Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 81,819	$ 31,471	$ 170,473
Foreign currency translation gain / (loss)	4,527	(3,401)	0
Total comprehensive income (loss)	86,346	28,070	170,473
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests	5,299	(70)	10,054
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Sun Communities, Inc.	$ 81,047	$ 28,140	$ 160,419