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Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Rate
Derivative [Line Items]    
Reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense during the next twelve months $ 1.4us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths  
Loans Payable [Member] | 2014 Swap [Member]    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Swap, fixed interest rate 1.04%us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= els_A2014SwapMemberMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LoansPayableMember
 
Derivative, Maturity Years 3 years  
Derivative, Maturity Date Aug. 01, 2017  
Spread over LIBOR 1.35%us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= els_A2014SwapMemberMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LoansPayableMember
 
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End 2.39%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= els_A2014SwapMemberMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LoansPayableMember
 
Loans Payable [Member] | 2011 Swap [Member]    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Swap, fixed interest rate   1.11%us-gaap_DerivativeFixedInterestRate
/ us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis
= els_A2011SwapMember
/ us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis
= us-gaap_LoansPayableMember
Derivative, Maturity Date   Jul. 01, 2014