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Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures (Additional Information) (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Adjustment Depreciation $ 0.9els_AdjustmentDepreciation $ 1.0els_AdjustmentDepreciation $ 1.2els_AdjustmentDepreciation
Voyager | Recreational Vehicle Resort [Member]      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Economic Interest 50.00%us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= els_VoyagerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= els_RecreationalVehicleResortMember		    
Voyager | Servicing Assets      
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]      
Economic Interest 33.00%us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
/ invest_InvestmentAxis
= els_VoyagerMember
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= els_ServicingAssetsMember