Earnings Per Share , Calculation of Numerator and Denominator (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Numerator
Net Income / (Loss) Attributable to Sun Communities, Inc. Common Stockholders	$ (16,086)	$ 34,331
Less allocation to restricted stock awards	(254)	437
Basic earnings - Net income / (loss) attributable to common stockholders after allocation to restricted stock awards	(15,832)	33,894
Add allocation to restricted stock awards	(254)	437
Diluted earnings - Net income attributable to common stockholders after allocation to restricted stock awards	$ (16,086)	$ 34,331
Denominator
Weighted average common shares outstanding	92,410	85,520
Add: dilutive stock options	1	1
Add: dilutive restricted stock	524	512
Diluted weighted average common shares and securities	92,935	86,033
Basic earnings / (loss) per share (see Note 13)	$ (0.17)	$ 0.40
Diluted earnings / (loss) per share (see Note 13)	$ (0.17)	$ 0.40

Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Allocable To Non Vested Restricted Shares

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Net income attributable to common shareholders after restricted stock allocation

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Amount of increase (decrease) to net income used for calculating diluted earnings per share (EPS), resulting from the assumed exercise of stock options or restrictive stock units (RSUs).

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The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

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