Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings	Treasury Stock	Total Sun Communities Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)	Noncontrolling Interests	Total Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ (100,655)	$ 236	$ 555,981	$ (1,273)	$ (617,953)	$ (63,600)	$ (126,609)	$ 25,954	$ (100,655)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock from exercise of options, net			150				150		150
Issuance and associated costs of common stock, net		47	157,414				157,461	0	157,461
Share-based compensation - amortization and forfeitures			309		22		331		331
Net income	6,393				5,377		5,377	437	5,814
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps and cap	256			232			232	24	256
Cash distributions					(13,742)		(13,742)	(1,305)	(15,047)
Distributions declared	(2,934)				(2,934)		(2,934)	0	(2,934)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2012	$ 45,376	$ 283	$ 713,854	$ (1,041)	$ (629,230)	$ (63,600)	$ 20,266	$ 25,110	$ 45,376