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, minimum	1.40%
Effective interest rate, maximum	2.25%
Line of credit variable interest rate	1.45%
Term Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit, borrowing capacity	$ 58,000
Term Loan [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Lines of credit	$ 25,000
Term Loan [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Effective interest rate, minimum	1.35%
Effective interest rate, maximum	2.20%
Line of credit variable interest rate	1.40%

Equity Transactions Narrative (

Equity Transactions Narrative (Details)	Apr. 01, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesRateshares	Jan. 06, 2015$ / sharesRateshares	Jan. 06, 2015USD ($)shares	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)shares	Aug. 10, 2015$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Nov. 30, 2004shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common Stock, Shares Authorized						180,000,000			180,000,000			90,000,000
Common Stock, Par Value | $ / shares						$ 0.01			$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share | $ / shares						$ 0.01			$ 0.01			$ 0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized						20,000,000			20,000,000			10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding						3,400,000			3,400,000			3,400,000
New shares issued (in shares)						608,100	26,200	342,011
Common OP units | $						$ 19,650,000			$ 19,650,000
Aggregate Value of Shares to be Issued in Accordance to Sales Agreement | $					$ 250,000,000
Commission, Maximum Percentage of Gross Sales Price Per Share According to Sales Agreement					2.00%
Shares Issued, Price Per Share | $ / shares					$ 65.15	$ 68	$ 65.15	$ 63.94	$ 68
Value of stock issued during the period | $						$ 40,800,000	$ 1,700,000	$ 21,500,000
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, OP units, and preferred OP units, net | $									$ 77,306,000	$ 562,581,000
Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share | $ / shares						$ 25			$ 25
Temporary Equity, Net Income | $									$ 300,000
Temporary Equity, Dividends, Adjustment | $									$ 1,000,000
Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Obligation						5,926,322
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares						4,066,586
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding					6,364,770	2,298,184	6,364,770		2,298,184
Preferred Stock Not Subject To Repurchase						438,448			438,448
Share Repurchase Price | $ / shares											$ 31.08
Share Repurchase Price Stated Value | $ / shares											30.90
Share Repurchase Price Accrued And Unpaid Distributions | $ / shares											$ 0.18
Temporary Equity, Liquidation Preference | $						$ 25			$ 25
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio									0.4444
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared | $ / shares									$ 0.4062
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash | $					$ 900,000
Series A-4 Preferred Stock | $						68,633,000			$ 68,633,000			$ 13,610,000
Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends per common share: | $ / shares									$ 0.65
Common Stock | Dividend Paid [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash | $				$ 37,300,000
Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared | $ / shares									$ 0.4453
Preferred Stock [Member] | Dividend Paid [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash | $				$ 1,500,000
Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Series A-4 Preferred Stock | $						$ 20,982,000			$ 20,982,000			$ 18,722,000
Series C preferred OP units [Domain]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Equity, Preferred OP unit, conversion price | $ / shares	$ 1.11
Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Equity, preferred return rate | Rate		6.50%
Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares)									109,414
Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares)									48,627
Green Courte [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 25
Green Courte [Member] | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares		$ 50
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, OP units, and preferred OP units, net | $			$ 12,500,000
Repurchase Agreements [Member] | Common Stock
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			400,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares									0	0
Conversion of Common OP Units [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares)									99,404	0
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares)									38,817	18,773
Series A-1 Preferred OP Units [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Conversion of Common OP Units to common stock (in shares)									102,301	45,785
Green Courte [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares					34,219
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 25
Common OP units | $						$ 855,475			$ 855,475
Green Courte [Member] | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares					25,664
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares					$ 50
Common OP units | $						$ 1,283,200			$ 1,283,200
Berger [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common OP units | $	$ 19,650,000
Berger [Member] | Series C preferred OP units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	340,206
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 100
Berger [Member] | Common OP Units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	371,808
Weighted average sale price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 61
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares		5,847,234	5,847,234
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares		4,377,073	4,377,073
New shares issued (in shares)			150,000
Green Courte - Second Closing [Member] | Series A-4 preferred OP units [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Units, Issued		200,000	200,000
2015-2017 [Member] | Series C preferred OP units [Domain]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Equity, preferred return rate | Rate	4.00%
2018-2020 [Member] | Series C preferred OP units [Domain]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Equity, preferred return rate | Rate	4.50%
After 5 years [Member] | Series C preferred OP units [Domain]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Equity, preferred return rate | Rate	5.00%

Share-Based Compensation , Narr

Share-Based Compensation , Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jul. 20, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from stock option exercise							$ 71	$ 126
2015 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized									1,750,000
2004 non-employee plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercises in period							4,084	4,904
Proceeds from stock option exercise							$ 100
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 67.29	$ 67.57	$ 62.94	$ 63.81		$ 65.48
Vested restricted stock (in shares)							85,958
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2015 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares (in shares)	4,500
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares (in shares)		20,000	25,000	145,000		1,000
Director [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Director Plans [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares (in shares)					19,800
Weighted average grant date fair value					$ 65.87
Third Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2015 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage	35.00%
Third Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage		35.00%	35.00%	20.00%		35.00%
Fourth Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2015 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage	35.00%
Fourth Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage		35.00%	35.00%	30.00%		35.00%
Fifth Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2015 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage	20.00%
Fifth Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage		20.00%	20.00%	35.00%		20.00%
Sixth Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2015 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage	5.00%
Sixth Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage		5.00%	5.00%	10.00%		5.00%
Seventh Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2015 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage	5.00%
Seventh Anniversary | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting percentage		5.00%	5.00%	5.00%		5.00%
Subject to Performance Conditions Over 5 years | Restricted Stock [Member] | 2009 Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted, shares (in shares)				72,500

Segment Reporting Segment Repor

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Seasonality (Details) - Real Property Operations Segment [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expected Annual Transient RV Revenue								$ 31.6
Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage		13.10%			43.30%	18.30%	25.30%
Scenario, Actual [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage		45.20%	17.40%	22.40%
Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Expected Annual Transient RV Revenue	$ 39.3
Transient RV Rental Revenue Recognized, Percentage	15.00%

Segment Reporting Results of Op

Segment Reporting Results of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 180,906	$ 126,749	$ 492,901	$ 351,112
Operating Expenses/Cost of Sales	74,589	55,988	199,859	150,927
Net operating income/Gross Profit	106,317	70,761	293,042	200,185
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	4,449	3,883	13,592	11,145
General and Administrative Expense	(14,580)	(9,284)	(42,341)	(31,109)
Transaction costs	(1,664)	(2,399)	(13,150)	(4,263)
Depreciation and amortization	(44,695)	(29,917)	(130,107)	(88,851)
Asset impairment charge	0	(837)	0	(837)
Extinguishment of debt	0	0	2,800	0
Interest	(27,453)	(18,619)	(79,593)	(54,149)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(790)	(808)	(2,429)	(2,417)
Gain (loss) on dispositions of properties, net	18,190	13,631	26,946	14,516
Distributions from affiliate	0	400	7,500	1,200
Provision for state income taxes	77	69	(229)	(207)
Net income	39,697	26,742	70,431	45,213
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	591	661	1,844	1,997
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	45	45	136	136
Less: Preferred return to Series A-4 preferred OP units	326	0	1,032	0
Less: Preferred return to Series C preferred OP units	340	0	680	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,125	1,851	3,132	3,093
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	36,270	24,185	63,607	39,987
Less: Preferred stock distributions	3,179	1,514	11,353	4,542
Less: Preferred stock redemption costs	4,328	0	4,328	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	28,763	22,671	47,926	35,445
Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	150,059	103,007	403,862	283,299
Operating Expenses/Cost of Sales	54,172	39,232	142,096	104,759
Net operating income/Gross Profit	95,887	63,775	261,766	178,540
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	4,449	3,883	13,554	11,145
General and Administrative Expense	(10,735)	(6,971)	(31,051)	(23,177)
Transaction costs	(1,664)	(2,399)	(13,150)	(4,255)
Depreciation and amortization	(31,352)	(18,522)	(90,991)	(55,591)
Asset impairment charge	0			(837)
Extinguishment of debt			2,800	0
Interest	(27,434)	(18,614)	(79,567)	(54,135)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	(790)	(808)	(2,429)	(2,417)
Gain (loss) on dispositions of properties, net	13,415	14,949	22,892	14,302
Distributions from affiliate	0	400	7,500	1,200
Provision for state income taxes	(51)	(69)	(152)	(207)
Net income	41,725	34,787	85,572	64,568
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	591	661	1,844	1,997
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	45	45	136	136
Less: Preferred return to Series A-4 preferred OP units	326	0	1,032	0
Less: Preferred return to Series C preferred OP units	340	0	680	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,295	2,442	4,316	4,564
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	38,128	31,639	77,564	57,871
Less: Preferred stock distributions	3,179	1,514	11,353	4,542
Less: Preferred stock redemption costs	4,328	0	4,328	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	30,621	30,125	61,883	53,329
Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	30,847	23,742	89,039	67,813
Operating Expenses/Cost of Sales	20,417	16,756	57,763	46,168
Net operating income/Gross Profit	10,430	6,986	31,276	21,645
Ancillary, interest and other income, net	0	0	38	0
General and Administrative Expense	(3,845)	(2,313)	(11,290)	(7,932)
Transaction costs	0	0	0	(8)
Depreciation and amortization	(13,343)	(11,395)	(39,116)	(33,260)
Asset impairment charge	0			0
Extinguishment of debt			0	0
Interest	(19)	(5)	(26)	(14)
Interest on mandatorily redeemable debt	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) on dispositions of properties, net	4,775	(1,318)	4,054	214
Distributions from affiliate	0	0	0	0
Provision for state income taxes	(26)	0	(77)	0
Net income	(2,028)	(8,045)	(15,141)	(19,355)
Less: Preferred return to Series A-1 preferred OP units	0	0	0	0
Less: Preferred return to Series A-3 preferred OP units	0	0	0	0
Less: Preferred return to Series A-4 preferred OP units	0	0	0	0
Less: Preferred return to Series C preferred OP units	0	0	0	0
Less: Amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests	(170)	(591)	(1,184)	(1,471)
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	(1,858)	(7,454)	(13,957)	(17,884)
Less: Preferred stock distributions	0	0		0
Less: Preferred stock redemption costs	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ (1,858)	$ (7,454)	$ (13,957)	$ (17,884)

Segment Reporting Identifiable

Segment Reporting Identifiable Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Investment property, net	$ 3,783,529	$ 2,568,164
Cash and cash equivalents	23,917	83,459	$ 259,152	$ 4,753
Inventory of manufactured homes	15,263	8,860
Notes and other receivables, net	49,201	51,895
Collateralized receivables, net	138,241	122,962
Other assets	104,452	102,352
TOTAL ASSETS	4,114,603	2,937,692
Real Property Operations Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Investment property, net	3,352,511	2,207,526
Cash and cash equivalents	24,432	81,864
Inventory of manufactured homes	0	0
Notes and other receivables, net	35,818	40,751
Collateralized receivables, net	138,241	122,962
Other assets	99,310	97,485
TOTAL ASSETS	3,650,312	2,550,588
Home Sales and Home Rentals Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Investment property, net	431,018	360,638
Cash and cash equivalents	(515)	1,595
Inventory of manufactured homes	15,263	8,860
Notes and other receivables, net	13,383	11,144
Collateralized receivables, net	0	0
Other assets	5,142	4,867
TOTAL ASSETS	$ 464,291	$ 387,104

Income Taxes , Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes , Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
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	$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 300,000	$ 100,000

Earnings Per Share , Calculatio

Earnings Per Share , Calculation of Numerator and Denominator (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Numerator
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ 28,763	$ 22,671	$ 47,926	$ 35,445
Income (loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders Allocable To Non Vested Restricted Shares	(381)	(256)	(541)	(441)
Net income attributable to common shareholders after restricted stock allocation	28,382	22,415	47,385	35,004
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units	381	256	541	441
Diluted earnings: net income available to common stockholders and unitholders	$ 28,763	$ 22,671	$ 47,926	$ 35,445
Denominator
Basic Weighted average common shares outstanding	53,220	41,023	52,855	39,283
Add: dilutive securities	14	15	16	16
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements	431	229	400	207
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock	0	0	0	2,069
Diluted weighted average common shares	53,665	41,267	53,271	41,575
Basic	$ 0.53	$ 0.55	$ 0.90	$ 0.89
Diluted	$ 0.54	$ 0.55	$ 0.90	$ 0.85

Earnings Per Share , Antidiluti

Earnings Per Share , Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Loss Per Share (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	7,974	3,872
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	2,863	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	389	438
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
Series A-4 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	760	0
Series A-4 Preferred Stock [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	2,298	0
Series C 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	340	0
Aspen Preferred OP Units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1,284	1,325

Derivative Instruments And He68

Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities , Derivative Contracts (Details) - Interest Rate Cap [Member] $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Derivative maturing 2018 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Type	Cap
Derivative, Purpose	Cap Floating Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	Apr. 1, 2015
Derivative, Maturity Date	Apr. 1, 2018
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$ 150.1
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.283%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	9.00%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%
Derivative Maturing 2016 [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Type	Cap
Derivative, Purpose	Cap Floating Rate
Derivative, Effective Date	Oct. 3, 2011
Derivative, Maturity Date	Oct. 3, 2016
Notional Amount of Derivatives	$ 10
Derivative, Variable Rate	0.283%
Derivative, Fixed Rate	11.02%
Derivative, Spread on Variable Rate	0.00%

Fair Value of Financial Instr69

Fair Value of Financial Instruments , By Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial assets
Notes and other receivables, net	$ 49,201	$ 51,895
Financial liabilities
Secured debt	2,205,760	1,656,740
Carrying Value [Member]
Financial liabilities
Debt (excluding secured borrowings)	2,251,663	1,702,643
Lines of credit	167,000	5,794
Carrying Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member]
Financial assets
Notes and other receivables, net	22,375	25,884
Carrying Value [Member] | Collateralized Receivables [Member]
Financial assets
Notes and other receivables, net	138,241	122,962
Carrying Value [Member] | Secured Debt [Member]
Financial liabilities
Secured debt	138,887	123,650
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial liabilities
Debt (excluding secured borrowings)	2,289,252	1,752,939
Secured debt	138,887	123,649
Lines of credit	167,000	5,794
Fair Value [Member] | Installment notes receivable on manufactured homes, net [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	22,375	25,884
Fair Value [Member] | Collateralized Receivables [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Financial assets
Receivables	$ 138,241	$ 122,962

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] $ in Millions	Oct. 16, 2015USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property	1,250
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration	$ 36.1