| Document and Entity Information | Sep. 03, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity File Number | 1-12616 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 38-2730780 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 27777 Franklin Rd. |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 200, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Southfield, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MI |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 48034 |
| Trading Symbol | SUI |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000912593 |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Local Phone Number | 208-2500 |
| City Area Code | 248 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 3, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | SUN COMMUNITIES INC |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
