XML 55 R41.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 9 Months Ended
--- | ---
Sep. 30, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2013
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] |  |
Accrued Long Term Incentive Plan Compensation | $ 1,425,000 | $ 1,431,000
Deferred Compensation Cash-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent | 3,300,000 |
Long Term Incentive Plan Twenty Thirteen [Member] |  |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items] |  |
Estimated Payments For Employee Long Term Incentive Plan | $ 5,800,000 |

X
- Definition Accrued long term incentive plan compensation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_AccruedLongTermIncentivePlanCompensation
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Estimated payout of the LTIP plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_EstimatedPaymentsForEmployeeLongTermIncentivePlan
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualShareBasedPaymentsLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for deferred compensation arrangements. Represents currently earned compensation under cash arrangements (such as a profit-sharing plan, rabbi trust, and employee contract--excluding equity-based arrangements) that is not actually paid until a later date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredCompensationCashbasedArrangementsLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant