Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Distributions from joint ventures	$ 1.2	$ 0.4
Distributions from joint ventures, including those in excess of basis	$ 0.3	$ 0.3

Proceeds from Equity Investment, Distributions, including those in excess of basis

No definition available.

Name:	els_ProceedsFromEquityInvestmentDistributionsIncludingThoseInExcessOfBasis
Namespace Prefix:	els_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration