Real Estate Acquisitions , Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from acquistions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Actual Revenue from acquistion date to December 31, 2011	$ 83,128	$ 69,714
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	5,377	2,400
Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Actual Revenue from acquistion date to December 31, 2011	8,175
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ 1,680