Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 31,471	$ 170,473	$ 33,196
Foreign currency translation adjustment		0	0
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps	0	0	97
Total comprehensive income (loss)	28,070	170,473	33,293
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	(70)	10,054	1,483
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	$ 28,140	$ 160,419	$ 31,810