Tax Treatment of Distributions (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2010
Distribution Made to Member or Limited Partner [Line Items]
Ordinary Income Dividends Per Share	$ 1.125	$ 1.619	$ 1.15
Capital Gains Dividends Per Share	$ 0.000	$ 0.137	$ 0.05
Common Stock Dividends Per Share Tax Treatment	$ 1.125	$ 2.125	$ 1.20

Represents the portion of common stock dividends declared or paid during the period that are taxable as long term capital gain.

No definition available.

Name:	els_CapitalGainsDividendsPerShare
Namespace Prefix:	els_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration