XML 108 R58.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.1.9

Borrowing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) | 12 Months Ended | 0 Months Ended | 1 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 integer | Dec. 31, 2013 integer | Dec. 31, 2012 | Jan. 15, 2015 | Sep. 02, 2014 | Dec. 30, 2014 | Sep. 30, 2013 | Mar. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five | $ 1,108,526,000 us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive |  |  |  |  |  |  |
2015 | 310,609,000 us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage notes payable | 2,012,246,000 us-gaap_SecuredDebt | 1,992,368,000 us-gaap_SecuredDebt |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage notes payable, weighted average interest rate | 5.20%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt, minimum interest rate | 3.90%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs | 5,100,000 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts | 37,800,000 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt, maximum interest rate | 8.90%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Pledged Properties | 137 els_NumberOfPledgedProperties | 147 els_NumberOfPledgedProperties |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net | (14,393,000)us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Carrying values of properties encumbered | 2,382,000,000 us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedRealEstate | 2,378,000,000 us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedRealEstate |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from Issuance of Other Long-term Debt | 54,000,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt |  |  |  |  |  |  |
New mortgage notes payable financing proceeds | 169,000,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt | 375,500,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt | 159,500,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt |  |  |  |  |
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount | 5,087,000 us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount | 37,844,000 us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount | 0 us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount | 200,000,000 us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt | 200,000,000 us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt |  |  |  |  |  |
Line Of Credit Facility Potential Term Extension Period | 1 year | 1 year |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description | The amended LOC bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.20% to 1.65%, requires an annual facility fee of 0.20% to 0.35% and matures on July 17, 2018, with an option to extend for one additional year, subject to certain conditions. |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of Lines of Credit | 0 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit | 20,000,000 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit | 0 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit |  |  |  |  |
Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year | 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year | 2039 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage notes payable, weighted average interest rate | 4.54%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans | 4 us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
New Credit Facilities [Member] | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year | 2034 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
New Credit Facilities [Member] | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year | 2038 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Old Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage notes payable, weighted average interest rate | 5.57%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember | 6.00%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans | 17 us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember | 17 us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of Long-term Debt | 90,000,000 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember | 107,600,000 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit, borrowing capacity |  | 380,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit, maturity date |  | Sep. 15, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |
Old Credit Facilities [Member] | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year |  | 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate |  | 1.40%els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period |  | 0.25%us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Old Credit Facilities [Member] | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year |  | 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate |  | 2.00%els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period |  | 0.40%us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit, borrowing capacity | 400,000,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity | 100,000,000 els_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit, maturity date | Jul. 17, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lines of credit, commitment and arrangement fees | 3,500,000 us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate | 1.20%els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period | 0.20%us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amended Line Of Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate | 1.65%els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period | 0.35%us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable [Member] | 2011 Swap [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, Maturity Date |  | Jul. 01, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount | 200,000,000 us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_LoansPayableMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt, maturity date | Jan. 10, 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, Remaining Maturity | 3 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate | 1.35%els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_LoansPayableMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate | 1.95%els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_LoansPayableMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable [Member] | Old Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument face amount |  | 200,000,000 us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_LoansPayableMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, Maturity Date |  | Jul. 01, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt, maturity date |  | Jun. 30, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, Remaining Maturity |  | 3 years |  |  |  |  |  |
Start Date To Repay Debt Without Penalty On Prepayment |  | Jul. 01, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable [Member] | Old Credit Facilities [Member] | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate |  | 1.85%els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_LoansPayableMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MinimumMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans Payable [Member] | Old Credit Facilities [Member] | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above London Interbank Offered Rate Rate |  | 2.80%els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis = us-gaap_LoansPayableMember / us-gaap_RangeAxis = us-gaap_MaximumMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Manufactured homes | New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans |  | 22 us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Pledged Properties | 2 els_NumberOfPledgedProperties / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage |  | 4.46%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember |  |  |  |  |  |
New mortgage notes payable financing proceeds |  | 375,500,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Manufactured homes | Old Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage notes payable, weighted average interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5.65%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember |
Number Of Pledged Properties |  | 29 els_NumberOfPledgedProperties / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of Long-term Debt |  | 312,200,000 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember |  |  |  |  |  |
R V Resort [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number Of Pledged Properties | 2 els_NumberOfPledgedProperties / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Subsequent Event [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payments of Debt Extinguishment Costs |  |  |  | 9,000,000 us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |  |
Subsequent Event [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Number of Loans |  |  |  | 2 us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |  |
Number Of Pledged Properties |  |  |  | 11 els_NumberOfPledgedProperties / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage |  |  |  | 4.16%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |  |
New mortgage notes payable financing proceeds |  |  |  | 199,000,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Term |  |  |  | 25 years |  |  |  |
Subsequent Event [Member] | Old Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mortgage notes payable, weighted average interest rate |  |  |  | 5.57%us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year |  |  |  | 2015 |  |  |  |
Number Of Pledged Properties |  |  |  | 15 els_NumberOfPledgedProperties / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |  |
Repayments of Long-term Debt |  |  |  | 190,000,000 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis = us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember |  |  |  |
Colony Cove [Member] | Manufactured homes | New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.64%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
New mortgage notes payable financing proceeds | 115,000,000 us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Term | 25 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Colony Cove [Member] | Manufactured homes | Old Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year |  |  |  |  |  | 2017 |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 4.65%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Repayments of Long-term Debt |  |  |  |  | 53,800,000 us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_ManufacturedHomeMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_ColonyCoveMember |  |  |
Diversified Portfolio [Member] | R V Resort [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage | 6.48%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt | 13,300,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember |  |  |  |  |  |  | 18,700,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net | 1,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,300,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember
Diversified Portfolio [Member] | R V Resort [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year | 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Diversified Portfolio [Member] | R V Resort [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year | 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Mesa Spirit [Member] | R V Resort [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year |  |  |  |  |  | 2017 |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage |  |  |  |  |  | 5.66%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt |  |  |  |  |  | 19,000,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000,000 us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_MesaSpiritMember |  |
Neshonoc Lakeside [Member] | R V Resort [Member] | New Credit Facilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument Maturity Year |  | 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage |  | 6.00%us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |  |  |  |
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt |  | $ 5,400,000 us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt / us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis = els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember / us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis = els_RVResortMember / us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis = els_NeshonocLakesideMember |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Debt Instrument Interest Additional Interest Above LIBOR Rate + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_DebtInstrumentInterestAdditionalInterestAboveLondonInterbankOfferedRateRate
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument Maturity Year + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_DebtInstrumentMaturityYear
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Initial duration period until maturity of the derivative contract. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_DerivativeMaturityYears
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line of Credit Facility Potential Term Extension Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_LineOfCreditFacilityPotentialTermExtensionPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of encumbered properties during the reporting period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_NumberOfPledgedProperties
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Start Date to Repay Debt Without Penalty on Prepayment + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | els_StartDateToRepayDebtWithoutPenaltyOnPrepayment
Namespace Prefix: | els_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt due after one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=39739317&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedNoncurrentLiabilitiesLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Minimum contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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

X
- Definition Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of debt discount (net of debt premium) that was originally recognized at the issuance of the instrument that has yet to be amortized. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28567-108399 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Date the derivative contract matures, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Gross amount of debt extinguished. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of the fee for available but unused credit capacity under the credit facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCommitmentFeeAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Date the credit facility terminates, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Description of the interest rate for the amounts borrowed under the credit facility, including the terms and the method for determining the interest rate (for example, fixed or variable, LIBOR plus a percentage, increasing rate, timing of interest rate resets, remarketing provisions). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDescription
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The effective interest rate during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityInterestRateDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Indicates the number of mortgages under each classification. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 205 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-04.(c) Schedule IV) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27047687&loc=d3e5864-122674 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 948 -SubTopic 310 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.12-29.3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6589523&loc=d3e617274-123014 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Paragraph c -Subparagraph Schedule IV -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 29 -Paragraph 3 -Article 12 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateNumberOfLoans
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for incremental, external costs directly pertaining to an early extinguishment of debt, including legal costs and prepayment penalties, and excluding interest and repayment of debt principal. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The carrying amount, as of the date of the latest financial statement presented, of real estate owned but transferred to serve as collateral for the payment of the related debt obligation, primarily a secured borrowing or repurchase agreement, and for which the transferee is not permitted to sell or re-pledge them to an unrelated party. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 860 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (b)(1)(i) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34720971&loc=SL6224234-111729 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PledgedAssetsNotSeparatelyReportedRealEstate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow from other long-term borrowings not otherwise defined in the taxonomy (with maturities initially due beyond one year or the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfOtherLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash outflow for payment of an obligation from a lender, including but not limited to, letter of credit, standby letter of credit and revolving credit arrangements. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(f)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph f -Article 4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLinesOfCredit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Carrying value as of the balance sheet date, including the current and noncurrent portions, of collateralized debt obligations (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer). Such obligations include mortgage loans, chattel loans, and any other borrowings secured by assets of the borrower. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 20, 22 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of uncollateralized debt obligations (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Article 5 -Subsection 19, 20, 22 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnsecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=els_AmendedLineOfCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=els_NewCreditFacilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=els_OldCreditFacilitiesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_LoansPayableMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis=els_ManufacturedHomeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateDescriptionTypeOfPropertyAxis=els_RVResortMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=els_ColonyCoveMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=els_DiversifiedPortfolioMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=els_MesaSpiritMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RealEstateAndAccumulatedDepreciationDescriptionOfPropertyAxis=els_NeshonocLakesideMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |