Real Estate Acquisitions , Schedule of Revenue and Net Income from acquistions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Actual Revenue from acquisitions year to date	$ 103,379	$ 83,128
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	7,258	5,377
Acquisition [Member]
Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Line Items]
Actual Revenue from acquisitions year to date	15,135
Net income attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. common stockholders	$ 6,048